31st march by THE EASTERN TODAY

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Page 11

Vol. 1

Issue 293

Dibrugarh, Thursday, March 31, 2016

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Assam witnessed an intensified poll battle today as bigwigs from both the Congress and BJP addressed poll rallies across the state

“NDA govt will completely Centre trying to topple all seal Indo-Bangla border” Cong ruled states: Sonia PTI Biswanath Chariali, Mar 30

A Staff Reporter Duliajan, Mar 30

In a blistering attack on the Modi government, Sonia Gandhi today accused it of trying to topple all Congress-ruled state governments by resorting to "undemocratic and unconstitutional" tactics.

Addressing a series of election rallies in Assam, he also took a dig at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for accusing BJP of fomenting riots in Assam and said it was during the Congress rule that maximum number of riots took place, be it the Nellie killings in Assam in 1983 or the antiSikh riots in Delhi in 1984. "The Congress-led governments ignored illegal immigration for years and they did not take any effective step against it. We need a state government in Assam which cooperates with us in curbing illegal immigration. Assam has only 263 kms of border with Bangladesh. It will be sealed with the active cooperation of the state government. "Intruders have been continuously entering India since

ET CAPSULES

Dead Body Recovered Rangia, Mar 30: One unidentified dead body was recovered from Bhatkuchi beside NH-31 Rangia by the local public on Wednesday morning. After being informed by the public Rangia police rushed to the spot and recovered the body. According to the police, the body might be thrown by some miscreants on that lonely place. He might be killed outside Rangia, police said. The body was sent for post mortem today. (Correspondent)

Election observer evicts Congress office Tinsukia, Mar 30: Election officer on Wednesday ordered eviction of election office of Congress candidate from Chabua LAC Raju Sahu. The said office was build on PWD land at Borguri in Tinsukia district. It is worth mentioning that sitting congress MLA Raju Sahu had opened this office just a day before. (Spl Correspondent)

Rajnath Singh (middle) waves to the crowd during his poll rally at Duliajan. Pic - Surajit Gogoi the day Bangladesh was created. Bangladeshi intruders are coming to India through the Indo-Bangladesh border. What is the reason, why didn't you (Congress) stop them? Why didn't you completely seal the Indo-Bangladesh border?" he asked at an election rally in Duliajan. "We just need some time and we will seal Indo-Bangladesh border completely so that no Bangladeshi intruder can come in," he said. Besides Duliajan, Singh addressed rallies in Mahmora, Thowra and Moran in Assam which goes to polls in two

phases on April 4 and 11. "We would also curb the inflow of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) into the country through international borders. FICN is not only a threat to internal security but it also weakens India's economy," he said. Singh said the NDA government wants peace and security in Assam and other north-eastern states. "The security scenario has greatly improved in the Northeast after the Modi government assumed office with the level of violence reducing to lowest in the past 18 years," he said.

Making an appeal to extremist groups and insurgents, Singh said that they should abjure violence as the government was ready for talks. "The government will not tolerate killing of innocent and poor people. We will take strong action against extremists who indulge in violence," he said. "As Union Home Minister, I want to send a message to all militants to give up the path of violence and arms. If they have any problem, they must end violence and talk to us. We are prepared to hold talks and settle all issues only if there is no violence and killing of innocent people," he said.

Chakma’ GBs and local public leaders demand strict action against instigators ET Bureau Diyun, Mar 30

On behalf of the general public, the Goan Burahs of Diyun Circle led by its Circle Gaon Burah, Lajala Singpho along with leaders from different communities today c o n d e m n the incident that took place on 29th March at Diyun where section of people resorted to violent protest against the alleged attack of a village headman, Adesh Hajong by the EAC. The GBs along with the public leaders and the office bearers of Chakma welfare Soci-

ety while writing a complaint letter to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bordumsa demanded an impartial and through enquiry on the incident. The 20 twenty person comprising leaders f r o m Chakma, Singphos, Deories, Tangsas, Khampti and Mossang claimed that the incident aftermath was very unfortunate where the EAC was heckled in his office chamber followed by mob pelting stones and vandalizing govt properties witnessed by the police personnel and govt of-

Diyun Episode

ficers. “ Though we have tried our best to pacify and disperse the angry mob that gathered outside of the EAC office but owing to condemnable provocation of some public leaders which involves “ misleading and instigating” the public, the situation worsened and took a ugly turn”, the complaint letter read. The unfortunate incident could have been thwarted if those leaders wouldn’t have had provoked and instigated the public, they mentioned. They demand strict and lawful action against the instigators at the earliest.

"In Arunachal (Pradesh) and Uttarakhand, they (BJP) did everything to topple the elected governments. They are trying to do it in all states ruled by Congress," the Congress President said at an election rally here. "If it was possible, they would have done the same in Assam and topple the government here too. They are anti-people and anti-Assam," Gandhi said while attacking the NDA government at the Centre of "functioning in an undemocratic and unconstitutional manner". The Congress leader said the BJP government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, did not believe in the Constitution and the democratic set up of the country installed by Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru.

AICC President Sonia Gandhi interacts with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in an Election rally at Biswanath Chariali. Pic - UB Photos

BJP failed to bring back black money at foreign banks but allowed defaulters to flee :Sonia Gandhi Sorif Mohommod Sivasagar, Mar 30

AICC president Sonia Gandhi lashed out at the BJP for repeatedly making 'u-turns' on the promises made by the party since it came to power at the centre.

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OIL officials distributing LPG stoves to a Innao villager. ET Photo

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A Staff Reporter Diyun, Mar 30

Contd. on Page 3

status of the state and signed the land-swap agreement with Bangladesh, completely ignoring the sentiments of the people," she said.

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Oil India Limited distributes LPG connections to make Innao village smokeless With the initiative of the local MLA, Nikh Kamin, local administration and public leaders such as Lajala Singpho and Ramesh Deori, Oil india limited distributed 131 number of LPG connections to the households at Innao Village in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh on 29th March 2016 through the rural distributorships.

Addressing a election rally at Amguri in Sivasagar in upper Assam today, Mrs Gandhi said that BJP has failed to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people of Assam by stopping central funds meant for the state. "The BJP has also withdrawn the special category

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the NDA government will "completely seal" the Indo-Bangladesh border within a reasonable time frame to stop illegal immigration from Bangladesh even as he accused Congress of having failed to check intrusion.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Career decisions and money matters will keep you busy today. And after all the work, you will want to spend some leisure time and take it easy. A leisure trip may materialise, which will put you in high spirits. Taurus The competitive streak in you might relent today as you look for a lifestyle that is more relaxed and laid-back. The rat race is tiring and you will feel the urge to get away, far from the maddening crowd and the never-ending routine. Matters pertaining to your home may also occupy some of your time today, Gemini Interactions with member of the opposite sex may yield positive and pleasurable results today. Public servants will get the much-needed encouragement and moral support from bosses and family members. In academics, you will be able to solve whatever problem you set your mind to. Cancer You will love to stroll in a world of fantasy. Religious impact will prevail over you. You will charter your fantasy to a mysterious level. You will have communion with God at a temple, mosque or church. you will try to draw lessons from your experience. Leo If not an individual backpacking adventure, then an elaborate family holiday, but travel you shall. With Lady Luck smiling upon you all day long, getting work done to the satisfaction of all is not an issue. So wrap up the workload, and grab your suitcase. Bon voyage! Virgo A single-headed mission to be the master of your destiny will drive you ahead. Your management skills will be immaculate, and the fire to succeed will get you up and running. Your skill in the managerial post will be accentuated by your quick decision-making and superior analytical ability, Libra Wedding bells are ringing, and you are about to get very lucky! A plethora of marriage proposals coming your way on this day full of special occasions, as you turn up your charisma and sweep the enthralled opposite sex off their feet with your charm. You may end up spending quite a bit on fun and entertainment, but it's all for a good cause. All things will fall into place as per planetary plans. Scorpio Friends in influential positions will be of much help today. You may plunge into a new business venture without much ado. Appreciation for your abilities and efforts will fly in thick and fast. Your reputation is sky-rocketing among the opposite sex. Sagittarius The pressing needs of your loved ones call for extra attention today. You may have a few family friends over for lunch or dinner, and end up chatting a good deal with them. Capricorn The day will sail smooth, but your mind will wreak havoc by forcing you to act on the spur of the moment. However, this will not ruin your reputation with bosses and peers. You may also see some of your dreams come true, but don't fly too high; you may climb up the ladder of success but with every step you leave behind there is always one more to go. Concentrate on your work a little more and the goal will certainly seem closer. Aquarius Your dream house or car may well be on its way! The stars proclaim that it's a good time to acquire new assets. So bring out those attractive brochures and check out your loan prospects. A perfect way to end an exciting day will be an evening at a quiet temple, Pisces A good day awaits you. You will finish your work and beat your deadlines by miles on account of the luck favouring you. There are chances that a family holiday, which has been in the

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

Jorhat, a big battle ground for Congress and BJP ET Correspondent Jorhat, Mar 30: Campaigning at its peak for the prestigious 98-Jorhat LAC to witness straight fight between INC candidate Rana Goswami verses BJP candidate Hitendra Nath Goswami. Both Goswamis who went to Dispur for three times each and had the good taste of Dispur. After getting the good taste of Dispur both the Goswamis working day and night to woo voters by any means and anyways as both parties score is CONG-55, BJP-45 till filing this report. The Congress candidate

Bengali Parishad calls to defeat anti Bengali force ET Correspondent Diphu, Mar 30: Kishor Choudhary, general secretary of All Assam Bengali Parishad and Ajay Das, general secretary of Karbi Anglong Bengali society through a press release issued today has call up on the Bengali Hindu voters to remain integrated in all Bengali dominated areas of Assam and vote for the party which has committed itself to serve the interest of the Hindu Bengali community, in the Assam legislative assembly election 2016. Both the leaders of the influential Bengali organization through the whip have declare that the unified votes of the Hindu Bengali should be cast to defeat all the unholy powers of Assam which has so far conspired against them to harass them socially and economically.

Bodo formally scrape tie with Congress

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 31-3-16 (THURSDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Ghar-Jeuti (Women's Programme) 1-10 P.M-Asha (Sponsored Programme) 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Party Political Broadcast 7-15 P.M-Party Political Broadcast 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-05 P.M-Party Political Broadcast 9-30 P.M- Party Political Broadcast Sd-/H.O.P

ET Correspondent Diphu, Mar 30: Scrapping 15 years old tie-up with Congress party the lone elected member of the Bodo community of Karbi Anglong Sarat Brahma has resigned from the post of Executive Member, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council today. Brahma formally send his resignation letter to Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of Congress led Anglong Autonomous Council today. It may be mentioned here that on March 21 in an enormous rally held at Langhing, around 120 kilometers from Diphu the leaders of the Bodo frontal organization openly declared their support for BJP thus shattered the possibility of Congress win in Diphu and Howraghat LA seats where Bodo vote is the deciding factor.

VHAA welcomes initiative of major political parties for inclusion of tobacco control issues in manifestos

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 30: Voluntary Health Association of Assam (VHAA) has welcomed the initiative of the major political parties in Assam—Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) of including issues pertaining to tobacco control in their respective election manifestos. The Congress, BJP and AGP irrespective of their political ideologies made commitment to the public, ahead of the assembly polls, through their election manifesto to address issues related to tobacco control, if, given a

chance to form the new Government in Assam. This proactive step was taken by the political parties following advocacy effort undertaken by the VHAA at the highest level of the concern parties. A VHAA delegation earlier this month met and handed over representations to the concern political leaders of the parties in this regard. The Congress party in its manifesto has stated that they will amend the existing laws for more effective control of sale and use of Cigarette, bidis, smokeless tobacco products and other intoxicat-

ing substances. Besides for stringent enforcement of tobacco control laws, a special cell will be constituted in the Excise Department of Assam Government. The BJP through its manifesto has promised to ban use of cigarette and tobacco products in public places of Assam. AGP, on the other hand said they will enforce the existing laws stringently to control the use of intoxicating substances like tobacco and drugs amongst the students community, besides they will make special request to all concerns to voluntarily close sale of all intoxicating sub-

stances for a day on every month. “We are grateful to all the political parties—Congress, BJP and AGP for coming out to safeguard the people from the menace of tobacco by including issues related tobacco control in their manifestos. In the past it was rarely seen political parties making commitment to work towards achieving a tobaccofree society in Assam. We believe they will keep their promises made towards tobacco control in Assam in the coming times,” said Ruchira Neog, Executive Secretary, VHAA.

who had won the Jorhat Assembly sea consecutively for past three terms is very thorough and is close to the people of Jorhat as he knows every families name and title whenever he meets and greets and even help. But for the wave and Modi’s magic the new generation

might go with the wave of change but independent candidate from CPI Nirmal Chandra Gogoi, Jibon Chandra Sarma, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta will carry a section of votes which might help anyone of the two to reach Dispur. On the other hand Hitendra

Nath Goswami who is the candidate of BJP, a two time AGP state minister during AGP tenure under the Chief Ministership of Prafulla Mahanta could do much for Jorhat when he was the minister and also for his absence in the constituency is one of the main drawback as Hiten Goswami appears in Jorhat like a shooting star only during the election hours following his relation during the AGP tenure. But as a clean man and from a strong back ground who happened to be son of a Sattradhikar and brother of

VVPAT EVM awareness program at press club

VVPAT EVM awareness program at press club A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 30: The Kamrup (Metro) district administration in association with Guwahati Press Club organized an awareness program on Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail with Electronic Voting Machine for the benefit of scribes. Addressing the media persons on Wednes-

day at press club auditorium, the district election officer (also Kamrup-M district magistrate) M Angamathu informed that the VVPAT EVM facility would be available for the electorate belonged to all four Assembly constituencies of Guwahati. Answering queries from

the scribes, Angamathu also revealed that he had received a formal request from the city based media fraternity, who are non-native to the city, for providing the facility of postal ballots for them. He admitted that it was valid request and already forwarded the letter to the Election Commission of India.

Rangia Kamrup Women run Polling Station ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 30: To make the election process more participatory by involving women in the poll related activity, Kamrup Election District has adopted a new step by deputing women Polling Personnel in some selected Polling Stations in the ensuing Assembly election. As per this step, 8 (eight) nos. of Polling Stations will be run only by women officials who will act as the Presiding Officer and other the Polling Offic-

ers’ and perform their bestowed duty. The concerned women officials were imparted requisite training on the duty and responsibility in Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Amingaon on 28 and 29 March to ensure error free electioneering process. Participating in the training, General Observer and DC & DEO Kamrup appreciated the lady officials for coming forward to participate as a responsible polling official in the election-

eering process. It is noteworthy that, in Kamrup Election District all women run polling station will be set up at 223 Boko MV School (Right Wing), 224 Boko MV School (Left Wing), 181 Chaygaon Majalia LP School (R/W), 182 Chaygaon Majalia LP School (L/W),66 Bijaynagar Marwari Girls Minor School ( R/W), 144 Mirza Girls High School (R/W), 131 Chechamukh LP School (R/ W) and 132 Chechamukh LP School (L/W).

Chandrayan scientist Jitendra Nath Goswami and he himself is a Guwahati High-court lawyer with extensive experience in that profession. The BJP candidate Hiten Goswami is campaigning luxuriously with maximum offices and random publicity through the streets and corners of the Jorhat assembly constituency. But for his poor capacity in making relation with grassroots workers and common people is a big drawback for which the saffron candidate might miss the Jan Satabdi Express to Dispur.

Voter's awareness programme in Nalbari district ET Correspondent Nalbari,Mar 30 : In order to create an awareness among the voters to cast their votes the Nalbari district administration composed a special song and play it throughout the three constituencies Nalbari, Barkshetri and Dharmapur. The chief executive officer of Nalbari Zilla Parisad Krishna Baruah who is in charge of SVEEP cell took the initiative to compose the song which has become popular among the voters.The cell also organized street play,street corner meet,public meetings and pasting stickers on gas cylinders,distribution awareness post cards to educate the voters.The district election officer Dr Om Prakash himself took more initiative to increase the voters turnout in the ensuing Assembly election.While talking to this Correspondent the deputy commissioner said that in the last Assembly election 80 percent voters turnout was recorded.He is hopeful that the voting percentage will be increased in the district.On the other hand the three rounds training of the 3,140 presiding and polling officials are going on in Nalbari MNC Balika Mahavidyalaya.The district election officer Dr Om Prakash and the chief executive officer Krishna Baruah strictly monitoring the training work of the polling personnel.It may be mentioned here that the training of 50 micro observers will be held will be held on April 2 .All total five observers appointed by the election commission is also monitoring the poll preparations in the district.

BPF-AGP-BJP would form govt in Assam: Union Minister Oram ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 30: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram has claimed that BJP led Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) alliance government in Assam would be formed after the scheduled assembly election. Union Minister Jual Oram has campaigned in a chartered Helicopter for alliance partner BPF candidate at Haraputa ground for 28-Gossaigaon constituency in lower Assam’s Kokrajhar on Wednesday and was accompanied BTC chief and BPF president Hagrama Mohilary and Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary. Oram addressed the campaigned in a well-attended gathering and said that this time BJP-BPFAGP alliance is forming the state government in Assam as irrespective community and citizens are supporting the alliance parties. Union Minister slammed the Congress party and said that the Congress in its third consecutive terms in the state has failed to fulfill hopes and aspirations of the citizens, so this time common publics are voting to the BJP and its alliance parties to meet good governance and social

uplift. He has appealed to all sections of communities to vote for the BPF candidates in the scheduled election and help the parties to form government in the state. Mohilary said that BJP led alliance party is winning over 75 seats in the assembly election and government formation is sure. He said that the exit poll announced by some agencies in the state of forming BJP led alliance government is predicting for the alliance parties for the state. He has predicted that AIUDF chief Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal can’t be Chief Minister during his presence, because AIUDF is defeating in large number of seats in the state. He said that his party was working for the allround development in the region. “We want early enlisted of the six ethnic communities in the ST status in the state. We have sent no objection certificate (NOC) to government to the inclusion of Scheduled Tribe (ST) for six communities of the state. He has urged Union Minister Oram to accord ST to the communities”, Mohilary said. Jual Oram said that we (alliance parties) are forming alliance government in the state,

Union Minister Jual Oram and Asom Gana Parishad alliance government in Assam would be formed after the scheduled assembly election. no doubt. Congress is taking farewell from Assam as common publics are voting against them in the assembly election. The state government in Assam led by BJP alliance parties would be formed by Sarbananda Sonowal, who is Chief Ministerial candidate. We have been working to the all-round development of the region through which his party and alliance partners are getting mass supports in the state. “I promise to implement the issue and demands raised from several organizations which included ST status to the six ethnic communities in state would be solved as soon as possible. The issue granting of ST status has been assessed through a committee which

was formed under the guidance of special secretary for Home Affairs to accord the ST status in the state”, Oram said. Oram on the funding pattern to district councils said that BJP led NDA government at centre was working to give direct fund to the councils so that the district council could be able to speedy up developmental and welfare activities in the region. He has alleged that Congress party never wants welfare of the common publics in their reigned, besides they have been corrupted peoples’ fund mean for public development. Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary and party candidate for Gossaigaon LAC were also addressed the campaign meeting.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

PAGE 3

Centre releases additional fund of rs 8.71 crores for drinking water A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 30: The Central government has released an additional fund of Rs 8.71 crore to the government of Arunachal Pradesh under the Public Health Engineering & Water Supply (PHED & WS) department. This was informed by the Union Minister of State for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ram Kripal Yadav in his meeting with the Chief Minister, Minister and Parliamentary Secretary of PHED & WS at Chief Minister's Office this evening. The minister is on a one day visit to the state to take stock of the implementation of Drinking Water and Sanitation programme in the state. The Union Minister reiterated that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is giving special emphasis to the North East and the central govt is very keen towards the development of the region, particularly the border state of Arunachal with special focus on its international border. He informed that north east is getting the highest allocation of fund in the recent fund distribution among the states in the country.

rability and also to provide fund for a complete set of toilet with attached bathroom. The chief minister assured the union minister to achieve the target of 100% open defecation free by 2022 and sought the support from the centre to provide special package for the North east.

Yadav appealed the state government to make Arunachal an Open Defecation free by 2019, before the national target of 2022. He also appealed the state to emulate small state like Sikkim which has become an open defecation free state, urging to focus more on remote and interior areas. Satisfied with the achievement made by the state government in Drinking Water & Sanitation, he assured all possible support and help from the union government in the developmental arena of the state and asked the state government to send proposals including for the pending ones. The union minister called to

put emphasis on water supply connection along with the Sanitation saying that without water supply, sanitation is incomplete. He lauded the efforts of the state govt for putting a huge target of 40,000 Individual Household Latrine (IHHL) in the state budget 2016-17 and assured to extend all possible support from the centre. He also appreciated the way IHHL are being implemented in the state. Urging the department to take up the toilet construction in schools under the CSR schemes of the PSUs operating in the state, the union minster informed that Prime Minister has given directives

to all the PSUs to invest in sanitation. The minister expressed his happiness for the love and affection shown by the people of the state. Chief Minister Kalikho Pul while highlighting the border sensitiveness of the state and its difficult terrain pressed for enhancement of fund from the existing Rs 12000 to Rs 40,000/- per unit in IHHL. He informed the cost of construction materials are very high in the state owing to difficult terrains and high cost of transportation. He pressed for modification of the present half concrete structure to a full concrete structure for longer du-

He also sought the centre to provide fund from some other alternative means as progress of various developmental projects in the state are in stake due to non-materialization of loan from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, BRICS etc. He expressed thankfulness to the central govt. that has always been positive about the development of this border state. Lombo Tayeng, Minister of PHED & WS, Alo Libang, Parliamentary Secretary for PHED & WS also spoke on the occasion. The meeting was also attended by T Taloh, Commissioner to Chief Minister, Hage Shalla, Commissioner PHED & WS, Joram Beda, Secretary Planning & IPR and Chief Engineers of PHEd & WS.

AAPUEA appeals to CM to reconsider cabinet decision to wind-up all isolated engineering wings from non-work departments A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 30: After meeting with Chief Minister Kalkho Pul on March 29 last, the All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Engineers’ Association (AAPUEA) today in a press conference informed that it has appealed to the chief minister to reconsider the cabinet decision of March 9 last. The state cabinet on March 9 last had decided to wind-up all isolated engineering wings from non-work departments, to which the AAPUEA reacted by saying that it would shatter the dreams of several unemployed engineers, whose prospect of being inducted in the jobs revolve around these isolated engineering wings, like the departments of education, tour-

ism, sports, rural, Panchayat, science and technology, cooperative society, among other departments. Appealing for the continuation of the engineer wings from non-work departments, the AAPUEA alternately demanded that the Rural Development Department which has a non-technical block development officer delegated with drawing should be replaced with an engineering graduate. Similarly, it called for the replacement of the draughtsman Grade-II in the Environment and Forest Department, who has allegedly been drawing crores of rupees under the guidance of the divisional forest officer and range forest officer, without acquiring any technical powers as per the provisions of the CPWD

heads in all the said departments in the rank of chief engineer, along with creation of additional posts of assistant engineers.

AAPUEA during the press meet at Arunachal Press Club manual. The association also requested the chief minister to revise and retain the posts of more than 1000 engineers in the departments of Panchayati Raj, Arunachal Pradesh Co-

operative Union, Science & Technology, Police Housing Board, Municipal Council, Tourism, Sports, Education and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (under Education Department). Additionally, the AAPUEA called for technical

Excise Department Seized Mopin Cultural 55714.3 Litres Liquor Extravaganza unfolds ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 30: The officials of Golaghat Excise from March 4 till March 29 have conducted 57 operations and seized 55714.3 litres of liquor and arrested 49 persons. The Superintendent of Excise in Golaghat stated that the value of

seized liquor is of Rs 257481. From the day of implementation of Model Code of Conduct in the state for assembly elections the Excise Department in Golaghat has been on a massive drive against sale and stock of illicit liquor in Golaghat.

CBNAAT unveiled, MLA vows to fill up the shortfall of ZH Bishnu Rana Tezu, Mar 30: Much to the delight for the citizens of Lohit, a new concept of technology Cartridge Based Nuclic Amplification Testing (CBNAAT) is facilitated to the Zonal Hospital (ZH) Tezu for treating Tuberculosis which was unveiled here at the TB ward by Dr Mohesh Chai local MLA amidst Tamiyo Tatak DC, Dr S Chai Pul DMO, Dr U K Nath DTO, Dr S Towang, Dr S Nayil DRCHO, Dr A Wailong MS and other TB official and staff. Lauding the facility of CBNAAT, the MLA said that the hi-tech technology would largely help the underprivileged patient to treat the disease freely. He also promised to procure more equipment, other required amenities through his MLALAD Fund and early posting of adequate manpower for the proper functioning of the hospital. The MLA expressed delight over the joining of Dr K Padu General Surgeon which was felt desperately for years. He also hoped that Anaesthesia which was absent for the last two years is joining by next week of April which would improve the health services radically. While interacting with Doctors he affirmed to fill up the shortfall. The MLA further vowed to make functional incomplete OPD building, Maternity Ward and Eye Wards after his physi-

UNJUSTIFIED WASTE

cal visit. Earlier while highlighting CBNAAT significance, Dr U K Nath District TB Officer said that the Lohit district has reported 172 cases of Tuberculosis under DOTS and 114 as detected positive Sputum Test which is alarming. “The treatment under DOTS has been firmly taken up following every patient with proper medication which sometime failed. However this CBNAAT new technology enable patient for proper & early diagnose and treatment of TB free of cost, it treats Multi Drug Resistance TB (MDR – TB) and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB). If availed this facility privately it cost two lakhs each which is beyond the reach of common man”, he says. Presently the CBNAAT is being introduced in Upper Siang, Tomo Riba General Hospital Naharlagun, West Kameng and Lohit. Meanwhile, citing the health sector as pivotal, DC also exhorted the doctors and paramedic staffs to deliver their best services with utmost sincerity and dedication and maintain a clean and hygienic surrounding to build the Zonal hospital a model. Dr S Chai Pul DMO also spoke about the strength of the hospital and urged the MLA & DC to give their best to improve the health scenario of the hospital.

Aalo, 30 March: The festive year of Mopin Festival unfolded with Cultural Extravaganza organized by GJCMCC at Gumin Kiin on 29th March last. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and Special Guests Shri Nyabin Ete, Shri Kito Sora, Ex. Mla and Shri Tumge Loya

ADC gave their Mopin greetings and lauded the wide range of efforts nby the committee to take the golden year to a new height. Shri Doi Ado President GJCMCC Shri Henrik Basar Secretary GJCMCC outlined the main objectives to behind so many new things.

Union seeks CS’s intervention over DC’s morally supporting the illegalities Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 30: Aggrieved over the non responsive attitude of Dy. Commissioner and taking soft corner toward the illegal doers in regard to construction of multi crore MCH Wing project of General Hospital Pasighat where basic guidelines are said to been floated just to benefits vested few, the All Bogong Students’ Union (E) has strongly appealed for immediate intervention of Chief Secretary today. In the letter to Chief Secretary, ABSU (E) President Lungkang Ering said that DC Pasighat, Isha Khosla has taken soft corner toward the person/s involved in the illegal construction where basic guidelines are clearly floated as in such huge projects the maintenance of guidelines are mandatory to monitor the quality work. The union says that, they had written a complaint letter to this regard to EE, PWD on 30th December 2015 last following which the work was halted for around two months. “But the same work was started

again without correcting the process following which we had approached DC, Pasighat who told us that, there has a clear executive order issued by former DC Nidhi Srivastava permitting for execution of work though guidelines are being floated. However, there exist no such executive order by former DC which was revealed through RTI which shows that incumbent DC had blindly taken the side of person/s involved in the presumed illegalities thereby indirectly or morally supporting the corruption”, added Ering. The union expects a prompt intervention from CS as well as Raj Bhawan to whom they had also served a copy seeking uprooting of corrupt practices of some government servant/s and political leaders thereby misusing the chairs they occupy. Meanwhile, the union also appeals DC Pasighat not to side with any corrupt or ill intended officials or leaders who takes up every possible steps to oil the higher up officials just to pave easy ways for their illegalities.

Informing that the total number of unemployed engineers is 6042 and growing, AAPUEA president engineer Tadar Hamak opined that scrapping the posts of engineers under the mentioned departments would only result in increased unemployment in the state. Hamak also informed that in the meeting, Chief Minister Pul had given a positive response and assured that he and his cabinet would review the decision again.

Leaking drinking water pipe of PHE & WD outside former Roing MLA, Laeta Umbrey's residence in Roing. Pic - Jiko Linggi

Aadhaar seeding review meeting in Tirap held ET Correspondent Khonsa, Mar 30: While reviewing the progress of the Aadhaar Seeding of all MGNREGA active workers in the district, the Tirap Deputy Commissioner, Shri Ravi Jha, today instructed the Block Development Officers to complete the process on mission mode by April 15th next. The DC said that with Aadhaar biometric enrolment (BME) process in the district having almost achieved 90 percent it would not be, therefore, that tough to segregate such Aadhaar data for identification of active MGNREGA workers with Aadhaar cards and their subsequent seeding with MGNREGA database. Project Director, DRDA, Tirap, Shri Dahey Sangno, informed that a special format has been locally generated to facilitate information gathering during door to door survey for identification of job card holders with and without Aadhaar cards. Shri Sangno suggested the BDOs to seek the help of PRI members of concerned village to speed up the said special drive.

The purpose of this drive is to educate and encourage villagers to stop use of biomass and encourage use of LPG. Oil India Limited, a Navratna Exploration and Production Company engaged in the in the business of exploration, production and transportation of Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Production of LPG is deeply committed to socio-economic development of people residing in its areas of operations. For the first time as part of the CSR initiative, Oil has adopted the “Smokeless Village” campaign under OGCF 2016 to

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 30:First Lady of the State, Smt. Rita Rajkhowa, Chairperson of Muskan Welfare Society along with Secretary Muskan welfare Society, today visited Oju Mission School, Naharlagun where the first lady donated 6 numbers of ceiling and pedestal fans. While, interacting with the children, the first lady paid homage to Padma Shree Awardee late Binny Yanga, the Founder of Oju Welfare Association and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. The First Lady appreciated the work of the Mission for their works towards empowerment of women and welfare of children to achieve a holistic socio-economic and environmental development of communities in the State. The First Lady also appreciated the achievements of OWA (Oju Welfare Association) for opening up of 24x7 women help line, Short stay home for destitute women, schemes for promotion of women entrepreneurship, childrenâ•™s home etc. The First Lady further assured to help the

Association in any way possible in future and wished the children success in their studies and prosperity in their life. Secretary of Muskan Welfare Society, Smt. Kobby Zirdo Bagra who accompanied the first lady, in her brief speech said that the society wants to help the institution which are giving selfless services to the society and Oju Mission being such, the Muskan Welfare Society is pleased to associate with them. Earlier, the new Chairperson of OWA, Smt. Ratan Anya while showing the First Lady around the Mission compound, highlighted the shortcomings of the institution. She informed that all the maintenance & repair works of the classrooms, building of a boundary wall, fencing works etc are done through the OWA fund which is insufficient, though she has asked for the infrastructural development funds from NEC, Shillong but there has been no progress so far. The First Lady was accompanied by Mrs Bagra Secretary Muskan welfare Society along with Dr. Jennifer Tayeng, Dr. T. Khampu and Smt. Noni Boje.

Advt.

Schedule for Inspection 124 Margherita Assembly Constituency

Assuring his full cooperation, the district statistical officer, shri N Wangsu suggested that those MGNREGA workers who have already done BME but are yet to receive Aadhaar cards may be brought to his notice so that he could give TIN numbers to enable downloading of Aadhaar card number from online.

1st Inspection : 24.03.2016 (Thursday) 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM 2nd Inspection : 28.03.2016 (Monday) 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM 3rd Inspection: 01.04.2016 (Friday) 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM

Venue : R.O. Office, Margherita

Oil India Limited distributes LPG connections to make Innao village smokeless Contd. from Page 1

Muskan Welfare Society visits Oju Mission School

educate villagers to stop use of biomass/firewood as fuel and encourage use of LPG which is a cleaner fuel. The LPG distribution program was attended by the EAC, D. Gadi, public leaders of Diyun circle along with the beneficiaries of Innao village and representatives from OIL and IOCL. Oil has invested an amount of rupees Four lakh Seventy Five thousand only for providing LPG connections to 131 households in Innao village, Arunachal Pradesh. As part of the campaign OIL has taken initiative to make five villages smokeless by distributing LPG connection in its operational areas.

Sd/ District Election Officer 124 Margherita LAC

NOTICE Its is for general information to all contesting candidates/ agents/all political parties and electors of Legislative Assembly Constituency Margherita (124) that, Sri Rajiv Ranjan, General Observer, appointed by Election Commission of India has arrived in Margherita and stayed at Dehing Guest House, Margherita. The General Observer’s Mobile number is 9957117424.

Sd/ District Election Officer 124 Margherita LAC

ANNEXURE-21 (CHAPTER VII, PARA -7.6.1) FORMAT IN WHICH THE RETURNING OFFICER MAY PUBLISH THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES

PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl. Name of Candidate Party affiliation, if any

Government Supply Supply Telephone Government Transport Other C accommodation of water of elements (including aircrafts Government and helicopter) dues, if any

Pradyut Bordoloi

Indian National Congress

Nil

Bhaskar Sharma

Nil

Umesh Bora

Bharatiya Janata Nil Party Independent Nil

Nil

Nidan Purty

Independent

Nil

Purna Chetri

Independent

Nil

Bishwanath Singha Independent

Nil

Place:- Margherita Date:- 21-03-2016

Sd/ Returning Officer 124-Margherita LAC

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

PAGE 4

Sale and possession Gaurav Gogoi arrives in Margherita of liquor banned to campaign for Pradyut Bordoloi A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 30: Assam government has banned sale and possession of liquor and other intoxicants at any public or private place for 48 hours from 5 PM of April two in polling areas during the first phase of Assembly elections in 65 constituencies of the state which goes to polls on April four. Prohibition has also been imposed for the second phase of polling on April 11 in 61 constituencies, from 5 PM of April 9, an official release said here today. The day of counting of votes, May 19, will also be declared a dry day till the process of counting is over. All bonded warehouses,

IMFL retail off and on shops including clubs, hotel and country shops will remain closed during the dry days. During this period, the storage of liquor by individuals shall be curtailed. During the above period, the restrictions provided in the excise law on the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises shall be vigorously enforced, the release said. Steps shall also be taken to prohibit sale of liquor in adjoining areas of the concerned constituencies so that there are no chances of clandestine movement of liquor from those areas where the restrictions has not been in operation, it said.

Health camp organized at press club A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 30: A health and weight management program, organized by 4 Seasons Wellness Centre, attracted many media persons to analysis their BMI, BMR, SF, Organ Fats, Biological Age etc parameters. Held at Guwahati Press Club on Wednesday, the health camp also helped the participants to get free consultations.

ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 30: Kaliabor Parliamentary Constituency MP Gaurav Gogoi today came in Rangamancha and Inthem Nagapather under 124 No Margherita LAC to do Election Campaign for Congress Candidate Pradyut Bordoloi. Many Congress leaders such as Former Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee President Anil Sharma, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee Secretary Chandan Yadav, NSUI Assam State President Manoj Hazarika, NSUI National Committee Secretary Mausam Baruah,

Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Mar 30: With a view to hold free and fair election, Jorhat District Administration keeps strict vigil against all complaints on violation of model code of conduct and takes prompt action. The MCC cell under Additional Deputy Commissioner Dwijen Singh regularly conducts vigil through Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams constituted for all the three LACs.

Rangia Kamrup Myvote Campaign is in full swing ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 30 : ‘’The My Vote Campaign" is going on in full swing in Kamrup District to create awareness among the people on ethical voting and to encourage the citizens to come out for using their rights of franchise on the day of poll i.e, on April 11 next. As a part of this Campaign, every day in all corners of the District a number of initiatives is going on like Road show by Voters Awareness Van and Polling Station on Wheel; Awareness Meeting at market and public places; Gaon Sabha meeting; house to house and

roadside EVM awareness camp, Street Play in public places; Bike and Cycle Rally, Selfi campaign at the Colleges etc. Besides, to create a congenial atmosphere for free, fair, peaceful and transparent election process and to increase voters turn out the Administration has also distributing appeal of DEO and; organising EVM Awareness camp; using Print and Electronic Media, pasting stickers on voting awareness in all vehicles; playing the appeals of ICON of Election and DEO through PA and FLS System; house to house campaign in low PS ar-

eas and imparted training of officials and arrangement of special assistance to specially abled and elderly persons in polling stations. The Kamrup Election District administration also updating all election related information in the w e b s i t e , ‘’www.myvotemyassam.com’’, facebook account “THE MYVOTE CAMPAIGN, KAMRUP”. Besides, for providing all types of assistance and information to specially abled persons another facebook account also opened and interested person can visit “facebook.com/ Kamrup DAC’ for the same.

Assam will be ruled from Bangladesh if Congress wins: Himanta ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Mar 30: "The Assam State Assembly Election this year is the last battle of Saraighat. Assam will be ruled from Bangladesh if Congress wins the election" said Himanta Biswa Sarmah, Convener of BJP Election Committee countering on a comment of AICC Vice Chairman Rahul Gandhi during campaigning in favor of Naba Kumar Doley. He also severely criticised the poor administration of Tarun Gogoi-led Congress State Government. He appealed to root out Congress not only from the LAC but also from the State for the sake of saving Assamese nationality and land. He alleged that Bharat Narah imported the 'Pariyal Tantra' principle to Assam Congress installing Rani

The local MLA Dilip Moran and ward member Lakhi Sonowal immediately rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation .

Margherita Town Committee Former Chairman Saroj Roy etc. accompanied him in the campaign.

Since the time of enforcement of model code of conduct, the MCC has removed several thousand banners & posters, defacement of wall writing and evicted unauthorized election offices by political parties. The MCC cell has so far taken action against 1295 violations in Jorhat LAC and issued two show cause notices. Similalry, in Dergaon LAC, the cell has taken action against 264 MCC violations and issued one show cause notice. In Teok LAC, the cell has taken action against 500 MCC violations. Further, as the poll day

draws near, the Jorhat Excise Department has intensified its raids against illicit liquor in the district. The Excise Department has been carrying out raids in day and night throughout the district and has busted several dens and seized huge quantities of illicit liquor. Since enforcement of model code of conduct, the excise department has effected 19 raids and seized 4421 ltrs illicitly distilled liquor, 6679 liters fermented wash, 175 distilling apparatus, 187.02 ltrs India Made Foreign Liquor and 121.25 liters duty paid liquor in the district.

More than 500 local residents of Inthem Nagapather came at the Election Campaign. “Before 2 years Prime Minister Narendra Modi have promised that

Notice of violating Code of Conduct issued to two Candidates of Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 30: District Election Code of Conduct, Nodal Officer Mohammed Noor Hussain has issued notice to two candidates for violating the Model Code of Conducts to Congress candidate Ajanta Neog and BJPAGP Alliance candidate Bitupan Saikia for writing and postering on private houses, business establishment, electric

and telephone poles in support of the concerned candidates. The two candidates are contesting from 95Golaghat LAC under Golaghat Election District. Mohammed Noor Hussain has ordered to remove all such posters, banners and write ups immediately to Ajanta Neog and Bitupan Saikia.

Tarun Gogoi is fit than Sarbananda or Modi, says Gaurav Gogoi ET Correspondent Jorhat, Mar 30: Tarun Gogoi is fit to be the Chief Minster than Sarbananda or Modi, said Gaurav Gogoi at a press conference to the media at the congress bhawan here today. Gaurav Gogoi heavily flayed the exit poll done by some private agency that it is totally a planted exit poll devised by the BJP and the master minder is very well known to the people of Assam. Gaurav Gogoi also flayed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in commenting on Tarun Gogoi’s age said that it has proved

Gaurav Gogoi during the press meet. Pic - Nekib Ahmed his mentality and responsibility to a person who is senior to him. Tarun Gogoi till date had no personal attack on Modi’s personal life or any other. Gaurav Gogoi also blamed

the BJP for speaking very high against the Congress party and said that but BJP said lies after lies with tall promises and the people of Assam will prove it on April 4th and April 11th.

Gaurav Gogoi who is campaigning at Titabor for his father’s CM candidature for the fourth time from 100 Titabor LAC and is expecting to win by a huge margin. Gaurav Gogoi along with Putul Burahgohain, Saffiqual Haque, Kumud Kachari, Pratap Kachari, Gono Hazarika, Prafulla Saikia are campaigning door to door at every nook and corner villages of Titabor, and congress is said to be in the driver’s seat, though Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa campaigning at Titabor is still in the back seat as the people of Titabor prefers for CM candidate then a minister.

ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 30: One Raju Boro (28) of Barama under BTAD was knocked down by one speeding truck at NH-31 near Balagaon Chawk on Wednesday morning and killed on the spot. According to eye witness Mr Boro was travelling by Motor cycle. Police recovered the body and sent for Post Mortem. He was riding the motor cycle to Guwahati, Police said.

Public Holiday in Kamrup on April 11 ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 30: The State Government has declared public holiday in the four Legislative Assembly Constituencies of Kamrup Election District, namely, 48 Boko (SC), 49 Chaygaon, 50 Palasbari and 55 Hajo LACs on April 11 next as these LACs are going for poll on that day. Further public holiday is also declared under the NI Act, 1881 in these four LACs on April 11 next. This declaration is made in respect of all Central Government Offices, Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations, Boards, Banks, and Educational Institutions etc.

Public Holiday April 4, as people goes for poll ET Correspondent Jorhat, Mar 30: The Assam Government has declared public holiday in the legislative assembly constituencies which are going for first phase of polling for the Assembly Election, 2016 in the state on 4th April, 2016. All the assembly constituencies of Jorhat district, viz. – Jorhat, Dergaon, Teok, Titabor, Moriani and Majuli are going for poll on April4. The public holiday is declared by the Government under relevant provisions of NI Act, 1881 and Ministry of Home Affairs notification No. 20/ 25/26/PUB-I dtd. 8/6/ 1957. This declaration is applicable for all central Govt. offices, Public Sector undertakings, Corporations, Boards, Banks, Educational Institutions etc, informs Dejwenderjit Gogoi, the district information & publicity officer here.

Boat capsizes in Lakhimpur: 1 BJP failed to bring back black money at foreign dies and 7 escape from death banks but allowed defaulters to flee :Sonia Gandhi

Narah in politics. "CM Tarun Gogoi is now proceeding through the same way following him''- he commented. He said that the burning problems of the Dhakuakhona LAC would be resolved step by step if Naba Kumar Doley voted to power. In support of his comment he cited the package for the construction

of Dichang Mukh Tekeliphuta Bridge over Brahmaputra, Dhakuakhona-LakhimpurMajuli Connecting National Highway whose foundation was already laid a few months ago. In the program, Naba Doley appealed the voters to reply the betrayal of Congress to the LAC through EVM for the sake of change.

Fire gutted 24 houses in Doomdooma ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Mar 30: A devastating fire broke out today at around 12:40 at Salim Colony located by the side of Rajendra Prasad Path, Uchamati which falls under ward no 1 in Doomdooma. When The Eastern Today interacted with the locals they informed that the fire broke due to a possible short circuit. A bike, bicycles, three LPG gas cylinders and house hold goods burnt badly. At least 24 houses and lakhs of property were also damaged. To douse the fire five fire brigades from Doomdooma, Tinsukia and Digboi was deployed which managed to control the fire after battling it for a few hours.

Margherita Block Congress Committee President Bhuban Handique, Margherita Assembly Youth Congress Committee President Suman Khalen,

‘Action against model-code-ofconduct violations no mercy’

Apart from taking action on complaints received from candidates, political parties and voters, the cell also takes suo-motu actions to ensure free & fare election.

The camp was conducted by wellness & fitness coach Chumi Thakuria, Manabjyoti Das and Bandana Pathak.

Gaurav Gogoi arrives in Margherita to campaign for Pradyut Bordoloi

Black Money will come, 15 Lakh rupees shall be given to every Indian, Price rise shall be controlled and many more promises but today not a single promise were fulfilled. 124 No Margherita LAC Congress Candidate Pradyut Bordoloi in the last 18 years have made many development and I request all people of Margherita to cast their valuable votes to Congress Candidate Pradyut Bordoloi so that more development can done at Margherita Constituency” said Kaliabor Parliamentary Constituency MP Gaurab Gogoi.

Road Accident, 1 killed

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Mar 30: Due to lack of proper communication facilities in Lakhimpur during the long sixty eight years of post-independent India, one person had to made supreme sacrifice today in the district. This thing happened on account of a boat capsizing in the river Subansiri today at 2.30pm. According to the report, a school teacher named Ranjit Hajarika lost his life due to boat capsize at Balibheta Ghat while crossing the river with a boat on the way of returning home from school. He was a permanent inhabitant of Hindu Gaon, S/O Bidyadhar Hajarika and a teacher of Balibheta LP School. During the accident the boat was loaded with an-

other seven persons they arePratap Payeng of the same school, Ruhit Payeng of Shuwani LP School, Gangadhar Payeng of No.195 Chalichuk LP School, Ananda Dihingia of Balibheta ME School, Hari Prasanna Saikia of No. 97 Ghunasuti LP School along with Anganwadi worker Jyoti Saikia who all have escaped from death except Ranjit Hajarika. The accident happened due to water penetrating to the boat. The Jawans of NDRF are trying to recover the dead body of the deceased. The bike owned by the deceased and six bicycles of the other teacher drowned in the river in that tragic accident which wreaked sensation in the district.

Report on Golaghat firing submitted A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 30: Justice (Retd) BP Katakey submitted the Commission of Inquiry report on Golaghat firing incident to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his official residence yesterday evening.

Government of Assam constituted the one-man commission of inquiry to go into the circumstances leading to the police firing in Golaghat town and its adjoining areas on August 20, 2014 resulting in the death of three persons and injury to several others.

Sonia Gandhi along Assam PCC President Anjan Dutta and Amguri candidate Ankita Dutta during the rally at Amguri. Pic - Nekib Ahmed Contd. from Page 1

Gandhi started her first election campaign in the state at Amguri, where APCC president Anjan Dutta's daughter Ankita is contesting from the Congress. "The BJP had rejected the state governments proposal to send central funds to Assam during the devastating floods last year. It has also made attempts to discontinue the functioning of the autonomous and development councils in the State. It also did not consult the

neighbouring States of Nagaland, including Assam, before signing the Naga peace deal," she said. Mrs Gandhi said that the BJP has failed to bring back black black money at foreign banks and has allowed bank defaulters to flee the country, obviously referring to Vijay Mallya. Modi always says that "his day start with a sip of Assam tea but he has failed to accord ST status to the tea garden community," she said. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who was also present at the meeting, said that the recent

opinion poll conducted by ABP Nielson group was false and did not reflect the true picture. "The opinion poll would meet with the same fate as in Bihar and Delhi, where the BJP had to settle for much lesser seats than projected," he said. APCC president Anjan Dutta said that the party would win 71 seats in the upcoming polls and form the government for the fourth consecutive Terms .C P Joshi, Sarat Borkotoki, Hemoprova Saikia, Rupjyoti Kurmi, Ankita Dutta and other top leaders are present at meeting.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

BJP for early settlement of Naga issue

BJP Kohima, Mar 30: BJP in Nagaland on Tuesday reiterated its support for early settlement of the vexed Naga political problem which will be honourable and acceptable to all sections of the Naga people. The resolution was adopted during its first executive meeting after formation of the new state unit, party leaders said. Besides deliberating on important issues and the vision of the party for

better functioning in the service of the people of the state, the BJP executive council affirmed its stand to support efficient and clean governance and to strive to check 'corrupt practices' prevailing in the state. On the issue of illegal immigrants, the party asserted that it would identify illegal immigrants to ensure that the bonafide citizens are not affected and the demography of the state is not disturbed, the leaders said.

44 buses, 108 drivers in Mizoram Transport dept: Minister

Transport Minister John Rotluangliana Aizawal, Mar 30: Mizoram Transport department has 108 drivers on its payroll for its fleet of 69 vehicles, including 44 buses plying in different routes, Transport Minister John Rotluangliana informed the state assembly on Wednesday. In a written reply to a question from Lalruatkima of the Mizo National Front (MNF), Rotluangliana said that

though the state Transport department has 49 buses, only 44 of them were fit to ply on the roads and were plying on 18 different routes. According to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year 2015-2016, the department's financial loss during 2011-12 was Rs 24.12 crore while it was Rs 17.21 crore and Rs 21.13 in 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively.

BJP says Congress conspiring to divide India Badarpur (Assam), Mar 30: Accusing Congress of sidelining the sacrifices of Army soldiers, Union Minister Smriti Irani today said the party is plotting plans to "divide India" to suit its political interest. "Congress in its political interest has set aside the sacrifices of Indian youth and soldiers to stand with those on the other side," Irani said during an election campaign rally here but refrained from naming the country she was hinting at. Further assailing Congress, the Union HRD minister said, "Question arises as to those who in their political interest are ready to divide India. Does the Congress have the right to get your vote? "No. Then tell every Indian to press the lotus button on election day to make our BJP victorious and brighten your future", Irani said. In a bid to wean the young vote bank in Assam, she said, "The youth of Assam want to work but their biggest problem is that they are told to first keep money

on the table if they want a job. "If they have money, then would they go for jobs?", she asked. She said if the youths want to do business they need loans for which banks ask them to keep their mother's jewellery, father's farm land or house as guarantee against loans. "If they have all these things then would the youth go to the banks for loans?," Irani said. For this reason, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the 'Mudra Loan Yojana' so that all youth of the country become self-reliant, go to banks and get loans without keeping anything as collaterals, she said. "The Prime Minister ordered the banks to grant youths loans from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh under the Yojana. Neither the Congress when it was at the Centre nor in Assam made such a scheme", Irani said. The Union HRD minister hit the campaign trail by addressing poll meetings at Katigora, Silchar and Karimganj as well.

PAGE 5

Irani asks IIM, Shillong pass outs not to forget their roots Shillong, Mar 30: Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani today urged the pass out post graduates of Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management, Shillong not to forget their roots while pursuing their dreams. Addressing the seventh Convocation of IIM, Shillong here Irani expressed deep appreciation to the parents who met with various challenges in sending their children to study in this institute and asked the graduates to be grateful

to them and to keep in touch with the institute. She said the Institute has empowered them with enormous knowledge and urged the new IIM graduates to live up to the aspiration of former President Late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam who wanted to create a livable planet by becoming constructive human beings. She also told the graduates that while job opportunities were awaiting them, they should also take the responsibility in nation building without compromising their prin-

Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani ciples. sion, Falguni Rajkumar, Speaking on the occa- Chairman of the Board

of Governors of IIM, Shillong said records revealed that the students were among the best the country has and much sought after by the best companies and organisation from across the world. "In the process they have not only brought laurels to themselves and the institution, but also to the country," Rajkumar said adding he strongly believed in the capability of the new graduates. "As you enter the busy world of business and commerce, please be

Despite assurance by CM, Manipur Human Rights Commision yet to be revived Imphal, March 30: Despite an assurance by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh that a chairman for the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) would be appointed soon, no such step has been taken by the government. The commission has been lying defunct since May 2010 with hundreds of complainants having nowhere to go. The assurance during the budget session that ended on March 4 had raised hopes that the commission would start functioning within a few days. The chief minister had said that preferably a retired high court judge would fill up the position. Manipur, which has more than 50 armed groups operating in a state with a small population of 2.7 million, has always been a "conflict zone" since the 1970s. According to an affidavit filed by human rights groups in the Supreme

Court, at least 1,528 persons had become victims of the extra judicial executions in the state. The apex court, which had selected six sample cases out of the list, found that there was prima facie evidence to justify investigation. Human rights activists say there was a glimmer of hope among the people when the state government set up the MHRC in 1998. However, a deputy secretary of the MHRC wrote a letter to the National Human Rights Commission in October 2011 saying that "the MHRC is unable to take up any cases after May 9, 2010". The government had apparently taken a decision not to send any case relating to the violation of human rights from that date. The matter came to light when the NHRC had forwarded a complaint for comments from the MHRC. The Asian Centre for Human Rights had filed a com-

plaint with the NHRC on September 16, 2011, regarding alleged torture of Noor Kamal Sheikh. It said that police personnel at the Khudekpi outpost had arrested and tortured the victim on September 5. Sources said that after the MHRC letter, the national commission and others had stopped forwarding anything to the MHRC, which then became largely defunct. "There are many victims of excesses who cannot go to court or afford the fees of the lawyers. But they could file their complaint on a plain paper without paying anything to the MHRC," noted human rights activists and lawyer Khaidem Mani told IANS. He said the Manipur government has not followed the guidelines in the past that the chairman should usually be a retired high court judge and that at least one retired high court or district and sessions court judge and a human

rights activist with legal knowledge should be appointed as members. "If the MHRC is revived it will be of immense help to poor sections of the people who are victims of senseless excesses of the state forces", Mani said. In the absence of the state commision, people have to approach the high court where the cases keep piling up for months. The Manipur high court had summoned the chief secretary of Manipur, Oinam Nabakishore, about one and a half months back to explain when the commission would be revived. The chief secretary had sought three months from the high court for the revival. After the assurance by the chief minister in the Assembly, hopes were raised that a chairman for the commission would be appointed soon after the budget session. But the hopes have now been belied. In July 2009, there was a

stand-off between the MHRC and some police officers relating to the killings of Thokchom Rabina and a former and unarmed insurgent Chungkham Sanjit in Imphal city. R.K. Rajendra, a member of the MHRC, had summoned the then police superintendent and the station house officer to appear before the commission. The police officers refused to appear saying they were busy with the preparations of the police raising day. Eventually the NHRC had issued an arrest warrant with orders to produce the officers on September 25. However the police asked the commission to drop the proceedings because a judicial commission had been set up to probe the incident. Human rights activists say that the confrontation may have been the reason why the MHRC was rendered defunct. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, has been in force in Manipur since 1980. (Agencies)

Jirang MLA resigns from parl secy post Shillong, Mar 30: Even before the State government initiated steps to amend the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly rule which equated the rank of a parliamentary secretary to that of a minister, Parliamentary Secretary in charge Taxation, Lamboklang Mylliem, quit the post on Tuesday to avoid any legal complications. Earlier, several High Courts in the country had stayed the appointment of parliamentary secretaries. Lamboklang, the lone North East Social Democratic Party member in the Assembly, represents Jirang constituency in Ri Bhoi. As many as 18 parliamentary secretaries were appointed by the Congressled MUA-II government after the 2013 Assembly polls. Admitting that the matter is serious, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Tuesday

that the government has asked the Law department and the Advocate General to come up with legal opinions on the matter. He also said that Deputy Chief Minister in charge Law, Rowell Lyngdoh, is also examining the matter. According to Prestone, there is a need to examine whether the Act related to Parliamentary Secretaries comes into conflict with the Constitution. Another focus would be whether the parliamentary secretaries would face disqualification if they continue to hold the posts. Sources said that the question on whether the chief minister can administer the oath of office and secrecy to the parliamentary Secretaries will also come under question as the Governor is the constitutional authority. Besides Lamboklang, the 17 parliamentary secretaries appointed by the State government are Comingone Ymbon,

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prestone Tynsong

Samuel M. Sangma, Limison D. Sangma, Winnerson D. Sangma, Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem, Cherak W. Momin, Brigady Marak, Sengnam Marak, Rophul S Marak, Robinus Syngkon, Michael T. Sangma, Justine Dkhar, Ashahel D. Shira, Stephanson Mukhim, Celestine Lyngdoh, Noverfield R. Marak and Marthon Sangma. According to the Proce-

dure and Conduct of Business in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly under the title Definitions, part (h) says "Minister means a member of the council of ministers, a Minister of State, a Deputy Minister or a Parliamentary Secretary". However, the Constitution (Ninety-first Amendment Act) 2003, points out that "the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the

council of ministers in a state shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of the State, provided that the number of ministers including the Chief Minister in a state shall not be less than twelve". The 18 parliamentary secretaries are equated with the ministers of state or deputy ministers availing the same perks and facilities provided to the ministers of state in Meghalaya. Since the rank of parliamentary secretary is equated with a minister as per Meghalaya Legislative Assembly rules, this comes into conflict with the amendment Act of downsizing the ministry to just 12. Currently, with 17 parliamentary secretaries being equated with ministers and 12 actual ministers, the strength will be a total of 30 whereas small states like Meghalaya can have only 12 ministers. (Agences)

Manipuri mother of fake encounter victim can approach HC: Judge Imphal, Mar 30: The district and sessions court here on Wednesday told Chungkham Taratombi, mother of Chungkham Sanjit, a victim of an alleged extra judicial killing, that she could approach the higher court if she so desired. M. Manoj, judge of the District and Sessions court, Imphal west said it in his verdict. The mother filed a petition, seeking another investigation in the light of the confession by a police head constable Thounaojam Herojit that following orders of a superior officer he shot dead Sanjit, an

unarmed former insurgent who was overpowered. The ruling was given on the second and final day of hearing on Wednesday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) counsel argued there was no need for further investigation. Taratombi in her petition pointed out that the head constable has publicly confessed to have killed her son due to the order from a superior officer. Judge Manoj said a trial is going on in his court. But it does not have jurisdiction over the matter prayed for. It may be recalled that eight other policemen are

facing trial in connection with the killing of Sanjit on July 23, 2009 in the heart of Imphal city. A pregnant woman, Thokchom Rabina who was walking with her young son, was also killed by a bullet which hit her on the forehead. Police have not been able to solve the mystery of where that bullet came from. On January 25, Herojit told some reporters that he shot dead Sanjit inside a pharmacy on the orders of a superior officer. The officer implicated in the crime had denied the charge as

"malicious, concocted and motivated". Herojit appeared in the court with his confession. He said, "I committed the crime and I am ready to accept any punishment". Meanwhile, Babloo Loitongbam, the executive director of Human Rights Alert, deposed before judge Manoj that he had supplied the photographs which tend to establish that the unarmed Sanjit was accosted in the street, pushed inside a pharmacy and his dead body was dragged out after some minutes. He said, "I gave the pho-

tographs to the Tehelka magazine. But as per request of the photographer I am not disclosing his name." Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had reacted to the confession of the fake encounter saying: "It is a serious matter and it would be looked into." Kiren Rijiju, the minister of state for home, said, "My department will instruct the Manipur government to provide security to the head constable." Herojit, however, has not demanded any security guards and is staying on his own. (Agencies)

conscious of your role as responsible citizens of this country and be committed to the welfare of the people, specially the poor, the downtrodden and the weak," he said. In his welcome address, Director of IIM, Shillong Prof Amitabha De congratulated the students of the Post Graduate (201416) and Post Graduate Post Executives (PGPEx) 2014-15 batch and said during their stay at IIM, Shillong, the Institute has provided them holistic learning and sustainable development. (Agencies)

GHADC in dilemma over nontribal issue Tura, Mar 30: The ruling Garo Hills Progressive Alliance (GHADC) led by the NPP and the opposition Congress in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) appears to find themselves in a catch 22 situation following a motion moved by Tura MDC against participation by non-tribals in the council polls. The twenty-nine elected members (MDCs) of the GHADC will be debating and voting on the motion of non-tribal participation in the council polls on Wednesday, a day after Tura Independent MDC Rupert M Sangma moved the motion in the floor of the house. Moving the motion in the floor of the house during the first day of the budget session, Sangma said participation by non-tribals in the elections of the district council was against the very purpose the tribal institution had been created. "The district council through the 6th Schedule was created to protect and uplift the tribal people particularly those living in the hill areas, but the participation by non-tribals destroys the very purpose it had been created for," said Sangma. The Tura MDC along with four other Independent MDCs - Rightious N Sangma, Levastone T Sangma, Devier M Sangma and Kenadik S Marak - is seeking the exclusion of non-tribals from district council elections. They have formed the Garo Hills United Alliance front in the district council. "I am not against any nontribal. They are free to participate in parliamentary and assembly elections. However, the district council should be for the tribal people only," stated the Tura MDC. Citing the last council elections in which some of the candidates, including himself, had contested on the tribal plank, the Tura MDC said that they were answerable to their electorate. While the five Independent MDCs under the banner of Garo Hills United Alliance will be supporting the motion, the ruling NPP alliance is expected to oppose the motion given that one of its own elected members in the ruling alliance, S.G. Esmatur Mominin (NPP) of Shyamnagar constituency happens to be from the non-tribal community. The opposition Congress too finds itself in an uncomfortable situation over the issue. Congress with its seven members also has Independent nontribal MDC Sofior Rahman representing Balachanda constituency as part of their opposition alliance. Rahman was conspicuous by his absence on a day the motion was moved by the Tura MDC. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

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Vijay Mallya offers Rs 4000 crore to repay bad debts New Delhi, Mar. 30 : In an attempt to diffuse some of the tension regarding the money laundering charges against him, Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya on Wednesday submitted a proposal before the Supreme Court to repay Rupees 4000 crores of bad debt by September 30, 2016. The apex court directed the consortium of banks to get instructions and respond to the proposal. Mallya's counsel said that negotiations are un-

derway with the banks and the next date of the hearing has been set on April 7. When his counsel was asked about Mallya's current location and whether he was back in India, the former replied that his presence was not needed in the matter. Asserting that Mallya's proposal should be kept in a sealed envelope, his counsel said that negotiations with the banks are underway, but the media is exaggerating the issue, to which Justice Kurien

MP Cabinet approves legislators' salary hike

Boost for Australia-India science collaboration

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Mar. 30 : Following the hike in the MLAs development fun earlier this month, the Madhya Pradesh Cabineton Wednesday approved the salary hike of the MLAs from Rs. 71,000 to Rs. 1, 10,000 per month. The Chief Minister's salary has gone up from Rs. 1.43 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh per month. The MLAs who are cabinet ministers' salaries has increased from Rs. 1.20 lakh to Rs. 1.70 lakh per month, while the salary of the Ministers of State has gone up from Rs. 1.3 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh per month. Earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced that the MLA development funds have been raised to Rs two crore from the current Rs 80 lakh, for the overall development of the state. In a similar attempt, the Telangana Assembly yesterday passed a bill to hike legislator's salaries and allowances of the state legislators including the Chief Minister, Speaker, deputy Speaker of Assembly, Council of Ministers, chairman and deputy chairman of Legislative Council, Leader of Opposition in Assembly and Council, Government Whips, MLAs and MLCs. Following the hike in the salaries of the Telangana MLAs and MLCs, legislators in Andhra Pradesh are now demanding a similar increase. (ANI)

Nuclear Summit: Obama, world leaders to discuss ISIS threat Washington D.C., Mar. 30 : During the two-day Nuclear Summit which begins from tomorrow, President Barack Obama will huddle with dozens of world leaders over the battle with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). According to CNN, the summit which is meant to strengthen security measures around nuclear weapons is set to bring together more than 50 delegations to the U.S. capital, many of which play a role in the anti-ISIS coalition. India, Pakistan, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Turkey are all expected to be represented. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is under scrutiny for his efforts in stemming the flow of foreign fighters to Europe, is also expected to attend. The discussion is likely to focus on the issue of foreign fighters, as well as preventing ISIS from obtaining chemical or radiological weapons. (ANI)

New Delhi, Mar. 30 : Australian and Indian research projects on agriculture productivity, food security and developing clean energy technologies are among those that will benefit from a 5.6 million dollar boost to the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF). Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, and the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Sciences, Christopher Pyne, today announced six new grants in the latest tranche of AISRF funding. In addition to Australian funds, the Indian Government and research and industry partners will contribute approximately $10 million to the six projects.

Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya Joseph observed that the 'media ultimately stands

Australia's acting High Commissioner in India Chris Elstoft said Australia and India were strong partners in science and research collaboration - a priority area for both countries. "The new grants will help strengthen the existing links between institutions in our two countries," he said. "Since 2006, when the AISRF was set up, it has supported over 240 projects, workshops and fellowships in key areas of priority to both nations, involving around 100 top universities and research institutions," he added. Australian and Indian recipients of the grants, and their projects include: 1.Improving chickpea

for public interest'. Meanwhile, the banks

adaptation to environmental challenges (South Australian Research and Development Institute and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics). 2.Large scale, high stability, high energy density batteries (Deakin University and the Indian Institute of Science). 3.Biotechnology-based decision-making tools in post-harvest grain pest management (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University). 4.Enhanced unconventional gas production (University of New South Wales and The Energy and Resources Institute). 5.Genetic control and genomic selection in sugar-

have told the apex court that they need time to review the proposal. Earlier, the auction for Kingfisher House ended with lenders to the grounded airline failing to get any bids. The base price of Rs. 150 crores for the office at Andheri in Mumbai's western suburbs was reportedly "too high". The Enforcement Directorate had earlier asked Mallya to make a "personal appearance" on March 18 under the provisions of the Prevention

of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). But the flamboyant business magnate asked for a date in April, making it clear that he would not be able to appear before that. Mallya, who is currently in the United Kingdom and is being sought out in India over charges of money laundering, claimed that the banks gave him loans after evaluating all aspects and asserted that he is not trying to evade the law enforcement agencies but is on a personal visit. (ANI)

Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop cane (Sugar Research Australia Limited and the Sugarcane Breeding Institute). 6.Developing salt tolerant rice (University of Tasmania and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation). The AISRF helps researchers from public and private sectors in

both countries to participate in leading-edge scientific research projects and workshops. The AISRF is Australia's largest fund dedicated to bilateral research with any country and is one of India's largest sources of support to international science. (ANI)

SC asks Punjab, Haryana to appoint law officers in 'transparent manner'

Supreme Court of India New Delhi, Mar. 30 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Punjab and Haryana to adopt a fair, transparent and objective method in appointing law officers in the state. The apex court also asked the state governments to keep the process free from political appeasement and interference. It said that at the present, no norms, rules or policy govern the appointment process, adding that the Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana must look into the appointments and make his observations.However, the court kept the already made appointments intact. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court question-

ing the manner in which state governments are appointing law officers. The Haryana Government has told the Supreme Court that it has 183 law officers, who were engaged without complying with any norm. The state informed the court it has the Advocate General as the only validated post of the law officer and all other 183 appointments of additional advocate general, deputy advocate general and assistant advocate general cannot be held to be public employment. An additional advocate general is paid Rs 1.4 lakh as salary every month. Punjab has 174 law officers who were appointed without following any norms. (ANI)

Delhi Police confirms arrest of five in madrassa youth assault case

PM Modi given guard of honour Former Canadian minister, family killed in plane crash upon arrival in Brussels near Quebec airport Brussels, Mar. 30 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a guard of honour upon his arrival in Brussels for the first leg of his three nation tour of Belgium, United States and Saudi Arabia, where he will participate in the European Union-India Summit and will also pay homage to the victims of the deadly terror attacks in the city last week. This is the Prime Minister Modi's first official visit to Belgium. Prime Minister is also expected to sign several agreements with European Union member nations. In Brussels, the Prime Minister would be holding bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel later in the day he will hold meetings with the Members of European Parliament (MEPs), Indologists, Belgian CEOs as well as a wide cross section of the Indian diaspora in Belgium and he would also interact with the Board Members of the Association of Diamond Traders in Belgium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Brussels The same evening, he will address a community programme and interact with the Indian diaspora. European Union officials said, Prime Minister Modi's decision to attend the EUIndia Summit amid heightened security concerns in the region, is a welcome sign that both sides are keen to re-establish a relationship that has been languishing in recent years. European officials hope the closed-door summit will yield a joint statement and an agenda that will serve as a roadmap for EU-India co-

operation in what is referred to as Action 2020. This includes concrete priority actions for the strategic partnership between the two sides over the next five years. From Brussels, Prime Minister Modi will leave for Washington to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) on March 31 and April 1, where he is expected to make specific announcements and proposals with regard to nuclear security. Thereafter, he will travel to Saudi Arabia. (ANI)

London, Mar.30 : Seven people have died after a small private plane in which they were travelling crashed on an island off the east coast of Quebec province in Canada. Authorities said the plane crashed as it was approaching the Ilesde-la-Madeleine Airport in windy and snowy weather. Jean Lapierre, a broadcaster and former Canadian transport minister, and members of his family were among the victims, the Guardian reports. Lapierre, who was 59, worked as a political analyst for CTV and other Canadian media outlets. Lapierre's wife, two brothers and sister died in the crash. They were travelling to the funeral

of Lapierre's father, TVA said. He also served as a member of parliament from 1979 to 1993 and again from 2004 to 2007. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin said that Lapierre was a very good political analyst and a superb political figure, and added that it was a great privilege to work with him. Officials with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada travelled to Havre aux Maisons Island in the Magdalen Islands of Canada to determine the cause of the crash. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Tr u d e a u e x p r e s s e d his sorrow over Lapierre's demise on Twitter. (ANI)

Wills-Kate to create some new memories at Taj Mahal Washington, D.C., Mar. 30 : Prince William andKate Middleton are all set to make a pilgrimage to the beautiful Taj Mahal, where Princess Diana's memory is said to be kept alive, during their visit to India next month. "Prince William feels incredibly lucky to visit a place where his mother's memory is kept alive by so many who travel there," Cambridges' communications secretary Jason Knauf said in a statement, E! Online reports.

He added twenty-four years on from Diana's visit to the Taj, the duke and the duchess are looking forward to seeing this beautiful place for themselves and creating some new memories. During their trip, the 33-year-old Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge will pay tribute to the 166 people killed in the Prince William and Kate Middleton 2008 attacks at the Mumbai hotel. They Kaziranga National will lay a wreath and during the attack. meet the staff who The royal couple, who Park in Assam, will also helped protect guests will also pay visit to be visiting Paro

Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery in Bhutan. It is being said that Princess Diana was photographed at the Taj Mahal during her visit to India in 1992, an image that has become famous for embodying the Princess but also for the demise of her marriage with Prince Charles. William and Middleton will visit the monument of love in April, 24 years later Princess Diana had visited. (ANI)

New Delhi, Mar. 30 : Delhi Police on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of five persons who were allegedly involved in the assault of three Madrassa youth at a park in the city's Begampur area. Police said that the arrests had been effected under Sections 323, 325, 506, 341, 34 and 36 of the Indian Penal Code. Three Muslim youth-

Dilkash, Mohammad Ajmal and Naeem-- were allegedly beaten up as they refused to chant proreligious and national slogans such as 'Jai Mata Ki' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The victims called up their teacher Hafiz, who then called up the police. They were rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital for immediate treatment. (ANI)

President Obama to convene a trilateral meeting with Japan and South Korea Washington, Mar.30 : United States President Barack Obama will on Thursday convene a trilateral meeting with President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on the margins of the Nuclear Security Summit. The White House in its statement said that this meeting would be an opportunity for the three leaders to discuss common responses to the threat posed by North Korea and to advance areas of trilateral security cooperation in the region and globally. Pyongyang in its recent move has aggressively fired ballistic missiles and had warmed both Seoul and United States of nuclear attack. Despite being warned by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to re-

US President Barack Obama

frain from actions which violate the UN resolutions, North Korea gives no ears. The Security Council had this month imposed strictest sanctions to North Korea after it carried out its fourth nuclear test in January and fired a rocket in February, but Pyongyang seems to remain undeterred. US President Barack Obama had also signed an order implementing tougher sanctions unilaterally by Washington outlined in the recent UN sanctions, Seoul followed the same suit. (ANI)

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NEIGHBOURS

Pak Senate expresses doubts over China Pakistan Economic Corridor Islamabad, Mar.30 : The Pakistan Senate has accused the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N Government of concealing facts about the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, and warned the latter that failure to satisfy Parliament on all aspects of this vital economic project is creating serious doubts not only in their minds, but also among the residents of three of the country's five provinces - Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. Taking the government and especially Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal to task recently, the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development, Senator Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, told the former, "You have failed to satisfy almost the entire committee because you too seem to be uncertain about many issues relating to the CPEC. Members of the committee are patriotic Pakistanis and they are

Sindh government releases Rs. 25 million on Bhutto's death anniversary event Karachi, Mar.30 :The Sindh government has released Rs.25 million to cover the expenditure of Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) founder and former presidentZulfikar Ali Bhutto's death anniversary event, to be held on April 4. The funds have been released by the finance department after Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah approved the summary,reports The Express Tribune. In the document, finance department section officer referring to the chief minister's summary said that the amount has been sanctioned in anticipation of budgetary provision 2015-2016 and will be released from law and order budget. In a press statement, leader of the opposition in the Sindh Assembly, Khawaja Izharul Hassan, lambasted the Sindh government for misusing taxpayers' money.(ANI)

Arrest warrant against former B'desh PM Khaleda Zia Dhaka, Mar.30 (ANI): A Dhaka court on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant against former Bangladesh prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party ( BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia and 27 others in connection with a case of arson attack on a passenger bus in Jatrabari locality of Dhaka in January last. Judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court of Dhaka passed the order after accepting the charges against the accused, reports the Daily Star. The court has further directed officer-in-charge of the Jatrabari Police Station to submit a report by April 27 on the execution of the arrest warrant.

concerned because, a huge investment is involved in the CPEC." An unrelenting Senator Mashhadi further said the government's strategy for the 46 billion dollar project, which also includes construction of eastern and western routes, railway links, and establishment of economic zones and power plants remains unconvincing and unclear "In fact, the government is concealing facts ...," claimed Senator Mashhadi. Apart from Senator Mashhadi, Senators Salim Mandviwala, Hasil Bizenjo, Sherry Rehman and Mohammad Mohsin Khan Leghari maintained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between Pakistan and China with regard to the CPEC was unclear, and did not accept Minister Iqbal's contention that the Chinese would be irked if critical questions were asked, and this could place the future of the entire project in jeopardy.

Pak Senate expresses doubts over China Pakistan Economic Corridor Senator Usman Khan Kakar of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party also criticised the government for giving the impression that work on the western route of the project has commenced, when actually the case was that even alignments of the said route were not in place. Referring specifically to the Lahore's Orange Line train project, Minister Iqbal said that it was not part of the CPEC project. However, according to a media report, the archi-

tecture, construction and operation of the train project has been entrusted to Beijing and its estimated completion time is 27 months. Minister Iqbal said that the federal government has not allocated any funds for the train project and added that the government in Pakistan's Punjab Province is executing the project from its own budget and resources. About investment in energy and transport infrastructure, the minister said Chinese private

companies would set up energy projects in accordance with the government's energy policy. Critics of the CPEC have also pointed out other lacunae such as commercial operations at the Gwadar Port remaining dormant for almost nine years because of differences between the Gwadar Port Authority and the Port Singapore Authority International; or the fact that details of the agreement related to the handing over of the Gwadar Port to Chinese not being revealed; or need for the Pakistan Planning Commission to allocate major portions of the capital amount for CPEC power projects which have nothing to do with trade corridors. Questions have also been raised about trans-shipment operations not commencing at Gwadar as also the fact that the United States might consider reducing financial aid to Pakistan in the wake of China emerging as an alternative economic partner to

Islamabad. The CPEC is considered to be an extension of China's ambitious proposed 21st century Silk Road initiative, and is considered central to China-Pakistan relations. While economic opportunities and development will largely benefit Pakistan, the CPEC's importance to China's geopolitical and economic goals is reflected by the inclusion of the project as part of China's 13th five year development plan. Should all the planned projects be implemented, the value of those projects would be equal to all foreign direct investment in Pakistan since 1970, and would be equivalent to 17 percent of Pakistan's 2015 gross domestic product. Infrastructure projects under the aegis of CPEC will span the length and breadth of Pakistan, and will eventually link the Pakistani city of Gwadar in the southwest to China's north western Xinjiang Province via a vast network of highways and railways. (ANI)

U Htin Kyaw takes oath as Myanmar's President, asks for patience

U Htin Kyaw, formally took oath as Myanmar's first elected president Naypyidaw, Mar.30 : A trusted confidant of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, U Htin Kyaw, formally took oath as Myanmar's first elected president from a non-military background in 54 years in

parliament on Wednesday. In his first address to the nation, the 69-year-old former academic asked for patience. U Htin was sworn in before the Union parliament, taking his oath in

unison with his two vice presidents - former general U Myint Swe and ethnic Chin Christian Henry Van Thio. Following the swearing in, his ministers, including National League for Democracy (NLD) leader who is barred by the constitution from the presidency, took their oaths, completing a 144day transition period since it won general elections against the military last November. President U Htin Kyaw in his address pledged his government would work towards establishing a constitution that would guarantee a federal democracy and the lifting up lives of the people. "The new government will try with commit-

ment to fulfill the people's long waited political desires. We need to be patient to reach our goals," the Myanmar times quoted him as saying. He also said that his government would also strive for "national reconciliation" and achieving peace. U Htin and his cabinet then moved to the presidential palace for a formal handover ceremony with outgoing president U Thein Sein. The President and Vice Presidents pledged of being faithful to the people of the republic of the union of Myanmar. NLD leader, Suu Kyi was seated to U Htin Kyaw's left as he rose in parliament to take the stage for the brief swear-

ing-in. It has been confirmed to parliament that she would hold four ministerial posts, including that of foreign minister. Many wanted 70-yearold NLD leader to be the new president, but refusal from the refusal of the military to amend the constitution that bars her from the top post on the grounds that her sons are foreign nationals stopped her from securing the coveted post. Questions remain if Suu Kyi could yet become president after amending section 59(f) of the charter over the five-year term of the new government. Meanwhile, swearing in of other ministers is still in progress. (ANI)

Not involved in 'Nuclear' race with India: Pak ambassador Lahore, Mar. 30 : Rejecting the perception that Islamabad is engaged in a nuclear race with New Delhi, Pakistan's envoy in Washington Jalil Abbas Jilani said that the nation did not have a reckless nuclear strategy. "It is disingenuous to create a perception that PakisĂ&#x201A;-tan has some grand strategy to recklessly build a nuclear arsenal to its own and the region's peril," the Dawn quoted Jilani as saying. The upcoming Nuclear Summit in Washington, which is the fourth and final of President Barack Obama's administration has brought focus on Pakistan's tactical nuclear weapons because of its agenda. This led to a series of stories in the US media, claiming that terrorists could only access nuclear weapons in Pakistan because it is making smallsized (tactical) weapons and also because terrorists are actively fighting government forces in that country. However, Ambassador

Jilani speaking to Dawn, rejected the claim that Pakistan had the fastest growing nuclear arsenal as a "misplaced opinion based on theoretical assumptions". "The oft-paddled opinions on so-called tactical nuclear weapons are off the mark. Pakistan's shortrange missile is not a unique weapon system in South Asia. India also has such missiles for tactical use in the battlefield," he said. Pointing out that last week India tested a long range submarine launched missile, Jilani said that it demonstrated the India has operationalised a nuclear triad. "India arms imports, according to a Stockholm think-tank, increased by 90 per cent over the past five years as compared to previous five years. India tops this unprecedented level of armament with war fighting doctrines such as cold start to win a war below nuclear threshold." He added. Jilani asserted that con-

Jalil Abbas Jilani cerns about a nuclear race in South Asia could be resolved if India agreed to start a dialogue with Pakistan on a Strategic Restraint Regime. "India has refused to consider this long-standing proposal by Pakistan. The ball is now in India's court. Our troubled history with India, potential of outstanding conflicts to create tensions, deepseated mistrust and India's continued accumulation of conventional and nuclear capabilities leave

Pakistan with no option but to invest in its own nuclear capability for defence," he added. The ambassador pointed out that India separated weapon-grade plutonium in 1964, 22 years before Pakistan could even enrich uranium. If the assumptions applied to Pakistan were also applied to India, it would show that New Delhi has "a much larger nuclear arsenal" and is "moving towards MIRVs (a multiple independently

targetable re-entry vehicle), which is ostensibly a destabilising move," Jilani said. "The country having the largest nuclear programme outside NonProliferation Treaty Regime is India and it continues to follow a maximalist approach in expanding its nuclear arsenal," he added. Jilani also urged the international community to note that a significant portion of India's nuclear programme was outside any safeguards. Quoting from a recent report by the Institute of Science and International Studies, Washington, he claimed that India had 32 tons of plutonium in spent fuel along with reprocessing plants without safeguards. "Availability of significant amounts of unsafeguarded nuclear materials and unsafeguarded reprocessing plants requires no further imagination to understand its likely military use," Ambassador Jilani said. (ANI)

Before demitting office, exMyanmar President lifts emergency in Rakhine

Former Myanmar President U Thein Sein Naypyidaw, Mar.30 : Former Myanmar President U Thein Sein announced a surprise end to the state of emergency imposed in Rakhine state hours before leaving his office. The region had been in the grip of sectarian riots between the Buddhist and the Muslim communities in 2012. The decision to lift the provision was announced yesterday, reports the Myanmar Times. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), which does not hold a majority inRakhine state, has been engaged in a heated spat with the Arakan National Party (ANP) over the formation of the state cabinet. Former president had said that he decided to lift the emergency order as

the state government had determined that no threats to the lives and property of the people were found. Rakhine State, which is the poorest in the country, has witnessed deadly communal violence wracked in 2012, which led to the segregation of Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslim, officially referred to as Bengalis, are regarded as immigrants from n e i g h b o u r i n g Bangladesh. Meanwhile, political analyst says that the move does not mean that the NLD or the military bloc would not try to reimpose it. However, how the impact of removing the state of emergency in Rakhine on a practical level remains unclear.(ANI)

Nepal: TRC to submit human rights violation report by Feb. 2017

Kathmandu, Mar.30 : ATruth and Reconciliation Commission(TRC) appointed by the government plans to probe human rights violations from the decadelong armed conflict in Nepal within the next ten months. The Commission would submit its final report to the government by the first half of February next year, reports The Himalayan Times. The Commission presented its plan of action at a meeting of the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Parliament today. The mechanism plans to collect complaints on human rights violation during the war era, from April 17 to June 16, via District Peace Committee Secretariats.

Then, a probe committee involving experts would carry out a preliminary investigation into the complaints in next three months before launching a detailed investigation. The detailed investigation process would last as long as six months. The Commission published a public notice today requesting members of the public to register their complains on warera human rights violation cases including murder, abduction and hostage, against humanity as per the international human rights and humanitarian laws. Besides the Peace Committee Secretariat, complaints can also be filed via post box, email, phone or in person. (ANI)

US Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashes in Afghanistan, pilot safe Kabul, Mar.30 : United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed on takeoff near Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan this morning. The Pentagon said the pilot ejected safely and is being medically evaluated, reports TOLO News. Bagram Air Field is located northeast of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and is the U.S.

military's main base of operations in Afghanistan. Coalition forces are securing the crash site, said Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook. Cook added that the cause of the accident is under investigation. There are 9,800 American troops still in Afghanistan as part of a training and advisory mission.(ANI)

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

Connectivity and business: India vs South East Asia Infiltration in Assam Promises are meant to be broken Large scale illegal migration from Bangladesh over several decades has been altering the demographic complexion of this State. It poses a grave threat both to the identity of the Assamese people Photo: and to our national secud30fl32nd2baj9.cloudfront rity. Successive Governments at the Centre and in the State have not adequately met this challenge. Illegal migration into Assam was the core issue behind the Assam student movement. It was also the prime contributory factor behind the outbreak of insurgency in the State. Yet we have not made much tangible progress in dealing with this all important issue. Illegal migration from Bangladesh into Assam should be viewed against the backdrop of past history, present realities and future designs. Migration into Assam has been taking place from the dawn of history. However, after the British annexed Assam, large scale population movement from the South (Bengal, East Pakistan and now Bangladesh) has been an ongoing phenomenon for over a century. Initially, this movement was for economic reasons only but with the approach of Independence, it started developing both communal and political overtones. After Independence, it acquired an international dimension and it now poses a grave threat to our national security. Many, including the ruling Congress and the opposition All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), do not believe that infiltration from Bangladesh is as rampant as the AASU and others claim. But the fact remains that since 1985, Foreigners' Tribunals have declared over 38,000 persons in Assam as illegal migrants. Most of these 38,000 have gone missing, are absconding for fear of being caught, have been detained in camps, or been pushed back across the border. Over 1 lakh are pending in the Tribunals, and a sizeable number are likely to be declared foreigners. Nearly 1.5 lakh names in Assam's electoral rolls carry the prefix "D" - for "Doubtful" citizenship status which was inserted by the Election Commission of India. According to the NRC coordination office, "Ds" too may apply for inclusion in the NRC, but would need a final clearance from the Foreigners' Tribunals. Raking up the issue of infiltration of Bangladeshis in Assam, BJP president Amit Shah accused the ruling Congress of not stopping it and using the illegal migrants as its vote bank. Bangladeshi infiltration problem is not only of Assam but of the entire country. During the Chinese aggression in the 1960s it was Nehru's responsibility to stand with his soldiers and the people of Assam but he addressed the nation over All India Radio saying 'good bye Assam, good bye Assam'. The Indian soldiers fought bravely and kept Assam within the Indian map. If we still choose to tolerate these infiltrators on our land then we are indeed choosing instability and terror for ourselves, and more importantly the generations to come. During every election campaign our great political leaders come and promise us to end the problem of infiltration. But after they gain the power they forget everything.

Organic Farming Sikkim to Lead Other States With more than half of arable land certified as organic, tiny state of Sikkim is all set to lead the other states in the country toward healthier lifestyle by opting for organic farming. Nearly 30,000 hectares of land area out of the total 58,128 hectare of available cultivable land has been certified as organic in Sikkim by the soil scientists. Regions of North-Eastern and Eastern states where consumption of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is already low, are the next thrust areas of the Agriculture Ministry to encourage organic farming among the local farmers.The institute will undertake basic, strategic and adaptive research on efficient, economically viable and environmentally sustainable organic farming systems for improving productivity, resource use efficiencies and quality of produce. Besides, it will impart vocational and advanced training to stakeholders for promotion of organic farming in the country. Required financial resources, manpower and infrastructure facilities will be made available accordingly. The organic farming mandates meeting the complete nutrient requirement of the crop only through permitted organic inputs and pest management by non-chemical methods. However, in view of large requirements of food in terms of cereals, legumes, oil seed, fodder, fruit, vegetables, and fibre organic farming is expected to be promoted in the niche areas. In view of some sincere efforts made by Sikkim for agricultural products investments, various techniques of crop production and marketing of products the organic retail stores are being started by Government of Sikkim in New Delhi and there are plans to open more stores across major cities of India to market the organic produce. According to the Ministry, a tremendous growth in agricultural production was achieved during the last 40 years through input intensive chemical energy based agriculture with adoption of nutrient-responsive high yielding varieties. But while it increased the foodgrain production, it also aggravated the second-generation problems associated with Green Revolution. Sustaining of soil productivity has become a major issue as lands are being intensively tilled under multiple and intensive cropping systems. Furthermore, indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides to control various insect-pests and diseases over the years has destroyed their many natural enemies and soil microflora. This has created a pressing need for adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management.

ties for industrial development in India and trade potential with South and East Asian countries. As South Asian leaders gather in Kathmandu this week for the 18th Summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), there is growing expectation for the discussions to result in Pranjal Kumar Phukan stronger economic and energy Connectivity is the key build- connectivity in the region ing block of convergence and and opportunity for encohesion in any regional in- hanced regional collaborategration initiative. Develop- tion on a host of other areas. ment of connectivity across While it is too early to tell any region-especially of what agreements will be transportation linkages, en- forged at the SAARC sumergy pipelines, and informa- mit, such a focus is long overtion and communication due in a region that contintechnology- contributes to ues to be one of the least conintegration by reducing nected in terms of interretransaction costs and facili- gional trade. The United tating intraregional trade and States firmly believes that ininvestment. The potential creased regional economic gains from closer connectiv- connectivity within South ity between South Asia and Asia, as well as with other Southeast Asia are no doubt parts of Asia, can bolster ecolarge. India's regional inte- nomic growth, reduce povgration with Southeast Asia erty and enhance regional has been advancing well and stability and security, which several projects are being is why we continue to enimplemented at present. courage governments, civil India's regional connectivity society and businesses in with Southeast Asia has been South Asia to strengthen reevolving on two pillars: gional cooperation. northeast India for This is not to say that multimodal and intermodal progress has not been operations, and southern In- achieved. It has. Over the dia for multimodal opera- past 20 years, South Asia has tions. This paper presents averaged six percent ecoIndia's broad proposals on nomic growth per year, liftconnectivity projects with ing millions out of poverty Southeast Asia and policy and improving the quality of recommendations to life for hundreds of millions strengthen connectivity more. It is the second fastest throughout Asia, in particu- growing region in the world lar between India and the As- and has the human capital, sociation of Southeast Asian industry, and technology to catapult its citizens forward Nations. Enhancing connectivity be- in the 21st century. Still, in tween South and Southeast terms of economic linkages, Asia is a multifaceted task the countries of South Asia that will require the imple- remain oceans apart, espementation of strong policy cially in stark contrast to initiatives. Development of other regions of the world. connectivity in Southeast For South Asia, intraregional Asia and South Asia will trade is anchored at around bring significant opportuni- 5 percent, the lowest in the

world. But the good news is we are seeing real leadership from governments of the region to change that dismal statistic. India's Prime Minister Modi has made growing trade and investment among SAARC countries one of his government's top priorities, and these early efforts are having positive ripple effects throughout the neighborhood. This is especially true in areas like energy connectivity, where increased flows of electricity can fill supply gaps, provide factories with the power they need to engage in regional trade and showcase to potential investors the region as a platform for business and market access. Following Modi's trip to Nepal earlier this year, the two countries have advanced power trade and power development cooperation, which could enable greater private sector investment to develop hydropower capacity. India and Bhutan recently signed agreements to strengthen their ties and deepen regional energy, trade, and educational connectivity. And India and Bangladesh are working closely to expand their crossborder 500 MW electricity transmission line, which came online last year. In Afghanistan, the newly elected Government of National Unity has prioritized regional economic engagement, already signing a pricing agreement for transiting electricity from Central Asia through Afghanistan to Pakistan as one of its first policy acts. This week, SAARC members have the chance to further deepen regional ties by moving on three agreements that have the potential to revolutionize trade and regional economic growth: a South Asia power trade agreement, a motor vehicle agreement and a railway

Image for representational purpose (Photo: mynews) agreement which collectively will provide the basic framework for regional integration. We also welcome the continued pursuit of a South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) by all the countries of SAARC, which would provide a strong, stable and transparent framework for investment while fostering greater trade and spreading opportunity. Such steps are necessary to create a single regional market that will spur market efficiencies, generate comparative advantages and shift to more productive, innovative and balanced economies. As SAARC members work together towards a more connected and more prosperous future, they will have the support of international partners like the United States. We are already taking several steps to support greater South Asia cooperation. On the energy side, we have been working

with South Asian countries on steps needed to create a regional energy market through greater electricity trade. On transit trade, the United States supports a strong regulatory environment for private investment and greater harmonization of trade standards across borders. On border crossings, we are implementing a single-window customs system to reduce border wait times at key points such as the Benapole-Petrapole crossing across India and Bangladesh. We have also offered technical assistance to organizations that facilitate greater regional linkages to the global marketplace like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) secretariat. The United States sees a South Asia with unlimited potential, not only to dramatically increase trade within the region but to also

reach out to regional neighbors in Central and Southeast Asia. This is why we are supporting initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor -- connecting South to Southeast Asia -- and the New Silk Road -- connecting South to Central Asia -with greater energy, trade, transit and people-to-people links. In short, the United States sees the potential of a much more unified Asia -- with South Asia at the heart of dynamic regional connections. SAARC members can lead the way this week and unleash the region's true potential and create a more prosperous and secure future for their people. (Author is Regional General Secretary, CaSI Global, US, Executive Council Member of Gerson Lehrman Group Inc., US and Editorial board member of International Education and Research Journal. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)

For Refugees, Returning to Afghanistan Is Easier Said Than Done Afghan refugees can't stay in Europe, but they face considerable uncertainty upon returning home. Afghan refugees have re- are willing to go back to Afturned to the headlines as ghanistan." European countries pursue Until the Syrian crisis, Afavenues to send many of ghanistan had spent three those waiting for asylum decades as the world's top back to Afghanistan. A producer of refugees. M. larger number reside in Pa- Ashraf Haidari commented kistan and Iran, where they in January in a piece for The are stuck in the limbo of Diplomat that "over the refugee course of c a m p s . Catherine Putz the past 36 Meanwhile, years, Afmany of those who have al- ghan refugees have never ready returned remain in a hesitated to return home as difficult situation, left land- soon as conditions have less despite laws a decade given them hope for the resold geared to helping re- toration of peace and justice turnees reclaim their land in Afghanistan." But shortly and schemes designed to al- after those who were hopelocate land to those who re- ful returned, new conflicts turn. arose. For example, when According to the Washing- the Soviet Union withdrew ton Post, in 2015 more than in 1989 and the Afghan 180,000 Afghans applied communist government fell for asylum in Europe. in 1992, "more than 2 milWhile there have been sev- lion Afghan refugees voluneral articles about Afghan tarily repatriated from Parefugees wanting to return kistan and Iran." But then to Afghanistan-having ei- the civil war crushed any ther found Europe not quite realistic hopes for stability, what they expected or the and a new wave of refugees limbo of migration centers fled. a dead end-the Post says In February, German Inte"Only about 1,000 Afghans rior Minister Thomas de in Germany have said they Maiziere confirmed that a

image for representational purpose (Photo: flicker) planeload of Afghans had been sent back to Afghanistan after volunteering to return. According to Deutsche Welle, he emphasized that they "had no prospects to stay in Germany." Germany's embassy in Kabul last year began a campaign to stem the tide of new refugees which the Human Rights Watch germany director called "unusually stupid." The embassy reportedly erected billboards asking "Leaving

Afghanistan? Thought it through?" Germany views Afghan refugees as primarily economic migrants, rather than categorizing them as fleeing conflict, meaning most will be denied refugee status. Unfortunately, those that return to Afghanistan are still in for considerable uncertainty. In a recent report for the Afghanistan Analysts Network, Jelena Bjelica dives into why many Afghan returnees re-

main landless, despite several laws and initiatives that aim to provide or return land to them. There has never been a calm moment in the past several decades to sort out ownership of land and during that time laws and norms have changed, resulting in a confused mess. For example, Bjelica writes "Although the recovery of property was recognized as a right [by the 2001 Decree on the Dignified Return of Refugees], in practice, many returnees found they could not just walk in and reclaim their original houses and farms. New occupants often held documents supporting their own claim to the property." In fact, the 2001 decree "revoked all land rights people had gained through the land reforms in the 1970s and 1980s." Lack of documentation and conflicting claims is one problem; another is that many refugees never had land to begin with. Subsequent decrees included a system to allocate

Proof of the Pudding Is In The Eating

Tarun Gogoi, CM of Assam (Photo: orangenews9)

Sir, All the Political Parties are tall in words and short in actions. In pool- bound Assam the Political Parties have published their 'Manifesto'. During its long rein of administration for 15 years, the congress led by Tarun Gogoi fails on many counts. A cursory look at the previous 'Manifesto' of the congress (in last three assembly Polls) is enough to drive home the fact about what the party committed and what it did. Still, it talks of commonmen. On the contrary BJP's Assam vision Document 2016-2025contains many innovative schemes. But it remains to be seen how these are executed in the event of the party's win in the assembly pools. The congress fails on all counts, be it Electricity, Education, Forest, Water-Resource, Irrigation, PHE, PWD, Health, Civil supply, Rural development, Minority affairs, Border areas and what not. Elected members, particularly, the ministers' primary concern is to fatten their coffers rather than doing anything good for the people. It is beyond the imagination of the commonmen to get to know about the inexhaustible properties of the ministers and bureaucrats. Now, people

are disillusioned towards congress. The common people are unequivocally of the opinion that the congress hit them below the bolt. Even the funds allocated by the centre towards the welfare of the minority community do not reach the beneficiaries, if news paper reports are anything to go by. There is a yawning gap between what our Chief-minister commits and what actually is been in reality. The much- hyped package of our Chief-minister for Sadia, Dhemaji, Majuli and Barak Valley is yet to see the light of day. In fact, identity of the Political parties is manifested when the parties are in power. The congress could show its actual identity in its three successive terms with Tarun Gogoi at its helm. The AGP had already shown its identity. If we go by the saying "Proof of the Pudding is in the eating". BJP is yet to show its mettle in Assam.

Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

land to returnees, but the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has been mired by corruption and incompetence and as Bjelica writes "The implementation of the land allocation scheme was far from smooth." (Check out the full report for just how badly mismanaged this scheme has been.) By 2014, of the estimated 2 million Afghan returnees eligible, only 266,000 had applied for land and only 57,500 plots had been allocated (fewer still had received deeds or actual occupied the land granted). Notably, Bjelica points out that the Afghan government has never considered a public housing option in urban areas-the land offered through the allocation scheme is all in rural areas, often without access to basic services, let alone jobs. Returning to Afghanistan and restarting life there is not easy, even for those who wish to do so. Courtesy: The Diplomat

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JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

Circle Organizer (Grade-III) recruitment in Assam Police Qualification : The minimum educational qualification for the post of CO, VDO is High School Leaving Certificate or equivalent Board or Council. Class VIII pass case of candidate having special qualification in special works and having distinguished on self by sincere and devoted service to the Village Defense Organization. Total No. of Posts : 54 (UR-31, OBC-17, SC-01) Scale of Pay : Rs. 5200-20,200/Age : 18-43 yrs Selection Process : Written Test and Interview Physical Fitness : A candidate for direct recruitment shall be : (I) of sound health, both mentally and physically and free from organic defect or bodily infirmity which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties . (H) Required to undergo medical examination before appointment to the service. How to apply The last date of submission of Application is 31-03-2016 and the application is to be addressed to the Addl. Director General of Police (A), Assam, Ulubari, Guwahati.

UPSC Assistant Commandant Recruitment, [BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB] Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Last Date: 08/04/2016. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold a written Examination on 26th June 2016 for recruitment of 270 posts (BSF-28, CRPF-97, ITBP-87, SSB-58) of Assistant Commandants (Group A) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) viz. Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Name of post: Assistant Commandant (Group A) No of posts: 270 Age : Not less than 20 years and not more than 25 years as on 1st August, 2016. The upper age is relaxable for SC/ ST/ OBC and certain other categories of candidates to the extent specified in the Notice. Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree of any recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Possession of NCC B or C Certificate will be a desirable qualification. The desirable qualifications will be given consideration at the time of Interview/ Personality Test only. Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the Regulations given in notice. Sex : Both male and female candidates are eligible for appointment to BSF, CRPF. However, only male candidates are eligible for appointment in ITBP. Pay Scale : PB-3 Rs.15600-39100 grade pay Rs.5400/Selection Procedure : Selection will be based on the basis of a written examination to be conducted on 26/06/2016 by the UPSC followed by Physical Standards/ Physical Efficiency Test and Medical Standards Test to be conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Personality Test/ Interview to be conducted by UPSC. Fee: Rs.200/- (SC/ST/Women candidates are exempted) to be deposited in Branches of SBI by cash, or by using net banking facility of SBI, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur/ State Bank of Hyderabad/ State Bank of Mysore / State Bank of Patiala/ State Bank of Travancore or by using Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card. How To Apply: Apply Online at UPSC website http://upsconline.nic.in/ mainmenu2.php from 12/03/2016 to 08/04/2016 only.

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Constable Jobs in Railway Protection Force, ECR East Central Railway (ECR) Last Date: 11/04/2016. Applications are invited from eligible Male/Female Candidates for filling up the posts of Constable (BAND) in Railway Protection Force (RPF) / Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) under East Central Railway (ECR): Name of post: Constable (Band) No of posts : 246 posts (UR-137, OBC-56, SC-29, ST-24) Pay : Rs.5200-2000/- Grade Pay Rs.2000/Educational Qualification : Matriculation or equivalent from recognised board. Age : 18-25 years as on 01/07/2016. Application Fee : Rs.50/- in the form of Indian Postal Order/ Bank Draft in favour of Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer, East Central Railway, Hajipur. No fee for Women/ SC/ ST/ Ex. SM candidates. How to apply : Apply in the prescribed format should be send to IG-Chief Security Commissioner, East Central Railway, Hajipur, Pin Code844101, Bihar on or before 11/04/2016 For more information and application form, please visit http://www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in

Military Engineer Services Tradesman Recruitment,[463 posts] Military Engineer Services. Last Date: 26/04/2016. Military Engineer Services has issued notification for the recruitment of following posts of Civil Motor Driver, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Meter Reader, Caneman, Store Keeper-II and Peon. Name of the Post: Mate (Tradesman) No of Posts: 463 1. Civil Motor Driver (Ordinary Grade): 81 Posts 2. Chowkidar: 85 Posts 3. Safaiwala: 49 Posts 4. Meter Reader: 52 Posts 5. Caneman: 24 Posts 6. Store Keeper-II: 86 Posts 7. Peon: 86 Posts Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Matriculation or equivalent exam with valid Civil Driving License for post 1, Matriculation or equivalent exam for post 2, 3, 6, 7, (10+2) examination for post 4, Matriculation or equivalent exam or ITI for post 5. Age: Candidates age should be between 18-27 years as on 19-04-2016. Age relaxation is applicable 5 years for SC/ ST, 3 years for OBC, 10 years for PH (OH/ HH), 13 years for PH (OH/ HH)+OBC, 15 years for PH (OH/ HH)+SC/ ST & for others as per Central Govt rules. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on written examination & skill test. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may send their application on plain paper in the prescribed format along with admit card in duplicate affixing self attested passport size photograph on it, self attested copies of relevant certificates, two self addressed envelope of size 28 cm X 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 60/affixed on each envelope for CMD, one self addressed envelope of size 28 cm X 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 60/- affixed on each envelope for remaining all posts to the concerned address as given in the notification on or before 19-04-2016 by 1700 hrs & 26-04-2016 by 1700 hrs for remote areas. Superscribe the envelope with Name of the post i.e., D'Man, Store Keeper-II, CMD (OG), Peon, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Meter Reader & Caneman along with Category (UR/ SC/ ST/ OBC/ PH) in BlockCapital letters.

Various Jobs in Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, March 2016 [17 posts] Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Last Date: 20 days. Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education & Literacy, Govt. of India, invites applications in the prescribed format, from eligible Indian nationals for filling up the following 24 posts for its Hqrs. Office at Noida and Regional Offices located at Bhopal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Pune and Shillong. 1. Audit Assistant : 03 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/2. Hindi Translator : 05 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/3. Stenographer : 06 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 5200-20200 grade pay Rs. 2400/4. Lower Division Clerk : 03 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/Application Fee : Rs. 400/- (no fee from Women/ SC/ST/PH/ Women and Ex.- Servicemen candidates) in the form of Bank DD in favour of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti payable at NOIDA. How to Apply: Application in the prescribed format should be send within 30 days (published on 12/03/2016 i.e. last date is 09/04/2016) and 40 days for the candidates from far-flung areas to The Deputy Commissioner (Admn.), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Hqrs., B-15, Institutional Area, Sector-62, Noida - 201307, District Gautam Budha Nagar (UP).

Engagement of Apprentice Trainees in BSNL, Assam Graduate Engineer Apprentice Qualification: The applicant must possess a B.E/B.Tech degree from a recognized engineering college/ university in anyone of the following disciplines. i Telecommunication, ii. Electronics, iii. Radio, iv. Computer, v. Electrical. vi. IT (Information Technology) vii. Instrumentation OR M.Sc (Electronics)/M.Sc. (Computer Science) from a recognized institution/university No.of Posts: 05 Stipend : Rs. 4984 Diploma Holder in Engineering Technician Apprentice Qualification: The applicant must possess Three years Engineering Diploma in Telecommunication/Electronics/Electrical/Radio/Computer Engineering ,Instrumentation, Information Technology from a Central Govt./State Govt. recognized institution or B.Sc (Electronics)/(Computer Science) in Electronics from a recognized institution/university. No.of Posts: 35 Stipend : Rs. 3542 Period of Training : The period of Apprentice training will be limited to one year only. Age Limit : 18 years Reservation of seats: The reservation for candidates belonging to SC/ST category will be as per Rules applicable for the State of Assam

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Eastern Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.). 1). The introduction of local self - government in the modern period of India is associated with the administration of a) Lord Ripon b) Lord Irwin c) Lord Dufferin d) Lord Canning Answer: a) 2). Who was the first Portuguese Viceroy in India? a) Diaz b) Vasco da Gama c) Francisco de Almedia d) Albuquerque Answer: c) 3). Who among the following Sultans built the fifth storeys of Qutub Minar? a) Qutubuddin Aibak b) IItutmish c) Firoz Shah Tughiaq d) Sikandar Lodi Answer: c) 4). Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? a) Lord Cornwills : Subsidiary Alliance b) Lord Dalhousie : Permanent Settlement of Bengal c) Lord Lytton : Doctrine of Lapse d) Lord Curzon : Partition of Bengal Answer: d) 5). Disciples of which one of the leaders in Bengal during the Indian freedom struggle were called Young Bengal ? a) Keshab Chandra Sen b) Henry Derozio c) Surendra Nath Banerjee d) Madhusudan Datta Answer: b) 6). Among the following who was the earliest visitor to India? a) Alberuni b) Fa - Hien c) Hieun - Tsang d) Megasthanes

Answer: d) 7). Kantakasodhana in the Mauryan Administration refers to which one of the following ? a) Criminal Court b) Police establishment c) Revenue Department d) Municipal Council e) None of these Answer: a) 8). Kalhana's well known work 'Rajatarangini' is an important source material for the study of which one of the following? a) Ancient Kamarupa b) Post - Mauryan Magadha c) Medieval Rajasthan d) Early Medieval Kashmir Answer: d) 9). The King Pulakesin II belonged to which Dynasty? a) Cholas b) Cheras c) Chalukyas d) Chedis Answer: c) 10). Which one of the following chronological orders of the given dynasties of India is correct? a) Maurya - Nanda Kanva - Sunga b) Nanda - Maurya Sunga - Kanva c) Nanda - Maurya Kanva - Sunga d) Maurya - Nanda Kanva - Sunga Answer: b) 11). Who among the following Sultans of Delhi was the first to have paid to his soldiers in cash ? a) Iltutmish b) Alauddin Khilji c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq d) Firoz Tughlaq Answer: b)

12). Who was the Governor General of India during the Revolt of 1857 ? a) Lord Canning b) Lord Dalhousie c) Lord Dufferin d) Lord Hardinge Answer: a) 13). Which is the most important divinity of Rig Veda ? a) Marut b) Agni c) Shakti d) Varuna Answer: d) 14). The Second Battle of Tarain was fought between Mohammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan in a) 1191 b) 1192 c) 1193 d) 1194 Answer: b) 15). Ashoka the Great, conquered Kalinga in the year a) 261 BC b) 58 BC c) 261 AD d) 78 AD Answer: a) 16). Saka era started from a) 78 BC b) 78 AD c) 300 BC d) 124 AD Answer: b) 17). The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was built by a) Mauryas b) Nandas c) Khalijis d) Gupta Answer: d) 18). Which of the following laid the foundation of the British Civil Service in India ? a) Warren Hastings b) Lord Cornwallis c) Lord Wellesley d) Lord Canning Answer: b)

19). Which of the following was the founder of 'Prarthana Samaj' ? a) Devendranath Tagore b) Mahadeo Govind Ranade c) Keshab Chandra Sen d) G K Devdhar Answer: b) 20). The strategy of 'Divide and Rule' was adopted by a) Lord Curzon b) Lord Wellesley c) Lord Minto d) (a) and (b) Answer: d) 21). Delhi became the capital of India in a) 1910 b) 1911 c) 1916 d) 1923 Answer: b) 22). Who among the following Mughal Emperors had the longest reign ? a) Bahadur Shah b) Jahandar Shah c) Famukhsiyar d) Mohammad Shah Answer: d) 23). Vande Maram was first sung at the session of the Indian National Congress in a) 1886 b) 1892 c) 1896 d) 1904 Answer: c) 24). During which viceroy, queen Victoria was crowned with 'Kaiser - I - Hindi' in Delhi Durbar ? a) Hastings b) Lytton c) Elgin d) Lord Minto Answer: b) 25). Which of the following institutions was not founded by Mahatma Gandhi ? a) Phoenix Ashram

b) Vishwa Bharati c) Sevagram Ashram d) Sabarmati Ashram Answer: b) 26). Who laid the foundation of the first independent Turkish kingdom in India? a) Mohammad Qasim b) Qutubddin Aibak c) Ghiasuddin Balban d) Mohammad - bin Tughlaq Answer: b) 27). Who among the following, destroyed the group of Forty Nobles ? a) Baharam Shah b) IItutmish c) Razia d) Balban Answer: d) 28). The Delhi Sultanate virtually ended due to the invasion of a) Changez Khan b) Babur c) Nadir Shah d) Timor Answer: c) 29). The part of Delhi where Aibak laid the foundation of the first so called ' Seven cities' of medieval Delhi, was a) Mehrauli b) Shahjahanabad c) Din Panah d) Hauz Khas Answer: a) 30). In which region of India was the Suharawadi order of Sufism popular ? a) Delhi and Bihar b) Delhi and Doab region c) Punjab and Sind d) Around Ajmer Answer: c) 31).The Muslim League was formed in the year a) 1905 b) 1906 c) 1900 d) 1904 Answer: b)

32).Surat session took place in the year ___________ a) 1905 b) 1906 c) 1907 d) 1909 Answer: c) 33).The Minto - Morley reforms was passed in the year _________ a) 1900 b) 1909 c) 1919 d) 1920 Answer: b) 34).Bal Gangadhar Tilak formed the Home Rule League in __________ a) Chennai b) Calcutta c) Mumbai d) Delhi Answer: c) 35).Jawaharlal Nehru met _____________ for the first time at Lucknow session a) Navroji b) Patel c) Gandhiji d) Gokhale Answer: c) 36).Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces by the Act of _____________ a) 1878 b) 1900 c) 1909 d) 1919 Answer: d) 37).The Rowlatt Act was passed in the year _____________ a) 1909 b) 1919 c) 1900 d) 1899 Answer: b) 38).The Ali brothers and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad organized _________ movement a) National b) Khilafat c) Home rule d) Suddhi

Image for representational purpose (Photo: flckr)

Answer: b) 39).Gandhiji advocated a new technique in our freedom struggle a) Sathyagraha b) Glasnost c) Long march d) Violence Answer: a) 40).C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the __________ party a) Khadar b) DMK c) Swaraj d) Akali dal Answer: c) 41).Who is not Bhakti poet? a) Tukaram b) Kabir c) Nirala d) Meerabai Answer: c) 42).In Jainism 'perfect knowledge' is referred to as a) Jina b) Ratna c) Kaivalya d) Nirvanas Answer: c) 43).Who among the following is not associated with medicine in ancient India ? a) Dhanvantri b) Bhaskaracharya c) Charaka

d) Susruta Answer: b) 44).The social system of the Harappans was a) Fairly egalitarian b) Slave - labour based c) Colour (Varna) based d) Caste based Answer: a) 45).The capital of India was shifted to Delhi during the reign of a) Minto b) Chelmsford c) Curzon d) Hardinge Answer: d) 46).Chandranagore was a trading centre of the a) English b) French c) Dutch d) Portuguese Answer: b) 47).The Mughal dynasty in India was founded in a) 1526 b) 1536 c) 1546 d) 1556 Answer: a) 48).Megasthenes was the ambassador of a) Alexander b) Seleucus c) Darius d) Cyrus Answer: b)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

BUSINESS

104-crore mark crossed by Indian telecom users: Trai Mumbai, Mar 30: Telecom users in the country crossed 104crore mark with mobile service provider adding over 70 lakh new customers in January 2016, says a Trai report. "The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,036.41 million at the end of December 2015 to 1,043.29 million at the end of January 2016, thereby showing a monthly growth rate of 0.66 per cent," The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) report said. The overall tele-density in India increased to 82.30 in January from 81.83 at the end of December. The urban tele-density reached 153.02 and rural tele-density crossed 50.33 at the end of January. The fixed

Specialedition compact cars planned by Hyundai Mumbai, Mar 30: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), which completes two decades in India this year, plans to introduce 4-5 models in 2016. The second largest car maker aims to close the gap with the segment leaders and boost its share in the Indian automobile market. The company will introduce special editions of compact cars Xcent and Grand i10 soon. These editions will have a new chrome design, accessories, enhanced entertainment features and sporty looks. "2016 is important for us. To celebrate 20 years of our success, we will introduce a special edition of Xcent this April at a competitive price for Indian customers. In May, we will roll out a special edition of i10, with new features and styling," said Y. K. Koo, Managing Director of HMIL. Hyundai will also introduce a new version of its Elantra in August this year in a bid to regain its hold in the executive segment, which is now dominated by Toyota Corolla. With the new Elantra, the company is targeting a comeback from its current position at Number Four in the market. Mr.Koo also said that Hyundai had decided to heighten its focus on the SUV (sport utility vehicle) segment, which has become an attractive to Indian buyers. Hyundai seeks to up the ante with the introduction of the new premium compact SUV Tucson, which will hit India around the festive season this year. The company will also increase the production capacity for its Creta from June, which will reduce the waiting period from about 4 months to 2 months.In the mid-size sedan segment, with the recent introduction of its 2016 Verna, bookings have grown 25-30 per cent, he said. "We aim to double the present monthly volumes of Verna to 3,000 units shortly," he added. HMIL is targeting sales of 6.65 lakh units in 2016 as against 6.43 lakh units last year. Of this, it aims to sell 5 lakh units in India and export the rest. (Agencies)

line connections continued to decline despite efforts of BSNL and MTNL to offer free unlimited calls across any number in country during night. The number of landline connections in January dropped marginally to 2.53 crore from 2.55 crore in December. Airtel gained 23,117 new landline customers while state-run BSNL lost over 2 lakh wireline subscribers. The mobile connections continued to dominate growth with telecom operator adding 70.8 lakh new customers taking the total mobile connections in the country to 101.79 crore. Telecom major Airtel led the race by adding 25 lakh new mobile subscribers, followed by Idea Cellular that added 12.51 lakh customers and

CROSSING RECORDS Telecom users in the country crossed 104crore mark with mobile service provider adding over 70 lakh new customers in January 2016. The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,036.41 million at the end of December 2015 to 1,043.29 million at the end of January 2016, thereby showing a monthly growth rate of 0.66 per cent. Vodafone 11.12 lakh. BSNL regained its fourth spot by adding 9.25 lakh new customers. Telenor added 7.24 lakh new customers, Aircel 4.35 lakh and Reli-

The overall tele-density in India increased to 82.30 in January from 81.83 at the end of December. The fixed line connections continued to decline despite efforts of BSNL and MTNL to offer free unlimited calls across any number in country during night.

The number of landline connections in January dropped marginally to 2.53 crore from 2.55 crore in December. Airtel gained 23,117 new landline customers while state-run BSNL lost over 2 lakh wireline subscribers.

The urban tele-density reached 153.02 and rural tele-density crossed 50.33 at the end of January.

The mobile connections continued to dominate growth with telecom operator adding 70.8 lakh new customers taking the total mobile connections in the country to 101.79 crore.

ance Communications (RCom) 3.15 lakh. Tata Teleservices and MTNL added 75,654 and 9,220 subscribers, respectively. Videocon Telecom net loss

in January stood at 1.5 lakh (after adjustment of subscribers added by its subsidiary Quadrant Televentures). Sistema Shyam Teleservices lost 1.12 lakh subscribers.

Out of 101.79 crore subscribers, 91.76 crore subscriber were found active in January. In the month of January, 56.2 lakh subscribers submitted their requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to change their service provider. With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased to 19.96 crore at the end of January, 2016, since implementation of MNP. Broadband subscribers increased from 13.65 crore at the end of December to 14 crore million at the end of January. Mobile devices accounted for 12.29 crore broadband connections in January. Bharti Airtel reported to have 3.27 crore broadband customers on its network, Vodafone 2.62 crore, Idea Cellular 2.2 crore), BSNL over 2 crore and RCom 1.54 crore. (Agencies)

Stake in Bengaluru Airport to be sold by GVK Bengaluru, Mar 30: GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd has entered into an agreement with the Fairfax Group entities to divest 33 per cent stake in Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) for Rs 2,149 crore. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions and third party consents, including lender consents, is expected to be completed by the middle of 2016. Upon completion of this transaction, GVK Power & Infrastructure's debt burden, which stands at Rs 40,000 crore will be reduced by Rs. 2,000 crore. This move will also help the company to save on interest to the tune of Rs. 300 crore per annum, it said. The Fairfax entities that are buying the stake

Dr. GVK Reddy, founder Chairman and Managing Director, GVK. (Photo:gvk) include the wholly-owned Mauritius based subsidiaries of Fairfax India Holdings Corporation and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. For over a year GVK Airport Devel-

opers, the wholly-owned subsidiary of GVK Power & Infrastructure has been looking at mobilising funds to meet its debt obligations. Among other options, it is also consid-

ering a listing to raise funds. GVK said it received multiple offers, from which the Fairfax Group was selected. "All proceeds from this stake sale shall be used to bring down our debt obligations to our lenders," Dr. GVK Reddy, founder Chairman and Managing Director, GVK said in a statement. "We chose Fairfax as a partner in BIAL as we have a long standing relationship with its Chairman, Mr. Prem Watsa and we look forward to partnering with them in developing Kempegowda International Airport through its next stage of expansion as we develop a new world-class Terminal 2 and a new runway," he added. After the sale, GVK's holding in BIAL will reduce to 10 per

cent from the current 43 per cent. GVK, which heads the consortium that runs the Mumbai International Airport, had first acquired 17 per cent stake in BIAL from L&T for Rs 686 crore in 2009 and then gradually increased its stake. Commenting on the development, Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax said, "We will work closely with all stakeholders to manage our stake in BIAL, going forward, and will support G.V. Sanjay Reddy to continue to lead the management team as Managing Director (MD) of BIAL and Dr. G.V.K. Reddy will continue as Co-Chairman of BIAL." GVK said it would remain a long-term investor in airport assets in India. (Agencies)

Pantaloons, Snapdeal tie up to boost online portfolio ANI Mumbai, Mar 30: India's leading fashion and lifestyle retail format Pantaloons announced its newest partnership with Snapdeal to give a boost to the online shopping arcade. With Pantaloons boasting a strong fan following on Snapdeal, the tie up will further heighten the excitement amongst customers, who will now be able to buy brands such as Rangmanch, Akkriti, Trishaa, Annabelle, Ajile and Candies. "Pantaloons is the most loved family retail destination across segments. We are excited to build a new relationship with Snapdeal and reach out to a fresh consumer base in new mar-

kets. With our wide range of brands for men, women, kids and infants, we hope to make our consumers more fashionable and stylish," said CEO - Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd, Shital Mehta. He further said that Pantaloons continues to be the preferred `Retailer of Choice' amongst consumers. Our latest initiative `Wow Fashion at Wow Prices' is creating considerable excitement amongst our fan followers. Speaking about the partnership, Rahul Taneja, Vice President, Category Management, Snapdeal said, "We are excited to partner with Pantaloons to bring their assortment online. We

have the widest range of choices for our fashion buying customers and Pantaloons brands will be a great addition to our portfolio. We are confident that this partnership would be well received by the Snapdeal customers across 6000+ towns and cities of India." The partnership would combine the strengths of the two companies and boost sales by further leveraging the enormous potential of online retail. Pantaloons' leadership CEO - Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd, Shital Mehta. (Photo: dnaindia) strength in the offline fashion retail space with 125 large format stores Snapdeal's reach to mil- loons has the biggest play across the country, lions of consumers in the in women's apparel, and coupled with its vast online space. The associa- Snapdeal with its leaderportfolio of well estab- tion is very promising be- ship in the online space, lished Exclusive Brands cause of the very DNA of together will create new would complement both the partners, Panta- synergies for both players.

Reduction in fertilizer subsidy bill by Rs 10,000 crore next fiscal: Crisil New Delhi, Mar 30: The next financial year will see the government's subsidy bill reduce by around Rs 10,000 crore thanks to the cut in the nutrient-based subsidy rates and the low price of gas, according to Crisil. "The reduction in nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) rates announced last week could trim the government's subsidy bill for phosphatic fertilisers by Rs 5,000 crore next fiscal," a report by Crisil said. "The cut, which follows declining international prices of di-ammonium phosphate and ammonia, would influence the contracted price for phosphoric acid, the key raw material, for fiscal 2017." "Overall subsidy bill reduction would be around

Sudip Sural, Senior Director, CRISIL Ratings. (Photo: pbs.twimg) Rs 10,000 crore next fiscal-Rs 5,000 crore through the cut in NBS rates, and a similar amount in urea subsidy because of lower gas costs," Sudip Sural, Senior Director, CRISIL Rat-

ings said. The current price of gas in India is $3.82 per million British thermal unit, which is set to be changed in April. The consensus view is that the April review will see gas prices falling fur-

ther. The reduction in the subsidy bill could help the government reduce its fertiliser subsidy arrears of around Rs 35,000 crore that have been carried forward since 2012, Mr Sural added. "But achieving a balanced nutrient ratio, which was one of the objectives of NBS, remains a far cry, given the continuing price disparity between urea and phosphatic fertilisers," he said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on March 23 announced that the subsidy rates for nitrogen and phosphatic nutrients would be cut by Rs 5 per kg and Rs 5.4 per kg, respectively, amounting to a 25-30 per cent reduction. The subsidy rate for potassic nutrients was kept

largely unchanged. The fertiliser subsidy has been estimated at Rs 70,000 crore for 2016-17, lower than the Rs 72,437.58 crore estimated for the ongoing financial year. Crisil finds that the poor monsoon over the last two years has created a vicious cycle in the fertiliser sector. "Two consecutive years of deficient monsoon has burdened the fertiliser industry with excess inventory, estimated around 5 million tonne, which is equivalent to 90100 days of consumption. That means manufacturers will have limited ability to increase prices to compensate for the reduction in subsidy, which, in turn, increases their dependence on monsoons," the report said. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

Accenture March quarter performance benefits Infosys, TCS

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: ohiostateisa) ANI New Delhi, Mar 30: Shares of Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services surged up by two percent in early trade on Monday. The gain was a clear result of strong earnings by Irelandbased IT software company Accenture, which raised hopes for good March quarter performance. After the results, Infosys touched a 52week high of Rs. 1,234.65. Accenture's second quarter revenue increased by six percent

year-on-year to USD 7.9 billion in dollar terms and 12 percent in local currency (constant currency - CC), which was far better than its given guidance of 6-9 percent CC growth. For the quarter ending May 2016 (Q3FY16), it expects revenue at USD 8.18.35 billion, implying CC growth of 6.7-10 percent on annual basis. Operating profit margin grew by 10 basis points to 13.7 percent year-on-year and profit (net income) was at USD 1.3 billion for the quarter.

Three new variants of Gear S2 smartwatch unveiled by Samsung

Samsung's three new variants of Gear S2 smartwatch in display. (Photo: pcmag)

Korea, Mar 30: South Korean electronic giant Samsung launched three new variants of the Gear S2 smartwatch and a whole new set of applications and dial faces for Indian customers. The wearables will be available across all Samsung retail channels at a price of Rs.24,300 for the Gear S2 white and Rs.34,900 for the Gear S2 Classic gold and platinum variants. "The introduction of these new Gear S2 variants with additional apps and watch faces will further add to the style and convenience quotient," Manu Sharma, director, mobile business, Samsung India Electronics, said in a statement. The new apps such as cab services from Uber, G'Night sleep tracking app, My Notes in Gear and an all-new YouTube

browsing app Xenozu are now available with already available innovative and comprehensive solutions around health, fitness, connectivity and style. Gear S2 will also feature a host of new games, enabling the intuitive rotating bezel as a natural game controller for games such as Hextris and classic car racing Vroom Rider. The stainless steel chassis makes the devices very light and they sit slim and sleek on the wrist. The devices consist of a 1.2inch 302 pixel-per-inch density Super AMOLED display with a ceramiccoated gorilla glass. The Gear S2 classic can be paired with any standard 20mm watch straps while for Gear S2, strap adaptor is available in Samsung's accessory selection. (Agencies)

ANOTHER COMPETITION IN MARKET South Korean electronic giant Samsung launched three new variants of the Gear S2 smartwatch and a whole new set of applications and dial faces for Indian customers. The wearables will be available across all Samsung retail channels at a price of Rs.24,300 for the Gear S2 white and Rs.34,900 for the Gear S2 Classic gold and platinum variants. The new apps such as cab services from Uber, G'Night sleep tracking app, My Notes in Gear and an all-new YouTube browsing app Xenozu are now available with already available innovative and comprehensive solutions around health, fitness, connectivity and style. Gear S2 will also feature a host of new games, enabling the intuitive rotating bezel as a natural game controller for games such as Hextris and classic car racing Vroom Rider. The stainless steel chassis makes the devices very light and they sit slim and sleek on the wrist. The devices consist of a 1.2-inch 302 pixel-perinch density Super AMOLED display with a ceramic-coated gorilla glass. The Gear S2 classic can be paired with any standard 20mm watch straps while for Gear S2, strap adaptor is available in Samsung's accessory selection.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

PAGE 11

World T20: Kohli-powered India take on mighty West Indies for place in final

The head-to-head record between the two rivals in past World Twenty20s is 2-1 in

favour of the West Indies. However, India, with a strong team on paper, seem to have the edge although quite a few players have not lived up to the expectations. But the crowd favourites would be wary of being upstaged by the Caribbeans, who have quite a few match-winners of their own. Kohli has been the biggest galvanising factor in India's progress this far. With his consistently excellent display in an otherwise misfiring top-order, he is the batsman that Windies will be wary of the most, apart from ever-reliable skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India suffered a shock opening game defeat at Nagpur against New Zealand but then picked up pace to get the better of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia to be one victory away from entering their third summit clash in six editions. Windies, powered by Gayle force, ensured their entry into the last four with creditable

victories over England, South Africa and Sri Lanka before coming a cropper against minnows Afghanistan in their previous game. The Caribbean charmers would be hoping to put the shock loss against Afghanistan behind them. The home team, on the other hand, will be hoping that Kohli's brilliant run, which included a master-class of 82 not out against Australia in the door-die game, continues unabated. They would also be eager to see that the under-performing opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan - who are averaging around 10 after four games - come good at a venue considered ideal for strokemaking. Also under the pump has been Suresh Raina at no. 4 while Yuvraj Singh, who has not got big runs but has been involved in crucial stands with Kohli, remains in doubt with the ankle injury that he sustained in the

Mohali game when batting. The home team has kept Manish Pandey, not in the 15 named for the squad, on standby in case Yuvraj needs to be replaced in the squad although Ajinkya Rahane is also present as part of the original squad. It's imperative for India's chances against the varied attack of the Windies, in which leg-spinner Samuel Badree has emerged as the highest wickettaker, that the top order fires in unison and does not depend only on the brilliance of Kohli to lead the way. One of the key battles to watch out for will be Ravichandran Ashwin against the left-handed Gayle who lit up this venue with 11 towering sixes in the game against England in which the Windies chased a 180-plus total successfully by riding on the Jamaican's swashbuckling 100 not out. Ashwin has had a fair measure of success too, claiming Gayle four times out of nine in T20

Internationals, but the world stage is a different proposition altogether. Including Ashwin, India has a settled bowling combination at its command with senior pro Ashish Nehra leading the seam attack. Spin, in the form of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, has been another important cog in the Indian success wheel and the hosts would be hoping it continues to be the case. West Indies had also been plagued by injuries and were forced to replace batsman Andre Fletcher with Lendl Simmons. Simmons has the experience of playing at the Wankhede with a fair amount of success too, as he was part of last year's IPL champions Mumbai Indians' campaign. Simmons, who was named in the original squad before picking up an injury and dropping out, now needs to adapt quickly to the challenge and

Afridi begs forgiveness from nation Domingo baffled by post Pak's World T20 debacle Proteas' collapse in World T20

Shahid Afridi ANI Karachi, Mar.30 : Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi has apologised to his countrymen after the side made an early exit from the ongoing World T20 in India. Pakistan were heavily criticized by the fans after they failed to replicate their domi-

nant win over Bangladesh as they went on to lose three consecutive matches against fierce rivals India, New Zealand and Australia to get themselves knocked out of the T20 format's pinnacle tournament. Posting a video of him on his Facebook page, the 36-year-

old begged forgiveness from the nation for not performing according to their standards, the Express Tribune reported. The all-rounder further insisted that he had represented Pakistan for last 20 years and that he had always carried the emotions of the people of the country with him whenever he stepped into the field. Afridi's comments came a day after head coach Waqar Younis apologised to the nation for the country's dismal show and offered to quit the job for the benefit of the team. Afridi, who holds the record for taking most number of wickets in the history of T20 format with 97 scalps, is expected to make a decision about his future as a skipper very soon.

Toure likely to leave Man City when Guardiola arrives

Yaya Toure ANI London, Mar.30 : Manchester City's Yaya Toure has reportedly been preparing to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer as the midfielder is yet to be told about his future under Pep Guardiola. Reflecting on the news,

Toure's agent Dimitri Seluk said that they would start discussing transfer with the other clubs as City's chances of offering a new contract to the 32-year-old before Guardiola's arrival seemed to be in doubt. "City don't do anything con-

Djokovic survives Thiem scare to reach Miami Open quarters

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ANI Miami, USA, Mar.30 : World number one and twotime defending champion Novak Djokovic continued his dominant run as he saw off battling Dominic Thiem of Austria in straight sets to storm into the quarterfinals of the Miami Open on Wednesday. The five-time Miami champion failed to produce his best tennis and struggled hard against his Austrian compatriot before eventually claiming a 6-3, 6-4 triumph in a thrilling contest that lasted for one hour and 49 minutes. Admitting that the victory was far from easy, Djokovic said that Thiem had produced some really powerful strokes, but added that he somehow managed to stay tough and able to tire the Austrian. With the win, the Serbian has set up quarterfinal showdown

Novak Djokovic against seventh-seed Tomas Berdych, who also made it to the last eight after beating Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 . Djokovic, who is aiming to equal Andre Agassi's record of six career Miami titles, holds a 22-2 lead against Gasquet in their FedEx ATP Head to Head rivalry.

crete. Yaya has given everything for the club and we don't feel that this situation is the right way to show how much they appreciate him," Seluk was quoted as saying by goal.com. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus are reportedly interested in signing the Ivorian international, whose contract expires at the end of next season. Toure has netted only six goals in 26 Premier League appearances he had made for City this season. Guardiola, who would leave his current club Bayern Munich this summer, had earlier signed a three-year deal of more than 15 million Euros a year to take over as City manager.

Russell Domingo

ANI Johannesburg, Mar.30 : After being knocked out of the ongoing World Twenty20 tournament in India, South African coach Russell Domingo has admitted that he is puzzled by his side's poor performance on the big stage. The Proteas' hopes of winning their first international title were dented after they suffered a threewicket defeat at the hands of West Indies in their

third group match at Vidarbha Cricket Stadium in Nagpur. However, Faf du Plesiss's side signed off their World T20 campaign with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their dead rubber contest in Delhi. Domingo admitted that his side were failing to play well in the big tournaments, but urged the cricket fans to understand that his team had lost some key players in last few years,Sport24 reported. Domingo, whose current contract expires in April 2017, also expressed his desire to continue as the Proteas coach and achieve big thing with the team. Apart from their Champions Trophy victory in 1998, South Africa have never bagged a major ICC tournament title since their post-apartheid return in 1991.

the conditions. The Caribbean batting has been led by Gayle and Fletcher and the latter's injury-forced absence has made the side that much more vulnerable. The team will be looking towards someone like Marlon Samuels to step up his game for the occasion. In bowling, Badree, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell have been the more successful ones in terms of wickets taken. The pitch has produced three high-scoring games so far with South Africa, already eliminated, notching up back to back 200-plus totals. But indications are that the track for tomorrow's highpressure game would not be as good for batting as the previous ones. It's expected to be a tad slow, which should help India more than the Windies.

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar. 30: Dibrugarh City Cricket Coaching Centre beat Friends Club by five wickets in the last quarterfinal of the Rajanu Bora second division Cricket tournament organised by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium here today.

wickets each conceding 10 and 17 runs respectively for DCCCC. In reply, DCCCC scored 99 losing five quick wickets in 19.3 overs. Badal Parik remained unbeaten on 41 off 53 balls(5x4) while Abhinav Baruah and Rajdeep Phanshu scored 14 runs each.

Put into bat, Friends Club scored 96 in 17.3 overs before being bowled out. Manab Das scored 20 off 18 balls(1x4, 6x1). Javed Ikbal contributed 18 off 21 balls(2x4) and Moon Choudhury chipped in with 17 runs.

For Friends Club, Abhinash Kumar took two wickets for 19 in 4 overs. Tomorrow, first semifinal will be played between Dibrugarh City Cricket Coaching Centre and Evergreen Club and in another semifinal Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre will play Namrup Cricket Academy.

Sharvana Baruah and Issba Rahman shared two

`Fit-again` Starc set to return in Caribbean tri-series ANI Melbourne, Mar.30 : Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who has recovered from his long ankle injury, is all set to make a comeback in the ODI tri-series to be played in West Indies. The 25-year-old was excluded from the ongoing World T20 after he failed to recover fully from a foot fracture sustained during the opening day of the historic day-night Test against New Zealand in Adelaide. Reflecting on his inclusion, national selector Rod Marsh said that the team were pleased to have him back and expressed his confident about Starc's fitness for the series. "Mitchell has progressed very well in his rehab and the medical staff are confident he will be fit to play in this series.It is extremely pleasing to have a bowler of his calibre back in the side," Marsh was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. Besides Starc, other notable selection include uncapped batsman Travis Head while Test spinner Nathan Lyon have also earned call-up in the 16-

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc man squad. Marsh said that Lyon had bowled extremely well in the West Indies in previous years and that they were hoping to see the same kind of performance from him. Fast bowler Nathan CoulterNile, who had not played in an ODI series since the tour of England last year, has also been named for the tri-series, which will also feature South Africa.

Australia will play their opening match against West Indies in Guyana on June 5. Australia squad: Steven Smith (captain), David Warner (vice-capt), George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Injured Yuvraj ruled out of Nishikori rolls into Miami Open quarters WT20, Manish Pandey steps in

Yuvraj Singh ANI New Delhi, Mar. 30 : In a major blow to India, Yuvraj Singh has been ruled out of the ICC World Twenty20 following his ankle injury

and Manish Pandey has stepped in as the allrounder's replacement. Yuvraj twisted his ankle while batting in the previous match against Australia in Mohali and has been ruled out of further participation in the tournament. 26-year-old Pandey has played two T20Is, which were against Zimbabwe in Harare in July last year. He has also played four ODIs. 2007 champion India will take on 2012 winner West Indies in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai tomorrow.

Kei Nishikori ANI Miami (USA), Mar.30 : Asian number one Kei

Nishikori displayed a resilient performance as he romped into the quarterfinals

of the Miami Open after sweeping aside Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in straight sets on Wednesday. The sixth-seed eased past his Spaniard opponent 6-2, 6-4 in their last-16 clash that lasted for one hour and 24 minutes. Meanwhile, Australian controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios also stormed into the quarterfinals after beating Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov 76 (7-3), 6-3. In the women's singles event, Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber and Indian Wells winner Victoria Azarenka will look for the semi-final berth when they take on their respective opponents later today.

Being booed at Wrestle Mania 13 changed The Rock's life ANI Melbourne, Mar. 30 : Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, who electrifies the ring, was booed really bad 25 years ago, in his first Wrestle Mania. The 43-year-old wrestler, just before April 3rd's Wrestle Mania 32 in Dallas, took to his Instagram account to share a clip of the Wrestle Mania 13 and wrote down his whole experience and how that changed his career, reports News.com.au. "1997, I was 25yrs old, the youngest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history and performing in #WrestleMania13. It

would become one of the most defining moments of my life. Not because it was my first WrestleMania I had the privilege to be a part of, but because I was boo'd out of the building. Literally boo's from 20,000 people that screamed "Get the f*ck outta here"," he wrote. Then wrestling as Rocky Maivia, he faced The Sultan, who would later become Rikishi, in an Intercontinental title match. Rocky rolled up The Sultan to retain his title but was assaulted after the match by his opponent and the Iron Sheik. "And when you're supposed to be a good guy or "babyface" in wrestling

Dwayne Johnson (Rock) speak - getting boo'd is the worst thing that can ever happen. They boo'd me because I wasn't being

real. I was told by the company how to act, how to respond to fans and the worst part of all.. I was

told what to say and what not to say. Not long after this match, I lost the title and was eventually sent home for months to recuperate from an injury - it didn't really matter anyway because I wasn't drawing the company any money nor did the fans care I was gone," his post further read. "A week before I was scheduled to return to the WWE, I got a call from Vince who said "How do feel about turning heel?" (which means becoming a bad guy). I said "Great, but I have one request... give me 2 minutes on the microphone on live TV and let me be myself. Be real and authentic. I gotta be me". Vince said "You

got it". The following week I cut a promo that was from the heart. Real and authentic," The Rock said. "6 months later I was the hottest heel in the company. Even though I hated being boo'd out of the building at WrestleMania13, I learned one of the greatest life lessons that still serves me today. Be real. Be authentic. Be me. Truly my honor to perform this Sunday at #WrestleMania32 for the WWE U n i v e r s e . . a s me. #TheRock #DwayneJohnson #BigBrownBald TattooedPuppyLover #SlightlyElectrifyingAnd O n e H a n d s o m e Sumbitch," it added.

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Mumbai, Mar 30: Virat Kohli's sublime form will be up against the brute force of Chris Gayle when title contenders India clash against a flamboyant West Indies in what promises to be a battle of nerves in the second semifinal match of the ICC World Twenty20 here tomorrow. The no-holds barred battle between the 2007 champions India and the 2012 title-winners West Indies is expected to ultimately be decided by the ability of the players to handle the pressure in front of a full house at a venue where the hosts captured their second ODI World Cup crown almost five years ago. Both teams go into the clash after getting beaten once each in the Super 10 stage and as such the team that grabs its chances is expected to come out triumphant.

Dibrugarh City Cricket beat Friends

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, MARCH 31

Page 12

FASCINATING FACTS

Thumbelina A long time ago and far, far away an old woman was sitting in her rocking chair thinking how happy she would be if she had a child. Then, she heard a knock at the door and opened it. A lady was standing there and she said, "If you let me in, I will grant you a wish." The old woman let the woman in firstly because she felt pity, secondly because she knew what she'd wish for...a child. After she washed the lady up and fed her, she saw that she was really beautiful. The lady slept soundly all night long and then right before she left, she said, "Now, about your wish. What do you want?" The lady thought about most people's wishes to be richest in the world, most powerful person, the smartest, and the prettiest. But the old woman wished for something the lady could not believe. She said, "I would like a child." "What did you say?" she asked because she was astonished at what the old lady asked for. The old lady repeated what she said. "I would like a child." The lady then placed a tiny seed in the old woman's hand and gave her instructions.

"Plant this seed, water it carefully, watch over it, and give it your love. If you do all those things, then you will have a child." (Photo: static.zerochan) "Plant this seed, water it carefully, watch over it, and give it your love. If you do all those things, then you will have a child." So the old woman did all of those things the lady had told her to. In a week, there was a beautiful yellow flower in place of the seed. The next day, the flower bloomed. Inside the flower was a beautiful little girl who was the size

LITTLE SCIENTIST

of the woman's thumb so she a called her Thumbellina. She made her a little dress out of golden threads. Thumbellina slept in a walnut shell and brought the old woman joy and happiness. But, one day when Thumbellina went down for her nap, a frog hopped through the open window and said, "You will be a perfect bride for my son," and she took

Thumbellina to a lily pad and hopped off to find her son. Thumbellina cried and some little guppies heard her and chewed the roots off the lily pad to help her escape. Thumbellina's lily pad floated away. A few hours later, she finally stopped floating. During the summer, she ate berries and drank the dew off the leaves. But then winter came and she needed shelter. A kindly mouse let her stay with it, but it said, "You'll have to marry my friend, Mole, because I cannot keep you for another winter." The next day she went to see Mole. In one of tunnels, she found a sick bird and said, "Poor thing, I will bury it." Then she found out that it was still alive and she cared for it until was ready to fly. It flew off. That fall she nearly had to marry Mole. But then she heard a familiar tweet and an idea popped up in the bird's head. "You can come down to the warm country," said the bird, so Thumbellina hopped on the bird's back and flew to the warm country. The people there who were like her renamed her Erin. She married a prince and she lived happily ever after.

LAUGH OUT LOUD

*The Moon is the Earth's only natural satellite. A natural satellite is a space body that orbits a planet, a planet like object or an asteroid. *It is the fifth largest moon in the Solar System. *The average distance from the Moon to the Earth is 384403 kilometres (238857 miles). *The Moon orbits the Earth every 27.3 days. *Mons Huygens is the tallest mountain on the Moon, it is 4700 metres tall, just over half the height of Mt Everest (8848m). *The Moon rotates on its axis in around the same length of time it takes to orbit the Earth. This means

that from Earth we only ever see around 60% of its surface (50% at any one time). *The side that we can see from Earth is called the near side while the other side is called the far side (it is sometimes called the dark side despite the fact that it illuminated by the Sun just as much as the near side). *The effect of gravity is only about one fifth (17%) as strong on the surface of the Moon compared to the strength of gravity on the surface of the Earth. *The USA's NASA Apollo 11 mission in 1969 was the first manned Moon landing. *The first person to set foot on the Moon was Neil Armstrong.

CRAFTY CRAFTS Cute Minions Necessary materials *3 or 4 yellow balloons *1 blue balloon *Flour *An empty bottle *A funnel *Scissors *White out or white paint pen *Black Sharpie felt-tip pen How to make the minions: *Using the funnel, pour flour into the empty bottle. *Ask an adult to inflate a yellow balloon, and to hang it on the opening of the bottle. *Now you can pour the flour from the bottle into the balloon. You need to fill it enough but not too much. *Ask the adult to remove the balloon from the bottle carefully. *Let the air escape from the balloon very slowly until there is just flour left in it. *Knead the balloon to make sure there's no more air in it. *Cut the tip of the balloon. *Cut the tip of another yellow balloon, stick in over the balloon filled with flour so that the flour cannot spill out. You can ask an adult to help you with that. *To make sure the ball is strong enough, you can stick one or two more balloons over it. *Cut two bent notches on both sides of the blue balloon. Cut off the tip again.

Minion craft (Photo: hellokids) *Stick it onto the yellow ball by stretching it a little. *You can stick the inside a little with glue. *To draw the minion, begin by making a big circle with the white out on the yellow part. *Surround the white dot with black, and make a black point in the inside. On the dungarees, draw two dots on both sides of the eye. *Draw a semicircle for the small pocket at the front, between the two dots. *Make six small curved lines on top of the ball to make the hair, and a small circle under the eye for the mouth. Draw two thick lines on both sides of the eye to finish the glasses.

WHAT AM I ???

Balloon in a bottle

What You Need: o Empty soda or water bottle o Balloon o Large bowl o Hot water o Ice water Instructions: 1. Fill the bottle with hot water, swirl the water around to make the bottle hot, and pour it out. 2. Refill the bottle 1/4 full with hot water and place the balloon over the top. 3. Now, fill the bowl with ice water, and place the bottle in the bowl. 4. Watch as all of the air is taken from the balloon. It might even get pulled into the bottle! This works because hot air expands and cool air contracts. So when you first place the balloon over the bottle, the air in the bottle is hot. As the air cools from the ice water, it contracts and trys to pull more air in from the outside.

Readers can send articles, poems, sketches, stories, travel experiences, achievements etc to editor.easterntoday@gmail.com or can post to The Eastern Today. T.C Borah Building, First Floor, Near to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee. Dibrugarh, 786001 Assam.

(Photo: watermarked.cutcaster) Teacher: Why are you late? Ramu: Because of the sign. Teacher: What sign? Ramu: The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."

RIDDLES

Join the dots and see what is hidden behind it. (Photo: wonderopolis)

FIND YOUR PATH

Q: Which word pronounced wrong is right but pronounced right is wrong. The answer is not 'wrong'. A: Left Q: Which letter is last in the alphabet? A:T is the last letter in T-H-E A-L-P-H-A-B-ET. Q: If you are in a dark room with a candle, a wood stove and a gas lamp. You only have one match, so what do you light first? A: The match Q: What kind of room has no windows or doors? A: Mushroom

Help the mouse reach his favourite piece of cheese. (Photo: lh5.ggpht)

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