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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 9

Vol. 1

Issue 325

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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Pages- 12

PAGE 12

demands CBI inquiry and Arunachal to develop hydropower AAPSU immediate suspension of officials in an optimal manner : CM Pul involved in Tawang incident WHAT PUL SAID

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 3

Arunachal Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today said that the hydropower would be developed in an optimal manner, in which, the environmental impact and human displacement would be reduced to the absolute minimal possible and positive outcomes are achieved in the shortest possible time.

The hydropower would be developed in an optimal manner.

‘Hydro power at crossroads tapping the untapped’, organized

by Associated Chambers of Commerce of India It could provide sustainable means of livelihood to the youths through jobs and other income activities generated from development of hydropower sector.

He said this while delivering his inaugural address at a conference ‘Hydro power at crossroads - tapping the untapped’, organized by Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM).

Stating hydropower as the only viable source for the resource strapped state, the chief minister said it could provide sustainable means of livelihood to the youths through jobs and other income activities generated from development of hydropower sector.

Also, he said the state government would involve all stakeholders and take the local residents into confidence and dispel any misgivings that they may have on account of resettlement due to the hydropower projects. The endeavor would be to create conditions that will foster eco-friendly and people-friendly growth, said the CM. In achieving investor friendly environment, he said the state was willing to relax entry tax to protect the interest of the investor in cutting down the labour and construction costs wherever necessary. Also he asserted the state government would work to improve investment climate in the state and appealed to the hydropower investors to invest in the State “without any apprehensions”.

The CM urged the support of the financial institutions and the Government of India to help the State achieve its hydropower potential assuring that the state government was willing to extend all necessary cooperation and assistance.

ET CAPSULES Gogoi expresses concern over price hike Guwahati, May 3: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressed grave concern over the recent price hike of essential commodities. In a statement here today, CM said, ‘The price hike of the essential goods has hit the common man hard and has dealt a severe blow to the everyday life of an average citizen.’

CM Gogoi also called upon the Union Government to execute and enforce methods to check and control the cost of essential commodities so that it is within the reach of the common man. The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to take adequate measures in tackling the steep price rise issue, so that, consumers can avail the goods in an affordable price. He also asked the Chief Secretary to take measures to make essential commodities available in the Fair Price shops and Amaar Dukan in the State.

(Staff Reporter)

The state was willing to relax entry tax to protect the interest of the investor in cutting down the labour and construction costs wherever necessary

Arunachal CM Kalikho Pul being felicitated during the conference. ET Photo

Underlying the importance of hydropower, he said that with volatile international energy prices and heightened concerns over carbon emissions, there is an increasing focus on developing a cleaner and greener energy basket. In a nation endowed with huge natural resources, and particularly Arunachal Pradesh with its 58,000MW hydropower potential, this is but a natural choice, said the CM. To fast track clearance processes at State level, the CM assured to provide all support to developers for installing and commissioning of hydropower plants with facilities of single window clearance. This would be operated through Chief Secretary with quarterly meetings to expedite the clearance process. Also he assured that all requirements of local coordination would be fast tracked and that there would be no barriers to investors.

The CM, however, pointed out serious concerns that holds up most hydropower projects

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He pointed out that clearance such as cumulative impact and carrying capacity studies for the entire river basin, as prescribed by the MoEF takes away the confidence of the investors, who by then had made substantial investments to the project. Also mandatory studies of basin studies for accord of forest clearances has hurt the prospect on developing small hydro projects where power projects of below 25MW were dropped based on the basin study. The CM urged that the accord of forest clearance be delinked with the completion of basin study.

Further, he said the state government would examine various options available to the state for funding the equity participation of the state including the option to exit from the same. He assured the power developers that they could in-

vest on an as-is-where-is basis, and the state government would only need the 12% free power to be assigned to it.

such scenario is not good when steps to mitigate emissions of green house gases is to be seriously considered.

The CM observed that the private developers in many instances are facing fund constraints, which also contributes to delays in implementation of hydropower projects. He said that this was mainly because projects are taken up without tying up resources from ‘concept to commissioning’ and that the bankers are averse to lending money to the hydro sector.

To tide over such crisis, he said that the government is willing to extend necessary cooperation and assistance required to reduce risks and hydropower projects are commissioned without time and cost overruns.

In this direction, the CM urged that share of hydropower in the electricity mix needs to be raised substantially and that ministry of power may setup a green energy corridor to evacuate hydropower generation from Arunachal and northeastern region.

Earlier Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin in her brief speech informed that Arunachal government would conduct an investor conference in the state shortly and urged all the stakeholders to participate in it.

He urged the centre to give favourable push for hydropower to increase its share in the nation’s electricity-mix, where today the thermal power accounts for more than 70 per cent. The CM pointed out that

ASSOCHAM Secretary General DS Rawat and Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of Norway in India Sigvald T Hauge also spoke on the occasion The chief minister was accompanied by Power Minister TN Thongdok and Parliamentary Secretary for hydropower Phosum Khimhun.

Tigress suspected to be poisoned to death at Dibru Saikhowa ET Correspondent Tinsukia, May 3

A tigress of Dibru Saikhowa National Park, about 30 km from here, is suspected to have been poisoned to death by labourers at Dhelaghat Tea Estate on the outskirts of the town.

On the condition of anonymity, an officer of Tinsukia wildlife division

told The Eastern Today that the two-year-old tigress was found dead near a nala at Dhelaghat Tea Estate around 10:30 am on Monday. The carcass was detected by a local labour . It bore a minor head injury mark and a cut on the back leg hinting towards possible attack by the tea estate labourers killing the tigress, he added.

The officer said that on Sunday night they got an information from BJP leader Sanjay Kissan of a tigress spotted at the tea estate.

Since it was night we decided to go in the morning.

Today, when we alongwith a team of police went to the spot and were looking for the tigress information came in of a tiger lying near a nala. On checking the ti-

gress she was found to be dead, said the officer and added, the forest department is looking forward to register an FIR with the police.

However, locals suggest that had the forest department deployed a team on Sunday night itself after they were informed the incident could have been averted.

Demanding immediate suspension of Tawang deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, magistrate on duty during the incident, and officer in-charge of the police, the AAPSU stated that if no action is initiated in this regard within seven days then it would launch a democratic movement.

Addressing a press conference here at Arunachal Press Club, AAPSU president Kamta Lapung said that the chief minister and Home minister have to take the responsibility because the officials cannot issue firing orders without orders from the state government.

Stating that magisterial inquiry over the matter cannot be trusted to be impartial as it is a part of the state machinery, Lapung said that the CBI should be engaged for thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

Further he said that every individual has the right to use his or her democratic right to protest even in the form of bandh call which cannot be curtailed by the government.

Speaking on the issue,

Adding that mere releasing ex-gratia to the victims’ family members is not enough, Nasi said that the state government should visit them and also ensure the situation does not escalate.

Stating that Buddhist monks from the entire nation are reportedly converging at Tawang which might escalate the crisis, Nasi appealed all concerned to maintain peace.

North East Students’ Organization convenor Pritam Sonam while condemning the incident said that the police had no reason to resort to such “inhuman act” for dispersing crowd when there are many other options.

He also condemned Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for attending a meeting on hydro power at Delhi today while the entire Tawang incident erupted due to the hydro project issue.

Meanwhile, the union informed that it is organizing a candle vigil march on Wednesday from Akashdeep to IG Park here to express its solidarity with the victim’s family members.

A peace team led by AAPSU president is also heading for Tawang tomorrow to meet the victim’s family members and also to try to defuse the unrest there.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul welcomes peace initiative in Tawang A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 3

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today applauded the peace committee meeting conducted by the Tawang deputy commissioner that was attended by the local MLAs, panchayat leaders, monks and members of student unions.

He welcomed the initiative and expressed his thanks to all who had attended and lauded it as a visionary step in resolving differences through peace and dialogue. “There must always be a way by which we can communicate our feelings, only then can we think of resolving whatever issues there may be. Dialogue is the only way to move forward.”

The CM said what had happened was extremely unfortunate and while we are deeply saddened, yet we have to look ahead. He appealed to the people of Tawang and its adjoining districts to continue to work together with a shared vision so that not only the region but the entire State can achieve greater glory.

Assam Govt puts in abeyance CEE for MBBS and BDS A Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 3

In view of the Supreme Court’s April 28 judgement on holding National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), State Government has decided to put its scheduled Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for MBBS and BDS courses in abeyance.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the decision on holding NEET for admission into MBBS and BDS will deprive students of Assam and other North Eastern States as majority of them reside in rural and semi urban areas and a different syllabus has been imposed on them in the

guise of NEET. In a statement here on Tuesday, Gogoi said, “We fully understand the apprehensions of the students and their parents as the Government has decided to file a review petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court”.

Gogoi meanwhile called upon the students to take steps on full throttle to appear for the NEET to be held on 24 July. He also appealed to the student community not to be bogged down by the recent development and should go ahead with their preparations for the NEET. Chief Minister Gogoi also said that the decision on holding the NEET for admission into MBBS and BDS course

has the potential of affecting the tenets of federal structure of the country and remarked that if this trend continues all other sectors where States have greater say will continued to be affected. When the Judges of the High Court are selected state-wise, why a bar has been clamped on selecting students for MBBS and BDS course state-wise?

Gogoi retorted.

In view of the recent development, the State Government has decided to open a Counselling Cell to guide the aspiring students.

The contact details of the Cell to be operational from the office of the Director of Medical Education and will be notified soon.

Ceremonial planting of Oil Palm held: Opening doors for strong Rural Economy Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, May 3

Ultra held Kokrajhar, May 3: Police and army in a joint search operation, arrested deputy commander in chief of National Liberation Force of Bengali (NLFB) from Srirampur under Gossaigaon PS in Kokrajhar district yesterday night.

He was identified as Biswajit Madak, self styled deputy commander in chief of the militant outfit.Two grenade, extortion serve note and some objectionable documents were recovered from him. (Correspondent)

like long construction periods, lack of transport infrastructure, environmental concerns and geological risks, including environmental and other clearances.

In a nation endowed with huge natural resources, and particularly Arunachal Pradesh with its 58,000MW hydropower potential, this is but a natural choice

Vehemently condemning the Tawang incident, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today demanded immediate suspension of officials involved and CBI inquiry into the matter.

AAPSU general secretary Biru Nasi said that every section of the society must condemn and protest the incident so that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

A

ceremonial programme on planting of Oil Palm was held at Leku village under Ruksin Sub-Division on 27th April 2016 last, which was initiated by M/s.Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd. (RSIL) in the presence of farmers, District Agriculture Officer, Y.J. Lego, District Nodal Officer on Oil Palm, Opang Moyong and officials of RSIL like Adviser, A.K.Purakastha, General Manager, K.J.Prabakara Rao and Manger, N. Muthuselvan. .ADC Ruksin, T. Pada, in-

augurated the first planting along with A.K.Purukayastha, Advisor Directorate of Agriculture, Neckhom, State Nodal Officer & P.Mallesham, Corporate Head, RSIL. Briefing about the Crop, Neckhom mentioned that, it is only the Oil Palm that gives 4-6 Mts of edible oil per ha against a meagre production of below one ton by any traditional oil seed crop grown in India. He also explained about the advantages of getting higher returns per ha compared to any other crop grown locally and hence, he opined that the Oil Palm would take momentum in the state. He also explained that, Govt. encourages the farmers

to take up cultivation by giving subsidy for water harvesting structure, electric/Oil engine, drip irrigation, vermicompost & plantation maintenance (cultivation) subsidy for four years, which can support the farmers during gestation period. The plantation starts yielding from 3rd year onward and the farmers will start getting the income twice in a month for a continuous period of 25 to 30 years.

While, P. Mallesham, Corporate Head, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd., informed during his key note address that, Arunachal Pradesh possess excellent climatic conditions,

having annual rainfall of above 4000mm distributed over a period of 8 to 9 months, which is better than the Malaysian condition (Malaysia, 2nd highest producer of Oil Palm in the world).

This would definitely help in getting good yields & anticipated a bright scope for oil palm cultivation, and a revolutionary change in the rural economy of the State of Arunachal Pradesh will take place. He also added that, the Oil Palm industry in the State creates employment generation & auxiliary industries, which would results in improvement of socio-economic

status of farming community in near days. He also expressed his gratitude for the efforts put in by the Govt. officials for introducing the Golden palm in the State. He felt that, with the support of state government and farmers, the cultivation of Oil Palm will progress at par with Andhra Pradesh and opined hoped that the success story will be repeated here in Arunachal Pradesh too. Y.J.Lego, DAO, Dr.Barun Singh, Scientist, & Opang Moyong, DNO, briefed the prominent features of the crop to all the participants.

While, N. Muthuselvan, Manager, RSIL proposed the vote of thanks.

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ET Bureau New Delhi, May 3

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today you will go overboard trying to spruce up your looks. You attempt to imbibe new looks. A very desirable date will raise high expectations in you and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Taurus You will discover answers to the finer aspects of your love life. Overall, you will have a refreshingly creative outlook all through the day. It is a favourable day for those who cherish unrequited love.

Gemini An extremely profitable and progressive day awaits you. You may come into a handsome inheritance. Your responsibilities will increase along with a possible promotion at work. However, do not let your success go to your head.

Cancer You will try to improve ties with beloved ones. Your devotion and dedication will reap benefits for the future. You will have physical and mental happiness. You will keep your future in mind. This will boost your self-confidence.

Leo You will be confused with issues relating to the work-place today. You need to accept your present circumstances for what they are, and work towards resolving your immediate concerns to find your way ahead in life. This period of doubt will pass very soon.

Virgo Your beloved will not only give you a surprise today but also demand one. There may be some good news on the business front. There is no need to shy from taking the advise of a loved one, as it will only benefit you, and later in the day, you may spend some good time together.

Libra You will be slightly possessive about some costly item that you own. There will be small concerns during the day about different matters, which will give you mental stress. On the whole the day will pass by nicely.

Scorpio You may bump into people with different tastes and temperaments. Some may surprise you, while some may just shock you. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand when people react indifferently to your success. Handle it with smartness and diplomacy.

Sagittarius Settling for a new, better employment will help you fast-track your career growth. A telephonic interview might ring in a new offer. A lucrative deal with an MNC would serve well. Your dedication and devotion to work will also peak today Capricorn Mounting pressure of work and responsibilities during the day may drain your energy, but not your enthusiasm. The second half of the day will be tiring, as you will be fighting a tough battle with your competitors. You’ll come out triumphant from the fight as you perform smartly and get your acts right.

Aquarius You speed up your pace and try to do everything in order to complete your targets, but you won’t be able to complete the tasks on time. Don’t lose hope as tomorrow will be a different day. Give yourself some time to relax and unwind.

Pisces You need to concentrate more on your personal life, and seriously think about the changes you need to make. You are guided more by your heart in these matters. However, there is nothing to worry about, as this is a golden period for you.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 4-5-16 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 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 Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 9-30 P.M- Kramasha-"Jangam",Written by Debendra Nath Acharya Sd-/H.O.P

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Name Changed That I Promila Karmakar aged 19years, daughter of Sri Jahahlal Karmakar religion Hindu, resident of Nazira Banpukhri, PO. Bamunpukhuri, Sibsagar, Assam relinquished Hindu from today accepted Islam and Islamic principles with my own volition, consent, free will, etc. and shall perform all the religious activities as deserve my husband from time to time and I am known as NOORJAHAN BEGUM from today vide affidavit 3rd May, 2016.

Black Day observed by AJY CP at Magherita ET Correspondent Margherita, 3 May: Margherita Regional Committee today observed Black Day at Margherita Region and Hoisted Black Flag at Ledo area of Margherita Sub Division. Kanchan Bora General Secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee said that today we observed Black Day at Margherita Region because on 2nd May 2016 at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh during a Clash between Police and Anti Dam Activists where 3 people were killed and more than 10 people were seriously injured. Kanchan Bora said that Big Dams is the Major Problem of Assam and

its neighboring States but Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP Govern-

ment at the Centre forcefully wants to build the Big Dams.

Kanchan Bora said BJP before the 2014 Lok

Sabha Polls Opposed the Big Dams but today Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP Government at the Centre forcefully wants to build Big Dams at Assam and its neighboring States.

We will continue our Agitation against the Big Dams Project at Assam and its Neighboring States said Kanchan Bora General Secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee. Meanwhile Federation of Barua Buddhist Welfare Association of Assam, Secretary General Sibu Talukdar have also Condemned the Heinous incident at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh where two Buddhist Monks died during the Police Firing.

Sensitization Doomdooma town committee celebrate 100th anniversary workshop organized ET Correspondent Doomdooma, May 3: Doomdooma Town Committee ( DDTC ) is about to complete its hundred years of formation on May 20th this year .This local body was formed on May 20th, 1916 during the British rule as per "Bengal Municipal Act". At that time it was known as Doomdooma Union .The DDTC has decided to celebrate its centenary and to discuss the matter. A public meeting was

held in this regard at the Conference Hall of the DDTC office on April 27th which was presided over by DDTC chairman Dulu Arandhara. In the meeting, the members decided to celebrate the centenary in a suitable manner .

They also decided to hold an inaugural function of the year long centenary celebration on May 20th. A celebration committee was also formed with DDTC chair-

man as President, former DDTC vice chairman Govinda Phukan as working President, head assistant of DDTC Pradip Baishya as general secretary and DDTC accountant Jyoti kumar Deka as treasurer .The headmaster of Rupai High School, Prakash Dutta and the subject teacher of Hoonlal HS School, Mrigen Saikia will be the editors of the souvenir to be published on the occasion .

Concern over illegal selling of land of Tezpur Gahan Uddyan ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 3: People here particularly the office bearers of the Gahan Uddyan positioned on the bank of Marabharali river near Parwa Chariali (Gutlung) have expressed their total dissatisfaction over the illegal selling of government land near the Uddyan by an unscrupulous land mafia of the area.

Founder member of Gahan Uddyan committee and a noted social worker of Tezpur town Aswani Boro alleged that some land mafias including Samsul Haque has been selling the government lands of the Gutlung area to some sus-

pected illegal Bangladeshis using fake stamp papers.

It is to be mentioned here that some influential forces have been active in and around Tezpur to settle some suspected people by grabbing government lands in nexus with some unscrupulous officials of the circle office of Tezpur over the last few years posing serious threat to the very existence of the local people.

Meanwhile, reiterating the problem Aswaini Bora said that few years back this evil force even tried to capture the land of historic Gahan Uddyan which was not allowed to be happened as an

outcome of timely initiatives of socially aware local people. "The land of the area is a silted position of river Jiabharali which due to the changing of the course of the river later came to be known as Morabharali River provides a natural beauty and serene in the area reflecting the dignity of Tezpur town.

However, this has been affected due to these alleged activities of the illegal infiltrators." He rued giving a clarion call to all local concerned to stand united to defer such evil forces only for the interest of saving the position of the local indigenous people.

Deputy Commissioner M.S. Manivannan Visited AMCH A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, May 3: Shri Samir Sinha, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Assam, Health & Family Welfare Department came to Dibrugarh on 30th April 2016. He called a meeting along with Deputy Commissioner M.S. Manivannan, IAS at Dibrugarh Circuit House where health department officials from Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tinsukia and Sivsagar were present.

Commissioner and Secretary reviewed the performance of above four districts and discussed the problems faced by

the districts and asked all the districts to give the requirements. He also reviewed the present flood situation of the respective districts. He assured that all the requirements will be met up immediately. After the meeting he visited AMCH along with Dr. Anup Barman, Director of Medical Education, Dr. Rathindra Bhuyan, Director of Health Services Health & Family Welfare Department and M. S. Manivannan Deputy Commissioner and Anjanav Chaliha ADC Health.

Dr. P. Swarnakar IC Joint Director of Health Services, Dibrugarh, Dr. Rajesh

BAruah CM&CD Dibrugarh, Dr. Ripun Borpujari Joint DHE, Sivsagar, Dr. Altab Ahmed I/ C JDHS Tinsukia, Dr. Udayam Baruah I/C DHS Jorhat, Monikha Buraguhain DPM, NHM Dibrugarh, Kabindta Baishya DPM, Tinsukia, Kusik Nath DPM. Sivsagar, Smita Saikia DPM Jorhat, Mondakini Deka DME, Jorhat, Suraj Bhuyan DAM Dibrugarh, Chiranjib Borgohain, DDM Dibrugarh, G. Bhaatacharjee DMO Dibrugarh, Baharul Islam, Consultant NVBDCP Dibrugarh were present in the meeting along with other officials.

ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 3: Tezpur based frontline NGO eight brothers recently organized a sensitization workshop at the meeting Hall of Chambers of commerce here for addressing the burning issue of trafficking of women and children that looming large across the country. Among other prominent personalities the day long programme supported by 'UJJAWLA' a comprehensive project on victims of women, ministry of woman and child development, government of India was graced by Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur, Laya Maduri, HoD, Department of woman's studies, Tezpur university, Dr. Madhurima Goswami, District Social welfare officer S. Hazarika and District Child Welfare Officer Dipti Puddar. Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said, "Human Trafficking is serious issue of our present day society, everybody will have to come out to stand united to check this problem. De-

spite remarkable role played by various NGOs and voluntary organizations in rescuing victims of the human trafficking gangs, it has still been happening in our society."

The deputy commissioner also said that due to the lack of awareness and way of proper livelihood it happens more among the people of the tea garden areas.

Kukil Bora, project director of Eight Brothers in his welcome address urged all concerned to come forward to stand against this burning issue. The workshop was conducted by the project officer of UJJAWLA, Chandana Sharma. Attending the programme as the resource person of the workshop, Dr. Madhuria Goswami HoD, Centre for women's studies, Tezpur University in her speech spoke on how the human trafficking could be dangerous in the society and how it could be prevented.

For her besides agencies concerned, society's cooperation is a must in this regard.

BPF condemned Padmabil incident ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 3: The BPF party strongly condemned and demanded inquiry into killing of Bishnu Boro, who was killed by unidentified miscreants at Padmabil village under Serfanguri PS on May 1st in Kokrajhar district.

Former BTC MCLA and president of Dotma block BPF committee Indra Mahan Brahma expressing serious concern over the incident termed that it was unfortunate inci-

dent in the area. He has denied the allegation leveled against him into incident from BTC MCLA Jyotirindra Brahma said that it was baseless allegation on him.

He said that no any party member and activists was involved behind incident.

Brahma also demanded inquiry into incident and punish the involved culprits as per law, besides urging district administration to take stern step into incident.

World Press Freedom Day observed in different way at Sivasagar ET Correspondent Sivasagar, May 3: World press freedom day observed today at Sivasagar press club's conference hall, here in Sivasagar today. In the occasion, Sivasagar District superintendent of police Anand Prakash Tiwari, senior journalist Monjit Bora and Dr Soumar Jyoti Mahanta the principal of Sivasagar Commerce College were participated as chief guests.

To mark the occasion, a blood donation camp and photography competition also been held, which was inaugurated by the SP Anand prakash Tiwari. During his inaugural speech Tiwari said that without the freedom of journalist a

Nation could not be developed. He also briefly described the history of the Declaration of Windhoek which is a statement of press freedom principles put together by African newspaper journalists in 1991, in Africa during a UNESCO seminar.

It is to be mentioned that, every year, World Press Freedom Day is observed globally on May 3 to remind people that many journalists brave death or face jail to bring daily news to the public. Another guest, prominent journalist Monjit Bora in his speech said that, Media persons should know the freedom and Bindings of Press.

He also said that, it is quite

World Press Freedom Day celebrated by Sivasagar Journalist.

Pic - Neelam Kakoty Mazumdar

unfortunate that now a day, the freedom of journalists is destroyed by the owners of the media houses. Further he said that, it would be possible to enjoy the real freedom of press by amendment of constitution, regarding freedom of press by government as there is not a clear mention of freedom of press in Indian Constitution. It is believed that Freedom of Speech and Expression in Article 19 of the Indian constitution include freedom of the press.

He added Dr Soumar Jyoti Mahanta, who is also president of Sivasagar press club had presided the meeting. He also expresses the freedoms and restrictions of media in India.

He appealed to media friends to follow the media ethics and

avoid yellow journalism. After that many journalists and non journalists including SP Anand Prakash Tiwari donated blood. The blood donors were graced with a saplings.Earlier the aim and objects of the occasion was delivered by Sivasagar press club Secretary Inamul Hazarika.

Later in evening the results of photography competition was declared, where Rajdeep Phukan of Sivasagar got the first position and other three position holders Miss Barnali Baruah of Jorhat, Anjuman Athaparia of Golaghat and Pranjit Bhagowati of Sivasagar secured the second position jointly. The photography competition was conducted by Prashmoni Sharma of Sivasagar.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

PAGE 3

Amidst flood miseries of Anpum-Loklung Governor again appeals for maintaining communal harmony and peace, extends relief villages, misuse of relief funds alleged

Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, May 3: The Anpum-Loklung villages under Dambuk Sub-Division in Lower Dibang Valley District which suffered a massive flood damages last year from Dibang River (Sisiri, Dotung and Sikang rivers) changing its usual course toward these villages leading to the miseries of several families which had drawn the sympathy of many section of Government and Non-Government Organizations and individuals vide cash and kinds contribution/donation as relief materials, has now been alleged of misuse of relief funds by its relief committee.

In a press statement, the Anpum-Loklung Flood Victims Welfare Society (ALFVWS), Lower Dibang Valley led by its President, Oiboram Lego and General Secretary, Babua Taye has appealed Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Human Right Commission of India to conduct a judicial

enquiry into the misuse of relief funds by the relief committee. According to the ALFVWS President O.Lego, relief amount totaling to Rs. 46,63,700/(Forty Six Lakhs Sixty Thousand Seven Hundred) only including the Ten Lakhs each of local MLA, Gum Tayeng and MP Lok Sabha, Ninong Ering was misused by the politically elected Panchayat Leaders and Gaon Bura of Anpum village in the name of self style Relief Committee headed by its President, Bimalson Perme, Secretary, Monitong Mili, Treasurer, Ajontong Perme and GB, Riposon Perme. Several NGOs like Adi Baane Kebang, other organizations and agencies had contributed for the flood victims for relief and rehabilitation of the affected families, but nothing tangible has been done for the welfare of the flood victims, added the ALFVWS while further appealing for halting of pay-

ment from MP’s and MLA’s contribution.

Meanwhile, when contacted to get their version on the relief misuse allegation leveled against them, the PRI leaders led Relief Committee President, Bimalson Perme told this scribe that, they had received hardly Rs. 5, 00, 000/- to 6,00,000/- (FiveSix Lakhs) only as cash relief from various organization and most of those amounts were used properly while distributing it equally among the victims and in building flood control at two separate locations like Dibang Protection Work and Dotung Protection Work which was voluntarily carried out by the village people itself. Rest of the amount and management of relief work were managed by administration. Perme also said that, O. Lego of ALFVWS was himself among the auditing committee and his allegation is unfounded. Lego should ab-

ABK E/Siang conducted 7 days awareness tour programme in Upper Siang

stain from complaining which may adversely affect the further release of relief funds from government, added Bimalson Perme.

When contacted to ADC Dambuk, Atul Tayeng said that, flood relief from government was distributed to the respective victims about 176 families from administration’s side while verifying the complete wash out and partially damaged houses along with relief for crop damages. But, we have nothing to do with the relief amount contributed from other private agencies, added Tayeng. The allegation of relief funds misused amidst flood miseries of Anpum-Loklung by their own people need to be monitored from the part of state government too by setting up a committee, as with the absence of an expert and vigilance committee, there has certain possibility of misuse and the situation may take a uglier turn due to infighting between the

village folks for the relief money.

While, in a separate petition to local MLA Gum Tayeng a couple of months ago, Anpum-Loklung Flood Victims Welfare Society had urged the state government for financial aids to resettle and rehabilitate the flood victims of AnpumLoklung villages in a new model village under the name of "Jomin Tayeng Model Village". The land for the proposed Model Village totaling around 150 acres is being donated by the President of ALFVWS, President, Oiboram Lego and the new village would be a tribute to the educationist and administration turn legislator, late Jomin Tayeng, the first IAS officer of the state, said ALFVWS sources. The proposal is said to be forwarded to the state government for it's approval, said administration sources when asked on the model village petition.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 3: As a humanitarian gesture towards the families of the deceased due to Police firing on the mob reportedly engaged in violent protests in Tawang, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has extended ‘One Time Relief’ of Rs. 1 (One) lakh each to the nearest kin of the deceased and Rs.25,000.00 (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand) to each of the seriously injured and Rs.10000.00 (Rupees Ten Thousand) to each of the otherwise injured from Gov-

ernor Relief Fund.

Welcoming the announcement of a Judicial Enquiry by the State Government, which he opined will assuage the hurt feelings of the people, that Governor has once again appealed to all sections of people, community leaders, civil society and the pro -dam & anti dam sections to maintain communal harmony and peace and resolve the differences across the table. He also appealed the people not to take law into their hands under any circumstances and cooperate with law en-

forcing authorities to maintain the public peace and order.

The Governor wished that due restraint will be exercised by one and all including the security forces.

Appreciating the visit of the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Kameng Dolo on 3rd May to the riot hit district and efforts made to defuse the situation, the Governor prayed for early recovery of all the civilians and police personnel injured due to the mob attack as well as police firing.

Chakka Bandh Called by WSTMC Goes Peacefully Aalo, May 3: The 24 hrs Chakka Bandh Call given

by Trans-Highway Monitoring Committee on deteriorating Aalo- Bam road is going peacefully from 5AM this morning to 5 AM tomorrow. The street of Aalo town wore a deserted look without traffic on voluntary basis barring vehicles of magistrate, police, army, school buses on exam duty

and other essential services.

The imposition of Section 144 Cr. PC continues to operate to maintain law and order, hardships and miseries to common man, business community, commuters and patients. The WSTMC members have been directed to abstain from any act that may affect right, liberty safety and se-

curity of common citizens or that may cause public disturbances of peace and tranquility or may cause riot or affray within territorial jurisdiction of West Siang District.

Meanwhile, the administration and police is taking close vigil on all on all activities that are likely to create law and order problem.

DC visits ongoing projects at Koyu ET Bureau Pasighat, May 3 : East Siang Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Isha Khosla along with Ms. Ponung Boring , DPO and officers visited Koyu and Kora administrative circles. Various

departments posted Koyu and took first hand information about the activities of their departments. She briefed about the Food Security Act and procedures for getting new ration cards. The PRI members should moni-

ongoing projects under SPA and Multi Sectoral Development Program (MSDP) were inspected by them.

While visiting the Higher Secondary School and the hostel at Koyu, the DC instructed the WRD (Tube well & Ground water) to make the V- Sat operational immediately so that its benefits can be reaped by staffs and students. The V- Sat is installed under the MSD Program.

tor and ensure that the staffs remain in the station especially staff of health and education, added the DC. She also enquired about illegal felling of trees and log operation in the area. The Forest officials were directed to submit the records of seizure of trucks and logs within one week.

Awareness on Fire Safety and Disaster Management gets Underway

A group of Adi Baane Kebang East Siang Unit in Upper Siang

Spl Correspondent| Pasighat, May 3: As a part of their continued effort to spread awareness on drugs, alcohol and other socio-economic issues of Adi Society, the Adi Baane Kebang East Siang Unit led by its President, Okom Yosung and Women Wing President, Yalem Taga Burang has conducted a seven days long awareness tour programme at Upper Siang District from 26th April to 2nd May 2016, informed Dr. Joyanto Perme, Joint Secretary, Info & Publicity Secy.

ABK East Siang in a release today.

Candle light vigil at Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling Monastery ET Bureau Bomdila, May 3 : Showing solidarity on the firing incident which took place at Tawang on Monday, hundreds of monks of Gontse Garden Rabye Ling Monastery, students and general public from all walks of life came together and held a candle light vigil at Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling Monastery on Monday evening.

The peaceful procession held prayer chants expressing their grief over the loss of those who lost their lives in the tragic Tawang police shoot out.

Terming the shoot-out “heinous”, the people condemned the act of the Tawang Police and said that it was an atrocity beyond toleration in the state's history, adding that it was an absolute breakdown of the administration to manage law and order in the district headquarter.

Further, the peaceful protestors alleged that more than two people died and dozens sustained severe injuries while some have been referred to other places for treatment. “The actual facts and figures are yet to be revealed in the public domain and the administration must be answerable for it”, they reverberated.

The awareness programmes to inform and educate the general public, Gaon Buras and PRI leaders on drugs, alcohol, preservation & protection of bio-diversity, Adi Kebang Ayon was held at villages like Pongging, Padu, AdiPasi, Damro, Mariyang, Simong, Karko and Geku villages in Upper Siang district which was need of the hour after ABK East Siang with active initiative of Women Wing achieved a tremendous success in their untiring endeavor in all these past years. A seven member team of ABK East Siang which

included Okom Yosung, Yalem Taga Burang, Attum Ratan, Olom Pertin, Jayanto Perme, Tali Tamut and Yalok Ering Taki, daring the heavy rainfall and landslides all along the way, conducted the successful awareness meetings which will bear fruits in minimizing and reducing such menace in the villages in long run. The ABK team also expressed their thankfulness to ADC, Mariyang, Ranpok Perme, CO, Geku, Pandav Perme for their bold and selfless services in stopping opium cultivation in Geku-Mariyang region.

The DC also interacted with the staffs of various

Deputy CM Chowna Mein visited in Namsai ET Bureau Namsai, May 3: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein visited flood and cyclone affected area of Dharampur and Dirak Miri villages of Lekang Circle and Mengkeng Miri and Deobeel villages of Namsai Circle in Namsai District. He took stock of the situation.

Discussing with the people on the spot he expressed grave concern on repeated calamities and erosion in the area.

He directed the District Disaster Management authority to be well prepared for all kind of disasters. He also directed the district administration to complete the loss assessment at the earliest and to make payment to the victims.

Expressing satisfaction on the prompt response by the authorities during disaster he announced that a comprehensive

scheme shall be prepared to check flood and erosion and would be taken up with appropriate authorities. He also expressed satisfaction on the restoration works being carried out and asked to expedite them.

The minister was accompanied by Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Parliamentary Secy. T & E, DC, administrative officers, EE WRD and all Heads of department of the district.

Dengkam Irrigation Channel of Ledum which was damaged by flood was also inspected by the DC and her team. This channel irrigate the major cultivable areas of Ledum area.

Aalo, May 3: In its effort to sensitize people about fire safety measures and likely natural disaster like flood, earthquakes, landslides etc., series of awareness campaign are being launched in West Siang district from Ist May. Various representatives from

hotels, LPG Agency, Petrol Depots and academic institutions are being involved to take part in the training and awareness programme.

The Resource persons Shri Dorjee Nima, DDMO Aalo and Adi Tabin, IOC Aalo

ALG spoke on safety tips during fire accident and earthquakes. The Officer In Charge Aalo Fire Station Shri Ime Ngomdir presented practical demonstrations on use of fire extinguishers and evacuation of trapped victims in buildings.

DCM Mein, DA & AdiSU visits flood affected villages in Namsai

Governor condoles, announces relief amount A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 3: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa and First Lady Smt Rita Rajkhowa have deeply mourned the loss of lives due to natural calamities in different parts of the State.

The First Couple grieved the demise of Shri Chow ko Mili of Philobari Village under Lekang Circle in Namsai District and young student, Master Rahul Chakma of Dharmapur-1 Village under Miao Circle in Changlang District, who died due to lighting strikes, as reported in the Media.

Conveying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss, the Governor announced an Exgrata of Rs. 1 (One) Lakh to each of the two victims’ nearest kin from Governor’s Relief Fund subjected to detail reports from concerned Deputy Commissioners.

ET Bureau Namsai, May 3: Arunachal Deputy CM Chowna Mein, Parliamentary Secretary Zingnu Namchoom, AdiSU General secretary Buteng Tayeng accompanied by R.K Sharma, DC, Namsai and officers of WRD visited flood affected villages Mengkeng Miri I & II. During public meering at the village, the ADiSU representatives placed the demands of public to Mein to provide immediate flood relief to the victims, immediate replacement of the live tree electricity pole

by appropriate iron pole where Namsai power dept has allegedly using live tree for supplying electricity to 4-5 villages, immediate fill up the deep hole dug by RWD at both sides of Rural Link road. Appealed for permanent solution to control flood at vulnerable areas of Lekang and Namsai area.

It's worth mentioning that RWD had destroyed the entire area by digging out and earth cutting during construction of RLR road of Mengkeng. In the morning the volunteer of AdiSU and villagers worked

for draining out the stagnating water from village.

Mein assured to look into the genuine demands and assured flood victims to provide immediate relief within a week .

He told public not to panic much and have faith on him and assured to take up the matter to higher authority for sanctioning appropriate and permanent solution and embankment at furious point of Noa Dihing river starting from new Silatoo, Dirak to Mengkeng Miri at winter season.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

PAGE 4

RS Chairman Ansari rejects Mallya's resignation letter New Delhi, May 3: Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Tuesday rejected the resignation letter of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, as it lacked his original signature.

Secretary General of the Upper House Shumsher K. Sheriff wrote to Mallya that his resignation letter doesn't conform to the prescribed procedures and doesn't bear signature in original.

He said that as per Rule 213 of Rajya Sabha procedures, the resignation must be voluntary and genuine.

A day after liquor baron Vijay Mallya resigned from the Rajya Sabha, the ethics committee of the Upper House recommended that he be expelled.

Earlier, Mallya resigned as

Mohanlal Jallan Memorial Lecture on May 6 ET Correspondent Golaghat , May 3: One of the pioneers in the fields of politics , business and society in Golaghat late Mohanlal Jallan's first death anniversary is on May 6th. To commemorate his works to the society Mohanlal Jallan's family has taken an initiative under which a memorial lecture is going to be organised on May 6 at Amateur Theatre Society Auditorium in Golaghat. On that day a lecture on the topic "Development, Prosperity and Happiness" will be delivered by renowned poet, writer, Sahitya Academy Award winner and former Director General of Police , Assam Hare Krishna Deka. On behalf of the family members of late Mohanlal Jallan his two sons Deepak Jallan and Manoj Jallan seek presence of all in the same.

World Animal Day Observed in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 3: World Animal Day was observed in Golaghat under the joint initiative of Golaghat Foundation and District Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department recently . A camp was organised at No 4 Thurajan area where vaccines were given to more than hundreds of cow and calves . The veterinary team was led by Dr Satyabrat Choudhury . From the organisers, Umesh Lahkar, Parag Lahkar, Diganta Lahkar and Simanta Hazarika were present . Everyone appreciated this camp.

Illicit Liquor Seized By SSB

IS THE MUNICPAL BOARD WATCHING

a Rajya Sabha MP a week after the Ethics Committee decided to unanimously expel him from Parliament.

Mallya has said that the Indian Government would not be able to recover any money from him by taking his passport or arresting him.

The committee had given him a week's time to explain his conduct in the default on bank loans in excess of Rs. 9,000 crore extended to his Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. The government had revoked the passport of Mallya, who is believed to be in the UK after leaving India on March 2.

The liquor baron is facing legal proceedings for alleged default of loans worth over nine thousand crore rupees from various banks.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar,May 3: At-least nine women were apprehended by female constable of SSB of 16th battalion(Bn) for involved in the smuggling who were trying to evade the international border,besides seized illicit Bhutanese liquor of

Rs 19,665 from Dadgiri and Dholkola in Chirang district on Monday.

The women were apprehended during the quick reaction team of SSB after getting input that illicit business of Bhutanese liquor is flourishing in the nearby

Indian villages of IndoBhutan border and smugglers are taking full advantages of open and porous international border with Bhutan. 16th Bn SSB, on Monday took a prompt action against liquor smugglers and caught them with red handed.

I wasn't at BJP's platform, clarifies Sanjay Dutt New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): After the Bharatiya Janata Party drew flaks from several quarters over 1993 serial bomb blasts convict Sanjay Dutt sharing the stage with its leaders in Mumbai on the occasion of Maharashtra day celebrations in Mumbai on Monday, Dutt on Tuesday made it clear that he was not there at the BJP's platform, he was there for his brother Mohit Kamboj, party's youth wing leader.

Maharashtra Day' celebrations," said Dutt, who recently came out of Pune's Yerawada Central Jail after serving the remainder of his five-year sentence.

When asked if he was looking forward to publish a book on compilation of his poems, the actor said, "I have written a lot of poems when I was in jail. I got the compilation of those poems, let's see what happens."

In his message to people, he said, "Don't shy away from problem, face it and win.

Never let the problem to win."

"I was not there at the BJP's platform, I was there for my brother Mohit Kamboj and the occasion was the '

Lok Sabha approves Appropriation Bill New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): The Lok Sabha on Tuesday approved the Appropriation Bill, 2016, after the demands for grants for several ministries were collectively put to vote and passed by applying guillotine.

The Bill, moved by Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha was passed by a voice vote.

The Bill allowing the Central Government to withdraw over Rs. 66 lakh crore from the consolidated fund to meet its expenditure during 201617.

With this the second phase of the budgetary exercise has been completed.

The Lok Sabha had earlier discussed the de-

GREEN DANGER

An expose by photo journalist Sidharth Singh during which he discovered artificail colours being used over vegetables in Tinsukia to give a fresh look.

mands for grants of ministries of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Social Justice and Empowerment, Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Civil Aviation and Tourism and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.

The first phase of the budgetary process was completed after Parliament passed the vote-onaccount in March.

Child ragpickers collect used mineral water bottles in the Paltanbazar area in Dibrugarh to be used as re-cycled mineral water bottles. Pic - Soumya Bhattacharjee

Gogoi voices concern over rising drugs menace A Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 3: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today voiced his deep concern over the growing drug menace in the state. He said, ‘The rising trend of drug abuse among youth, more particularly in the student community, is alarming.’

Chief Minister Gogoi stated, ‘There is an urgent need for awareness among the adolescents and youth,

to throw light on the inherent dangers of the hazard.’

In this regard, Chief Minister Gogoi asked the Chief Secretary to constitute a Task Force headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to address the issue of drug abuse. ‘Various concerned departments like Home, Education, Health & Family Welfare and Social Welfare are to be incorporated in the Task Force aimed at beating the men-

ace of drugs’, said CM Gogoi.

Chief Minster Gogoi also stressed that adequate awareness and preventive measures should be enforced in the district level for optimum results. He also asked the police and other law enforcing agencies to be more vigilant and take strong action against drug marketeers indulged in this nuisance.

Nepal President Bhandari praises press freedom Chitwan, May 3 (ANI): Praising the Nepali media on the World Press Freedom Day, President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Tu e s d a y s a i d t h a t press freedom can never be undermined by the external forces.

the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) said that media should always follow the code of conduct to maintain a balance, reports the Himalayan Times.

She stressed that only by following the code Bhandari inaugurat- of conduct responsiing a convention of bly, press could main-

tain its dignity.

Recalling press as the fourth estate of the government, she u rg e d t h e p r e s s t o continue making significant contributions in the development of the country and help in the implementation of Constitution.(ANI)

The budgetary exercise for 2016-17 will be completed with the passage of the Finance Bill by Parliament.

The Finance Bill 2016, containing tax proposals of the government for the fiscal will be moved for consideration and passage of the House tomorrow. After its passage in the Lok Sabha, it will go to the Rajya Sabha.

AgustaWestland row: Tyagi admits to have financial interest in three companies New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is grilling former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi in connection with the AgustaWestland case, today said that he has admitted to have financial interest in three companies-Banshi, Anuras and Shavan - involved in the controversial Rs. 3,600 crore chopper deal.

The agency further stated that Tyagi has accepted that he met COO of Finmeccanica Zapa in 2005 in India.

The intelligence agency also said the former IAF chief and his wife are the owners of the three companies in addition to a fourth companyMeghanshu - and added that all the four companies are based in Noida.

According to CBI sources, the agency is looking into Tyagi's international trips especially after his retirement.

The CBI has called Tyagi for

questioning again tomorrow.

The investigating agency has alleged that the reduction of the service ceiling, maximum height at which a helicopter can perform normally, allowed the UK-based firm to get into the fray as otherwise its helicopters were not even qualified for submission of bids.

Tyagi has so far denied the allegations levelled against him and claimed that the decision to reduce the ceiling was taken by a group of senior officials.

The former IAF chief has also been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with this case.

The Enforcement Directorate, which is also likely to summon the former IAF chief's cousins for questioning on May 6, is likely to grill Tyagi as part of its money laundering probe on the chopper deal a day before

Snap shots from the 2-day Sonari Rongali Bihu celebration organised by the Charaideo Mahkuma Chatra Santha and Sonari Aanchalik Chatra Santha at the BPBMHS School playground from today. Pic - Mritunjoy Das

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Trial passenger train from Silchar enters Tripura

The first broad gauge passenger trial train from Assam's Silchar railway station entered Tripura's Dharmanagar station on Monday Dharmanagar , May. 3: The first broad gauge passenger trial train from Assam's Silchar railway station entered Tripura's Dharmanagar station on Monday after the conversion work was completed recently. Hundreds of people from whom it was a dream coming true welcomed the train at the station.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has decided to start trial trains between Silchar and Agartala.

Two trains will run between Silchar and Agartala on experimen-

tal run on May 4. The first train bearing number 05664 down whistle past the Silchar station yesterday at around 9 a.m. and reached Agartala at around 7 p.m.

There were 12 coaches, including five general second class compartments, five chair car and two SLRs in the two trains for Agartala. Similarly two trains will be chugging off from Agartala on May 3 and 5 for Silchar respectively.

Regular broad gauge train service is likely to be inaugurated by the end of this month. (ANI)

Over 1000 houses damaged in thunderstorm in Nagaland Kohima, May 3: Thunderstorm coupled with heavy rain has damaged over 1000 houses, injured two persons and snapped electricity supply in five districts in Nagaland, the State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said here on Monday. Heavy rain and thunderstorm have been reported in Chuchuyimlang areas of Mokokchung district besides, Longleng, Phek, Wokha and Mon districts, a release issued by Khrienuo Metha, Secretary (Home) Relief and Rehabilitation said. Two persons were injured in the storm in Mongtikong village in Longleng district by the uprooted roof of a nearby house, he said. Damages to 816 houses were reported from 40 villages in Mokokchung district w hile 100 houses were damaged in Longleng and 16 houses were damaged in Wokha district, the NSDMA release said.

A cyclonic storm h Tobu Sub Division under Mon district damaging 37 houses, Metha said. Damages in

Phek district were under assessment, he said. Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has deputed four officials to assist the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in physically assessing the damages and to provide relief to the affected people. Metha said three officials of NSDMA have been camping in Mon district since past week to monitor disasters. The team along with the DDMA distributed relief to Ukha village and surrounding villages in the district on Sunday. Altogether 330 affected families of the village were provided relief, Metha said.

Several electricity poles were also uprooted in the affected districts resulting in blackout of many villages while mobile towers, paddy fields, granaries have also been damaged. Road connectivity has been affected as numerous trees were uprooted by the storm. State capital, Kohima and Dimapur also felt the thunderstorm last night but there were no reports of any damages. (PTI)

Liquor shop owners withdraw case

PAGE 5

JAC threatens to organise state-wide shutdown in Manipur Imphal (Manipur), May. 3: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed to question the Manipur government over the controversial death by hanging of Sagolsem Prashanta, staged sit-in-protest between Lilong Bridge and Kakwa Keithel and demanded immediate justice for his family.

Prashanta was founding hanging on a tree near a water supply point located close to the Lilong police station eight days ago. A large number of women, including Meira Paibis, a member of the women's social movement in Manipur, and club members joined the

protest at different points along the roadside.

This was followed by a rally from Kakwa to the Chief Minister's official residence but they were blocked by police at S i n g j a m e i Chingamakhong.

"JAC's stand is demanding the real culprit, till then we will continue our agitation. As assurance by the Chief Minister, they have assured a positive result within two days. In consideration of the rainy weather, we will discuss and take further course of action. If government fails to produce the culprit, then we will intensify our agitation,"

and will called bandh statewide. Until the murderer is brought out, till then I'm not going to receive the dead body of my son. If arrested, we will not allow the culprit to be handed to the police, instead we will kill him like my son was being murdered," said mother of the

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed to question the Manipur government over the controversial death by hanging of Sagolsem Prashanta

said Asem Sunil, JAC Convenor.

Nonetheless, some JAC representatives and a few family members of the deceased were al-

lowed to proceed and meet the Chief Minister.

"Unless and until the murderer is being arrested and booked, we will carry our agitation

"JAC's stand is demanding the real culprit, till then we will continue our agitation. As assurance by the Chief Minister, they have assured a positive result within two days. In consideration of the rainy weather, we will discuss and take further course of action. If government fails to produce the culprit, then we will intensify our agitation,"

Conrad launched a scathing attack on the Mukul Sangma government in the state accusing it of misusing fund Tura, May 3: The opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the ruling Congress have started aggressive campaigning in the run-up to the Tura Lok Sabha byelection slated for May 16. Both the candidates Conrad K Sangma of NPP and Dikkanchi D Shira (Congress) on Monday addressed a series of election rallies where they attacked their opponents on several issues. Interestingly, Monday was the last day for withdrawal of nominations. Conrad launched a scathing attack on the Mukul Sangma government in the state accusing it of misusing fund given by the Central government resulting in New Delhi withholding the next installment and demanding utilization cer-

tificates which the state has allegedly been unable to provide. "Congress claims the Narendra Modi government is not releasing funds to opposition rules states. But the truth is that the Mukul Sangma government has misused Rs 300 crore of Central money allotted by Modi government for the MGNREGA works. The state government is unable to provide the utilization certificate for the use of the money. This is the reason why the next installment of fund has been withheld," revealed the NPP candidate. The younger son of Late P A Sangma held a series of public meetings in the Rangsakona, Mellim and Betasing areas of South West Garo Hills district on Monday. He also at-

tacked the Mukul government for denying the Garo Hills district Council its share of funds from the state government, which has resulted in hundreds of employees and their families being without salaries for many months. On the other hand, Congress candidate Dikkanchi D Shira, while addressing an election rally at Dadenggre, a stronghold of the NPP, attacked both NPP and BJP. Dadenggre is represented in the state assembly by Conrad's elder brother James K Sangma. "The NPP and the BJP have an agreement for five years in which they would leave Tura for the NPP. But the NPP would be working on the BJP agenda. The BJP cannot protect minorities like Christians

and Muslims," alleged Dikkanchi D Shira. She added that it was only the Congress which stood for minorities. She also rejected opposition allegation that she is a novice in politics. "I have been part of a political family since I was a child because my late father Ira Marak was an MLA for ten long years representing Dalamgre seat.

After my marriage my husband joined politics," pointed out Dikkanchi whose husband is currently the chief minister of the state. "People claim Conrad is dynamic and I am weak. If it was so then why would people of Mahendraganj elected me as their MLA. He (Conrad) was defeated twice from Selsella," lashed out the Congress

candidate. She also highlighted the achievements of the state government and said that the improved road conditions including the Tu r a - Wi l l i a m n a g a r Nongstoin-Shillong road was due to the state government.

GHSMC to support neither Cong nor NPP: The Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) has decided not to support either of the two national political parties in the upcoming by-election to the Tura parliamentary constituency. In a statement issued here on Monday the Committee said that it decided not to support the national parties as they do not have a vision for a separate Garoland State.

(Agencies)

Centre ready to talk to insurgents that shun violence: Garg Shillong, May 3: The Centre is ready to talk to any militant groups provided that they abjure violence, Union joint secretary (Home) Satyendra Garg said on Monday. The Centre is also concerned over the issue related to the recruitment of child soldiers by the different militant outfits operating in the North East, he said.

"The central government has made its policy very clear.

The pre-condition is that they (militants) have to give up arms and violence," Garg told reporters after a meeting with

Union joint secretary (Home) Satyendra Garg state Home Minister Roshan Warjri here. He admitted that militants in

the NE region are thriving because of easy access to arms smuggled

through the international borders.

The union home joint secretary said though efforts are being made to stop this but there are constraints especially in the Indo Myanmar border which is totally unfenced and the presence of security is minimal.

Recently five surrendered cadres of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has revealed that the outfit is recruiting children for arms training in the general camp located at Durama Hills in East Garo Hills District.

On this, Garg said, the

government is concerned about the issue and the government policy is that no child should be in anywhere near any insurgency situation. "Any child who is inducted into insurgency is bad and of course we will take corrective measures," Garg stated.

The MHA official refused to disclose the issues discussed with the state government in the meeting. He said that Meghalaya is doing quite well as far as the law and order situation is concerned in the Garo Hills region.(Agencies)

Assam Rifles Hq to stay in Pig killing disease in Mizoram identified Shillong: Centre Liquor shop owners withdraw case Shillong, May 3: In an interesting development, the East Khasi Hills Wine Dealers Association, which had moved the High Court against the decision of the State Government prohibiting issuing of licences to wine stores in areas within 200 metres from places of worship, educational institutions and hospitals, has withdrawn the case.

Though the reason behind the withdrawal of the petition not known, but it is assumed said that the case was withdrawn after the members of association were told that it is the Government which can make the required amendment to its order. It is said that the wine dealers

would urge the State Government to bring some modifications in its order .

Following a plea from the petitioners - East Khasi Hills Wine Dealers Association, Ri Bhoi Wine Dealers' Association and an individual identified as Hamsia Pariat, the Meghalaya High Court on Monday permitted all to withdraw their petitions.

Meanwhile, officials from the Excise department said that the concerned parties need to formally approach the Government on their demands. Sources also said that the matter will again have to go to Cabinet and it is the wisdom of the Cabinet to take a call on the matter.(Agencies)

Shillong, May 3: The Centre has ruled out the possibility of shifting Assam Rifles headquarter from Shillong to Manipur. Indicating this here on Monday, Satyendra Garg, joint secretary to Union Home Ministry, has asserted that Assam Rifles has the right to stay in Meghalaya capital. Garg's assertion came days after several pressure groups here jointly demanded shifting of headquarters of Assam Rifles and Eastern Air Command from Meghalaya capital so that rightful owners get back the land occupied by these defence establishments. Garg said that the ministry till date has not received any such request from any quarter to shift Assam Rifles headquarter

from Shillong. "Assam Rifles is there all over North East and Shillong being an important town, they have the right to be here," he said. The statement assumes significance in view of the ongoing shifting of the ITBP headquarter from Shillong to Itanagar. He said that he had spoken to ITBP Inspector General and the shifting process was likely to be completed in 10 to 15 days.

Earlier in the day, Garg held a meeting with Meghalaya Home Minister Roshan Warjri. Referring to militancy problem, he reiterated the Centre's willingness to hold discussions with insurgent outfits of Meghalaya provided they abjure violence. He also said that Meghalaya Government was doing a

good job as far as counterinsurgency operation is concerned. Referring to the law and order situation of the Northeastern region, he said the situation was under control. When asked about the arms and ammunition being smuggled to Northeastern militants., he said that arms in North East comes from outside the region even as he admitted that there were constrains in stopping the smuggling of arms due to unfenced border and minimal presence on border. "We tried to upgrade our security from time to time," he said adding that present Government in Bangladesh was very cooperative. He also informed that as per report, ULFA leader Paresh Barua was not in Bangladesh. (Agencies)

Pig killing disease in Mizoram identified Aizawl, May 3: The disease that left more than a thousand pigs in the Mizoram-Myanmar border Champhai district has been identified as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Secretary K. Lal Nghinglova said on Monday.

Members of the Rapid Response Team were sent to Champhai from Aizawl on Monday after laboratory tests confirmed PRRS out-

deceased, Jandho.

Protesters demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the culprits involved in the killing of Prashanta to deliver justice to the family of the deceased. Prashanta was found hung to death at Lilong area in a suspicious manner. (ANI)

break in the district, Lal Nghinglova told. "The district magistrate of Champhai was asked to issue orders stopping inter-village movement of pigs, import of pigs and piglets from Myanmar and to bury all dead pigs immediately," the minister said.

He said veterinarians were also sent to southern Mizoram's Lunglei and Lawngtlai districts where a number of pigs were taken ill with almost the same symptoms as those in Champhai district.

Shimla witnesses hottest day of season Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May. 3: The hot weather conditions in northern India intensified on Monday with Shimla recording its highest temperatures of the season. Temperature in Himachal Pradesh has gone up by 5 to 6 degree up from the normal. The temperature during two days in the hill resort Shimla and other parts of the town has gone up with 6 degree above from the normal.

Shimla recorded highest of the present season at 29.8 degree Celsius on Sunday and Una recorded at 43 degree Celsius. Other areas have also recorded over 35 degree during the past 24 hours. Nahan recorded 37.1, Sundernagar 39.4, Solan recorded 34.2 degree Celsius.

The local weather department has forecasted western disturbance and is expecting rains in the region. The local residents believe that the increasing heat can bring troubles to the people in the town in days to come.

(ANI)

Arunachal MP wants to visit China but not on stapled visa New, Delhi, May 3: Declaring himself as a "proud Indian", Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh Ninong Ering on Monday said in the Lok Sabha he wishes to visit China to meet the members of the Lohoba tribe but asserted that he will not do so on a "stapled visa". "I want to visit China as a proud Indian and not go there through the backdoor like other MPs have done. I will go there on a regular visa and not a stapled visa," Ering said. "I will prefer to take the bullet on the chest," said the MP from Arunachal East. China, which lays claim over Arunachal Pradesh, has a policy of issuing stapled visas to residents of the state. Erring, who belongs to the Adi tribe, said he wanted to visit China to meet the members of the Lohoba tribe. "We speak the same dialect and have the same dress code.

On the Chinese side the tribe is known as Lohoba while on the Indian side its known as Adi," Erring added while participating in a debate on Demand for Grants of the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

When later asked about the issue, Ering said some "BJP MPs" had visited China through "backdoor". (PTI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

PAGE 6

U'khand crisis: SC asks AG to seek instructions on floor test New Delhi, May. 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to seek instruction on having a floor test in Uttarakhand where a major power tussle is underway between the Bharatiya Janata Partyled Centre and the Congress.

The apex court asked the Attorney General that there should be a floor test in the Uttarakhand Assembly under its supervision in view of the

"Rameshwar judgement" and also asked the Centre to think about it.

Meanwhile, the hearing on the Centre's plea against Uttarakhand High Court's order revoking President's rule in the state has been adjourned for Wednesday.

An apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra had on April 27 directed the continuation of President's Rule in Uttarakhand. Posting the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, it

SC asks AG to seek instructions on floor test had extended the stay on the High Court's or-

der quashing the central rule in Uttarakhand.

The two-judge division bench, comprising of Justices Dipak Mishra and Shiva Kirti Singh, had also asked several questions to the Centre asking it to justify imposition of President's Rule. The apex court sought to know if the Governor could have sent a message in the present manner under Article175 (2) to conduct a floor test and if delay in the floor test can be a ground for the proclamation of

President's Rule in the state.

The apex court asked if disqualification of MLAs by the Uttarakhand speaker is a relevant issue for the purpose of imposing President's Rule under Article 356 and proceedings in the Uttarakhand assembly can be taken note of by the President for imposing his rule. The Centre had imposed President's Rule in the state on March 27. (ANI)

One accused arrested in Pathankot attack: Centre pulled up by Bengaluru abduction case Standing Committee of Home Affairs Bengaluru (Karnataka), May.3: One person was detained in connection with the abduction and molestation of a 25-yearold woman in Bengaluru on Monday.

A horrifying CCTV footage shows a young woman being brazenly abducted and molested, while she was near her paying guest (PG) accommodation in Bengaluru.

The incident took place on April 23 but came to the fore on Monday when a police complaint was filed in the case.

The victim is seen talking on her mobile phone on the street outside her PG accommodation when she is suddenly grabbed by the unidentified man. He took her to an under-construction building nearby and allegedly molested her. The victim bit the kidnapper's hand and managed to flee the spot.

Speaking to media persons, the woman had earlier said she wanted the accused to get punished.

"Now according to the help of all your support, I want the person to be arrested or be punished

very strictly," she said, adding, "the PG (paying guest) uncle has already registered the complaint." Meanwhile, women activists condemned the incident and criticised local authorities for 'breakdown' in law and order situation in the IT hub of the country.

"Such brazen incidents, you know, where a person has the courage to pick up a girl from the street even before 10 o' clock in the night in a city which is not just an Indian city but it is a global city where people come from all over the world. Men and women are there, they are working, there are night shifts, and there are day shifts.

Every time the girls are out on the streets, people are on the streets and somebody has the courage to pick up a girl and go and molest her and do all this is absolutely unacceptable. This really speaks volumes about complete breakdown of law and order," said a women activist, Ranjana Kumari in New Delhi. (ANI)

New Delhi, May 3: The Standing Committee of Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday pulled up the Centre for the January 2 Pathankot terror attack, saying had the Centre been serious and the intelligence agencies had functioned properly, then the picture would have been entirely different.

Pradip Bhattacharya, the Chairman of the Standing Committee said security agencies were ill-prepared to anticipate the threats in time and to counter them swiftly.

"The committee is unable to understand how terrorists managed to reach the Pathankot airbase in spite of terror alerts being sounded well in advance. The security agencies were ill-prepared to anticipate the threats in time and counter them swiftly," Bhattacharya claimed.

"We had a long interaction with officers at the Pathankot airbase. They said they had no information that their airbase would be attacked. He got information early in the morning, that too not from Punjab, but from

the Delhi Air Force. How did it happen? Who gave this information to Delhi Air Force? These are remarkable things to search out," he added.

He also said that during the visit to the Pathankot airbase, the committee found that the airbase security was not robust.

"We urge upon the Government of India to take this report seriously and take appropriate steps.

Even today, there are very unsafe conditions at the Pathankot airbase," he said.

The Pathankot air base was attacked by heavily armed terrorists reportedly having allegiance to the Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which four terrorists and three security forces personnel were killed. A five-member Pakistani Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP), a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), two Lt. Colonels and one inspector, from Pakistan had visited India between March 27-31 to collect,

Pradip Bhattacharya review and document physical evidences and to interview key witnesses and victims through the NIA in connection with the Pathankot attack.

Just a few days after the Pakistani JIT probing the Pathankot attack admitted that the four terrorists who attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base were from Pakistan, the JIT had said that the attack had been staged by India, according to a Pakistani media report. The JIT "says the attack was a drama staged to malign Pakistan," according to a reports.

It further said that the JIT report, which was submit-

ted to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the next few days, had even concluded that Indian authorities had prior information about the terrorists. Meanwhile, on April 28, the Centre had told told the Rajya Sabha that Pakistan had been clearly told that it should allow an Indian probe team to visit that country in connection with Pathankot terror attack as reciprocity was the principle on which Pakistan's JIT was allowed to visit here. At the time of writing, India and Pakistan maintain their differences on the sequence of events related to the attack. (ANI)

Kashmiri writer launches Europe-wide signature campaign against illegal annexation of Gilgit Baltistan and CPEC Srinagar, May 3: Junaid Qureshi, a Kashmiri writer, international human rights activist and a senior leader of the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Liberation Party (JKDLP), who is based in Srinagar, has initiated a Europe-wide signature campaign in various European cities to create awareness regarding the Kashmir issue in general and in particular vis-a-vis the proposed annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan by Pakistan and the "illegal construction" of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

In a statement issued here, JKDLP leader, Junaid Qureshi said that "Pakistan's move to illegally annex Gilgit Baltistan, change the demographics of the actual Kashmir-issue and cement China's stake in this dispute are in response to concerns raised by Beijing. China cannot afford to invest billions of dollars on a road that passes through a disputed territory claimed both by India and Pakistan.

The actions of Pakistan totally negate the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their future while jeopardizing any kind of solution to this long standing conflict. If Pakistan imposes its sovereign writ over GilgitBaltistan, India will then have a political and moral right to fully integrate Jammu & Kashmir into

India, and scrap Article 370 of its constitution giving Jammu & Kashmir a special status. This would pave way for further division of already divided Jammu & Kashmir", he said.

He explained the aims and objectives of the Europewide Signature Campaign, "We hope to get enough signatures in order to get this issue debated on International platforms like the UN, EU Parliament and National European Parliaments. All the signatures collected ( physical and online - http:/ /www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-to-cpec ) will be presented to Members of the European Parliament, National Members of Parliaments of European countries and the United Nations during the UNHRC in September 2016".

The writer and political activist explained further, "The proposed annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan and the construction of this illegal corridor, complimented by the military benefits for both China and Pakistan and an investment of 46 billion dollars, has all the ingredients to exacerbate the complexities of the Kashmir issue, threaten peace, cement China's stake in Jammu & Kashmir and thereby jeopardize any solution to this long-standing conflict.

Part of this corridor will pass through Gilgit Baltistan, which does not

Kashmiri writer launches Europe-wide signature campaign against illegal annexation of Gilgit Baltistan and CPEC fall within the ambit of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Since 1947, the region has been treated as a disputed territory. It is part and parcel of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In this backdrop, a high level committee was formed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, which is contemplating to elevate the constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan in a bid to provide legal cover to the multi-billion-dollar Chinese investment plan".

The JKDLP leader while strongly opposing Pakistani and Chinese actions elaborated, "The economic potential of Gilgit Baltistan is such, that had the people been masters of their own destiny and not treated as a colony by Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan could finance the complete construction of the China Pakistan Economic

Corridor itself. There is an abundance of water resources, minerals worth billions of dollars and an ocean of undiscovered tourism potential in this part of Jammu & Kashmir.

There are at least 5000 glaciers, including three of the largest in the world outside of the Polar Regions, in Gilgit Baltistan.

It has almost 2500 glacial lakes. The potential of Power is 52.000 MW, while the requirement of the indigenous population is just 150 MW. Gilgit Baltistan and its ecological habitat will also be effected negatively by the construction of this corridor. Researchers have concluded that the current rise of temperature will dry up the glaciers in the Karakorum and Himalayan region within a century. The toxic gasses and heavy traffic flow related to the

construction of this corridor will only enhance the melting of the world's largest reservoir of fresh water glaciers.

The factories which will emerge during the construction of this corridor will use all the minerals of Gilgit Baltistan as raw material for which the population will not be paid any royalty".

Junaid Qureshi said it is imperative "to create awareness and gather international support against Chinese and Pakistani designs to exploit Gilgit Baltistan and divide the state of Jammu & Kashmir even further.

Gilgit-Baltistan is part of Jammu & Kashmir State, the future status of which still needs to be decided according to the wishes of all the state subjects of Jammu, Ladakh, the Kashmir Valley, Pakistanadministered Kashmir and indeed, Gilgit-Baltistan.

"We hope that every Kashmiri and all other people, irrespective of political ideology, caste, creed and religion will support our efforts against the further division of our motherland," the statement said.

The five month signature campaign in Europe started off in Amsterdam on April 23.

In May 2016, it will be held in Paris and Brussels.

Later on, it will move on to the UN office in Geneva and Vienna in June. In July, the cam-

paign will start in cities like Birmingham, Bradford and London. In August it will end in front of the building of the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Hundreds of signatures have already been collected in the first leg of the signature campaign in The Netherlands. Thousands of booklets and flyers were distributed to the European public in order to create awareness regarding the issue.

"The public was informed regarding the proposed construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the illegal annexation attempts by Pakistan of annexing Gilgit and Baltistan", said Qureshi.

Qureshi added, "I believe that any kind of solution to the long standing Kashmir-Issue will only be jeopardized by these kind of intrusions. China is not investing billions of dollars to simply withdraw if any solution is found to the Kashmir Issue. Its investment guarantees its strategic interests in the region".

Qureshi appealed everyone, believing in safeguarding Human Rights , to sign against the exploitation of Gilgit Baltistan and against the human rights violations in Gilgit Baltistan. "I appeal all of you to sign against the proposed annexation of Gilgit Baltistan by Pakistan and the construction of this Corridor of Exploitation".

(ANI)

AgustaWestland scam: Kanishk Singh denies Somaiya's allegations

Emaar-MGF director Kanishk Singh New Delhi, May 3: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi one-time aid and Emaar-MGF director Kanishk Singhon Tuesday rubbished allegations of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya of him having a stake in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam as malafide and baseless.

In a statement, Kanishk said, "Mr. Somaiya's allegations about me are entirely baseless, false and with an ulterior political motive. Somaiya has been making these false allegations about me with malafide intent since February 2013."

Kanishka demanded that Somaiya should provide proof at the earliest which would facilitate a proper investigation and

prosecution of the guilty.

He also said it is up to the agencies to investigate whether officials of AgustaWestland were involved with Emaar-MGF or not. About his relation with realty company owner Rajiv Gupta and his family, Kanishka said that he had nothing to do with them.

Somaiya has alleged that Rahul Gandhi and Kanishk were connected to Guido Haschke, one of the middlemen in the AgustaWestland deal.

Haschke, Somaiya has alleged, was also involved in the 2010 CWG scam. "Emaar-MGF was involved in the CWG scam. There too, there was Guido Haschke.

This cannot be a mere coincidence," Somaiya told ANI. (ANI)

AgustaWestland deal: ED to quiz Tyagi on May 5 New Delhi, May 3: Former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi, who is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, has now been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Enforcement Directorate, which is also likely to summon the former IAF chief's cousins for questioning on May 6, is likely to grill Tyagi as part of its money laundering probe on the chopper deal a day before.

Meanwhile, Tyagi's second day of questing by the CBI began today at the top investigative agency's headquarters in CGO complex here.

Tyagi was grilled yesterday based on the allegation

against him by the CBI that he had reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter from 6,000 to 4,500 metres to include AgustaWestland in the bid.

The CBI has alleged that the reduction of the service ceiling, maximum height at which a helicopter can perform normally, allowed the UK-based firm to get into the fray as otherwise its helicopters were not even qualified for submission of bids. Tyagi has denied the allegations levelled against him and claimed that the decision to reduce the ceiling was taken by a group of senior officials. The agency had quizzed former IAF deputy chief J.S. Gujral earlier on Saturday in connection with this case. (ANI)

Soil from grave of WWI hero, Risaldar Badlu Singh, brought to India

Soil from grave of WWI hero, Risaldar Badlu Singh, brought to India New Delhi, May 3: Haryana Agriculture MinisterO.P. Dhankar on Tuesday morning returned back with the soil from the grave of World War-I hero, Risaldar Badlu Singh from Egypt, as an attempt by the Haryana Government to honor the courage he showed on the battlefield.

98 years after Singh, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, sacrificed his life in Palestine as a solider of the British Indian Army during World WarI, soil from his cemetery will now be taken to his native village of Dhakla in Jhajjar district in

Haryana this evening. An official delegation from Haryana, led by Dhankar, had gone to Egypt to participate in a seminar on climate change.

The Manohar Lal Khattar led-BJP Government has also decided to paint Singh's name on a signboard at the entrance of his native village.

Dhankar, along with Indian ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya and Haryana additional Chief Secretary Ram Niwas went to Helipolis War Cemetery in Cairo in Egypt to pay their homage to Risaldar Badlu.

(ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Afghan CEO assures support for 'press freedom' Kabul, May 3: Asserting that Afghans have always fought for freedom of the press even when some people, parties and governments tried to silence their voices, CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday thanked the media for being the voice of the nation. In a series of tweets, Tolo News mentioned CEO Abdullah Abdullah marking 'World Press Freedom Day' at event in Kabul.

"Afghans fought for PressFreedom even when some people, parties and governments tried to silence the voices. I would like to tell media we are united, we are one nation,

one voice & one group.

You are the voice of our nation. I thank you!," he said. Praising the media the CEO said that Afghan media outlets were front runners in achieving this freedom.

"Abdullah states attaining PressFreedom 'was a long struggle We sacrificed for this and we finally have it. I congratulate Afghans for this," Afghan CEO said. He, however, threw light on the problems faced by media outlets by the antistate groups.

"We have come a long way but, there are still problems challenging us.

We have recently wit-

Myanmar to debate on Rakhine state

Sharif asks rivals to 'wait until 2018 or even beyond'

Nay Pyi Taw, May 3: Myanmar's upper house has agreed to debate on a motion to end fighting between the military and the ethnic Arakan Army (AA) in the country's western Rakhine state, parliament sources said on Tuesday. The motion, which was approved in the house on Monday, also called for bringing the Arakan Army into political dialogue.

A military-appointed member of parliament suggested that talks with the Arakan Army should be conducted in accordance with the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA). There have been armed clashes between the military and the Arakan Army since the end of last year, especially in Kyauktaw, Rakhine state.

The Arakan Army is among those remaining groups not included in the NCA deal signed between the government and eight ethnic armed groups in October last year. At a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) for Ceasefire, held after the new government took office on April 1, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi called for continued peace process already initiated by the previous U Thein Sein's government. She said work on bringing those deemed appropriate for inclusion in the ceasefire efforts, should be done simultaneously.(Agencies)

Nepal SC orders Kanak Mani Dixit's release Kathmandu, May. 3: The Supreme Court of Nepal on Monday has ordered the release of journalist and Sajha Yatayat Chairman Kanak Mani Dixit who was detained by the anti-graft body CIAA on April 22. A division bench of acting Chief Justice Sushila and Justice Jagadish Sharma Paudel ordered the CIAA to release Dixit after conducting a hearing on the writ of habeas corpus filed by Dixit's wife, reports The Himalayan Times.

Kanak Mani Dixit's brother Kunda Dixit, apparently suffers from hypertension, is going back to the Intensive Care Unit of Bir Hospital. (ANI)

Quetta, May 3: Taking a jibe at political parties who have called on him to step down in the wake of Panama Papers leak case, Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif has asked his rivals to "wait until 2018 or even beyond because the people of Pakistan support progress and not anarchy".

"I've ordered a judicial inquiry to clear the matter once and for all. I'll continue to serve the masses after the inquiry clears me of all baseless charges," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying while speaking at the launch of the National Health Programme in Quetta on Monday. His remarks comes a day after Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf Chairman Imran Khan said 'Mian Sahib'

CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday thanked the media for being the voice of the nation nessed attacks on media in Afghanistan.It was a horrible attack which can not be justified. There were similar attacks earlier" he said. Abdullah

would not only have to quit but go to prison if proven guilty in the Panama Papers inquiry.

Without naming , Sharif criticised the politics of agitation. "Our government is committed to changing the political culture of Pakistan from one of confrontation to that of serving the masses," he said.

Apart from Pakistan Peoples Party ( PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement ( MQM) Rabita Committee, which is the third largest opposition party in parliament has also demanded Sharif's resignation. Sharif said that his administration was working towards a transparent and corruptionfree system in the country.

"Not a penny of corrup-

Abdullah assured that Afghan government was committed in supporting the media and Press Freedom. " Afghan media has al-

ways been voice for those with no voice. Media has worked to tell the problems and needs of the communities. Media is a bridge between people & govt in #Afghanistan. They have always held us accountable and this is a good progress we made, " he said. He also assured the Media that the government supports their independence and said that noone in the government had the right to interfere in their work.

Abdullah Abdullah informed that the government will be working to award the Afghan media for their work and tire-

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tion has ever been established against our government, neither in the present nor in the previous two tenures," he said.

He appreciated Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri who had warned political opponents of the Pakistan

Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) of a befitting reply, if they do not cease from hatching conspiracies.

He endorsed the views of Zehri who said his political opponents need to wait patiently until 2018or even beyond be-

less efforts throughout the last decade and that they are honorable.

Conveying that Afghans expect media to support national interests of country, he urged media to avoid publishing wrong information that destroys the country.

"Our country is facing so many problems today.

Media should prioritize national interests and defy terror against the Afghans," he said. The Afghan CEO requested analysts to have national interests at the top of their agenda and work and speak for the people and for the country.

(ANI)

cause the people of Pakistan supported progress and development undertaken by the PML-N government. A massive leak of 11.5 million tax documents on April 3 revealed secret offshore dealings of world leaders and celebrities, including three of his children for owning London real estate through offshore companies.

The leaks revealed that three of his children own offshore companies identified as three Briti s h Virg i n I s l a n d s based companies Nescoll Ltd, Nielsen Enterprises Ltd and Hangon Property Holdings Ltd, incorporated in 1993, 1994 and 2007 respectively - and assets not shown on his family's wealth statement. (ANI)

Make full payment from own funds for F-16 jets: US to Pak

In a major blow to Pakistan, the US State Department has told Islamabad to pay from its own funds if it wants to buy F-16 fighter jets Lahore, May. 3: In a major blow to Pakistan, the US State Department has told Islamabad to pay from its own funds if it wants to buy F-16 fighter jets. Pakistan had reached an understanding with the US for buying eight F-16 planes in which Pakistan was required to pay about $270m from its national funds and the US was supposed to provide the rest from its Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fund.

But the US lawmakers made it clear that they would not allow the Obama administration

to use US funds for the deal. A State Department official told Dawn that Congress had placed a hold on the deal, forbidding the administration from using US funds to let Islamabad buy the planes.

Later, the department confirmed that Pakistan will have to use its own funds if it wants the planes. This latest development has almost put the deal to a standstill as Pakistan may find it difficult to buy the planes at two and a half times more than the agreed price. (ANI)

Dhaka Court sentences four 'Razakars' to death for 1971 war crimes

Bangladesh SC to pronounce Nizami's fate on May 5

Bangladesh Supreme Court will pronounce the final verdict on May 5 Dhaka, May 3: Bangladesh Supreme Court will pronounce the final verdict on May 5 on the death sentence it handed down to chief of fundamentalist Jamaat-eIslami, Motiur Rahman Nizami, deciding his fate over crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. "The decision will be pronounced on May 5," Chief Justice Surendra

Kumar Sinha said on Tuesday, wrapping up the hearing on the 72year-old death row convict's review petition at the four-member bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

During the over threehour review hearing, the court heard both attorney general Mahbubey Alam and Nizami's chief counsel Khandaker Mahbub

Hossain. In another development, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) in the capital handed down death penalty to four 1971 war criminals and "imprisonment until death" to another for carrying out atrocities in northern Kishorganj during the Liberation War, siding with the Pakistani troops.

Only one of the convicts former members of Razakar Bahini, a Bengali-manned auxiliary force of the Pakistan army in 1971 - faced the trial in person while the rest, including a former Bengali captain of the Pakistani force, were tried in absentia. Witnesses said the threemember special tribunal led by Justice Anwarul Haque sentenced one of the fugitives the imprisonment until death.

In the apex court,

Nizami's chief counsels appealed to the court to reduce his client's punishment, saying despite being the then chief of the notorious Al-Badr militia force and of Jamaat's student wing, he was not "directly involved" in mass murders, arsons and rapes. Attorney general Alam opposed the argument, saying Jamaat had sided with Pakistani troops in carrying out the atrocities during the Liberation War and being the chief of the Al-Badr militia force manned by the party activists, Nizami could not avoid the responsibility.

Legal experts said if the apex court upheld its January 6 judgment confirming Nizami's capital punishment, the top leader of Bangladesh's biggest Islamist party would be left with the only option to seek presi-

dential mercy.

President Abdul Hamid, however, has earlier rejected two such prayers by 1971 war crimes convicts, including Nizami's top aide then, who were subsequently executed late last year. ICT-BD originally sentenced Nizami to death on October 29, 2014 and after an appeal hearing, the apex court in its January judgment found the punishment appropriate for him. The prison authorities served Nizami the death warrant on March 16 as the apex court's decision reached them in writing through the ICT-BD following which the Jamaat chief preferred to seek review of the Supreme Court judgment. Nizami was a minister in the past BNP-led four-party alliance government with Jamaat as its crucial ally. (Agencies)

Kenya commences nuclear technology assessment Nairobi, May 3: Kenya said on Monday it has began a nuclear technology assessment study in order to determine the right technology to use to build nuclear power plant. Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) acting technical affairs director Winnie Ndubai told Xinhua in Nairobi that the technology selected will have to meet local conditions.

"The size of the power plant to be built, safety and water requirements will determine the technology to be deployed to

Kenya said on Monday it has began a nuclear technology assessment study build a nuclear power Kenya has not selected a plant. At this point nuclear technology," she

said.

"We are starting now to assess possible technologies to use in order to meet target of setting up a nuclear power plant when it is needed," Ndubai added. The East African nation plans to establish a nuclear power plant by end of 2027. Kenya has also signed a number of MoUs with several nuclear producing countries in order to select the right technology to use.

In 2015, Kenya re-

quested the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review of its nuclear development programme. KNEB said that Kenya needs to rely on nuclear power plants because it will exhaust its geothermal, hydro and other sources of power in the next 20 years.

Ndubai noted that nuclear power is also a stable source of electricity that will enable Kenya become a 24-hour economy. (Agencies)

A special tribunal in Dhaka on Tuesday sentenced four 'Razakars' to death Dhaka, May 3: A special tribunal in Dhaka on Tuesday sentenced four 'Razakars' to death and handed a life term to one for war crimes committed in 1971. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 found them all of them guilty on seven charges of mass killing, murder, confinement, torture, arson and looting pressed against them, reports the Daily Star.

The four sentenced to death are Gazi Abdul Mannan, 88, who said to be a commander of the Razakar camp, Nasiruddin Ahmed, 62, his brother Shamsuddin Ahmed, 60, and Hafiz Uddin, 66 and the one given imprisonment until death is Azharul Islam, 60.

Apart from Shamsuddin, all the others are on the run.

The three-member tribunal was led by Justice Anwarul Haque, who began the day dictating out the 330-page verdict

summary. The verdict was on hold after until both sides completed arguments on April 11.

Apart from ordering their immediate arrest, the court has also directed authorities to seek help from Interpol if necessary. The convicts can be either hanged by rope or gunned down, on terms of execution.

The accused are charged for killing of eight people and injuring of another of four villages on November 12; killing of Miah Hossain of Aila village on November 13; abduction and killing of Abdur Gafur of Kalatali on September 26; abduction, torture and killing of Fazlur Rahman of Atkapara on August 23; killing of Paresh Chandra Sarkar of Ramnagar on September 7; torture and killing of Abu Bakar Siddique and Rapali Miah on August 25, and arson and vandalism in Atkapara on September 15. (ANI)

'JuD will not allow destruction of Hindu temples in Pak' Islamabad, May 3: Chief of Pakistan's banned JuD, Hafiz Saeed, has said his organisation will not allow destruction of Hindu temples and other holy places of nonMuslims in the country. It was Muslims' responsibility to safeguard holy places of their Hindus brethren, he said while addressing a meeting in Matli town of Sindh province yesterday.

"We will not allow destruction of temples and other holy places of nonMuslims in the country," he warned.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief rejected allegations that his organisation is promoting extremism in Thar area of Sindh, which borders India, by opening seminaries in the povertystricken arid region.

Saeed also pledged support for Kashmiri Muslims, according to a report. He said the law enforcement agencies were sincerely trying to fight against anti-state actors and RAW agents but the Nawaz Sharif government remained silent over it. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

The Pakistan Army's Curious Punjab Operation MGNREGA facts All in vain Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a revolutionary Act of the Government of India with tremendous potentiality of eradi(Photo: indiatoday) cating unemployment situation in the country. On February 2, 2006 first phase of NREGA implementation was started in 200 districts of the country in which seven districts of Assam were also incorporated. In the year 2007, the second phase of NREGA had started where five districts of Assam were also included. The third phase started on April 1, 2008 where remaining 14 districts of Assam came under the purview of the Act. Hence, at present all the districts of Assam are implementing the provisions of MGNREGA. On March 31, 2012 Assam completed sixth year of MGNREGA implementation. Though the Assam government has spent over Rs 2,100 crore in the state between 2011-12 and 2013-14 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to generate nearly ten crore mandays. According to reports on MGNREGA for 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14, the highest amount was spent in FY'12 with Rs 748.27 crore. In FY'13, the government spent Rs 651.53 crore for providing jobs under the ambitious scheme. In 2011-12, total mandays stood at 3.53 crore, while the government could generate 3.14 crore and 2.99 crore mandays in 2012-13 and 2013-14 fiscals respectively.

In the three years, a total of 38.45 lakh households were provided with employment opportunities under MGNREGA. But the latest official data reveals that only 11.38 per cent of works taken up in Assam during the last fiscal, have been completed up to March this year. A total of 88,879 works were taken up under the scheme in the year 2015-16, and only 10,111 have been completed in the financial year. Moreover, 1,39,157 schemes approved under the scheme are "not in progress."

Sector-wise, 35,473 flood control schemes were taken up under MGNREGA, but only 3,790 of them were completed. Around 3,315 water harvesting and conservation schemes were taken up, and only 311 completed. Similarly, under drought proofing, 12,598 schemes were taken up and 2,147 completed. For land development, 9,139 schemes were taken up and 1,108 completed. Only nine of the 824 schemes taken up for rural sanitation were completed, while 148 of the 1,670 fisheries schemes taken up were completed.

A comprehensive assessment of the scheme by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Delhi, says that the scheme has huge potential for regenerating the village economy in India, but only if its focus remains on creation of productive assets. The scheme is also plagued by incomplete and abandoned works, and lack of maintenance of completed works.

Although the largest amount of fund for the scheme till date was spent during 2015-16, it was also the worst year ever in terms of assets created (2.27 million assets) across the country, a 23% decline from 2014-15. According to a World Bank report, wage earnings alone are not sufficient to make it more cost-effective at reducing poverty. Launched in 2005, the rural employment programme is among the largest poverty alleviation programmes in the world with more than 5 crore beneficiaries and expenditure ranging between 0.5% and 1% of the size of the economy.

India needs more judges Increase the strength India`s judiciary suffered from a poor judge-population ratio and serious vacancies even as it dealt with an "avalanches of cases". The ratio was dismal compared to even other developed countries. The working strength of judges in three of the five high courts in the northeastern states was much less than the sanctioned strength, according to the union law ministry.

It said the working strength of judges in five high courts of the northeast - Gauhati, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura - was 27 against the sanctioned strength of 40. An official document from the union ministry of law and justice said the working strength of judges at the Gauhati High Court, which has jurisdiction in Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, was 14 against the sanctioned strength of 24. The Meghalaya High Court currently has two judges against the sanctioned strength of four, the working strength at the Sikkim High Court was two against the sanctioned strength of three.

At the Tripura (4) and Manipur (5) High Courts, the working strength was equal to the sanctioned strength. Separate high courts for the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram have not been established because the state governments have not yet completed creation of necessary infrastructure in these states. The only remedy is to establish more courts and increase the strength of the judges to 50 judges per million population. Chief Justice T.S. Thakur made an emotive appeal to the government to have more judges to ensure justice for all, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to say he will tackle "the serious concern. In 1987, the government`s Law Commission had said that India`s judicial system needed 40,000 judges at different levels. Since then the country`s population had increased by 30 crore people.. Also when then chief justice Altmash Kabir told then prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2013 that nothing was being done to address the ills of the judicial system, the latter replied that it concerned state governments and they had no money.

For an offensive supposedly aimed at terrorists, the military has selected some odd targets.

Just hours after a bomb at- troops, Punjab Police, tivities were purely crimitack on an Easter celebra- CTD, and Rangers partici- nal in nature. Indeed, a few tion in Lahore, the capital pating. days prior to his surrender, of Punjab, killed 75 and in- The Katcha areas are small Chotu himself spoke to the jured 340, Chief of Army islands within the Indus press and affirmed his loyStaff General Raheel River, which have over the alty to the country and Sharif ordered "counter- years served as hideouts went out of his way to deny terror" operations through- for criminal outfits due to allegations of engaging in out the province. Initial re- their remoteness and inac- terrorism. He told The ports suggested that the cessibility. The most noto- News, "We are not terrorbomber had been a resident rious of these groups has ists. We are not enemies of of Muzaffargarh District, been the Chotu gang, an this country. We are landin the south of Punjab, a outfit known for its local lords. We don't want to quit part of the country often criminal activities such as our houses. Let us live." described k i d n a p - Some of the gang memSachchal Ahmad ping for bers, who surrendered as a hotbed of Isr a n s o m . when the army initially lamic extremists and mili- Four operations have been took charge of the operatants. So apparently deter- launched against the group tion, said they could not mined was the military in by the police in the past, fight the troops "out of reundertaking these opera- only to see it resurface in spect for the institution." tions in Punjab, and frus- the area some time later.

The local District Police trated with civilian reti- News reports indicate that Officer (DPO) also ruled cence on the matter, that the operation began during out any possibility of inthe army chief even an- the first few days of April. volvement of Baloch milinounced that its operations Provincial police bosses tants and other terrorist orwould not be conducted in pressured local police of- ganizations in the area. coordination with civilian ficials to immediately While the armed forces oflaw enforcement, as had launch the operation, fered some limited support been proposed prior to the though the latter had asked to the police in the previattack. In the face of such for 25 days to prepare. It ous four operations, it was pressure, the government was no surprise then that nothing close to this scale. quickly acquiesced and or- the operation, dubbed The question then arises: dered the launch of an op- "Zarb-e-Ahan," was badly why here, and why now, eration in south Punjab. It bungled, with at least one was the army willing to inseemed as if the army had child and six officers killed vest so much manpower finally decided to fulfill the and 25 taken hostage. The and resource in neutralizlong-standing demand for police resorted to calling ing a group that had nothaction against militancy for air support from the ing (at least directly) to do and extremism in Punjab, military, which in turn took with the Lahore attacks or with the Lahore attack pro- full control of the operation terrorism in general? The viding the catalyst. on April 15. The army pro- source of this urgency and However, the very next day Jamat-ul-Ahrar, a faction The case of the operation against of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Chotu gang case has some interPakistan (TTP), claimed esting implications. First, it is no responsibility and released images of the suicide longer clear what the objectives bomber. The group, based of this operation (or series of in the Mohmand Agency in Pakistan's tribal areas, has operations) in Punjab are. While launched six attacks since originally portrayed as a reDecember last year. Police also admitted that the origisponse to terrorist actors, they nal suspect from south Punjab had no link to the are yet to produce any substanexplosion. Despite this, the tial results on that front. police, intelligence agencies, and armed forces ceeded to pound the gang newfound impetus may lie seemingly charged on with with Cobra helicopters and in developments related to raids in Punjab, reportedly issued an ultimatum which Pakistan's new geopolitical arresting 5,221 and killing lead leader Chotu (also aspirations. five in a matter of days. known as Ghulam Rasool) A quick look at the map In the first week of April, and 175 members of his reveals that the Katcha arInter-Services Public Rela- gang to surrender uncondi- eas of Punjab lie in close tions (ISPR), the military's tionally on April 20. Me- proximity to the eastern media wing, confirmed the dia suggested local tribal and central routes of the launch of a coordinated op- leaders had also been in- China-Pakistan Economic eration in Punjab. It said volved in indirect negotia- Corridor (CPEC) as well as that an operation was be- tions between the gang and the Indus Highway. ing carried out by civil and security forces. Report- Groups like the Chotu military law enforcement edly, over 1,500 military gang, which is only the agencies, including the personnel (including SSG most prominent criminal paramilitary Rangers, po- commandoes) and 900 outfit operating in the area, lice, and Counter-Terror- paramilitary troops were would pose a direct threat ism Department (CTD), deployed in the region. to the security and safety against "hardened criminal This was in addition to the of activities on these key and ferraris [fugitives]." 1,600 police personnel highways. In 2005, the The statement singled out who were initially conduct- same Chotu gang abducted Rojhan, in district Rahim ing the operation.

12 Chinese engineers from Yar Khan, particularly While various claims were the Indus Highway. parts known as the made in the press alleging As work on the CPEC "Katcha" areas, saying that that the Chotu gang had ramps up, the need to asthey were being used as ties to Baloch insurgents, sure the Chinese that Parefuges by "terrorists" from the TTP, or even the Indian kistan can provide the other parts of the country. intelligence agency RAW, promised security has Some sources reported that no definitive links have gained urgency. A recent the operation was being emerged as of yet. A look statement by a Chinese ofoverseen by Corps Com- at the gang's history sug- ficial said that CPEC mander Lahore, Lt. Gen. gests that while they were would be completed ahead Sadiq Ali, with army no petty criminals, their ac- of schedule, with the first

Soldiers examine weapons seized from a warehouse in Peshawar and put on display for the media at the Pando Stadium in Peshawar, Pakistan, January 27, 2016. Image Credit: REUTERS/Fayaz Aziz phase of the project slated for completion sometime during 2017-18. The Pakistani military has been particularly involved in pushing for CPEC and is going to great lengths to prove to the Chinese that security will not be an obstacle. As one example, it has committed to raising a Special Security Division (SSD), consisting of nine army battalions and six wings of the civil armed forces, specifically for the safety of Chinese engineers and workers. Perhaps the most important indication that the army is preparing for the impending task of securing CPEC came on April 13, when General Raheel Sharif himself announced that the first cargo from China will reach Gwadar port (the terminus of CPEC) this year.

At the same time, the army views itself as a major stakeholder in CPEC and is seeking an increasing role in the implementation of CPEC-related projects.

Last week it was reported that the military establishment was looking to establish a formal role for itself in the administration and execution of CPEC. Reportedly, the army has proposed the establishment of a CPEC authority to the federal government. Another proposal suggests including CPEC in the National Action Plan (NAP), Pakistan's counter-terrorism policy adopted last year. Hints that the military is not satisfied with the pace of progress on CPEC are also ubiquitous.

The case of the operation against Chotu gang case has some interesting implications. First, it is no longer clear what the objectives of this operation (or series of operations) in Punjab are. While originally portrayed as a response to terrorist actors, they are yet to produce any substantial results on that front. As one example,

Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar remains in "protective custody" of the Punjab government. As another, in the aftermath of the announcement of the Punjab operation, sectarian politico-militant group Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), the reincarnation of Sipah-eSahaba Pakistan (SSP) and perhaps the mostcited example of Punjabi militancy, asked its followers to go underground and reported that none of its members or leaders had been arrested as of March 31.

Furthermore, there is also no concrete evidence that the civilian government or military have changed their attitudes toward the various Punjab-based outfits they have long been accused of being soft on.

For instance, Lashkar-eTaiba founder and Jamat ud Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed has been steadily and openly addressing events and congregations in Lahore in recent days.

Doubts have even been expressed over the mass arrests by police and intelligence agencies in the days following the Lahore attack. An analyst referred to it as an "exercise" conducted after high profile attacks. He went on, "This is more for the consumption of the public. They just round up these guys, and after a few days, when the furor dies down, they release them for lack of evidence. I don't see it as any meaningful action."

Indeed, 5,005 of the 5,221 arrested were released without charge soon after their arrest.

What this case does demonstrate are two things: first, the military is increasingly willing to take over 'policing' duties, particularly where its interests are concerned; and secondly, the Punjab police is not positioned in

Win of Dishonesty

OPD Complex of Assam Medical College (Photo: cicahep.org)

Sir, Try to be in the good book of the minister concerned and do whatsoever mischief you like; nothing to worry about.

Being at the helm of a reputed institution, avail French leave and enjoy life to the brim in a foreign country, the tour having been sponsored by some medicine company. This is exactly what happened in the case of Dr. Atindra Adhikary when a post-graduate student of surgery Dr. Sarita Tashniwal had been murdered brutally in the Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. Initially, the Health ministry pretends to be strict suspending the erring principal but the pretension of the ministry came to the fore in no time when the suspension order was revoked and his original assignment as the Principal, AMC was restored. What was more, Dr. Adhikary got his desired posting in Guwahati Medical College. Incidentally, there is

terms of resources or planning capability to meet the challenge of taking on the organized militant and extremist groups residing in Punjab.

As the military establishment prepares to (officially or unofficially) oversee the implementation of CPEC and its security, it is more than willing to step in and sideline what they perceive as an incompetent civilian political and security set up.

This is a model the military has applied (via the paramilitary Rangers force) in Karachi. It is no surprise then that on April 18, security officials were quoted saying that the Punjab provincial government had initially been advised not to use local law enforcement in the Chotu gang operation and that they had demanded the official requisitioning of the Rangers by invoking a clause in the Anti-Terrorism Act. While the government refused this demand, arguing that it had the capacity to undertake such an operation, this may help explain as to why police chiefs were in a hurry to get the police action underway.

The dismal failure - inadequate preparation time notwithstanding - of a large police contingent in defeating the Chotu gang will only reinforce the image of incompetence. As the military seizes a greater role in policing activities, the hope the police will be allocated the necessary resources and training to undertake future operations shrinks.

This will greatly impact Pakistan's capability to combat the threat from radical militant groups operating in its heartland in the long run, simply because no amount of military firepower can replace continuous and effective local police activities.

Courtesy: The Diplomat

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

So please keep writing.

also controversy centering round his date of birth. Some of his associates on condition of anonymity opined that in financial matters too his integrity is questionable. Honesty or corruptionfree state of affairs during Tarun Gogoi led state government is a Chimera. But as a conscious citizen, we simply canLetters to the not afford to turn a blind eye to all these editor and articles acts of irregularity. What we want now the unveiling of the matter shrouding should be sent to : The Eastern Tothe mystery as to how such a tainted day person could be reinstated. The Healthministry owes an explanation to the Chowkidingee, people of Assam.

Near Sankardeva

Yours etc Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Page 9

ed

Why Celebrities Need To Be More Aware Of What They Endorse The first time I fell prey a week. to a celebrity endorsed That was my first lesson advertisement was when in naivety and blind belief, I saw Preity Zinta's face especially in misleading (I despise her now) in co- advertisements. A new rehesion with Maggi. My port by the Parliamentary mother had Committee on always told Amna Kapur Food, Conme not to eat sumer Affairs, instant noodles-they were and Public Distribution full of chemicals and says that brand ambassa'crushed cockroaches', dors may be held liable for but that day I sneaked off claims made in advertiseto my grandparents' room ments with penalties up to and begged them to buy ?50 lakh and a five-year me a packet. When my prison sentence. mom found out, she According to Cynthia wasn't exactly happy with Webster and Jasmina me. I pressed back, "But Ilicic, when consumers mom, it's healthy!" She see a celebrity endorsing laughed and then banned a brand, they begin to see me from watching TV for only the personality and

ignore the product. So, if Mahendra Singh Dhoni is seen promoting a particular item or service, cricket fans will blindly agree to his claims without using the "common-sense approach" as Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan calls it. But, is it the responsibility of the brand to adhere to moral guidelines when marketing or that of the celebrity?

While it is clear that the company should be in charge of not misleading its customers, more often than not, they will make unsubstantiated claims to draw in clients as long as they cannot be legally per-

secuted for the same.

However, attaching a recognised face to a product instantaneously ensures more buyers and the celebrity endorsing the product should be aware of his or her influence. An eminent figure like Madhuri Dixit should make sure to authenticate the assertions made by the product she is promoting before telling her fan base to go out and buy a leadfilled toxic packet of instant noodles that supposedly has a high nutritional value.

In a recent shampoo advertisement featuring Anushka Sharma and

Karan Johar, the former declares that she uses this particular shampoo every day and it has "changed her life" by completely ending her hair fall. Below, in nearly indecipherable fine print comes the disclaimer: "Only in system controlled environments".

The warning barely appears for seven seconds and is concealed by the white background. A fan of the star might not think twice before rushing to spend their hard-earned money on a frivolous product.

Thus, though the brand itself should be held accountable for making false

Advertisement of Madhuri Dixit endorsing Maggi (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz) statements, often the FDA and ASCI overlook products that don't directly affect the consumer's health or safety and these companies make money by

How Counseling On Mental Health Is Helping Indian Students Cope Better Recently, on a Friday Today, the scope of evening after a hectic counseling has expanded week filled with work, I to include classroom disbreathed a sigh of relief cussions and mental and at the prospect of a physical health issues, break; however, the som- along with remedial help ber mood continued until for students of all age I got home. groups and When I was Ritika Potnis background. just about to The National relax, my Curriculum nephew came up to me Framework (2005) with a concerned ex- views guidance and pression and exclaimed, counseling as a part of "you look depressed!" the curriculum. It aims to I was startled as I did not assist and facilitate overexpect him to know about all development of studepression. dents in schools and colleges.

To satisfy my curiosity, I asked him about the Many private schools in source of his knowledge. Mumbai have a school I was pleasantly sur- counselor and students prised to know that he of all classes have comhad learned about de- pulsory 'Classroom Sespression in his school's sion Activities' as part of

counselor. According to her, "Classroom Session Activities are modeled on the Life Skill Education, designed by World Health Organization (WHO) for the overall development of school children and Adolescent Education Program for adolescents in classrooms. These programs begin from the 1st standard onwards and aim at social and emotional development. They also encompass issues of personal safety such as good/bad touch and personal hygiene. The Adolescent Education Program talks majorly about frustration and frustration tolerance, peer pressure, dating violence and puberty and suggests to

tions of parents and relationships; I can talk to my parents and even the counselor effectively about personal issues bothering me." Sanika Sanjeevan, who passed 10th-grade last year, told me that, "The counseling period helped me overcome exam stress and taught me how to deal with hurtful emotions."

She added, "That was the first time, I met a counselor, and now I am actively thinking of a career in psychology."

Another unique feature of the program is that it involves parents, teachers, counselors, and students in meaningful discussions and activities.

Vinita Tauro, mother of

Image for representational purpose (Photo: acimentalhealth.)

'Counseling Period.'

My nephew's innocent yet accurate description of depression as "being sad for a very long time" made me aware of the Educational Counseling Services being imparted at the school level. As I explored further, I found myself in the groundbreaking domain of 'School Counseling.'

Educational Counseling Services have been a part of our academic system for a long time now. The earliest knowledge of guidance and support of this nature can be traced back to 1980's. The National Policy of Education (1986) and Program of Action (1992) introduced counseling services in education and also, emphatically stated the need for parallel infrastructure for vocational and career guidance in educational institutions.

their curriculum, also known as 'Counseling Period'.

As I went around speaking to students of various schools, school counselors, parents and teachers about the 'Counseling Period', I came across interesting facts regarding mental health in classrooms and inclusive education.

Ashwini Barot, a 6thgrade student, explained to me, "In our counseling period, we play memory games in our class. The teacher also explains that when we are angry, we scribble hard and fast, and when we are sad, we scribble very slowly. We are asked to express when we are feeling either of it."

I was enlightened on the finer details of the counseling program by Pooja Rajiwadekar, a mental health expert and school

the students effective measure and skills to deal with them."

The USP of the Life Skill and Adolescent Education program lies in the fact that it is crafted to further the physical and mental development of students of all ages. This difference was clearly visible in the responses of students between 3rd and 10th grade. Rhea Tauro, a 4th grader, said to me in an interview, "Our teacher makes us write about things we like and dislike, draw a life event and we are also asked to complete sentences such as When I get angry I___." Ashwini added, "I learnt about myself and my friends through the counseling period." Jyoti Nair, a 10th grader, explained, "my counseling period and teacher have helped me understand how to deal with peer pressure and expecta-

Rhea Tauro said to me, "As a parent, I am glad that the school conducts counseling activities as children may be comfortable sharing things with trained professionals. This activity also helps me understand my child better and makes her confident in expressing herself."

As a participant observer in a neighborhood school, I came across some children with special needs studying with so-called 'normal' students. This reminded me of the Sarva Shikshya Abhiyan (SSA), an initiative of the central government which is in effect since 2000. The SSA makes inclusive education compulsory, which also means that individuals with mental or physical disability share the same classroom with the normal

students. Following the proposed guidelines of the Mental Health Act and the Right to Education, the SSA also helps blur classroom biases and focuses on those excluded giving them their due rights.

Radha Shastri, mother of a student with special needs said to me in an interview, "My child has mild autism and also faces social anxiety. She is studying with children who are unlike her and they get along just fine."Rajiwadekar explained, "In class, where there is a child with special needs, the students of the class are sensitised about the related issues and how to deal with them by school counselors with the permission of the parents of the said child. Such precautionary steps have been successful as students become more comfortable communicating with the children with special needs."

A recent study carried out by the Word Bank and UNICEF on education in India highlighted the disparity between the private and public schools, with the latter lagging behind. The ratio of public schools to private schools is 7:5.

This ratio made me think about the mental and physical wellbeing of students studying in public schools. In my interaction with a teacher from a public school, who wished to remain anonymous, I was told, "There are no counselors in public schools and teachers act as primary counselors. In most cases, we are the first ones to identify children with issues, and we recommend them to further counseling services." While discussing the same issue with Rajiwadekar, she elaborated, "Usually companies or NGOs take up the responsibility to provide counseling support to schools with no counselors and also, basic training is provided to the teachers."

Manjula Patil, a final year student of B.Ed, said, "Our course covers basics of school counseling that helps us screen children and report them for further help if required."

In general, public mental health awareness programs are gaining mo-

mentum. Rashi Mittal, a student of psychology from Mumbai University said, "We organised street plays and awareness programs on September 10, 2015, commemorated as the World Suicide Prevention Day, to spread the message about the negatives of suicide and also encouraged identification and speaking up about such issues. We saw the participation of many college and school students along with individuals who understood the message that we wanted to impart."

A recent study revealed that in India, every one in three students gets bullied in school. Another study conducted by the Department of Community Medicine at the University Of Haryana concluded that four in every seven students report peer pressure during teenage years. In such a scenario, where a classroom comprises students from all walks of life, there is a greater need for sensitivity towards issues of mental health and human dignity. The school counseling program lays a strong foundation for children to understand and express themselves and they also grow up to be sensitive adults.

As Rajiwadekar pointed out, "These programs have a long way to go in creating a revolutionary influence in mental health awareness and prevention, but surely in 10 years with advanced knowledge and large scale awareness programs, there will be a positive change in the attitude of people towards the mental health stigma."

In India where the government spends only 0.06 percent of its health budget on mental health (WHO, 2011) such school interventions can go a long way in creating a dialogue on mental health in our society.

However, the benefits of counseling programs should be equally spread to the rural regions where services for dealing with mental illnesses are not easily available and often stigmatised.

The next steps should also include creating a model to reintegrate the patients into communities, work spaces and in policy making. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

preying on the naivety of unknowing innocents.

With the new guidelines that will optimistically be approved, the celebrities endorsing the product will

take on the duty of verifying the implausible claims made by the company ensuring a new, more truthful era of marketing.

Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

Both The People And Media's Apathy (Yet Again) To This Tragedy In Uttarakhand Is Painful I remember how badly many on social media shaken all of India was started questioning why by the natural disaster this issue wasn't given that took place in priority, bigger news Uttarakhand in 2013. channels started coverFloods and landslides ing it. In the last few caused a lot of death and days, it seems that the destruction. mainstream Experts media has linked this to Arunima Singh woken up to w i d e the disaster spread deforestation. taking place in Right now, the state is Uttarakhand. facing yet another orThis is yet another epideal. sode of selective reportMany of the regions are ing that news channels witnessing forest fires, seek to conform to more

Rescue personnel during an operation to control the forest fires in Uttarakhand (Photo: media.newindianexpress)

and the reason is uncertain. Some witnesses, such as below, suggest that this is being done by villagers, to extract wood and illegally make money off it. This kind of destruction and absence of any action undertaken in the presence of the village administration reeks of involvement.

and more. They present and replay things which get them TRP, with seemingly little concern for what 'the nation wants to know.'

After what happened there in 2013, we should have known better. Not only are these forests responsible for holding the land in the hills together, What is extremely tragic but they also help balance about the whole issue is the extremely polluted that the governments, areas in near vicinity the media, and we, the (such as the Delhi NCR). people, don't seem to care. Before this The forests are providers Facebook post was of livelihood, and a censhared widely, there tral aspect of the life of were only two to three villagers who live around newspaper clippings on them. the issue in the This is a great reminder Hindustan Times. of why we need to look Most of the big names away from conventional in the media seemed media every once in a least interested in this while and look at such tragedy, and what could grave issues at hand ourperhaps be smugglers or selves. Let us not allow forest mafia operating in our media and the govthe garb of forest fires. ernment to look the other Finally, when the way as Uttarakhand goes Facebook post was up in flames. Courtesy: shared enough times, and Youthkiawaaz

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

BUSINESS

13% jump in sale of Maruti Suzuki Mumbai, May 3: The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) posted a 13.3 per cent rise in total sales in April at 1,26,569 units as against 1,11,748 units last year. The company's domestic sales increased by 16.2 per cent during the month to 1,17,045 units as against 1,00,709 units in April 2015. Sales of mini-segment cars including, Alto and WagonR, however, declined 9.9 per cent to 31,906 units compared

ICICI Bank, Axis Bank place stressed loans of Rs. 70,000-crore on 'watch list' Pune, May 3: ICICI Bank and Axis Bank have placed Rs.70,000 crore on their watch-list' of stressed loans, a large chunk of which could potentially turn sour. This is an indicator that the worst is far from over for Indian banks so far as asset quality is concerned. Both ICICI and Axis had recently announced their JanuaryMarch earnings. ICICI Bank, which reported a 76 per cent decline in net profit for the Jan-March quarter to Rs.702 crore, identified five key sectors which are topping the list for stressed assets, namely: power, iron and steel, mining, cement and rigs, from where the maximum stress is coming. The bank's exposure to the power and iron and steel sectors makes up for 10 per cent of its total loan book of Rs.4.35 lakh crore.

ICICI Bank had said during the post earnings conference call that it had internally identified loans worth Rs.44,000 crore - 10 per cent of its loan book as being below investment grade. Such loans to the iron & steel and power sectors constitute 2.1 per cent of the bank's loan book. The bank has also said that there was a net reduction of Rs.2,000 crore in exposure in FY16 to companies in these sectors.

"We expect the challenging operating and recovery environment for the corporate segment to continue in FY2017," said N.S. Kannan, Chief Financial Officer of ICICI Bank while addressing the analysts.

"Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would continue with its objective of early and conservative recognition of stress and provisioning; and the approach of banks would also reflect a more conservative stance.

Slippages from the restructured portfolio are expected to continue," Mr. Kannan added. Axis Bank, which reported 1 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs.2,154 crore in Q4, also warned that stressed assets remain elevated."The bank's outstanding on the 'Watch List' accounts at the end of Q4 FY16 was around Rs.22,600 crore," the bank said in a presentation to analysts following its results announcement last week. Fifty per cent of its watch-list accounts are in the iron and steel and power sectors.

"We expect around 60 per cent of the 'watchlist accounts to flow into the non-performing asset (NPA) category over the next 8 quarters," the bank said. It added that while it is difficult to predict the timing of slippages precisely, a slight bias is expected during the first half of 2016-17.

"The management (of Axis Bank) has identified loans worth Rs 26,000 crore as stressed loans, and has placed them in the watch list," broking firm IIFL said in a note to its clients. (Agencies)

with 35,403 units in the year ago period, MSI said in a statement. The firm said sales of compact segment, comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire and Baleno increased by 8 per cent to 45,700 units in April as against 42,297 units a year ago.

MSI said sales of compact sedan Dzire Tour increased by 73.8 per cent during the month under review to 3,173 units as against 1,826 units in April 2015. Sales of midsized sedan Ciaz rose by 22.3 per cent to 5,702

INCREASE IN SALES The company's domestic sales increased by 16.2 per cent during the month to 1,17,045 units as against 1,00,709 units in April 2015. Sales of mini-segment cars including, Alto and WagonR, however, declined 9.9 per cent to 31,906 units compared with 35,403 units in the year ago period.

Besides, sales of vans, Omni and Eeco, rose 20.3 per cent to 14,520 units in April compared with 12,069 last year.

Sales of mid-sized sedan Ciaz rose by 22.3 per cent to 5,702 units during the month. Sales of utility vehicles including Gypsy, Grand Vitara, Ertiga, SCross and recently launched compact SUV Vitara Brezza surged over threefold to 16,044 units from 4,452 units.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) posted a 13.3 per cent rise in total sales in April at 1,26,569 units as against 1,11,748 units last year.

Sales of compact sedan Dzire Tour increased by 73.8 per cent during the month under review to 3,173 units as against 1,826 units in April 2015.

The firm said sales of compact segment, comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire and Baleno increased by 8 per cent to 45,700 units in April as against 42,297 units a year ago.

units during the month.

Sales of utility vehicles including Gypsy, Grand Vitara, Ertiga, S-Cross and recently launched compact SUV Vitara Brezza surged over threefold to 16,044 units from 4,452 units. Besides, sales of vans, Omni and Eeco, rose 20.3 per cent to 14,520 units in April compared with 12,069 last year. Exports during the month declined by 13.7 per cent to 9,524 units as against 11,039 units a year ago.

(Agencies)

Indian start-ups targeted by Retailer Target for innovation Washington, May 3: Target Corp, the second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. is betting big on Indian start-ups. The firm, with sales of $74 billion, is incubating start-ups at an idea stage and accelerating their product roadmap through its accelerator in Bengaluru. It also makes investments in them selectively. In return, it uses the innovation developed by these firms to bring in efficiency and tap new businesses. "We need to find future growth opportunity and it can happen through a very systematic external engagement," said Jamil Ghani, Senior Vice-President for strategy and innovation at Target in an interview. He said large corporations tend to have more a sequential approach towards innovation. "We need to iterate quickly. Also, we don't have to develop everything internally," he said. Target's Bengaluru accelerator, which is the only such facility outside the U.S., is backing young firms which have developed innovations in areas such as data analytics,

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: s3.amazonaws) personalisation, wellness and Internet of Things where devices communicate with each other intelligently. One such firm is Bengaluru-based House of Blue Beans. It is providing three-dimensional visualisation technology to Target to help them with merchandising for select product lines. Keshav Vijayaraghavan, 26, founder of House of Blue Beans said that it uses computer generated images as an alternate to photography which is more "efficient and reusable."

He said in return becoming a vendor for Target has helped the firm with credibility and recruiting of talent. Navneet Kapoor, President and Managing Director at Target India said the intention is to codevelop the products with these firms from idea to proof of concept stage.

"That is a huge commitment on behalf of a Fortune 30 company," he said. "When we set up Target India ten years ago, it was more like an experiment, whether we can do any work out of

India." Indeed, a lot has changed since then.

Chennai-based Konotor is simplifying the communication between the store staff and support team at Target headquarter in the U.S. It does this through a chat interface like 'WhatsApp' that sits within their apps. Konotor co-founder Srikrishnan Ganesan, 33, said this has reduced the turnaround time from days to minutes for Target in the case of queries on the availability of stock in the stores. Mr. Ganesan said it has also brought them the convenience of doing it through their mobile devices instead of desktop machines. Last December, Konotor got acquired by top tech firm Freshdesk for an undisclosed sum and it has been relaunched as Hotline.io. "Retail is no more a gut and feel business in the US and Western world, it is becoming the biggest hotspot for technologies such as data analytics and virtual reality," said Ankur Bisen, Senior Vice-President at Technopak, a retail consulting firm. He said com-

panies like Target are not only tapping the talent pool in India but are also looking for innovative products from young firms "to help them do their day to day business." For instance, large retailers typically have revenue leakages and overpayment--made to vendors or suppliers to the tune of 1-5 percent.

This is significant as leakages for them could be worth over hundreds of millions of dollars.

Bengaluru-based Discover Dollar, another participant at the accelerator has built algorithms which help Target to identify these revenue leakages in near real time and resolve them over a click of a button.

Subrahmanya Rao, 28, founder of Discover Dollar said that in return the most important value the firm got from Target was an opportunity to validate the solution. "Before that I met chief experience officers of top Indian retailers but they wanted a proven solution before they tried their hands," he said. (Agencies)

23% up rise in India smartphone market New Delhi, May 3: India smartphone market grew 23 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, surpassing the U.S. to become the second largest country in terms of users, even as sales remained flat globally, research firm Counterpoint said. "India which surpassed USA to become the second largest smartphone market in terms of users has continued to register strong demand for smartphone," Counterpoint Research Director Peter Richardson said. There is a massive opportunity for every player in the mobile value chain when the second largest market by volume is still under penetrated and growing, while the rest of the world smartphone demand has waned, he added. "India

is the next China...more than a billion smartphones will be sold in India over the next five years. This will drive the number of smartphone users from quarter of a billion to more than half a billion in the same time period," he said. Furthermore, the advent of advanced 4G LTE network infrastructure will also be a key catalyst in the country's smartphone adoption in coming years, it said. Global smartphone shipments remained flat at 344 million units in JanuaryMarch, impacted by weaker demand in China and Brazil as well as parts of Europe, as per Counterpoint. It added that this is the first time since the launch of smartphones that the segment globally has seen no growth.

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: tsetechie) Samsung led the India smartphone tally with 29 per cent share. Interestingly, Reliance Jio, which forayed into the market this quarter itself with brand 'Lyf', cornered 7 per cent share. "We estimate, this quarter strong shipment was more of channel filling, the actual sell-through will happen

in Q2 2016 as the operator starts full-fledged marketing and promotional activity," the report said.

Lyf also became the second largest LTE phone supplier surpassing Micromax and Lenovo during January-March 2016. Others in the list included Micromax (17 per cent), Intex (10 per

cent) and Lenovo (8 per cent) and Karbonn (5 per cent). Apple recorded a stellar 62 per cent growth in the first quarter from year-ago period, though on a lower base, thus registering back-to-back sequential growth in spite of negative growth results globally for iPhones. In terms of overall mobile phone sales (including feature phones), Samsung led the segment with 25 per cent share, followed by Micromax (14 per cent), Intex (11 per cent), Lava (9 per cent) and Karbonn (5 per cent). "The demand for LTE smartphones remained strong as two out of three smartphone shipped was LTE capable," Counterpoint Senior Analyst Tarun Pathak said. (Agencies)

Investment of $10 million to be done by E-vehicle maker Clean Motion in India

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: static.technologicvehicles) Taiwan, May 3: Swedenbased electric vehicle maker Clean Motion plans to invest USD 10 million (about Rs 66 crore) in India over the next three years to expand operations including setting up of an assembly unit for its Zbee

three- wheelers in the country. The company, which runs its electric three-wheeler Zbee in Gurgaon's DLF Cyber City, aims to provide last-mile connectivity in India's congested urban areas and is talking to mall de-

velopers in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well as SEZ operators in Hyderabad. Besides, it is also targeting tourist spots like Taj Mahal to operate its fleet of electric three-wheelers, which are positioned as a premium product unlike e-rickshaws.

"We plan to invest USD 10 million over the next three years. At the end of the third year, we expect to have a fleet of around 2,000 vehicles cumulatively," said Clean Motion Country Head Anil Arora. As a startup, the company has already seeded USD 1 million in the project, he added. "Our product is powered by lithium ion batteries with design and looks targeting at the premium segment. Not only through fares, we are also looking at

advertising on Zbee as a second revenue stream," he said. Elaborating on the company's expansion plans in India, he said: "We aim to be present in all the places where there is requirement for last mile connectivity.

Whether its malls, metros or tourist places we are going to be there." To meet its targets, Arora said Clean Motion is ramping up assembly of Zbee in India. "Currently, we manufacture two units a day and aim to increase it to four units a day by the end of this year at Faridabad," he said. It imports most of the Zbee components from Sweden and is now looking at locally manufacturing of critical parts. "We are looking at locally producing main mechanical parts except for the

body in India. The body shell is imported from Malaysia which is not a problem," Arora said. The company operates on a franchise model and has entered into an agreement with DLF group to operate Zbees for providing last mile connectivity from DLF CyberHub to nearby offices and metro stations. Under the franchise model, the company rents out vehicles and even looks after the hiring of drivers for three seater Zbee, which can attain a top speed of 45 km per hour and run for 50 km on a single charge. He added the company is also in the process of developing a cargo version of the vehicle, which would mainly cater to the e-commerce firms in the country to be used in product deliveries. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

Gold price rises further to Rs 30,330 per 10 grams

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: 8463presscdn) Chennai, May 3: Gold prices rose further to Rs 30,330 per 10 grams in futures trading early Monday as speculators widened positions, tracking a firming trend overseas. At the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold for delivery in June was trading higher by Rs 59, or 0.19 percent, to Rs 30,325 per 10 grams. Market analysts said speculators enlarged their positions on

the back of a firming global trend as a gauge of the dollar touched an 11month low after weakerthan-expected US economic growth cut prospects for higher interest rates, adding to the appeal of safe haven investment, influenced gold futures here. Globally, gold climbed as much as 0.03 percent to USD 1,292.80 an ounce in Singapore.

(Agencies)

16% cut in debts

by Indiabulls Real Estate in FY16 New Delhi, May 3: Indiabulls Real Estate has reduced its net debt by 16 percent to Rs 4,617 crore during the last fiscal, helped by positive operating cashflow. In an analyst presentation, Mumbai-based developer said the company achieved a net debt of Rs 4,617 crore as on March 31, as against the target of Rs 4,800 crore. "Sixteen per cent year-on-year reduction in net debt during FY16. Overall reduced net debt by Rs 863 crore during FY16, down to Rs 4,617 crore on March 31, 2016, from Rs 5,480 crore as on March 31, 2015," Indiabulls Real Estate said.

The company has a target to cut net debt to Rs 3,300 crore by March next year.

During 2015-16, the company's promoters made an equity infusion of Rs 538 crore. Sales bookings of the firm stood at Rs 626 crore during the quarter ended March 31.

Indiabulls Real Estate also said it plans to launch two projects with a total saleable area of 7.29 million sq

ft, of which 5.06 million sq ft would be housing. The company is developing 11 projects with a total saleable area of 30.51 million sq ft. It has presence in key metros of Mumbai, NCR and Chennai. The company has entered London property market through acquisition of 22, Hanover Square in Mayfair, Central London, a 87,444 sq ft commercial property in July 2014. On land bank, the company informed it has fully paid land bank of 1,017 acres in key cities across India which is sufficient for proposed development over the next seven years. It also possesses 2,588 acres of SEZ land at Nashik, Maharashtra.

Last week, Indiabulls Real Estate had reported a 23 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 305.04 crore in 2015-16 as against Rs 248.08 crore in the preceding fiscal.

Total income of the company increased to Rs 2,785.84 crore from Rs 2,736.60 crore in 201415. (Agencies)

42% rise in Royal Enfield's sales in April

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: royalenfield) Mumbai, May 3: Royal Enfield, a Eicher Motors Group company, has recorded 42 percent rise in its total sales at 48,197 units in April. The niche bike manufacturer sold 33,918 units during the same month last year, a company statement said.

Domestic sales in April

2016 grew by 42 percent to 47,037 units, from 33,118 units sold during same month of last year. On exports front, the company witnessed 45 percent increase last month to 1,160 units, from 800 units sold in April 2015.

(Agencies)

ITS ALL ABOUT BEING ROYAL Royal Enfield, a Eicher Motors Group company, has recorded 42 percent rise in its total sales at 48,197 units in April.

The niche bike manufacturer sold 33,918 units during the same month last year, a company statement said.

Domestic sales in April 2016 grew by 42 percent to 47,037 units, from 33,118 units sold during same month of last year.

On exports front, the company witnessed 45 percent increase last month to 1,160 units, from 800 units sold in April 2015.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Features

PAGE 11

ART AND CULTURE Saga of the Bamboo God The Assamese saying seven days from the last "jaar naai baanh, taar day of the last month of naai xaah"(those who do Assamese calendar, also as Chotor not have bamboo, do not called have courage) aptly sug- Xankranti, which is assogests the sheer impor- ciated with Rogali Bihu. tance of bamboo for On the day of Chotor myriad Xankranti o c c a - Jayanta Kumar Sarma t h e villagsions from agriculture, hous- ers assemble at the viling, handicraft to cultural lage temple premises and artefact and rituals. The under the guidance of the variegated communities priest, youths of the vilin Assam have various lage chop off a mature culturally defined sym- bamboo pole from its bols, taboos and myths grove. Before the pole is around bamboo. The cul- chopped, they offer puja tural code of certain with areca nut and areca communities entails leaves at the bamboo bamboo as a token of grove. Then the bamboo good fortune and it be- pole is brought to the comes an indissoluble temple; usually the part when it comes to the length of the bamboo rituals. By virtue of the pole is expected to be '9 rapid growth of the bam- hat and 5 anguli (approx. boo species, it exerts par- 11 ft and 6 inch.). The ticular impact on cultural villagers cleanse it in perception; hence bam- river or other water bodboo stands as the symbol ies before placing it in of productivity, growth the temple. Following and prosperity. The that, the bamboo pole is Baanh Goxaai Utsab wrapped up with white (Festival of the Bamboo cloth over which it is God) of the Sarania decorated with gamosa Kachari community and (traditional Assamese Bhatheli , a folk festival towel), handkerchief and from old south Kamrup fur. At the top end of the are two important festi- pole one brass metal vals celebrated during musk is placed and red the spring season that sindur is put on it. It is share the vibrant spirit of then followed by placing the bamboo pole in front Rongali .

The Sarania Kachari of the temple where community celebrates people pray to the BamBaanh Goxaai utsab for boo God for good fortune

and prosperity in the New Year. At the end people carry the bamboo pole in vertically straight position and move seven times around the temple with ritual music.

On the very next day, that is, the first of Bohag (first day of the first month of the Assamese Calendar), youths of the village take out a ritual march in the village and the pole is taken to each of the households where people from respective households offer puja and pray before the Bamboo God. At the end the Bamboo god is again placed in the temple back in its earlier position. On the day of full moon of Bohag (usually it is on seventh day of the first month of Assamese Calendar), people assemble again in the temple to perform special puja to the Bamboo God. Subsequently the Bamboo pole is immersed in river or other running water bodies. Nowadays this particular day is celebrated regionally in a convenient place together by the neighbourhood villages. Thus, on the day of full moon, people from each of the neighbouring villages bring their Bamboo God to the festival ground and offer worship in a collective manner.

The Sarania Kocharis consider bamboo as the idol of God. Their cultural beliefs appear to define Bamboo as the divine representation which brings good luck.

The natural growth and regeneration cycle of Bamboo is perceived as symbol of productivity and growth. The nature culture symmetry prevalent among the people translates itself into this amazing cultural practice.

In the old South Kamrup region during the month of Bohag, people celebrate Bhatheli, a folk festival per se, for social solidarity and prosperity.

Arikuchi, Ramdiya, Komarkuchi, Ulabari, Chandkuschi, Sondha of present Kamrup district are some of the places where this festival is celebrated with robust enthusiasm. Usually there is no fixed date for Bhatheli, villagers through community consultation select a date within the month of Bohag for this occasion.

In Bhatheli two Bamboo poles are usually erected on the festival ground and worshipped. These bamboo poles are called Paara in the locality; there will be two Paaras, one is considered as male and the other female.

On the festival day young men would go to the bamboo grove to the bamboo pole. This pole is later cleansed in water and decorated with coloured cloth and flowers. Having it decorated the pole is brought to the village temple, where the temple priest offers puja.

Then people carry the pole to the festival ground with a ritual march. In the festival ground the Bamboo pole is erected beside a tree.

The bottom of the tree is cleaned and decorated for offerings. Traditionally, it is organized by two neighbouring villages jointly or by two chuba or chuburi (small habitation) of the same village in a collective manner. Customarily, if the place of the festival ground is located in a particular village or chuba, then the people of the respective village or chuba would be called male Paara and In Arikuchi village near Hajo there are two chubas, one belongs to Brahmin and Kayastha and the other to Kaibortya (Schedule caste), and people from both celebrate Bhatheli in a carnivalesque manner typical of Rongali.

The Bhatheli ground is located at the chuba in-

Ritual march (Photo: nezine) habited by Brahmin and Kayastha, so they make it a male Paara and female Paara would be the people of Kaibortya chuba. It is a symbolic institution of equity and equality nurturing brotherhood among people.

For Bhatheli as well bamboo is symbolic of productivity and growth and social harmony. In addition with the rituals, a fair is also held on the ground, where different traders and local artisans come with agricultural products, tools and gears used in weaving, etc along with handicraft products for sale. People from neighbouring villages turn up at the rendezvous. In fact, people

from Islamic faith from the neighbouring villages participate in the Bhatheli fair either as a trader or as visitor. Social solidarity regardless of the differences in religious faith or social practice is this folk festival all about.

These folk festivals vividly reflect culturally defined perception of people and their institution. It is also a sign of affinity of the people to nature and social concord. Therefore, to protect and promote these folk festivals to continue our legacy of folk heritage is certainly immediate call of the time. We should not ignore the tre-

mendous potential in bringing these folk festivals under the aura of eco cultural rural tourism. ( Jayanta Kumar

Sarma is a freelance consultant in the area of Environment and Development and he has been working with NGO, Educational Institutions, private entrepreneurial farm and government agencies of North-east region. He did his Post graduation in Geography from Gauhati University and Post Master in Natural Resource Management from IIFM. He can be reached at jksbeltola@gmail.com )

Deori Bihu of Assam Assam needs a white revolution In Assam, a number of major harvest festival tribes inhabit in har- celebrated in Assam, mony, their subtle dif- where the residents pay ferences in homage to culture, lan- Arnab Ghosh the deities guage and for good lifestyle notwithstand- harvest and well being. ing. The Deuri or Deori The Deoris observe two tribe is among these types of Bihu every tribes and they mostly year, namely Magiyo stay in upper plains of Bihu and Bohagiyo Assam. They hail from Bihu.

Sino-Tibetan family of Mongoloid origins. In The Deoris celebrate the ancient days of Bohagoiyo Bihu in the Chutia and Ahom dy- middle of April every nasty in Assam, they year. This is celebrated

Ducks, hens and birds are sacrificed after puja and a grand feast is arranged for villagers.

The elderly people in their villages visit all the households and offer their blessings.

They are greeted by the household residents in turn and offered "Suze" and "Khaji". The second day of Bihu comprises of dancing and merry

Most Assamese drink ing the scale of producless milk than required tion. because the State doesn't But changing the dogmatic approach of dairy produce enough Assamese drink less farmers in Assam is not going to m i l k be easy. t h a n Kishore Talukdar Ve t e r i their counterparts in most nary doctor Chandan parts of India. And, if Das says it's an uphill anyone is to be blamed task to motivate a farmer for this, it's the State's to switch over from lodairy farmers and their cal breeds to cross breed stubborn approach.

The statistics are startling. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the per capita consumption of milk in Assam is 78 ml against the requirement of 210 ml. So, what's contributing to this grim approach?

Also, green fodder availability is a matter that has to be sorted out.

There is a huge gulf between the supply and demand of green fodder in the State. State Animal Husbandry Department sources say the present requirement of green fodder for crossbred animal is 2.3 mil-

tive. Production of milk has a bearing not just on nutrition but also on economic health. According to the Eleventh Planning Commission report, rural poverty is less in areas where the presence of livestock population is high. Green fodder boosts milk output as it keeps animals healthy.

Land is used for food

Although States like Haryana are galloping ahead in milk output with 780 ml per capita production, farmers of Assam are yet to take up milk production on a truly commercial scale.

Deori Bihu of Assam (Photo: nelive)

worked as priests in temples. Like many other tribes of Assam, they are particular about their rituals and festivals. They adhere to nuances of such customs with zeal.

Bihu Festivals of Deori tribes Like many other tribes in Assam, Deori tribe also indulges in celebrating Bihu. Bihu is a

for span of one week by them. The first day is marked by a puja offered in a "Than".

A goat sacrifice is a part of Bihu celebration for this community. After the ceremonial bathing of animals, Bihu rituals are done. This day marks celebration of Suwasani Puja. The villagers are given scared water and "Prasads".

making. A Husari party formed by younger people plays musical instruments and Bihu songs are sung. In some Deori villages, the celebration goes on for more than a week. Bihu dance is performed with vigor for rest of the days. 'Deudhoni Nritya' is a special attraction of this festival on the first day. Courtesy: Nelive.

"To begin with, Assam's farmers need to give up their died-in-the wool attitude of dairying only the indigenous breed which is less productive.

Along with cross breeds, farmers need to adopt scientific farming of cattle and use quality fodder to make milk production a profitable vocation," says Dharanidhar Deka, Director, Dairy Development in Assam. Lack of adequate marketing infrastructure is probably the reason for farmers shying away from rais-

Need of white revolution (Photo: nezine) farming. Some commercial farmers lack knowhow of scientific dairying of cross-bred milch cows. Farmers are used to open grazing as against stall feeding. "If cross-bred are left in the open their milk productivity decreases. Worse still, their disease resistance power comes down when they are left for open grazing instead of stall fed," says Dr Das.

lion MT but what's available is a mere 85,633 MT! The only way this huge gap can be filled is if farmers take up green fodder cultivation on a commercial basis. Quality green fodder and feed are directly proportional to production of milk. To make dairying economically productive adequate grazing ground and pastures are impera-

and cash crops.

Nayan Das is a farmer who cultivates green fodder Napier, a hybrid variety. Das prefers intercropping in his two and a half acre plot of land. A fourth of his plot is reserved cultivating green fodder to feed his livestock. "My priority is to maintain the health of the livestock by feeding a balanced ration everyday because my live-

lihood depends on their health," Das says.

He advises other farmers to exploit the potential of dairy farming as a source of livelihood.

Das supplies 50 to 60 litres of milk every day to markets from his 6 cross-bred milch cattle.

All, because of good, healthy green fodder.

The falling supply of green fodder and its economic effect is best related through Jyotish Kalita's story. Ten years ago, Kalita used to supply milk in hundreds of litres from his cattle farm. The returns were good. Then the green fodder supplies started dwindling. Today, the number of cattle in his farm has dwindled to four. ''I could not find even five per cent green fodder for my cattle,'' says Kalita.

The depletion of open grazing land in rural areas is only making the situation worse. The Government and farmers need to wake up and act swiftly to ensure that people in the State get their share of milk, the most basic nutrient.

(Kishore Talukdar is an independent journalist based in Guwahati. His areas of interest include Development journalism and Environment journalism. He can be contacted at tdrkishore@gmail.com ) Courtesy: Nezine.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

PAGE 12

Sachin Tendulkar accepts IOA's invitation BCCI recommends Kohli for Khel Ratna to become goodwill ambassador PTI New Delhi, May 3: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has accepted Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) invitation to become the country's goodwill ambassador for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

Tendulkar is the third goodwill ambassador roped in by IOA after Bollywood actor Salman Khan and ace shooter Abhinav Bindra.

The IOA on Tuesday confirmed that Tendulkar has accepted its offer after the national Olympic body had invited the batting legend to come on board on April 29.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar "Sachin Tendulkar has accepted our request to become goodwill ambassador of Indian contingent at the Olympics. We have received the official com-

munication from him accepting our request," IOA Secretary General Rajiv Mehta told PTI. "We are very happy to have an iconic

KKR seek home comfort against resurgent KXIP PTI Kolkata, May 3: Out on road for about three weeks, the twotime former champions KKR have played six of their seven away matches on the trot, winning four of them.

They are returning to Eden Gardens after a morale-boosting five-wicket win in Bangalore, engineered by Yusuf Pathan and Andre Russell's power hitting. They were staring at a third successive away loss with 81 needed from six overs but Russell flexed his muscles with a 24-ball 39.

A vintage Pathan also came to the party smashing bowlers into smithereens in his 29-ball 60 not out.

Their partnership came when the team needed it the most as their 96 from 44 balls sealed the win.

The win had seemed far-fetched after their trusted duo of Sunil Narine and Umesh Yadav leaked 101 runs from their quota of eight overs. The speedster was wayward at the death.

Yadav lost the plot completely in that 18th over, and ended up nervous for the rest of the spell as his last two overs cost 41 runs. But despite their domination Bangalore had to succumb to Russell-Pathan's heroics.

But despite their spectacular run, they cannot afford to sit

KKR back as they run into a side who're finally looking up fresh from their 23-run win against table toppers Gujarat Lions.

Having showed some urgency midway into the season, the team handed the captaincy to Murali Vijay, relieving David Miller of the extra burden, something that brought in some fresh air into the camp after they had lost five of their six matches this season.

Fresh from his hat-trick effort, Axar Patel will look to contain the likes of Russell and Pathan on a surface that traditionally aids the spinners.

Defending a modest 156, KXIP reduced Lions to 57/6 with Patel (4/21) claiming four wickets in five balls, including the first hat-trick of the season, to pave the way for a 23-run win

against table-toppers Gujarat Lions in Rajkot.

Their bowlers might have let them down on previous occasions but the new skipper Vijay backed them and kept on rotating them to unsettle the Lions rhythm. By the end of Powerplay, Vijay had used five bowlers.

You cannot just try to go and do something out of the box.

We need to manipulate what resources we have and get the best performance with them rather than telling we can all go and bowl four overs and get two wickets (each), Vijay said at after their win.

sportsperson like Mr Tendulkar on board as goodwill ambassador. We are thankful to him. We hope his association and the association of other goodwill ambassadors will take Indian sport forward," he added. The IOA's had approached Bindra, Tendulkar and celebrated music composer AR Rahman after its move to make Salman the goodwill ambassador had drawn flak from many quarters, including wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and former athlete Milkha Singh, who had said the honour should be given to top sportspersons.

The IOA Secretary Gen-

eral, however, said they are yet to get a confirmation from Rahman. "Mr. Rahman is yet to communicate to us but we are hopeful that he will also accept our invitation," Mehta said. Asked about what specific role the goodwill ambassadors would play, Mehta said: "These iconic sportspersons and celebrities will spread the idea of Olympic movement in every nook and corner of the country, every village, block and city of India.

"They will help in building up a sporting culture in this country. We need a sporting culture if we want to become a sporting country."

IANS New Delhi, May 3: Test skipper Virat Kohli and star batsman Ajinkya Rahane's superlative performances were rewarded on Tuesday as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recommended the duo for this year's prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award respectively.

"Yes, the BCCI has sent its recommendations naming Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award respectively to the Sports Ministry," a BCCI source told IANS. Kohli, who took over the reins of the Test side from Mahendra Singh Dhoni during last year's Australia tour, has been in prolific form with the willow. He led India to an impressive series win in Sri Lanka and followed it up with a 3-0 win at home against South Africa, then the number one Test playing nation.

In 2016, Kohli stands at the

Virat Kohli peak of T20 cricket with over 1000 runs, becoming only the second Indian to do so after Suresh Raina achieved the distinction in 2012.

If Kohli is awarded the honour, he will become the third cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar (1997-98) and Dhoni (200708) to join the list of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees.

Rahane, who has been nominated for the Arjuna award, has

been India's batting mainstay in overseas conditions. With a sound technique, the righthander proved his worth with twin centuries in both the innings of the fourth and final Test against South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.

The Khel Ratna comes with a cash reward of Rs.7.5 lakh and a citation, while the Arjuna award comes with a cash prize of Rs.5 lakh and a citation.

Afridi, Shehzad, Akmal dropped from Pakistan squad IANS Lahore, May 3: The ripples of Pakistan's disastrous World Twenty20 campaign continues to resonate with star players Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal being excluded from the probables list for the tour of England next month.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who recently resigned as Afghanistan coach to head the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection committee, announced a list of 35 players for a training camp in Kakul near Abottabad in KhyberPakhtunkhwa province from May 14 to June 4.

Afridi attracted much criticism after Pakistan's poor performance in the World T20 and Inzamam asserted that the veteran batsman will have to prove himself at the domestic level in order to be considered for the national team. Shehzad and Akmal meanwhile, were dropped

Afridi, Shehzad and Akmal due to a combination of poor performance and indiscipline.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Irfan was also excluded from the camp due to fitness issues.

"Since we are playing only four Twenty20 matches this year we want to give new players a chance, and that will also allow Afridi to rest and perform in domestic matches," Inzamam told the media here on Monday.

"Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal have not been in-

cluded in the training camp taking into view their past disciplinary record. Neither is their discipline good nor their recent performances consistent and impressive," he added.

"We are looking at building a new team for the T20 format but Shahid will be considered later on if necessary."

Pointing out that he had spoken to all the selectors and has also studied the reports of former coach Waqar Younis before deciding to

drop Shehzad and Umar, Inzamam asserted that he will be extremely firm on disciplinary issues. Waqar had held Afridi, Akmal and Shehzad as among those responsible for Pakistan's poor performance at the World T20.

"We now have to ensure there is no compromise on discipline if we are to move forward. I also call on the media to support us in our decisions," Inzamam said.

"Let me make one thing clear this selection committee is totally independent. The board gives us guidelines but in the end it is our decision on who to select and who not to select," he added.

Afridi also backed the selector's decision on his official Twitter handle and promised to stage a comeback.

"Appreciate the approach by selection committee. Happy that youngsters are getting a chance1/2," Afridi tweeted.

"I am going to play county cricket this season and will try to prove my fitness & form and make a comeback."

Pakistan will play four Tests, five one-dayers and one T20 match during their England tour.

The probables: Mohammad Hafeez, Sami Aslam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Khalid Latif, Fawad Alam, Akbarur-Rehman, Asif Zakir, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Adnan Akmal, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Mohammad Asgher, Imad Wasim, Bilal Asif, Zohaib Khan.

India to tour Zimbabawe for 3 ODIs, 3 T20s

India and Zimbabwe Cricket team PTI Harare, May 3: Ahead of their gruelling tour to the West Indies, the Indian team will travel to Zimbabwe for a short limited overs series next month, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Tuesday.

The series comprising three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many T20 Internationals will be played at the Harare Sports Club.

The six matches will be played over 12 days, starting with the ODIs to

be played from June 11 to 15 and the T20Is from June 18 to 22.

"After finalising all the formalities with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), we are pleased to announce the incoming tour scheduled for this June," Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa said on Tuesday.

India last toured the African nation in July last year when the visitors won the ODI series 3-0 and the T20 series was tied 1-1.

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