6th nov 2015

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www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Tezu please contact:

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

India and the Politics of Extremism

Issue 151

Management of Rural Healthcare System Page 8

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given top priority to the development of the north east and has decided to build 10,000 km roads at a cost of Rs one lakh crore in the region, including in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said here today. Rs 25,000 crore would be spent for developing roads in Arunachal Pradesh, he said.” I am aware of your huge expectations from the Centre.

If at the desire of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee I could conceive and facilitate building of PMGSY roads at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore to link 1,70,000 villages, roads in

ET CAPSULES Wanted NSCN I-M leader handed over to NIA Dibrugarh, Nov 5: A hardcore NSCN IM leader self styled Capt. Somchai Kapai, 35 yrs, was handed over to the National Investigating Agency NIA today after he was arrested by a joint team of Arunachal Pradesh police and Assam Rifles personnel from a village near Khonsa in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh a few days ago.

"Kapai was the town commander of Khonsa and he was wanted by the NIA for his role in the ambush on a army convoy in Tupi village on April 4 early this year", Jasmeet Singh, SP, Khonsa said.

Kapai is a resident of Manipur. (Staff Reporter) Bhupen Hazarika’s death anniversary observed Dergaon, Nov 5: Famous musician and multi-faceted personality Dr. Bhupen Hazarika had passed away on November 5, 2011. In his fond memory, and as a mark of respect, several functions were held across Dergaon on the occasion of his death anniversary.

An Assamese drama ‘Hari Chandra Upakhyan’ and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s photo gallery were also staged. (Correspondent)

The aim is to build PMGSY roads at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore to link 1,70,000 villages, roads in Arunachal Roads hold key to speed and progress and what could not be done in 50 years Gadkari committed to achieve it within next five years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given top priority to the development of the north east and has decided to build 10,000 km roads at a cost of Rs one lakh crore in the region.

Rs 25,000 crore would be spent for developing roads in Arunachal Pradesh.

Foundation stones of AkajanLikabali and Likabali-Bame roads were laid In principle approval for fourlane Itanagar-Banderdewa NH-52A with rigid pavement announced while the state government has been asked to provide free land and submit estimates for approval

State government has also been asked to submit revised estimates for 407-km double-lane PotinPangin sanctioned on BOT (annuity) for Rs 1,985 crore urgently to start the work soon

The DPRs for survey of both the projects have been submitted to Minstry of Road Transport and Highways.

State PWD Minister Gojen Gadi assured allocation of land without compensation in addition to assuring early sanction for 2,100-km Miao to Vijaynagar road connecting Tawang district to Changlang district and 431-km East-West Industrial Corridor (EWIC) along the foothills once the state Govt allocates land

ALDSU demands early revamp of ailing Lohit health scenario Bishnu Rana Tezu, Nov 5

Reiterating the need to address the ailing health sector of Lohit district, All Lohit District Students’ Union (ALDSU) has called upon

Rajesh Tacho Minister Health & Family Welfare here at the circuit house during his visit and handed over a five-point memorandum.

The memorandum raised the questions on the ground situation in connection with

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Award wapsi, a conspiracy, says Ashok Pandit

Page 10

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ROADS INFRA BOOST IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

5.00

Decline in leather export for sixth consecutive month

Rs. 25,000 crore to be spent for developing roads in Arunachal: Nitin Gadkari ET Bureau Likabali, Nov 5

Price -

Dibrugarh, Friday, November 6, 2015

Arunachal will not be a difficult task,” the Road and Highways Minister said.” It is your money and every penny should be utilised for your benefit,” he said. “Roads hold key to speed and progress and what could not be done in 50 years I commit to achieve it within next five years,” Gadkari said after laying the foundation stones of AkajanLikabali and Likabali-Bame roads. The Centre has adopted the mantra of ‘Saka saath sabka vikas’ to benefit all, he said and rubbished allegations of neglecting dalits. The Centre is committed to work for the welfare of all rising above caste, creed, religion and parties, he said.

Contd. on Page 3

DC takes cognizance of The Eastern Today report, to order probe into commercial cottages at Dibru Saikhowa National Park

The Eastern Today Impact Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Nov 5

The district administration of Tinsukia has taken cognizance of the news report published in The Eastern Today titled "Commercial Cottages invade Dibru Saikhowa National Park, forest department in the dark".

Speaking exclusively to The Eastern Today, Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia Puru Gupta said, "An inquiry will be ordered based on the news report and the course of action will be decided once the inquiry report comes."

"No permission has been

granted to construct any kind of commercial cottages," added Gupta and said that no constructions can take place whatsoever in Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

He also denied tall claims by the owner of the commercial cottages that the entire Dibru River has been leased to them and that only they can construct commercial cottages at Dibru Saikhow National Park.

Deputy Commissioner said, it is a serious matter and has already called the DFO to report.

In the meantime, DFO of Tinsukia MK Dhar said, "I

have ordered my range officer to visit the spot and conduct a detailed inquiry and submit report by Friday itself."

Earlier, on Thursday The Eastern Today reported that Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, one of the 19 biodiversity hot-spots in the world and the largest national park of Assam is once again on the verge of exploitation following the construction of 20 cottages inside the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park buffer zone for commercial use in violation of wildlife and forest act.

Contd. on Page 3

POWER PHOTO

shortage of staff which has resulted in normal functioning of the District Hospital upgraded to General Hospital completely getting paralysed.

Contd. on Page 3

Army moving man and materials to China border in Arunachal Jiko Linggi Tezu, Nov 6

The Indian army is believed to be carrying out a hefty drill for moving man and materials to the border region of Walong, bordering China by air. Large number of air force helicopters could be seen at the under construction Tezu Airport on Tuesday, landing and taking off incessantly for last two days.

One of the onlookers, curious at the never seen feat, Contd. on Page 3

Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora, President, Asom Sahitya Sabha with former Chief Minister of Prafulla Kr Mahanta, MP Bijoya Chakraborty, Kanak Sen Deka, former President of Asom Sahitya Sabha along with other dignitaries and fans and followers of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika altogether sing the song "Jilikabo Luitore Par" during Central programme of Asom Sahitya Sabha organized on the occasion of 4th Death Anniversary of Asom Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at Gauhati University Play Ground in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

Gogoi inaugurates Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s Samadhisthal dedicating it the people of Assam A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5

An IAF Chopper seen hovering near the Tezu ALG. Pic: Jiko Linggi

Fake teacher caught through RTI in plain belt ET Correspondent Dhubri, Nov 5

An RTI filed by some residents of the Hallidayganj region has revealed an attempt by a criminal element to pass himself off as a teacher in one

of the schools of the town. The revelation came about after an enquiry was done by some people who found out that one of the teachers, Atawer Rehman held a fake HSSLC Contd. on Page 4

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the Samadhisthal of Asom Ratna

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and dedicated it to the people of Assam. Inaugurating the Samadhisthal (Memorial) of the music maestro coinciding with his 4th death anniversary

at Jalukbari, Chief Minister Gogoi said that Dr. Hazarika was an institution by himself and endeared all by his unbounded love for humanity.

“Dr. Hazarika lives in the

hearts and minds of the people.

His songs mirror the hopes and aspirations, trials and tribulations, narrate tales of injustice, Contd. on Page 3

Tea tribes protest demanding ST Mother poisons children status and increase in daily wages before committing suicide A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 5

Around hundred protesters of Dibrugarh district’s Chah Sangramik Mukti Sangram Samity gathered at Deputy Commissioner’s Office to

protest against their long pending demand. The organization demanded Rs 177 as daily wage for the workers.

Presently, the workers are being paid Rs 115 as daily wage. The organization told the media that on February, 26,

2015 an agreement was made between Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Consultative Committee for Planters Association (CCPA) and the government in connection with Rs 177 as daily wage.

Contd. on Page 4

ET Correspondent Naharkatia, Nov 5

A woman committed suicide after poisoning her two children sending no less a shock wave and creating sensation across the town of Naharkatia on Thursday. It is

noteworthy that Mary Tirkey who was residing at a rented house near New High School of Naharkatia gave poison to her two children before hanging herself from the ceiling. According to her husband Bijoy Tirkey, Contd. on Page 4

Eastern Today Special Coverage

Artists from Thailand perform at the Golden Pagoda Cultural Exchange Program at Tengapani in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Turn to page 12 for an exciting read

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

DC clamps 144 CrPC in anticipation of traditional heads storming the Secretariat ET Correspondent Shillong, Nov 5: The traditional heads under the banner of the Synjuk Ki Nongshynshar Shnong ka Bri u Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) are to go ahead and march to the Main Secretariat on November 5 as their demands are not fulfilled by the MUA-II Congress led Government under the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma. The executive committee of the SNSBH has informed that the November 5 march to the Main Secretariat will begin from Laban Sports

Widow commits suicide Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Nov 5: One Sabita Sutradhar (32) of Ward No. 6 in Dhekiajuli town under the Dhekiajuli PS in Sonitpur District was found dead inside a house of a neighbour this morning following which a sharp reaction ensued in the locality.

Sources said that the widow, mother of three daughters and one son took loan from various financing agencies including SHGs and Bandhan bank. One of the daughters said that she was repeatedly pressurized and even treated inhumanely by the employees of the Bandhan bank for the last few days for not being able to repay the loan. However, today she had assured to pay an amount to the Bandhan bank, but as she couldn’t manage the same she committed suicide. Husband of the woman had passed away a few days back. Two daughters have already got married and she lived with one daughter and a son.

BSF seize 14 cattle Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 5: Fourteen (14) cattle were seized from across various parts of the border areas under Sukchar and South Salmara Police station of Dhubri district yesterday night by the Jawans of 17 and 57 Bn. BSF manning the Indo-Bangladesh border in the district. The cattle were handed over to custom department, a BSF official said.

Leopard lifts cattle

Club (behind Red Cross) at 10:30 am.while, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting assembly of 5 (five) or more persons within the radius of 200 meters of Meghalaya Secretariat area on November 5, 2015.The order has been issued in view of the proposed sit in demonstration by the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep in front of the Meghalaya Secretariat, Shillong on Novem-

ber 5, 2015. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders, said the district magistrate in an official statement here today.The traditional heads had announced decision in this regard on Friday last during the mega procession in case the Mukul Sangma-led coalition government fails to fulfill their demands. Their demands include immediate assent of the village administration bills by the Governor, reconvening of a special session of the As-

sembly to do away with the recently amended Prevention of Disqualification (Members of Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) preventing an elected representative to hold dual posts.

The tribal chiefs also demanded that the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) should not extend its jurisdiction to scheduled areas except in municipal areas.The rallyists burned an effigy of the Chief Minister near the additional secretariat and demanded resignation of Khasi-Jaintia Hills based cabinet minis-

ters — Ampareen Lyngdoh, Deputy Chief Minister in charge Law Rowell Lyngdoh, and District Council Affairs Minister, HDR Lyngdoh, besides the Congress legislator Ronnie Lyngdoh.The SNSBH chiefs enlightened the participants the reasons behind conducting the rally and called for united march into the Secretariat on November 5.

SNSBH chairman Dr Werlok Kharshiing said that the Government should transfer the right to give certificates to the Headmen and not to SDOs/BDOs.

Yawning gap between promise and PM Modi-led Govt’s actions: Tarun Gogoi A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the yawning gap between promise and action of the Narendra Modi-led Government has slowed down the growth trajectory of the country. In a statement here today, Gogoi said the usual rhetoric of Prime Minister Modi did no good to the country.

The BJP came to power at the Centre promising ‘acche din’, however, contrary to its promise it has indulged in self aggrandisement. As a result, Modi Government is fast losing its popularity.

Even when the ‘honey-

moon’ period was not over, the BJP failed to get clear majority in Maharashtra; in Haryana it managed to win by only single seat and in Delhi the party faced the drubbing while in Uttarakhand it suffered yet another defeat. In Vanarasi which is Modi’s own den, the BJP lost in local body elections. Chief Minister Gogoi said that in spite of spending crores of taxpayers hard-earned money in attention-grabbing advertisement in print and electronic media, the Modi Government is fast losing ground because of its failure to deliver promises. “Prom-

ises like bringing back black money stashed abroad, crediting every account holder’s bank account with Rs. 15 lakh each, deporting illegal foreigners from Assam seemed to have been put on the back burner in Modi’s agenda of action.

Unemployment has hit the all-time low in the country, with no initiative of the Centre in creating employment avenues and prices of essential commodities including pulses are skyrocketing”, Gogoi said. The Chief Minister said under the NDA regime BJP is making tall claims that India is progressing on all fronts, the

entire North East region is meted out with very shoddy treatment. “Denial of Special Category Status to the North East, keeping the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy suspended, not releasing funds under the Ministry of DoNER for flood management in the State, are some of the instances of the Centre’s hollow promises that failed to see the light of the day”, Gogoi said adding that even the much hyped ‘Act East Policy’ would not augur well in the face of changing pattern of allocation of funds for the Centrally sponsored schemes.

NIPFP team on a 5-day visit to Assam A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: An elite National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) team headed by Dr Rothin Roy is on a five-day visit to Assam to conduct a comprehensive study on Assam State finances to recommend a 10-year Perspective Plan (2016 to 2026) along with structural and institutional reforms in public finance.

The team met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his office here today to apprise him about the prestudy consultations it would have with State Government officials of different departments, members of the 5th

Assam State Finance Commission and representatives and officials of all Autonomous Councils in the next five days. During the discussions, Chief Minister Gogoi apprised the team members about how the State has been strictly adhering to a slew of fiscal discipline and management measures to augment its resources in the backdrop of Central Government’s retrogressive steps to choke the flow of funds. The meeting was attended, among others, by Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, MGVK Bhanu and Commissioner & Secretary, Finance, Dr. Ravi Kota. The NIPFP

team will study the trend of revenue generation and suggest measures to augment the resources in the light of new policy of Central Government after advent of NITI AYOG and post 14th Finance Commission Award. It will study and recommend to the State Government on how to reduce wasteful expenditure and plug loopholes/leakages and ways and means to raise resources. The team will study the pattern of expenditure and suggest measures for public expenditure reforms as well as make evaluation and targeting of subsidies by the State. It will also study the impact of State-level pub-

lic sector enterprises on their finances and measures to be adopted for improving their performances besides the current status of various decentralization initiatives including transfer made to Rural, Urban Local Bodies, VI Schedule Areas and Autonomous Councils. It will further undertake a study on the impact of power sector reforms on State finances and suggest suitable measures for sustained development.

NIPFP, a body registered under the Ministry of Finance with State Governments on its Board of Directors, has been given a time frame of 18 months for completion of the study.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 5: Three to four leopards have been lifting the cattle and damaging standing crops in Dherarghat and adjoining villages under Gauripur Police station of Dhubri district since last few days. Carcasses of cattle and other livestock were recovered by forest and police and spotted the bit marks of leopards. Forest officials urged upon the villagers to remain alert at nights.

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Panchayat election opposed

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 5: Villagers of Hazirhat Gaon Panchayat today opposed the by-election in the village announced by sub-divisional administration of Dhubri district on the ground that many a villager has left the village during the flood.

The by-election was necessitated following the death of resident Gaon panchayat in August this year. Villagers met the sub-divisional officer and demanded the poll be stopped for a few more months.

G M Hospital

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital

Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873

The 4th death anniversary of Sudhakanta Dr. Bhupen Hazarika being observed at Sivasagar Kukurapohia Primary School today. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

ASTRO FOR YOU You will want to catch up with old friends that you have been neglecting for some time. The stars suggest that you will enjoy yourself. Your excitement will brighten up your activities. Your frankness and honesty are what set you apart from others.

Light bulbs will flash relentlessly today, as you ideate in the fervour of a creative mood. Your business acumen will help you negotiate problems with ease. The reticent Taurus charm will ring out loud in your laughter, as you deal with your bosses and colleagues at the workplace.

Routine work bores you, and today you will go all out to break free from the shackles of boredom. The results, however, may not be as dramatic. You will have to depend on your children, if any, to rescue you from the tyranny of routine. Monetary gains can be expected either in the form of inheritance of ancestral property or as increment in your basic salary.

Your social prestige will go up. People will praise your personality traits and try to emulate you. You will be a role model, too. Ganesha feels that this will be highly profitable day for you.

If it’s a fresh start that you are looking for, then this day promises to give you just that. If you have chalked out plans for your future, today you may go ahead and implement some. Remember that rushing blindly into anything is not the solution; it is always the slow and steady who wins the race. Consider executing your ideas in phases. It’s easier to achieve targets in good time when they come in manageable bits.

Today, your power and finance will be greater than ever before. You will also be inclined to make monetary provisions for any future economic instability that may arise. The people around you will stand up and take notice of the leader in you.

Today promises to be a busy day that will keep you occupied. You may also engage in written correspondence to re-establish some old contacts. When it comes to the work front, you will be asked to bring order to the workplace.

Your intuitive feelings will rule your actions today. You will need to break past your stress threshold and tackle work with zeal and zest. Follow your instincts and relax to some good music when the burden of work is overwhelming. At the end of the day, it is not the thought that matters but how that thought was implemented into action.

Watch out for Cupid’s arrow today. Love will strike and strike hard. Alternatively, you may also find yourself in an argument with a loved one that ought to have been avoided. An evening of romance beckons… keep the roses ready and the carpet rolled to heal any bruises you might have caused.

If trouble happens to knock at your door today, your guardian angel will come to your rescue. Unlike many others who waste life running after impossible goals, you will be content with your achievements. But that does not, by any means, imply that you aren’t ambitious. Just like yourself, your ambitions will be simple in nature, to the extent that it may elicit awe among people.

Today, you’re up against those who want to get back at you. But not for nothing are you the king! You needn’t worry, as few can match your prowess.

Amid all the hullabaloo, your spouse will be a supportive presence.

Staying afloat needs about as much effort as swimming. Cryptic as this may sound, what it means is you need to constantly reinvent yourself if you wish to keep going. You will shine in your profession only if it is also your passion.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

6-11-15 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-15 A.M-Gandhi Prarthana 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 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 7-15 P.M-Chah-Shramikar Aasor (Tea-Garden Programme) 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa" (Sponsored by Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.) 9-30 P.M-Film Songs 10-00 P.M-Classical Music.Artist-Ud. Sultan Khan Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

VAB to get assent within a month, Teachers asked to be updated, Govt assures traditional heads trained, dutiful Mass procession turns violent Shillong, Nov 5: The meeting between the Government and the traditional heads under the banner of the Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) came to a conclusion with the agreement that the state government should take up the Village Administration Bill (VAB) passed by the KHADC and JHADC with the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to give assent within a month to empower the Rangbah Shnong (headmen).

In the meeting, the SNSBH represented by 30 leaders and the government led by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma accompanied by his cabinet colleagues discussions for more than two hours were held at the

Secretariat while a huge crowds assembled at Madan Laban as they could not march to the Secretariat due to imposition of 144CrPC by the District administration restricting only five persons within the distance of 200 meter from the Secretariat.

Soon after coming out of the meeting, the Rangbah Shnong announced the outcome of the meeting with the government before the crowd who were waiting outside near Shillong Civil Hospital.

However, while the secretary of the SNSBH Mr RL Blah read out the outcomes of the meeting, there were stones coming from the crowd into the side of policemen and this turned violent with police

lathi-charging the crowd and using tear gas to disperse it.

Some vehicles were stoned on the windshields, and some people sustained injury due to the police lathi charge.

Other decisions of the meeting included noninterference of the State government as far as traditional institutions are concerned. The area of operation of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) will be limited only within the Municipal area.

The Government will also take up the issue of sand, stone banning with the government of India to exempt the State of Meghalaya in the interest of the indigenous people.

Nine more Assam Cong MLAs slated to join BJP A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: In a major jolt for the ruling Congress in Assam ahead of the 1016 state assembly elections, decks have been cleared for nine Assam Congress MLAs to join the BJP by the saffron party's top leadership. As a formality prior to them joining the party, the Congress MLAs who were suspended by the Congress for anti party activities, meet Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal and had a meeting at the Guwahati airport The meeting was also attended by Guwahati MP Bijoya Chakravarty, and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The nine Congress legislators who would switch sides are Nalbari MLA Jayanta Malla Barua, Raha MLA

Pijush Hazarika, Tezpur MLA Rajen Borthakur, Behali MLA Pallab Lochan Das, Sipajhar MLA Binanda Saikia, Ratabari MLA Kripanath Malla, Golakganj MLA Abu Taher Bepari, Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia and Jonai MLA Pradan Barua. Of these nine, Chetia and Barua were parliamentary secretaries in the Tarun Gogoi government. The nine Congress MLAs had met BJP national president Amit Shah at his 11 Akbar Road residence in New Delhi on September 5 and expressed their desire to join the party. At that time they, however, did not get any assurance from Shah that all of them will get BJP tickets for the Assembly polls.

Since then they had been waiting for the green

The Rangbah Shnong can now issue certificate to residents but the State government is not yet able to come up with official notification to direct all departments to accept the certificate from Rangbah Shnong as there is legal implication and the matter will be discussed further to solve the problem in detail.

Mr Blah said that the meeting was a success as major demands of the SNSBH have been met even though the wait will continue till the end of this month to see the action of the State government.

Earlier, the SNSBH had organised the mass procession in the city as part of pressing their demands before the government.

Margherita's Towfik Khan blames Central Govt

ET Correspondent Margherita, Nov 5: Mr Towfik Khan, General Secretary of Margherita Block Congress Committee signal from the BJP high and President of Margherita Divisional Minority command. According to Sub Committee slammed Prime sources, the nine Minister Narendra Modi-led legislators would BJP Government at the formally join the BJP, Centre in connection with probably in their "price hike, intolerance and in India. Towfik r e s p e c t i v e corruption" Khan said that the incumbent constituencies, during Finance Minister of our the next visit of BJP country, Mr Arun Jaitley national general whose assets before 2014 secretary Ram Madhav Lok Sabha polls were worth and national Rs 36 Crore and now they increased to Rs 132 organisational secretary have Crore. Why Prime Minister Ram Lal's to Assam.

Narendra Modi is not taking According to the any action against the sources, Himanta Biswa Finance Minister of our Sarma, who had played Country? Towfik Khan "BJP is politicising a key role in the massive asked. religion, caste and Congress victory in the community which in turn is 2011 Assembly polls, giving rise to ‘intolerance’ in which earned Congress our country,” said Towfik 78 seats in the 126- Khan. When asked about the member House, he is upcoming 2016 Assembly of Assam, Towfik likely to be given an Elections Khan said that Congress important responsibility party shall win with full in order to bring the BJP majority and formed the to power for the first Government while MLA Mr time in the state after Pradyut Bordoloi shall win maximum votes at the 2016 Assembly with Margherita constituency, said polls.

Mr Towfik Khan.

Gogoi inaugurates Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s Samadhisthal dedicating it the people of Assam Contd. from Page 1

subjugation and oppression, flora and fauna which in essence celebrates the various facets of life in its entirety,” Gogoi said, adding that the maestro’s creations would continue to live so long the mighty Brahmaputra flows. Gogoi said Dr. Hazarika was a revolutionary leader who wanted to bring an end to all sorts of oppression and subjugation and build a just society order wherein all communities could flourish and live in peaceful co-existence. “A revolutionary leader, Dr. Hazarika tried to bring about an end to all sorts of oppression and subjugation and build a just social order wherein all communities can flourish and live in peaceful co-existence,” he added. The Chief Minister said the maestro transcended the barriers of caste, creed or religion and tried to bind together every community. Gogoi said the doyen of culture represented the cultural ethos of different communities in his creations and enriched Assamese culture. “We would like to take Dr. Hazarika’s priceless creations beyond the shores of India and make known to the whole world how rich

Assamese culture is,” he said. Gogoi said the full realization of Dr. Hazarika’s greatness by the people in recent times augurs well for the State.

“Today more and more people are realizing his greatness and coming out in the open to take his legacy forward. And that augurs well for the State,” he added. The Chief Minister said Dr. Hazarika was known as singer of the masses and his greatness lies in the fact that the young and old alike affectionately called him ‘Bhupen da’ (brother).

“Greatness of the maestro lies in the fact that everyone called him Bhupen da simply because they considered him to be their own,” he said. Lauding the efforts of Cultural Affairs Department, PWD (Buildings) and other stake holders in building the Samadhisthal, Gogoi said that the Government would make continued efforts to spruce up the memorial in the days ahead.

Gogoi while disclosing the decision to constitute Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Society and announced Rs 10 crore for the purpose.

The Chief Minister said he would write to Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal for a suitable place for erection of a statue of the

maestro, besides taking steps for similar initiatives in Kolkata and in Columbia (USA) where the maestro did his Ph.D. Speaking on the occasion Minister for Cultural Affairs, Bismita Gogoi said that a longcherished dream of the people has been fulfilled withthe inauguration of the Samadhisthal.

Gogoi appreciated the efforts of all those involved in the construction of the Samadhisthal and assured that the remaining works would be completed soon.

Minister for PWD, Ajanta Neog said the Samadhisthal would help to keep alive the ideals of the doyen of culture and inspire and motivate generations to come. Addressing the huge gathering, renowned singer, Sudakshina Sarma praised the State Government for perpetuating the hallowed memory of Dr. Hazarika for posterity and suggested that a museum be built not only to preserve the maestro’s creations but also that showcases a ‘Mini Assam’.

“May the Samadhisthal become a meeting point of various races and tribes and bring about peace and harmony in society,” she said.

Later, the octogenarian singer along with her son Rishiraj rendered a song of Dr. Hazarika, much to the

delight of the people. The inaugural function was attended, among others, by Minister for Irrigation, Chandan Sarkar, Parliamentary Secretaries Arati Kachari Hazarika, Rekibuddin Ahmed and Rajendra Prasad Singh, Chief Secretary, VK Pipersenia, Additional Chief Secretary, MGVK Bhanu, Commissioner & Special Secretary, PWD (Buildings), Ajai Bordoloi, MP Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro), Dr. M. Angamuthu and Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, Dr. Mridul Hazarika. Commissioner and Secretary, Cultural Affairs Department Preetom Saikia delivered the welcome address.

Earlier, the Chief Minister unveiled the life-size statue of the maestro and paid eloquent tribute at his memorial accompanied by his wife Dolly Gogoi and ministerial colleagues.

Gogoi felicitated architect Gautam Baruah and sculptor Dilip Sarma on the occasion. The Chief Minister released a VCD on Dr. Hazarika’s songs brought out by Dipu Bora, a CD by Surya Hazarika and a booklet by Cultural Affairs Department.

Khonsa, Nov 5: Speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory programme of the 3-day teachers’ training on ‘correction of language in Hindi’ on 5th October at DIET, Khonsa, DIPRO Denhang Bosai urged the teachers to be well updated, trained and dutiful adding that with the advent of time the onus and challenges on them have increased as the programmes in the education system have multiplied according to the needs of the students and the society at large. While dwelling at length on the education scenario from the ancient Gurukul system to the present education pattern, Bosai told the trainees that a teacher must necessarily be a good communicator and said that such a training programme provided the teachers the scope to hone their communication skills. He said that the teachers were the most watched, observed and followed and asked them to carry themselves well both inside and outside their

classes. He further told the teachers that their job was the noblest of all jobs as they were dealing with the most delicate minds; the young students who could be influenced and shaped easily adding that the teachers should put their best foot forward to make their students good human beings to enable them become worthy citizens in the future. The DDSE Pobi Lombi in his address asked the teachers to make use of

the knowledge acquired during the 3-day training adding that their responsibility was huge because Tirap district was lagging behind in education sector with only a handful of Officers from the district. He assured to take up the problems pertaining to the department with the higher authorities. He appreciated the faculty members of DIET and the resource persons for the successful training. Earlier, in his wel-

come address DRC Lecturer AK Mishra threw light on the aims and objectives of the training and said that altogether 40 teachers from various schools of the district participated in the training. A number of trainee teachers also spoke in the meeting and they all thanked DIET and DRC for conducting the useful training. Later, the DDSE distributed certificates to the trainees.

(DIPRO)

Lakhimpur turns into hotbed of thieves ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 5 : Due to inaction of Lakhimpur Police led by SP Brojenjit Sinha, that has been unable to bring to book the culprits involved in the attack on a journalist of the district

since a long period of forty days, Lakhimpur seems to have turned into hotbed of thieves to engage in their activities these days.

Taking advantage of the inadequate vigil of the police, thieves looted more than Rs five lakh

last night from two places of North Lakhimpur town between 1 am and 3 pm.

According to reports, thieves stole an amount of Rs 3.53 lakh from Bajaj Trading Co. of DK Road and Rs 1.75 lakh from DD Enterprises of NT Road of

the town. It is noteworthy that a sensational theft took place on November 3 in broad daylight in the town at Dipu Kumar Barua’s house at Ward No 14. That day, the thief breaking into the house stole gold ornaments worth Rs 4000.

Rs. 25,000 crore to be spent for developing roads in Arunachal: Nitin Gadkari Contd. from Page 1

Gadkari announced in principle approval for fourlane Itanagar-Banderdewa NH-52A with rigid pavement and asked the state government to provide

free land and submit estimates for approval. He also asked the state government to submit revised estimates for 407km double-lane PotinPangin sanctioned on BOT (annuity) for Rs 1,985 crore urgently to start the work

soon. State PWD Minister Gojen Gadi assured allocation of land without compensation. He also assured early sanction for 2,100-km Miao to Vijaynagar road connecting Tawang district to Changlang district and 431-

km East-West Industrial Corridor (EWIC) along the foothills once the state Govt allocates land. The DPRs for survey of both the projects have been submitted to Minstry of Road Transport and Highways, Gadi said and requested for early approval.

DC takes cognizance of The Eastern Today report, to order probe into commercial cottages at Dibru Saikhowa National Park Since there is no demarcation of Dibru Saikhowa National Park it needs to be ascertained that the other side of river sand bank from Guijan Ghat, where the cottages have been built, falls under the core zone or the buffer zone of Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

According to sources in either case no commercial construction can take place. Even as per

wildlife and forest act no commercial constructions can take place outside any national park up to a certain distance, claimed sources. Although, the owners had claimed that the location where cottages are built is very much a part of Dibru Saikhowa National Park and just at a distance of over 100 metres the edge of the jungle can be seen.

Earlier, working president of Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad, Asom

Tinsukia district Sailen Gogoi had expressed shock and alleged foul play to see commercial cottages across the other side of Guijan Ghat at the sand banks of Dibru River, the starting point of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. He also raised concerns that this commercialization of Dibru Saikhowa National Park will increase pollution levels, both inside national park and in the river thereby posing

threat to the lives of several endangered species Gogoi said, it’s shocking to know that neither the forest department nor the district administration knows anything about these cottages which are operational since the past few weeks. It will be important to see the outcome of the inquiry and the action thereafter, he added.

ALDSU demands early revamp of ailing Lohit health scenario Contd. from Page 1

“Only two General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) who are allopathic doctors, shortage of other paramedical staff and dearth of life saving drugs in the district Hospital

have put the medical in a state of shambles; simultaneously, other CHC, PHC and Sub centre of the district recently upgraded have virtually collapsed,” the memorandum stated. With AYUSH and Homeopathic doctors somehow running the health services

following transfer of allopathic doctors with no relievers having joined till date to fill up the gap, the step-motherly treatment meted out by the state government has been exposed, a local resident rued. The government resolution to adopt zero tolerance policy against

the health system has failed miserably, added Bachamso Chiba, President ALDSU. Meanwhile, the union also made a plea to the government to reconsider Lohit district for setting up of AIIMS which was announced by Nabum Tuki Chief Minster during his visit at Tezu in 2014.

Army moving man and materials to China border in Arunachal Contd. from Page 1

stood gazing towards the under construction airport lined up with multitude of helicopters in the late morning sun; informed that the activity of helicopters landing and taking off had begun at about 1 in the night and continued to do so. He claimed that about 30 or more helicopters had

taken off from the airport.

By the time this correspondent witnessed the events unfolding at the airport, about six helicopters had taken off within a span of ten twenty minutes, while many more stood on the tarmac.

Curious, many passer by stood by the road side, adjacent to airport boundary wall, witnessing the helicopters flying off.

One of them feared and speculated about 'unhoni halchal' along the IndoChina border and rued about becoming a refugee, in case of war with the Chinese dragon.

The drumming up of the activities comes in the back drop of the inauguration of Advance Landing Ground on 23rd October last by Air Marshal C Hari Kumar,

Air Officer Commanding-in-chief, Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force at Walong.

The ALG was operational during the Indo-china war of 1962.

However, there after it lay abandoned till 2013 when a decision was taken to work on reconstruction, to make it fully air operational.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Lost son yet to return Manoj Kumar Doomdooma, Nov 5: "Three years have passed; my Gopal has not come back. Help me get back my babu (son)..........." The rest of the words become unutterable for her. She begins to cry bitterly, falls on the ground and faints. She is a widow, Chandra Tanti, aged about 70 years. She has five children, two daughters and three sons; all got married years ago except for the youngest one with whose house she lived. She used to live happily with Gopal in a cottage, but something different was destined.

Three years back, Gopal Tanti disappeared suddenly while going to attend to his duty. Since then, she has developed a mental disorder; she cries and then faints often. Chandra is an inhabitant of Powai Tea Estate, Line No. 1. “My son was a mason at Powai Tea Estate and was content but Kartik lured him. Three years have passed.... my son has not come back....." She says.

Kartik, 40, who allegedly takes the youth from villages and sells them off, lives at Gungabari village at his wife's house but is a permanent inhabitant of the same village where Gopal lived. Two young girls who are also contemporary of

BBIN cargo vehicle on way to Guwahati from Agartala ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 5: The trial-cum-pilot run of cargo vehicle of BangladeshBhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) sub-regional initiative began outward journey from Agartala to Guwahati this morning. The vehicle had crossed IndoBangladesh border yesterday. Mr Abhijit Gayen, pilot of the international cargo company DHL, was overwhelmed to reach Agartala within 24 hours of surface travel from Kolkata. The first truck was loaded with electronic items.

Gopal are also still missing.

"Kartik is not a good chap, this is the ugly business, he does." Gopal's second elder brother who lives at Doomdooma says. "I heard that police takes money to register an FIR, we are poor, how can we dare to go Digboi police station."

Gopal's sister adds. Human trafficking is synonymous to the Digboi area. Last year, a dozen of youths were rescued at the Margherita railway platform. The Maoists also target the soft target youth of the tea tribe belt for recruitment. "Kartik does not reveal anything clearly.

But I am sure he is the mastermind. Will AATSA, AAASA or our MLA, MP come to our help?" Gopal's sister asks. The biggest question is: Will 33-year-old unmarried Gopal come back to wipe off the tears of her mother or she will die remembering him all the time.

Tezpur University inks MoU for two more chairs Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Nov 5: In a major boost to the academic scenario of Assam, yet another two chairs have been granted to the Tezpur University. In memory of the invaluable contributions made by the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi to ethics, the Indian council of philosophical research has instituted the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Chair in Ethics” at Tezpur University. The chair would conduct a wide range of activities including research in ethics, short term courses for teachers and researchers, publishing research papers and articles, etc. The chair would be fully funded by the council for an initial period of three years which is extendable. Another feat achieved by the university is the ‘Industry Chair’ sponsored by the Vinati Organics Ltd., a leading chemical specialty company headuartered in Mumbai for conducting research on chemical sciences and Industry-Academia interface. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been inked in this regard and process of appointing chair professors for both chairs has already begun.

Kalapani Premier League 12/12 begins Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 5: The fourth season of Kalapani Premier League (KPL) 12/12 Cricket Tournament has got underway at Kalapani Stadium yesterday. 16 teams have joined this edition of the tournament. The inaugural match was held between Santipur and Jhaudanga. Winning the toss, Santiput elected to bat and scored 127 in 12 overs at a loss of 4 wickets.

Nasim Hamid scored a

quickfire 56 of 34 balls while Abdul Hai 39 runs in 10 balls. Chasing the massive total of 127, Jhaudanga lost all wickets in 9.3 overs when runs on the scoreboard were only 66, and thus were defeated by 61 runs. Bowler Ripon of Santipur picked up 6 wickets in 3 overs at the expense of 14 runs. This KPL season four is being conducted under the leadership of Zahangir Alom of Kalapani, a local source said.

Beef banning issue misleading, says BJYM president ET Correspondent Shillong, Nov 5: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha National (BJYM) President Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur has said that beef ban issue is propaganda of other political parties to malign the good work of the BJP government at the centre.

Thakur who was visiting Meghalaya was accompanied by BJYM in-charge Meghalaya Gopi Ghosh said here that allegations in connection with the BJP banning beef in the country is made by political parties just to tarnish the party im-

age in the eyes of the people.

“India is a secular country and there is no such beef ban and people of Meghalaya have been misled by this beef issue” Thakur said during his meeting with members of BJYM Meghalaya in Shillong on November 3.

He said that the BJP stood on the principle of bringing overall development and clean politics. “Youths should be led by example for future politics and not by people with vested interests”, he said adding that

youths should always adhere to their principles and be self dependent.

Meanwhile BJP youth wing President Egenstar Kurkalang called on the people of Meghalaya to wake up to the miss-rule of the Congress.

He said the Congress government in the State failed in all respects by misleading people in many ways.

Others who spoke in the meeting were Khlursing Lyndoh, State President BJP Meghalaya and Dipayan Chakraborty, General Secretary, BJP Meghalaya.

Economic growth expected in the region Sachin Sehrawat Sonepat, Nov 5: Sonepat MP Ramesh Kaushik claimed that the launching of three mega development projects at Sonepat by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on November 5 would boost the economic growth of this region. All kinds of preparations had

Prof. KK Baruah selected for JC Bose Gold Medal Award 2015 Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Nov 5: The Indian society for plant physiology has selected Prof. KK Baruah, a senior Professor at the Department of environmental science, Tezpur University for the prestigious ‘JC Bose Gold Medal Award’ for the year 2015 in recognition of his significant research contribution to the field of plant physiology. The award will be presented to Prof. Baruah during the inaugural session of the third International Plant Physiology Congress to be held at the convention centre of the Jawaharlal University, New Delhi on December 11. One of the prestigious assignments of the Gold medalist is to deliver an award lecture in the following year’s conference of the society.

been made for this event, he said while addressing a press conference here today.

As per the latest estimates, he said, the estimated cost of these projects- widening of GT road to 12 lanes and construction of KMP and KGP Expressways had increased from Rs 10,166 crore to Rs 13,802 crore.

“The better road network will attract economic drivers and industries and boost economic growth of the region,” he said and added that it would help in realizing all-round development of Haryana. He hoped that PM would announce more projects for the state on the occasion. Kaushik said that

the process for construction of a new national highway linking Delhi to Jammu via Kharkhoda, Gohana, Safidon and Narwana in Haryana had already been started. “The railway service between SonepatGohana-Jind is likely to start by February next year,” he added.

ASSOCHAM's Conference on Energy Infrastructure in NE on Nov 5 A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: The ASSOCHAM is organising a Conference on Energy Infrastructure in North East on November 5, 2015, at the Hotel Radisson Blu, Guwahati, and the event will be attended by Tarun Gogoi, Assam chief minister as the chief guest.Rakibul Hussain,

power minister of the Assam government will be attending the conference as the guest of honour.Other Speakers will include, Mr K.V. Eapen, Additional Chief Secretary (Department of Planning & Development) and Chairman, APDCL, AEGCL AND APGCL, Government of Assam, Mr Deepak

Chatterjee, CEO, IIFCL Projects Limited, Mr M.M. Madan, President & CEO (Hydro Business), JSPL and Member, ASSOCHAM National Council of Power and Mr Bajrang Lohia, Chairman, Power Committee, Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region.

Intolerance in the country in recent times has dented India's pluralism: Assam CM A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that growing intolerance in the country in recent times has dented the pluralism of the country like never before. In a statement here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Gogoi said that never before had the incidents of intolerance and hatred affected the country so badly like the present chronology of events that dented the age-old plural character of the country both nationally and internationally.

"Thanks to the President of India who had intervened thrice in a short span of time to reinforce the country's plural character for living in

peaceful co-existence. Joining the bandwagon RBI Governor Raghu Rajan and scores of writers, artistes and scientists fervently reminded the nation of the values of pluralism and peaceful co-existence", Gogoi said. Extending congratulations to all who voiced their concern over growing intolerance, Gogoi said were it not for their strong and spontaneous protests divisive forces would have been further emboldened to carry out their nefarious designs. The Chief Minister also asserted that at the present critical juncture former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's advice of adherence to

'rajdharma' can bail the country out. Referring to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's statement that returning of awards is a 'manufactured rebellion' and the personalities involved in it are 'rabid anti-BJP elements', Gogoi asked why such incidents did not take place during Vajpayee's regime? Though it has become already too late, however, for the interests of the nation and for the sake of unity and integrity, adherence to 'rajdharma' by the Modi-led NDA Government will be the only tool to bail the country out of growing intolerance and preserve the country's diversity, plurality and tolerance, Gogoi added.

Bhupen Hazarika remembered in Sonari ET Correspondent Sonari, Nov 5: Various programmes were organized in Sonari today to commemorate the 4th death anniversary of music maestro Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

A commemorative programme was arranged

by Sonari Music College on the banks of the Sonari Pond where the life size statue of the bard is installed. Anchored by Prasanta Sarma, secretary of the college, the programme got underway with education minister and local MLA Sarat Borkatoky paying floral tributes towards the statue of the bard. Runu Hondique, the Chairperson of Sonari Municipal Board, Dilip Gogoi, the Chairman of Sonari Development Authority and Dilip Buragohain, former

Chairman of Sonari Municipal Board and a host of other leading citizens of Sonari were present during the meeting. Recalling the contributions made by Hazarika in diverse fields, the minister in his speech

stated that the compositions of the bard will continue to inspire the people of Assam for generations.

Several organizations lighted earthen lights and candles in memory of the bard in the evening at the

venue. Commemorative programmes were also held in various schools of Sonari.

A cultural programme based upon the compositions of the bard was scheduled in the evening at the Sonari public auditorium.

Tributes paid to Bhupen Hazarika at Nalbari Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Nov 5: Rich tributes were paid to Sangeet Surya, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at various functions held on the occasion of his fourth death anniversary here today. The Nalbari district administration and the Nalbari Municipality Board paid tributes to the legendary artist at Sudhakanth Dr. Bhupen Hazarika children’s park. The Nalbari town committee of AJYCP also organized a programme on the occasion of the

death anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at Nalbari MNC Balika Mahavidyalaya this evening.

The programme was inaugurated by Krishna Kanta Gaud, principal of the college. The Nalbari Anchalik unit of AASU also paid tributes to the artist at a function held at Nalbari Deviram Pathshala high school.

Kaithalkuchi Sambadik Santha, Nalbari Zilla Sahitya Sabha, Nalbari College Teachers’ unit and student body also paid tributes at separate functions.

Artist Nalini Das erects bust of Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on the occasion of his 4th death anniversary and Guruji Adya Sarma on the occasion of his birth anniversary at the bank of Pagladiya River in Nalbari on 05-11-15. The programme was organized by Nalbari district Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP). Pic - UB Photos

Sudhakantha remembered in Lakhimpur ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 5: The fourth death anniversary of philanthropist, AsomRatna, Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was cordially observed in the entire Lakhimpur District today. Almost all social, national organizations, educational institutions today paid deep homage to the people’s artist with due reverence. In connection with the auspicious occasion, the Lakhimpur

District body of Asom Sahitya Sabha remembered him by organizing a Smriti Charan Sabha under the aegis of Telahi Kamalaboria Anchalik Sakha Sahitya Sabha in association with Suryamukhi, Netaji and Preety Yuva Sangga at Kumarkota Ranga Mancha.

The agenda of the day began with Prabhati Soor at 5 am. The flag of the organization was hoisted by Prasanta Kumar Bora at 7.30 am. Then drawing,

essay writing and the Bhupendra Sangeet competitions were held among the students. The open session cum Smriti Charan Sabha commenced at 1 pm and it was chaired

by Krishna Bora and inaugurated by Niran Kumar Bora. Meanwhile, Bidya Dutta, the Vice President released the souvenir ‘Rodali’. Another book on a collection of poetry was released by Khiro Prabha Hazarika, a

literary figure of the district.

Lakhimpur DC Debeswar Malakar as Chief Guest, SP Brojenjit Sinha, Secretary of Arunachal Literary Society Takang Petting as Special Guest and Suprabha Medhi as the Guest of Honour attended the programme. On the other hand, Chabin Rajkhowa, the former Secretary of Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra delivered lecture at the meeting as appointed speaker.

Mother poisons children before committing suicide Contd. from Page 1

who is an English teacher at New High School, his brother saw

Mary Tirkey hanged from the ceiling while coming to deliver a cylinder at home. The police arrived at the spot

and still investigation is going on whether it is a suicide or a planned murder and also to ascertain the reason

behind the suicide. The two children who were poisoned were 1 year old and the daughter 7 years old.

Tea tribes protest demanding ST status and increase in daily wages Contd. from Page 1

The protesters alleged that till now the wage agreement has not been implemented. One of the leaders of the CSMSS alleged that the government and the ACMS have a

mutual understanding between them and are exploiting the workers. “We work for eight hours but our wage is relatively very low and we have been exploited since ages,’’ alleged a worker. The association said that in Kerala the daily wage of a worker is Rs 254 but in

Assam the worker has a different wage rate and questioned why the wages are different in two states.

On the other hand, All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AAASA) took out a protest in front of the DC office for an hour demanding ST status for

their community. Risha Munda, President Dibrugarh district AASAA said granting of schedule tribe status is the only way to develop the Adivasis. “It will help the Adivasis to safeguard their language, culture and history”, he said.

Fake teacher caught through RTI in plain belt Contd. from Page 1 pass certificate from the Kazi and Zaman College under MBOSE even before the college was affiliated to the board itself. An enquiry into the matter has been sought by the complainants even as they said the fake teacher was even recommended to become the 2nd polling officer for the parliamentary elections in 2014. A complaint was filed against Rehman by a group of complainants of Hallidayganj in West Garo Hills (WGH) district seeking an enquiry into the matter while also questioning the principal of the same school, Moshidul Islam

Mondal for his complicity in the act. Mondal is the principal of the Little Flower SSA Upper Primary School where Rehman was also a teacher by dint of his fake documents. Rehman is also accused of siphoning off funds meant for the school and its building development. “He has not passed Class XII but showed fake documents to authorities to get the job. He even manipulated the system to the extent of issuing an appointment letter signed by himself,” said one of the complainants. Rehamn stated that he has passed in the 2nd division from KZC in New Bhaitbari in the year 1994 under MBOSE but the RTI revealed that the college did

not even have MBOSE affiliation in that year which only started in 1996. “In the parliamentary election in 2014 his name was recommended by the principal of the school as 2nd polling officer. Thankfully this did not come through or given his background he may have done some mischief,” said one of the complainants, Mostafa Sheikh. “This is a clear case of misinformation through forged documents and the school building with the funds provided has not even been constructed till now”, alleged Sheikh. The RTI was filed by one Boradul Islam.

Even Atawar Rehman’s claim of being a resident of Meghalaya came into question

when the land documents he submitted were found to be fake. Rehman had even acted as headmaster for the school after being recommended by Mondal for the post for sometime time. “We request a thorough enquiry into the matter so that the guilty may be punished for misleading people as well as faking documents”, said Sheikh. A complaint was lodged with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of WGH, Pravin Bakshi as well as with the DSEO seeking a complete enquiry into the matter. Bakshi has confirmed receipt of the complaint which he said has been forwarded to the education department for further enquiry.

Bihar polls: Over 51 percent polling recorded till 3 p.m.

Patna, Nov 5: The fifth phase of polling in Bihar on Thursday saw 51.58 percent voters cast their votes till 3 p.m.

The polling recorded in Madhubani district saw 48.20 percent, Supaul 52.53 percent, Araria 54.26 percent, Kishanganj 52.44 percent, Purnea 53.96 percent, Katihar 57.02 percent, Madhepura 51.87 percent, Saharsa 45.69 percent, and Darbhanga 51.57 percent respectively till 3 p.m. The fifth and final phase of the Bihar Assembly polls began at 7 a.m. today for 57 seats spread across nine districts.

The 57 constituencies

which fall in the Seemanchal-MithilanchalKosi belt, are spread across nine districts of Madhubani, Darbhanga, Supual, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria, Kisanganj, Purnea and Katihar. Polling will conclude in 55 constituencies at 5 PM, whereas in the 2 Naxal-affected seats- Simri Bhaktiyarpur and Mahisi in Saharsa district, polling will conclude at 3 PM. Voters will decide the fate of 827 candidates, including 58 women.

The Election Commission has put all arrangements in place to ensure free and fair voting. (ANI)

Bihar has decided to opt for development path: BJP New Delhi, Nov 5: Expressing confidence of a comprehensive win in the Bihar Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said the people have already decided to opt for the path of development and take the state out of the darkness of backwardness. "The people of Bihar have already decided to opt for the path of development and take Bihar out of the darkness of backwardness also to move ahead along with the rest of the country towards the 21st century," said BJP

spokespersons Sudhanshu Trivedi. "We are very confident that we are going to get a very comfortable and huge majority in this election," he added Amidst tight security arrangement, aggressive voting has been registered in Bihar during the fifth and final phase of polling in 57 constituencies spread over nine districts of the state. These districts are Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa and Darbhanga. An estimated 40 percent voters have so far exercised their right of franchise till 1 pm. (ANI)

JDDC calls indefinite blockade Jiribam, Nov 5: Soon after the 28-hour bandh called by the Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) concluded, the committee has resolved to impose an indefinite economic blockade along the NH-37 and State highways connecting Jiribam from November 6 midnight, reports our correspondent. Continuing its demand to upgrade Jiribam to a full-fledged revenue district, JDDC today said that people of Jiribam belonging to various communities have always supported the committee's demand. Constituting a separate committee by some group of people based on political interest is unfortunate, said JDDC. Claiming 70 per cent of

Jiribam area as a tribal area by the Tribal Rights Demand Committee (TRDC) is baseless, alleged JDDC. Statement of TRDC which said Jiribam was declared as a hill area during the first State election in 1948 is a confusing argument, it said.

Discussing the pre-merger agreement amid the committee's demand can be termed as a deceptive step of the State Government, JDDC convenor W Dinesh Meitei added. Stating the demand put forward by the committee is for the common good, Dinesh appealed to the people of Jiribam not to fall for such misleading statements but rather extend support to the demand of JDDC. (agencies)

Dual Post row: Sonia to likely summon CM Sangma Meghalaya, Nov 5: The ongoing Meghalaya dual post crisis and the rights of the traditional heads has made the Congress president Sonia Gandhi call on Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and the KHADC chief PN Syiem to end the ongoing stalemate over those highly contentious issues. This was indicated after AICC General Secretary in-charge of Meghalaya, V N Narayanasamy submitted his report on the state of affairs in Meghalaya to Gandhi here on Wednesday, AICC sources said. The party is worried that things might go out of hand especially at a time when it is not in power at the Centre and has witnessed unexpected defeats in the states includ-

Darjeeling, Nov 5: A protest by so-called voluntary teachers in the Darjeeling hills has school heads worried because it would adversely affect students in the exam season. Since October 29, 515 voluntary teachers have been on a pen-down protest outside Lal Kothi, the GTA headquarters, demanding permanent jobs. Annual exams in schools started this month. The demand by the teachers is not new, but the timing of the protest, which has coincided with school annual exams 70,000 hill students will appear for, has got them more notice. The School Service Commission was formed separately for the hills and examinations were held by the commis-

worsening law and order situation in Garo Hills, sources added. It is understood that the party does not want to antagonize the traditional heads who are also creation of Congress which ruled the country and the region for most part of the post-Independence era.

Now the same traditional heads gearing up against the Congress has raised

many eyebrows in the AICC. Some of the recent judgments of the top judiciary in the state have also made the lingering issues more complex. Interference of constitutional heads has also not solved the problem either. But more than the traditional heads the tussle within the party over the dual post issue has taken the AICC by surprise. It is a paradox that the party leadership did not intervene at any stage before the controversial bill was passed in the Assembly and are now rushing for a fire fighting drive. The AICC also remained silent when the CEM raised a banner of revolt against the Chief Minister and resigned from the Chairmanship of Meghalaya

Economic Development Council. He had openly accused Sangma of a dictatorial style of functioning. Now, Shillong MP Vincent H Pala has also joined the ring by accusing the state leadership for trying to cut the CEM to size for his popularity and

sion till 2000. But in 2003, the SSC hills office was closed down by the state government following a demand by Subash Ghisingh's GNLF that Nepali-medium schools should be classified as linguistic minority institutions

and their management committees should be allowed to recruit teachers on their own like religious minority schools. Since then, there has been no state-organised system for teachers' recruitment in the three hill subdivisions - this

at a time when lack of employment options across Bengal has pushed many educated students to opt for teaching jobs, leading to fierce competition for a limited number of seats. In August, over 5 lakh aspirants wrote the SSC test for secondary teachers' posts in the state. The vacancy: around 15,000. The SSC test is not an annual one, it is held depending on the requirement for teachers.

The GTA wants a separate SSC for the hills, but that may not help the 500-odd secondary and HS voluntary teachers, some of whom have been taking classes for nearly two decades for as little remuneration as Rs 1,500 a month. If the hill SSC is created, there would be

hard work in the district council. But his critics have defended the actions on the planks of modernizing grassroots level administration and giving every legislator a chance besides the possible adverse court rulings.

(Agencies)

It is understood that the party does not want to antagonize the traditional heads who are also creation of Congress which ruled the country and the region for most part of the postIndependence era. Now the same traditional heads gearing up against the Congress has raised many eyebrows in the AICC.

separate exams. Most voluntary teachers don't see this as a solution as it would mean having to sit for the exam, which would ignore their contribution towards school teaching for so many years. A headmaster, who did not wish to be named, said the main reason for taking voluntary teachers was the halt of recruitments through the SSC in the hills.

"This is the reason why the managing committees were forced to ask aspirants to work as so-called voluntary teachers as the SSC has been defunct for more than a decade in the hills," the headmaster said. The so-called voluntary teachers' pay, the headmaster said, depended on the availability of funds with a school's managing committee. (Agencies)

Bimal Gurung to Pause ?Gorkhaland?

Jagaran Padyatra for Two Days After Rajnath Invitation Kalimpong, Nov 5: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung today said he would go to Delhi for a "couple of days" to hold talks with the Centre at the request of Union home minister Rajnath Singh.

Gurung said he would pause his march for the Delhi trip and resume it after he returns. The Morcha chief is holding the padayatra over a host of demands. Addressing a street corner meeting near here, Gurung said: "The home minister had called me at 9:05am yesterday and requested me come to Delhi for talks. I can't dishonour the request of the BJP government. I will go to Delhi for a couple of days over the next few days to listen to what it has to say." Singh had called up Gurung yesterday and requested him to end the padayatra and come to Delhi for talks, sources said. (Agencies)

CM's offer receives positive reply from Headmen apart from prohibitions Shillong, Nov 5: Even if the East Khasi district administration's rampant prohibitions The Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) has accepted Chief Minister Mukul Sangma's invitation for talks. There is a march towards the Main Secre-

Congress's Tripura unit president Birajit Sinha

Tuesday reduced the jail term from three months to one month," the official added. Senior lawyer and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid appeared for Sinha in the Supreme Court. Earlier on September 7, the Tripura High Court division bench upheld the three-month jail term given to the Congress leader by the Unokoti district and session judge court in October 2013 for violation of the administrative order. The legal battle in the court started on July 20, 2004 when Sinha, accompanied by his personal security officer, had gone to Babur Bazar area in Kailasahar after receiving reports of alleged booth-capturing by the Communist Party

ing in the recently-concluded district council polls of Garo Hills.

"Garo Hills District Council poll result is an eye opener for us," a top AICC leader in charge of the state said.

"If the trend continues till the Assembly elections two years later we might test defeat in the state again," the leader added.\ The AICC is more worried since after a long period the state had seen a stable Government and came back with a record number of seats mostly from Garo Hills but the recent developments threaten to dent its image. Its cup of woes seem to be full with the traditional heads turning against the party in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and drubbing in the elections and the

Hill Teachers Strike - Students in Limbo

SC reduces Congress Tripura unit chief's jail term Agartala, Nov 5: The Supreme Court has reduced the quantum of punishment for Congress's Tripura unit president Birajit Sinha from three months to one month over his conviction in 2013 for violation of an administrative order, an official said here on Wednesday. Sinha, 65, a former Tripura minister, earlier filed a petition before the apex court against the Tripura High Court and lower court judgments, which had given him three-month jail term for violation of an administrative order in carrying extra bullets of his licensed pistol. "After hearing Sinha's appeal, a division bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice N.V. Ramana had asked him on October 16 to surrender before the lower court within 15 days and produce a custody certificate during the next hearing in the Supreme Court," a Tripura law department official said. He said that Sinha, accordingly, surrendered before the district and session judge court of Unokoti district on Saturday and the court sent him to jail custody.

"The Supreme Court on

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of India-Marxist cadres during panchayat elections. When he reached there, Sinha was reportedly engaged in a confrontation with CPI-M members, leading to firing that left a CPI-M leader dead. Sinha's advocate Pijush Biswas said the Congress leader had gone to the place carrying his licensed pistol which had 12 bullets, and had five extra bullets. "His gun was licensed and he was authorised to carry 12 bullets, so he was charged with carrying five extra bullets in violation of the administrative order for which he was convicted in the district and session court which rejected all other charges," he added.

(Agencies)

tariat organised. A delegation of 30 people under the banner of SNSBH will meet the Chief Minister on Thursday afternoon, informed the president of headmen's association W.R. Kharshiing here on Wednesday. On being asked if they will go ahead with its proposed sit-in

protest, he said, "We will look at the situation and plan accordingly." Commenting on the Ri-Bhoi issue, he said, "The problem has been resolved and they will take part in tomorrow's rally." The SNSBH had earlier proposed to hold march towards the Main Secre-

tariat from Laban Sports Club at 10. 30 am followed by a sit-in demonstration in front of the Secretariat. Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said that while the whole crowd will be stationed at Laban Sports Club, a delegation of the traditional

heads would go to Secretariat to hold talks with the Chief Minister. No permission has been granted to hold the march, he said adding "Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the district." The demands of the traditional heads include the delay in the pas-

sage of the Village Administration Bill, the introduction of the dual posts bill and MUDA's encroachment in scheduled areas among others. Meanwhile, Shillong Police have taken all necessary measures to ensure normal flow of traffic during Thursday's rally. (Agencies)

Petitioner attacked HC takes up PIL against near police station bandhs/blockades

Kolkata, Nov 5: A 31year-old man was assaulted outside Bowbazar police station on Tuesday evening, where the victim had gone to lodge a complaint alleging harassment of his wife. The victim Md Amanulla was admitted to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital with head injuries. Though a hunt is on, no one has been arrested in this connection so far. The police said both the victim and the accused Wahid are neighbours. They are residents of BB Babu Lane at Bowbazar. They often had brawls over an old rivalry. On Wednesday, Amanulla along with his wife went to Bowbazar police station to lodge a complaint against Wahid alleging that a few days ago he had entered their house and harassed Amanulla's wife. After around half an hour of entering the police station, Amanulla came out to buy cigarettes while his wife was busy lodging the complaint. He saw Wahid and

his brothers waiting outside the police station.

They accosted him and asked him not to lodge any complaint with the police. But Amanulla refused to oblige and proceeded towards the police station. The assailants at that point gheraoed him and beat him up with batons. The victim fell to the ground after hitting a lamppost following a push from the assailant. Wahid and his brothers fled the area before policemen arrived on the spot. Policemen posted outside the Hare Street police station, situated at a stone's throw from Bowbazar police station, also rushed to the spot. The police took Amanulla to the hospital.

Senior police officers have gone through the footage of the surveillance cameras fitted outside the police stations.

The senior officers raised a question that how can such an incident take place in an area where two police stations are situated at a stone's throw distance. (Agencies)

The High Court of Manipur Imphal, Nov 5: A Division Bench of High Court of Manipur has directed the State Government and seven other respondents to provide adequate security for movement of the vehicles stranded on the National Highways due to UNC sponsored economic blockade. The directive was passed after a PIL hearing held before the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice LK Mohapatra and Justice N Kotiswar. The PIL was filed by Kumar Joysana (63) s/o RK Sanatomba of Moirangkhom Sougaijam Leirak against the 'unconstitutional and illegal' economic blockade imposed by United Naga Council. The Naga body is also listed as Respondent No 9 in the PIL. The PIL said that UNC has

imposed an economic blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 from the midnight of November 2. The PIL prayed for an order and directive to All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (respondent number 10) not to publish/ broadcast announcement of economic blockade, general strike, bandh by any organisation on the National Highways and other parts of the State. The PIL also pleaded for a directive to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, State Government, DGP Manipur, IGP (Law and Order), IGP (Intelligence), 57 Mountain Division GOC, IGAR (S) and BRO for taking immediate necessary action to restrain UNC from indulging in any act of calling/imposing the unconstitutional 10 days

economic blockade. The PIL also pleaded the above mentioned respondents to discharge their bounden duties as envisioned under the law in preventing such illegal and unconstitutional economic blockade, general strike, bandh along the National Highways. Senior advocate M Hemchandra represented the petitioner and he was assisted by G Prem Sharma. Senior advocate H Debendra and S Suresh repersented the respondents. After hearing the PIL, the Division Bench directed the State Government to provide adequate security for movement of the vehicles stranded on the National Highways due to the economic blockade. Next hearing of the PIL will be held after four weeks. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

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Award wapsi, a conspiracy, says Ashok Pandit Mumbai, Nov 5: Condemning the decision of Bollywood filmmakers Kundan Shah and Saeed Mirza over announcement to return their National Awards, Indian filmmaker and social activist Ashok Pandit on Thursday said it is a "conspiracy" against development and progress of the nation which is the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "They have got together and created a conspiracy against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of development and progress of the country. I condemn with my heart the returning of the awards by my gurus

At Least 2 Killed Due to Explosion in Northdeast Lebanon BEIRUT, NOV 5: A roadside car bomb killed at least two people and wounded three today when it exploded in northeast Lebanon in an area close to the Syrian border, security sources and local media said. The bomb detonated in a commercial area of the Sabil neighbourhood of Arsal. It was not immediately clear what the target was. Militants linked to the conflict across the border in Syria have carried out attacks in and around Arsal in the past. Emergency services were working to rescue people from the rubble, the National News Agency said. Islamist groups including al Qaeda's Nusra Front have a presence in western Syria, including near the border with Lebanon, and there are have been several incursions by militants reported in the region. (Agencies)

Kundan Shah and Saeed Mirza and I am sad that such filmmakers who have made success and made property worth crore of rupees in this country with their work are telling that this country is intolerant," Pandit told ANI here. "I have worked under them during the time when the ethnic cleansing and genocide of my community happened, where three and a half lakh Kashmiri pundits were asked to leave from their homes. I have made a constant appeal to Kundan Shah and Saeed Mirza during that time to react, to talk, to write about it, to raise voice against my trag-

edy, the biggest human tragedy of post partition.

But they remained silent they didn't even talk once about it, they didn't even think about returning award that time," he added.

Pandit said that it is clear hypocrisy as when the intolerance really happened they remained silent.

"They today stand exposed and we will continue our fight against this pseudo intellectuals and these pseudo secularists who remained silent during my ethnic cleansing.

And we will see that they stand exposed to the country," he added. Bollywood filmmaker Kundan Shah

New Delhi, Nov 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi Economics Conclave (DEC) 2015 here tomorrow. The theme of the DEC this year is "Realizing India's JAM ( Jan-Dhan Aadhar Mobile) Vision". The session will have inaugural address by the Prime Minister followed by opening remarks from Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The other dignitaries to be participate in the inaugural session include Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha and Chief Economic Adviser(CEA) Dr. Arivnd Subramanian among others.

In the opening plenary session on 'International and Indian Experience and Future', Dr. Arvind Panagriya, Vice Chairman, Niti Ayog will be in the chair. Prof. Brian Forde, Massachusetts Insti-

tute of Technology, and Luis Henrique Paiva from Brazil would be among the key Speakers. Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha will speak on 'Indian Experience'. In the second plenary session on 'The benefits and risks of biometric authentication-evidence from social programs in India' Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman, EXIM Bank, will be in the chair. Prof. Karthik Muralidharan, Professor of Economics, University of California-San Diego will be the Speaker. The third session in the afternoon on 'Beneficiaries' experiences with technology-based targeting' will be chaired by J.S. Deepak, Secretary, Department of Electronics and Communication Technology, Government of India.

Paul Niehaus, Associate Professor of Economics,

the town had been seized.

Syrian state media made no mention of Morek's capture. The Observatory reported that Islamist insurgents from the Jund alAqsa group, backed by other fighters, took the town overnight after firing hundreds of shells and rockets.

Government forces fought for months to take control of the town in October 2014 and lost many fighters, the head of the Observatory Rami Abdulrahman said. He said fighting was continuing inside parts of the town.

"They worked hard to retake it last year and now they lost it in a few hours," he said, adding that insurgents entered the town easily, through government checkpoints, and seized large parts in the west.

Overall the Syrian army and allied militia had not made significant progress after a month of Russian strikes, he said. "We cannot say the regime is going forward, no way," said Abdulrahman, who tracks the conflict using sources on the ground. Russia has

recently stepped up efforts to broker a peace deal between Syrian government officials and members of the country's splintered opposition. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said the Kremlin would invite representatives of both sides to meet in Moscow next week, and a Russian news agency reported that an FSA delegation has agreed to meet Russian officials in Abu Dhabi late next week.

But representatives of FSAaffiliated groups that receive backing from foreign states opposed to Assad dismissed the report. Bayoush said the Russians had been meeting Syrians who falsely claimed to be FSA. Bashar al Zoubi, a prominent rebel figure, said there was no sign that the Russians wanted an 'honest solution' to the war, and therefore there was no contact with them. The Syrian opposition National Coalition representative to the Gulf Arab states, Adib Shishakly, denied news of the FSA-Russia meeting, saying it was untrue. (agencies)

UK suspends flights to Sharm el-Sheikh London, Nov 5: The British Government has suspended flights between UK and the Egyptian resort of Sharm elSheikh as officials believe that a bomb explosion could have brought down the Russian plane that crashed last week over the Sinai Peninsula. UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond stated the government has advised against travelling

"If we do not have the right to speak freely, we will turn into a society that suffers from intellectual malnutrition, a nation of fools," she said. Over 40 writers and artistes and 10 filmmakers have returned top awards to

lodge their protest against what they call the threat to diversity and freedom of speech. The campaign began after the mob killing of a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri over rumours that he had eaten beef. (ANI)

"They have got together and created a conspiracy against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of development and progress of the country. I condemn with my heart the returning of the awards by my gurus Kundan Shah and Saeed Mirza and I am sad that such filmmakers who have made success and made property worth crore of rupees in this country with their work are telling that this country is intolerant," Pandit told ANI here.

PM to inaugurate Delhi Economics Conclave tomorrow

Syrian Rebels Capture Town in West, Rebels and Monitor Say

BEIRUT, LEBANON, NOV 5 : Syrian insurgents captured a town on a major highway in the west of the country today after heavy fighting with pro-government militias, rebels and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The town of Morek is located north of Hama city on a major highway that is crucial to control of western Syria, where the Syrian army backed by allied militia and Russian air strikes has been attempting to wrest back territory from rebels.

Its capture marks a significant blow to the Russianbacked campaign that has also been supported on the ground by Iranian forces.

The Russian air force began air strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad on September 30. "This morning, it was completely liberated," Fares alBayoush, whose rebel group Fursan al-Haq is taking part in the fighting, told Reuters. The group is fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner. A second rebel commander also said

and Saeed Mirza who has decided to return their national award in protest against what they called 'the growing darkness' in the country. Writer-activist Arundhati Roy also said in an article today that she was returning her award.

through Sharm el-Sheikh airport as there is a 'significant possibility' of a bomb blast as a cause of the crash, the Guardian reported. Even the United States officials believe that bomb could have been planted inside the plane by the extremist group that is affiliated with the Islamic States of Syria and Iraq (ISIS). However, both Egyptian and Russian au-

thorities have downplayed the possibility of terrorist act which led to the crash and has also dismissed the claims of responsibility by an Islamist group in Sinai.

On Saturday, St. Petersburg bound Russian plane crashed in Sinai Peninsula minutes after it took off from Sharm el-Sheikh airport in Egypt, killing all 224 passengers on board. (ANI)

University of San Diego and Founder, Give Directly, will be the Speaker. A Babu, District Collector, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. A. Santhosh Mathew, Joint Secretary(Skills &IT), Ministry of Rural Development and Renana Jhabvala, SEWA Bharat President will be among the Discussants.

In the fourth plenary session on 'Financial Inclusion and DBT-the uncovered territory', Jayant Sinha will be in chair while RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan will be

the Speaker. Pawan Bakshi, Financial Services for the Poor Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder, Paytm and Rajesh Aggarwal, Mission Director, PMJDY will be the discussants. In the fifth plenary session on the theme 'Political economy and States' perspectives and preparedness', Minister of State (IC) for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan will be in chair. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will be the Speaker while the discussants will include Ram Sewak Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, Vrinda Sarup, Secretary, Department of Public Distribution and Sandip Sukhtankar, Assistant Professor, Dartmouth College, U.S. The first post- tea ple-

nary session will have Conversation on 'JAM+Vision for Future'. The participants will be Dr. Arvind Subrmanian, Chief Economic Adviser, and Nandan Nilekani, former Chairman, UIDAI. The closing session will have panel discussion on the theme of 'JAM Vision - Challenges and Way Forward' and will be moderated by the Union Finance Minister. The panelists include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Shri Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Oomen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (IC), MoPNG and Jayant Sinha. The Union Finance Minister will wrap-up the discussions. With this, the one-day conclave will come to an end. (ANI)

Intolerance row: 24 filmmakers return their National Awards Mumbai, Nov 5: As many as 24 National Award winning filmmakers returned their awards on Thursday to protest against the growing intolerance and threat to diversity and freedom of speech. Kundan Shah, Arundhati Roy, Virendra Saini, Saeed Mirza, Ranjan Palit, Tapan Bose, Shriprakash, Sanjay Kak, Pradip Krishen, Tarun Bhartiya, Amitabh Chakraborty, Madhushree Dutta, anwar Jamal, Ajay Raina, Irene Dhar Malik, PM Satheesh, Satya Rai Nagpaul, Manoj Lobo, Rafeeq Ellias, Sudheer

Palsane, Vivek Sachidanand, Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti, Dr. Manoj Nitharwal and Abhimanyu Dange are the filmmakers who returned the top honour today. More than 40 writers and artists and 10 filmmakers had earlier returned the top awards to register their protest. The campaign began after the mob killing of a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri over rumours that he had eaten beef. The Dadri lynching and the murders of rationalists were cited as examples of rising intolerance in India. (ANI)

Will connect coastlines, ports with roads for economic, job benefits, says PM Modi Sonipat (Haryana), Nov 5: Laying the foundation stone of Eastern Peripheral Expressway here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government wants to connect coastlines and ports with roads so that opportunities are manifold and economy benefits. "Kabhi kabhi logon kay mann mei vichaar aata hai ki paise hote hain to raaste bante hain; haqiqat hai ki raaste bante hain to paise aate hain (Money flows in when roads are constructed), said the Prime Minister, adding these roads are not just towards a destination, but towards development of Haryana. Stating that Korea is one of the developed nations in the world, and their infrastructure has contrib-

uted to its development a lot, Prime Minister Modi said: "In our nation, governments end up in dilemma - whether a road built by them will fetch them votes.

But, in the long run, we have to gain people's trust, which is essential to strengthen infrastructure," said the Prime Minister. "In the past five months, I have held video conferencing with States, asking them about pending projects. Projects worth Rs.4 lakh crore have restarted.

When a project starts builders get job, people get opportunity towards employment and infrastructure also adds to the development of the nation," said Prime Minister Modi. 'Bharat Mala' Project aims at joining various districts of India to National Highways. (ANI)

Ansari's Brunei visit cancelled over ongoing volcanic ash scare Bali (Indonesia), Nov 5: Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari's visit to Brunei was called off on Thursday after administrative authorities in Bali, Indonesia, decided to continue with their no flights ban for another 24 hours.

Briefing the Indian media accompanying the Vice President on his originally scheduled two-nation visit to Indonesia and Brunei, officials from the Vice President's Secretariat confirmed that no flights are being allowed to come in or take off from Bali till 8 a.m. on Friday (November 6), and added that Balinese administration will be undertaking a review of the overall situation at around 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. this evening to decide on when it would be safe for the aircraft to come in or go out of the province. The officials further informed that the Vice President's Secretariat is in touch with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and other relevant agencies on the need for possibly arranging an alternative exit

plan for the Vice President and his entourage should there be a further delay. The delayed departure of the Vice President has not only led to the cancellation of the Brunei leg of the visit, but also upset his pre-scheduled official engagements back in India. Vice President Ansari, as per official sources, was scheduled to play host to Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao for delegation-level talks and other engagements. It is now being said that in the wake of his inability to be present, another senior Indian Government representative will be designated to play host for the visiting dignitary. According to of-

ficial sources, the Vice President will depart at 3 p.m.

(Bali time) today. But nothing has been officially confirmed as of now. As per the latest report, three airports in Indonesia have been closed on grounds of safety following the eruption on Mount Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The Jakarta Post quoted Yusfandri Gona, the area head at Ngurah Rai International Airport, as saying that the volcanic ash from the eruption had spread around the region forcing the closure of the three airports. These airports are the Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, the Selaparang Airport in Lombok and the Blimbingsari Airport in Banyuwangi in East Java.

Mt. Barujari started to spew volcanic ash on October 25, leading to the closure of hiking tracks in the area.

The Jakarta Post quoted Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as saying that the agency and the local disaster mitigation

agency had declared an alert Level 2 for Mt. Rinjani following intensified volcanic activity on Wednesday.

Mt Barujari, which is located inside the caldera of Mt. Rinjani, continues to spill volcanic ash that is spreading to the west and southwest to Banyuwangi.

Vice President Ansari reached Bali on Tuesday on the first leg of his prescheduled two-nation visit to Indonesia and Brunei. He was scheduled to depart for Brunei yesterday. The eruption of Mount Barujari has sent ash and debris spewing to more than 11,000 feet into the air. Local authorities have said that nearly 200 flights have already been cancelled at Bali on Wednesday and dozens more have been delayed or cancelled at other airports.

A Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), which is a global group of experts responsible for coordinating and disseminating information on atmospheric volcanic ash clouds that may endanger aviation, is also reported to be monitoring the

situation arising out of the Mt. Barujari and Mt. Rinjani spill-out. As of 2010, there are nine Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers located around the world, each one focusing on a particular geographical region. Their analyses are made public in the form of Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA) and often incorporate the results of computer simulation models called Volcanic Ash Transport and Dispersion. These nine centers are in Anchorage, Buenos Aires, Darwin, London, Montreal, Tokyo, Toulouse, Washingt o n a n d We l l i n g t o n .

When an ash cloud is detected the VAAC will gather all the available information on this and then make use their computer models to predict the path of the ash cloud at different flight levels used by aircraft. They will then issue an alert to aviation and meteorological offices as stated within t h e I AV W p r o c e d u r e manual. (ANI)

US Flexes Muscle, Pentagon Chief Visits Ship in South China Sea WASHINGTON D.C, NOV 5: US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter flew to a US aircraft carrier transiting the disputed South China Sea today and blamed China for rising tension in the region on a visit sure to infuriate Beijing. Carter's visit to the USS Theodore Roosevelt with Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein came just over a week after the USS Lassen, a guided-missile destroyer, challenged territorial limits around one of China's manmade islands in the Spratly archipelago with a socalled freedom-of-navigation patrol. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. "Being here on the Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea is a symbol and signifies the stabilizing presence that the United States has had in this part of the world for decades," Carter told reporters as the carrier sailed about 150 to 200 nautical miles from the southern tip of the Spratlys and about 70 nautical miles north of Malaysia. Asked about the significance of his visit at such a time, he said: "If it's being noted today in a special way, it's because of the tension in this part of the world, mostly arising from disputes over land features in the South China Sea, and most of the activity over

the last year being perpetrated by China." The warship was "conducting routine operations while transiting the South China Sea", Carter said on Wednesday after a meeting of defense ministers from Southeast Asia in Malaysia, a forum marred by the US-China disagreements over the sea lane. Beijing has rebuked Washington over the patrol while China's navy commander has warned that a minor incident could spark war in the South China Sea if the United States did not stop its "provocative acts".

"China has consistently respected and safeguarded all countries' freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed under international law," Chinese

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said today when asked about the Carter carrier visit before it took place.

"What we oppose is waving the banner of freedom of navigation to push forward the militarization of the South China Sea and even provoke and endanger other countries' sovereignty and security interests. In this aspect, we hope the relevant actions and intentions of the US can be made open and above board." The US Navy plans to conduct patrols within 12 nautical miles of artificial islands in the South China Sea about twice a quarter to remind China and other countries about US rights under international law, a US de-

fense official said on Monday. US defense officials have said Carter would not be on any warship carrying out such patrols.

"Teddy Roosevelt's presence there and our visit is a symbol of our commitment to our rebalance (to Asia) and the importance of the Asia-Pacific to the United States," Carter said on Wednesday. In July, Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, was on board a Boeing P-8 surveillance plane as it carried out a seven-hour flight over the South China Sea. Swift said his flight was routine, but it drew a rebuke from China. In May, Beijing called a US P-8 surveillance flight carrying a CNN team over the South China Sea "irresponsible and dangerous".

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Features

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TRAVEL & TOURISM Popular Museums of North East India Anwesha Roy Choudhury Assam State Museum, Assam Situated opposite to the famous Digihilipukhri, Guwahati, Assam. This museum was founded in 1940; the museum is a multipurpose museum. It relentlessly pursued the collection, conservation, documentation and presentation of culture of Assam and its neighboring states in a scientific manner. The museum houses artifact ranging from Indus Valley civilization and those excavated from Ambari of about 2000 years old.

Regional Science Centre, Assam Established in 1994, Regional Science Centre, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. Of India, is the largest and the first of its kind in the North East.

The Centre aims at the popularising science and technology among the masses, particular student community and to create scientific awareness in the society. The centre has several exhibitions and galleries, outdoor expositions, planetarium, etc and conducts various interactive

programmes.

Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, Arunachal Pradesh This museum is situated at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

The museum is ethnographic in nature. Its collections are housed in a beautiful and well designed two-storied building at a prime location in Itanagar. The exhibits depict and portray various aspects of tribal ways of life of the indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh with the help of dioramas, maps, etc with specially designed showcases and a provision for orientation area.

Kangla Museum, Manipur The museum is a historical museum which is situated at Kangla, Manipur, depicting the genealogy of the Ningthouja dynasty beginning from Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in 33 AD up-to the last King Kulachandra, who ruled Kangla in 1891 AD. It is a specialized museum highlighting the importance of Kangla based on myth and legend of the land.

The museum is an old Victorian Building, constructed by the British in 1901, standing near the southern gate of the Kangla. It is being developed to serve the purpose of an interpretation centre for the visitors from outside the

State as well as for the local people.

Manipur State Museum, Manipur Manipur State Museum is a Multipurpose Museum. It was set up in 1969 and was inaugurated on 23rd September by Smt. Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India. At present, the museum has many galleries of Ethnology, Archaeology, Natural History, Painting and Jallan. The Manipur State Museum is situated close to Imphal Polo Ground in Kangla. This museum houses many paintings of Manipuri rulers along with items such as costumes, arms and weapons, relics and historical artefacts.

Hiyang Hiren, an ancient 78 ft long royal boat can also be seen in the open air gallery of the museum. The museum showcases a collection of articles of the former Ningthourels of Manipur.

Williamson Sangma State Museum, Meghalaya The museum is an ethnographic museum. The museum offers great insights into the history, aboriginal lifestyle, culture, customs and traditions of the three major matrilineal communities of the state namely the Khasis, the Jaintia/ Pnars and the Garos/ Achik. It aims at promoting and preserving the indigenous practices, lifestyle, traditions and rich heritage. The museum is a treasure repository where ethnic tribal handicrafts, rare archaeological objects, plants, animals and other vestiges of ancient Khasi culture are preserved and displayed.

Air Force Museum, Meghalaya The museum is a multipur-

pose museum. The museum offers its visitors an insight into the history of the Indian Air Force and its glorious events especially during the Indo- Pak War of 1971. 7.

Speciality of the museum: The most priced exhibit of the museum is the Cariboua fighter plane used during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Among other things, the museum provides information on the history of planes and air craft, models of actual aircraft, world oldest airport and the Wrightbrothers' memorial etc.

Manekshaw Museum, Meghalaya The museum is a military museum. It is dedicated to the legendary Field Marshal Sam Horsmuji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. It is a loving tribute for his distinguished military career spanned four decades and five wars, beginning with his service in the British India Army in World War II. Under his commandn forces conducted victorious campaigns against Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 that led to the liberation of Bangladesh in December 1971.

Rhino Heritage Museum, Meghalaya The Museum is historical museum. The museum showcases the valiant history of 101 Area, the fist Army formation to reach Dacca during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The building of the museum is of great historical significance. It was built way back in 1928. During the World War II, it served as a place of detention to many Japanese soldiers. The museum showcases the historical photographs related to the Military and the local

culture. A special gallery is reserved in memory of Capt.

Keishing Clifford Nongrum - the local lad and an Indian Army officer who fought courageously and sacrificed his life during the Operation Vijay (Kargil War) in July 1, 1999. Some of his photographs, letters written by his father and some of his handwritten manuscripts are preserved and showcased. The museum also houses weapons used during the war of Liberation of Bangladesh.

Mizoram State Museum, Mizoram The Mizoram State Museum, an ethnographic museum with multipurpose collections, consists of seven galleries including a small archaeological gallery showcasing the cultural heritage of the people and rich biodiversity of the state of Mizoram. The Mizoram State Museum, the only museum in Mizoram was established in 1977. It has been functioning as one of the wings of the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Mizoram.

State Museum Nagaland, Nagaland The museum is an ethnographic museum. The museum attempts to present a panoramic view of the rich socio-cultural life and heritage of the Nagas- vividly depicted through the anthropological, ethnological and art galleries and the open air display. The museum showcases the rich and varied artefacts, costumes and lifestyles of the Naga tribes.

These displays provide a glimpse into the rich cultural mosaic of the Nagas which is unique even among the other tribes of the North East. Besides, it displays the

personal belonging of Dr. Imkongliba, the president of Naga People's Convention, which negotiated with the Government of India for formation of the State of Nagaland during 19571961.

Chumpo Museum, Nagaland Chumpo museum is a nonprofit private museum located at Sovima, 6th Mile, Dimapur, Nagaland.

Chumpo is the Lotha Naga name for bachelors' dormitory. In the Naga society, Chumpo served as a center for preservation and dissemination of culture.

Chumpo Museum celebrates the life-affirming aspects of Naga peoples and is committed to enhance the cultural well-being of the Nagas. As a selfrepresentation of Naga culture, Chumpo Museum is a Naga model of museum and curation. It is a "living museum" where the evolving dynamism and vitality of Naga culture can be experienced by visitors.

Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology Museum, Sikkim The museum is a rich repository of all the known Tibetan books and religious articles/artefacts of

the Mahayana Buddhism.

It is located on the ground of the institute premises is the showpiece of the Institute and indeed that of Sikkim itself. The museum houses icons, objects, traditional art objects, thangkas as well as original manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha. Some of the unique objects in the museum are a Sanskrit palmleaf manuscript circa 1050 AD containing a rare commentary on Prajnaparamitra, obtained from a Sakya monastery in Tibet; the 11th century statue of Vajrasattva; and Tibetan manuscripts in gold glittering dating back to the 11th century.

Tripura State Museum, Tripura Tripura State Museum is a historical and ethnological museum. It was previously known as the Tripura Government Museum. It was established in 1970 at the heart of Agartala city.

Lately, it was shifted to the Ujjayanta place, a heritage building constructed in 1901 with a new approach and better perspective based on a national outlook with a focus on the North East. The State Museum is

aimed to serve as the core of a larger action research and cultural activity centre which will link heritage and culture to human development and security, and preserve nature- culture balance through creative mechanisms. The museum showcases the lifestyles, arts, culture, tradition and utility crafts, beside the customs and practices of various communities residing in Tripura and the North East.

Tribal Museum Cum Heritage Centre, Tripura The museum is a cultural and heritage museum. Tribal Museum cum Heritage Centre, Khumulwng an endeavour of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTADC) was established in 2010 with the aim of promoting and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the tribes of Tripura. It is located at Khumulwng, the headquarters of TTADC and an icon of tribal identity. It is about 25 Km away from Agartala. The museum was initiated under the 25 point package for tribal development undertaken by the State Government. It is housed in a two-storied building and its collections revolve around the life and culture of different tribes residing in Tripura. (Agencies)

Exploring Mouling National Enthralling Waterfalls in Meghalaya Arnab Ghosh Park in Arunachal Arnab Ghosh Arunachal Pradesh, located at Northeastern corner of India is laced with awesome natural bounty- a large part of which is yet to be explored properly. The exotic biodiversity and abundant forest region has made the state a haven for nature and wildlife loving tourists.

While Kaziranga in neighbouring Assam hogs more attention, Arunachal Pradesh has its share of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks boasting of impressive flora and fauna.

The Mouling National Park is one place worth visiting in the state.

Nuances of Mouling National Park The wildlife sanctuary named after nearby Mouling National Park is located in the state's Siang district. Spread over almost 500 sq km area, the park is criss-crossed by Siang

River and other rivers like Krobong, Subong and Siring. The word 'Mouling' stands for red poison, possibly related to red latex found in a regional tree species. The National park tag was given to it in 1986.

How and when to go The temperature is moderate in this region. It also witnesses heavy rainfall and humidity abounds over the year. The best time to visit Mouling National Park is between the months November-April.

You can choose to stay at the Circuit houses in Yingkiong and Jengging for visiting the park. The PWD Inspection Bungalow is another option.

The closest airport is Lilabari which is more than 200 km away.

Murkeongselek is the nearest rail station. However, road transport is the best way to reach his wildlife sanctuary. Yingkiong is connected to Arunachal's capi-

tal Itanagar by bus. The remaining distance can be covered by jeeps. You can also explore the park by hiring choppers offered by Pawan Hans helicopter. It will give you breathtaking aerial views of the region.

While the park is serene and has many attractions for tourists, keep in mind that mobile signal strengths vary drastically inside. Amenities in the region are also inadequate compared to other national parks in the North east. The nearby towns like Along are quite far away.

Wildlife to witness Nature and wildlife lovers will find this National Park nothing short of bliss for their eyes. The varying climatic conditions in the park across altitude have made it a biodiversity hotspot. You will find tree species belonging to both alpine and tropical types. It is also a nice place for orchid lovers. The park is rounded by densely forested mountains which add to

the visual splendor.

The animal and bird species found in the park are no less astonishing. The most important animals are red panda, hoolock gibbons, barking deer, elephants, wild buffalo and tigers. The elusive species takin, or goat antelope is also found in the park.

Bird lovers can spot species of pheasants, white wagtail, white capped red start, along with more than 100 species of birds.

There are plenty of butterfly and insects as well.

Activities for Tourists Naturally, visitors in Mouling National Park will enjoy a lot of time witnessing the flora and fauna. However, a lot of them also indulge in activities like trekking and hiking. The varying terrains on of the region provide ample scope for adventure loving visitors.

Another option is angling at adjacent River Siyom and Siang.(Agencies)

Meghalaya has a number of attractions to entice tourists and these are not limited to the wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations in the beautiful state. You will find a number of enthralling waterfalls in the state. The waterfalls lure plenty of tourists all over the year and locations are visual feasts for nature lovers.

Most of these are situated in the picturesque East Khasi Hills district.

Below listed are the top and popular waterfalls in Meghalaya.

Nohkalikai falls The beautiful Nohkalikai Falls which is close to Cherrapunji is among the top waterfalls of Meghalaya. It is said to be India's tallest plunge waterfall. The streams of water fall from a height of 1100 feet and form a nice green mist below. You can reach the waterfall by car from Cherapunji. You should visit the area in summer months when it looks spec-

tacular. Watching the waterfall can be somewhat tricky in monsoon months as clouds can play spoilsport!

Langshiang Falls Located in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district, the Langshiang Falls has a height exceeding 1100 feet.

It is made by river Kynshi and looks amazingly beautiful. After viewing this waterfall, you can also pay a visit to the state's biggest river island, Nongkhnum Island-about 10 km away.

It is ideal to visit in monsoon because the water flow reaches a peak.

Bishop Falls A visual treat for any tourist, Bishop Falls in Meghalaya is a three-tiered waterfall. Located in the state capital Shillong, it is 443 feet tall. It is accompanied by Beadon Falls and both of them join into same gorge. The site is often used as a picnic spot by locals and travelers or its awesome beauty. The region is made of mostly huge rocky formations and dense for-

ests, making it ideal for shutterbugs.

Seven Sisters Waterfalls Located in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills District, this waterfall is close to the Mawsmai village. The view of this seven segmented waterfall is breathtaking to say the least. It is about 1,033 feet tall and locals also call it Mawsmai falls. In the rainy days, it is a treat to watch as the water stream jumps off the cliffs of hills in setting sun.

Elephant Falls If you want to witness the sight of waterfalls sur-

rounded by lush greenery, not far away from city, the Elephant falls will satisfy you. It is just 12 km from Shillong. This two tier waterfall streaming down the rocky terrain is a joy to watch. You should see it in monsoon months when water flow is at the highest level. The awesome scenic beauty has made the site a top picnic spot as well.

Spread Eagle Falls Also called the Umkaliar Falls, it is an amazingly beautiful waterfall situated at Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills. The shape of the waterfall mimics that of an Eagle spreading its wings. The stream of water gushes down a steep rocky cliff and it is an enticing sight for all, including the photography lovers. At the base of the falls, there is a small pool. The waterfall is surrounded by lush and dense forestation. Of late, the transport options to the site have improved. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

India and the Politics of Extremism Nagaland roads boost Slew of projects targeting Nagaland road infrastructure development The central government has once again promised the Nagaland State Government an additional Rs. 15000 crore worth of road projects by next year if it manages to expedite land acquisitions in Nagaland.

Announcement for projects approved by the Government of India for which DPRs are being prepared was also made by the government. These are NH-39 Kohima-Imphal road covering a distance of 126 km at the cost of Rs. 1250 crore; Peren-Dimapur road for a distance of 63 km at the cost of Rs. 364 crore and Kohima-Dimapur by-pass road covering a distance of 61 km at a cost of Rs. 550 crore. He further announced a Rs. 250 crore package for NH-39 falling within the city limits of Kohima and Dimapur covering a distance of 25 km-for four lanes, expansion of bridges, provision of footpaths and beautification by planting trees. The central government will sanction and construct the same and hand it over to Nagaland.

Laying the foundation stone for the proposed four lane Dimapur-Kohima highway near Chathe River Bridge, Patkai College junction, Chumukedima has ushered in new hopes in the minds of everyone. The project was promised by former prime minister AB Vajpayee after he travelled by the Dimapur-Kohima road in October 2003. Meanwhile, in this first visit as minister, Nitin Gadkari promised central assistance to Nagaland in agriculture, industry and any other additional sector where such requirements may arise as "we are part and parcel of the same nation, and it is our duty to provide equal opportunities to all." He said this in the presence of a host of ministers from Nagaland State alongside Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Governor of Assam and Nagaland, PB Acharya.

The Dimapur-Kohima four lane highway (NH 39) will be built as a three part project by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDPNE) scheme. The first part of the project will be for a length of 14.935 km at a cost of Rs. 373.07 crore, the second for 13.715 km at a cost of Rs. 396.52 crore and the third for 14.210 km at Rs. 429.52 crore. With a construction period of three years each, the State claims to have acquired 90% of the land needed for the same. Although the Union minister suggested that contractors from Nagaland be given maximum contracts for these projects such that they may create employment potential for the people of the State.

Stating that the Government of India is giving the highest priority to development of the North East, Nitin Gadkari announced a number of other projects being undertaken by his ministry for the North East region. For this, Rs. 1 lakh crore has been planned for making more than 10,000 km of roads in the region. Of this, 23 projects of 744 km at a cost of Rs. 10,491 crore have already started, informed the Minister. There are plans to start 20 more projects this year for the construction of 900 km of roads at a cost of Rs. 10,000 crore. Another 84 projects for 5,505 km at a cost of Rs. 50,000 crore could begin by next year but are subject to land acquisition.

Above everything, the main point of concern for everyone is: Will this fund be utilized effectively or will it be like most other funds that find a place in the pockets of high officials and ministers.

Heading towards meat ban Might be detrimental to secular credentials of Nation There's been a hue and cry ever since the Maharashtra government announced a ban on the sale and possession of beef in the state, under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (amendment) Act (MAPA), 1995, which received President Pranab Mukherjeea's nod too. While there was already a ban on the slaughter of cows, the Maharashtra government has gone a step further by putting a blanket ban on the slaughter of bulls, bullocks and calves also.

Reportedly, the slaughter of female buffaloes and buffalo calves can continue but with the required permissions in place. The punishment for not following the beef ban will be non-bailable and the punishment will be five years in prison and a fine of Rs 10,000.

The ban on meat has been grossly considered as government's majoritarian imposition as well as extra constitutional which is detrimental to the secular credentials of the nation. The state is bound to protect the way of life of its minority population even if it numbers in single digit. The recent move of the Maharashtra government to divide the non-vegetarians from vegetarians in the Indian societal discourse has given rise to simmering tension. Nevertheless, this move to rule the Indian platter and kitchen has drawn flak from every possible corner. However, effort has been made to brand the move as showing compassion to the animals.

In Maharashtra, Hindus constitute a substantial populace of fishermen while Muslims dominate the meat industry. Hence religion taking the center stage in the recent move is becoming seemingly palpable.

The same government a few months back attracted headlines when it banned cow slaughter. This move has deprived millions from their culinary rights and snatched livelihoods of a million others who are into rearing cow and trading cow meat. Value addition to this bovine creature in the name of spirituality and compassion has always proven to be a misconstrued and bizarre political move when the Indian temples have for centuries witnessed animal sacrifice in humungous proportion. On a satirical note if at all the Article 21 has to be extended to animals then it has to be equally executed even to the mosquitoes causing dengue.

Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen right to life and personal liberty. Hence by banning beef and other forms of meat (does not matter for how many days), government is contradicting the said article. A society evolves and exists by adopting its surrounding. So, let everyone's right to food be guaranteed in the country. As they say the best way to conquer one's heart is through the stomach. Then why is the ruling party ignoring the shortcut through the stomach?

The diversity of the polity and the BJP's own political future will limit Hindutva prominence in Indian politics.

Hari Prasad and Samir Kumar The lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq and his family by Hindu extremists over rumored beef possession is a new symbol of Modi's India.

Instead of the good governance and economic reform that has been promised, Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) groups continue to aggressively push their agenda for a "Hindu" India rather than the secular nation envisioned by many of its founders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and its first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Between the ghar wapsi (lit. homecoming, reconversions of Christians and Muslims "back" to Hinduism), new draconian anti-beef laws, continued attacks on alleged beef smugglers, and rhetoric from some high-level ministers, it appears that Hindu extremism is becoming more prominent by the day. The lynching has brought further international scrutiny to the actions of Hindu extremists in India and their seemingly growing influence in the country.

These as well as many other actions of Hindutva organizations are worrying. Yet many writers have misinterpreted the fight over beef as primarily a communal problem, a religious issue between Muslims and Hindus.

While there is real antiMuslim sentiment among Hindutva organizations, it is important to remember that beef eating is not viewed as scandalous among large segments of the Hindu population. In addition, the view of beef eating among the country's different regions and castes also differs greatly from the view that Hindutva groups promote. This illustrates the challenges the Hindutvarooted ruling Bharatiya

Janata Party (BJP) would face in trying to mobilize politically around the issue.

Fundamentalist politics exists regardless of religion, but the practice of Hinduism, as such, is so diverse across ethnolinguistic communities and castes that few principles can be considered universal. This applies to beef consumption: By and large, the consumption of beef is culturally taboo, but this is far from universal in the Hindu hierarchy, with lower castes less likely to refrain from its consumption. Scriptural citation, as has been done by the mother of all Hindutva groups, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), does not itself imply that such a

held by high-caste Hindus. A major political figure in Bihar, lowcaste former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, has allied with a former rival and another former Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar in a "Grand Alliance" against the BJP. But Yadav's campaign trail comment, that poor Hindus do in fact eat beef, has met with political resistance. He later revised his statement to say simply that it would be unadvisable to eat beef because it is unhealthy.

Looking at the politics of beef at a regional level also shows the limits of any potential mobilization on the issue.

While many Central and North Indian states continue to hold stringent cow slaughter and antibeef laws, a different pattern emerges in the

These as well as many other actions of Hindutva organizations are worrying. Yet many writers have misinterpreted the fight over beef as primarily a communal problem, a religious issue between Muslims and Hindus. While there is real antiMuslim sentiment among Hindutva organizations, it is important to remember that beef eating is not viewed as scandalous among large segments of the Hindu population.

In addition, the view of beef eating among the country's different regions and castes also differs greatly from the view that Hindutva groups promote. belief is endorsed by a majority of Hindus. Even setting aside the caste and ethnic differences in observing what is understood to be Hindu, the philosophies attributable to Hindu civilization are manifold and sometimes self-contradictory.

Nevertheless, beef eating plays into a sensibility

South, East, and Northeastern states. Particularly in the South and Northeast of India, beef remains an important part of the local cuisine.

In the southern state of Kerala, beef constitutes up to 40 percent of the meat consumed in the state, including the state's Hindu majority.

Even the state's BJP figures have come out to say that they are not opposed to the sale or consumption of beef. Indeed, some Hindus in the state organized a beef-eating festival in protest of the beef ban and the lynching of Akhlaq. Nor was Kerala the only state to feature such protests. These regions represent a significant part of India's population, and contain their own diverse strains of the Hindu religion.

In becoming a credible national player in the 1990s, the BJP, traditionally a political voice for the RSS and other Hindutva groups driven by high caste Hindus, had to accommodate the concerns of lower caste political groups. Lower caste interests are politically represented differently state by state, but where caste interest groups have a strong political manifestation, the BJP has had trouble.

Bihar was a pioneer in positive discrimination policies toward lower castes, which has progressed into leadership by lower caste groups, represented most prominently by former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. As Bihar is crucial to the BJP's task of achieving an upper-house

between these two horns of dilemma, the floodvictims had to remain either starved or halfstarved spending their days on the embankments or some other high lands. Our BJP MPs miserably failed in their endeavour either to convince the Prime-minister or to bring adequate fund to the flood-victims. It is an open secret that in the event of availability of sufficient fund, the corrupted state government officials would have embezzled substantial amount. Perhaps, the NDA government refrained from giving fund mainly because of corruption. But by so doing, the Prime-minister amply showed that he is a fair weather friend. About the dilapidated National Highway, the less said the better. Nitin Gadkari, the union minister for surface transport had made commitment some months ago that 1 lakh crore rupees would be sanctioned for the National Highway for the North East.

Peoples' memory is not that volatile as the minister thinks. We wonder, how will these leaders seek votes in the forthcoming assembly election.

They made a scapegoat of the innocent people.

Fair Weather Friends Sir, We understand, our Prime-minister has a busy schedule and very tight schedule. But when a particular state is devastated by natural calamity, the Prime-minister is conspicuous by his presence.

When Kashmir was devastated by floods, particularly the capital Srinagar, the Prime minister was not only 'Present' but also lavishly helped the state offering adequate relief to the families who suffered the most. In the last spell of floods, Assam too was devastated in ample measure. Umpteen numbers of people are rendered homeless, all their immoveable properties having been swept away by the rivers. Chief-minister repeatedly stated, the state government has no big fund for giving relief as the NDA is averse to releasing fund. Caught

majority and passing economic reforms, the core policy plank on which the BJP was elected, it would be short-sighted of the party leaders to allow the base to speak too freely.

For example, the RSS recently had to walk back leader Mohan Bhagwat's remarks calling for an end to positive discrimination policies in Bihar. The Modi government had trouble dealing with caste protests in Gujarat earlier this year relating to its policies.

Some Western observers tend to view communalism in India when violence is at its worst, such as the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, the Babri Masjid agitation in 1992, Godhra in 2002, and Muzaffarnagar in 2013.

These outbursts invariably represent the outcome of divisive policies

by India's various political parties. The politics of beef play an important part in this divide-andrule politics.

To be sure, communal rioting does not constitute the majority of political activity, but as media outlets amplify the incidents, they dominate the citizens' political awareness.

Elections currently underway in Bihar are mustwin for Modi and the BJP. The key political activity,

according to the BJP chief, is highly granular management of particular power brokers. In Indian political history, the communal card has been played, with far from sure success, as a volatile solution to reframe a caste, regional, or ethnicity-dependent political divide as simply Hindu-Muslim.

The next round of statelevel elections will take place in Pondicherry, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala, all outside of the BJP's traditional sphere of influence. The BJP will face formidable regional parties, some of them with especially devoted followings. Perhaps even more so than in Bihar, it will have to be sensitive in its political conduct, reining in those who would be brazen in promoting a communal agenda. The Hindu right wing may be on a longer leash, but India is not under its thumb.

Hari Prasad is a Masters student at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University with a specialization in Middle East and South Asian Politics and Security.

Samir Kumar is an independent researcher on South Asia's political economy.

of the minister Kusum Mehdele, but far from giving the rupee or rejecting politely, the minister spurned the small boy on his head, in a show of lack of effeminate compassion. The heart-rending scene of kicking the boy was not only telecast through the electronic channels throughout India and abroad but also published in all the newspapers of the country. The action of the said minister reeks of unacceptable insensitivity.

The credibility of BJP has substantially been eroded by some preposterous utterances and action of some leaders. Such ministers, with a pernicious outlook, should be expelled from the party. This minister masquerading as 'Fair-sex' puts an indelible stigma on the entire womenfolk of the world. It seems good works of the Primeminister are being destroyed by some unscrupulous leaders.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Best Letter

Unacceptable Insensitivity Sir, Language fails us in reprehending the despicable act of a cabinet minister of Madhya a Pradesh led by BJP's government. The minister holding the portfolio of Animal Husbandry, while visiting a town (Panna) in Madhya Pradesh, a beggar (a small boy) asked for a rupee touching the feet

The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

Op

d e Management of Rural Healthcare System

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Pranjal Bezborah In terms of resources for socio-economic development, nothing can be considered of higher significance than the health of the people.

An investment in health is an investment on human resource development on which depends the national development. Development of health in terms of improvement of the quality of life is, therefore, imperative.

The healthcare sector in India reflects the dual nature of our economy. Today, the country boasts of several world class hospitals, modern specialty healthcare facilities and wellness centres, which provide healthcare to affluent Indians and medical tourists. On the contrary, a vast majority of the Indians, particularly the people in the villages have very limited or no access to affordable good quality healthcare.

Despite experiencing spectacular economic progress over the last two decades, India ranks a pitiful 136 out of 187 countries on human development index (HDR 2013). India ranks below Thailand, China and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in many of the very basic health indicators, like infant and maternal mortality rates, morbidity rates and immunization coverage. Most people in the rural areas do not have access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, which increases the disease burden significantly. The health crisis is aggravated by a rising incidence of chronic and non-infectious diseases, catalyzed by several factors, including improvement in life expectancy at birth to 65

years, changing demographics with a large young population, rise in income and aspirations of the people, and changing consumption patterns and lifestyle.

At present healthcare services in rural India are provided through a network of integrated health and family welfare system and health programmes which have been restricted and reoriented from time to time to meet the objectives of National Health Policy. The healthcare system of rural India has been developed as a three tier system and is based on the population norms.

The Sub-Centre is the most peripheral and first health centre in rural areas to provide primary health care to 5,000 people in plain areas.

Each Sub-Centre is manned by one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and one Male Health Worker. One Lady Health Visitor (LHV) is entrusted with the task of supervision of six sub-centres.

Sub- Centres are assigned tasks relating to interpersonal communication in order to bring about behavioural change and provide services in relation to maternal and child health, family welfare, nutrition, immunization, diarrhoea control and control of communicable diseases programmes. The Sub-Centres are provided with basic drugs for minor ailments needed for taking care of essential health needs of men, women and children.

The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are envisaged to provide an integrated curative and preventive health care to 30,000 rural population with emphasis on preventive and promotive aspects of health

care. The PHCs are established and maintained by the State Governments under the Minimum Needs Programme (MNP)/Basic Minimum Services Programme (BMS). At present, a PHC is manned by a Medical Officer supported by 14 paramedical and other staff. It acts as a referral unit for 6 Sub Centres. It has 4 6 beds for patients. The activities of PHC involve curative, preventive, promotive and Family Welfare Services.

To cater the needs of 1,20,000 population in the rural areas Community Health Centres (CHCs) are being established and maintained by the State Government under MNP/BMS programme. It is manned by four medical specialists i.e.

Surgeon, Physician, Gynaecologist and Paediatrician supported by 21 paramedical and other staff. It has 30 in- door beds with one OT, X-ray, Labour Room and Laboratory facilities. It serves as a referral centre for 4 PHCs and also provides facilities for obstetric care and specialist consultations.

The National Health Profile 2013 states that in the entire country there are 19,817 hospitals, of which 15,398 are in rural area and 4,419 in urban area. In addition, there are 1,51,684 Sub-centers, 24,448 Primary Health Centers and 5,187 Community Helath Centers in India.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda himself said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that according to the Rural Health Statistics Bulletin, 2014, there was a 20 per cent shortage of sub-centers, 23 per cent of primary health centers and 32 per cent of community health centers.

Time has already ripened for us to rise and wake up from the deep slumber todiscuss important issues in the greater interest of our state and also to cultivate good will feelings of brotherhood. Unless we build up our mutual trust and understanding, it shall be difficult to achieve balance development in our state. We also need to exchange our views on certain important issues and resolve them collectively.

As per my personal observation, I could not see any occasion to have discussions on issues confronting us regarding developmental and sociocultural issues and also to share our sorrows and happiness. We are just living individually which weaken our strength. For example, if people of a particular district or circle face devastating natural disaster like flood, cyclone, earthquake, etc., the other neighbouring districts should spontaneously feel the suffering of the affected people and voluntarily render financial and physical support.

For example, during the year 2000, there was unprecedented flood in Siang River where many irrigated rice fields had been washed away and thus rendered many families landless. In the last monsoon season, the unprecedented flood caused by river TaroTamak had totally uprooted three villages viz.

Loklung, Bomyir and Bijari under Dambuk Circle. Many of the marooned people are still under temporary makeshift camps finding it difficult to manage their

livelihood. None has come forward to extend any kind of support except ABK (Adi Baane Kebang). Govt. has also not compensated them adequately. In such a situation, I think we should contribute something from our pocket also to rehabilitate the affected people to let them feel there is someone who have sympathy for them. We should not simply leave it to the govt. We are aware of the fact that our state had rendered financial assistance to the state of Odisha when it was affected by a severe cyclone and to Uttarakhand when it was shattered by cloud bursts. We govt. employees had also contributed one day salary for this purpose as a token of our love for them.As we know that Arunachal is a unique state which is a tribal dominated state consisting of 24 major tribes and 120 sub-tribes. Despite our varied diversity, we as Arunachalee are united somehow and take pride in our indigenous cultural heritage. This cultural mosaic has to be maintained, preserved and propagated at all costs while keeping intact our unity in diversity. United we stand divided we fall. The festivals should act as platforms where we can develop our personality like leadership quality, improve the art of speaking and improve our overall performance.

Hence, I strongly feel that our elected leaders should put their head together and work out modalities as to how best we can understand each other's sentiments and extend support to each other at the hour of natural calamities. At the

same time, Community Based Organizations should also meet from time to time and suggest govt. and also workout as to how we can help each other. We are aware of the fact that Arunachal is a land of festivals as all the major tribes and sub-tribes have their own festival.

In addition to this, govt. has created festivals in the name of rivers and places which has added another festival to make our state a land of festivals. Now time has come that youth should realize the importance of documenting our rich traditional customs and heritage which is on the verge of extinction due to advent of western culture. Our youths are going mad after the modernity forgetting their own rich culture and indulging in immoral activities which has serious implication on our society. We must preserve, protect and promote our unique traditional art and culture particularly festivals as these can be one of the tourist attractions in future.One more important issue at our hand is to develop quality education.Now we have seen that quality of education is diminishing fast. Achieving of mere degree certificate does not make a man perfect unless one is equipped with quality education.

Please remember that people who have quality education are always placed better in the society and they can deliver better. This is because they have more intake capacity and understanding power. People with quality education can comfortably and efficiently discharge their duties and responsibility in any field say in govt. job, politics, business

5 Ways To Maintain A WorkLife Balance Because All Work And No Play Makes You Dull!

Bhavna Sultana

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005, with the aim to provide improved access to inclusive and quality healthcare for rural people, particularly women, children and poor by increasing public expenditure, reducing imbalance in health infrastructure, decentralizing of health services, inducting management and financial personnel into the district health system, operationalising CHCs into functional hospitals meeting Indian Public Health Standards, and encouraging community participation in health programmes.

Community participation was recognized as a key component of NRHM. The core elements of community participation were the selection and training of the female health activists or Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), constitution of the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) and Rogi Kalyan Samitis

(RKSs), supporting community planning processes through the provision of united funds, and strengthening accountability through community monitoring processes. However, besides ASHA, the other initiatives within NRHM have not been rigorously implemented.

RKSs in many places exist only on paper and have not been constituted, and where they have been constituted, they meet irregularly and do not address patient feedback or grievances. Membership profiles are not as per guidelines, and mostly members themselves are not aware of their roles and responsibilities. VHSNCs are also ineffective as they lack role clarity, have limited capacity to plan and implement untied fund and meet irregularity.

There is, thus, a need for the community to be made more aware of their entitlements in terms of quality of care and should be motivated to demand the same from the system.

References: 1.

Sambit Basu and Sourabh Ghosh, the Road to Universal Health Coverage: An Overview, India Infrastructure Report 2013/2014, IDFC Foundation, 2014.

2.

R.M. Nair, India's health Care challenges,Yojana, June 2015.

Get up!

Heavy traffic Work Heavy traffic Sleep Repeat Most of us are victims of this infinite loop. Long commutes, extensive working hours, traffic jams; they all take a heavy toll on our health and also affect our level of happiness. Many experts will tell you that there's a way out, that work-life balance is not really a myth. But, is it?

Deep down in our hearts we are all guilty of ignoring our personal relationships for the sake of fulfilling our work-related goals. Work is worship. But if you're overdoing it to the point that you forget about your personal life, then it is a huge mistake.

I've come across many articles that point out the dark side of intense work culture. Most people overshoot their working hours, ignore their personal lives, health and even compromise on their safety. We exceed our limits despite knowing that it won't bring us anything good. Many people are not even appreciated for the work they put in. In many instances, one doesn't get good appraisals, salary hikes, but they keep on working. We are very much aware that what we do is not right, but we do it anyway.

What can be done? There are a few countries that have very flexible work laws.

Sweden has

recentlytrimmed down its working hours to 6 a day. The same level of productivity that was earlier achieved in 9 hours can be achieved in this time. The German labour ministry has banned out-ofhours working, which means one is not under any obligation to receive work-related calls after their normal shifts are over, except in the case of emergencies. I believe that this is a brilliant move.

If, however, big changes cannot be brought and the scenario remains the same, one can deal with such issues on a personal level. Here are a few tricks: 1) Utilize the long commutes Long commutes result in a waste of time. If you travel by bus, metro or cab, you can utilise that time by listening to good music, watching educational videos, or you can even write. Nowadays one doesn't even need a pen and paper, Google Keep or Notes will suffice for writing. You can also read.

2) Exercise A desk job and daily commute takes a very bad toll on your overall health. Taking my own case, I started to feel pain in my back and legs mainly because of a daily four-hour commute. So, I joined a sports club nearby and started walking. It helped

keep my creative juice flowing.

3) Try to avoid working on weekends/overshooting work hours As much as possible, try to finish your work in the shift timings you have. Also, keep your weekends free, it is very important to recharge your batteries, otherwise your thinking capacity also drops down. If your shift doesn't suit you, try negotiating with your seniors and if possible, take another shift if it helps you avoid long traffic jams.

4) Inculcate a hobby We all let go of our hobbies because of a hectic lifestyle. I would suggest that you don't do it. Find time for your hobbies. They will be the best companions throughout your life.

5) Spend more time with your family We all know we've ignored them long enough. It reduces happiness, creates tensions in the relationship.

Spend more time with them. Catch up with your old friends. Just don't be too busy.

If all of this works out for you, then maybe work-life balance can still be achieved. As once quoted in Star Wars, "Be mindful of the future but not at the expense of the moment".

Will Scrapping The One Child Policy Help China Tackle Gender And Economic Disparity?

A Call to the Citizen Tani Jongkey

Page 9

Tabu Agarwal

etc. The question is that how do we get quality education? This can be achieved if students are sincere, hardworking, teachers are talented and available as per the prescribed ratio, books are available and parents monitor the behavior of their wards etc. Now, we have seen that in some schools, the number of teachers is more than the requirement and in some schools, no teachers and books are available.

Teachers do not want to serve in remote areas.

They do not comply with govt. transfer postings but shall get them cancelled and stay at a better and less demanding places. Now the onus of ensuring fair distribution of teachers and other infrastructures lies on us.

We should come together and find out a permanent solution for this serious issue to imbibe quality education on our children. Or else the situation shall be worse and our children shall get spoiled without their faults. We also know that youths are the strength of the Nation. If youth are united and take consensus decision in the greater interest of the Nation or of the state, it is obvious that something worthy result will be achieved. In order to boost the morale of the youth, many state govt. appoint youth MLAs as Ministers and MPs at centre govt.too. Therefore, it is my humble appeal to the responsible

citizens particularly, to the youth to cultivate good habits of supporting the programmes and policies of the govt. to achieve the target and to have a balance development. In our state, natural resources are abundant particularly flora and fauna but because of our ignorance, we cannot explore all these resources to improve our economy.

People from outside are extracting our resources legally or illegally by paying some lump sum amount. We need to preserve and protect these available resources particularly flora and fauna, as in the long run it shall be one of the tourist attractions and pride for our people. We also need to keep vigil on illegal activities of plundering our resources from across the border. We should try our best to earn our livelihood from these resources.

The youths, NGOs, students and any other organization should change their attitude of making money only but should support the govt. to make Arunachal a heaven like place to live in. Govt. alone cannot do anything unless there is support from the masses as the Govt. is not God but they are also human beings like us.

(The writer is Joint Commissioner, Tax and Excise Dept. Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.

Opinions expressed are solely the author's and not necessarily of The Eastern Today.)

After decades of strict enforcement, China has finally scrapped its controversial one- child policy. In a move that can have huge implications globally, China recently announced that it will allow all married couples to have two children. In the wake of realisation that the policy is leaving the country with an ageing population and shrinking workforce, the move comes as an encouraging step towards greater personal freedom in China. China's workingage population fell in 2012 and there was the realisation that it could be the first country in the world to get old before it gets rich.

The controversial onechild policy, which came into effect in 1980 restricted most couples to only a single offspring and after its implementation authorities argued that it was a key contributor to China's economic success.

The policy was initially successful in its implementation with prevention of 400 million births.

However, it met with a backlash and was criticized as being overtly harsh and even inhumane.

Couples who violated the one-child policy faced many punishments, from forced abortions to harass-

ment to fines and loss of employment. In late 2013, there was a reform when the Chinese government announced that couples in which one parent is an only child were allowed to have a second child. The impact was however baffling, with only 1.6 million couples, out of the 11 million who wereeligible, applying to have a second child by July this year.

The decision to abandon the policy will be welcomed by many ordinary Chinese as it had led to a plethora of issues that plagued the country. Because of many couples' preference to have a boy rather than a girl, if limited to one child, it was common for them to sexselect for boys and abort their girl child. The gender disparity is stark with China now having 117 men for every 100 women, and also by 2020, China is expected to have 30 million more men than women. However, in rural areas, the one-child policy wasn't strictly enforced, as couples were allowed to have two children if the first was a girl. Additionally, supporting retirees is another issue, as China's cohort of workers is getting old. By 2050, 25% of China's population will be over the age of 65, while the number of young people who can support the retiree lot will have

shrunk. China, which is already in the grip of lower economic growth, further faces a pressure due to the greying lot, as retirees are not as voracious consumers as young people. This has come at a time when Chinese leaders are already facing other downward pressure on economic growth as the country is trying to move away from export-dependent factory jobs and heavy investment in infrastructure projects such as airports and roads.

The policy was also accused of creating a generation of selfish "little emperors" spoiled by their parents and grandparents.

Due to degrading treatment by the government officials in case couples opted to have more than one child, there was also a decline in the number of Chinese children adopted

by Americans and other foreigners, who didn't want to be part of such coercive treatment.

However, taking into account all these problems, an end to the one-child policy is definitely a pleasant change in China's dwindling economy. Having said that, it is not a catch-all solution to China's economic strain. China should focus on improving the productivity of its labourers and on improving efficiency by allowing markets to play a greater role in its economy. Reforms to the legal system could also foster economic growth. The government should find ways to give older people opportunities to work and raise the retirement limits incrementally for both men and women. Chinese couples will still have their reproductive rights circumscribed by the state, because they will still need to apply for a permit before having a child. In short, the state will still play an invasive role in families' intimate affairs. The latest ruling notwithstanding is here to stay and will become a major factor in determining China's future.

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Decline in leather export for sixth consecutive month Chennai, Nov 5: For the sixth consecutive month, export of leather and leather products from India posted a negative growth. Yet, exporters feel that Indian leather sector has a strong future.

From April to September 2015, export of leather and leather products stood at $3,158 million against $3,479 million registered for the corresponding period last year, marking a fall of 9.23 per cent. However, the exports for September 2015 came down to $480 million from $546 million for August 2015 and $572 for September 2015. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, Council of Leather Exports said: "India's global market share stands in leather and leather products is three per cent. We are suffering on two counts, namely high tariff and weak euro currency. In the Euro-

A DECLINING TREND

¨ For the sixth consecutive month, export of leather and leather products from India posted a negative growth. ¨ From April to September 2015, export of leather and leather products stood at $3,158 million against $3,479 million registered for the corresponding period last year, marking a fall of 9.23 per cent.

¨ However, the exports for September 2015 came down to $480 million from $546 million for August 2015 and $572 for September 2015. ¨ While China imports leather products worth $2 billion per annum, India exports only $500 million to China.

pean market, we have to compete with Portugal, Romania and Slovakia on cost and logistic factors. While we have to adjust the cost price according to prevailing currency, European exporters have an advantage over us.

In the export market, we compete with Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand on tariff." "Indian exports have been falling for the last nine months. The Centre has not done much to revive the leather sector. Although we are getting some concession through Asia Pacific Trade Agreement for exporting our products, it is not sufficient. We have asked the Commerce Ministry to come out with favourable tariff so as to revive this sector.

Besides, the Centre has to allocate Rs.100 crore for marketing," he said. According to him, China which was

once considered as a big threat was losing its cutting edge, due to increase in raw material price. And buyers were finding it uncomfortable to source material from our neighbour. "China is no longer a competitor or threat to us. While China imports leather products worth $2 billion per annum, India exports only $500 million to China and we have a huge opportunity.

While it is not easy to enter new markets within a short span, we can use China as a base to expand our market share in China and enter other markets too," he said. CLE Chief said that Indian manufacturers can increase the global market share by reducing productivity waste of 5-7 per cent. "This amount can be adjusted to bring down the manufacturing cost. Besides, we have to be aggressive in marketing and pricing," he said. (Agencies)

SunEdison offers record low solar tariff New Delhi, Nov 5: US-based SunEdison, the world's largest developer of green energy projects, has offered a tariff of Rs 4.63 per unit for a 500 mw solar power project being set up by state-run utility NTPC in Andhra Pradesh. This is the

lowest tariff for solar power and beats the previous record of Rs 5.05 quoted by SkyPower for a 150 mw project in Madhya Pradesh. "Delighted that an all-time low solar tariff of Rs 4.63 has been achieved during reverse e-auction con-

ducted by NTPC," power minister Piyush Goyal tweeted. The Andhra project will have 10 units of 50 mw each. A power ministry release said altogether 30 bids were received, totalling 5,500 mw capacity. SunEdison's tariff was lower than Rs

projects, has offered a tariff of Rs 4.63 per unit for a 500 mw solar power project being set up by state-run utility NTPC in Andhra Pradesh.

¨ This is the lowest tariff for solar power and beats the previous record of Rs 5.05 quoted by SkyPower for a 150 mw project in Madhya Pradesh.

¨ The Andhra project will have 10 units of 50 mw each. ¨ A power ministry release said altogether 30 bids were received, totalling 5,500 mw capacity.

¨ SunEdison's tariff was lower than Rs 4.80 per unit offered by SoftBank of Japan and Rs 4.79 quoted by China's Trina Solar Ltd.

¨ Italy's Enel Green Power SpA, Reliance Power Ltd, ReNew Power Ventures Pvt Ltd, Solar Arise, Acme Solar and Orange Renewable Power offered bids of less than Rs 5 per unit.

¨ Solar power tariffs stood at Rs 18 per unit in 2012 and has been declining on the back of advancing technology, rising scales and government's thrust on ramping up solar capacity to 100 gw (giga watt) by 2022.

In-use cars to be bought

by Govt. for tests Mumbai, Nov 5: Government is considering the proposal to purchase different models of cars, which are in use, to test whether these comply with the emission specifications as part of the "conformity of production" (COP) tests. Under the plan, in-use vehicles will be bought from individual owners to conduct tests and later on, the same would be sold in the market. Sources said that National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) has sent this proposal to the road transport and highways ministry. To begin with, the government may get samples of vehicles that were recently bought and particularly those of popular models.

COP clause ensures that

every produced vehicle of a particular model conforms to specifications mentioned in the type approval document that are provided by the government accredited testing agencies. At present, the testing agencies get samples from the factories for the COP test. The samples are picked after the consent of the manufacturer and the testing agency concerned. "How do you find that the vehicles which are sold and are in use also comply with the emission norms as specified in the type approval document? We need to have a system in place before an authority to deal with vehicle safety and standards is set up under the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill. Vehicles

can be bought for testing and subsequently can be sold in the market by the testing agencies. Government would need to invest in the testing and bear the loss on the resale," said a government official. In the US, the safety regulator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) buys samples from dealers for testing COP. In fact, the proposed authority in the Road Transport and Safety Bill will carry out sample tests after picking cars from dealers rather than taking vehicles from the manufacturers' facilities. The bill also proposes mandatory recall policy of faulty vehicles to replace the present practice of voluntary recall by vehicle manufacturers. (Agencies)

4.80 per unit offered by SoftBank of Japan and Rs 4.79 quoted by China's Trina Solar Ltd. Italy's Enel Green Power SpA, Reliance Power Ltd, ReNew Power Ventures Pvt Ltd, Solar Arise, Acme Solar and Orange Renewable Power offered bids of less than Rs 5 per unit. Solar power tariffs stood at Rs 18 per unit in 2012 and has been declining on the back of advancing technology, rising scales and government's thrust on ramping up solar capacity to 100 gw (giga watt) by

2022. "The country is changing. With integrity, honesty and economies of scale, the price has come down to near-grid parity. So India will lead the world in its solar thrust," Goyal said. "Solar projects have levelised tariff that remains same throughout the project life. Unlike thermal power stations where fuel tariffs rise with fuel cost. In solar, it takes little to operate and maintain - maybe two persons per mw," renewable energy secretary Upendra Tripathi said recently. (Agencies)

supply chain. Under the $500 million financing agreement with the diversified Group, the EDC will underwrite loans of Canadian firms, particularly small-to-mediumsized exporters, within Tata companies' global supply chains, the Indian

conglomerate said in a statement. The EDC is the state-run trade finance agency of Canada, providing financing and insurance solutions locally and around the world to help Canadian companies respond to international business op-

ANI Mumbai, Nov 5: n-gage, world's first 360 degree lifestyle chat-app introduced a range of n-cards, n-stickers and doodle plus to celebrate Diwali. With a variety of n-stickers and ncards to choose from, messages can be personalized in various ways to allows users to express exactly what is on their mind and enhance the experience of celebrating Diwali.

"Diwali is a special occasion and one that is dear to everyone and it brings with it a season of celebration. The occasion gives people the chance to exchange token of love, affection and appreciation.

With n-gage, we have created several personalized ways to chat with family and friends adding emotions when chatting with them", said Ajit Patel, CEO and Founder of ngage. Keeping in mind the need to share wishes with many friends in a personalized manner, users can

greet their loved ones by sending personalized ncards and n-stickers with a text, image or audio not only to an n-gage contact but also across other social platforms like Whatsapp, Facebook, Email, SMS etc.

Users get to choose from an assortment of color palette to handwrite, draw, sketch, add accessories and a lot more to their chats with Doodle Plus. Reflecting India's vibrant culture, ngage enables rich communication in over 45 lan-

Chennai, Nov 5: Southern Railway earned a revenue of Rs 2,367 crore from passengers in the first half of financial year 2015-16, an 11.3% increase in comparison with that in the corresponding period last year.

The zone carried around 845 million passengers in the first seven months of the financial year. Talking to reporters, Southern Railway general manager Vashishta Johri said: "Passenger revenue increased in Southern Railway though there was a marginal decrease all over India. The number of passengers were less when the year began but we were able to make up since April.

The number of passengers has increased as more special trains and unreserved specials were introduced and more coaches were added." He also said that average number of passengers in a month increased from 64 million in April to 68 million in September

this year. The zone introduced 92 Sabarimala specials. Around 74 coaches were permanently added to different trains, 4,862 coaches were temporarily augmented as against the 3,200 last year, and 762 special trains were run as against 414 trains last year and 2,290 unreserved trains were run.

"Station specific ticket checking drives also increased ticket sales and earnings," he

Ashok Leyland Q2 profit more than doubles New Delhi, Nov 5: Ashok Leyland has posted a net profit of Rs.287 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2015, against of Rs.121 crore in a year agoperiod, on the back of robust operating performance. Net sales stood at Rs.4,879 crore against Rs.3,150 crore. "The market for commercial vehicles is back after a long period of downturn. A continued focus on cost control and reigning-in of discounts also helped," said Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland.

Godrej Properties Godrej Properties has reported more than four times growth in total income at Rs.1,481 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2015, against Rs.307 crores in the same period in the previous year. The net profit increased by 128 per cent to Rs.106 crore from Rs.47 crore. Mr. Pirojsha Godrej, MD & CEO Godrej Properties, said "We registered our highest ever quarterly

sales, revenues, EBITDA, net profit and cash flows.

We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead".

Oberoi Realty Oberoi Realty has recorded consolidated revenue of Rs.

200.84 crores in the second quarter ended September 30, 2015 against Rs. 189.37

Tata Group receives $500 mn loan from Canada Ahmedabad, Nov 5: The Export Development Canada (EDC) has agreed to extend Tata Sons loans worth $500 million annually to help small and medium exporters from the North American country to tap the Tata group's global

This Diwali make your Messages more Personalised with n-gage

guages through its 'Translate' feature. The app instantly translates all incoming and outgoing messages to the preferred language of choice eliminating language barriers and allowing users to stay in touch with their close ones. n-gage aims to change the way people communicate by providing features, which enriches their messages to friends and family. n-gage is available for use on Android, iOS, PC and tablet.

Rs 2,367 crore revenue earned by Southern Railway

CHEAP, INEXHAUSTIBLE AND GREEN ¨ US-based SunEdison, the world's largest developer of green energy

PAGE 10

portunities. Tata companies have invested over CAD 1.3 billion in Canadian operations over the past five years (CAD 355 million in last year alone), with active consideration for new developments going forward, the statement added. Tata

Group employs around 3,000 people in Canada among the Group companies such as TCS, Tata Steel, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals, Tata Communications, Tata Technologies and Tata Interactive. (Agencies)

merly Lanco Industries) has more than doubled its net profit in the second quarter ended September 30, 2015, at Rs. 37.35 crores against Rs. 18.33 crores in the same period in the previous year. The net profit for the half year ended September 30, 2015, rose by 128 per cent to Rs.71.28 crores from Rs. 31.18 crores in the year-ago period.

Shriram City Union Shriram City Union Finance Limited (Shriram City), the retail lending arm of the Chennai-based Shriram Group reported 10.5 per cent growth in its net profit at Rs. 152.31 crores in the second quarter ended September 30, 2015. Income from operations at Rs. 945 crores rose 11.5 per cetn over the same period last fiscal.

Total assets under management (AUM) stood at Rs.18,165 crores, of which the small enteragainst Rs. 1,528 crores. prise finance portfolio acSrikalahasthi Pipes counted for at 53 per cent.

Srikalahasthi Pipes (for- (Agencies)

crores in the same period in the previous year. The consolidated profit after tax stood at Rs. 72.44 crores as against Rs. 70.54 crores during the period under reference. The order book stood at Rs. 2,723 crores as

added. Southern Railway operated 23 dynamic fare Suvidha special trains -11 in August, four in September, eight in October. "The trains had an occupancy of 90% to 100%. The response from the passengers was good. We are not running too many Suvidha specials but are focussing on C h e n n a i Thiruvananthapuram route and Chennai-Madurai route," he added. (Agencies)

All tests cleared

by Maggi Mumbai, Nov 5: Nestle India recently said all samples from the freshly manufactured stocks of Maggi have been found to be safe by the governmentapproved labs and the company is likely to start retail sales this month. "We have received results from all three NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratories mandated by the Bombay High Court to test newly manufactured Maggi Noodles samples.

All the samples of the Maggi Noodles Masala have been cleared with lead much below permissible limits," the company said.

These samples were produced at Nestle's Nanjangud (Karnataka), Moga (Punjab) and Bicholim (Goa) facilities.

Production is yet to resume at Tahliwal (Himachal Pradesh) and Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) for which it is in discussions with the State governments. "Now that the orders of the Bombay High Court have been complied with, we will make our best endeavour to commence the sale of Maggi Noodles Masala within this month as well as continue engaging with States where permissions are needed or specific directions may be necessary," Nestle India added. (Agencies)

"Rohit, Binny and Bhuvneshwar will rejoin the Indian Test team before the start of the Second Test of the Paytm Freedom Trophy in Bangalore."

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

PAGE 11

BCCI

YTFC overcome WC 4-3 tively. ‘The Eastern Today’ has also been roped in by the organizers as the media partners for the tournament. Today, YTFC and WC were seen fighting tooth and nail to get past each other. The match saw no goals in the first half as the level of football was not at its very best. However the second half was completely different as both teams played at a rapid pace. The first goal of the match came from the WC side in the 51st minute.

However, their joy was

Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Nov 5: In todays’ match of the football tournament organized by the All C h a n g l a n g districtStudents’ Union (ACDSU), YTFC defeated WC in a close contest 4-3. The tournament where seventeen teams from across the region are participating has become a success so far. The Champions and Runners up teams will receive trophies and cash prize of 1 lakh and 50,000 rupees respec-

short lived as the YTFC side scored three back to back goals in the 56th, 59th and 61st minute to make it 3-1.The goals were so emphatic that it could have made many English Premier league sides proud. However with just under ten minutes left in the match, the WC team hit back to bring the match on level terms. The final goal of the match which saw YTFC win came in the penultimate minute of the match through a corner.

OIL Duliajan moves semis, beats Moran 6-1 ET Correspondent Jorhat,Nov 5: Former ATPA champion Oil India FC Duliajan trounce Moran Town Club by 61 to move into semis in the ATPA shield football tournament played here in Jorhat stadium today.

It was the field for the

Arsenal on verge of CL exit post 5-1 rout by Bayern ANI London: Arsenal's hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage dealt a heavy blow after suffering a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena. German striker Thomas Muller struck twice as the hosts avenged their only loss of the season, a 2-0 defeat by the Gunners a fortnight ago. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring before David Alaba and Arjen Robben consolidated the lead. Oliver Giroud raised Arsenal's hopes briefly by scoring their consolation goal with 20 minutes left. With the defeat, Arsenal chances of securing a knockout stage berth appears bleak with two games to spare.

Oil India team today as the OIL boys confidently and comfortably played both the session dominating Moran Town Club right from the kick start. But Moran boys are no less to prove their trick and skill till the last

minute.The first blood was netted in the 20th minute after a tough fight at the forward field by F. Wary which was followed by a suicide goal just after two minute by the Moran boys. In the 30th minute Geremsha

Basumatary netted the third in 30th minute to put the OIL team in a comfortable stage till the first half of the march.In the second half Indrojit Sonowal from the Moran Town club netted its first goal to break the nil after

getting a back pass from Tridip Garki half volley which he netted with a half volley shot to reduce the margin to 3-1, but soon OIL’s Tulia Das wasted no time to score the fourth goal.Again in the 13th and 21st minute of the

second half OIL managed to score two more goals with OIL’s scoring tally to 6-1 when Romen Borgohain signaled with a big blow at the end.

Tomorrow’s First Semifinal match is between Assam Rifles VS. Assam Police (Blues).

Tang Memorial Football: four teams register win

Bishnu Rana Tezu, Nov 5: Four districts have registered wins on the fourth day at 14th Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament today. Capital Complex and Kurung Kumey won their respective matches played at Jubilee Ground and in the afternoon West Siang and Kra Dadi

won the matches played at Tezu Government Higher Secondary playground today. Capital Complex defeated Lower Subansiri by 1-0, Kurung Kumey beats Lohit by 1 - 0, whereas Kra Daadi beat Upper Siang by 3-0 and West Siang thrashed East Siang by 2 - 1 repectively.

Pakistan beat England in third Test to clinch series

India left in a spin by part-timer Elgar on Day 1 ANI Mohali: Part-time spinner Dean Elgar ripped through India's batting line-up with four wickets as South Africa made the hosts rue their decision to bat first on the opening day of the first Test in Mohali, on Thursday. India captain Virat Kohli said he felt Thursday would be the best day for batting on the spin friendly Mohali track but his side failed to capitalise as they were bundled out for 201 after tea to make it an unhappy 26th birthday for the skipper. South Africa did not fare much better with

the bat as India's spinners picked up two quick wickets to leave the touring side in a spot of bother at 28-2 at stumps. Opener Stiaan van Zyl was out leg before when he shouldered arms to Ravichandran Ashwin, while Faf du Plessis was bowled by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja with the ball hitting his off-stump after he had left it. Elgar (13) and captain Hashim Amla (9) were at the crease at the close of play. Earlier, paceman Vernon Philander sent back opener Shikhar Dhawan (0) before India had even got on the

scoreboard when he edged one to Amla at slip in the second over of the day. India recovered from the early jolt through a secondwicket stand of 63 between Murali Vijay (75) and Cheteshwar Pujara (31), forcing Amla to make a bowling change with Elgar.

The left-armer, who had never taken more than one wicket in an innings before, made an immediate impact by dismissing Pujara leg before with his fourth delivery. The dismissal brought Kohli to the crease but debutant fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, made it a

birthday to forget for the batsman when he had him caught at short cover off a leading edge for his first wicket in Tests. Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane (15) added 37 for the fourth wicket to give India hopes of a fightback before the latter became Elgar's second victim. Elgar returned in his next over to dismiss wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha for a first ball duck before Jadeja (38) saw off the hat-trick delivery. Vijay looked the most comfortable among the Indian batsmen at the crease and brought up his 12th fifty in

ered the new ball spells of Tim Southee and Trent Boult by putting on a 161-run stand with Joe Burns before the latter was dismissal for 71. New Zealand, who are aiming to register their first series in Australian soil in 30 years, struggled throughout the day.

Khawaja and captain Steve Smith remained unbeaten on their respective scores of 102 and 41. The second Test will be played in Perth before the Trans-Tasman rivals play each other in Test cricket's first day-night fixture in Adelaide.

Mamol Sports Club enter semis Altab Hussain Memorial Football Tourney

Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Nov 5: Belogoni Tea Estate, Chabua beat Gorgaon Football Coaching Centre 1-0 in the of the quarter-final match of the 1st Gunaram Dhekial and Subha Baruah All Assam Football Championship 2015 organised by Khowang Sports Association in association with Sonowal Kachari Autono-

Belgium dethrone Germany as World No.1 in FIFA rankings ANI Zurich: Belgium have topped the FIFA World rankings for the first time in history by surpassing world champions Germany by two points. According to the latest rankings, Argentina slipped down to third ahead of Portugal, while Chile climbed up

ANI Sharjah: Pakistan spinners displayed a sparkling performance to help their side beat England by 127 runs in the third and the final Test in Sharjah on Thursday and consequently clinched the threematch series 2-0. Chasing a target of 284 runs, England were bundled out for 156 despite a valiant effort from skipper Alastair Cook (63). Shoaib Malik, who was playing his last Test, claimed three wickets by giving away 26 runs

while Yasir Shah chipped in with four wickets. Zulfiqar Babar and Rahat Ali also shared three wickets between them. Earlier, Pakistan had won the second Test by 178 runs while the first Test between the two sides ended in a thrilling draw. With the win, Pakistan have climbed up to the second spot in the ICC Test ranking while England were moved down to sixth rank. The win also saw Pakistan maintain their unbeaten record at the United Arab Emirates intact.

Belogoni TE into semifinals

Warner, Khawaja punish Kiwis in Brisbane Test ANI Brisbane: David Warner and Usman Khawaja slammed contrasting centuries to put Australia in a commanding position at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand at Brisbane. Australia made 389 for the loss of two wickets after opting to bat first, thanks to Warner's pugnacious 163-run knock and Khawaja's maiden Test ton. Warner smacked 19 boundaries and one six in his agenda-setting knock and weath-

tests before getting out lbw to off-spinner Simon Harmer while attempting a sweep shot. Amit Mishra (6) fell to Elgar after an injudicious attacking shot as the bowler finished with career-best figures of 4-22. Jadeja, returning to the side after an absence of almost 15 months, and Ashwin added a crucial 42 for the eighth wicket before the left-hander was out lbw to Philander. Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron had no clue how to deal with legspinner Imran Tahir's googly and were both bowled out in the same over to end the innings.

to the fifth place to reach their highest position.

Meanwhile, Spain finished sixth ahead of seventh-placed Colombia and eighth-placed Brazil, who have won the World Cup five times.

England also made slight progress by moving up to the ninth spot ahead of Austria.

mous Council at Burikhawang playground in Khowang today. Altogether, 16 teams participated in the tournament. Belogoni Tea Estate scored the all-important goal through Jagat Rajowar in the 65th minute.

Jagat converted a pinpoint pass from the right flank. In the first half of the match, both the teams failed to break the deadlock. Al-

though Gorgaon FCC produced a spirited, they could not pull it through.

Belogoni TE today mostly played a defensive game.

In the tournament till now Belogoni TE has been solid. Tomorrow, Lingrijan Tea estate, Naharkatiya will take on Tengakhat, Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union in the first semifinal.

Barak FC win against Imphal East DFA

Rohit, Bhuvneshwar, Binny released from Test squad to play Ranji ET Correspondent Sonari, Nov 5: Mamol Sports Club sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Altab Hussain memorial football tournament which is being played at the Sonari public playground under the aegis of Charaideo District Sports

Association. The tournament is being organized in memory of Altab Hussain, who was a noted sports organiser of the state.

Today’s match between Mamol Sports Club and Moran Uddipta Yuva Sangha was a highly competitive one with both

teams showcasing great skills. The only goal of the match was scored by Milakanta Darigar of Mamol Sports Club in the first half. Ratan Tanti was adjudged as the best player of the match. Tomorrow, Sonari Diamond Club will take on Teok Deepjyoti Club.

ANI Mohali: Rohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Stuart Binny have been released from the Indian Test squad in order to allow them to play in the Ranji Trophy matches.

The three players, who were left out of the ongoing first Test match in

Mohali, will rejoin the Indian Test team before the start of the second Test of the four-match series in Bangalore. Punjab Ranji Trophy players, Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Mandeep Singh will assist the Indian Team as reserve players during the first Test Match at Mohali.

ET Correspondent Haflong, Nov 5: Barak FC defeated Imphal East DFA 1-0 in a match of the 11th CEM’s Cup Carnival invitational football tournament, 2015 orga-

nized by Dima Hasao Sports Association here today at N.L. Daulagupu Sports complex in Haflong.

The match was a close one, which saw many oppurtunities being cre-

ated by both teams.

Kekhrei scored for Barak FC in the 82nd minute when outside the penalty box. Tomorrow, Barak FC will take on Rolling Club, Jhapa in the first Semi-final.

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

His initiatives on a personal level and as the patron of Tai Heritage Culture and Literary Society were aimed at developing friendship and fostering brotherhood among the various Tai brethren living in South East Asia.

Page 12

Shri Chowna Mein MLA-Namsai

Golden Pagoda Cultural Exchange Programme 2015 Tai-Khamptis, Tai- Ahoms, Tai- Phakes and Tais from Myanmar and Thailand as participants Indrajit Tingwa

A three-day major festival is being held at the

Golden Pagoda, Tengapani in Namsai district as on 4th November, 2015. The fest is being organised with three cer-

emonies clubbed together, the Maha-pavarana ceremony, the procession and the cultural presentation.

Cultural Presentations The inaugural day of the three day fest started off with an evening filled with cultural presentations from the various Tai groups.

Though all the Tai groups presented their cultural items, the Thai team mesmerized the evening crowd by flavouring the night with a Thai ambience through their songs and dance.

The Cultural Exchange The cultural exchange programme is in fact a confluence of various Tai groups. In the present programme, the TaiKhamptis, Tai- Ahoms, Tai- Phakes and Tais from Myanmar and Thailand are participatijng in the first ever event organised under the patronage of Chowna Mein

Chowna Mein. Mein further said that his initiatives on a personal level and as the patron of Tai Heritage Culture and Literary Society were aimed at developing friendship and fostering brotherhood among the various Tai brethren living in South East Asia. Mein also hoped to expose the tour-

Dancers from Thailand performing during the Cultural exchange Program Pass. Pangsau Pass when opened will offer a vista of opportunities including

The grand entrance of the Golden Pagoda

Maha-pavarana The Maha-pavarana was conducted which is held as a confession ceremony by the junior bhikkhus before the senior monks at the conclusion of Varshavarsh (summer retreat) of Theravada Buddhists.

This is a solemn ceremony wherein even the lay devotees join to seek forgiveness and pay obeisance. On the occa-

sion, Chowna Mein, former minister and his family consecrated a thirteen feet high figure made of bamboo. This Bamboo Buddha is the first of its kind installed in India. The uniqueness of the statue has attracted a lot of people to the festival besides the Buddhist devotees. The statue was crafted by a Shan monk from

Myanmar in a span of forty five days. Most of materials for the statue were brought from Myanmar, informed Ve n . V i m a l a t i s s a Bhikkhu, abbot of the Golden Pagoda Monastery. He further informed that in Myanmar, Buddha figures made of bamboo were in existence, some 500-600 years old.

Chowna Mein holding the Holy Ralics of Lord Buddha who is also instrumental in developing and dedicating the Golden Pagoda.

"There are similarities among the Tais of India and the Thais in terms of culture and religion," said

ism potential and enhancing the scope of promoting Arunachal Pradesh in terms of religious or ecotourism.

Chowna Mein added that his emphasis is to open the historic Pangsau

the scope of the Tai communities in India and Myanmar to connect. He said that an open Pangsau Pass will immensely benefit the North Eastern region of India as economic activities will get a major boost. Through such measures, like cultural exchange among Tai groups across borders, he said that he wants to attract the attention of the Government of India. He rued that Look East Policy was only in paper and now it was high time to act. He appreciated the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Act East Policy. The new perspective of the current

‘‘

Chowna Mein wants the central government to open the Pangsau Pass at the earliest and facilitate the bonding and connection between the Tai communities here and elsewhere in South East Asia. An open Pangsau Pass will immensely benefit the North Eastern region of India as economic activities will get a major boost. Through such measures, like cultural exchange among Tai groups across borders.

Monks delivering religious discourse in front of the statue of Buddha made

by Bamboo. Chowna Mein, former minister and his family consecrated the thirteen feet high statue

Tai Ahom delegates infront of the Golden Pagoda

Procession

Diverse Devotees

Today, devotees from various places arrived with Kalpatrus (celestial trees) and offered their obeisance to the Bhikkhu Sangha and later a

Dharma discourse followed. Next a procession inside the Golden Pagoda premises carrying the Holy Relics of the Buddha which was brought

last year from Sri Lanka was taken out. In the evening, Hot Air Balloons were released illuminating the Tengapani skyline.

Four devotees from Myanmar and thirty four including two monks from Thailand are participating in this cultural exchange

programme.

A Tai Ahom university student doing her MA in English, Nang Trishna Saikia who had come all the way from

government is a welcome step and work need to be done towards realising the same, said Mein.

Mein wants the central government to open the Pangsau Pass at the earliest and facilitate the bonding and connection between the Tai communities here and elsewhere in South East Asia.

Mein when asked if there has been any positive outcome from the participation of Tais of Myanmar a couple of years ago, informed that there has been a growth of visitors from Myanmar to the area and some also come during their transit to Bodh Gaya.

Jorhat was very ecstatic on being asked how she felt being part of a historic event as the cultural exchange programme is first of its

kind organised by the Tais, to which she replied that she was looking forward to learning more about her Tai lineage. During the later

part of the night, Tai Khampti traditional drama (Pung) is to be displayed. The festival concludes on November 6, 2015.

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