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ASSENG/2015/64205

Page 12

Vol. 1

Issue 299

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Tai Khampti Singpho Council unveils revised Tai-Khampti tonal Script ET Bureau Namsai, Apr 5

The Tai Khampti Revised Tonal Script was unveiled today under the Chairmanship of Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in presence of Chow Tewa Mein, Parliamentary Secretary amidst huge gathering comprising Tai Khampti elites, Officers, Public leaders, GBs and senior citizens, NGOs and the youth groups in a simple, yet impressive function here at Kongmu Kham, the Golden Pagoda under Namsai District.

It is pertinent to state that the Chowna Mein had been keen in this regard and is instrumental to the venture which bore fruit today with the unveiling and unanimous acceptance of it by the august gathering. He had, earlier, sent delegates of literature committee to Thailand and Burma un-

ET CAPSULES One commits suicide in Doomdooma Doomdooma, Apr 5: One Ajay Bagh (30), married, who hails from Beesakopie, committed suicide by pouring kerosene oil over him on Saturday afternoon.

However, he was taken to Beesakopie Central Hospital from where the doctor referred him to Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh for better treatment, but unfortunately it was too late.

It is said that the cause of his suicide was an angry argument between the two-year-old married couple. The body was returned to his family after conducting necessary test and treatment and was cremated at around 7pm at Beesakopie-TapobanSamshan. (Correspondent)

UKPLA Chief nabbed, arms recovered Bokajan, Apr 5: Inflicting a severe blow on terrorism and insurgency, the Karbi Anglong Police in a major crack down arrested two cadres of the newly formed militant outfit United Karbi People's Liberation Army (UKPLA) here on Tuesday.

Based on specific information, a team of Barpathar Police headed by the Additional SP Alina Teronpi conducted a search operation in the Risokiji village under Barpathar Police Station successfully tracking down two top leaders and recovered two pistol with thirty five live ammunition from their possession.

The arrested cadres have been identified as the self styled General Secretary Ranjit Hanse(30) and the self styled Finance secretary Bikash Timung(30) of Sarhiajan under Bokajan Police Station. (Correspondent)

Two killed in thunderbolt

cmyk

Kokrajhar, Apr 5: Two persons were killed and a eightyear-old boy received serious injured following thunderbolt hit early this morning in Kokrajhar district.

According to a villager, the strong thunderstorms hit the men early this morning around 6.30am at Bishmuri area of Kokrajhar district leaving two persons died and a boy received serious injured. They were identified as Kontha Basumatary, 55, of Garlabari Bishmuri and Ashar Soren, 40, of Joypur. The boy who received injured in the incident Ishahan Tudu,was rushed to Kokrajhar RNB civil hospital.

(Correspondent)

5.00

Pages- 12

Page 7

Honju Gaon of Tangsa Community in Margherita boycotts Assam polls ET Correspondent Margherita, Apr 5

Protesting against the stepmotherly treatment of the Assam Government, the Tangsa Community of Honju Gaon, under 124 No Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency hasn’t cast a

single vote in the 1st phase of Assam Assembly Election that concluded yesterday. The villagers alleged that the Assam Government have failed to do any development work for the village since it was established.

In fact it the Arunachal Government which proactively have built a road and provided

water and electricity supply, alleged a villager.

Honju Gaon comes under 191 number polling station with 40 voters, all from the Tangsa Community. Hanju Gaon is 35 Km away from Margherita Town bordering Arunachal Pradesh.

More women than men voted in first phase of Assam polls PTI Guwahati, Apr 5

Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh along with Chow Tewa Mein, Parliamentary Secretary and Tai Khampti elites, Officers, Public leaders, GBs and senior citizens, NGOs and the youth groups of Namsai district during the unveiling program. der the leadership of Ven. Vimalatissa, Abbott of Kongmu Kham to have a consultative study of international Tai Literature.

the Government for inclusion in the school curriculum in near future. This would provide job opportunity to the local people and solve unemployment problem to a great extend.

In his speech, Chowna Mein, Deputy CM has congratulated the Tai Khampti Singpho Council (TKSC), especially the Literature Committee for this hard but noble work. He said it is a historic occasion for the Tai Khampti people and urged the gathering to learn and impart the knowledge to all, young and old.

He opined and assured the gathering to take up the matter with

Responding to the memorandum submitted by CM Mongmaw, General Secretary of TKSC, the Deputy CM have extended a financial assistance of Rs.5 lakhs to TKSC, besides assuring to look into the other point of the memorandum visa vis a permanent site and office building of the apex body.

Chow Tewa Mein, parliamentary Secretary also spoke on the occasion. He expressed his immense happiness for this great work and wished every parent to ask their children to learn it as he opined and cited few living examples of "Loss of Culture is Loss of Identity."

He urged the monastic order to be proactive in teaching the Tai scripts and imparting moral values to the society in general and the younger generation in particular.

Many prominent citizens, elders and learned members of the society, like CK Manpoong

(Ex-MLA), CK Namchoom (Chongkham Village Council), CK Namchoom (Tai Khampti Singpho Council), CS Choutang (Tai Khampti Development Council), Dr. CM Thamoung (Socio Economic Welfare Association),, CT Mansai (Arunachal Pali Vidyapith),, CN Longchot, CA Mantaw (Tai Khampti Development Council) and many spoke and lauded the achievement. The meeting ended with vote of thanks from Chow Arina Manpoong, Jt. Secy (Tai Khampti Singpho Council) followed by a community feast.

Women voters registered a higher polling percentage than men in the first phase of elections for 65 assembly constituencies in Assam yesterday.

Data released by Election Office here said the voting percentage of women was 82.58 while that of men was 81.84.

The total vote polled in the first phase on Monday was 78,24,830 out of a total electorate of 95,19,076 registering a poll percentage of 82.20, it said.

In the last assembly polls, 77.02 per cent male voted as against 75 per cent of women.

The highest total poll per-

GOOD TURNOUTS Vote polled 78,24,830 out of 95,19,076 Women turnouts 82.58 Men turnouts 81.84 37,98,462 women out of 45,99,635 voted 40,26,298 male out of 49,19,432 voted HIGHEST: Naoboicha

88.07%

LOWEST: Cachar

75.05%

Gogoi's Titabor LAC Women 84.11% Male 82.16%

centage of 88.07 was recorded in Naoboicha constituency in Lakhimpur district while the lowest of 75.05 per cent was at Silchar in Cachar.

Altogether 37,98,462 women out of 45,99,635 exercised their franchise registering a voter percentage of 82.58 as against 40,26,298 male casting their vote out of a total electorate of 49,19,432 with a poll percentage of 81.84.

Women registered a higher poll per cent than male in 35 of the 65 constituencies, while in more than ten the figures were almost equal.

Sonowal’s Majuli (ST) LAC

Women 84.70% Male 82.10%

Contd. on Page 4

Arunachal CM arrives in New Chief Minister Gogoi should be conferred Delhi for a meet pertaining to ‘Bhrastachar Shiromoni’ award : Shah Mini Hydel Projects in the state ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Apr 5

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 5

small hydro power projects up to 25 MW.

small hydro power projects.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul arrived in New Delhi today from Aalo to attend a Ministerial Meeting on Hydro Power on Wednesday. The meeting has been convened by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt of India to discuss various issues related to

The meeting will deliberate on smoothing the processes for obtaining forest and environmental clearance, other statutory clearances, approval procedures, land acquisition and the installation costs of such projects that are relatively high due to the remoteness of the

The meeting is very crucial in the Chief Minister's vision outlined in the recent budget, where he has proposed to install mini hydel projects for electrification of all administrative centres in a phased manner to make these towns selfsufficient in power requirement.

People of Kharsang get a circle Library Lomham Tangha Kharsang, April 5

Kharsang Circle has got a circle Library cum reading room near the Circle Officer office, constructed under BADP scheme at the tune of Rs 10 Lakhs from the 2014-15

financial years.

The library was inaugurated today by Kamlung Mossang, Cabinet Minister for WRD, Geo & Mining, Trade and Commerce in presence of a mammoth comprising many dignitaries such as Circle officer N.L Naam, DGM ,Geo

Enpro Petroleum Limited, ZPM, Mrs Korong Longri, exZPM Chairman Mrs. J.Longri, Kharsang Circle Unemployed Youth Association executives and the grassroots level workers of the party besides all the head gaon buras from various villages.

BJP National President Amit Shah on Tuesday afternoon lambasted at Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and his Congress led government at the state of crossing all limits of corruption and anomalies during their last 15 years tenure. “Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has been ranked in the first position for his role in large scale corruption and hence he should be conferred the ‘Bhrastachar Shiromoni’ award.

He is also seemed to be tired to lead the state as the Chief Minister so the people of the state should elect a young and dynamic person like Sarbananda Sonowal only to bring a total change with the motto ‘Sabka Saath, sabka Vikash’.

While addressing a poll rally of the BJP-AGP-BPF alliance late Tuesday afternoon at public ground at Bhebarghat close to the residence of Congress candidate for Mangaldai and Water Resource, Fishery Minister Basanta Das here. Landing at Mangaldai in a private helicopter with BJP leaders Mahendra Singh and Chief Minister projected candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, the BJP President also strongly criticized the Congress government in the state for their

BJP National President Amit Shah with Sarbananda Sonowal during an election campaign in Mangaldai. Pic - UB Photos

total failure to protect the rhinos.

Alleging secret alliance of Tarun Gogoi with AIUDF President Badaruddin Ajmal Amit Shah made it clear that the BJP would prefer to seat in opposition for fifty years than to make alliance with the AIUDF. In his brief twelve minute speech Amit Shah also criticized the Congress for their failure to construct the double track to Assam though the Congress has ruled the country since the independence. Regarding the illegal infiltration from Bangladesh , he pointed out that after the after the extradition treaty between the two countries the Bangladesh border will now be sealed in such way that not to speak of the illegal infil-

tration even an insect will not be able to enter Assam illegally. He appealed to the voters to press the buttons with symbols of BJP as well as its allied partners in such a way that its current can be felt at the Bangladesh border.

Taking part in the rally titled as “ Bijay Sankalpa Samabesh” Sarbananda Sonowal in his short speech accused the Congress government for their failure to ensure the security of the indigenous people of the state which is an insult and betrayal to the people of the state. “The entire country is airing their voice for a change and the people of Assam irrespective of community, caste and religion also want

a change in the government only to ensure the security” he added.

The BJP-AGP-BPF alliance candidates in the three LACs namely Binanda Saikia (Sipajhar), Guru Jyoti Das (Mangaldai) and Habibor Rahman of AGP (Dalgaon) and MP, Mangaldai Lok Sabha Ramen Deka were also addressed the mammoth gathering.

BJP candidate for Mangaldai LAC Guru Jyoti Das in his short speech made an assurance to save constituency from the ‘Dalal Raaj’ culture and contrary to the BJP’s slogan “Sab Ka Sath Aur Sab Ka Bikash” he alleged the Congress of working with its slogan “Dalal ka saath Aur Dalal ka Bikash”

Arunachal Pradesh celebrates Galo festival, Mopin A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 5

Golden Jubilee Central Mopin celebration begins with much enthusiasm and fanfare at Aalo today.

Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Kalikho Pul while attending the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration as the chief guest at Mopin ground, Aalo congratulated the people of Galo community in their 50th celebration of the Central Mopin and extended his warm greetings to the people of West Siang at Aalo.

In his inaugural speech, Chief Minister said that festival gives us a reflection of our cultures. There are similarities in all the festivals of Arunachal

Tribes which has a religious and cultural significance tied to our agricultural cycle and it all have their origins as a ritual for a better harvest, he said.

He saluted the pioneers of the Central Mopin Celebration which has become a big event now saying it provides a platform for the younger generations to showcase their rich cultural heritage besides that it also gives an opportunity for cultural exchange among different communities.However, he urged to maintain the originality of rituals, ethos and values associated with the festival though we move along with the wind of change in this era of modernization.

Contd. on Page 3

Women from the Adi Galo tribe perform traditional dance during Mopin Festival celebration at Jairampur in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh -Pic by UB Photos

cmyk

Earlier, C.I Mannou, Chairman of the Tai Literature Committee, under the aegis of the Tai Khampti Singpho Council, had explained and highlighted about the four year long hard work done by the committee and the significance of the improved version of the scripts which would cater the present need at par with the other languages.

Price -

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today even if you are alone, you may not really feel lonely. You will desire to listen to your inner self, so that you can express yourself more imaginatively.

Taurus You will show outstanding caliber in handling the responsibilities given to you. If you are participating in a competition, you are likely to be way ahead of others. Those engaged in business can look forward to an exceptionally profitable day.

Gemini You can be optimistic about your chances of success if you choose to propose to that special someone. The day will bring more pleasure than pain.

Cancer There is something different about today. It is unlike any other day. Just when you will start believing that there is nothing great about the day, it will spring a surprise. There have been days where life has thrown carrots at you; then there have been days when it has hurled brickbats.

Leo The discomfort similar to the fish-out-of-water syndrome will be a thing of the past, as today you will be quite flexible and would want to remain on the move. So much so that you may even begin to feel bound by the environment in your office.

Virgo Razor-sharp and aesthetic to the last cell in your body, entertain and enthrall people with your guile, especially at a social do. But conserve that zest and save the time to pay due attention to matters of supreme importance.

Libra Today, it’s a straight path to success, thanks to your straightforward manner. Some small things that may trouble you in a big way early on in the day. But negotiate around them, and then it’s all smooth sailing from there on.

Scorpio Your confidence level will be the vanguard of your character today. On the career front, you are likely to complete things that are seemingly impossible. Your skill and determination will leave people asking for more.

Sagittarius Differences in opinion might just crop up at work, but don’t let them dampen your spirit. A romantic, candlelit dinner with your beloved could well be the high point of your day. You are set to make an impact on your near and dear ones.

Capricorn A lot of unexpected events may bring in happiness, and you may suddenly find yourself deliriously delighted. At work, finding answers to intriguing questions will consume most of your time.

Aquarius There is nothing like having a good time with your brothers and sisters. Generally, you plan out your routine and activities by yourself, but it is a different day today. Your siblings will make plans for you and you will just go along with the flow. Spontaneity is something new to you, and you will enjoy the change.

Pisces For those in the creative, marketing or advertising fields, today will likely bring about an important milestone on their path to progress. Your creativity and ingenuity will be at their peak. Remembering that confidence is the key to success will keep you from shying away from challenges, which when surmounted will bring you substantial gains.

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

5 of a family trampled to death by wild elephant ET Correspondent Tezpur, April 5: Five members of a family, including a nine-day old infant, were trampled to death by a wild elephant in Assam's Biswanath Chariali district bordering Arunachal Pradesh, a forest official said.

The six-member family were sleeping inside their hut last night when the jumbo, coming from nearby Behali Reserve Forest, attacked their house and trampled to death five members while a threeyear old managed to escape at Thandapani in Behmari panchyat under Behali police station area.

The deceased have been

identified as 35-year old Maji Murmu, his wife Suny Kimbu, their 10-year old daughter Lakhi Murmu, fouryear old Mohagini Murmu and the family's nine-day old child, the official said.

Five members of a family including a week old new born baby killed in wild elephant attack at Khanda- Pani Majgaon of Bihali Reserve Forest in Biswanath Sub Division along Assam Arunachal boarder. Pic - UB Photos

Cong-BJP purchasing Third phase training for voters: Manik Sarkar poll officials concludes ET Correspondent Nalbari, Apr 5: In the regime of left-parties, there is no instance of selling own child for livelihood, no death under starvation, no cases of farmers suicidal, intolerance, underdevelopment, says Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar while addressing an election meeting at Nalbari Natyamandir here yesterday.

Taking part in a poll campaign in favour of CPI (M) candidate of Nalbari LAC Maheswar Dutta the Tripura chief minister Sarkar said that the people of his state use votes as a weapons to defeat corrupt Congress and communal BJP. He alleged that, Congress and BJP purchase voters like vegetables items and spend cores of rupees.

Sarkar who is also the member of CPI (M)'s polite bureau stated that the Congress only come to the voters during the

poll and assure development for poor. During the last 15 years regime of Congress the condition of roads deteriorated in the State while his Government constructed well-condition roads even on the top of the hills, he continued.

Criticizing the BJP, Sarkar said “in the last 24 months the Union Government lead by Narendra Modi has miserably failed to fulfill his promises of 'ache din'. Assuring yearly two crore jobs to the youths of the nation Modi betrayed them while stopped all kinds of appointment in the central Government departments after coming to the power”. He further called upon the voters to oust the communal BJP in the coming election.

The meeting was addressed among by many dignitaries like Maheswar Dutta, former Education Minister Ramani Barman, CPI (M) state secretary, Deven Bhattacharya.

Central Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad addresses the gathering during an election campaign in Rangia. Pic - UB Photos ET Correspondent Rangia, Apr. 5: To ensure the electioneering process an error free in terms of handling the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), attaching the paper seal in the EVM, filling the Presiding Officer’s diary, conducting the Mock Poll, Tender vote and Challenge Vote, document wise packing of Statutory and Non Statutory

Science exhibition to be held at Golaghat

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 6-4-16 (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-Party Political Broadcast 7-15 P.M-Party Political Broadcast 8-05 P.M-Party Political Broadcast 9-30 P.M- Party Political Broadcast Sd-/H.O.P

Their three old daughter was saved by the villagers, the official added.

The police reached the spot this morning and sent the bodies for post-mortem.

The All Adivasi Student Association (AASA) and AATSA today blocked the National Highway at Behali for one hour to protest against the forest department's 'failure' to protect the villages.

Visitors at Voter Awareness Photo Exhibition at Nagaon Swahid Bhawan. Pic - UB Photos

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Apr 5: Reliance Jr College of Golaghat to organize a district level inter school-college science exhibition cum compe-

tition for the first time on 9th April from 9 am onwards. In this regard all the preparation is going on in full swing.

Dr. Amarendra Nath

Dutta, Deboranjan Sarmah, Sikha Nath Neog and Sreema Khound of organising committee expecting participants in large number.

LDPCA to select contestant for State Arm Wrestling Championship ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Apr 5: The Assam State Arm Wrestling Championship is going to be held in the aegis of Dhemaji Gymnast Club under the supervision of All Assam Arm-Wrestling Union on April 23 and 24 in Dhemaji town. With a view to it, Lakhimpur District Physical Culture Association

(LDPCA) is organising a competition in order to select the Lakhimpur District Team on April 10 from 10am in Azad Health Club in North Lakhimpur town.

All juniors, seniors, masters, ultra-masters and especially able arm wrestlers of Lakhimpur District have been requested to participate in the

selection competition on the stipulated day. They are asked to register their names at 9.30am. At the Club Office to join in the competition. For further information the President of LDPCA, Azad Hazarika and Secretary, Naba Jyoti Dutta can be contacted on 94350-84747 and 9435084316 respectively.

packets, identification of voters through alternative photo identity cards etc., the third and final phase of three day training programme concludes today here at Dakshin Kamrup College, Mirza.

The Presiding and Polling Officers who are to be engaged in the ensuing Assembly Election in Boko, Chaygaon,

Palashbari and Hajo LACs under Kamrup Election District participated in the training Programme.

Different poll related issues and doubts raised by the polling personnel that may evolve while performing respective duties were amicably addressed by the trainers at length.

Guwahati to conduct HepatitisB vaccination camp A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Apr 5: Another session of HepatitisB vaccination camp is on the card for the members of Guwahati Press Club on 7 April next (11 am to 1 pm). The free camp, primarily organized for the lady scribes who took the first dose of Hepatitis-B vaccine on 7 March last, will be open for fresh participants too. The necessary condition will be that they have to take the second & final dose of Hepatitis-B vaccine on 7 May next. It may be mentioned that the city based Dispur Hospitals earlier organized a health camp exclusively for lady journalists and better-halves of the scribes at the press club a month back.

Organized on the eve of International Women’s Day, the camp was conducted by female doctors and lady assistants only.

Dispur Hospitals Private Limited under the leadership of Dr. Jayanta Bardoloi took the initiative to vaccinate different

groups of people including the media persons.

After two successful free Hepatitis-B vaccination camps for scribes at Guwahati and Dimapur, the hospital authority has initiated for another session of the Hepatitis-B camp in the city press club.

Hepatitis-B is an infectious and deadly disease that primarily affects the human liver. Caused by the Hepatitis-B virus, the disease may show no symptom during the initial infection. Emerged as a critical public health problem in the country, the virus kills annually over 600,000 patients in the Indian subcontinent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) over 40 million Indians are living with the chronic Hepatitis-B infection. As the infection of Hepatitis-B virus can be prevented by the vaccine only. The WHO recommends better detection and prevention facilities across the globe.

Laikhuta laid for BJP-BPF-AGP alliance nearly won 40 seats Bishuwa Utsav ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Apr 5: Mukut Barman, noted social worker of Kokrajhar laid Laikhuta at Rashmela ground to celebrate the ‘Bishuwa Utsav’ with twoday colourful programme scheduled beginning from April 13 next in Kokrajhar.

The utsav has been organising by Bishuwa Utsav Celebration committee to mark the cultural traditions of Koch Rajbongshi community in the world.The Bishuwa is a festival of the community that

keep alive of cultural traditions among society said Lakhindra Roy,president of the celebration committee.

Barman,in his speech expressed his hopeful that the utsav would be celebrated in a befitting manner where cultural troupes would showcase their cultural presentation.

Sanjit Singha, secretary, Deepunjay Roy,joint secretary of the celebration committee, noted social worker Buddeswar Roy were among others present on the day.

in first phase election: Hagrama Mohilary

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, April 5: BPF president Hagrama Mohilary, who is also BTC chief claimed that BJPBPF-AGP alliance party have won nearly 40 seats in the first phase of Assam assembly held on Monday in the state.

Mohilary, while addressing an election campaign at Athiabari for Kokrajhar east party candidate Pramila Rani Brahma on Tuesday said that people of the state

have been supporting BJPBPF-AGP alliance parties to meet healthy change in the state. He said that the alliance parties have got enough peoples’ votes in the first phase of the election as per voting which was recorded in the first phase of election. He has claimed that the alliance parties is winning nearly 40 seats, besides this, his party has confirmed of winning three seats in Udalguri district in the first phase of election.

Mohilary also said that his

party and alliance parties will be scoring majority seats in the second phase of election slated to be held on April 11 next. He said that BJP-BPF-AGP alliance party is forming government at Dispur as different community organisation and citizens are supporting the alliance parties in the state. He also said that Congress candidates- Ajanta Neog, Bhupen Bora, Monica Bora, Angkita Dutta were defeated in the first phase of election that

was held on April 4.

Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary, sitting MLA and Party candidate Pramila Rani Brahma, Derhasat Basumatray, Kokrajhar district BPF were also present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, UPP president and Kokrajhar west UPP candidate UG Brahma campaigned for his candidature at various places in the constituency including Kuntaibari, Gambari, Tipkai, Laodonga where

thousands of party supporter and common voters thronged.

Promod Boro, ABSU president and former BTC executive member, Mono Kumar Brahma campaigned for UG Brahma at Kuntaibari. Boro said that BPF ruled BTC administration and has failed to meet the hopes and aspirations of the citizens in the region.

The UPP party is contesting in 14 seats of the BTAD region and is winning with large numbers of seats,

Boro added.

UG Brahma has claimed that the next government would be formed by UPP in alliance with Congress with no doubt at Dispur. He said that in the first phase of election that was held on Monday, Congress had won large number of seats with people’s supports. He appealed to all sections of voters to vote for UPP candidates in the election which can make a good governance and healthy society in the state.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

PAGE 3

Chief Minister visits Aalo hospital, ANM School and government high schools ET Bureau Aalo, Apr 5: With health and education as his priorities, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today visited the district hospital, ANM School and the government higher secondary school (GHSS) in the town.

nursing in the health care service, the chief minister said, “Your first priority is human service. Give your best so that you may help save a life.”

Appreciating the cleanliness and hygiene maintained in the campus, the chief minister suggested them to invite college and school students in the institute, so that they learn lesson of cleanliness.

The chief minister arrived at the district hospital and to get the firsthand accounts, sat with the patients to enquire on their health and the quality of service being provided.

Earlier on his visit to the GHSS Aalo hostel, he was appalled at the extreme unhygienic and dilapidated conditions of the school hostels and its toilet facilities.

From one patient, he learnt that he had to buy medicines. The chief minister immediately asked for the hospital authority and requested them to make the medicine available free of cost.

He informed that the government has sanctioned funds for medicine procurement.

The chief minister then moved to the female ward, casualty room, maternity ward and the operation theatre. He asked to see the toilets of each ward, entered the toilet rooms, and opened the taps to check for water. The chief minister also enquired on the type of facilities available in the ward, and checked to see how the doctors, nurses and staffs were carrying on with their work.

Chief Minister at ANM school at Aalo

On meeting them, the chief minister said he was happy with the hospital services, the hygiene and how the doctors are handling the patients.

tory of their disease. Ensure proper diagnosis to provide correct treatment. The doctor must make every effort to approach the patient with a human heart,” said the chief minister.

He advised the doctors and the nurses to take every bit care of the patients. “The first step is to understand them, know the his-

The chief minister was also impressed by his visit to the ANM School. Touring the institute, he found the facilities such as, the

hostel rooms, toilet, kitchen and the classrooms to be well maintained and clean.

The institute has students from all over the state including one student who had qualified for the course as ASHA activist, informed the institute authority.

Speaking on the importance of

The chief minister had trooped into hostel unannounced, without giving any chance to dust up.

The hostel was dotted with damaged walls, broken windows, perforated ceiling, and the kitchen and the toilets in extremely filthy and unhygienic conditions.

To his amusement, two mithuns had taken shelter inside the hostel room. Also the classrooms, auditorium and toilet facilities in the school’s administrative block were in similar dire condition.

The chief minister urged the school faculty members to give

priority to health and sanitation in the school campus and requested them to conduct periodic cleanliness drive.

Earlier, he made his scheduled visit to the academic block, where he inspected the classrooms, auditorium and its toilet facilities. The infrastructure here too was in awful condition with broken floors, windows and damaged walls.

The chief minister said the government is ready to help rebuild the worn down school and the hostel with a new concrete structure. But he expected the school authority and the students to take proper care of the school building.

The chief minister requested the works department officials to map up all the requirements and to prepare a comprehensive proposal for complete renovation of the school and hostel building.

On shortage of subject teachers, he assured to fulfill the requirement of English and Political science teachers in the school.

The chief minister also toured the Nehru Memorial government higher secondary school, Aalo.

He was accorded warm welcome by the school’s scouts contingent.

Anu Shiksha Seva trust in Wakro celebrates Apurva Diwas by reaching out to Child in needs ET Bureau Wakro, April 5: The Anu Shiksha Seva Trust (ASSET) dedicates Apurba Diwas 2016 to check drug abuse with special focus on reaching out and assisting ones combating de addiction initiatives. The Mishmis who are just few hundred in numbers are facing serious problems with most people indulging in opium addiction.

To add to the woes innumerable youngsters are trapped in this addiction posing threat to the very existence of the tribe which has a very low population. Karimso Chokwa a twelve year old who was in the grip of the deadly opium addiction for long decided to quit and sought assistance from the community elders.

Soleng Rangmang, Chairman, CALSOM, Wakro block, Somadang Tawsik, community leader and Chowtho Mepong, youth activist escorted the young boy to Anugrah and he has been admitted to the Apna Vidya Bhavan. The child will receive the needed attention

and all assistance will be rendered in addition to free education. ASSET lauded the community leaders and assured the trio of more assistance in their effort to combat drug abuse. An Award of Excellence has also been instituted on the occasion for recognizing the outstanding services of the Apne teachers. Ms Meeta Bardalai expressing her concern appreciated the initiative.

Apnes Basong Krong, Andhiso Dellang, Ochonso Thalai, Ronikso Kri , Deono Minin and Najilso Tayang gifted a hand crafted country boat with a Happy Rudder to the ASSET in commemorating Apurba Diwas 16. The boat designed with a “Be Happy Rudder “speaks about the teachings of Saint Sri Sri Swami Anubhavananda that Be Happy mantra should guide and direct the lives of all humans conveying the theme -Be Happy mantra should be the rudder to guide our sail in life for living a meaningfully fulfilling life.

Kishan Vigyan Kendra, West Kameng organizes Participants from all the 7 Northeastern program on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojna states participate in Cultural Nite at Aalo

ET Bureau Dirang, Apr 5: Kishan Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Kameng successfully conducted a day long program on “Kisan Sammelan and Krishi Pradarshani” on Monday last at KVK campus, Sangti to sensitize the farmers regarding “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana” and to create awareness on different agricultural schemes, benefits of soil health cards, production of organic inputs, water use efficiency and various live demonstration on different technologies related to farming. The programme was chaired by Dagbom Riba, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dirang, along with Jam Tsering ZPM,Thembang as

chief guest, Mrs. Lanjom Anchal Chairperson Dirang as Guest of Honour, Dr. D. Bhattacharya, incharge Director NRC on Yak as special guest and Dor Tsering ExZPM Dirang as guest invitee. All HODs of Dirang circle from different departments like Regional Sheep Breeding Farm, Polytechnic College, Sericulture, Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary, Regional Apple Nursery, PWD, Electric and Commanding Officers of Paramilitary 4thBn ITBPF Dirang and 30thBn SSB were present during the inaugural session.

Chief Guest, Jam Tsering, ZPM Thembang, asked the farmers to avail maximum benefit from the KVK for new technologies of farm-

ing system particularly integrated with paddy cultivation.

Altogether 270 farmers from approximately 20 villages from the district along with other dignitaries was present during the programme in the presence of KVK staffs Dr. N.D Singh, Dr. W.Purnima, Scientist (Agronomy), Mr. G. Dirchi, Scientist (Plant protection), Dr. V. K Misra, Scientist (Fisheries), Mr. T.S Mishra, Scientist (Horticulture), Dr. Divya Pandey, Scientist (Home Science) and supporting staffs. The farmers were benefited through precise lectures on guideline of PMFBY, other agriculture related schemes launched by the Ministry of Agriculture Govt. of India, benefits of

Soil Health Card and production of organic inputs. Various queries from farmers regarding agricultural schemes and new technologies were answered during farmer scientist interaction session. Some recent new technologies were also demonstrated through models and showcase like low- cost Vermicompost technology, water use efficiency (Fish farming in harvested rain water), Integrated farming system, Zero energy cool chamber, different organic inputs (fertilizer and insecticides), fish specimens of different varieties suitable for farming in the area, Mridaparishak, different garden tools and implements related to horticulture and agriculture.

11 days Campaign to strengthen Panchayat Raj at Anjaw Anjaw, Apr 5 : A meeting on Central Government's Campaign "Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan" (GUSBUA) was held on 5th April 2016 under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Anjaw Smti Mamata Riba.

The main motive of this campaign is to increase Social Harmony across villages, strengthen Panchayat Raj, promote rural development, empowerment of women and uplift of farmers. The Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan will be conducted from 14th April 2016 which is Dr. Ambedkar's 125th Birth Anniversary and culminate on 25th April 2016, the National Panchayati Raj Day. The Nodal Officer or the GUSBUA Ambassador shall supplement the duty of DPDO, Administrative Officers, GP in each Circle for smooth and suc-

cessful Celebrations of this 11 days Programme.

In these 11 days period, from 14th April to 16th April 2016 a 'Social Harmony Programme will be conducted in all Gram Panchayats. In this programme, villagers will honour Dr. Ambedkar, and resolve to strengthen social Harmony. Information regarding the various schemes of the government to foster social justice will be provided in all Gram Panchayat.

Subsequently, between 17th April to 20th April 2016 'Village Farmer Assemblies' will be organised in Gram Panchayats. The aim of this programme is to promote agriculture. In these Assemblies, information regarding schemes, regarding agriculture such as the Fasal Bima Yojna, Social Health Care etc will be provided to farmers.

Gram Sabha meetings will be held from 21-24th April

2016. On this day, there will be a Prabhat Pheri (or morning walk) in the village, a programme on Sanitation, a cultural programme as well as a sports programme.

On 24th April 2016, Panchayat Raj Day shall be celebrated. On this occasion, Hon'ble Prime Minister will address Gram Sabhas all over the Country which will be telecast and aired live. Arrangement regarding the Venue for Gram Sabha and listening to PM's address should be ensured at each Gram by the concern Circle Administrative Officer.

As per direction of the government in the Guidelines for spearheading, smooth implementation, motivation and successful celebration of this 11 days programme, the following Officers were appointed to act as Nodal Officer in each Circle :1.Kibithoo EE, DHPD (Civil) 2.Walong EE,DHPD (E&M)

The Deputy Commissioner requested all the Hon'ble PRI's members to co-operate for the smooth and successful Celebrations of this programme and also to mobilised the public participation in each Gram Panchayat. The members present in the meeting give valuable suggestion for successful conduct of this campaign.

3.Hawai EE, WRD 4.Manchal EE, PWD 5. Goiliang EE, PHED 6.Hayuliang EE (Electrical) 7. Metengliang PD (DRDA) 8. Chaglagam EE, RWD

Arunachal Pradesh celebrates Galo festival, Mopin Contd. from Page 1 While expressing concern over the diminishing traditional dialect/language among the younger generations, Chief Minister emphasized on preservation of traditional dialect and advocated for developing a common script so that it can be introduced in the schools.

He also stressed on the need to promote our traditional dress and attires to the outside world and to do so, he requested the sportspersons of the state to dress in traditional attires while receiving any national or international awards/medals.

He further said “though we have traversed 50 long years in celebration of our festivals, it faints me a lot to see that despite gain in our knowledge and wisdom, there is growing tendency of inter community conflict and fight for dominancy of one tribe or clan or religion over another” which he said, “does not omen good for the development of the state”. He appealed the community based organizations of the state to work towards peaceful co-existence of all tribes, religion, clan, etc and to discourage the elements that create disparity among the communities.

While lauding the officers and businessman for their tremendous contributions in terms of money and Mithun in the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebra-

tion, Chief Minister urged upon the Festival Celebration Committee and the officers and businessmen to contribute back some part for the maintenance of Govt higher secondary school and hostel buildings at Aalo which are in pathetic conditions now.

Doi Ado, Former Minister and the president of Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee 2016, Aalo in his welcome speech termed the occasion as historic. He said that the presence of the Chief Minister on the occasion has emboldened and boost up their morals and spirit.

He informed that the Green colour dress worn by the people of Galo community in the preparation day signifies Prosperity and the white colour dress usually worn during Mopin Day signifies Peace. Hence, the festival itself signifies the peace and prosperity for all the mankind.

Felicitation was conferred by the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee 2016 in recognition for her participation in the first Central Mopin Celebration in the year 1966 at Aalo.

The chief minister also unveiled the Golden Jubilee Mopin Liin (Pillar) 1966-2016 and inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration 2016. The Golden Jubilee Mopin Liin was sponsored by Er Gaken Ete in memory of his father Late Binga Ete.

Mopin at Kharsang: Kamlung Mossang, Minister for WRD, Geology and Mining and Trade and commerce who have been invited as Chief Guest graced the Mopin celebration of the Galo community at Donyi Polo Village, at the heart of Geo Enpro Petroleum Limited, Kharsang Oil fields. The chief guest was welcome with a melodious galo traditional songs and dances apart from various cultural activities being showcased preserving their tradition and culture to make the celebration a grand success.

The celebration wouldn’t have been such grand had the chief organizer of the Mopin festival, Tumkar angu along with other celebration committee member had not work hard.

This was the second visit of the newly inducted Cabinet Minister , Kamlung Mossang to his own constituency.

Mopin at Pasighat:

Mopin was also celebrated in a traditional fervor and religious gaiety at the Solung ground hall, here in Pasighat today, by the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Festival Celebration Committee.

People exchanged greetings and presented traditional PopirDance and multi-color cultural program. Clad in their colorful traditional dresses, applied ‘Ette’ (rice flour) to fellow revelers’ faces like Holi to mark the festival and Organizing Chairman

Marngu Kadu presented the mythology of Mopin. Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong, DC Isha Khosla and ZPC Kaling Dai graced the occasion as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and Special Guest. Nari-Koyu MLA Kento Rina also attended the event. Officers, leaders and people from all walks of life also participated to rejoice in the celebration, signifying the unity in diversity.

While greeting the people on the auspicious occasion, MLA Moyong called upon the Galo brethrens for preservation of the rich traditional culture and a festival stating that strength of the society lies in the celebration of traditional festival and can make progress in socio-economic field with ease.

Guest of Honour Isha Khosla (DC) appreciated the organizing committee for maintaining the celebration in true spirit. Mopin is celebrated every year for offering invocation to the Goddess for bumper harvest, prosperity and well being of the human race, she said adding that in order to promote unity and national integration, the different cultures need to be showcased.

Special Guest Kaling Dai (ZPC) also greeted the people and expressed hope that the occasion will usher in peace and prosperity in the society. Among others, President Tai Riso and General Secretary Tabom Kakki also spoke on the occasion.

ET Bureau Itanagar, Apr 5 : Chief Minister appreciated the Cultural Nites organized by the GJCMCC 2016 at General Ground, Aalo with the theme ‘Discover North East – A Cultural Yatra’.

In the event, 107 participants from seven Sisters of North East viz., Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim enthusiastically participated.

While speaking on the occasion in the evening of April 4 last, Chief Minister urged upon the Director, North East Cultural Zone, Dimapur to

continue such programme every year. He said that it not only provides platform for cultural exchange but also gives a message of unity in diversity. He opined to make this event an annual agenda of the state govt. in order to promote cultural exchange which would also help in creating an atmosphere of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in the region.

He called upon the participants not only to participate in the event but also to interact with each others, exchange ideas and to develop affinity for one another.

As an encouragement, CM

announced to provide Rs 2000/- to each participant per day for five days from his own salary in addition to the meager amount of TA/DA provided by the NECZ, Dimapur of Rs 500 per day.

He said to send the money to the Director, NECZ immediately.

It is to mention here that the RCCN TV Aalo has initiated a cleanliness drive among the residents and colonies of the Aalo township during the Mopin Festival and awarded cash prizes to the winners in various categories including most beautiful colony award for keeping their residential houses, colonies, roads and surrounding spotlessly clean thereby giving a facelift im-

pression to the Aalo township.

He further said that such innovative idea should be emulated in other towns and district headquarters of the state too.

While responding to a one point memorandum submitted by the festival organizing committee regarding inclusion of Science Stream at Donyi Polo Govt College, Kamki, CM assured to look into the matter on priority.

On the occasion, a Galo audio album ‘Dengom Dengom Be’ was released by the Chief Minister.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

PAGE 4 Doordarshan to host Talk show at Mangaldai ET Correspondent Mangaldai, April 5: The only public broadcaster of the countryDoordarshan as a part of their talk show series across the state in connection with the ensuing assembly election, is going to organise their final programme at Mangaldai on Wednesday.

The popular programme 'Janamancha' to be conducted by news service section of Doordarshan, Guwahati which is scheduled to be air live for an hour at Natya mandir in the evening hours of 5:30pm. Contesting candidates of the major political parties in four seats of the district along with representatives of different leading non-political public organisations have been invited to participate in the talk show, informed organisers.

Multi-speciality Health Camp to be held ET Correspondent Golaghat, Apr 5: United Chambers of Golaghat in association with Narayana Super speciality Hospital to organize a cardiology and orthopaedic Multispeciality health camp on 9th April at Golaghat nursing home from 10 am onwards. Interested persons can visit the same and avail the facility.

ASTC bus carrying police force attacked at Teok ET Correspondent Teok, April 5: A ASTC bus bearing no. AS201234, carrying police force was attacked with pebbles at Teok Tea Estate today at around 8 pm. According to source, the ASTC bus was carrying a team of Assam police constables who are returning from Sonari after election duty and was heading towards Baska. But suddenly the bus was attacked by unknown persons by throwing pebbles. Due to collision, the glass of the bus was broken and a police person was injured slightly.

Congress have left the border open to allow Bangladeshis, alleged Amit Shah A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Apr 5 : Launching a scathing attack on Congress president Sonia Gandhi, BJP national president Amit Shah today said that elections which is being held in Assam is an assembly election and not a lok sabha election. Gandhi had sought a report card from the BJP government on the works that the saffron party has done for Assam after coming to power.

“Sonia Gandhi came here for election campaigning and asked Narendra Modi to give an account of the last two years of his government. Soniaji, this is not Lok Sabha election but Assam’s Assembly election,” Shah said at an election rally here ahead of the second and last phase of polling on April 11. “When

we come here in 2019 (for Lok Sabha polls), we will give an account of all the work we have done and you don’t have to ask us,” he said. “People here gave you 15 years and sent a Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) from here for 10 years. Sonia madam, people of Assam are instead asking you to give an account,” the BJP chief said.Raking up the issue of infiltration of Bangladeshis in Assam, the BJP president claimed that Congress has left the border open and allowed them to enter using them as vote bank. “These migrants then snatch away the jobs of the youth of Assam... If Tarun Gogoi or Congress wanted, they could have stopped infiltration in the last 50 years of their rule. “Modi government is in the Centre. Make Sarbananda Sonowal chief minister here and no

Bangladeshi infiltrator can enter Assam,” Shah assured.

Large numbers of public attend the BJP election campaign meeting addressed by BJP National President Amit Shah in Mangaldao on 05-04-16. Pix by UB Photos

Expressing confidence that yesterday’s large voter turnout in the first phase of polling in Assam pointed to the ouster of Congress from the state, Mr. Shah appealed to voters of the second phase to give their mandate to BJPAGP combine for bringing in change in the state and a “corruption-free government.”

“Who will you (Congress) support now? Do you want support from Badruddin Ajmal to be Chief Minister of Assam,” he asked referring to the AIUDF president.

“Congress cannot stop him (Badruddin). Only BJP can.

We are ready to sit in opposition for 50 years but not form government here with his support as it will be an insult to the people of Assam,” Mr. Shah asserted.

Claiming that BJP can

change Assam’s future to make it the country’s most developed state, he asked the people to “throw away the old (Congress) government and establish a BJPAGP government here.”

Continuing his attack on Congress, he alleged that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Ajmal fight publicly “but they can be seen uniting together at night in Guwahati.” In the evening addressing a press conference, Shah said that the voting percentage and figures have proved that the prople have voted for the BJP led alliance amd have rejected the Congress completely.

“We have already put up a good show yesterday, and we will continue this in the second phase as well, and we will win by a landslide margin,” said Shah.

ASBYCF demands 5 lac compensation Assam polls: 42 candidates in for the victim of Dudhnoi bomb blast 2nd phase have criminal cases

ET Correspondent Margherita, April 5: All Assam Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation of Tinsukia District Committee President, Mrimoy Das and General Secretary Anup Biswas have condemned the bomb blast incident at Dudhnoi of Goalpara

on 4 April where during the incident General Secretary of All Assam Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation died on the Spot.

Mrinmoy Das demanded Rs 5 Lac compensation and a government job for any one member of

the deceased family from Assam Government.

“Those who are involved in the bomb blast should be arrested and strict punishment should be given to them” said Mrinmoy Das and Anup Biswas.

One More Dead In Blast In Assam's Goalpara, Toll Now 3 Guwahati, Apr 5 : One of the injured in the powerful bomb blast near BJP office at Dudhnoi in lower Assam's Goalpara district succumbed to his wounds at a Guwahati Hospital, raising the death toll to three.

The man who was shifted to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital after suffering injuries in the explosion, died today, a senior police officer said.

Two persons, including All Assam Bengali Yubo Chatra Federation's Goalpara district

President Bapan Saha, were killed and 21 others, including four police men, were injured in the blast triggered by suspected ULFA(I) activists near a temporary BJP election office.

The bomb was suspected to have been kept in a bag on the footpath near the BJP office, adjacent to Dudhnoi traffic police point.

the large voter turnout would go against their pre-poll calculations".

The segment would go to the hustings in the second phase of assembly polling on April 11.

The polling time was incidentfree in the state on Monday with a record of over 80 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of polling in 65 of the 126 Assembly segments.

Meanwhile, ULFA (Independent) has denied its involvement in the blast claiming "it was trigerred by those political parties who apprehended

Goalpara Election district is among the 61 constituencies going to the hustings in the second phase on April 11.

More women than men voted in first phase of Assam polls Contd. from Page 1

Women also recorded a higher turnout in constituencies of chief ministerial candidate of both the Congress and BJP. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's Titabor constituency recorded a higher turn-

out of 84.11 per cent of women voters as against 82.16 male voters while in Majuli (ST), from where BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal is contesting, women recorded a higher turnout of 84.70 per cent as against 82.10 per cent of men voters.

Polling percentage of

women was also higher than men in nine of the 13 districts where voting was held yesterday in the constituencies under it.

These include Karimganj, Karbi Anglong, Udalguri, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji, according to the EC data.

CYCLONE EFFECT: ROOFLESS

Houses with roofs uprooted after cyclonic winds in Mawlynrei area in the outskirts of Shillong on Tuesday afternoon on 05-04-16. Pix by UB Photos

Voters stand in queue to caste their votes in election during the 1st phase of Assam state Assembly election 2016 at Gormur in Jorhat district in Assam on Monday. (Source: PTI) PTI New Delhi, Apr 5 : Five (9 per cent) out of 57 candidates given tickets by Congress have declared criminal background while CPI and CPI-M have fielded one candidate each with criminal background.

Forty-two of the 523 candidates contesting in the second phase of Assam Assembly polls have criminal cases and 32 of them face serious offences like murder, kidnapping and crime against women, according to an analysis by two think

thanks.

The All India United Democratic Front tops the list with 10 (21 per cent) out of 47 candidates fielded by it have declared criminal cases followed by BJP’s five (14 per cent) out of 35 nominees, as per the report by Assam Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Five (9 per cent) out of 57 candidates given tickets by Congress have declared criminal background while CPI and CPI-M have fielded one candidate each

with criminal background.

A total of 525 candidates are contesting in 61 constituencies in the second phase on April 11. Polling in the first phase for 65 seats had taken place yesterday.

Assam Election Watch and ADR said they analysed self-sworn affidavits of 523 candidates out of 525 who are contesting the second phase of the polls.

“Three (5 per cent) out of 57 candidates from Congress, 4 (11 per cent) out of 35 candidates from BJP, 8 (17 per cent) out of 47 candidates from AIDUF, 1 (11

per cent) out of 9 candidates fielded by CPI-M and 12 (6 per cent) out of 216 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves,” the analysis said.

It said two candidates have declared cases related to murder while two other have said they are facing cases of attempt to murder.

Similarly two candidates have declared cases relating to kidnapping while two others have said they were facing charges relating to assaulting and outraging modesty of women.

Politics of identity: Assam voters who can’t prove citizenship PTI Golpara, April 5: For a quarter century Shahjahan Kazi, 55, has been doing election duty, screening hundreds of voters on polling days. But once again Kazi will not get to vote in the assembly elections in Assam on April 11 because he is a Dvoter. D-voters (D for doubtful) are people who can’t prove Indian citizenship and are barred from voting.

“Every election, I check and verify voters’ identity, when my own identity is being questioned by the government,” says Kazi, who teaches social science at a government school in Barpeta.

During their poll campaigns here, senior BJP leaders including PM Narendra Modi raised the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh to target the ruling Congress government. D-voters are assumed to be Bangladeshis.

Though estimates vary, Dvoters are concentrated in Sonitpur, Barpeta, Nagaon and Dhubri districts. The Election Commission identified 3.7 lakh D-voters in 1997 electoral roll revision, but only 1.99 lakh were referred to the Foreigners’ Tribunals to decide their fate.

The state puts the current figure of D-voters at 1,36,448.

There are 100 tribunals across the state. After being declared a foreigner, the ‘guilty’ are sent to detention centres or camps in district jails, located in Goalpara, Kokrajhar and Silchar.

Anna Rani Ghosh of Krishnai town near Goalpara fears being sent to a detention camp. Her husband, Shyamal Ghosh, was declared a foreigner and sent to the Goalpara camp three months ago.

“I don’t go out much fearing arrest. They’ve (police) already taken away my husband; if they arrest me too, then how will my children survive,” she pleads.

Goalpara district jail authorities told HT that the prison houses 526 inmates although capacity is 200. Of these, 197 are “foreigners” sent by the tribunals. Another 200-odd are lodged in Kokrajhar and Silchar detention camps.

It’s the Assam police’s border branch that picks “suspects” and refers them to the tribunals. But the verification process is often complicated and can lead to wrong verdicts.

“If you get a notice and stop appearing after one or two

hearings, the judge declares you a foreigner. You are also marked if you fail to receive the notice several times in a row or if you fail to turn up during evidence determination. Of course, if you can’t produce valid documents, you are doomed,” says a Goalpara tribunal official, not wanting to be named.

Given the long-winding process, locals allege harassment. Take Moinal Mollah, whose case has reached the Supreme Court. A resident of Barpeta district, Mollah’s tinroofed tenement near the Brahmaputra is occupied by his aging parents, his wife and three children. His father, Ashan, and mother, Manowara Khatoon – once D-voters – were declared Indian citizens by a tribunal, but the same tribunal, and later the Gauhati High Court, refused to clear Moinal’s status.

“The tribunal declared Mollah a foreigner because he didn’t appear in court on the wrong advice of his lawyers,” says Aman Wadud, a lawyer with MY-FACTS, an organisation that took Mollah’s case to the apex court.

Corruption creeps into the process also, and often D-

voters pay a price to clear their names. Lawyers charge between Rs 200 and Rs 600 per hearing. “I’ve spent nearly Rs 80,000 trying to get my name out of the D-voter list,” says Anna Ghosh. Similarly, Mutallib Ali, 55, of the Hapachara camp, claims spending Rs 30,000 over two years.

Politics over identity has plagued Assam for over three-decades and is exploited every election. The Asom Gana Parishad seized power in 1985 with its anti“foreigner” agitation. The Congress government set up tribunals and the National Register of Citizens to verify identity. And perfume baron Badruddin Ajmal’s All India United Democratic Front promises to safeguard the rights of ‘outsiders’.

The BJP, this time, assures relief to jailed Hindu Bengalis. “They came here because of religious persecution,” says Rupam Goswami, state BJP spokesperson.

What about the Bengalispeaking Muslims? “Muslims didn’t come here because of religious persecution, they came here for a political vote bank,” he says.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

MPCC protests against central interference in states

President of MPCC TN Haokip Imphal, April 5: Members of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday staged a sit-in demonstration to protest against the "interference" of the BJP-led NDA government in Congress-ruled states.

Newly-appointed president of MPCC, T N Haokip, said that he strongly condemned the "undemocratic and vindictive" actions of the NDA government, particularly regarding the imposition of President's rule in Congress-ruled states such as Arunachal

Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Apprehensive that such actions might be taken in Congress-ruled Manipur as well, the former PHED minister Haokip said Congress will have to save the country from the clutches of its rival.

Party MLAs, Congress Women Front, National Student's Union of India, Congress Seva Dal Workers and other volunteers participated in the demonstration, which was held in front of its office here, a party spokesperson said.

(Agencies)

'People's cooperation can make Kohima smart city'

Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang Kohima, April 5: Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang on Monday called upon landowners of Kohima, stakeholders and all government departments, to come forward so that the capital city could make it to the second list of Smart City project.

"Participation of all citizens and landowners, as well as departments has to be taken up seriously so that Kohima is included in the second list of Smart City project," he said while addressing a meeting on the issue.

"If any portion of our land is required for the project, we should be ready to part with it for a fair and reasonable amount of compensation. If we don't have the spirit of sacrifice and accommodation for the sake of public interest, it will be difficult to make Kohima a Smart City," Zeliang said.

Explaining the 'Smart City' concept, he said it should have an efficient transportation system, quick and effective solid and liquid waste disposal system, sufficient

and regular supply of water and electricity, good healthcare and education facilities and effective policing system and security arrangements.

"In spite of our best efforts, Kohima could not meet the benchmark in the first round of selection and therefore we should not repeat the same mistakes," the Chief Minister said.

Admitting that it was a daunting task, he said "We may not be able to achieve all the above targets or objectives to the desired level because Kohima is a very old and unplanned city."

"But we can retrofit the old Kohima city and not develop a new planned township or city," Zeliang said, adding Nagaland needs to go for a Green City project, which will be a planned one.

Only such a new planned city will be able to satisfy the aspirations of the present and future generation of Nagas in the long run, he said and told urban planners to simultaneously start planning for such modern planned township. (Agencies)

Moderate quake jolts Meghalaya Shillong, April 5 : A moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale hit Meghalaya today.

The tremor was felt at around 1: 12 p.m. with its epicentre located in Meghalaya's east Garo

Hills.

No damage has been reported so far.

In 1897, Meghalaya witnessed an earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale that left over 1,600 people dead.(ANI)

PAGE 5

BJP foresees Mukul Govt collapse Shillong, April 5: Senior BJP leader Nalin Kohli has predicted that the Congress-led government in Meghalaya may not complete its full term, even as he denied his party’s role in the fall of Congress-led governments in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“Mukul Sangma-led government may collapse under its own weight of ‘non-performance’ and ‘internal bickering’,” Kohli, BJP leader in-charge Meghalaya, said here on Monday.

Kohli said that his party should not be blamed “if the Congress-led government collapses due to its own internal contradictions”.

“Things are not in good condition in Meghalaya Congress,” he said while

making it clear that the BJP will have no role in toppling the Congress government in Meghalaya.

The BJP leader added, “This is a government that is stuck within its own contradictions … and irrespective of what the government does for its survival it has washed its hand off development and work for the people.”

“If the mood is any indicator Mukul Sangma is not coming back to power in 2018,” he said.

Parl Secys’ appointment flayed While taking a dig at the State Government for appointing 18 Parliamentary Secretaries in addition to 12 ministers, he said it would likely to attract legal challenges.

Kohli said, “This exposes how much confidence the chief minister

Senior BJP leader Nalin Kohli has in his own MLAs.” “The very fact that Mukul Sangma felt the need to appoint 18 parliamentary secretaries shows things are not in order under his leadership,” Kohli said.

He highlighted the BJP Government’s schemes and policies that are

mostly directed towards the poor sections of the society.

Aadhar issue While speaking on Aadhar issue, he informed that it does not have anything to do with citizenship rights as the Aadhar Bill was passed only for the benefit of

the poor.

On opposition to the Aadhar Bill by some sections of Christians, he said, “There is no religious context to it (Aadhar Bill).”

Raising the issue of illegal ) immigrants, he blamed the Congress Governments for the perennial problem of influx of illegal migrants.

He said, “Congress Government has made it a system to ensure settling of illegal immigrants at the cost of the indigenous people.”

Commenting on Assam polls, he exuded confidence of coming to power and forming government with their alliance partners and said there is “clear anger” against 15 years of Tarun Gogoi’s rule.

“There is no excuse in Assam for lack of devel-

Tripura to set up commercial courts Agartala, April 5: The Tripura government will soon set up commercial courts in each of the eight districts to resolve commercial disputes in a time-bound manner, an official said here on Tuesday.

Among the eight northeastern states, Tripura would be the first state to set up commercial courts.

According to the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division, Commercial Appellate Division in High Courts Bill, 2015, that was passed by parliament in December last year and became an Act in January this year, commercial disputes in-

Tripura to set up commercial courts

volving a claim of Rs. one crore or above would be dealt with by the commercial division of the concerned high court or commercial court.

"We have requested the Tripura High Court to issue notification in setting

up of commercial courts in all the eight districts of Tripura," state law secretary A.K. Nath told IANS. He said: "The High Court can constitute a commercial division and notify setting up of com-

mercial court in the districts headed by district judge or additional district judge."

According to the official, of the eight districts in Tripura, five districts have district courts and in the remaining three districts additional district courts are functioning.

"The Tripura High Court has already agreed to set up the commercial court in the state," Nath added.

According to the Act, commercial dispute is defined broadly to mean a dispute arising out of ordinary transactions of merchants, bankers, financiers and traders such as those relating to mer-

cantile documents, joint venture and partnership agreements, intellectual property rights, insurance and other areas.

According to the Act, all commercial disputes will be resolved within a maximum of 18 months by the proposed court.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech of 2015 had said that for quick resolution of commercial disputes, the government proposes to set up exclusive commercial divisions in various courts in India based on the recommendations of the 253rd report of the Law Commission.

(Agencies)

Assam, Meghalaya lag in Aadhaar enrolment: BJP Shillong, April 5: With Assam and Meghalaya lagging behind in Aadhaar enrolment, BJP on Monday launched a scathing attack against Congress Chief Ministers Tarun Gogoi and Mukul Sangma accusing them of denying delivery of subsidy meant for the poorest of the poor directly in their accounts.

"I was surprised to see reports stating that two Congress-ruled states of the North East have the poorest Aadhaar card penetration—Meghalaya with 3.2 per cent, and Assam with 2.8 per cent," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.

He said Assam has had a

Congress government for 15 years and Meghalaya for almost 10 years and wondered why the Aadhaar scheme had not been taken up by these two states, although it was the Congress which had introduced the Bill in Parliament.

Noting that Aadhaar is to deliver subsidy meant for the poorest of the poor directly to their bank accounts, Kohli said Aadhaar is not a citizen debit card and has nothing to do with citizenship rights.

Accusing the two Congress chief ministers of talking about the poor but not working for

Aadhaar Card them, Kohli claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has come from poor background, "talks for the poor, plans for the poor, and implements for the poor."

On the opposition from certain quarters in

Aadhaar enrolment due to superstitious Christian beliefs, Kohli said, "I think we need to look at it from a merit point of view as there is no religious context to Aadhaar in any sense directly, indirectly or re-

motely."

He said the Aadhaar card was only for the benefit of the poor, was not a citizenship right or any such thing, and reiterated that it was to ensure that the subsidy went to the right person wherever that subsidy was due, so that there was no corruption and no leakage of funds.

Claiming that in those states that are adopting it, people are benefiting in a big way, Kohli said people of Meghalaya should also not lose out on those benefits because the money rightly belongs to them. (Agencies)

No extracted coal to be moved from M’laya after May 15: NGT

National Green Tribunal Shillong, April 5: No extracted coal would be allowed to be transported from Meghalaya after May 15 when the state government will take it over and will be free to sell or auction it, the National Green Tribunal has said.

The green panel, however,

allowed the state government’s plea seeking extension of time for payment of royalty along with environmental charges to the Meghalaya Environmental Restoration Fund from February 15 till April 15.

“We specifically decline to extend the date for

transportation of the coal already extracted. No coal in any form whatsoever shall be permitted to be transported after May 15, 2016 on which date the entire remaining coal shall vest in the State Government and shall be disposed of in accordance with law subject to due protection and care for environment and prevention of pollution resulting there from, either by washing of coal or by transportation,” a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

During the proceedings, Meghalaya government said it has taken up the matter with regard to mining policy and environmental restoration with the Centre.

“The Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Coal of Central Government has decided to visit the site in question as well as to have deliberation with the State Government where upon the said mining plan would be finalised and published. He prays for time for this purpose. The counsel appearing for the MoEF as well as Coal Ministry submit that they would expedite the matter,” the bench noted.

It also appointed five advocates as local commissioners, in addition to earlier commisioners, and directed them to conduct surprise inspection in the areas where mining activity was being carried out.

“The State Government in consultation with the MoEF, shall submit a re-

port within four weeks mentioning as to what steps they are proposing to take for restoration of the environment and ecology, particularly protection of water bodies resulting from legal or illegal mining, unscientific or unregulated mining that has taken place in the previous years,” the bench added.

On December 23 last year, the green panel had extended the time for transportation of extracted coal in Meghalaya till May 15 and fixed February 15 as the last date for payment of royalty, after the state government had said if the extracted coal is not transported before the rainy reason, then it may cause pollution in rivers. (Agencies)

opment when the centre and the state had Congress governments for minimum 10 years together,” the BJP leader said. Kohli said the vote share of BJP has increased substantially.

Tura bypoll The BJP is undecided on fielding candidate in bypoll for Tura Lok Sabha seat.

NPP, which is a part of BJP-led NDA alliance, had urged all the political parties not to field candidates in the bypoll for Tura Lok Sabha seat, which fell vacant following the death of Purno Sangma on March 4.

Senior BJP leader Nalin Kohli said that no discussion has been taken place so far in connection with the Tura bypoll. “A decision will be taken only after the declaration of poll date,” he said. (Agencies)

2 nabbed by locals after hand grenade explosion in Imphal Imphal, April 5: Two persons were overpowered and brutally thrashed by locals at Bamon Leikai in Imphal East following a powerful hand grenade blast at the residential courtyard of the incumbent chairperson of Imphal Municipal Corporation, a police officer said.

No casualty was reported in the incident.

A police officer said the blast occurred late last night at around 9.30 pm and the sound of the explosion triggered alert among the locals of the area.

The locals managed to apprehend the two suspicious persons, the officer said.

The nabbed duo identified as RK Napolean (36) and Angom Punin Kumar (39) were brutally thrashed by the youths of the locality, the officer said.

Unofficial reports said that one woman who came with the two managed to escape, taking advantage of the chaos.

However, the police were yet to confirm this.

The apprehended two militans were later handed over to Porompat Police Station by the women activists (Meira Paibis).

Police also said that one licensed gun was also discovered inside the fourwheeler in which the trio had come. (Agencies)

CM inaugurates bridge Shillong, April 5: Chief minister Mukul Sangma on Monday inaugurated a bridge which connects Williamnagar with several villages across Simsang river.

The bridge spans a total of 203.29 metres, making it the longest bridge in Meghalaya to be constructed by the State PWD, which was initially sanctioned at Rs.1.4365 crore on March 25, 1986.

The construction process dragged on for 30 years due to several reasons.

However, despite many hurdles and inclement weather during the working season, the bridge was finally completed in March this year.

PWD minister S Dhar, Social welfare minister Deborah Marak , Chief Secretary and other officials were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister later laid the foundation stone for a two lane road from Williamnagar to Chokpot.

(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

PAGE 6

Sustenance of mankind depends on environmentally 'Stand up India' to sustainable mining practices: President promote entrepreneurship among women: PM Modi

New Delhi, Apr. 5 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that sustenance of mankind depends only on environmentally sustainable mining practices.

President Mukherjee who presented the National Geoscience Awards earlier today at a function held atRashtrapati Bhavan, said, "That availability and use of minerals in any country has been one of the factors determining self-sufficiency of its economy. These natural resources have to be explored, extracted, refined and processed to use them for national build-

ing. At the same time, we must understand that sustenance of mankind depends only on environmentally sustainable mining practices."

Speaking on the occasion, the President said, that effort to use natural resources should be informed by the dangers of natural and manmade disasters.

He stated that he was happy to note that the Geoscientists of the country are working hard to meet these challenges.

The diverse fields work of the awardees are testimony to this inherent spread of the geoscientific developments in the country.

Odisha to launch model schools in 14 districts today

Odisha to launch model schools in 14 districts today Bhubaneswar, Apr. 5 : The Odisha government is set to launch its first set of 100 English-medium schools today under the guidance of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya in 14 districts.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will formally inaugurate the first model school at Hinjli in Ganjam district of the State today.

In an attempt to impart education on the patterns of the Kendriya Vidyalays to students of backward regions, the schools with hostel facilities will follow the CBSE syllabus, with English as the first language and Odia as the second language.

The state government is hopeful in opening such schools in all of the 314 blocks by the 2017-18 academic session.

The schools are envisaged to be managed by the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Sangathan, on the lines of the Kendriya Vidyalayas and will offer education from Standard VI to Standard XII with the prescribed pupil-teacher ratio.

It will reserve 50 per cent seats for scheduled categories and girl students. According to the scheme, there will be one model school in the headquarters of each block. (ANI)

US Navy places order for nine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Pakistan Washington, April. 5 : The United States Navy has awarded a170 million dollar contract to Bell Helicopter to manufacture nineAH1Z Viper attack helicopters for Pakistan.

Under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the combat helicopters will be manufactured and delivered to Pakistan.

"Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $170,173,188 will be obligated at time of award. The contract awarded for the manufacture and delivery of nine AH-1Z aircraft and nine auxiliary fuel kits for the government of Pakistan is expected to be completed in September 2018", Dawn quoted the US Department of Defense statement as saying, adding that the Naval Air Systems Command is contracting the activity for the Pakistani government.

According to reports, the Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twinengine combat chopper based on the previous

SuperCobra model developed for the US Marine Corps. It has a top speed of 420 kilometers per hour and a range of 610 kilometers.

The U.S. State Department last April had approved the Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for the AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters and AGM-114R Hellfire II Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $952 million.

The United States had earlier in the year approved the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets of $700million to Pakistan saying that sale was made in order to improve Pakistan's precision strike capability.

The US administration in document to its lawmakers told that its Foreign Military Funding (FMF) to Islamabad would focus on seven priority areas identified and agreed to with the government of Pakistan.

(ANI)

US Navy places order for nine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Pakistan

President Pranab Mukherjee President Mukherjee said that the exploration of mineral resources in the country requires a greater thrust with an even greater caution.

"As the search for the

near surface deposits have reached a point of saturation, the geoscientists of the country now face the crucial challenge of finding deep seated and con-

cealed mineral resources," he added.

"There is a need to focus on exploration of the offshore mineral resources which hold enormous potential of supplementing the increasing needs of the society. Similarly, it is also important to find strategic and rare earth elements to support Space and Information Technology Missions of the Nation to ensure self-reliance of the Nation in these fields.

However, all of this needs to be accomplished with the environmental sustain ability concern in mind," said President

Mukherjee.

The National Geoscience Awards, previously known as the National Mineral Awards, was instituted by the Ministry of Mines in 1966, to honour individuals and teams of scientists for their extraordinary achievements and outstanding contributions in fundamental and applied geosciences and mining and allied fields.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Steel & Mines and Vishnu Deo Sai, Minister of State for Steel & Mines. (ANI)

Centre's investor-friendly policy makes SEZ vibrant in Gujarat New Delhi, Apr 5 : The Modi government's much touted campaign of 'Make in India' and the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy's (DIPP) efforts to push 'Ease of doing Business' has started paying dividends with Special Economic Zones (SEZs) becoming the most favorite investment destinations.

The latest among the recent investments is Gujarat based SEZ, which attracted Rs. 100 crore investment for a Pharma sector Research and Development Centre.

A state-of-the-art research and development centre 'Navin Saxena Research and Technology'(NSRT), Clinical research organization, 'Quest Care' and a specialized manufacturing unit for transdermal patches was launched today at the Kandla SEZ. The facility, owned by parent company Rusan Pharma Ltd, is the only one in the country to manufacture Nicotine transdermal patches in India. Set up in alignment with the PM's 'Make in India' initiative, it is expected go a long

way in making the Kandla SEZ vibrant and investor-friendly.

The new establishment at Kandla houses three subsidiaries, namely the Navin Saxena Research and Technology (NSRT) Centre, Quest Care, which is the company's clinical research organization and Rusan's dedicated Transdermal Patch Facility.

Together, these three units will handle the myriad aspects of addiction and pain management drug manufacture and export as a part of their portfolio, including research and innovation, licensing, IPR, patenting, quality assurance.

They offer immense employment opportunities not only to the local population but also to highly qualified scientists from India and

abroad.

A senior official of DIPP said, "Things are moving forward and fast. The government is sensitive about the immediate requirements of the investors. For Pharma sector regulations and rules are being simplified and streamlined. An investorfriendly policy is already in place."

NSRT is a dedicated research and development facility that has state-ofthe-art technology and equipment. Research at NSRT will focus on pain, addiction, CNS and orphan diseases, drug delivery and platform technologies.

It has been set up with a vision to develop, register and license its new products to third parties. It also aims to undertake contract research and joint development projects.

Rusan group companies together have a current turnover of Rs. 300 crore and intend to grow to 600 crore in 2018. Being the first Indian company to do research on addiction and disease, they intend to expand their new facility with an investment of Rs. 100 crore in next year.

Dr. Navin Saxena, Chairman and Founder of Rusan Pharma Ltd, said, "With our continuous efforts and innovation we are proud to announce the biggest government and private Indian company deal between Brazil Health Ministry and Rusan Pharma Ltd. for USD 20 million per annum for their program for smoking cessation."

To push collaborative research, a multi-party memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on the occasion between NSRT, Moscow State University (Russia), Symbiosis College Pune, the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and IIT Kanpur.

"The MoU highlights NSRT's commitment to collaborative research.

This would further flare up reverse brain drain for Indian students," Dr Saxena said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi New Delhi, Apr. 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will launch the 'Stand up India' scheme and its web portal at Sector 62 in Uttar Pradesh's (U.P.) Noida city today, said that the initiative will promote entrepreneurship among women, SC and ST communities.

"Today the 'Stand up India' initiative will be launched. This initiative will promote entrepreneurship among women, SC & ST communities," the Prime Minister tweeted.

He added that he will also flag-off the 5100 e-rickshaws under MUDRA Yojana and interact with beneficiaries, besides inaugurating a Kaushal Vikas Kendra in Noida.

The scheme, which will be launched in presence of U.P. Governor Ram Naik, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism and Union Minister of State for Finance among others, is expected to benefit large number of such entrepreneurs, as it is intended to facilitate at least two such projects per bank branch (Scheduled Commercial Bank) on an average one for each category of entrepreneur.

The overall intent of the proposal is to leverage the institutional credit

structure to reach out to these underserved sectors of the population by facilitating bank loans in the non-farm sector set up by such SC, ST and Women borrowers. The initiative will also develop synergies with ongoing schemes of other departments.

The process would be led by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with involvement of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and various sector-specific institutions across the country.

The offices of SIDBI and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) shall be designated Stand Up Connect Centres (SUCC).

The launch event would involve distribution of 5100 e-rickshaws by Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC) under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna scheme.

In addition, the recipients will also be covered under the Pradhan Matri Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana schemes and other eight significant Prime Minister schemes.

(ANI)

AAI wins India Pride Award for excellence in infrastructure development

El Nino's impact may disrupt marine food chain

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Washington, Apr 5 : El Nino years can have a big impact on phytoplanktons - the tiniest plants in the ocean disrupting the marine food chain and affecting fisheries and the livelihoods of fishermen, NASA scientists said.

In El Nino years, huge masses of warm water equivalent to about half of the volume of the Mediterranean Sea - slosh east across the Pacific Ocean towards South America.

While this warm water changes storm systems in the atmosphere, it also has an impact below the

ocean's surface.

El Nino's mass of warm water puts a lid on the normal currents of cold, deep water that typically rise to the surface along the equator and off the coast of Chile and Peru, said Stephanie Uz, ocean scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland.

In a process called upwelling, those cold waters normally bring up the nutrients that feed the tiny organisms, which form the base of the food chain.

"An El Nino basically stops the normal upwelling. There's a lot of starvation that happens to

the marine food web," Uz said.

These tiny plants, called phytoplankton, are fish food - without them, fish populations drop, and the fishing industries that many coastal regions depend on can collapse.

With NASA satellite data, and ocean colour software called SeaDAS, Uz has been mapping where these important phytoplankton appear.

The ocean colour maps, based on a month's worth of satellite data, can show that El Nino impact on phytoplankton.

In December 2015, at the peak of the current El Nino event, there was more blue and less green chlorophyll in the Pacific Ocean off of Peru and Chile, compared to the previous year, researchers said.

They are also watching as the El Nino weakens this spring, to see when and where the phytoplankton reappear as the upwelling cold water brings nutrients back to the region.

Researchers are noting reduced food available along the food chain around the Galapagos Islands, for example. There

has also been a drop in phytoplankton off the coast of South America.

Scientists have more tools on hand to study this El Nino, and can study more elements of the event, Uz said.

They're putting these tools to use to ask questions not just about ocean ecology, but about the carbon cycle as well.

"We know how important phytoplankton are for the marine food web, and we're trying to understand their role as a carbon pump," Uz said.

The carbon pump refers to one of the ways the Earth system removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

When phytoplankton die, their carbon-based bodies sink to the ocean floor, where they can remain for millions of years.

El Nino is a naturally occurring disruption to the typical ocean currents, so it is important to understand the phenomenon to better attribute what occurs naturally and what occurs due to humancaused disruptions, she said. (PTI)

M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting award to Airports Authority of India (AAI),

New Delhi, April.5 :The Airports Authority of India (AAI), an organization which is working tirelessly towards achieving India's aim of sustainable growth and is renowned for providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, passenger facilities and air navigation services at all airports across the nation, has won the Dainik Bhaskar "India Pride Awards" 2015-16 for "Excellence in Infrastructure Development" in the category of public sector undertaking - Central, for which all leading PSUs of India participated.

The awards ceremony was held on 4th April 2016 at The Taj Hotel,

Mansingh Road, New Delhi. The winners were felicitated and congratulated by Chief Guest M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister for Agriculture.

The award was received

by S. Raheja, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, from M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia secures bail in sedition case Dhaka, Apr.5 : Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia has secured bail in three cases, including a sedition case after she surrendered before three separate courts in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

In the sedition case, Khaleda was granted bail

by Judge Md Jakir Hossain Tipu of the Metropolitan Magistrate's Court which was filed by a Supreme Court lawyer for her derogatory remarks on the number of Liberation War martyrs, reports the Daily Star.

She also secured bail in

Two police personnel, three insurgents killed in Afghanistan's Paktika clashes Kabul, Apr. 5 : At least two policemen and three Taliban insurgents were killed in fierceclashes in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province late on Monday.

The clash took place in Mata Khan district, close to Sharan, when Taliban insurgents attacked a police outpost, reports Tolo News.

In addition, three other police personnel and four Taliban insurgents were injured.

However, more details about the clash were not provided by the officials. (ANI)

Mild quake jolt Bangladesh

Mild quake jolt Bangladesh

Dhaka, Apr. 5: Mild tremors were felt in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Tuesday afternoon as a result of 5.4 magnitude earthquake in India's Lakhipur.

US Geological Survey tagged the earthquake at 5.0 in the Richter scale and timed it at 7:42 UTC, around 1:40 pm Bangladesh time, reports the Daily Star.

No casualties or damages due to the quake have been reported so far.(ANI)

Jatrabari arson attack and Gatco graft cases.

Earlier in the day, Khaleda surrendered before Judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court and secured bail in the arson attack on a passenger bus case in the capital's Jatrabari in January last year.

She was later granted bail

by Judge Abu Ahmed Jomadar of Special Judge Court-3 in a corruption case.

The court on March 30 had issued arrest warrants against Khaleda and 27 others in the Jatrabari arson attack

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia

case.

The order came after the investigation officer showed Khaleda and 27 others involved in the

case and appealed to the court to issue arrest warrants against them. The court directed the officerin-charge of Jatrabari

Police Station to submit reports by April 27 on execution of arrest warrants.

In the Gatco Graft Case, the court on February 23 had ordered Khaleda to appear before it today after receiving copy of the High Court's February 15 verdict that had rejected two petitions filed by her challenging the legality of trial proceedings in the corruption case.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) under the Emergency Powers Rules on September 2007, lodged the case with Tejgaon Police Station against Khaleda, her youngest son Arafat Rahman Koko,

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami and 10 others. The corruption statement said that there was corruption in the awarding of a contract to Global Agro Trade (Pvt) Company Ltd (Gatco) for container management at inland depots in Dhaka and Chittagong which had allegedly cost the state exchequer over Tk 1,000 crore.

The High Court on July 15, 2008, stayed the case proceedings against Khaleda and issued a rule upon the govern- Suicide bomb blast claims six lives in Afghanistan's Parwan Province ment and the ACC to explain why the case proceedings shouldn't be Kabul, Apr. 5 : At least local time, reports Tolo six people were killed news. quashed. (ANI) after a suicide bomber Meanwhile, the hospital detonated his explosive- officials confirmed that laden vehicle in the cen- at least six people were ter of Afghanistan's killed and more than 15 Seyagerd district in have been injured. power and energy.

Parwan province on The officials further As proposed by Presi- Tuesday morning. said a policeman was dent U Htin Kyaw, par- The district governor among the dead while liament on Tuesday ap- Sayed Sediqqi has con- women and children had proved to re-allocate two firmed the attack and also died and been inof Aung Saan Suu Kyi's said the incident took jured in the attack. four portfoliuos -- U Myo place near a local high More details are Thein Gyi as the educa- school at about 9.30am awaited. (ANI) tion minister and U Pe Zin Tun as electric power and energy minister.

Her first two portfolios as foreign affairs minister and president's office minister remained unchanged.

The lower house had also appointed Aung San Suu Kyi as chairperson of the Joint Coordina- Islamabad, Apr 5 : At Paramilitary forces and tion Committee for de- least one person was police arrived at the place velopment of parliamen- killed and five others of attack and launched were injured today when search operation. tary affairs. a a rocket-propelled gre- Attacks on trains are comnade hit a passenger train mon Balochistan where in Pakistans south-west- Baloch nationalists are ern Balochistan prov- fighting for greater conince, officials said. trol over natural reas police intervened at Unknown militants fired sources. the scene to drive away a rocket-propelled gre- Four people were killed the rival groups using nade at Jaffer Express in November last year near Bakhtiarabad area of when a Rawalpindigunshots.

"Police were attacked Sibbi district, when it bound train was attacked when they tried to dis- was on its way to the pro- with bomb planted on its track in Mastung. perse the warring groups vincial capital Quetta.

So far no groups claimed A police official said that ... they (police) had to use their guns for self- one passenger was killed responsibility. defence," a police offi- and five other injured in Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Khan Zehri the attack. cial said.

"One of the carriages was condemned the terror atThe authorities, meanwhile, launched an in- also slightly damaged," tack and sought an inquiry report. (PTI) vestigation with an addi- he said. tional district magistrate as its convenor. (PTI)

Myanmar's lower house creates new post for Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi Naypyitaw, April 5: Myanmar parliament's lower house on Tuesday passed a bill calling for appointment of a state counsellor in the new

cabinet, a post to be created for Aung San Suu Kyi. The bill was approved by the majority of the members of parliament

without any amendment to the bill agreed by the upper house after serious debate by the bill committee and some non-elected military representatives who constitutes 25 percent of the seats in the house.

The state counsellor bill, submitted to the upper house last Thursday, was approved by 137-68 vote.

The bill guarantees Aung San Suu Kyi's right to contact government ministries, departments, organisations, associations and individuals for counsel.

She will be accountable to parliament.

The term of office for the counsellor of state is the same as that of the president.

The bill is aimed at ensuring a multi-party democratic system, a market-oriented economic system, a federal union, peace and development in the country.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy chairperson, was first appointed on Wednesday as Myanmar's new foreign minister concurrently holding the portfolios of minister at the president's office, minister of education, and minister of electric

1 killed in train bombing in Pakistan

4 killed in protests over China-backed plant in B'desh Dhaka, Apr 5 : At least four people have been killed and 25 others, including policemen, injured in clashes that erupted after protests against the construction of a Chinese- backed power plant on a farmland in northeast Bangladesh.

Clashes erupted yesterday when rival groups of villagers simultaneously rallied near the site of USD 2.4 billion project

to oppose the installation of the twin power plants to be built with the help of two Chinese companies at Bashkhali area at the outskirts of the port city of Chittagong.

Police meanwhile said they filed a case charging over 3,000 villagers for vandalism in which 11 members of the law enforcement agency were also wounded.

"Three of the villagers died during the clash and

Islamabad, April. 5 : With Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Pathankot attack, set to table the report to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, sections of the Pakistan media have claimed that the report accuses India of using the attack as part of its 'vicious propaganda' against Islamabad.

Sources told Pakistan Today that the JIT has slammed India over its claims of Pakistani hand in the attack, saying that New Delhi continues to expand its propaganda "without having any

solid evidence to back the claim".

One of the JIT members said that the brutal murder of NIA official Tanzil Ahmed, who was probing into the Air Base attack is evidence that India wants to keep the matter under wraps, reported Pakistan Today.

The report also claims that the Indian Government did not cooperate with the JIT and instead made efforts to hinder the probe by the Pakistani team.

On Friday, the JIT returned to Pakistan after their five-day visit to In-

one succumbed to his wounds at a nearby hospital after the clashes with police," a witness said.

The reports said a group of villagers opposed the construction of the proposed plant by a private company fearing loss of their livelihood as the area was suitable for salt and shrimp cultivation.

They alleged S Alam Group, which is set to install the 1320-mega-

watt coal-based thermal power plant was acquiring the lands using force without any rehabilitation scheme for the residents there.

The two Chinese firms - SEPCOIII Electric Power and HTG -- are financing USD 1.75 billion of the plants' estimated USD 2.4 billion cost, the Daily Star reported.

The media reports suggested the clash erupted

Myanmar’s exFollowing JIT's return, Pak blames India president joins monkhood after of 'vicious propaganda' leaving office

Pak blames India of 'vicious propaganda'

dia during which all evidence pertaining to the January 2016 attack was

shared with them, including the DNA of four terrorists, their identities as

well as call records showing involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The JIT had on Thursday examined 13 witnesses, including former Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh.

Pakistani terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station in January this year, in which four attackers and two security forces personnel were killed in the gun battle, with an additional security force member dying from injuries hours later. (ANI)

Two Vietnamese women contract Zika virus, first in Vietnam: government Hanoi, April 5: Two Vietnamese women have contracted the Zika virus which has been linked to thousands of suspected cases of microcephaly, a rare birth defect, in Brazil, and are the first Zika infections in Vietnam, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

A 64-year-old woman in

Suicide bomb blast claims six lives in Afghanistan's Parwan Province

Two Vietnamese women contract Zika virus in Vietnam

the beach city of Nha Trang and another woman (33), in Ho Chi Minh City fell sick in late March, and three rounds of tests have confirmed they are Zika-positive, the Ministry said in a statement.

The two patients are in stable condition while no further infections among their relatives

and neighbours have been found, the Ministry said.

Zika is carried by mosquitoes, which transmit the virus to humans.

Zika has not been proven to cause microcephaly in babies, but there is growing evidence that suggests a link. The condition is defined by unusually

small heads that can result in developmental problems.

Brazil said it has confirmed more than 860 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating more than 4,200 additional suspected cases of microcephaly.

Myanmar’s former president Thein Sein

Yangon, April 5: Myanmar ’s former president Thein Sein has shed his formal attire and his hair to join the Buddhist monkhood.

Thein Sein’s ordination as a monk took place on Monday, officials said, four days after he presided over a historic transition of power to the former opposition party headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. Photographs circulating on social media show the former president,

with his head shaved and dressed in a saffron robe, beside a fellow monk.

The Ministry of Information released a statement on its Facebook page saying Thein Sein will spend five days in the monkhood. A temporary stint at a monastery is common in the predominantly Buddhist country, where boys are expected to ordain as novice monks at some point in their childhood and then return later in adulthood.

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

Healthcare Infrastructure in Rural North-East India Enthusiastic Response 78.06 % Turnout in First Phase of Polls The inaugural phase of this round of assembly elections saw an enthusiastic response from voters. The first phase of polls for the Assam Legislative Assembly, covering 65 constituencies, passed off peacefully (Photo:newme) with initial figures suggesting that the total percentage of polling is likely to cross 80 per cent. As per Election Commission data polling percentage across the 65 Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) stood at 78.06 per cent, but is likely to increase as reports from remote and far-flung areas keep pouring in. With over 95 Lakh eligible voters in the 65 constituencies determining the fate of 539 candidates including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, BJP's chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, AGP chief Atul Bora, Speaker Pranab Gogoi, ministers Gautam Roy, Ajanta Neog, Pranati Phukan and others, the first phase passed off relatively peacefully. No reports of violence leading to possibilities of re polls were found.

Chabua LAC had reported the highest turnout of 85.19 per cent, while the lowest turnout of 67 per cent was reported from Sarupathar LAC. Titabor assembly seat where CM Tarun Gogoi is a contestant, 78% voters turned up, while in Majuli, where BJP's CM candidate Sarbananda Sonowal is contesting, it was 80%. Also according to a release by the chief electoral officer (CEO), Assam where 65 out of the total 126 assembly constituencies went to polls, Behali constituency in Biswanath Chariali district clocked the highest turnout of 85%, whereas Sarupathar constituency in Dhansiri district recorded the lowest turnout at 67%. BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, after casting his vote at Dibrugarh thanked the people of the state for coming out in huge numbers to vote. Adding that the people wanted change, Sonowal is of the view that the BJP will become the single largest party after the elections.

West Bengal too recorded 81% turnout according to estimates. The figures are likely to be revised upwards. Thirteen of the 18 constituencies in Bengal that went to polls in Jangalmahal's tribal areas of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore, erstwhile had strong Maoist holds, but no reports of violence or disturbances were seen. In the 2011 assembly polls, the voter turnout in West Bengal was 83.72 per cent and 75 per cent in Assam. In the Lok Sabha pols of 2014, the figures in these constituencies were 83.39 per cent in West Bengal and 79 in Assam.

Kashmir's first woman CM BJP gets more Cabinet berths PDP president Mehbooba Mufti took oath as Jammu and Kashmir's first woman chief minister heading a 22-member coalition ministry with the BJP. She also became the second Muslim woman to head a state - the first was Syeda Anwar of the Congress who became the chief minister of Assam in 1980. and continued in office till June 30, 1981.

Mehbooba assuming office as 13th Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir is a landmark event in the history of the state and the country. Mehbooba Mufti, 56 and now a Lok Sabha member, was sworn in by Governor N.N. Vohra at Raj Bhavan, almost three months after the state came under Governor's Rule on January 8. The Peoples Democratic Party has nine cabinet and three junior ministers - the chief minister included - and the Bharatiya Janata Party has eight cabinet and two junior ministers in the new government. BJP leader Nirmal Singh remains the deputy chief minister.

Constitutionally, the Jammu and Kashmir council of ministers cannot have more than 25 members.

Mehbooba Mufti drove to the civil secretariat in Jammu that houses the offices of the chief minister, ministers and top bureaucrats.The new coalition takes office after three months of political uncertainty sparked by the death on January 7 of then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The PDP dropped two cabinet ministers - Altaf Bukhari and Javaid Mustafa Mir and inducted three-time legislator Zahoor Mir. The other new face brought in as a junior minister by the PDP is Farooq Andrabi, who defeated state Congress president Ghulam Ahmad Mir from Dooru constituency. The BJP dropped cabinet minister Chaudary Sukhnandan and brought in his place Shyam Lal Chaudhary. The BJP also dropped a junior minister, Pawan Gupta. Ajay Anand, a BJP legislator from Reasi constituency, took oath as a junior minister. He is a fresh entrant. The BJP share of cabinet ministers includes People's Conference leader Sajjad Lone, son of late separatist politician Abdul Ghani Lone.

Mehbooba Mufti is the 13th chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of State Jitendra Singh and BJP general secretary Ram Madhav attended the event. So did former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah.

Health is considered as an sized on strengthening rural important component of hu- healthcare infrastructure in man development. Good the country. The NRHM, health is not only a prereq- which was operational uisite for well-being of throughout the country, with people; it also augments special focus on 18 states, labour productivity and is an ambitious step taken up stimulates economic in order to provide accesgrowth. sible, afAlthough Pranjal Bezborah f o r d a b l e India has and acachieved accelerated eco- countable quality healthcare nomic growth over the last services to rural areas. As a two decades, it has rated result of such initiatives, poorly in human develop- though India has made sigment indicators and health nificant progress in indicators. India compares healthcare infrastructure, scantly with developing but improvement has been countries like China, Sri quite uneven across regions Lanka and Bangladesh in with large-scale inter-state many health indicators such variations. Further, accessias life expectancy at birth, bility to healthcare services under-five mortality levels, is extremely limited to many etc. In 2010, life expectancy rural areas and backward reat birth in India (65.13 gions. years) is lower than that of Healthcare infrastructure is China (73.27 years), Sri divided into two categories Lanka (74.72 years), Thai- namely, educational infraland (73.93 years), Nepal structure and service infra(68.39 years) and Bhutan structure. The educational (68.39 years). India's posi- infrastructure includes edution is even poor when com- cational institutes, students pared to these countries in in graduate, post graduate, terms of infant mortality degree/diploma courses, etc, rate, which is 48.6 in India whereas service infrastrucas against 13.7 in China, ture include health centers, 10.8 in Sri Lanka, 11.0 in facilities available in the Thailand, 38.6 in health centers, manpower in Bangladesh, 40.6 in Nepal the health centers, quality of and 43.6 in Bhutan for the healthcare services, and so year 2010. We shall get a on. In this discussion, we similar picture if we com- shall focus only on the pare India's position with healthcare service infrathese developing countries structure. in terms of other health in- The rural healthcare infradicators like maternal mor- structure in India has been tality rate, total fertility rate, developed as a three tier sysbirth rate, death rate, immu- tem with Sub-Center, Prinization, etc. mary Health Center (PHC) Adequate health infrastruc- and Community Health ture plays a vital role in de- Center (CHC) being the termining good health of the three pillars. The Sub Cenpeople of a nation. How- ter is the most peripheral ever, the healthcare infra- and first contact point bestructure in India is not up tween the primary health to the mark and in many re- care system and the commuspect India compares poorly nity, whereas the PHC is the with developing countries first contact point between like China and Sri Lanka. village community and the The National Health Policy medical officer, and the 2002 and the National Ru- CHC is the referral center ral Health Mission (NRHM) for four PHCs, which also launched in 2005 empha- provides facilities for ob-

stetric care and specialist consultations. The growth of these rural healthcare institutions, especially growth of Sub Centers is a prerequisite for the overall progress of the entire system. Along with the progress in health centers, other healthcare facilities, availability of manpower and qualiy of healthcare services are other important components of rural healthcare infrastructure.

The establishment of these health centers is based on certain population norm, which further is different for Plain areas and Hilly/ Tribal/ Desert areas. The population norm in Plain areas is 5000 per Sub Center, 30000 per PHC and 120000 per CHC; whereas that for Hilly/ Tribal/ Desert areas is 3000 per Sub Center, 20000 per PHC and 80000 per CHC. Further, there will be six Sub Centers per PHC and four PHCs per CHC. In India, the number of Sub Centers has increased from 146026 in 2005 to 148124 in 2011, while the number of PHCs has increased from 23236 in 2005 to 23887 in 2011 and CHCs from 3346 in 2005 to 4809 in 2011.

The North Eastern Region (NER) as a whole accounted for 5.31 percent of Sub Centers, 4.77 percent of PHCs and 6.43 percent of CHCs of the country in 2005. By 20011 the share of NER in Sub Centers and CHCs has declined to 4.90 percent and 5.07 percent respectively, while share of PHCs has increased to 6.32 percent.

Looking at the absolute numbers, the number of Sub Centers in the NER has declined from 7755 to 7259 between 2005 and 2011.

The decline in Sub Centers in the region is mainly because many of the Sub Centers have been upgraded to PHCs, which is evident from the fact that the number of PHCs in the region has in-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: unitus-healthcare7) creased from 1109 to 1510 during 2005 to 2011, and not many Sub Centers has been established during this period. The number of CHCs has increased from 215 to 244 for the entire NER during 2005 to 2011.

However, in order to achieve the main goals of the NRHM, there is need for establishment of more health centers, especially Sub Centers and the existing health centers need to be upgraded to the next level.

Along with the progress in health centers, other facilities available in these centers are another important dimension of the healthcare infrastructure. The condition of the north-eastern states in this respect has been grim, except Mizoram whose condition is better than the national average in terms of many indicators.

The percentage of Sub Cen-

ters with quarters for Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) is as low as 7.8 percent in Tripura, 17.2 percent in Nagaland, 40 percent in Arunachal Pradesh, whereas not a single Sub Center in Manipur has ANM quarter.

In this respect the condition of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Sikkim are better than the national average. The percentage of Sub Centers without electricity facility is the highest in Assam (67.6 percent) followed by Meghalaya (65.4 percent), Manipur (63.8 percent), Nagaland (49.2 percent) and Tripura (48.1 percent). The condition of all the states are pitiable than the national average in case of percentage of Sub Centers without all weather motorable road connectivity. All the states except Manipur have a better condition compared to the national average in terms of PHCs with labour room. In case of PHCs

with operation theatre all the states except Mizoram and Tripura have an abysmal condition than the national average. Similarly, the condition of all the states but Meghalaya and Sikkim are pitiable than the national average in case of water supply in PHCs. Further, lack of human resources is as responsible for inadequate provision of healthcare services as lack of physical infrastructure, specially in rural areas. The shortfall of health centers and manpower across the north-eastern states tells a sorry state of affairs of the rural healthcare sector in the region. Therefore, urgent actions need to be undertaken to eliminate the shortages in all fronts of the rural healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Pranjal Bezborah is a Professor in the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University.

Email id: pranjalbezborah@yahoo.com

India's Chance at a New Beginning With Democratic Myanmar In Myanmar, India's conscience and interests may finally be aligning.

Even as democracy continues to flounder in neighboring Thailand, Myanmar registered a monumental event last week, when it swore in its first democratically elected civilian president in over five decades. To be sure, this isn't the end of the struggle for democracy in Myanmar. The country's laws still reserve key subjects of governance - including home, defense, and border affairs - for military representatives, who still occupy a quarter of the seats in Parliament under statutory requirements. And laws also prevented democratic icon Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president, forcing her to appoint a close aide, Htin Kyaw, to that post instead.

No country in the region would be more keenly interested in Myanmar's progressive transition to democracy than neighboring India. India's relationship with Myanmar's

erstwhile army junta was perennially caught in the dilemma between its own democratic conscience and the need to keep Myanmar from falling into China's sphere of influe n c e .

Now that Myanmar finally has a civilian government of its own, India will be hopeful of progress on a number of fronts, "free from residual baggage of the past," as India's ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya has put it.

Myanmar forms the geographical link between India and Southeast Asia, and is therefore a vital component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Act East" policy. As India seeks to strengthen trade and cooperation with the Far East, Myanmar would have to play along. For example, both countries are part of the Bangladesh-China-IndiaMyanmar (BCIM) corridor an infrastructure project which connects Kolkata with

Mohamed Zeeshan

Kunming through the four countries. And successful trade links along this route could also bring investment opportunities to India's impoverished and restive northeastern region. It was along these lines that India developed the port of Sittwe on Myanmar's southwestern coast.

Given these long-term commitments, New Delhi will be hoping that Myanmar's new civilian government can bring greater stability to a country that has seen much unrest over the decades. Prime among these challenges is the politically sensitive issue of Rohingya statehood. Last year, a refugee crisis involving the Rohingyas spread panic across the region, after boats carrying hundreds of refugees were found floating in the sea.

Many of these refugees also fled to India. According to one report in The Quint, there are an estimated 36,000 Rohingya refugees presently located in India. And as the crisis continues unsolved,

that number is only likely to climb. For India, the Rohingya problem is made further significant by the fact that many of them occupy Rakhine province - home to Sittwe.

Suu Kyi has thus far been reluctant to make direct and open commitments toward the resolution of the Rohingya crisis, fearing a possible political backlash at home. But as her new government matures in office, New Delhi's patience on the affair is likely to wear thin, considering the crisis' implications for its own national interests.

The Rohingya problem apart, India would also want the new Myanmar government to help with tackling border insurgency, and hope for its cooperation in the eradication of militant camps along the IndoMyanmar border. India's restive northeast shares a long forested border with Myanmar, used as a hideout by secessionist insurgents operating on the Indian side. Last

year, New Delhi nearly had a diplomatic row with Myanmar, after the Indian army was alleged to have crossed the international border in its bid to exterminate militants. The operation was successful, but it didn't do much to eradicate the problem. India still believes that many of its most wanted men have their hideouts inside Myanmar.

While India would hope for cooperation on these and other issues, Suu Kyi would stand to benefit greatly from closer ties with New Delhi too, as she maintains a tenuous balance with the military. Myanmar would stand to gain, for one, from Indian business investments. Despite being rich in resources such as natural gas, Myanmar remains woefully poor and its economy morbid.

About 70 percent of its population has no access to electricity, according to a report in Time. All of this can gradually change if investments start pouring in from across the bor-

Proof of the Pudding Is In The Eating

Image for representational purpose (Photo: tjproperties) Sir, All the Political Parties are tall in words and short in actions. In pool- bound Assam the Political Parties have published their 'Manifesto'. During its long reign of administration for 15 years, the congress led by Tarun Gogoi fails on many counts. A cursory look at the previous 'Manifesto' of the congress (in last three assembly Polls) is enough to drive home the fact about what the party com-

mitted and what it did. Still, it talks of commonmen. On the contrary BJP's Assam vision Document 2016-2025 contains many innovative schemes. But it remains to be seen how these are executed in the event of the party's win in the assembly pools. The congress fails on all counts, be it Electricity, Education, Forest, Water-Resource, Irrigation, PHE, PWD, Health, Civil supply, Rural development, Minority affairs, Border areas and what not. Elected members, particularly, the ministers' primary concern is to fatten their coffers rather than doing anything good for the people. It is beyond the imagination of the commonmen to get to know about the inexhaustible properties of the ministers and bureaucrats.

Now, people are disillusioned towards congress.

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

of the Pudding is in the eating". BJP is yet to show its mettle in Assam.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Fairest conduct of written test Sir, For the first time in the history of Tirap district we have witnessed the fairest conduct of written test for the few posts of UDC, LDC and MultiTasking staff by the District Administration. Tirap Deputy Commissioner took every minute care to ensure that the whole process of recruitment was absolutely free and fair without any interference from any quarter whatsoever. Right from the day one the DC has been saying that all the candidates in all the three categories of jobs were needy and that the most meritorious candidates deserved to be recruited. In the past the candidates and the public used to cast aspersion thanks to interference from some quarters. But this time there is no such interference. The people have expressed extreme satisfaction over the fair conduct of the whole recruitment process by the District Administration by roping in the services of all the available resources in the district. ...Well done District Administration!!

Denhang Bosai Khonsa

der.

But above all, Suu Kyi would want New Delhi's support in her bid to advance democracy in Myanmar. There is no denying a trust deficit between the two sides; India has always been an ardent supporter of democratic values, but it went back on its word in Myanmar in the early 1990s, when then-Prime Minister Narasimha Rao thought it more expedient to engage with the ruling junta. "It's saddened me that India, the largest democracy in the world, was turning its back on democracy in order to maintain good relations with the military government," Suu Kyi said last year of India's shift in foreign policy at the time.

Whatever its past policy, however, India would be delighted to have a civilian partner to work with in Myanmar.

This is a golden chance for the two countries to build their path forward. 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.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

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Is It Time To Do Away With Death Penalty In India?

In 1967, the Law Com- violence that is attached mission of India had to a punishment like the reported:"Having regard, death penalty and stated however, to the conditions that "people may not folin India, to the variety of low non-violence in pracsocial upbringing of its in- tice but they certainly habitants, adhere to to the dis- Simran Bhinder the principle parity in of non-viothe level of morality and lence as a moral mandate education in the country, and thus the state ought to the vastness of its area, to observe it as far as it to the diversity of its possibly can," implying population and to the that a state must practice paramount need for main- non-violence if it wants its taining law and order in citizens to condone viothe country at the present lence. juncture, India cannot However, Ambedkar's risk the experiment of views and suggestions abolition of capital pun- were ignored by the Asishment." However, due sembly and the death to the recent support in penalty was retained as favour of abolishing this a legal form of punishpunishment from the In- ment in the penal code. dian legal system and the Although the death pentrend being observed in alty was retained in the most of the countries legal system it has not around the world, the been a common form of Law Commission of In- punishment. In Mithu vs. dia in 2013 decided to re- State of Punjab (1983) view the issue once the Supreme Court obagain. served that "in the whole This issue, however, is not of IPC there is only one a new one. One of the section (Section 303) most controversial and where death is described heatedly debated topics as the only punishment during the Constituent for murder by person unAssembly debates was der a sentence for impriswhether or not the death onment for life; and even penalty should be re- this lone section has been tained in the constitution struck down by the suof Independent India? preme court as it was One of the main voices found violative of the confor abolishing the death stitutional provisions." penalty was the man who There are other sections is often referred to as the which describe offences architect of the Constitu- for which the death pention - DR. B. R. alty exists as an alternaAmbedkar. Ambedkar tive along with other punpointed out the inherent ishments. Under the In-

dian Penal Code, crimes that are punishable with a death sentence include treason, abetment of mutiny, perjury resulting in the conviction and death of an innocent person, murder, kidnapping for ransom and dacoity with murder. Following the Nirbhaya case, Parliament changed the law to make a second charge of rape punishable with the death penalty.

The legal policy framers ensured that the death penalty was not awarded in a frivolous manner.

Section 354 (3)makes it mandatory for the judges to state the reason for choosing to give this particular punishment when alternatives are available.

In Ambaram vs. State of MP, it was clarified that only a special reason, i.e., special facts or circumstances present will warrant the passing of a death sentence. This was also reflected in Dhananjoy Chatterjee vs.

State of West Bengal (1994) in which the courts observed that "the measure of punishment in a given case must depend on the atrocity of the crime, the conduct of the criminal and the defenceless and unprotected state of the victim," thus, ensuring that the courts look at a number of factors before deciding to award this punishment.

Apart from all these le-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: media2.intoday) gal provisions stated in the various codes governing criminal law, even the Supreme Court has tried to further limit the number of cases in which the death penalty is given by coming up with the 'rarest of the rare cases' doctrine. Cases like Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980) make it very clear that even though the death penalty stated is an alternative option for punishment, in many cases, the only situation in which it can be awarded is when it fits into the criteria set by the 'rarest of the rare' doctrine. The mere fact that the court finds the person guilty of committing a particular crime cannot be a reason to justify the sentencing of capital punishment.

All this was done keep-

ing in mind the gravity and irrevocable nature of this sentence and to ensure that it is given only in cases in which such extreme and grave loss is suffered that it can justify a punishment this harsh.

Apart from all these there is also an option with the person being sentenced to death to file for a petition of mercy. Thus any person who believes that his or her crime wasn't as grave as to attract the maximum punishment can appeal to the Supreme Court (after the death penalty has been confirmed by the High Court) and if the petition is rejected by the Supreme Court of India, a plea for clemency can be sent to the President as well. Section 363 (4) of

Attracted to real-life characters: Randeep Hooda Randeep Hooda isn't in Sarabjit.

You just finished seen in too many films but every time his film shooting for Sarabjit. hits the theatre, critics How did it go? and the audience sit up Oh, it was on hell of an and take note of his per- experience. But I must formance. Next, he will say that I enjoyed every be seen in Sarabjit, a moment of it. We finished biopic made on Sarabjit shooting in 52 days and you can unSingh who was imderstand p r i s o n e d Gaurav Sharma how hectic in Pakiit could stan on spying charges. have been but overall it

of both of them are shrouded by mystery to a great extent and both the characters are quite appealing because people want to know more about them. As far as choosing characters is concerned, I only do a film or choose a role if I believe in it. Not all roles appeal to me.

What attracted you to this role then?

endlessly for all these years was his sister Daljit Kaur, who is being played

by Aishwarya Rai in the film. The film is not only on Sarabjit Singh but the continuous struggle of his sister and other family members. When the film's director Omung Kumar approached me and narrated the script, I was simply blown away.

I felt it should be told to

Randeep Hooda, he will be seen in Sarabjit, a biopic made on Sarabjit Singh who was imprisoned in Pakistan (Photo: letuspublish) Gaurav Sharma on his choice of films, acting and other passions Randeep Hooda has just finished a gruelling schedule of shooting Sarabjit. He was last seen in the critically acclaimed Main Aur Charlesbased on the life of the infamous criminal Charles Shobraj. Among the meaty projects in hand is his role as a coach of Salman Khan in the much-awaited Sultan.

But for now, he is all excited about his work

was almost like a lifechanging experience for me.

You are known to be a choosy actor and after Main Aur Charles this is another biopic you are doing In fact, I won't say that these are typical biopics but definitely both the films are based on two real-life characters and both are equally interesting because after a point, not too much in known about the lives of both Charles Shobraj and Sarabjit Singh. The lives

Again, it was the character that appealed to me the most. We all know about Sarabjit Singh and what he had to go through for so many years in a prison in Pakistan after a Pakistani court convicted him of spying. But actually he was just another person like you and me. He spent more than 22 years in the prison and efforts by the government to bring him back failed. And finally he was beaten to death by some of the inmates inside the prison. The most important person who fought

the world. It's not about the sufferings of one person but his entire family.

In fact, you completely changed your lifestyle and shed a few kilos to get into the character of the role That was what was required because I needed to look like a prisoner. I had to shed a lot of weight. I weighed 94 kilos and had to shed 18 kilos in 28 days. The entire process was gruelling. I almost starved during that period and in the last few days, I even re-

duced my water intake.

That was quite a difficult job but there was no other way I could get into the skin of the character.

That certainly was quite difficult‌ Yes, I have a habit of overdoing things at times and this time too I crossed the limit (smiles). I was told that Sarabjit was a pehelwan in his village and then he was arrested and became a prisoner.

So I felt I should go on a zero diet to get the look of a prisoner who was earlier a pehelwan.

What was director Kumar's reaction when you arrived on the set with this look?

(Laughs) Oh, he didn't recognise me. In fact, I didn't tell anyone that I was coming. And the security guys failed to recognise me first and didn't allow me to enter.

Then Omung who was sitting in a corner, kept staring at me for awhile and then he finally realised that it was me.

So, I think I was able to make him happy. But I must say that the idea behind my look was Omung's and I followed his instructions to look my part.

What are your expectations from the film?

I am sure people will like it because the audience loves good stories when told in an interesting way and Omung has done that earlier in his debut film Mary Kom. You also play Salman Khan's coach in Sultan That's another interesting role and it was equally tough. You must watch that film because Salman Khan has done a terrific job in the film. Courtesy: Trans World Features (TWF)

the Criminal Procedure Code, protects this right to appeal by making it mandatory for the court to formally inform the accused about his right to appeal against the sentence and the time period within which such an appeal can be made. This ensures that a decision as grave as deciding whether or not the State should take away a person's life is not decided just be one court but can be reviewed by other authorities as well.

According to government statistics, only 54 persons have been executed since Independence. An average of 132 death sentences were handed down each year from 2001 to 2011 by trial courts across the country, according to a National

Crime Records Bureau report. The Supreme Court during the same period, however, confirmed only three to four death sentences each year. These numbers reflect the reluctance of Supreme Court in imposing capital punishment.

Even though the Indian criminal justice system tries to ensure that the death penalty is not awarded unreasonably or without a proper justification, many legal experts claim that mistakes while awarding this sentence are not uncommon. This claim became more popular when in 2012 14 eminent judges (retired) who had served in various high courts and the Supreme Court wrote a letter to the President stating that since 1996 nearly 15 erroneous death sentences had been awarded, out of which two had already been carried out.

Another very common response to the pro-death sentence argument - that it serves as a deterrent against people committing similar crimes - is that the certainty of punishment and not the severity deters crimes in society. This argument was furthered strengthened when in 2012 a study conducted in the United States foundthat there is no credible evidence that the death penalty has any deterrent ef-

fect on crime.

With the recent global trend towards abolishing the capital punishment gaining more and more support each day, with the European Union having made "abolition of death penalty" a prerequisite for membership, and the Amnesty International recently reporting that 140 countries, more than two-thirds of the world, do not use the death penalty any more.

In fact, today India has become one of the few countries in which death sentences continue to be awarded after it expressly refused to sign the moratorium on executions, prepared by the 65th United Nations General Assembly, in favour of abolishing the death penalty.

However, the idea of prohibiting this 'maximum punishment' is becoming popular within the country at a very significant pace. And the support for this is coming from all quarters of society, including from the judiciary itself. The recent observation by the Supreme Court, "perhaps the Law Commission of India can resolve the issue by examining whether death penalty is a deterrent punishment or is retributive justice or serves an incapitative goal," reflects the conflict within the judicial systems also.

Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

Instead Of Migrant Politics, Why Climate Change Must Take Center Stage In Assam As Assam goes to elec- to increased cyclonic part except that recently tion, fingers remain activity in the Bay of a few people were crossed as to who would Bengal. Already, the caught for connections make the next govern- flow of migrants be- with the Burdwan ment. The Congress is tween Assam and blasts." looking to secure a Bangladesh is consid- What is required of the fourth ered to next government of t e r m Syed A. A. Farhan be the Assam is to focus and be w i t h largest in responsive to the needs Chief Minister Tarun the world. of its citizens and the Gogoi, with incumbency The reasons for the mi- rapid changes in envibeing its greatest threat grant influx are complex, ronment. The next govto power. The BJP, riding but it can be chiefly at- ernment will have to unon a nationalist surge, tributed to economic fac- derstand the need of exhas fielded Sarbananda tors such as the lure of isting with greater interSonwal supported by construction jobs in In- dependence. There has Himanta Biswa Sarma dia and the worsening to be a nuanced dialogue (known as the puppeteer climate factors in with Bangladesh with with deep pockets influencing nearly every politician and party).

While the Congress focuses on job creation and promises innovation centers, the BJP has decided to make the issue of illegal immigrants in Assam a major poll bank concern. "Our priority is the illegal infiltration and detection and deportaDuring a campaign by AIUDF Chief tion of these infiltrators," Badaruddin Ajmal (Photo: Youthkiawaaz) said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while Bangladesh making it both nations putting their releasing the party's vi- harder for farmers to resources on climate adsion document for 2016- seek a livelihood in a aptation and water and 25, calling for the seal- shrinking agricultural food security to prevent ing of the Indo- space. Climate change is migration. Increased Bangladesh border. This a border-less issue as state diplomacy on this is a polarizing issue, cre- compared to immigra- issue would be a better ating a perception of tion. Its effects can solution rather than sealconflict between Mus- trickle down and con- ing the borders. lims (often labeled as tribute to social, political The polarization created Bangladeshis) and non- and economic tensions. while going into polls Muslims, and foments a The security challenges would increase the probdangerous political for- due to climate change ability and frequency of mula. will only stoke tensions conflict in the coming Assam is not directly af- to a state that has seen years while resource scarcity brought by clifected by the rising sea years of conflict. levels due to climate The 1.5 lakh Muslim vot- mate change adds to inchange. It does, how- ers of Assam constitute security and growing haever, bear the brunt of only 1 percent of the to- tred. By focusing on crethe changes in tal voters of the state. ating an exaggerated enBangladesh. The effects Further, intelligence emy the BJP is creating a of climate change are agencies contend that dangerous pit for itself and slated to cause extreme "There is no big threat of others in the future. Courweather conditions due fundamentalism in this tesy: youthkiawaaz

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

E-com company Infibeam debuts in stock exchanges Adani may purchase SunEdison assets INFIBEAM DEBUTS

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: techcircle )

Shares of Infibeam Incorporation Ltd., touted to be the first ecommerce company to get listed, made its debut in stock exchanges.

On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the shares opened at Rs.458 and touched a high of Rs.466.90 during intraday trades.

As per recent closing price, the market capitalisation of the company is pegged at Rs.2,366.28 crore.

On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the shares closed at Rs.445.55 after touching an intra-day high and low of Rs.467 and Rs.440.25, respectively.

of Rs.466.90 during intra-day trades. However, it could not sustain the levels and fell to a low of Rs.439.90 before closing at Rs.445.70 - a 3.17 per

cent premium over its issue price of Rs.432. As per recent closing price, the market capitalisation of the company is pegged at Rs.2,366.28 crore. On

the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the shares closed at Rs.445.55 after touching an intra-day high and low of Rs.467 and Rs.440.25, respectively. The public issue of the Ahmedabad-based company, which closed on 23 March, was subscribed 1.11 times with the institutional portion remaining under-subscribed, according to NSE data. The institutional segment was subscribed 86 per cent. The retail and HNW individual portions were subscribed 1.31 times and 2.23 times, respectively.

(Agencies)

New Delhi, Apr 5: India's Adani Group is looking at buying the local assets of SunEdison Inc, two people familiar with the matter, after the heavily indebted U.S. solar power developer sought partners for its projects.

SunEdison, which a unit said was at "substantial risk" of bankruptcy, has several solar plants in India and last year won an auction to sell solar power in the country at what was then a record-low tariff.

The win brought criticism from analysts for aggressive bids despite it needing to strengthen its finances. The auction was part of government efforts to raise solar energy capacity by five times this decade to end chronic power shortages. But

Mumbai, Apr 5: Shares of Infibeam Incorporation Ltd., touted to be the first e-commerce company to get listed, made its debut in stock exchanges post-

ing a 3.17 per cent premium on its issue price of Rs.432. On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the shares opened at Rs.458 and touched a high

Non payment of VAT leads to raid by Excise department

Hungama raises USD 25 mn in funding round led by Xiaomi

Mumbai, Apr 5: In a bid to tighten the noose on the Value Added Tax (VAT) defaulters, Haryana Excise and Taxation department on raided the premises of a firm here.

A team led by Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (East) Gurgaon raided the premises of the firm located in Udyog Vihar Phase-I of the city following a complaint at the department's headquarter in Chandigarh.

The complaint was forwarded by Excise and Taxation Commissioner Shyamal Mishra to the DETC (East) for enquiry and verification.

According to DETC (East) Samir Yadav, the firm registered in the name of one Subodh Gupta had raised a bill of Rs 2,54,53,125, including VAT of Rs 29,53,125, for selling a painting to Director, National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi in August last year.

The price of the painting was Rs 2.25 crore But on checking the records at Director General of Audits, it was found that the seller firm had neither shown the VAT amount in its quarterly returns nor deposited the VAT with the government. A notice was served but the firm failed to respond, so the premises of the firm was raided, Yadav said.

As per rules, if a firm fails to deposit VAT and it is proved, then it had to not only deposit the entire amount of VAT evaded but also fine along with it. The move by Excise and Taxation department came following directions by Minister Capt Abhimanyu, who is said to be not happy with the tax recovery of the department. According to Yadav, a noted cars designer and customiser, was also found to be not filing VAT returns for last one year.

He was caught and an amount of Rs 22 lakh was recovered from him as tax and fine, he said. Similarly, an agency of Ford motor company here was also found to be not filing VAT returns for last one year and an amount of Rs 2.50 crore was recovered from it, Yadav said.

(Agencies)

ANI New Delhi, Apr 5: India's largest digital media entertainment company, Hungama, has raised an investment of USD 25 million, led by leading smartphone company Xiaomi, along with existing investors Intel Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners and ace financial investor and Indian billionaire, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala.

Hungama is a pioneer in digital media entertainment since its inception 17 years ago. The company has constantly innovated and delivered differentiated, premium audio and video content to its consumers across web and mobile platforms, fuelling the company's growth to becoming the largest overall digital platform in India. Hungama has over 65mn monthly active users across all its platforms, consuming a content base of over 3.5mn premium

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: aninews) digital units across audio and video. With this round of funding, Hungama will expand the content library and further invest in world class technology on its mobile app platforms Hungama Music for music and Hungama Play for premium video including movies, television and original series. Hungama will soon add over 1500 hours of television content along with original content

to its current Hungama Play offering of over 8000 movies in English and 12 Indian languages Speaking about the funding round Neeraj Roy, Founder and CEO Hungama Digital Media Entertainment said, "India is adding eight million new consumers to the Internet each month with 90 percent of digital consumption being driven by mobile. Young Indians

love their music and movies and the mobile will be the most used screen for this generation. Content will drive the next phase of Digital India and we are delighted to partner with Xiaomi as we prepare to bring premium and original digital entertainment to a 100 million Indians before the end of this year."

On the other hand, Vice President Xiaomi, Hugo Barra said, "We think of smartphones as a platform for us to deliver Internet services, and this includes content. We are investing in Hungama not only to start integrating content into our smartphones, but also to grow together with them and deepen our understanding of the content sector in India. We have carefully selected Hungama because of what they are doing in terms of aggregating large amounts of content and delivering an amaz-

ing user experience." "I have been invested into Hungama for several years and participated in this new capital raise as I believe they have built an unique leadership position with the most compelling music and movie OTT service for South Asians globally that is ripe for growth as India will embrace broadband and 4G. We welcome Xiaomi as one of our partners," said Chairman Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Excited about the leadership position that Hungama has built as being the one stop OTT platform across music, videos and movies, Managing Director Bessemer Venture Partners, Vishal Gupta added that the company is delighted to have Xiaomi as its partner and will accelerate the growth and leadership.

Cello launch designer 'Air Coolers' ANI New Delhi, Apr 5: Cello has ventured into the manufacturing of air coolers by leveraging its long background in high quality plastics and polymers. The Cello Air Coolers, which are designed for today but will last into tomorrow, are manufactured by Wim Plast Ltd., a subsidiary of Cello group. The coolers have engineering quality polymer bodies, Turbo Coolâ"¢ power cooling and international design aesthetics. "Cello Air Coolers have improved the traditional science of evaporative cooling into a cutting edge technology. Engineering quality polymer build and lightweight, powerful blowers and fans with improved cooling pads give you Turbo Cooling that

no fan can offer, at low costs which no air conditioner can match. This new range of Air Coolers is designed by Italian and leading Indian designers to bring world-class products to the Indian consumers," said Chief Financial Officer Wim Plast Ltd., Madhusudan Jangid. Cello's range includes all types of consumer coolers such as desert coolers, tower coolers, window coolers and personal coolers. The company has also created a new segment of mini desert coolers. In all, the company has launched 23 models of designer coolers in these segments, with water storage capacity ranging from 22 liters to 60 liters.

The company has appointed distributors across India and after-

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: aninews)

sales service centers with service engineers and technicians on the company's payroll to ensure reliable and timely service delivery. It has also set up a toll-free number for customer care.

The company has got certification of CE and Saso for these products and other certifications are in

the process. "Our coolers come with Turbo cooling system which combines powerful air circulation system with compact cooling pads to cool larger area in lesser time and also has other feature like digital model and convenient mobility," said Jangid. "The initial response has been very

encouraging. Both trade and consumers have appreciated the product and, as summer nears, the secondary sales have started and the company has also started receiving repeat orders from the network," he added. As income levels grow in India's middle class, many families are upgrading from fans to coolers. Further, with greater consumer awareness about quality and such other factors, more people are shifting from products made by the unorganized sector to branded products. Given the growing demand for its products, Cello is planning to build one more dedicated factory for coolers in the next financial year and is looking at possibilities of backward integration. (Agencies)

Oil prices drop in Asia as output freeze hopes weaken agree to cap output at January 2016 levels, with analysts also saying only a production cut can lead to a sustained recovery in prices. The losses were fanned Friday when Saudi deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country would only agree to limits at the gathering if it move was matched by Iran and other major producers.

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: His comments sent oil media2) prices diving four percent and extending the falls New Delhi, Apr 5: Oil glut. After breaking this week. prices tumbled further in above $40 in March on At around 0330 GMT Asia today on dwindling expectations for the Tuesday, US benchmark hopes that key producers Russia-Saudi Arabia-led West Texas Intermediwill reach an agreement talks, the commodity has ate for delivery in May to freeze output when tumbled in recent was down 15 cents, or they meet this month to weeks. The April 17 0.42%, at $35.55 and discuss a global supply Doha meeting aims to Brent crude for June was

nine cents, or 0.24%, lower at $37.60. "Crude oil is facing headwinds as Saudi Arabia hesitated to commit to a freeze production unless Iran agrees to join the output freeze camp," said Margaret Yang, market analyst at CMC Markets Singapore. "This has brought down the market's expectation of what will be achieved in the long-awaited production freeze talk," she said in a market commentary.

Research house Capital Economics said however that it was "too soon to give up on a Doha deal", adding that a "compromise agreement" was still likely even without Iran's full participation.

Iran oil production has

surged since the West lifted nuclear-linked sanctions in January, with the country's oil minister saying Sunday that exports of the commodity had now passed two million barrels per day.

World oil markets have slumped from levels above 100 a barrel in mid-2014 owing to overproduction, a supply glut, weak demand and a slowdown in the global economy. The losses have only been stalled by hopes over the possible output freeze. But Capital Economics said in a note: "A sustained recovery in oil prices would probably require outright cuts in global supply and increases in demand" rather than just a freeze. (Agencies)

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: pbs.twimg ) troubles for SunEdison at home - facing $12 billion debt and regulatory scrutiny has cast doubt over its ability to take advantage of India's biggest push toward renewable energy.

Standing to gain from SunEdison's predicament are companies such as Adani that have solar projects and want to expand. Adani has already told bankers it is interested in SunEdison's assets, the people

said, declining to be identified as they were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter Adani did not respond to requests for comment. Foreign firms such as SunEdison, compatriot First Solar Inc and China's Trina Solar Ltd. are important for India as the country does not have the knowhow or money to develop large-scale solar projects.

(Agencies)

IRCTC launches executive lounge facility at Agra Cantt station

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: wikimedia)

ANI New Delhi, Apr 5: Setting a new benchmark in rail travel, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) announced the launch of Executive Lounge at Agra Cantt station that would provide airport lounge-like facilities to train passengers at an affordable rate. The Executive Lounge at Agra which is being launched tomorrow, is second in a series of swanky lounges being set up at major stations, the other being New Delhi, which was started on a pilot basis in Nov 2012.

IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Dr A K Manocha said the Executive Lounge at Agra has set a new precedent in rail travel, bringing together a bouquet of international standard facilities and services for the travellers. "We are enthused by the growing response to the Executive Lounge that is considered a showpiece in our portfolio of passenger amenities," he noted. Modelled on airport lounges, the lounge at Agra Cantt station provides a range of complimentary and paid facilities such as meals on order, channel music, hot beverages (tea/coffee) and soft

drinks, round the clock WiFi facility, luggage racks for in-house passengers, wheel chairs, recliners, TV, train information display, Business Centre with fax, printers, desktops, newspapers and magazines, clean toilets and shoe shiners. Spread across 236 square metre and having a seating capacity for 75-80 persons, to be launched in phases, the lounge is located on Platform No-1 of Agra Cantt station. The services of the Executive Lounge will be available to passengers at a nominal entry fee of Rs.100 for two hours and Rs 50 for per additional hour. It includes the usage of WiFi, toilets, recliners and browsing of newspapers and magazines apart from unlimited tea/coffee and soft beverages. Additional services such as the Wash & Change, meals and facilities at Business Centre are chargeable. Rate for wash and change is Rs 75. IRCTC will shortly launch more executive lounges at Jaipur, Vi s h a k h a p a t n a m , Vijaywada, Howrah, Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jammu. The Executive Lounge will accept credit cards and debit cards, apart from cash in near future.

(Agencies)

Bajaj Auto motorcycle sales up 26% in March Mumbai, Apr 5: Bajaj Auto reported a 26 per cent increase in motorcycle sales at 2,64,249 units in March. The company had sold 2,09,937 units in the year-ago period. Total vehicle sales last month stood at 3,05,800 units, up 22 per cent, as against 2,50,604 units in the same month a year earlier, Bajaj Auto said in a BSE filing. The twowheeler major said its exports rose 3 per cent during the month to 1,01,519 units from 98,703 units in the corresponding year-

ago period. In the commercial vehicles category, Bajaj Auto's sale in March increased by 2 per cent to 41,551 units compared with 40,667 units in the year-ago month. For the fiscal ended March 31, 2016, the company sold 33,58,252 bikes, up 2 per cent, from 32,92,084 units in 2014-15. Total sales of the company stood at 38,93,581 units during the last fiscal, up 2 per cent, as against 38,11,201 units in the 2014-15 financial year.

(Agencies)

RISING SALES Bajaj Auto reported a 26 per cent increase in motorcycle sales at 2,64,249 units in March.

The company had sold 2,09,937 units in the yearago period.

The two-wheeler major said its exports rose 3 per cent during the month to 1,01,519 units from 98,703 units in the corresponding year-ago period.

For the fiscal ended March 31, 2016, the company sold 33,58,252 bikes, up 2 per cent, from 32,92,084 units in 2014-15.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

Features

PAGE 11

ART AND CULTURE Major architecture forms from NE India The sisters of North East hold an amazing cornucopia of customs, rituals and ethnic culture. However one underexposed aspect of the indigenous tribal culture in the North East is their tribal houses.

Several distinctively different forms of Moupee tribal architecture prevail in the North East and are representative of the tribes that have invented them.

Here are a few wonderful examples of tribal homes in the North East.

Homes with Wooden Stilts The beautiful Ziro Valley in Arunachal is home to the Adi and Aptami tribes who blend in the landscape with their uniquely constructed homes with wooden stilts. The Adi tribals generally build their homes on sloping land so that floods can be avoided. These homes have huge fireplaces that are a sort of meeting places for all tribe members. Sometimes the fireplace also doubles up as the kitchen. Aptami Houses are built of cane, bamboo, wood, leaves etc with no use of metal

in the construction.

Wooden stilts and wooden floors are distinctive features of these homes. Another distinctive feature is the presence of two doors; the front one is used by men while the back one is used by Debroy w o m e n .

L a r g e halls double up as living and cooking spaces, sometimes domestic animals also stay inside the tribal home. Bamboo homes of Aptami's deteriorate with time and they are usually rebuilt after 7 years. Assameese tribes also build their houses on wooden stilts while livestock is kept underneath.

Tribal Homes denoting Social Status In Manipur the architectural style of homes factors in the social status of occupants along with some rudimentary Vaastu principles. Rectangular shaped homes with bedrooms in the North and fireplace in the south are built. While commoners build their homes with cane, thatch, bamboo and wood; richer tribals use stone and bricks for con-

structing their homes.

In Mizoram the architectural pattern of the homes reflect the tribal hierarchy as the chieftain's home is larger and centered in the middle with other tribal homes surrounding the same in cocentric circles.

Morungs of Nagaland Morungs of youth stay places play an instrumental role in the life of a typical Naga tribal. A person's stay in the Morung is considered to be a period of intensive education and cultural acclimatization. At the onset of puberty both young boys and girls gained entrance to respective dormitories.

While the elders conveyed the customs and cultures of the tribe, artisans imparted their weaving and carving skills. The Morung is a grand building with wooden pillars and decorative bamboo work adorning its exterior faรงade. The building has only one entry and exit point and is situated in a prominent spot of the community.

Architecture of temples of North East India

The temples of Assam follow the Bee Hive structure where the Shikhara is shaped in the form of a bee hive and the temple has basically four chambers; garba griha (the inner sanctum, natamandira, pancaratna and calanta). One of the notable examples is the Kamakhya temple of lower Assam there are Dados which belong to the latter part of the Khajuraho period. The garba griha is dark, secretive and connected by stone steps and contains a depression in the shape of a Yoni. The temples of lower Assam follow the architectural style of the 2nd millennium and the Ahom period (Koch dynasty).

Another example is the Siva Doul in Assam which has a magnificent shikhara with Garva griha and multiple mandapas. There are other minor temples like Vishnu Doul and Devi Doul surrounding it.

Ghanshyam Doulis another temple that is made of beautiful terracotta and follows the architecture style of Ahom kingdom.

Mopin Festival of Arunachal Pradesh The tribes in Arunachal val Pradesh, the remote hilly The festival starts on sixth state in North Eastern In- / eighth of April every dia adore to their age old year. It is celebrated for a customs. For tourists, it span of 5 days. The godcan be quite fascinating to dess whom they worship observe their lifestyle and through this festival is various customs. Most of called Mopin Ane. The their festivals festival comare related to Arnab Ghosh mences with harvest and a ceremony of social aspects. The Galo smearing rice powder on tribe for example cel- faces of people. Since rice ebrates the Mopin festival is their main staple food, every year. this is considered a holy History and Myth be- ritual by the Galo people. hind Mopin It symbolizes social unity, It is celebrated by them as purity and love. The rituthey believe it can bring als also include animal them relief from negative sacrifice. They usually things in life like diseases, sacrifice Mithoon for this calamities, evil spirits etc. festival.

They believe celebrating The festival is marked by Mopin also brings good dancing by the girls and luck and prosperity along singing. They perform a with good crops in the special type of dance from coming days. called Popir. Young girls Nuances of Mopin festi- wear their traditional

white attire and put on colorful head gears. They also wear multicolored beaded ornament. They

is also associated with gorging on sumptuous foods and beverages. The Galo women also serve Apong, delicious local rice made wine. They also gorge on bamboo shoot and meat based dishes during this time. Courtesy: Nelive.

Baruni Festival of Manipur Manipur is one of the nating. Despite converpopular tourist destina- sion to Christianity and tions in NorthEast India. exposure to modern life, However, it is not only these tribes have not disfor the breathtaking carded their rituals and beauty of customs. The hills and for- Arnab Ghosh Baruni festiests that val is celpeople visit the hilly state ebrated by Manipuris for! The lifestyle and cus- with much vigor and dili-

The Baruni festival is celebrated by Manipuris (Photo: blogspot)

toms tribes living in the state is also quite fasci-

gence. It is a predominantly religious festival.

Nuances of Baruni Festival The Baruni Chingkaba Festival is celebrated to pay respect to Lord Shiva. On the day of this festival, as per Manipuri month of Phairen the pilgrims visit the famous Nongmaijing Mountain.

On the top of this mountain, there is a temple dedicated to the deity.

Shiva is revered as one of the major gods in Hindu Mythology and thousands of devotees take part in this festival for paying homage to the god.

The devotees take a bath in Chinggoi stream which is deemed as holy since generations. They climb the mountain after that at nighttime. They offer to the Shiva linga at the temple and at that time devotional hymns are also sung. The incep-

tion of this festival was done at the 19th century.

Both men and women take part in this festival who worships the deity.

The festival takes place after the festival of Holi which is called Yaosang is over in Manipur. It is enticing to see the otherwise secluded hilltop getting thronged with visitors owing to this festival.

When the festival takes place, Kirtans are also organized at the Shiva temple on mountain top. Interestingly, the devotees who climb the mountain at evening have to take a different route from descending from the hill, after their prayers are done. The tribes have their unique ways of paying homage to the God. Courtesy: Nelive.

Astounding architectures of Northeast India (Photo: nelive ) Nyingma and the Kagyu order. The monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh have a strong Tibetan influence and Tantric influences are less common here. Many Arunachal Pradesh monasteries have secret concealed rooms that contain Buddhist sacred manuscripts.

Important Arunachal Pradesh monasteries are Tawang monastery, Bomdila Monastery, Urgelling Monastery etc.

Almost all monasteries are surrounded by residential places of monks while some have gompa shaped training centers where education and spiritual acclimatization is provided.

Vernacular Architec-

ture of North East India Vernacular architecture is observed in many buildings and residential homes in the North East India across several Bioclimatic zones. Homes are constructed using locally sourced materials like bamboo, jute, wood cane, stone, mud, stone etc and the principles indicate sustainable building principles. There is the use of natural ventilation methods, ergonomic inner space arrangements, envelope shaped designs and other solar passive features in home architecture of North East India.

Interestingly the term vernacular architecture means that the houses are

built by local craftsmen using locally available materials like Bamboo, mud and thatch and do not reflect modern architects and engineering principles. There are 3 categories of homes; Kuccha, Pukka and Semi Pukka.

In Kaccha Houses; grass, bamboo and sticks are used to make non permanent residences. In the Pukka homes; tiles, bricks and clay are used while the Semi Pukka homes are a mix of these two styles. Vernacular architecture depends on the geography and climate of the region along with the locally available materials. Courtesy: Nelive.

HORTICULTURE

Cultivation of Dates

ing the few days of this harvest festival.

Like any other tribal festival in the state, Mopin Introduction of Dates Farm-

The Galo tribe celebrating Mopin festival (Photo: mynortheastindia ) usually stand in a circular queue for this dance. The folk songs are sung as the dancers resort to rhythmic dance steps. Watching the women reciprocate in rhythmic dance steps with vigor is quite an enjoyable experience. Overall, they have a blast dur-

Monasteries of North East India The monasteries of North east command a lot of attention because of their beautiful structure and lovely color scape. There are a number of Buddhist monasteries in North East out of which 20 are extremely important. Some of the monasteries have a lot of Tantric influence as can be seen from the mystical figures adorning the walls of these monasteries. The monasteries of Sikkim have giant sized frescoes and thangkas that are made of precious silk and brocade. The Monasteries of Sikkim are open faced with carvings adorning the outer faรงade as well as the inner sanctums.

Famous monasteries of Sikkim are Pemayangtse monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Sanga Chelling Monastery etc. the monasteries show a typical Chinese influence in their construction as well as the choice of colors.

Most of the monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh are influenced by the

ing: -In India, slowly commercial cultivation of dates is increasing day by day.

Dates are highly nutritious fruits and they are excellent source of sugar, calcium and nicotinic acid, iron and potassium. Iran is the number one producer and exporter of dates in the world.

Commercial Varieties of Dates in India:- There are more than 1000 date varieties exist. Here are some of the commercially cultivated date varieties. Barhee, Medjool, Shamran (Sayer), Khadarawy, Halawy, Zahidi, Khalas, Wild date palm.

Climate Requirement for Dates Farming:- Dates require low relative humidity & plenty of sunshine for their best growth. It requires long days with plenty of sunshine, night temperatures and winter days without frost. It does not prefer rain especially at the time of flowering and fruit setting.

Soil Requirement for Dates Farming:- Dates require well-drained deep sandy loam soils with pH of 8.0 to 10.0.The soil should have ability to hold the moisture.

The dates also can be grown in saline & alkaline soils with lower yield. The soil should be free from calcium carbonate and should not have any hard pan at least up to 2.5 meter for better root development.

Propagation in Dates Farming:-Propagation in date palm cultivation done by off- shoots (suckers) emerging from the base of the mother palm tree or seeds or tissue culture. Farmers don't prefer seed propagation as it results in poor quality of fruits and more than half of those fruits may be non-bearing males.

The suckers should be separated from the mother palm trees 4 to 5 years after planting. In this process, 9 to 20 off-shoots (suckers) of 9 to 15 kg can be obtained dur-

ing its 4th and 10th year of life. This is a very slow process of multiplication, thus this method is bottleneck to overcome in the date palm farming. Although, tissue culture technique is standardized method, its commercial use is still constrained.

Before removing the suckers (off-shoots), the outer leaves of mother palm should be cut back to 2/3rd of their lengths & the inner leaves should be cut to half, the pruned old leaves stalks

times and levelled to bring the soil to the tilth stage. Dig the pits size of 1 meter x 1 meter x 1 meter during the summer to prepare for rainy season planting. These pits should be kept open for about 2 weeks and then filled with well rotten farmyard manure and the soil.

July to Sept time is best time for planting.

Irrigation in Dates Farming:- Date palm requires high water although it can withstand prolonged dry and drought. It prefers con-

Date farming (Photo: wisegeek) should be tied together for protecting and developing the well rooted system of the young growing bud.

Land Preparation, Spacing and Planting in Dates Farming:- As the date palm trees are perennial in nature and having long life about 50 years, it is essential to have adequate spacing between the plants. The square planting system is adopted in the dates palm cultivation and 8 meters distance between the rows is maintained in this system for proper inter cultural operations and growth. The plant density in the dates farming is about 160 plants per hectare land and 10% of those must be male offshoots to provide adequate pollen-grains, since dates are deciduous fruits. The selected field should be ploughed 2 to 3

stant moisture in the soil but sensitive to water logging.

There is no need of watering in rainy season and in case of heavy rain floods, water needs to be drained out as it may damage the plantation. In high water table areas, 5 to 6 irrigations may be required per year where as it requires frequent irrigations after planting.

Water requirement depends on the soil moisture holding capacity and climatic conditions.

Weed Control in Dates Farming:- Weeds can be controlled by mulching as well as weedicides. Pollination, Fruit Thinning and Regulating Leaf Number in Dates Farming:- Dates palm trees are highly cross pollinated because of its deciduous property. Generally, hand pollination or me-

chanical pollination is carried in commercial farming.

It requires 2 to 3 male trees for 100 female date palm trees. About 3 strands of male flowers should be inserted between strands of female flowers of date palm trees. Pollination in date palms is very important because, the quality of dates especially size and time of fruit ripening are highly influenced by pollen.

Manures and Fertilizers in Dates Farming:- Organic and in organic fertilizers are very important in date palms farming for production of quality dates. This also increases the yield of dates. Supplementing the soil with well decomposed farm yard manure of 12 to 35 tonnes/ha is recommended and this can be applied in the beginning of winter .chemical fertilizers of N: P: K should be applied in the ratio of 30:20:50 kg/ ha and this can be applied in the month of March and April. In India, the recommended dose of 'N' is 1.40 kg/tree. When it comes to yearly requirement, an adult tree requires 600 grams of 'N', 100 grams of 'P' & 75 grams of 'K' every year.

Harvesting in Dates Farming:- Dates will be ready for harvesting after 6 to 7 years of planting and yield would be less in the initial stages.

Depending on the variety, dates are eaten at different stages, so the harvesting depends on the local demand. In India, Date fruits are harvested at 'doka' stage to avoid any damage caused by humidity and rains. In the state of Yield of Dates:- The date fruit yield depends on the variety grown and farm practices and other factors including soil and climate.

However, 10 years old date palm tree yields about 50 to 60 kg per year. This yield increases with age and up 80 kg of fruits per tree can be expected at the age 15 years.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

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Indian eves suffer defeat against China at Hawkey's Bay Cup ANI Hastings, Apr.5 : Indian women's hockey team suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of fifth-ranked China in the last pool game of the 2016 Hawkey's Bay Cup. The match started slowly, with most of the battles taking place in the midfield and both teams struggling to penetrate the circle. China had the best opportunity of the quarter with a penalty corner which was well saved by Savita in goal to take the teams to the break tied 00.

After the goalless first quarter, Rani scored off a swiftly worked counter

from the right to open India's account in the 19th minute. China immediately hit back, and won a PC of their own, but another save from Savita ensured India went into the break with their lead intact.

The third quarter saw resolute defending from India, as China controlled most of the possession.

Monika in particular was very good at marshalling the defence and dropping deep to ensure the numbers denied China openings for goal. With the last play of the quarter though, China scored the equaliser through Yu Qian.

The final quarter saw sev-

Indian women's hockey team eral chances fall for both teams as they tried to take full points. Deepika, took charge and had a couple of half chances that went

wide of the post. Wang Mengyu scored the winner for China through a PC with five minutes left on the clock.

Reflecting on the defeat, coach CR Kumar said, "We gave a tough game today to a team that are higher ranked than us.

Crucial mistakes at the end of the final quarters denied us the points. Our defence was secure, but we now need to focus on getting the ball upfield quicker to score goals."

Besides the two sides, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Korea and New Zealand are the other sides participating in an invitational 8 nation women tournament.

India will now lock horns with Japan in their quarterfinal clash on Thursday.

Barca's Gerard Pique Sarfraz Ahmed named Pak's T20 skipper likens Guardiola with `godfather` Ferguson

Gerard Pique ANI London, Apr.5 : Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has lavished praise on incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, comparing the Spaniard with former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 29-year-old, who had played under both coaches, described Ferguson as a godfather and said that he was really intense during training and so was Guardiola. " Sir Alex Ferguson, when I was there I remember [Carlos] Queiroz was the guy who took training, he (Ferguson] was like more

outside, controlling everything, taking a different position," he was quoted as saying by goal.com.

"And Guardiola was like every day, he was there, but both of them you can see their careers. I think they're both fantastic," Pique added.

Guardiola, who is gearing up for his first Premier League, had earlier signed a three-year deal of more than 15 million Euros an year to take over Manuel Pellegrini.

Guardiola was also Ferguson's first choice to replace him at Old Trafford instead of David Moyes, who succeeded him as the manager in 2013.

ANI Karachi, April.5 : Pakistan's wicketkeeperbatsman Sarfraz Ahmed has been appointed as the team's T20 skipper after Shahid Afridi stepped down from the post following the team's early exit from the World T20.

Confirming the news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that they were pleased to announce Sarfraz as the new T20 skipper.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan wished luck to Sarfraz for his new role and said that his appointment was open ended, the Express Tribune reported.

Sarfraz, who served as a vice-captain of ODIs and T20s, has made 21 appearances for Pakistan in the shortest format of the game at a strike rate of

Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed 120.24. He has also notched up two half-centuries for the country in T20Is. Earlier, head coach Waqar Younis had also announced that he is quitting from his position, considering the PCB's failure and leak of a confidential report after the team's World T20 exit as a ma-

jor reason behind his resignation three months before his contract expires.

Pakistan, who crashed out of the prestigious tournament after three successive defeats against archrivals India, New Zealand and Australia in the group stages, will play their next T20I against England on September 7.

Vishwanathan Anand to be feted with Hridaynath Award PTI Mumbai, Apr 5 : Fivetime world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand will be honoured with the Hridaynath Award, which felicitates and recognises successful individuals across the country from various walks of life.

The honour will be a cash award of Rs 2 lakh and a memento.

Maharashtra's Governor C Vidyasagar Rao will present the award to the 46-year-old sportsman at an event here on April 12.

The previous recipients of the award include eminent personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Babasaheb Purandare,

Vishwanathan Anand Asha Bhosle, Amitabh Bachchan, Hariprasad Chaurasia and A R Rahman.

The guests of honour for the ceremony will be Maharashtra Culture Minister Vinod Tawde and Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, while Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will be a special guest for the

evening.

Born on December 11, 1969, Anand is an Indian chess grandmaster and a former world champion.

He became India's first grandmaster in 1988. He held the FIDE World Chess Championship from 2000 to 2002 and became the undisputed world champion in 2007.

Other sports personalities like D Prasad, Praveen Thipsay along with his wife Bhagyashree Thipsay, Padmashree Anupama Gokhale, Raghunandan Gokhale, Dhanraj Pullay, Devendra Joshi, Kamesh Mehta and Parnali Dharia will also be felicitated during the ceremony.

Wenger insists `pure` Arsenal still remain genuine PL title contenders ANI London, Apr.5 : Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on his side's perspective and believes that the Emirates Stadium club still hold a real chance to challenge this year's Premier League title.

Wenger's comments came in the wake of his side's two back-to-back wins in the Premier League, having won against Everton 2-0 before recently cruising to a 4-0 win against Watford to keep their title hopes alive.

Describing Arsenal as a `top quality` team, the Frenchman said that his side had come through their difficult periods and were able to achieve the result even in their most dreadful situations.

"This team has a good mentality. I've had many teams in my life and this

Arsene Wenger team is top quality. They have gone through a bad period but, when you play like that (against Watford), that shows that mentally they are pure," the 66-year-old was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Wenger said that Arsenal had always managed to do right things at the right moment, insisting his side's

only target is to clinch the title.

Arsenal are currently third in the standings and are lagging 11 points behind surprise leaders Leicester City.

They will aim to continue their momentum when they take on West Ham in next league clash on Saturday.

Ex-Mumbai Ranji player Ranjan Did Usain Bolt actually say 'Gayle is a loser'?

Baindoor passes away

ANI New Delhi, April 5 : Usain Bolt, the first man to hold both the 100 metres and 200 metres world records, celebrated Windies' WT20 win by recording DJ Bravo's famous ' The Champion' song, but it seems that he also mocked Chris Gayle in it.

Throughout the 'unofficial' West Indian victory song, he recorded himself saying, "Marlon is champion, Samuels is champion, Carlos is

Usain Bolt champion, Bravo is champion, Gayle a champion and West Indies is a champion."

But in the end of the song, he states "Gayle is a loser" and begins to laugh at the camera.

This could be a side blow as Gayle actually did not manage to score much in the series.

West Indies pulled off a sensational run-chase by thumping England by four wickets in front of an electric crowd at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. With this, they became the first cricket team to win the T20 World Cup Championship twice.

ANI New Delhi, April.5 : Former Mumbai cricketer Ranjan Baindoor has recently passed away after suffering a heart attack.

66-year-old Baindoor who retired last year, was the chairman of the Mumbai Cricket Association's Under-19 selection committee.

Expressing his grief over his death, Baindoor's former team-mate Ravi Thakur said that the former was his dear friend and that they had spent so

Cricket bat many years playing together, ESPNcricinfo re-

ported.

Baindoor appeared in 16 first-class matches in his long career, smashing 316 runs at an average of 19.75.

The former Mumbai player also scalped 20 wickets, including his best figures of four for 32.

Baindoor also notched up two half-centuries, both of which came during his side Ranji Trophy semi-final showdown against Haryana. He struck career best 96 and followed it up with 86 in the second innings.

Bayliss calls on devastated Stokes to Brathwaite has words of commiseration for crestfallen Stokes recover from crushing World T20 final ANI London, April.5 : England coach Trevor Bayliss has backed shattered Ben Stokes to bounce back from the harrowing World T20 final experience and also expressed his desire to see the all-rounder putting himself in pressure situations again.

A visibly devastated Stokes was left squatting with his head in his hands on the ground after he failed to replicate his death-bowling heroics, displayed during clashes against Sri Lanka and

New Zealand, in the highoctane finale.

It was in the last over when West Indies required 19 more runs to win but Carlos Brathwaite produced his batting master class and hit the bowler for four successive sixes to steer his side to their second World T20 title.

The match also saw Marlon Samuels using abusive and offensive language at Stokes after their seven wickets win over England.

According to Bayliss, Stoke was one of those blokes who could come

Ben Stokes again to bowl the last over again.

Insisting that no one

would blame Stokes for the defeat, Bayliss said that the former is the heart

and soul of the team and that the England cricket would flourish if they managed to produce more of such type of players,the Guardian reported.

Bayliss further urged his countrymen not to blame Stoke's leadership and efforts he had made for the team, saying that the 24year-old always give his 100 percent whenever he plays.

With the defeat, England's hopes to become the first country to win the coveted crown twice were also dented.

ANI Johannesburg, Apr.5 : West Indies star batsman Carlos Brathwaite has offered his sympathy to shattered England all-rounder Ben Stokes, whose last over saw the Caribbean batsman hitting four consecutive sixes to steer his side to their second World Twenty20 title at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.

A devastated Stokes was left squatting on the ground, his head in his hands, after he failed to

replicate his deathbowling heroics displayed during clashes against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, in the high-octane finale.

Describing Stokes as an `absolute legend` in his own way, Brathwaite pointed out cricket is a cruel game and that one should not forget the contribution he had made for the country in past couple of months, Sport24 reported.

Brathwaite, who smashed 34 off mere 10 balls, also revealed that

one of his four consecutive sixes that took the game away from England in the last over was a 'mis-hit'.

Insisting that he had followed his partner Marlon Samuels' advice to swing for the hills, Braithwaite said that he had miscued the third one, but added that a 65metre six and a 94-metre six were still six runs.

With the win, West Indies have also become the only side to win the coveted crown twice.

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