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www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Changlang please contact: Raj Communications Near SBI bank Changlang Ph. No.-08471896580/ 09402905002

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 182

Narendra Modi Was in Southeast Asia. Did He Act East?

Page 8

Dibrugarh, Monday, December 7, 2015

Price -

5.00

Anyone who is made of the stuff of a Tata, Birla, Ambani, etc.?

Tata Sons to buy additional stake in Titan

Page 9

Page 10

Pages- 12

Passengers still stranded at Chennai airport following torrential rains

Page 6

North-east has no It’s almost certain: Nabam Tuki will continue as Arunachal Chief Minister threat from ISIS: BSF BIG BREAKING NEWS RIPUNJOY DAS Dibrugarh, Dec 6 Even as the anti-Nabam Tuki camp has expressed confidence that there will a change in guard at the helm of the Nabam Tuki led state government in Arunachal Pradesh, a senior party leader from the pro-Tuki camp while strongly rejecting the possibility of any change in guard said that it is only a matter of time when the issue will be put to rest. “We are just waiting for the arrival of All India Congress Commit-

ET CAPSULES

tee President Sonia Gandhi from her foreign trip to put the seal on the AICC decision not to go for any change”, the senior Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee leader said over telephone from New Delhi. The leader also stated that a decision to retain Tuki had already been taken by the AICC which is just waiting for the final nod from Mrs. Gandhi. It might be mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee President Padi Richo are camping in New Delhi for the last few days and waiting for the arrival of Sonia Gandhi. When contacted

Richo, however, declined to make any comment on the issue. “Whatever decision is to be taken will be taken by the AICC Chief now, you will come to know about the deci-

ET EXCLUSIVE sion through formal channel”, he said. Sources said that the anti-Tuki camp leaders too have sensed that the decision might not go in their favour.

This is why the anti-Tuki camp is mulling a Plan-B to topple Tuki’s government with the help of 11 BJP MLAs. Although, nobody on record is accepting the theory, none has also denied it. ‘The Eastern

“

We are just waiting for the arrival of All India Congress Committee President Sonia Gandhi from her foreign trip to put the seal on the AICC decision not to go for any change.

’’ CNCI National Conference in Feb 2016

Mysterious death of Railway engineer

ET Bureau Agartala, Dec 6

Rangia, Dec 6: The dead body of Mukul Deka, Railway sr. sectional engineer of New Guwahati was found at his Railway quarters of Pandu in the wee hours of Sunday. Earlier, he remained untraceable till the night of Saturday. He was a resident of Naburka under Kamalpur police station in Kamrup district. After being informed police from Pandu out post rushed to the spot and recovered the dead body of Mukul Deka. After post mortem, the dead body was brought to his native village that is Naburka. Hundreds of people paid their last respects to the departed soul. He is survived by his wife who is an Asstt.

Professor at Pragjyotish College and two sons. Meanwhile, Nabarun Sahitya Sabha and Naburka Satra Committee condoled Deka’s demise. (Correspondent)

The Chakma National Council of India (CNCI) resolved at a meeting to hold its National Conference on 13th and 14th February, 2016 at Gauhati. The decision was taken at a general meeting of the CNCI held today at Agartala Press Club. An organizing committee to organize the National Conference was formed at the meeting and the Organizing Committee will be headed by Jyotir Moy Chakma, President, Central Young Chakma Association.

Contd. on Page 3

10-15 year old vehicles banned Guwahati, Dec 6: In a progressive step and in an effort to make road transportation comfortable and safe, the Assam government has decided to ban and replace all the 15-year-old city buses, school buses, trekkers and 10-year-old share taxies in Guwahati.

The decision of the government will be implemented from 31st march 2016.

Sources said that the decision of the government would be implemented in other major towns of the State in a phase wise manner. The parties, which operate these 15-year-old city buses, school buses and trekkers in the city, have been given four months to replace their vehicles. (Staff Reporter)

The Chakma delegates attending the Chakma National Council of India (CNCI) general meeting at Agartala today.

Arunachal comes alive with colorful Bomdila festival ANI Itanagar, Dec 6

With an aim to promote tourism and rich cultural heritage, the second edition of the Bomdila festival was held in Arunachal Pradesh. Indigenous tribes from across the state showcased their culture and tradition. Amidst the scenic beauty in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, Bomdila town came alive with the colorful cultural festival.

The three-day extravaganza was held at Buddha Stadium with great fervor.

Contd. on Page 3

New Delhi, Dec 6: Close on the heels of Prime Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif's meeting in Paris on the sidelines of Climate Summit, Indo-Pak NSAs met on Sunday in Bangkok and discussed terrorism and Kashmir among other things. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Nasir Janjua also discussed peace and security and other issues including tranquility along the LoC. At the same time they agreed to take forward the 'constructive' engagement. (Agencies)

File Photo of a group of ISIS terrorists.

Pic Source:internet.

Vice Chancellors call for strong Industry Academia Interfaces A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 6

The two-day East Zone Vice Chancellors meet concluded on Saturday at Dibrugarh University Rang Ghar auditorium.

Universities covering all the north-eastern states viz. West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand took

part in the two day meet. Vice Chancellors from 36 universities and their nominees participated in the deliberation during the two day event. Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Prabuddha Ganguli, Ministry of Human Resource Development IPR Chair Professor of Tezpur University and

Existing President Naresh Kumbang has been reelected as the President of the Takam Mishing Porin Kebang (TMPK) in the delegate meeting of the 14th National Conference of the organisation held in the BA Charu Chandra Doley Lotta at Dhakuakhona.

Contd. on Page 4

Director General of Police rules out IED, grenade use in blasts

Contd. on Page 4

Volunteers during the 14th Conference of Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) at Dhakuakhana. Pic - UB Photos

Special college for children with hearing loss in Guwahati ANI Guwahati, Dec 6

A special college in Guwahati is providing education to children with permanent hearing loss. Run by an NGO, the college is a hope for those who need special care

Elephant electrocuted Ladies in red at the colourful Bomdila festival.

Narendra Modi in Delhi?

Agencies New Delhi, Dec 6

The local people gathered around the dead female elephant.

Jiko Linggi Roing, Dec 6

With the festive season of Christmas in the air, the Christian youths of Roing began their celebrations on a positive note, cleaning the township, wielding brooms and machetes in their hands for good part of the day. Asha Gamno, one of the youth leaders of the Rayang Baptist Church informed that the decision to clean the town before the advent of the Christ-

mas was a collective decision thought out by the Christian youth leaders of the district.

She also informed that the cleaning will begin from general ground and steadily progress towards the town center, the market, the heart of the township. “Brainstorming session had been going on within the youths on ways and means to welcome the Christmas for sometime; Contd. on Page 3

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 6

A female elephant was electrocuted in the Rungajan area late last night. It came to be known that a herd of wild el-

Contd. on Page 3

ephants came out from Nambor Reserve a few days back and since then terrorizing the regions of Rungajan, Abhaypuria, Thorajan and Morangi.

Contd. on Page 3

Suzuki launches two all-terrain vehicles New Delhi, Dec 6

Suzuki Motorcycle India recently launched two all terrain vehicle (ATV) models, priced up to Rs.8.50 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi). While the Ozark 250 model is priced at Contd. on Page 10

SUZUKI TIT-BITS Suzuki Motorcycle India recently launched two all terrain vehicle (ATV) models, priced up to Rs.8.50 lakh.

Ozark 250 model is priced at Rs. 5.45 lakh, the Quadsport Z400 model will cost Rs 8.5 lakh

and assistance. The North East College for the Hearing Impaired is one of its kinds in the entire north-east region offering special care to children with hearing impairment. Established in 2009, Contd. on Page 4

Eyeing 2016 polls, BJP launches massive offensive against Cong A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 6

Roing youth to welcome Pakistan-based Lashkar-eToiba planned to kill PM clean Christmas

Roing youth gather for a snap showing their ‘Christian Youth Roing’ banner.

Contd. on Page 3

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 6

Though yesterday there was much panic at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati following a couple of loud sounds, the people there heaved a sigh of relief

Terror outfit Lashkar-eToiba (LeT) had planned a Paris-like attack at a gathering in Delhi attended by PM Narendra Modi. According to a report published in TOI,

the CEO vision IPR, Mumbai, Prof. Dhrubajyoti Saikia, Vice Chancellor, Cotton College State University, Dr. Bhupati Kumar Das, Management Consultant and Former Managing Director, NRL and Bharat Oman Refinery Ltd.

Naresh Kumbang, Padma Lochan Pegu elected TMPK President and Secretary respectively

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 6

India, Pak hold NSAlevel talks in Bangkok

cmyk

Today’ had broken the news of Plan-B being made by the antiTuki camp in its Dec. 5 edition. Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the AICC leaders had advised Tuki to speed up developmental activities in the state and to focus upon good governance. It might be mentioned that post 2014, Arunachal Pradesh remains one of the Congress ruled state in the country and the AICC does not want to lose its grip on the state. After the Modiled BJP completed a thumping victory during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the party till it lost in the recent Bihar elections had been able to win in some of the Congress ruled states.

Growing threats from the Islamic state has shaken the entire world. The Indian security forces, however, claim there is no such threat from the terror group along India's borders in the north-eastern states.

Tragic scenes of terror in neighbouring Bangladesh are being claimed to be orchestrated by the Islamic State. Be it an attack on a Shiite mosque or an assault on an Italian citizen in Dhaka - the ISIS has confirmed its presence in Bangladesh by claiming responsibility.

Contd. on Page 4

Suzuki ATV

The company intends to make a strong foothold in this growing market in the first phase.

Suzuki will sell their ATVs through authorised dealers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Jodhpur and Hyderabad.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for the Assam Assembly polls due early next year. The party claims to have launched a massive offensive against the ruling Congress dispensation by way of sit in and street protests.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for the Assam Assembly polls due early next year. The party claims to have launched a massive offensive against the ruling Congress dispensation by way of sit in and street protests.

As part of the strategy, claimed by party functionaries as a strategy to 'expose rampant corruption' in the state, BJP activists would gherao the Assam Assembly on November 9. The Party incharge for Assam Mahendra Singh said for the first time ever in the history of state politics, the BJP had got such overwhelming support that it managed to built its organisation from the level of individual booths up to the state level.

Contd. on Page 3

cmyk

Pro-Tuki camp waiting for final nod by Sonia after her return from foreign trip

ANI Agartala, Dec 6

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

CSE welcomes Delhi government’s move to cut down traffic volume, curb air pollution A Staff Reporter New Delhi, Dec 6: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) welcomes the firm decision of the Delhi government to cut down traffic volume, eliminate emissions from coal powered plants and push for tighter emissions standards to curb killer air pollution in the city. These measures promise to catalyse change needed to bend the curve of ever rising air pollution levels in the city and prevent premature deaths and illness. The action agenda announced by the Delhi government includes personal vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers to ply on alternate days from January 1, 2016 – in other words, allowing only half of the existing fleet to operate in a day. Emergency services and public transport will not be under the ambit of the restriction. The government will shut down the Badarpur power plant in the city and also take action on the Dadri power plant. It will make Euro VI emissions standards mandatory from 2017. Entry of trucks will be delayed to 11 pm.

Massive plantation drive will be undertaken along all arterial roads across the city to curb spread of dust. From April 1, vacuum cleaning of roads by the Public Works Department will be ensured.

The government will also launch a web-based app which will report about polluting vehicles in the capital. CSE, while welcoming this move, has also urged the Delhi government to detail out an effective implementation strategy and organise public outreach for glitch-free implementation. Says Anumita Roychowdhury, CSE’s executive director-research and advocacy and head of its air pollution control unit: “Alarming trends in air pollution levels in the capital city and its devastating impacts on public health have

made the city desperate for urgent solutions. Such choking peak levels demand aggressive and drastic immediate measures.

Small incremental steps will not help. If the public demand for clean air has merited this action, this needs even stronger public support to make it work as well.

The city has little choice when there is at least one death per hour due to air pollution related diseases and the lung of every third child is impaired.” Why these moves will help Delhi? Halving the traffic volume and cutting out coal power emissions will have significant impact on pollution: Already, the draft report on source apportionment submitted by the IIT Kanpur to Delhi Government has shown that vehicles are the second largest emitter followed by industry and power plant.

More analysis from CSE shows that of the total particulate pollution load from vehicles in the city the personal vehicle segments – cars and two wheelers – are responsible for 87 per cent of the load. This is getting worse with increasing number of diesel vehicles. Compared to petrol cars particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel cars is 7 to 5 times higher. Increase in diesel use in cars is also increasing lung cancer risk in the city. Moreover, CSE analysis of pollution levels on national holidays when traffic volume reduces significantly in Delhi has also demonstrated substantial reduction in pollution levels. For example on October 22 when Dusserah holidays and car free event had led to drastic reduction in traffic volume in the city there was nearly 45 per cent reduction in PM2.5 levels in the city.

Similarly, Badarpur power station not only belches enormous particulate but also other toxic gases in-

cluding sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and toxic mercury. In fact CSE’s rating of power plants in India has shown Badarpur plant is one of the most inefficient and polluting plants in the country saddled with old technology.

Bringing forward Euro VI emissions standards will lower pollution impacts of motorization drastically as a time when the city is adding more than 1400 vehicles a day. These measures will go a long way in bringing down the peak pollution levels in the city. The strategy of odd and even number plates for alternate days is the first generation car restraint measures practiced globally especially during smog episodes: Delhi needs urgent steps to reduce traffic volume on the road. Several cities around the world including Beijing, Mexico city, Bogota, Sao Paolo, Santiago, Paris have implemented this measures and have demonstrated pollution reduction. The next generation restraints include congestion charging and road pricing like the systems that have been introduced in London, Stockholm, and Singapore.

This measure in Delhi will not only encourage people to opt for public transport, walking and cycling but also optimize car use through car pooling and by cutting down unnecessary car trips. This will help to reduce vehicle miles travelled and pollution. Though some have raised concerns about the implementation challenges in terms of people purchasing another vehicle to have both odd and even number plates or get away with a fake license plate, it is possible to curb that with enforcement and additional measures of parking restraints, and high annual taxation on cars.

While rolling out the pilot programme the government should simultaneously en-

force these other measures to make car ownership and usage more expensive in the city. It may be noted car users are still the minority in the city. Majority of Delhi’s youth, women and elderly use public transport, walk and cycle. Removing cars and two-wheelers will free up space for more efficient deployment of public transport: Even during peak hours, a car carries only 1.5 persons as opposed to a bus carrying 60-70 people. Two cars occupy same space as one bus, but carry 20 times less people. If this trend continues the capacity of roads to carry more people will reduce drastically. Less cars on roads will allow buses to move more freely and efficiently with good frequency. A CSE review has already shown how bus routes have been curtailed in many areas over the years because of congestion and poor turning radius caused by car centric road design like signal free corridors.

This is extremely worrying when Delhi will have to move more than 25 million trips a day by 2020. Delhi might have the most extensive road network at 22 per cent of its geographical area, but it is saturated and severely choked with vehicles. In some of the prominent arteries cars are more than half to close to 70 per cent of the total traffic -- but they carry only 1720 per cent of the travel trips. This makes bus transport that carries more people inefficient. Delhi has no other choice but to curb traffic for clean air: It is unsustainable for Delhi -- that already has 8.8 million vehicles, to add more than 1400 vehicles a day. Only in one year between 201314 and 2014-15 vehicle registration has increased 14 per cent. More than 1.25 lakh cars have been registered in Delhi in one year. Delhi has more vehicles than Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai put to-

gether. At the current level of average new car registration ad day Delhi has already added close to 500 cars today even when celebrating car free day. The latest Economic Survey of Delhi 2014-15 has shown that the number of cars has increased 2.7 times in 15 years. This is making enormous demand for road space and parking space that the city cannot satisfy any more. Vehicles contribute enormously to direct exposure to toxic fumes.

Remove hidden subsidies on personal vehicles: Public transport will become more attractive if the car users pay the right price for owning and using car in terms of use of road space, use of public space for parking and the pollution costs. A car user in Delhi pays 9 times less road tax every year than a bus operator and nearly nothing for parking on public spaces in most part of Delhi. While a bus carries about 1000 passengers every day, a car that occupies almost half of a bus space carries only 1 to 2 passengers.

A bus that carries 65 passengers per trip pays Rs 15,000 as road tax every year. But a car that carries 1 to 2 passenger and costs at least Rs 6 lakh pays a pittance for its lifetime -- Rs 1600 for 15 years. At the same time cars enjoy free parking at the residence and most public spaces and a small parking fee in legal parking areas in commercial areas. But bus carries 40 times more passengers during peak hours than a car. Delhi government must reform the transport taxation to increase taxes on cars and reduce it on buses.

Globally cities have adopted restraints on car use on daily basis with odd and even number strategy, parking policy for restraint, congestion and road pricing, capping of cars, restricting cars in congested and low emissions zones to fight pollution, congestion and energy guzzling.

Govt. and business representatives pledge to restore 18 million hectares of degraded forests ET Correspondent Guwahati, Dec 6: Government and business representatives from Burundi, Honduras, India, Mexican States, KPK province of Pakistan and Asia Pulp and Paper have announced new pledges today to restore up to 18 million hectares of degraded forests, as part of the UN climate change conference (COP 21) taking place in Paris. The contributions come under the Bonn Challenge, a global initiative launched by Germany and IUCN in 2011 to have 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land under restoration by 2020.

This target was endorsed by the UN Climate Summit in 2014 and extended to 350 million hectares under restoration by 2030. Today’s announcements join recent commitments made through other initiatives, bringing the total of Bonn Challenge pledges to just over 86 million hectares. India has pledged to restore 13 million hectares, and is the first BRIC country to make a Bonn Challenge commitment. The commitment to restore one million hectares

by Asia Pulp and Paper – one of the biggest producers of pulp, paper and packaging in the world – is the first private-sector pledge to the Bonn Challenge. “Forest landscape restoration is a no-regrets option,” says IUCN Director General Inger Andersen. “In addition to its invaluable carbon sequestration potential, it offers a whole suite of benefits, including food security and soil conservation in Ethiopia, water for megacities in China, and rural development and jobs in Guatemala. “It is encouraging to see more countries and businesses recognising the power and cost-effectiveness of nature-based so-

lutions like forest landscape restoration. Delegates here in Paris must take these solutions into account when finalising the new climate agreement.” Achieving the 350 million-hectare goal could generate US$ 170 billion per year in net benefits from watershed protection,

improved crop yields and forest products, and could sequester up to 1.7 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Prior to the UNFCCC COP 21, 13 countries and a regional alliance had pledged almost 60 million hectares to the Bonn Challenge. “Paris COP 21

and Global Landscapes Forum 2015 are not just about political commitments.

They are about actions and implementation,” says Franzjosef Schafhausen, Director General, Climate Policy, Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and

Nuclear Safety, Government of Germany. “Bringing back degraded and deforested lands can help stabilise the climate while sustainably supporting global and local economies.”

The new commitments were made during the Global Landscapes Forum at a session hosted by IUCN.

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

G M Hospital

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

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

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

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

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

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

ASTRO FOR YOU You will be the focus of everyone’s attention today – for your visual appeal or for your abilities. You should make the best of the opportunity and recharge yourself. You can accomplish quite a lot with the energy you gain.

This day you will be inclined to act tough and pick up a fight with everyone whom you are likely to encounter. Those who know you well will be at a loss to make anything out of your belligerent attitude and may not be able to keep up with you for too long. You’ll simply be making a lot of enemies, alienating a lot of good friends. From the outset, get into a cool, composed frame of mind. Act maturely and pragmatically. Don’t ruin your day.

You will be able to express your thoughts and opinions to the people you come in contact with today. They will also reciprocate and echo your feelings and emotions. This will give you validation and satisfaction. The day should be filled with fun and entertainment overall.

You will help others and be cheerful. You will inspire and encourage others. Closeness with beloved will gladden you. You will be attracted to the special person, and it could benefit you.

Your expenses may shoot through the roof if you do not pay careful attention to your finances. You will want to splurge on expensive perfumes and clothing. You will be able to attract those of the opposite sex. You must guard against coming off as a show-off. Be humble and polite to everyone.

A mixture of the desirable and undesirable is on the cards today. Sentimental people will tend to think of you as a little immature. However, your sense of humour will be as robust as ever and you will never fall short of jokes. Pursue spiritually enriching activities in order to properly channelise your abilities.

Today is going to be an unforgettable day for all those people who are in love or a romantic relationship. If you plan to propose to your beloved today is a good opportunity for it as success will come easily to you. You will be able to spend a day filled with joy, happiness and enjoyment.

You go on a shopping spree and that too with your beloved. This may be quite therapeutic for you and your relationship. You may be just happy to use your bargaining skills to the optimum. Spending lavishly, first on shopping and then on sumptuous dinner to treat your taste buds. What more one wants in life!

Someone from the opposite sex is likely to get attracted towards you. Enjoy being in the limelight. Today, your main activity becomes hanging around with friends and cherishing their company.

You love your family and you will try your best to live up to the expectations of your family members. If you are student, you will finish up your existing projects and get on with some fresh assignments. Don’t block your imagination; give yourself some freedom so that you can test your creativity and talent. You don’t let yourself fly too high otherwise you may lose the track of reality.

Today, you social butterflies will set hearts fluttering! Also, whatever you have been working on will reach completion now. You do have a great vision, but you’re lost when it comes to executing your plans.

Your day today will be like a tug-of-war competition. Try to come out on top in this competition. Do not underestimate your enemies. It is advisable to find a solution or avoid conflict so that you don’t need to waste your energy in this.

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

7-12-15 (MONDAY)

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

A scene from a street play enacted in the streets of Sivasagar today.

Pic - Firuz Ahmed

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

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Ramdhenu (Request Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani (Youth Programme) 7-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Poth Hoise Bikashor" 8-00 P.M-Drama 9-16 P.M-Assembly Review 9-30 P.M- Mandakini Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

ISI spying racket in India: Army jawan held in Bengal IANS Kolkata/New Delhi, Dec 6: A soldier, who was detained by the army on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, was arrested in West Bengal`s Darjeeling district by the Delhi Police on Sunday, an official said. "Rifleman Farid Khan of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was detained by the army a few days back after some incriminating documents were found in his possession. He was handed over to the police today (Sunday)," a defence spokesperson told IANS. Farid Khan alias Surgeon was currently posted in West Bengal`s Siliguri for the past few weeks. He "came in contact with ISI operative Kaifaitullah in 2014 after a school teacher named Sabar introduced them", said a police source in Delhi.

Following a request by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on December 2, he was detained by the army in Siliguri.

Earlier, the Delhi Police arrested Border Security Force (BSF) head constable Abdul Rasheed and 44-yearold library assistant Kafaitullah Khan alias Master Raja for obtaining secret information related to India`s national security and sharing it with

Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Kafaitullah Khan was arrested on November 26 from New Delhi railway station while Abdul Rasheed was held from Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir. Kafaitullah Khan is also a resident of Rajouri district, while Rasheed was posted with the BSF intelligence wing in the same district. The former was allegedly working for ISI for monetary benefits.

Meanwhile, Farid Khan is the latest of suspected ISI agents arrested from West Bengal. Busting the spy module, the Special Task Force of the state police has arrested six alleged ISI operatives from the city since November 14 after they nabbed Akhtar Khan.

The STF then arrested Akhtar`s brother Zafar Khan two days later.

Subsequently, the trio of Irshad Ansari, Asfaq Ansari and Mohammad Jahangir was arrested for their alleged role in leaking strategic information to the ISI. Besides a host of forged documents and fake Indian currency notes, the police also seized handdrawn maps of defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) which builds warships for the Indian Navy.

Pakistan-based Lashkare-Toiba planned to kill PM Narendra Modi in Delhi?

Contd. from Page 1

the militants had plans to carry out a mass shooting in a Paris-like manner or 26/ 11 Mumbai attacks at a gathering attended by PM Modi. The revelations were made after Intelligence Bureau sleuths in a joint operation with Delhi Police office blew the lid off a Lashkar-eToiba plot to target Modi's gatherings and assassinate some high-profile politicians in Delhi.

Also, the LeT militant was supposed to blow himself up in case he failed to breach PM Modi's security layer. According to the LeT's plan, if the strike at the gathering could not be

executed as planned, the terrorists were asked to eliminate a high-value target in Delhi or Jammu and Kashmir which could have 'political and communal ramifications', the report added. The LeT militants used the word VIP quite often, as heard in intercepts and mentioned in an FIR registered by the Delhi Police. Search operation is on to nab 3-4 LeT militants who have managed to sneak in to Jammu and Kashmir from across the border.

These militants were in contact with Lashkar commander Abu Dujana for logistics and ground support to carry out the attack. Two of the militants have been reportedly arrested in J&K.

Elephant electrocuted Contd. from Page 1

Even the herd attacked five people two days back.

Meanwhile, the local people have alleged that the forest department has provided no help while they

have been passing restless nights these days. The people expressing anger today said the dead elephant will not be allowed to be taken away unless forest department assures security for the people.

Sangai festival held in Manipur to promote culture, adventure tourism Imphal, Dec. 6 (ANI): Once neglected because of militancy-related violence, Manipur is projecting itself as a hub of culture, adventure tourism and sports. In a recently concluded 10-day Sangai festival, the tourism department showcased the state's rich cultural heritage, bio-diversity and ethnicity.

The aim of the Sangai festival was to bring Manipur to the world tourism map. The mega event was inaugurated on November 21 by Governor V. Shanmuganathan in the presence of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

The annual festival aims to promote Manipur as a world class tourism destination by showcasing art, culture, theatre, eco-adventure opportunities, sports and natural beauty.

"I thank the Tourism department, secretary, director, the entire staff who have worked tirelessly and all other department of the government of Manipur for working hard in organizing

A cultural troupe performing during the festival. the Sangai festival 2015.I wish Sangai Festival a grand success," said Prithiviraj Singh, Parlia-

mentary Secretary (Tourism).

The ten-day long cultural extravaganza, known earlier

Vice Chancellors call for strong Industry Academia Interfaces Contd. from Page 1

Bhopal and Prof. GN Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal University of Studies. In the discussion initiated by Prof. Ganguli, he spoke about the key issues relating to integrating the components of IPR with innovation and skill development was focussed with a major recommendation to exploit the digital media network and sharing of IPR teaching and human resource development in the universities of the region. Prof.

Dhrubajyoti Saikia in his keynote address on fostering social entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation by higher education institutions presented case studies of successful innovation at the grassroots through social entrepreneurship citing examples of Mohammad Yunis in Micro financing, Bunkar Roy in education institution building etc. In a highly thought provoking address on industry academic collaboration for

skilling India through higher education, Dr. Bhupati Kumar Das discussed the different issues pertaining to this vital topic. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellors proposed to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with regard to facilitating industry academic interfacing through formation of appropriate forum with representatives from industries, ministry of the Government of India and Universities. Prof. GN Pandey, VC, Arunachal University of Studies focussed on skill development in the sector of agriculture, manufacturing and service taking into account the specific context of each state of the region.

Prof. Alak Kumar Buragohain, VC of Dibrugarh University made a strong point for special attention of the government of India for establishment of centres for studies in International Relations and Strategic Defence Studies and Centre for studies in Natural Resource Management in the universities of the

Northeast considering the strategic location of the region in close proximity to the international border with South East Asia and rich natural endowments of the region. Prof. Furqan Qamar, Secretary General of the AIU stated that there are serious infrastructural impediments and procedural constraints affecting the process of harnessing the talents of the faculties and studies in our higher educational institutions especially the universities.

He also called for deepening the engagement of the universities for promoting innovations, skill development and entrepreneurship amongst the students and faculty members of the universities.

The programme was organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in collaboration with Dibrugarh University. For the first time such meet was organised at Dibrugarh University. Earlier on November 26-27, AIU organized the west zone VCs' meet at Shivaji University in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

Eyeing 2016 polls, BJP launches massive offensive against Cong Contd. from Page 1

On the other hand, the BJP functionary also claimed that the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants into the state would be a burning issue in the coming electoral battle. At every booth the party has constituted a committee of 45-50 activists along with respective coordinators, incharges and BLA-2 level functionaries. Corresponding organisational functionaries had been appointed at the level of individual panchayats, blocks, and

districts. "The level of support that we have got from the people of Assam can be gauged from the fact that after our call for dharna and sit in at the block level nearly 2,0002,500 people participated at each of the 219 blocks in Assam. At the district level nearly 5,000-10,000 people participated.

People who had been afraid earlier of carrying banner and staff of the BJP are coming out in the open to support us," said Singh. "At the recently concluded activists' conclave at Dibrugarh on No-

vember 27, which was attended by party chief Amit Shah, 50,000 activists turned up from just 5 districts. We had aimed at enlisting 24-25 lakh members through our membership drive, but Assam gave us 28 lakh members.

Singh claimed that Assam had been destabilised by the Congress and its policies. After a decade of Congress rule, Singh claimed that 35-40% villages were such where electricity infrastructure was still missing and state had stagnated at a meagre 13-14% urbanisation.

FASHION PARADE...

Participants during audition of 6th Darpan Mrs India North East at Guwahati on. Pic - UB Photos

as Manipur Festival, was renamed Manipur 'Sangai Festival' in 2010 to popularize 'Sangai' - a rare species

of deer found in the state.

The gala event attracted over 500 foreign tourists, including delegations from China, Myanmar, Thailand and other countries. Thousands of domestic tourists also came to the state during the festival.

"It is a very good experience that we are having in Manipur and it is a rare opportunity that we have got and we are enjoying it," said Madoka Okada, Japanese Director, Kaden Theatre Company.

"Of course, it is going to be a great opportunity for the upcoming artists also and we have a lot to learn," said Ronika Mutum, the programme coordinator.

Artists from different tribes from the north-eastern states enthralled the audience with their performances.

Aimol Dance from Chandel district, warrior dance of the Maring tribe, Khukhuri dance of the Nepalese and dance from Zeilangrong

were presented during the event.

The Asian Sangai film festival and Asian theatre festival were also organised as part of the festival. Artists from the north-east shared their experiences with their counterparts from countries like Thailand and Japan.

"We are very simple people but we celebrate the festivals every year with full confidence. We are here to cheer the men folk who are participating in the boat race and we feel very happy about it," said Thoibi, a local resident. "I am feeling very happy about the festival and I am enjoying it," said Moaramba, one of the participants in the festival.

Manipur has been promoting itself as an adventure tourism destination.

As part of Sangai festival, adventure related events like boat race and water skiing at Loktak Lake, and other thrilling events were organised to woo the tourists. (ANI)

CNCI National Conference in Feb 2016 Contd. from Page 1

The general meeting was presided over by Aniruddha Chakma, President, National Committee, CNCI. A total of 33 delegates participated in the meeting from the states of Mizoram, Tripura, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The meeting reviewed the

activities of the organization both at the national and the state levels and expressed its satisfaction over the achievements made on the organizational front and the other Chakma related issues. The meeting also observed that the movement on Chakma Nationalism that was launched just two years back has benefitted the community in many

aspects. The meeting also expressed its appreciation to all concerned for cooperation received from all corners of the society. Further, the meeting lauded the feat achieved by the Committee for Citizenship Right for Chakma and Hajong of Arunachal Pradesh (CCRCHAP) in their fight for citizenship rights.

Arunachal comes alive with colorful Bomdila festival Contd. from Page 1

The ethnic tribes in their best traditional attires showcased the unique and colorful cultural tradition of the state. The festival was graced by Minister of state for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who said the north-east has great potential in the tourism sector. "People want to come to North-East.

There are many things in North-East to showcase

to the world. You people have witnessed many things. Therefore, apart from showcasing culture we have many things to show. Tourism is such an industry which doesn't produce smoke but it produces jobs, create awareness. There is no bad thing about this industry which is also called an industry without smoke," said Rijiju. Six major tribes Monpa, Miji (Sajolang), Aka (Hrusso), Sherdukpen, Sartang and Bugun par-

ticipated in the event.

One of the participants from Sartang tribe showcased how they pleased God to seek blessings.

"The worship, which we are doing right now, is a way of pleasing our God and to seek his blessings especially to make this festival a great success and to give prosperity and peace to everyone," said Sartang Tribe, a participant. The festival also focused on themes like 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', Environment

Roing youth to welcome clean Christmas Contd. from Page 1

some one hit upon the bright idea of cleaning the township before the advent of the festival. Youths across different sects of the Christian faith, be it Baptist,

Revival, Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian have joined hands to clean the township before the advent of the main Christian festival,� Asha added. As cleanliness drive progressed from early morning on-

wards, tractor loads of dirt and waste could be seen being carted away. Christian youth leader also further informed that they roped in the services of the district urban development agency, (DUDA) for the day.

Three notorious criminals nabbed ET Correspondent Sonepat, Dec 6: After a long chase and exchange of fire, police teams today succeeded in arresting three notorious criminals from the sugar cane fields near Jajal village under Murthal police station. The police recovered two country made pistols, four live cartridges and three used cartridges from their possession.

They were identified as Vikas alias Dudhia, originally resident of Siwah village in Panipat district and at present residing in Rohat in Sonepat district and Sunil and Dharam Singh of Bupania village in Jhajjar district. However, one of them reportedly managed to escape.

According to police, A team of IG staff was checking of the vehicles near Nangal Khurd village this morning.

When the team signaled a car with four occupants to stop, the occupants fired and sped away. The team immediately informed SHO, Murthal police station Ajai Dhankhar, SIT’s Inspector Indiwar and CIA’s Inspector Sandeep Dharkhar.

When three police teams

started chasing their car, the gangsters reached near Garh Mirakpur police post after crossing through Kumaspur and Deepalpur villages.

However there was police barricade at the police post and they could not cross over in Uttar Pradesh.

Meantime, police teams fired at the car and one of the bullets punctured the car.

The gangsters abandoned the car and entered in the nearby sugar cane fields.

The police teams surrounded the fields and a team of Home Guard Jawans also joined the po-

lice teams in searching the gangsters. Home Guard Jawans Bhupinder and Deepak nabbed the most wanted gangster Vikas alias Dudhia in the cane fields.

Other two were also arrested after sometimes. The gangsters had fired six rounds on the police teams during their chase.

DSP Sunil Kumar said that the arrested gangsters were allegedly involved in murder and other criminal cases and they would be taken in police custody for further investigation. The police were still searching for the fourth gangster, he added.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

National seminar on Make in India, Act East Policy held SC Development Board observes Dalim Phukan composed by Nilamani Retd. IAS was felicitated by Prof. Gautam Mazumdar mous Council. In his speech BR Ambedkar 'Memorial Day' Morigaon, Dec 6: A today Phukan was sung by the stu- Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur for from Cotton College and Prof. Dilip Kumar Barua Sanjib Kumar spoke on the relevance of long national seminar on dents of Morigaon College his lifetime engagements in Dr. ‘Make in India’ and ‘Relevance of Act East Policy’ was successfully organized

by Morigaon College in association with the Indian Economic Association and sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science and Research (ICSSR). The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. KK Deka, VC Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev University, Nagaon. In his inaugural speech Prof. Deka congratulated Morigaon College for hosting such a big event of the Indian Economic Association. The inaugural session was chaired

by Prof. Nageswar Sharma (Jharkhand) who is the joint Secretary of the IEA. Welcome address was given by Principal Morigaon College, Dr. LK Barthakur. On the eve of the inaugural session a theme song on make in India and Act East Policy,

under the direction of Prof.

HK Nath. The ‘Key note’ of the seminar was delivered

by Prof. Sudhakar Panda, eminent economist from Odisha. He beautifully explained the different issues of the theme Make in India.

The other Key-note speaker was renowned economist from Assam Dr. AK Neog, Retd. IES, who spoke on the relevance of Act East Policy. The Chief Guest of the inaugural session was Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, the General Secretary, IEA who released the souvenir Ecosketch, edited by Dr. Budhen Kumar Saikia. In his speech, Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur appealed to all concerns to cooperate in the new economic policies of the Government for inclusive development and national integrity. Dr. SB Medhi, the oldest member of the IEA of Assam and

social sciences and economics. The retired faculty members namely, Prof Chidam Deuri, Prof. Sudhir Barthakur and Prof.

Dhaneswar Bora were also felicitated at the inaugural session. The rapporteur of the inaugural session was Prof.

Asim Kumar Karmakar from Jadavpur University, West Bengal.

Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Budhen Kumar Saikia, Organising Secretary of national seminar. Four technical sessions were held with a lively panel discussion in the seminar. The panelists were Prof. BM Jani from Gujarat, Prof. AK Neog from Assam, Prof. PM Passah from NEHU and Dr. DD Mali, founder Director, IIE. The technical sessions were chaired by Prof. BM Jani from Rajkot University, Gujarat, Prof. NA Barua from Gauhati University,

Borkakoti, ADP College respectively. Altogether 52 papers have been presented including 10 papers from resource persons. In the first technical session Mr. HP Deka from Ottowa, Canada presented a paper on the challenges of Make in India.

The rapporteurs were Dr. Arunima Sarma, Dr. Gitali Sarma and Alokesh Roy. After technical sessions a gorgeous valedictory function was held in the afternoon on 28 November. The valedictory function was started with a Bargeet performed by Prof. Dipak Kalita. The Chief Guest of the valedictory function was Prof. Dilip Kumar Barua, Retd. Dean, Cotton College.

Distinguished Guest of the valedictory function was Dr. AK Thakur while guest of honour was Mr. Bidyut Kumar Bordoloi, Deputy Chairman, Tiwa Autono-

Make in India. General Secretary, IEA, Dr. AKThakur spoke on the theme and explained about the report card of the MII Policy. The rapporteur report was read

by Prof Chandan Sarma.

Vote of thanks was given

by Prof. Dhaneswar Bora.

The valedictory function was anchored by Prof.

Parag Mahnta, and chaired

by Dr. LK Barthakur, Principal Morigaon College.

The Organizing Secretary Dr. Budhen Kumar Saikia who is also the Executive Member of the IEA offered his thanks and gratitude to all the persons engaged in the mega event for their sacrifices which made the event successful. After his speech a Barat dance of the Tiwas and a Bihu dance were performed and at last with the National Anthem the seminar was declared closed.

ESM, Veer Nari and Widows’ rally at DU Rangghar auditorium officers of Dao Division, Air Force Officers, civil dignitaries, Government officials and corporate representatives also participated in the rally. The rally provided a platform to ex-servicemen, veer naris and widows to interact with Army and civil officials and seek redressal of their grievances. A medical and dental camp was also held by Army during the A veer nari (left) being felicitated at the Rangghar event. Assistance and inAuditorium of Dibrugarh University today. formation stalls on health, pensionary and ET Bureau tended by approximately other financial benefits Dibrugarh, Dec 6: An 1150 ex-servicemen, and employment opporex-servicemen, veer nari veer naris and widows tunities were put up by and widows’ rally was from Tinsukia, ECHS and Zila Sainik organised by Dao Divi- Dibrugarh, Sivasagar dis- Welfare Office. Various sion at Rangghar Audito- tricts of Assam and Tirap, civil employment agenrium of Dibrugarh Uni- Changlang, Khonsa dis- cies were also pooled in versity on 6 December, tricts of Arunachal to widen the retirement 2015. The event was at- Pradesh. Senior army employment arena for

Zubin XI beats Jorhat Press Club XI ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 6: In a charity match played between Zubin XI versus Jorhat Press Club XI, the former managed to defeat the latter 3-0 via tie breaker after regulation time ended 1-1. It was a match wherein the audience on Sunday afternoon at the Jorhat stadium premises got to witness played between professionals from the cultural sector and literary sector. It charity match was organized by Jorhat Sangeet Silpi Santha in association with Kalaguru Artist Foundation, a foundation that aims to help the ailing artists throughout the state of Assam. The Zubin XI team

Zubin XI captain Zubin (left) in action during the charity football match played at Jorhat today. was led by famous singer Zubin himself while the

Training for competitive exams at DHSK College A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 6: A training programme to prepare the students for various competitive exams is underway at the Dibrugarh Hanumanbux Surajmal Kanoi DHSK College from Saturday. The training programme is organized by the Information and Career Guidance Cell of the college. The programme was anchored by Dr. Bhaskar Das, the Co-ordinator of the cell. Dr. Atikuddin Ahmed, the Vice-Principal of the College elaborated on how to go for exams like SSC, Bank PO, Clerk etc.

He also appreciated the efforts of the cell which came into formation in 1991 and have been sincerely working for the welfare of the

students despite various odds. Dr. Bharati Dutta, Head of the department of Geography of the college also delivered a speech. On the first day, Dr. Debapallav Rajkhowa, Director, Directorate of Distance Education, Dibrugarh University was present as the resource person. In his deliberations, Dr. Rajkhowa dwelt upon the various aspects of preparation for competitive exams. There was also a lot of interaction between the resource person and the participants after his deliberations. Dr. Bhaskar Das later informed that the programme will be continued till Dec. 20. Jahnu Baruah delivered the vote of thanks.

other team was led by Jatobon Baruah.

Director General of Police rules out IED, grenade use in blasts Contd. from Page 1 after the Assam police authorities ruled out the use of IED or grenade. Director General of Police, Assam Mukesh Sahay ruled out uses of IED or grenade in the blast. Sahay said that the blast occurred due to keeping of crackers like objects or bottles in garbage, and said that enquiry has been ordered into the case. However Kamrup Metro district Deputy Commissioner M. Angamuthu said that it was a low intensity blast. He said that forensic team is investigating the matter. Union Sports minister Sarbanand Sonowal has condemned the incident and wished speedy recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, DGP Sahay has alerted all police stations to remain vigil against possible attack of militant outfits including ULFA and NDFB against civilians.

World Soil Day celebrated in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 6: Along with the rest of the world, World Soil Day was celebrated in Golaghat on 5 December. Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam and Department of Agriculture and Fam-

ily Welfare, Government of India have taken joint initiative to provide Soil Health Card to farmers of the state.

In Golaghat the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Golaghat has collected soil samples from the farmers’ fields. On the occa-

sion of World Soil Day a meeting was held at the Amateur Theatre Auditorium and Soil Health Cards were distributed among 250 farmers. Several officials of Agriculture Department were present in the programme.

ex-servicemen and their wards. All veer naris present during the event were felicitated. An en-

ficers present during the rally thanked the ex-servicemen, veer naris and widows and

BR Ambedkar 'Memorial Day' observed in Lakhimpur.

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 6: The Scheduled Caste Development Board of Lakhimpur Sub-Division today observed the 'Memorial Day' of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar with a day long program held in a befitting manner at the auditorium of the district library. In connection with this program, a 'Way Directing cum Awareness Meeting’ was also held on the occasion with the view to facilitate comprehensive development of the Scheduled Castes. The programme began with a cleaning drive at Ward No. 12 at 7 am with the participation of Lakhimpur DC Debeswar Malakar. Then homage was paid to the founder of the Indian Constitution with floral

tributes at his portrait. It was initiated by the DC who was followed by other dignitaries.

On the other hand, the Awareness Meeting commenced fat 9.30 am in which District Sericulture, Handloom and Textile, Social Welfare, Veterinary Department created awareness among the gathering on their respective schemes. The departments appealed to them to avail the benefits of those schemes for their betterment and prosperity as well as nation building. The open session, chaired by Bhupen Das, the Chairman of the Board, began with a chorus performance at 1.30 pm followed by the inaugural speech by the DC. He called upon the people to be enriched with the ideology of Dr Ambedkar

who dreamt of eradicating poverty, discrimination and untouchability from Indian society. Dr Ramananda Das, the HoD of Political Science, Garhgaon College, Shivsagar took part in the meeting as Appointed Speaker. Manik Gogoi, the former Chairman of the OBC Board delivered a brief lecture at the meeting.

BD Sarmah, the Sub-Divisional Welfare Officer anchored the meeting in association with Tanka Das, a member of the Board.

Ambedkar Fellowship awardee Dr Mun Rudrapal, Dipak Das, SDO of PWD were among those who were present at the meeting. It is noteworthy that six safai karmy were felicitated in the program appreciating their sincerity in their work.

Ambedkar’s death anniversary observed

t e r t a i n m e n t programme and lunch was organized for the veterans and veer naris. Senior Army Of-

assured them that their welfare and wellbeing shall always be the solemn responsibility of Indian Army.

ET Correspondent Margherita, Dec 6: Anusuchit Jaati Bikash Manch (AJBM) today observed the death anniversary of the Father of the Indian Constitution and Chairman of the Drafting Committee Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar at Margherita.

Floral tributes were paid at the statue of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar. MK Gautam,

Eleven-day Nalbari Raas festival concludes Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Dec 6: The eleven-day Raas festival of Nalbari Sri Sri Harimandir which began on November 25 came to a conclusion last night with the Raas celebration committee closing the main entrance of Nalbari Harimandir at 12 last night.

The annual Raas festival of Nalbari Harimandir complex which had drawn massive crowds from all walks of life irrespective of caste, creed and religion is reportedly lacking government attention. The Nalbari Raas Mahotsav, a large cultural

and religious event of North-East which now has become a symbol of communal harmony should be developed as a tourism festival of the state, a local opined. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who inaugurated the Nalbari Raas in 2008 and 2010 had declared that the Nalbari Raas Mahotsav would be included in list of states' tourism festivals and the historical spots of the district would be developed for tourist attraction. However, no step has been taken in this regard so far. The

Nalbari Raas which starts on the full moon night of autumn annually draws huge tourists from different parts of the country. Even a good number of foreign tourists also regularly come to witness the festival. One of the main tourist attractions of Nalbari Raas is the colourful cultural procession on the inaugural night of the Nalbari Raas where different communities of the district – Bodo, Rabha, Nepali, Santhal, and Tea tribe in addition to the general communities showcase their customs.

North-east has no threat from ISIS: BSF Contd. from Page 1

The presence of ISIS in Bangladesh poses serious security problems, especially in the border states of Tripura, Assam, Mizoram and Meghalaya. The Indian security forces are extra conscious about dealing with threats from the Islamic State.

M. F. Farooqui, IG, Tripura Frontiera, said they are closely working the Bor-

der Guards Bangladesh.

"We are having a cordial atmosphere with the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) and we are working in tandem and this ISIS problem is not an issue with us," Farooqui told the media.

"Earlier this year, intelligence reports have suggested that the militant group might be planning to attack Assam, which has often threats from local outfits like ULFA. However, the security forces in the

north-east are confident and ready to combat any kind of terror attack," he added.

Farooqui further said the security forces in India and Bangladesh are closely monitoring the situation and keeping potential recruits under surveillance.

"This problem has never been highlighted here and we are safe and secure here and any impact of ISIS is not here in this region," he added.

Naresh Kumbang, Padma Lochan Pegu elected TMPK President and Secretary respectively Contd. from Page 1

On the other hand, existing Education Secretary Padma Lochan Doley was elected as the General Secretary at the same meeting.

The delegate meeting with about two thousand delegates representing seventeen District Committees attending elected the office bearers through democratic process by casting their vote. After getting elected, Naresh Kumbang vowed to lead the Mishing Commu-

nity towards progress in the coming days as well as to eradicate evil elements like rape incidents, crimes etc. from the tribal society.

Through an interview with the media, he expressed that he dreamt of a violence-free Assam in future. He would work using the platform of TMPK to realize his dream.

Similarly, Padma Lochan Doley also expressed firm determination to realize the aims and objectives of the organization. "We will fight with strength for the permanent solution of the burning

question of flood and erosion, the problems of education, the execution of sixth schedule and to wipe out the superstitions from the society" – he added. He would work for the elimination of witch hunting practice, he said. Moreover, he expressed that TMPK would organise a joint agitation against big dam, rhino killing and the burning problems of the ethnic people of Assam as well as maladministration of the ruling governments at the Center and the State.

General Secretary of Anusuchit Jaati Bikash Manch said that everyone should be wary of Hindutva ideology forces.

Meanwhile, Comrade Shyamal Dutta CPI(ML) said that Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar has immense contribution towards the upliftment of the downtrodden and gave constitutional rights to the peas-

ants, Dalit and women of the country. Anusuchit Jaati Bikash Manch President Dr RS Prasad appealed to all Dalit people of the country to convert to other religion because Dalit people shall never get equality in Hindu religion. Dr RS Prasad said that Hindutva means “casteism, untouchability, and hatred”.

Bhupen Barman Award presented to young artist

Bhupen Barman memorial cultural award for 2015 being awarded to young artist Mrigendra Kumar Das (second from right).

Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Dec 6: The second Bhupen Barman memorial cultural award for 2015 instituted by Ankita Kala Niketan, Nalbari and Assam Charu Karu Kala Parishad was presented at a function held at the Kala Niketan premises here today. A young artist Mrigendra Kumar Das who completed graduation with highest marks from the Assam Charu Kala Mahavidyalaya, Guwahati was given away the award

by Swapnanil Baruah,

commissioner of industries and commerce. The award consisted of cash worth Rs 15,000, a citation, a cheleng sadar and a bundle of books. The award presentation programme conducted by Pankaj Govinda Medhi was addressed among others by Kandarpa Sarma, former Principal of Assam Charu Kala Mahavidyalaya, Jagannath Sarma, principal of Angelica play school, artist Gauri Barman,Dadul Chaliha, Jogendra Sheil, Shiba Prasad Merar.

Special college for children with hearing loss in Guwahati Contd. from Page 1 the college is funded by the Assam Government and sponsored by Assam Association of the Deaf. The college also gives a platform to financially deprived students to complete their studies. Some 200 students have passed their higher secondary examinations so far.

"We provide courses in Assamese and English language and in the subjects of Computer, and Arts & Culture.

Our students belong to poor families and the institution is trying to help them," said Priyanka Newar, interpreter/ teacher. Last year, 100 percent of the students passed their

higher secondary under the Assam Higher Secondary Educational Board out of which 75 percent secured first division.

The authorities plan to expand and require funds to develop infrastructure. "We have been communicating with the Guwahati University since early this year and recently we submitted a fee of rupees two lakh and one thousand for the further procedure of seeking permission. We have received all the documents along with college code for degree level and we will start our session from August 2016," said Shanky Roy Chaudhury, Principal of North East College for the Hearing Impaired.

Chetia's inclusion in ULFA talks unlikely: Union Minister Shillong, Dec 6: The Centre has ruled out the possibility of involving ULFA leader Golap Baruah alias Anup Chetia, recently extradited from Bangladesh, in the ongoing peace talks with the insurgent group. Indicating this here on Saturday, Union Minister of state for Home, Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary said that as of now the Centre has no such proposal involve him (Chetia) in the peace talks. It may be mentioned here there has been demand from several quarters to involve Chetia in the peace talks.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently urged the Central government to include the ULFA leader in the peace talks. Gogoi's appeal came a day after the 'pro-talks' faction of the ULFA held a round of discussions with Central government representatives and pressed the Centre for Chetia's inclu-

sion. Chaudhary also said that Chetia has to face the legal process and not go scot-free.

"Nobody can escape the law. Chetia has to go through the legal process (for his criminal acts)," he said. Chetia, who was in Bangladesh since his arrest by the neighbouring country's police in 1997, was handed over to India on November 11 following which he was arrested

by CBI in Delhi. Meanwhile, Chetia's bail plea was on Saturday rejected and he was remanded to another 14-day judicial custody after his remand in connection with a CBI case ended. Chetia was produced in the court of the Special Judicial Magistrate, CBI, Assam on expiry of the tenure of his judicial custody in connection with a CBI case and he was remanded to another 14 days of judicial custody. He will be produced again before the court on December 19 next.(Agencies)

SC asks Chief Secy of Assam among others to appear before it New Delhi, Dec 6: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Chief Secretaries of four states to appear before it and explain as to why they did not respond to Centre's request on mandatory registration of NGOs, running children homes.

The order came from the social justice bench of justices Madan B Lokur and U U Lalit when the counsel for the Ministry of Women and Child Development informed that four states, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have not responded to its communication on the issue. "No appearance on behalf of the four states. Additional Solicitor General said that they are not co-operating at all..

Presence of the Chief Secretaries is necessary on next date of hearing, January 8," the court said, adding that "if they do not turn up then contempt has to be issued". The court's order came during hearing of a PIL filed by Sampurna Behrua, in which the apex court in its order passed in September had found that unregistered NGOs run children homes across the

country and they are not registered under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. It had also observed that they may be indulging in child trafficking. It had asked Additional Solicitor General P S Patwalia, appearing for the Centre, to ensure that shutters are pulled down on the children homes being run by the unregistered NGOs. ASG, however told the court that majority of the state governments and union territories have not replied to their request on the issues. The bench asked how can the states say that they will not obey the law of country.

"Ask them? What are the parliamentarians doing.

That means they are not hearing you‌ Either states are independent like in United States or you are not hauling them up. Who should be held responsible.

You should haul them up," the bench said. The counsel for Uttar Pradesh government told the bench that they will comply with the court's direction before the next date of hearing.

(Agencies)

Leaders of Madhesi morcha to meet top Indian leaders

Nepal Sadbhavana Party, Rajendra Mahato, Madhesi protest, Terai region

Patna/ Birgunj, Dec. 6 : With the standoff between the Nepal Government and Madhesi protesters refusing to die down, Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) president Rajendra Mahato on Saturday said four leaders of Madhesi morcha, including Mahato, would be meeting top Indian leaders and representatives of the Government of Indian in Delhi to discuss how the relationship between the two nations can be improved. He alleged that the Nepal Government was responsible for the prevailing instability in the Himalayan

nation, as the Government had been ignoring Madhesi people's demand. "There is a lot of confusion regarding the Madhesi protest," said Mahato, "We are protesting against the Nepal Government for our rights, and India has nothing to do with this."

Meanwhile, schools, which were closed owing to the Madhesi agitation in Terai region, reopened after three months. India had on Wednesday urged Nepal to find "urgent" solution to political problems facing the Himalayan nation, while clarifying that there is no hindrance to supplies from Indian side.

During a meeting between Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Swaraj said: "India has gone out of the way to ensure medical supplies to Nepal. India has always stood for a peaceful and prosperous Nepal, which is also in its interest." (ANI)

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

BJP, RSS using Lord Ram to score brownie points: Nitish Patna, Dec.6: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) for raking up the sub-judice Ram temple issue and accused them of using Lord Ram as a political tool to score brownie points ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

"The BJP and RSS are playing politics over this issue. They want to keep

the Ram temple issue alive. Now the UP elections are coming next year so they are leaving no stone unturned to keep this issue alive," Nitish told the media here. "The BJP and RSS are completely exposed as far as this issue is concerned. They are using Lord Ram as a political tool. This is their political line and they have nothing to do with people's faith and religion," he added. The JD

Patna, Bihar CM, Nitish Kumar, Ram Temple, Babri Masjid demolition

(U) leader also criticised the BJP for not announcing a fixed date for construction of the Ram temple. "They have a slogan " Ram lala hum ayenge, mandir wahi banayege, tarikh nahi batayenge". It is for sure that the temple will be built either by the court's decision or by mutual consensus.

They raise this topic again and again only to score political brownie points. The people are

asking when the temple will be built," he said.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in Ayodhya on the 23rd anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on Sunday.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had earlier said "a grand Ram temple" needs to be built at Ayodhya and described Lord Ram as the symbol of the country's values that bring about unity in diversity. (ANI)

Praise Mamata, Partha tells govt-aided Youth Congress protest

State education minister and Trinamul Congress secretary-general Partha Chatterjee

Kolkata, Dec 6: State education minister and Trinamul Congress secretary-general Partha Chatterjee on Saturday sparked a controversy at a party workers' conference at Canning by asking beneficiaries of government assistance to publicly acknowledge such help. If Trinamul leaders talk about them,

it would create the impression that it is party propaganda, Chatterjee said, justifying his observation. His remark drew sharp reaction from Opposition CPM, Congress and BJP, which described such statement as unprecedented. Chatterjee said at a party conference at Canning that he felt that the beneficiaries

of government assistance should come to 'this manch one day' and acknowledge their gratitude to Mamata Banerjee 'that she has done all these developmental work, which no other previous governments have done.'

Slamming the minister for making such a blatant statement in a party forum, CPM Rajya Sabha member Ritabrata Banerjee wondered how a senior minister could ask government beneficiaries to openly acknowledge such assistance and 'eulogise' the chief minister and that too from a political manch of Trinamul Congress. 'This shows the whimsical attitude of the Trinamul leader, which the people will condemn,' he said.

Former WBPCC president Pradip

Bhattacharya, now a Rajya Sabha member, said such a statement by a senior minister was unprecedented in the sense that he had been asking the beneficiaries of government assistance to publicly acknowledge the same and express gratitude to the chief minister.

'This is a new tactics of the Trinamul Congress,' Mr Bhattacharya said.

BJP MLA Shamik Bhattacharya criticised the minister for his statement, saying beneficiaries were entitled to government aids, 'which does not come as the mercy of the ruling party.' 'It is unbecoming of the government to force beneficiaries to acknowledge such assistance and praise the chief minister,' he said.

(Agencies)

Terror: CISF squad deployed at Tata campus in Odisha Odisha, Dec 6: A squad of about 300 special CISF commandos has taken over the security of a large Tata Steel manufacturing facility in coastal Odisha, making it the 7th private sector concern in the country to get armed cover by the paramilitary force to ward off terror threats.

The Central Industrial Security Force combat unit was inducted at the Kalinganagar-based facility of the steel giant earlier this week following approval of the Union Home Ministry. The squad will be functioning on a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) pattern and the SUV-borne commandos will patrol the periphery and interiors of the facility armed with

weapons like AK-47s and Glock pistols. "About 300 commandos led by a Deputy Commandantrank officer have taken charge at the facility.

They will be providing QRT cover on a 24X7 basis and they have been thoroughly trained in countering any security related challenge," CISF Inspector General (Eastern sector) R R Sahay said. The Kalinganagar project is being established in two modules of three million tonnes each in Jajpur district of the state. This is only the seventh private sector deployment for the CISF after the force was empowered to take up duties in the non-government domain in the aftermath of the 2008

Mumbai terror attacks.

Deployment of the highly-trained men of CISF at the facility assumes significance as the government has been very frugal over the years with agreeing to deploy these troops at private concerns. "Only those private sector concerns whose campuses and operations have a direct or a very close bearing on the economic security of the country are being okayed for a CISF security cover. The latest facility in Kalinganagar is one such entity," a senior official said. Other private sector projects where CISF is securing the campuses are the Electronics City Bengaluru, Infosys campuses in

Bangalore, Mysore and Pune, Reliance Refinery and Petrochemicals in Jamnagar and the Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd in Mundra, which is a special purpose vehicle executed by Tata Power to generate 4,000 MW of energy for various states. The Tatas will bear the cost of the CISF deployment and will also provide logistics for jawans and officers like barracks and vehicles.

The CISF men are mandated to provide "counter-terrorist and anti-sabotage" duties and will not be responsible for "watch and ward" duties which will be provided by security guards employed at the campus by Tata Steel, the official said.(Agencies)

TMC mandates tolerance for cadre West Bengal, Dec 6: Trinamul Congress state leaders on Satruday warned their workers at Canning in South 24Parganas to be tolerant of opposition leaders and workers and advised them to be on their good behaviour while interacting with the general people. They told them not to do any such thing for which the party has to face problems.

The leaders were speaking at a district party workers' conference organized by the South 24-Parganas Trinamul Congress at Canning. Senior leader of the party Partha Chatterjee warned their workers not to do any such works for which the party has to suffer.

He said, "Don't do any such work for which our party has to face any problem. It is our duty and responsibility to save the people anyhow who

cast their votes in our favour and we have to reach out to them who did not vote for us by going from door to door, because we have to know from them what our fault was. We have to rectify the mistakes."

He further said, "The workers should have kept their patience, must avoid any involvement in any disturbance with any person or the opposition parties. If needed, the local TMC leaders and workers can organise a protest rally just after the day of the rally of the opposition parties in the same place."

Abhishek Banerjee, Lok Sabha MP, said, "The CPM is trying to occupy the villages in the name of jatha, where they had been rejected by the people. Before the assembly polls the CPM is organising these jathas, which the CPM workers are joining

dengue death at KMC

Kolkata, Dec 6: The youth wing of the state Congress on Saturday staged a token protest outside Kolkata Municipal Corporation's headquarters on S.N. Banerjee Road, voicing their disappointment at the mayor and member, mayor-in-council Mr Atin Ghosh's denial that the medical student who died a few days ago had other ailments which caused her death and she did not die of dengue. Congress councillor, Prakash Upadhyay, said, "Though the hospital records claim she died of dengue, the mayor and MMIC (health) is refusing to believe it." The members of youth Congress protested, using innovative props such as mosquito nets and placards bearing cartoons of the mayor resembling a mosquito.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the officials in charge of the health department has been patting their back, claiming that they have been successful in combating the spread of dengue in KMC area. When reports of the medical student dying of dengue surfaced on 3 December, Mr Ghosh had claimed that the patient had other aliments, which resulted in her death. Pointing to the inefficiency of the civic body in combating the spread of the disease, Mr Upadhyay said, "The civic authorities are patting their back on the success they have achieved for checking the spread of the disease but the truth is something else.

They are hiding the facts and refusing to admit their own inefficiency."(Agencies)

Door for talks with militant groups open: Centre Shillong, Dec 6: The Centre has reiterated that it is ready to hold talks with any militant outfit be it HNLC or GNLA provided it eschews the path of violence. "Our mind is open but they (militant groups) have to shun the path violence and come to mainstream," Union Minister of state for Home Affairs Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the passing out parade of 230 new recruits at the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) near here, Chaudhary assured that the Central Government would give all the necessary support including fund, weapons to the police forces

of the Northeastern states to contain militancy. When asked about the implementation of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in some of the Northeastern states, he said that there would be no change and status quo would be maintained. Reacting to a query about the threat of ISIS to the country, he said that ISIS threat is "not being taken lightly" and states have been alerted. The government, he said, was aware of the threat posed by the ISIS the world over and in the country in particular. "The central government is 24/7 alert. The Intelligence Bureau and other agencies are working on strategies in curbing such threat," he said.

(Agencies)

Abduction of constable: Police still clueless

Trinamul Congress state leaders on Satruday warned their workers at Canning in South 24-Parganas

with stones in hand."

Mr Banerjee criticised CPM leaders and the Central government for depriving the TMC-led state government of aids in his speech. Mr Firhad Hakim said, "The TMC workers must be cautious about the CPM and Congress, because the two politi-

cal parties may make an alliance in the coming assembly election."

Subrata Bakshi, another state-level leader, also advised the grassroots-level TMC workers to be tolerant.

Shovan Chatterjee, the district party president, was also present at the conference. (Agencies)

Shillong, Dec 6: It has been a month since head constable Khomraj Bhattarai was abducted by suspected GNLA militants from a remote area in North Garo Hills but till now there is no information regarding his whereabouts. A senior police official on Saturday said that search operations were on and police teams were also taking the help of the villagers to trace him. Police official also said that there is no confirmation where he has been killed by the militants.

Bhattarai and one more person, who was released recently, were

abducted from a public vehicle travelling through a remote area of North Garo Hills district on November 6 Recently, the High Court had directed the State government to look into the matter and provide ex-gratia as per rules to the next of the kin of the policeman immediately.

According to the police official, the family received the full salary of the abducted cop.

Though the needle of suspicion is towards GNLA for the abduction, the banned outfit has already distanced itself from it.

(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

PAGE 6

Passengers still stranded at Chennai airport following torrential rains Chennai, Dec. 6: Torrential rains continue to batter Chennai with many passengers willing to travel to various parts of the country remaining stranded at the airport.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma had on Saturday said that resumption of commercial flight operations at the Chennai airport may take two more days. "The airport's basement is still inundated with water. We should give it two days.

Once power supply is restored and water evacuation happens, we can restart commercial flight services," Sharma said. A stranded passenger while speaking to said the Air India flights have not resumed for the people willing to travel now to other parts of the country but are operating for only those passengers who have existing tickets dated December 1.

"Now the Air India is saying that there is not a

CJI Thakur backs Kejriwal's even-odd car formula to curb pollution

CJI Thakur, Arvind Kejriwal, even odd car formula, Delhi Government

New Delhi, Dec.6: The newly-appointed Chief Justice of India, Justice T.S. Thakur, has extended support for the 'odd-even traffic formula' suggested by the Delhi Government to curb the menace of ever rising pollution in the national capital. "Judges have no problem with odd-even formula of the Delhi Government," CJI Thakur told. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been facing criticism from all the opposition parties, thanked Justice Thakur for his support and said that this would provide inspiration to millions of others.

"CJI's support 2 odd even formula is welcome n huge encouragement. SC judges pooling cars wud

inspire millions 2 follow.

Thank u My Lords," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

Kejriwal had on Saturday said that the plan to allow odd and even numbered vehicles on alternate days on Delhi roads from January 1 was an 'experiment' to deal with the 'emergency situation' in the city.

He said it could be discontinued if people faced problems. The odd-even formula was among a series of measures announced at a meeting chaired by Kejriwal on Friday after the National Green Tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government for failing to curb air pollution. The Delhi High Court had also said earlier this week that living in the city was like "living in a gas chamber". (ANI)

London: Attacker slashes man's throat, screams 'this is for Syria' London, Dec. 6: A knife wielding man was detained by the police after he injured three people as he screamed 'this is for Syria' in Leytonstone station on the London Underground. The Scotland Yard has branded the attack as a 'terrorist incident' and it happens to be the first terrorist attack on British soil since the murder of fusilier Lee Rigby on May 22, 2013. Dramatic mobile phone footage shows the assailant walking through an exit gate and then threatening to attack other people with a knife, wildly slashing the weapon through the air.

He appears to slash a man's neck after the police stun him with tasers.

In the video the cops were yelling at the man asking him to drop the

knife before tasering him. After subduing the attacker, they kicked the weapon from his hand and cuffed him as he lay pinned on the floor. According to eyewitnesses, the attacker was tall and wore a black jacket and a headscarf and started attacking people at random. One man who got reportedly got slashed at the throat suffered serious injuries and two other victims received minor injuries. The man was arrested at 7.14pm and taken to a police station for questioning by Scotland Yard's anti-terrorism detectives. The attack come days after Britain launched its first air strikes against terrorist targets inside Syria, hitting a key oil field that was reportedly held by the Islamic State of Syria and the Levant (ISIS). (ANI)

Heavy rain, Chennai airport, relief operations, Chennai flood, Tamil Nadu floods

single flight from Arakkonam. They are resuming flights for passengers who have booked flights from December 1.They are saying that there are no flights for new passengers who are willing to travel to anywhere from here.

They are providing special flights to only passengers who have the existing tickets," a stranded passenger told here. Airport officials in Chennai had received requests

from national carrier Air India to operate flights from Sunday after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced day-time operations of passenger flights from the airport. However, in a massive relief for stranded passengers, train services have resumed from the Chennai Central station and the schedules are expected to return to normal from tomorrow.

(ANI)

Despite 'threat' NGO adamant to buy Dawood's Bhendi Bazaar property Mumbai, Dec. 6: Former journalist S. Balakrishnan, who is associated with NGO Desh Sabha Samiti and participating in the bidding of a property of Dawood Ibrahim, on Saturday claimed to have received threats from underworld don's aide Chota Shakeel in the intervening night of December 3-4.

Balakrishnan claimed that he had gone to inspect Hotel Afroz in Bhendi Bazaar, one of the seven properties of Dawood, prior to bidding, where Central officers on duty refused to show him the hotel premises from inside even as he insisted for it. "Somehow the media come to know about it and took my byte, which was aired. Chota Shakeel must have come to know about all these

from news channels following which he shot off an SMS to me," he said.

Revealing the content of the message, Balakrishnan said: " Chota Shakeel asked me 'Tumko kya ho gaya hai....tum khair to ho...ye kya boli kya tum karnewale hain' (sic) (what has happened to you...are you all right..why this auction and all....) He is carrying out orders from Dawood Ibrahim." He, however, said he did not report the matter to police. "Everything is clear from the content," he said, adding,"On behalf of the NGO, we are definitely going to take part in the bidding." "We are allowed to take part on December 9 and we are completing the process. We hope that our bid will be

accepted by the government," he said. "There is also a simultaneous provision of e-tendering, so everything will be clubbed together and by December 9 the picture will be clear," he added. The former scribe also expressed his surprise over Dawood's attachment with this particular property. "I don't understand that Dawood has got thousands of crores of properties all over the world, why he is after this one small property which is just worth around Rs. one crore and 20 lakhs.

May be they have made it a prestigious issue because the hotel is located in his bastion and thus may be he feels that if somebody takes it away then it will be a great setback for him. "But, our intention is not to start

Pakistan love nor trust the people of the Valley. By heart, both of them do not treat us as their own," Kamal said here after paying tributes to his father and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 110th birth anniversary.

"We have not seen militancy for the last two decades. The Government of India should wake up. Do they think that solution to militancy is unrest?" he asked. "Both the sides are

National Conference, Mustafa Kamal, Valley, Farooq Abdullah

passing through difficult times. New Delhi is not moving in that direction to resolve the issue. Pakistan is also not very helpful in

Former journalist S. Balakrishnan

another hotel and make money. The idea is to start a welfare centre for the poor children of the Bhendi Bazaar area, the streets from where Dawood started his life," he said. "The authority seizes the properties of accused in cases under Narcotics and Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Properties) Act 1976.

These properties are then put for auction," Balakrishnan added.

(ANI)

resolving the issue. They seem to have very rigid postures. There is a lack of confidence and trust between the two nations," he added. Kamal further said that his elder brother and the then chief minister Farooq Abdullah, following the 1996 assembly elections, had said even if he tore his heart out to show he is an Indian, he would not be believed. "Same is the case with Pakistan. They (India and Pakistan) do not trust us," he said. (ANI)

Obama, Hollande pledge to boost cooperation against terrorism Washington D.C., Dec. 6: U.S President Barack Obama and his French counterpart Francois Hollande renewed pledges between their governments and with their allies to fight terrorism, both abroad and at home. The White House, Obama also briefed Hollande over the phone about the San Bernardino shootings and on the behalf of the American people, accepted his condolences for the loss of life in the attack. The French President was also told in detail about the steps taken by the US intelligence and the law enforcement agencies to investigate into the tragic incident. "The two leaders pledged continued cooperation between our two governments and with

obama hollande, hollande isis, obama isis, obama oval office, california shootings

those of our allies and friends to fight terrorism, both abroad and at home.

President Obama and President Hollande also discussed progress being made at the COP21 climate conference in Paris and

agreed to continue to stay in close touch as the conference continues," the statement added. President Obama will address the nation today from the Oval Office about his government's highest pri-

ority at the moment which is 'keeping American people safe. The White House said that the President will provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the attack in San Bernardino "He will also discuss the broader threat of terrorism -including the nature of the threat, how it has evolved, and how we will defeat it," the statement said. Obama will reiterate his conviction to obliterate the Islamic State of Syria and the Levant (ISIS) and will remind Americans to remain firm on their values of 'unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom' in order to prevail over terrorist groups that use violence to advance a 'destructive ideology'. (ANI)

'Crazy' Mustafa Kamal should go to jail: NPP

London tube, london attack, london knife man, london syria, UK Syria, ISIS airstrike

New Delhi, Dec. 6: Taking a jibe at Mustafa Kamal over his statement that neither India nor Pakistan loves the people of the Kashmir Valley, the National Panthers Party (NPP) on Sunday said that the 'crazy' National Conference leader should go to jail. "Today he (

Mustafa Kamal) does not want to even accept that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. I think either he has gone crazy or he should go to jail," NPP chief Bhim Singh told . "One must understand who this man is. He is a second son of Sheikh Mohammed

Abdullah. He was a nationalist and secularist leader of this country," he added.

Kamal on Saturday stoked a controversy with his remark that neither India nor Pakistan loves the people of the valley. "By heart, both of them do not treat us as their own. Neither India nor Pakistan loves us

Hisar Delhi National Highway, 6 killed, road accident

Hisar, Dec.6: At least six people were killed and four others were injured as a truck and a car rammed into each other in Garhi Village on the Hisar-Delhi National Highway on

Sunday morning. According to reports, a head on collision took place between a truck and a Xylo in Haryana.

All the injured people have been admitted to the civil hospital. (ANI)

Security stepped up in Ayodhya for 23rd Babri Masjid anniversary

Neither India nor Pakistan trust Kashmiris: NC Srinagar, Dec, 6: National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal on Saturday said the at neither India nor Pakistan trust nor love the people of the Valley. "India and Pakistan have their stake in the issue. They should come together and iron out the differences and settle this issue taking all stakeholders on board. If they don't move in that direction, I am afraid that perhaps destiny has independence for us as neither India nor

6 killed in road accident on Hisar-Delhi National Highway

... In my opinion, Allah has destined independence for us and we will get it," Kamal said in Srinagar after paying tributes to his father and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 110th birth anniversary. (ANI)

Ayodhya, Dec. 6: Security has been stepped up in Ayodhya on the 23rd anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on Sunday. The district administration is making all efforts to ensure peace and harmony in the temple town and adjoining Faizabad. "6th December is celebrated as 'Vijay Parv'.

The Babri structure was a stain on the Ram Mandir.

We respect their religion and their devotion but the structure was made on the Ram Mandir. Why the structure of Babar should remain when he is no more?

So, it was decided to demolish the structure. With

the blessings of god, the construction of Mandir will begin. Temple should be constructed there," said Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the president of Ram Janam Bhoomi Nyas.

Meanwhile, Mohd. Hashim Ansari of Muddai Babri Masjid accused the Hindu Mahasabha of indulging in politics on this issue. "We have this case in the court.

There should be no drama outside the court. If any government give us our Masjid than we will support them.

This is the politics of the government. We will fight the case of Babri Masjid peacefully in the court," he said. (ANI)

Obama to address America on 'terrorism' from Oval Office

obama speech, obama address, obama terrorism, obama oval office

Washington D.C., Dec. 6: U.S. President Barack Obama will address the nation on Sunday from the Oval Office about his government's highest priority at the moment which is 'keeping American people safe'. The White House said that the President will provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the attack in San Bernardino "He will also discuss the broader threat of terrorism

-- including the nature of the threat, how it has evolved, and how we will defeat it," the statement said. President Obama will reiterate his conviction to obliterate the Islamic State of Syria and the Levant (ISIS) and will remind Americans to remain firm on their values of 'unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom' in order to prevail over terrorist groups that use violence to advance a 'destructive ideology'. According to reports, this will be a rare address as Obama prefers to address the nation from the East Room. He has made only two formal addresses from the Oval Office during his presidency, with the last one coming in 2010 to mark the end of combat troops in Iraq. (ANI)

UN Climate Conference: Delegate approve draft text

United Nations (UN) Climat Conference, Paris, France, draft text, French climate ambassador Laurence Tubiana

Paris, Dec.6: Delegates at the United Nations (UN) Climate Conference here have approved a draft text, which they hope will form the basis of an agreement to curb global carbon emissions.

The 48-page document will be discussed by ministers on Monday, where they will try to arrive at a comprehensive settlement by the end of next week.

Meanwhile, the French climate ambassador warned that major political differences still needed to be resolved.

Delegates from 195 countries worked through the night at the conference centre in Le Bourget, conscious of Saturday midday imposed by the French Presidency of this meeting. The weighty document will now go forward to ministers, who will have to take the many political decisions still required, if the text is to be turned into a long-term agreement. French climate ambassador Laurence Tubiana said nothing has been decided and nothing will be left behind. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

NEIGHBOURS

Taliban chief Mullah Mansour releases audio message Islamabad, Dec 6: The Afghan Taliban supreme leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour said in an audio message that he was alive and safe after Afghanistan officials claimed that Mansour was killed in a scuffle in Pakistan. "There is no truth in the rumours that I was either injured or killed in the infighting at Pakistan's Kuchlak area.

This is enemy's propaganda. The enemy has launched the propaganda to claim that the Taliban differences have led to infighting," Xinhua quoted Mansour as saying on Saturday. "I want to assure that there had been no incident of gunfight," Mansour said speaking in

Afghan Taliban supreme leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour alive and safe Pashto. The audio message was released two days after Sultan Faizy, a

PAGE 7

spokesman for the first vice president of Afghanistan, said Mansour had

died of injuries he sustained in a scuffle in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Faizy had claimed that Mansour was injured in gunfight at a meeting of the Taliban commanders in Kuchlak area of Balochistan. Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday issued an official statement saying, "The Afghan government confirms leader of a Taliban faction, Mullah Akhtar Mansour" was injured in a clash near Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, "but we don't know whether he survived." There was no independent verification of the audio. "The audio

message is aimed at giving you assurance that I am safe. This was an enemy propaganda who cannot tolerate the Muslims' achievements. The enemy was bent upon creating panic among the Muslims and the Mujahideen," the Taliban leader said in the message. He also said that he did not want to record this message but other Taliban leaders wanted him to say this to quash the rumours. "I am safe and my colleagues are safe. I am with my colleagues. I was not in Kuchlak," he said. The Afghan leaders who used the media to spread the rumours show their weaknesses, he said.(Agencies)

Ten injured at Bangladesh temple blast, 3 arrested

Bangladesh, blast, temple, Dinajpur

Dhaka, Dec 6: Ten people have been injured at a Hindu religious gathering in northern Bangladesh as three crude bombs went off at Jatra pandal

on the premises of Kantaji Temple in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur. A series of blasts took place in the afternoon when the people were watching a

jatra show arranged on the occasion of Rash Mela, leaving 10 people injured, police and witnesses said. Six of the injured were immediately rushed to Dinajpur Medical College and Hospital. Six of the injured were rushed to Dinajpur Medical College and Hospital. Police arrested three people soon after the blasts for their alleged involvement with the incident. The bombs might have been planted in the ground as most of the injured persons suffered splinter injuries in the lower part of the bodies. (ANI)

Russia accuses US of cover- Sri Lanka is committed to world peace: MS up over IS oil smuggling

Over 40 freed from Taliban prison in USAfghan raid

sions. The representatives apprised the President regarding the importance of endorsing initiatives taken by the Organization and the President said Sri Lanka as a country, which is committed to world peace will provide every possible support in this regard.

Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau - Dr. Kithsiri Dissanayake, Dr. Bernard Prem - Director General of the Bureau and officials from Foreign Ministry also participated in this meeting. (Agencies)

Karachi, Dec.6: More than 40 soldiers and police personnel, who were held captive in a Taliban prison, were freed in a massive raid by the Afghan military operations. The operation was conducted in Nawzad district in the opium-rich province of Helmand in Afghanistan. "Afghan special security forces... conducted a helicopter assault mission in Nawzad. After securing the prison, Afghan forces freed more than 40 prisoners comprising Afghan Police, Afghan National Army and Afghan Border Police members," the US military said in a statement. However, the statement did not shed light on the role played by the U.S. in the raid nor how and when the security personnel were taken hostage. But a shroud of confusion still surrounds the fate of Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, who was shot in a firefight during an argument between insurgent commanders in Pakistan.

The daily reports that the militant group has slammed claims that Mansoor was critically wounded in a shootout at a gathering near Quetta. (ANI)

Moscow, Dec 6: Russia's defence ministry on Saturday accused the United States of turning a blind eye to the trafficking of oil into Turkey from Syrian areas under Islamic State control, after Washington called the amounts involved insignificant.

"When US officials say they don't see how the terrorists' oil is smuggled to Turkey... it smells badly of a desire to cover up these acts," the ministry said on its Facebook page. "The declarations of the Pentagon and the State Department seem like a theatre of

Greek Parliament passes 2016 budget Athens, Dec 6: Greece's Parliament has approved the 2016 budget that includes deep spending cuts and tax hikes amid economic recession.

The budget passed early on Sunday, 153-145, with 2 lawmakers absent in the 300member Parliament. The vote was strictly along partisan lines. The government forecasts zero economic growth this year and a contraction of 0.7 percent in 2016. Earlier, it had predicted declines of 2.3 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Parliament that growth would resume in the second half of 2016 and a strong tourist season could avoid a recession altogether.

Despite spending cuts of around 2 billion euros (USD 2.18 billion) and a similar amount in tax hikes, debt is forecast to grow to 327.6 billion euros (USD 356 billion) or 187.8 percent of GDP from 180.2 percent in 2015.

(Agencies)

Youth hit by train in Maradana, dies Maradana, Dec 6: A 20year-old man had been knocked down and killed by a train plying from Maradana to Fort railway station last night. Police said the Batticaloa bound train from Colombo was travelling to the Fort railway station from Maradana railway yard when the accident had occurred. The victim was identified as Prasath Dilshan, a resident of Galgamuwa. (Agencies)

the absurd," the statement added, suggesting that Washington "watch the videos taken by its (own) drones which have recently been three times as numerous over the Turkey-Syria border and above the oil zones". US special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs, Amos Hochstein, yesterday said the amount of oil smuggled into Turkey from areas of Syria controlled by the Islamic State group is "of no significance from a volume perspective -- both volume of oil and volume of revenue". His comments

cant smuggling, between ISIL-controlled areas and Turkey of oil in any significance in volume," Hochstein said yesterday, using an alternative name for IS. Instead, US officials told reporters, the oil pumped in eastern Syria is refined in ad hoc desert pits equipped with crude stills and sold on the war zone black-market within Syria and neighbouring Iraq. Allied officials estimated the IS group's income from oil at 1.0 million to 1.5 million per day, but hope that renewed US, British and French air strikes have cut that.(Agencies)

Srilanka, Dec 6: President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said Sri Lanka is committed to world peace.

He expressed these views when he met a group of representatives of the Comprehensive NuclearTest -Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) at the President's Official Residence.The President appreciated the visit of the delegation headed by Lassina Zerbo, the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO. During the meeting, a cordial discussion was held between the

President and the representatives. These representatives met with the President during their training programme held at the Kandalama hotel, Dambulla from November 29 to December 05. Nearly 100 persons representing 13 countries including Sri Lanka participated in the programme. The CTBTO is an international organization that will be established upon the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, a Convention that outlaws nuclear test explo-

China, Africa call for homegrown solutions to solving African crises Johannesburg, Dec 6: Fifty African countries and China have wrapped up a landmark summit vowing to push for homegrown solutions to solve Africa's peace and security woes. The leaders met for what South African President Jacob Zuma dubbed "historic" talks, aimed at bolstering ties between the continent and its major trading partner. In a declaration adopted o n S a t u r d a y i n Johannesburg the leaders pledged to "continue to support each other on security matters and maintain peace and security." "We remain committed to seeking the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation, and China supports Africa in its efforts to solve African problems through African solutions," they said in the declaration. They

agreed to implement a China-Africa peace and security plan and "support the building of the collective security mechanism in Africa." Forty-eight leaders attended the second summit of the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC) which was held for the first time in Africa.

China offered a USD 60-billion-dollar financial package to target 10 areas, including industrialisation, infrastructure, financial services, poverty reduction and peace and security. Of the overall financial package, USD 60 million will go towards supporting the building of African Union's new 25,000strong multinational standby force which can respond to crises across the continent. In January China deployed a peacekeeping battalion in South Sudan.

South Sudan's Foreign

African countries and China have wrapped up a landmark summit Minister Barnaba Benjamin described China's peacekeeping mission to his country under the auspices of the United Nations as "a fundamental change in the

foreign policy of China". Xi told the closing session of the talks that "China and Africa are important forces for maintaining world peace and tranquillity and pro-

moting world development and the prosperity." "We have the responsibility and the capability to play a bigger role in international affairs." Mohammed al-Bairi,

Foreign Minister of strifetorn Libya welcomed China's expanding role in Africa from just economic and infrastructure to peace and security. "It's a way forward for us in Africa," he said. South Africa's foreign minister Maite NkoanaMashabane said the decisions of the meeting had "upgraded the partnership to a higher strategic level" and "will alter the trajectory of our continent so significantly." Leaders at the summit dismissed suggestions that China was exploiting African resources and becoming a de facto new coloniser. "That's nonsense," Zimbabwe's veteran leader Robert Mugabe told China's CCTV. "China never colonised Africa or anyone.

It is them (the West) who plundered Africa and they are still doing so up to now.

(Agencies)

Indian soldier Pakistan proposes 8 world heritage sites to Unesco Dec 6: Paki- suitable for inscription of country, Kallar Kahar's gist Dr Ayesha Pamela if they are not considcharged with spying Islamabad, stan will push for Unesco the world heritage list of Salt Range and Nagar Rogers said. She said an- ered world heritage," she to include another eight Unesco. The three-day Parkar in Sindh. Pakistan other significant reason said. Dr Rogers explained for Pakistan sites, that are of univer- workshop brought to- has been pushing Unesco for failure was the De- that pushing Unesco to sal value, in its lost of gether archaeologists and to include 18 sites of uni- partment of Archaeology enlist sites is an arduous

New Delhi, Dec 6: A former Indian soldier who had fought in the Kargil war in 1999 has been arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan in the Rajouri district of held Kashmir, television reports said on Saturday Munawwar Ahmad Mir was arrested on Friday in Rajouri after his name cropped up during investigations into an espionage case in which a Border Security Force official and a state government employee have already been arrested in Jammu and Kash-

Madhesis, Nepal govt talks end inconclusively Kathmandu, Dec 6: A crucial meeting held among Nepal's ruling coalition, opposition and the agitating Indian-origin Madhesis to resolve the prevailing political deadlock in the country on Sat-

came after Moscow accused Ankara of profiting from the trade. Russia and Turkey have in recent days traded allegations that they are involved in the illegal trade, further ratcheting up tensions after Turkish jets downed a Russian bomber on the Syrian border. The State Department has dismissed Moscow's charge against its NATO ally, which directly implicated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family in the trade, insisting there is no evidence to support it. "I don't believe that there is signifi-

urday failed to produce any concrete results. The tripartite meeting among the ruling alliances CPNUML and UCPN-Maoist, the main opposition Nepali Congress and Joint Democratic Madhesi Front was

mir. After his arrest by a joint team of Delhi crime branch and Jammu and Kashmir police, Mir was produced before a local court and has been brought to Delhi on transit remand, said. It said Mir was a member of the ruling Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party in Manjkote. The channel quoted unnamed sources as saying Mir had denied being part of any spy network and claimed that he was being wrongly implicated.

(Agencies)

world heritage sites.

"These sites are of national and cultural universal importance, and will attract tourists from across borders - that will help Pakistan generate income and improve its soft image," Ministry of Heritage Joint Secretary Mirza Mashood Ahmed said at the closely ceremony of a workshop on the Tentative List of Cultural, Natural and Mixed Heritage Sites in Pakistan,

cultural experts from all the provinces, to learn how to select important sites and monuments that could be added to the world heritage list. The eight new sites recommended by experts are: Central Karakoram National Park, the Juniper Forest in Ziarat, Deosai National Park, Karez System, the ancient city of Bhambhore in Sindh, Hingol National Park - the largest national park in the

versal significance for over a decade now. However, these recommendations were rejected because the proposed sites did not meet Unesco's criteria for world heritage sites. "The recommended sites and monuments were both, not well managed or maintained by the state, and were missing public facilities and infrastructure, such as roads, museums and information centres," archaeolo-

held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar here. Another round of talks will be held after four top UDMF leaders return from their planned visit to New Delhi beginning Sunday during which they are expected to meet top Indian leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chairman of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Upendra Yadav, President of Terai Madhes

Democratic Party Mahantha Thakur, President of Sadbhawana Party Rajendra Mahato and Chairman of Terai Madhes Sadbhawana Party Mahendra Yadav will leave for New Delhi on Sunday, the Madhesi Front officially announced on Saturday. The leaders met Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae at the Indian Embassy on Friday.

Today's meeting was ear-

lier scheduled for Friday but had to be postponed after the agitating Madhesi leaders failed to turn up.

The crucial meeting was held in a bid to resolve the months-long political crisis and border blockade facing Nepal following the promulgation of its new constitution in September, sources close to the Prime Minister said. Nepal's top leaders, including Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli,

Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala and UCPNMaoist chief Prachanda, yesterday decided to amend the new Constitution within the next three months to address the demands of Madhesis. Two major demands of the agitating Madhesi groups proportionate representation and allocation of Parliament seats on the basis of population - are incorporated in the constitution

and Museums' (DOAM) lack of resources, which were needed to prepare impressive dossiers for the proposed sites. "Dossiers are massive documents, and a dedicated team of experts backed by the state is needed to prepare them for consideration by Unesco," Dr Rogers said. She said she was optimistic about the eight recommendations, which fit Unesco's criteria. "I would be surprised amendment bill proposed by previous Nepali Congress led government.

Since the promulgation of the Constitution in Nepal in September, Madhesi population has been staging sit-ins on the border stopping flow of goods as they believe the country's new Constitution discriminates against them, denying them equal standing with other Nepalis. The agitation has obstructed

and time consuming task.

She said the first step is the submission of dossiers to be included in the tentative list. Six sites in Pakistan have already been marked as world heritage sites. These are Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, Rohtas Fort, the ruins at Mohenjodaro, Taxila, the Buddhist ruins of Takhti-Bahi, and the historical monuments at Makli.

(Agencies) supply of essential commodities including petrol thereby creating a crisis in Nepal, which accused India of imposing a "economic blockade". India maintains that it has imposed no such blockade, and the restrictions are a result of security concerns as Madhesis are protesting the new Constitution in the Terai region of Nepal bordering India. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Narendra Modi Was in Southeast Asia. Did He Act East?

The issue of dams in China and Brahmaputra go hand in hand Brahmaputra to get another 3 more Chinese dams China has approved the construction of three more dams on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet region apart from the Zangmu hydroelectric project that started operations in October. China has given the go-ahead for the construction of three new hydropower dams on the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra river, thus ending a twoyear halt in approving new projects on the river amid concerns from India and environmental groups. The 'Outline of the 12th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China' indicates that three more hydropower projects on the main stream of the Brahmaputra river in Tibet autonomous region have been approved for implementation by the Chinese authorities. As per reports which indicated that the Zangmu hydroelectric project that became operational in October is a 510 MW run-of-the river project.

Sushma Swaraj said the Indian government, in close cooperation with various state governments, including the Assam government, which were users of the waters of the Brahmaputra, continued to carefully monitor the water flow in the river for early detection of abnormality so that corrective and preventive measures could be taken to safeguard the livelihood of people of these Indian states.

China has, so far, only begun construction on one major hydropower dam on the main stream of the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra or Yarlung Zangbo as it is known in China - a 510 MW project in Zangmu in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which began to be built in 2010. One of the three approved new dams is bigger than the Zangmu project. A 640 MW dam will be built in Dagu, which lies 18 km upstream of Zangmu.

Another 320 MW dam will be built at Jiacha, also on the middle reaches of the Brahmaputura downstream of Zangmu. A third dam will be built at Jiexu, 11 km upstream of Zangmu. The capacity of the Jiexu dam is, as yet, unconfirmed. The three projects were listed in the State Council's energy plan for the Twelfth Five Year Plan period (2011-15), which was released on January 23 last. The dam will be built with a height of 124 metres and 640 MW capacity. The construction of the Zangmu dam in 2010 triggered concerns in India regarding possible impact on downstream flows. Chinese officials, however, assured their Indian counterparts that the project was only a run-of-the-river hydropower station, which would not divert the Brahmaputra's waters. The government has also built at least six smaller hydropower projects on the Yarlung Zangbo's tributaries, which, officials say, will have no impact on downstream flows.

Various issues relating to trans-border river are discussed with China under the ambit of India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) which was established in 2006.

The Government of India, under the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation on Transborder Rivers, signed in October 2013, obtains hydrological data from China on river Brahmaputra. India has urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas. While they are run-of-the-river projects, they will be required to store large volumes of water for generating power. Their construction is likely to trigger fresh concerns in India on how the flows of the Brahmaputra downstream will be impacted. However, with the three new approvals under the energy plan, four hydropower projects will now be built - all located within a few dozen kilometres of each other - on the main stream of the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra.

Centre Approves Relaxation Criteria for Funds Allocation to NE The Union Cabinet has approved relaxation in the existing criteria in the allocation of funds for the Northeastern states, other than Assam, to cover all vulnerable rural household by 2023-24. And has also approved providing relaxation in the existing criteria for allocation of funds to make adequate provision for the NE states, other than Assam, to cover under NRLM all vulnerable rural households in these States estimated at two thirds of all the rural households, by the year 2023-24, without linking the allocation to inter-se poverty ratios. The Cabinet has approved the existing cap of Rs.235.30 crore on the total outlay for Himayat may be replaced with a demandbased allocation and target within the overall budget provision of NRLM, and the scheme will be funded entirely by the Central Government. Moreover it approved changes in the rural welfare programmes for a focussed and targeted intervention in poverty reduction, expanding the benefits of interest subvention under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to 100 more districts and flexibility in allocation to Himayat programme and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana for skilling and placing more youth from poorer sections, said an official release.

Changes in the implementation framework of NRLM: Planning for targeted reduction of poverty using The Socio-Economic and Caste Census, SECC database and convergence with other social sector interventions - The use of SECC data would enable the Government to introduce much need focussed and targeted intervention in poverty reduction in rural area programmes The NRLM will use the SECC data to undertake planning for poverty free Panchayats involving Panchayati Raj institutions and Self-Help Group (SHG) of households.

The interest subvention to all women SHGs can avail loans upto Rs.3 lakh from Banks at the interest rate of 7 per cent per annum and also an additional subvention of 3% for prompt repayment, bringing the effective rate of interest to 4 per cent is being extended to 100 more districts from the current financial year.

However all new districts declared as Integrated Action Plan (IAP) districts which were not covered in the earlier list of 150 districts will be included in the list. And the remaining districts will be allocated to the States on a pro-rata basis in proportion to the total number of districts in the State/UT. The States will identify the eligible districts from among the IAP districts of NRLM. Also the states have been granted flexibility to have only a single allocation under NRLM, based on poverty ratio.

The Cabinet has approved removal of existing restriction which limits the allocation of DDU-GKY to 25 per cent of NRLM allocation to enable Ministry to expand its focus, inter-alia, to cover training courses of longer duration for placements in foreign jobs, captive jobs, industry internships, training by accredited institutes and champion employers, and re-skilling/up-skilling of rural poor youth, including rural poor youth who have passed out from ITls/Polytechnic Institutes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Malaysia and Singapore last week. What did he accomplish?

Harsh V. Pant Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Southeast Asia last week, visiting Malaysia and Singapore at a time of great regional turbulence. Modi attended the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur with an aim of not only increasing political, security, and economic cooperation between India and Southeast Asian countries, but also to raise India's profile in an increasingly important part of the world. Making a direct reference to the South China Sea dispute at the ASEAN-India Summit, Modi took aim at China when he said "India hopes that all parties to the disputes in the South China Sea will abide by the guidelines on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and redouble efforts for early adoption of a Code of Con-

duct on the basis of consensus."

At the bilateral level, India and Malaysia pledged to increased bilateral cooperation on a range of defense and security issues, including maritime security, disaster response, and cyber security. Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak made combating terrorism a top priority of IndoMalaysian ties, with Modi praising Razak for his role in combating extremism and radicalization in Malaysia.

India's soft power was also in the mix with Modi highlighting the cultural ties between India with Malaysia as he inaugurated a Torana gate, a traditional gateway to Hindu and Buddhist temples, with the Malaysian Prime Minister.

Next, the Indian prime minister went to Singapore to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore. Singapore is the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in India, and it is India's 10th-

largest trading partner. Not surprising, therefore, that Modi reached out to investors in Singapore, emphasizing his government's economic reforms and underlining to an audience of busi-

jected India as "the most open economy in terms of FDI." Among the many bilateral pacts with Singapore signed during Modi's visit, the most significant was the India-

ness representatives from over 300 companies that India's reforms have "successfully restored the credibility of India in the eyes of global players." Modi pro-

Singapore Strategic Partnership Agreement, which is aimed at broadening and deepening ties across various sectors including defense, economics, and ca-

pacity-building.

In Malaysia and Singapore, Modi addressed Indian expatriates and rallied them with his call for a greater Indian profile in global affairs, a message he has often repeated in front of similar crowds while on other foreign visits. Indians make up the third largest ethnic group in the city-state, after the Chinese and Malay ethnic groups.

Of Malaysia's total population of nearly 30 million, two million people are of Indian origin.

While and trade and investment remain central to India's outreach to Southeast Asia, the larger strategic context should not be lost sight of as India engages with the region. With his recent visits, Modi has succeeded in enhancing strategic partnerships with Malaysia and Singapore but New Delhi needs to engage with the region as a whole more substantively.

New Delhi needs to assure the regional states of its reliability not only as an eco-

nomic and political partner, but also as a security provider.

As the regional balance of power in Asia changes and as the very coherence of the ASEAN comes under question, there will be new demands on India.

The rapid rise of China in Asia and beyond is the main pivot even as Delhi seeks to expand economic integration and interdependence with the region.

India is also developing strong security linkages with the region and trying to actively promote and participate in regional and multilateral initiatives. States in the region are now looking to India not only as an attractive engine for regional growth but also as a balancer in view of China's growing influence and America's preoccupations elsewhere.

It remains to be seen if India can indeed live up to its full potential, as well as to the region's expectations.

Sino-Indian Border Talks Not Enough to Defuse Tensions Unless India and China can take positive actions, they risk drifting into a growing conflict on their disputed border.

Sarah Watson and John Chen India hosted its highestranking Chinese military delegation in ten years November 15-17 for talks on the Sino-Indian border dispute. Despite the unusually high status of the participants in this year's talks, the visit appears to mark only a brief pause in gradually rising tensions on the border between the two countries.

The 26-member Chinese delegation, headed by General Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), met with India's chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Dalbir Singh, Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Included in the Chinese group was Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's representative to this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, and possibly the next chief of the PLA Navy.

In spite of the "star power" of the Chinese delegation, expectations were not particularly high. Following the talks, Indian media reported that both sides agreed the border was "generally stable" and that they had endorsed "concrete actions to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders on border issues." These sensible suggestions gloss over the fact that China and India have been searching for

"concrete" ways to enact that consensus, the Border Defense Cooperation Agreement, since that document was signed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Premier Li Keqiang in October 2013. The Agreement alone was not able to prevent multiple flare-ups along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the past two years.

One of these episodes, in September 2014, saw 1,000 Chinese troops enter Indian-controlled territory on the western end of the border just after President Xi Jinping arrived for a highly anticipated visit to India.

Although it remains unclear whether Xi ordered the incursion or whether it was the result of a decision by a local commander. It was nonetheless seen by Indian observers and military officials as a deliberate "slap." India offered a stiff response and Modi requested that Xi intervene, but the stand-off persisted for more than a day. Whatever the motivation behind the incident, it soured the tone of Xi's visit. Ultimately, China announced only $20 billion of investment in India, rather than the $100 billion promised a few days earlier by its consul-general in Mumbai.

For this round of border talks, China's choice of delegation members is a positive sign, but the build-up

along both sides of the border requires more proactive measures to reduce tensions. India under Modi is pursuing a more bellicose approach. Modi, like his predecessors, visited the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state which China claims in its entirety. More unusually for India, where former military officers rarely participate in politics, Modi appointed retired Indian Army COAS General VK Singh to a dual portfolio as junior external affairs minister and cabinet member responsible for the northeast development.

Although he was replaced in the latter role after six months, Singh was the first military officer ever to hold the post.

Singh's role as cabinet point man on the northeast has been assumed by Kiren Rijiju, a native of Arunachal and a junior cabinet minister for Home Affairs. Rijiju has proved an outspoken and relatively high-profile member of the administration; in November alone he came close to accusing China of supplying weapons to insurgents in India's northeast and called for India to continue its support for the refugee Tibetan community. Finally, India recently finalized two long-gestating purchases that could augment its capacity in the northeast: 15 Chinook helicopters, suitable for carrying heavy loads in high altitude areas, and 145 M777 lightweight howitzers from BAE Systems.

The guns and the Chinooks are interoperable and are destined in part for India's new Mountain Strike Corps, based on the border with China.

India is also testing the status quo by encouraging increased settlement in sparsely-populated areas on India's side of the LAC. New Delhi is working to increase connectivity and availability of government services in the region, moving ahead with construction of a road connecting isolated villages in Arunachal, near the Chinese border; the 900-mile road is due to be completed in January 2018. Construction will begin on a second, 1200-mile highway that same month. Rijiju denies that India's efforts are aimed at China, but his claim that India is only "securing its territory" is incompatible with China's position that the entire area belongs to China. The more thickly settled the border area, the more unlikely it is that India will consider ceding this territory to China.

For its part, Beijing's military modernization efforts have only heightened tensions with India. A newly avowed emphasis on China's maritime interests created ripples of concern among Indian strategists, and China's effort to build a modern joint warfighting force continues to draw attention from wary Indian analysts. Large-scale Chinese infrastructure projects in Tibet generated considerable unease amongst Indian analysts concerned

Modi welcomes Xi Jinping to India

about the military utility of additional runways, roads, and railways, and China's almost year-round deploymentof advanced fourth generation J-10 and J-11 fighter aircraft in Tibet has likewise attracted scrutiny. The August 2015 livefire joint exercises in the Chengdu Military Region which borders India - likely did little to mitigate the tension. In light of China's tendency to provoke border incidents whenever highlevel talks are in the offing, warm words alone, even from a CMC vice chairman, remain unlikely to defuse border tensions.

The cautious tone of each country's readout from the meeting was in marked contrast to the warmth displayed in Singh and Fan's visits elsewhere. Each used his travel schedule to send a clear message about their countries' foreign policy priorities: the morning after Fan's arrival, Singh left on a visit to Japan, where he was the guest of honor at a dinner hosted by the

chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Similarly, Fan traveled to India via Pakistan, where he met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Sharif used the occasion to describe the Pakistan-China relationship as "the corner stone of his country's foreign policy," while Fan praised Pakistan for its fight against terrorism (specifically the East Turkestan Islamic Movement) and described China and Pakistan as "the best iron brothers" - echoing Nawaz Sharif's phrase during Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan in April.

Neither Beijing nor New Delhi wants war. India needs Chinese investment, and China sees India as an important market for its goods. But inertia is not on their side: unless they can take positive actions to reverse the current trend on the border, they risk drifting into a growing conflict.

Enemy from within Sir, Recently, a news published in a section of the Press rocked the entire nation. Arrest of a Head-Constable Abdul Rasid of the Border Security Force (BSF) along with one of his accomplices Kafaitullah Khan manifested the fact that these two persons had been hobnobbing with ISI, Pakistan transferring many confidential facts relating to the defence of our country. Crime Branch, Delhi-Police deserves Kudos for unveiling such a deep rooted conspiracy. Further, the special Task Force of Kokata Police arrested three persons Ershad Ansari, Asfak Ansari and Md. Jahangir all these persons are said to be dreaded terrorists of Pakistan on suspicion. Meanwhile, many incriminatory documents had been seized from the custody of BSF'S constable and his accomplices. In Assam, sometimes we feel asif we are sitting on a volcano that may erupt at any time. Certain departments of Assam government, namely Health, social welfare are fraught with good number of dubious nationals from Bangladesh. With the border along Bangladesh remaining wide open, Assam has now become the safe haven of some dreaded terrorists.

The BSF stationed in Assam - Bangladesh border miserably fails to deliver the goods, in checking the

smuggling of cows from India to Bangladesh. It is also alleged that some BSF Jawans allow entry of Bangladeshi Nationals accepting some bucks. The central government should remember 'A spark neglected burns the ,house'.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

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

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

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

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Anyone who is made of the stuff of a Tata, Birla, Ambani, etc.?

Anton Chakma Won't it be nice to have someone who is made of the stuff of a Tata, Birla, Ambani, etc. in Assam in particular and NorthEast in general? But, fortunately or unfortunately, we have not yet have had the opportunity to witness a general trend in Assam or North East for that matter that is a reflection of sheer business or commercial acumen. What I mean by this is - the business or commercial sector in the region has not yet touched the standards set by the likes of Tata, Birla, Ambani, etc. In the same breath, it is hard to pinpoint a business icon in the region who has left a blazing trail behind him like many others elsewhere.

Rightly taking note of missing stand-out busi-

ness icons in Assam and elsewhere in North East, Prof. Pranjal Bezborah, Professor of Commerce, Dibrugarh University, expressing his personal view says that the people of the North East region are not much interested in the field of business and commerce. His personal observation pertaining to the nature of the peoples is that they are "easily contended" who are easy going in life. Meanwhile, the field of business and commerce entails facing risk and uncertainty, he says adding that being easy going, people do not take risks and so, there are not much trade and commerce activities in the region not to speak of industries. As it is; there is a lack of risk taking ability and thus there is not much activity in this field.

But, fortunately, there is

hope as Assam and North East plod along in the business sector greatly helped especially by higher education institutions that have been providing quality education and training towards the advancement of the related sectors.

The 50-year-old Dibrugarh University, which has celebrated its Golden Jubilee Year only last year, has a comparatively new Commerce Department established in 1978. But within this period of time, the DU Commerce Department boasts of making substantial contribution to the business sector especially in terms of augmenting the teaching fraternity across various other educational institutions and itself and with its numerous alumni serving presently both in the government and private sectors. The DU

Commerce Department however only caters to post-graduate students through its M.Com, M.Phil and PhD programs. As of now, the research programs of the Department have produced around 45 PhD scholars, and every year, on an average; have been producing 50 M.Coms and 10 M.Phils.

With a view to delve deep into the dynamics of the business environment (the understanding of which is apparently a prerequisite to producing Assam's or North East's own Tatas, Birlas, Ambanis, etc.), the DU Commerce Department's research programs are centred around the problems related to industry, trade, commerce and other related development issues.

Analysing the state of affairs of the DU Commerce Department, Prof.

Bezborah says, "I would not say it is presently at a nascent stage. I believe it is in a developing stage while its future outlook is positive with its popularity growing everyday". For a change, Prof.

Bezborah says that the Commerce Department has now become competitive in contrast to what it was earlier with students giving first preference to taking up Science stream and then Arts stream. This is the result of liberalisation and the world becoming more commercialised, Prof. Bezborah says.

Taking note of the trend, the Professor of Dibrugarh University says that there is great scope for growth of the Commerce Department in particular and the discipline in general as to cite an example, only recently, the Department has taken up a program

of collaborative studies of research scholars with South Asian universities with the view to facilitate greater cultural and economic exchanges.

In terms of contributing to the society, Prof.

Bezborah says that as the Commerce Department has become competitive, so are the students who are also growing in number and this trend in turn has helped in the growth of the university's research programs. Eventually, he hopes that society would be greatly benefitted from the accomplished business and commerce scholars being churned out by the university who would in turn help this sector flourish.

As a way of reaching out to the stakeholders, Prof.

Pranjal Bezborah says, "The DU Commerce Department is imparting quality education. Dur-

ing the course of their study, students should always look to enhance their employability along the way".

Getting back to the ground reality, Prof.

Bezborah says that there is immense potential in the business, commercial and industrial sector of North East. However, peace in the region is a pre-condition for optimal development; the element of uncertainty due to cer-

tain secessionist or separate activities should be put an end to. Only then, people would fearlessly invest and business and commerce in the region would flourish. Being an integral aspect of civilisation, business and commerce would continue to be, but for greater development and advancement, these preconditions have to be met, Prof. Pranjal Bezborah says as he signs off.

Amidst The Intolerance Debate, How The Sangh Is Responsibility V/s Freedom Trying To Create An Ideal Minority Citizen in the Media Kshitij Dhyani Since the beginning of the entire national level debate on intolerance, the recent case of Aamir Khan (and following events) come out as the most shocking one. It is so not just because of the animosity in retaliationfrom Sangh-BJP camp, but because quite ironically they are willing to go to any extent of verbal and physical violence to prove those people wrong, who think India is turning intolerant.

Even the tolerance march organized by Anupam Kher was marred by the incidents of violence and intolerance. Now I don't wish to talk of any pre2014 golden age (or ever in history) of Indian culture of harmony and universal brotherhood, because it never existed.

However under the current regime, the issue of intolerance has not only become the elephant in the room but one which if you try to point at, you will be forced to accept its absence of through aggressive political ganging.

With the Aamir Khan issue, our political orientation and affiliation have finally reached a level where they supersede the influence of pop culture icons, without attaining the intellectual maturity such a position demands.

Due to the nature of this debacle, I am forced to see this as a case of cognitive bias based mass hysteria, as opposed to second political awakening of India since the Quit India Movement, a laAchhe Din. Narrative Of The Nation And Hindu Nationalist To understand the psychology of current Indian populace, we need to put things in the context of the great political-ideological shift the nation went through between 2002 and 2014, leading to the victory of BJP under current PM Narendra Modi (who commands a cult of personality). We must also take into account the polarization that was engineered around it by certain politicians, think tanks, corporate, and media houses, and the amount of money thrown into it. It is difficult to pin down the responsibility of this shift

on any one party, group or person, since the history of communal divide in the Indian subcontinent has been perennial, and of consistently violent and aggressive nature; only to be broken by brief periods of harmony. The current public shock and concern, hence originates from viewing this cultural shift as a watershed event. A major section of politicalsocial thinkers today see it as an end of the era where influences of seminal Indian political leaders like Nehru, Maulana Azad and Tagore, working and writing during the Raj to generate national communal harmony(which was much needed to generate a political movement to overthrow the British colonial rule), has died in public consciousness. The air of uncertainty borne out of this cultural-political shift as well as the daily influx of inflammatory statements from Sangh-BJP leaders, though much loved and cheered by their voters, is at the root of the fears being expressed around even otherwise rather banal exercises like renaming a city or a road.

I would like to begin with the event we know today as the "Partition of India", into two (and later three) nations in 1947. It is important that the event is still viewed and talked about as a partition, as a g a i n s t politicalunification and integration of numerous princely states, British provinces, states and union territories which constituted the British Raj with varying amount of autonomy, into two different nations. A quick study ofhistorical maps and literature may reveal that India, for most of its history was referred to as a subcontinent, the way Europe is referred to till date, over a political entity that we like to believe. The partition that really happened, was majorly of Bengal and Punjab, and had happened earlier under British Raj too. To think that any semblance of what we today recognize at a politicalgeographical level as India existed before 1947, outside of the ambitions of contemporary thinkers and leaders, is a figment of imagination. This imagination today can only be used to either fuel the

pains in the hearts of those who were dislocated during the unfortunate series of events, or massage the egos of those muscle flexing Hindutva-wadis who still harbor wet dreams of an Akhand Bharatha. This kind of a narrative builds in the hearts of an average Indian, a sense of victimization and vengefulness, and an attitude of us vs them.

Sangh Strategy Amidst of all this, the Sangh is trying to create the identity of an ideal citizen of a minority community, and if you are waiting for any surprises, I am afraid it is of one who lives by their trademark "Hindutva" way of life.

Only other optionsprovided are to either flee India for another nation (need more surprises? Well it's Pakistan), live as a second class citizen in the ghetto of your community, or face the wrath of the majority. Examples provided for an ideal minority community member are of relatively socio-economically privileged minority sections like Sikhs, Parsees, Jains etc. because they are not the ones who have the social, financial need to take away anything from the privileges of a common middle-class Hindu Brahmin Male. However, it must be duly noted, that Sangh ideology and its affiliates are in no way tolerant of the members of these minority groups either. It is just that historically the Sangh has always decided to choose blinkers to focus their wrath on Muslims, even in the times when our common oppressors were the British.

It may also be noted, that there is a clear difference in the workings of post2002 and post-2014 Modi. Though quite like the former, the latter al-

lows his leaders to make inflammatory remarks while himself walking around in the robes of a universalist-Hindutvawadi; the latter is more benevolent, politically correct, and inclusive in his public addresses towards minorities and other underprivileged sections of the society. The new Modi has learned that immediate subjugation of minorities is not possible, and hence he needs to pacify them for a bit longer, while allowing his own party members along with others from Sangh to systematically push them to invisibility from the national political discourse, through a clever use of threat and self-victimization.

War of Identities To witness the Sangh ideology in practice, there is no better example than renaming of Aurangzeb Road in Lutyen's Delhi, to Dr. APJ Kalam Azad Marg. The two identities played against each other are a direct representative of the aspirations of Sangh from Muslims, and completely disconnected with the kind of aspirations Muslims may have from themselves, individually or as a community. Now to be fair, both of them were fairly accomplished personalities, but with due respect to his career, Dr. Kalam embodied that ideal minority member that Sangh propagates the idea of. A Hindu deity worshipping (hence not perfectly Muslim), unmarried (hence not contributive to population growth), nuclear scientist (thus nationalist), Sangh admirer (he was the President during Vajpayee government); is a direct contrast to what Aurangzeb represented.

Even the idea of Aurangzeb is a challenge

to the status quo that Sangh wishes to establish in the sub-continent, for he is a Muslim who stood victorious against numerous Hindu (and to be fair, some Muslim) kings of his time. The politics is thus not merely of naming a road, but of identity.

Hence it comes as no surprise that the re-naming happened in such an opportune moment, i.e- right after the demise of Dr. Kalam, when the populace was most emotionally charged; tide of which Kejriwal unwittingly tried to ride.

Muslim Aspiration And India This incident resonates of exactly the kind of fear that the secular and liberal ideologues of the nation spoke of while commenting on the Aamir Khan issue. A successful Muslim man with an opinion that does not match with the group in demographic majority and political authority, and who is not afraid to voice it, is seen as a direct challenge to the status quo Sangh wants to maintain in the country.

Aamir not only represents the aspirations of each Indian through his monetary and social success, but through his prominent presence in the popular culture, is also a proof for millions of Muslims that they can achieve his status in this country despite belonging to a minority section. By attacking him, we are diminishing this ray of hope, and evoking threat and anxiety among Indian Muslims, exactly what Jinnah spoke of.

Hence, it can't be emphasized more, that if there is one "cause" that Sangh has done the most to prove right, is that of the person who divided this nation in their own opinion. Why then is it wrong to say that current regime is standing on the feet of sectarianism, acting as a direct hindrance to the aspirations of a common Indian Muslim?

I would like to end by emphasizing that in our democratic constitutional framework, there is no space for a government that does not represent the aspirations of each and every Indian, and BJP falls short of that by a large ideological distance.

Mireille Rodrigues How do we view the role of media in everyday life? Is it something that we admire and strive to emulate? Is it something to deplore about? Is it a reality check into lifestyles today? It obviously means something different to each of us. The media's portrayal of anything can open the doors to instant fame and fortune or instant denial and downfall. Which brings us to the question, "Do media persons owe a responsibility to the public to control expression in their films?"

Of course, the limits of expression can be applied to all fields, not just filmmaking, or journalism, or news reporting.

Almost every profession has scope for personal character to shine through the exterior.

Managers, who have become successful, often let their charisma boost the morale of their employees. A sports coach or the captain of a team shows his dedication during team workouts and during the game itself to inspire the other members. The delicacy and expertise of a surgeon's finger is necessary during most operations. And every teacher has his or her own method of imparting knowledge or wisdom to children. In the same way, the media is able to influence the public with their rendition of the truth, art, life etc. Filmmakers have a heavier impact, a larger appeal and have easily been more permanent through the generations.

Movies have a pretty wide influence. For example, many people protested when "Jodha Akbar," supposedly hurt their personal interest.

2009's "Precious" was a smack of reality in the face of other high budget films. Most movies reach out to all sections of society, class, religion, and region regardless. Cinemas are an ideal venue for promotion of public awareness

advertisements, in India at least. The Government screened advertisements related to terrorism in the wake of terror attacks. During the Swine Flu outbreak, they concentrated on education about public hygiene. While other issues such as women safety, pick pocketing, corruption and so on are yet to be addressed satisfactorily, it cannot be denied that whatever issues have been covered have had a moderate impact.

The Indian Film Industry is the largest in the world, releasing the maximum number of

filmmakers who make films on issues that matter to them have to just get lucky to hit the red carpet. Sensationalism can affect the public very drastically, so is it fair to say that those in the media field are also swayed and that this reflects in their work and from there back to an even greater following?

If true, should filmmakers act more responsibly in a mere attempt to steer the public to the right path as opposed to the popular route?

Maybe, it is sometimes a war between portraying a so-called ideal representation of society

movies every year movies that influence their audience. Yet, with such a large volume, how many of society's ills are focused upon?

And, to what scale? It is also to be noted that the public's interpretation of this art is highly dependent on culture and tradition, other media forms, peer influence and so called modernism. Is the correct representation lost in all the different mindsets?

Taking into consideration this often-gullible state of mind of the community, those in the media are capable of moulding the public outlook to that of their own. And, the media's liberty lies in the hands of the few individuals who have the means to express themselves in an appropriate avatar. Many struggling

against introducing the public to drastic and often alien concepts in the sheer hope of attracting controversy (read fame.)

But, one can swing the argument back to expression of character in ones work by arguing that their art is an expression of themselves.

And, many take their art seriously. Shouldn't artists stick to what they can do well and how they do it? Media attention has often done well in some instances of obtaining justice for women, clearing pending criminal cases and raising political awareness. Besides which, certain issues can only seem relevant at an appropriate time. Who is to judge exactly what is good for the society?

Moreover, on what grounds should this judgment be done?

BUSINESS Tata Sons to buy additional stake in Titan

PAGE 10

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

New Delhi, Dec 6: Tata Sons, the promoter of major operating companies of the Tata group, will acquire an additional 0.22 per cent stake in Titan Company at an estimated price of over Rs.66 crore, taking its total holding to 19.80 per cent. Tata Sons will acquire 0.22 per cent stake from Tata International as part of restructuring its investment portfolio, according to a BSE filing. In August, Tata Sons ac-

quired 2.18 per cent stake in the Titan at an estimated price of over Rs.680 crore taking its total holding to 19.59 per cent. Titan said the proposed date of acquisition is on or after December 11, and the shares are proposed to be acquired at the prevailing price on the date of acquisition. However, the acquisition price will not be more than 25 per cent of Rs.346.44 per share.

(Agencies)

123Stores reports record sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Source: www.aninews.in ANI Mumbai, Dec 6: 123Stores, Inc, the multi channel online retailer, reported record sales over the long holiday weekend from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday of over $ 4.4 million, a 122 percent increase over last year. "Holiday shopping started early this year as a large number of Black Friday promotions were available from the day of Thanksgiving itself. Accordingly, Thanksgiving sales were up 144 percent whereas, Black Friday sales were up 124 percent," 123Stores founder Sharad Kajaria said. Cyber Monday broke all records with the highest sales and units ordered in a single day.

Cyber Monday sales were up 120 percent Y-o-Y. The highest growing categories were home and garden, electronics and toys and games. 123Stores sold more than 85,000 units during the five day period, as compared to approx.

32,000 units last year, a growth of 160 percent Y-oY. Amongst the company's

market place channel partners, the Amazon Market place, the Ebay Sales Channel, the Sears Marketplace and the Bestbuy Marketplace saw impressive gains. The Newegg Marketplace witnessed the highest growth and Jet.com, the latest Marketplace partner, saw a great start. "123Stores added many new brands to it's catalogue during the year, and ran successful promotions for a large number of products. These partnerships were a win win for both the Brands and our Customers and we intend to grow these relationships into next year as well," Kajaria added.

123Stores, Inc. is a multi channel retailer with a strong technology backbone that combines supply chain logistics with real time customer data to create a compelling shopping advantage. The company is ranked 392 in the Internet Retailer 2015 Top 500 Guide and is ranked 1641 in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies

ICICI Bank not to enforce fine on EMI delay Chennai, Dec 6: In view of floods, ICICI Bank said it has decided not to impose any penalty on its Chennai customers for delay in EMI payments for November.

Besides, the bank will also waive off charges for cheque bounce for the same period, ICICI Bank spokesperson said. Recently, HDFC Ltd had also announced waiving off any penalty on its home loan customers impacted by the rains for any delay in EMI payments for November.

Torrential downpour has caused havoc and great difficulty to people in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai. The Finance Ministry asked all banks to restore banking services in affected areas as early as pos-

sible and provide ATM and other services to the people round the clock. All the banks in flood affected areas will remain open on Sunday and will also offer extended business hours.

Besides, the ministry has asked all public sector insurance companies to extend all possible help to flood affected people. Reliance Life Insurance said it has asked all its agents and sales staff to call all the customers in Chennai and check for their well-being.

The company has over 1.5 lakh customers there. This is part of the 'best business practices' being brought in

by Reliance Life Insurance's foreign partner Nippon Life.

(Agencies) Source: www.walkinfreshers.in

Suzuki launches two all-terrain vehicles Contd. from Page 1

Rs. 5.45 lakh, the Quadsport Z400 model will cost Rs 8.5 lakh, according to a company statement. “With the goal of expanding our product line in India, we have decided to launch two of our popular ATV models in the market,�

Suzuki Motorcycle India, Managing Director, Masayoshi Ito said in the statement. The company

intends to make a strong foothold in this growing market. In the first phase, Suzuki will sell their ATVs through authorised dealers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Jodhpur and Hyderabad. While the Ozark 250 model is apt for leisure activities, the Quadsport Z400 is the sporty ATV for high-performance off-roading with sporty chassis, torque loaded performance. (Agencies) Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com

Govt. reworking to connect 2.5 lakh villages with broadband

TATA SONS EYES TITAN Tata Sons, the promoter of major operating companies of the Tata group, will acquire more stake in Titan Company.

Additional 0.22 per cent stake in Titan Company is estimated at a price of over Rs.66 crore, taking its total holding to 19.80 per cent.

Source: www.businesstoday.com Tata Sons will acquire 0.22 per cent stake from Tata International as part of restructuring its investment portfolio.

The acquisition price will not be more than 25 per cent of Rs.346.44 per share.

ASSOCHAM welcomes CEA-led committee's suggestions on GST rate ANI New Delhi, Dec 6: Apex industry body ASSOCHAM has welcomed the report of Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian- led panel recommending standard GST rate of 18 percent and lower rate of 12 percent on specified goods. "This rate structure is quite appropriate and will be anti-inflationary for indigenous goods, however the cost of services will go up including some essential services like banking, telecom and information technology ( IT)," said ASSOCHAM in a statement. "The CEA panel has also suggested highest rate of 40 per cent on sin and luxury goods but not identified which items will be treated as luxury goods, in such situation it is feared that list of such goods may be expanded by including large number of normally used items by large population which is not desirable," the statement added.

ASSOCHAM further said such higher rate should only be applicable to sin goods. "The removal of one per cent additional tax is a welcome step as it will re-

Source: www.aninews.in the Government in expediting completion of BharatNet with fiber networks within stipulated timeframe. He said, "the implementation of these would attract more capital in the telecom structure in the country. The Centre has issued new guidelines to the States on critical issues in the spread of BharatNet like granting right of way to the fibre cables and setting up of telecom towers." T.R. Dua, Director General, Tower & Infrastructure Providers

Association (TAIPA) asked how many more towers could be set up when in Delhi itself the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is charging Rs 7.5 crores for a two kilometre right away.

"Telecom Infrastructure roadblocks are a major impediment in moving to Digital India," said Dua. By connecting 2.5 lakh Panchayat across the country, the Digital India initiative could transform India into an empowered society.

Solar capacity exceeds 5,000 MW Source: www.aninews.in move the cascading effect on cost of indigenous production by four to six per cent as goods move four to six times during entire value chain," it said.

ASOCHAM has always been advocating dropping proposed one per cent additional tax and levy of moderate GST Rates on all tradable goods and services, therefore the chamber fully supports the recommendations of the CEA-led panel to include petroleum products alcohol into the ambit of GST. Further, it suggests that with respect to alcohol, in addition to GST, states may continue to collect additional state excise duty to maintain the current level of taxation on alcohol.

ASSOCHAM fully sup-

ports the CEA's view that rates can't be put in the Constitution Amendment Bill to make the rates inflexible, however the chamber feels that rates should be stable and predictable to attract investments. A key government committee, headed by the Chief Economic Advisor, has suggested a standard GST rate of 17-18 percent, increasing chances of a consensus on the key reform so that the constitutional amendment that it entails can get passed in the current winter session as the clock ticks down to the April 1 deadline.

The committee has excluded real estate, electricity, alcohol and petroleum products while calculating tax rates, but has suggested to bringing them under the GST ambit soon.

Buy OnePlus X straight from Ola App ANI Bengaluru, Dec 6: Leading mobile app for personal transportation, Ola, and a fast growing technology startup, OnePlus, on Saturday announced a first-ofits-kind partnership in India which gives users an opportunity to buy the latest smart phone OnePlus X, ondemand, straight from the Ola app. This is the first ever instance in India where consumers can purchase the smartphone without an invite for a day and have it delivered at their doorsteps within 15 minutes of placing the order. The partnership aimed at delighting millions of OnePlus fans and Ola users will go live on the Ola mobile app only on December 8 across seven cities in India viz. Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Fans wishing to purchase the OnePlus X can open their Ola app and request a phone, just like they would book a cab, by clicking on the 'ONEPLUSX' category icon that will be available on the app between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Once the request is received, an Ola cab will arrive at the customer's loca-

ANI New Delhi, Dec 6: The Government along with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are reworking to achieve the target of connecting 2.5 lakh villages with broadband under BharatNet program within the given time frame.

BharatNet with its ambition of setting up broadband hubs in 2.5 lakh villages is critical to the success of the Prime Minister's Digital India program of building a 24x7 connectivity between government and the people and shift all economic and social activities on to ehighway, a panel of experts said at the 12th International Conference Broadband Tech India 2015 in New Delhi. While speaking at the inaugural session, Peeyush Agrawal, ITS, Member (Technology), Department of Telecommunications, Government of India highlighted the steps taken by

Source: www.dnaindia.com

tion; along with a representative from OnePlus, with the smartphone. Customers will get a choice of paying for their OnePlus X handsets through cash or credit/ debit cards. Vice-President - Marketing at Ola, Sudarshan Gangrade, said that Ola strives to deliver unique experiences to delight their consumers. "We continue to deliver unique experiences to delight our consumers by giving users a chance to buy a smartphone on-demand, straight from the Ola app

and get it delivered at their doorstep within minutes.

This is a testament to the on-demand nature of the mobility solutions, which the Ola platform offers and takes user engagement to an all-new level! We are thrilled to announce this partnership and take great pride in bringing this exclusive access to all Ola users," he said. Head of Marketing (India) at OnePlus, Karan Sarin, described the new initiative as 'unprecedented'. "The enthusiasm from our fans and consumers at large around the country to get our newestsmartphone, the OnePlus X, has been unprecedented. People love our products and we are enhancing the experience by making it even more convenient for our fans to get their hands on a OnePlus phone now. In an industry-first partnership with Ola and Amazon.in, we are taking a step towards engaging with consumers wherein they can purchase the OnePlus X phone in three easy steps - Book. Purchase. Delivered. All from the comfort of their Ola app," he said.

Chennai, Dec 6: India's total installed capacity of solar power has crossed the 5-GW-mark. The total commissioned utility solar capacity in the country stands at about 4.7 GW, while rooftop capacity is 525 MW, according to Bridge to India, a solar energy consulting firm "Solar

capacity of 1,112 MW of grid connected solar power projects and 44.5 MW of rooftop projects were installed. For the current fiscal, 827 MW of solar capacity has been added so far.

"While the central government has laid down the ambitious target of 100 GW by 2022, states have taken the

sector has got great momentum with capacity addition in 2015 more than doubling up over last year and total pipeline of over 15 GW of projects under bidding-cum-development," Vinay Rustagi, Managing Director, Bridge to India, said in a report.

During last fiscal, a total

lead over central government schemes in the last year. Encouraged by falling costs and growing need for green energy, states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have all announced substantial policy initiatives," he added. Rajasthan,

Gujarat and MP have historically been the front runners in solar power capacity addition, but the four southern Indian states are expected to dominate the market over next two years.

As of today, the country has a solar project pipeline of 15.7 GW. The fiscal year 2016-17 will be Indian solar market's transition year: annual capacity addition could top 6 GW with India becoming one of the leading solar nations globally.

"Consumer awareness has improved significantly in the rooftop segment and both business and residential consumers are keen to tap into rooftop solar. "We expect the rooftop market to grow at over 50 per cent rate in the next few years," said Mr.Rustagi. Solar Energy Corporation of India is engaged in implementing a number of renewable energy projects including setting up of 2,750 MW solar power projects under VGF (viability gap funding) schemes, solar Park schemes, roof-top projects a n d p r o j e c t s in association with other organisations.

(Agencies)

Samsung to pay Apple more than $548 mn New York, Dec 6: Samsung fought until the bitter end to avoid paying Apple, but the company now says it will finally hand over the more than $548 million it owes for infringing the patents and designs of its biggest smartphone rival. In papers filed in federal court in San Jose, California, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will make the payment by December 14 if Apple Inc sends an invoice. Asked if it had done so, Apple declined to comment. The payment comes after a U.S. appeals court last May reduced a $930 million judgment against Samsung by $382 million, stemming from a 2012 verdict for infringing Apple patents and

copying the look of the iPhone. Another trial over remaining damages relating to some of Samsung's infringing products in the case is set to go ahead next spring. Even though the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. had authorized damages to Apple in May, Samsung again appealed the final figure to the same court, and was rebuffed twice more. Now agreeing to pay, Samsung told the San Jose court that it expects to be reimbursed if it eventually succeeds in a forthcoming appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court over its liability for copying the patented designs of the surface, bezel and user interface of the iPhone, which

accounted for $399 million of the total award. South Korea-based Samsung also said it reserved the right to be reimbursed in the future if a decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office invalidating one of the Apple patents in the case, related to touchscreen gestures, is upheld. Apple intends to appeal that ruling and said in court documents it "disputes Samsung's asserted rights to reimbursement."

(Agencies)

5,000 acres land on lease in Sri Lanka: FM Colombo, Dec 6: The Sri Lankan government is willing to allow leasing of land to a foreign investor up to a maximum of 5,000 acres and relax the criteria in respect of projects which are "labour intensive with the focus on job creation," according to Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. Mr Karunanayake said any "investment-oriented" foreign investor could come to the country and do business without paying 100 per cent tax on leasing of land. "Earlier, the lease tax was very stiff." Answering questions on the issue, the

Minister made it clear that foreign investors would not be able to buy lands.

The only stipulation for the investors getting 99-yearlong lease would be that they should not try to "indulge in buying lands" and remain inactive in doing investments. For the purpose of foreign investments, the government had identified many thrust areas, each having a potential of investment for $ two billion.

Asked whether foreigners would be allowed for projects proposed under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode in respect

of the dairy sector and the construction of 100,000 houses in five years, Mr Karunanayake replied in the affirmative and said the term "private" would mean a local or a foreign investor while the term "public" would refer only to the local.

On the plan for establishing an international financial centre in Colombo, he said the idea was to bring in a number of banks, "which have not been here," to have offshore activities. He described as "doable" the deadline of April 1, 2016 for the establishment of the centre. Referring to the move

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.Source: www.newscurry.co

to liberalise tea import for value addition through blending, the Minister dismissed the criticism that this would adversely affect the domestic tea industry as one coming from "people with vested interests." He argued that the opening up of the sector would make the industry "much bigger" than what it was as a close industry. "At present, we have lost markets all over," he observed. So, the Mihin Lanka would confine itself to domestic operations while the other would be a regional player with long-distance flight services. (Agencies)

es e:

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Features

Page 11

ENVIRONMENT Himalayan Brown Goral Recorded WWF Initiative to keep snow leopards away from livestock in Valmiki Tiger Reserve The mammal's checklist of Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) - the only tiger reserve and national park in Bihar -- has a new addition.

Preferring steep but grassy mountain slopes with low tree cover and moderate shrubs interspersed with cliffs, the Himalayan brown goral (Nemorhedus goral) was for the first time sighted and photographed in VTR by a Patna based bird enthusiast and WTI's Rapid Action Project (RAP) proponent Navin Kumar. Kumar photographed the goral on the way to Naurangia Doan from Harnatanr in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Division-2.

The Himalayan goral belongs to family Bovidae and is categorized as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. It is primarily found in northern India east of River Satluj; along the Himalayas to Arunachal Pradesh and north of River Brahmaputra. Local villagers often mentioned presence of ban bakra (wild goat) in VTR. Perhaps they referred to goral. But, the

Himalayan Brown Goral. Source: www.wti.org.in confirmed photographic record of the species here is a matter of rejoice for conservationists, wildlife lovers and the Bihar Forest Department.

In 2013, Hoary-bellied squirrel, Himalayan serow, crab-eating mongoose and yellow-throated marten were also recorded for the first time in Valmiki. "In the last two years, this is the fifth species recorded for the first time in Valmiki.

Such records energize us.

We will monitor the area

more intensively to get more evidences of the species and accord desired protection to the goral habitat," said Mr RB Singh, Field Director, VTR. VTR lies in the Himalayan foothills and forms the easternmost limit of tiger distribution in Shiwalik hillsGangetic plain tiger landscape in the India. It is contiguous with Chitwan National Park in Nepal. WTI has been working in VTR for the recovery of tiger and other endangered species since

2003 with support from Bihar Forest Department, US Fish and Wildlife Services, Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Prince Bernhard Nature Foundation (PBNF) and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). It is due to unstinting efforts of the field team and support of these partners that a relatively unknown tiger reserve is making news today with evidences of new species inhabiting its wilderness.

(Agencies)

17,000 marine species largely unprotected A new study says that more than 17,000 marine species worldwide remain unprotected, with the U.S. among the bottom in supporting formal marine protected areas (MPAs) that could safeguard marine biodiversity.

Marine Species. Source: www.thehoopsnews.com The study, which is the first comprehensive assessment of protected areas coverage on marine life, appears in the international journal Scientific Reports. Authors include scientists from University of Queensland, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED), UC Santa Barbara, the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Imperial College London and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The authors looked at the ranges of some 17,348 species of marine life, including whales, sharks rays and fish, and found that 97.4

percent have less than 10 percent of their range represented in marine protected areas. Nations with the largest number of "gap species" or species whose range lie entirely outside of protected areas include the U.S., Canada, and Brazil.

Despite these dismal results, the authors say the study underscores opportunities to achieve goals set by the Convention on Biological Diversity to protect 10 percent of marine biodiversity by 2020. For example, the majority of species that were considered very poorly represented (less than two percent of their range found in

marine protected areas) are found in exclusive economic zones. This suggests an important role for particular nations to better protect biodiversity.

"The process of establishing MPAs is not trivial as they impact livelihoods. It is essential that new MPAs protect biodiversity whilst minimizing negative social and economic impacts. The results of this study offer strategic guidance on where MPAs could be placed to better protect marine biodiversity." said the study's lead author Dr Carissa Klein of the University of Queensland and CEED.

The authors say that it is imperative that new MPAs are systematically identified and take into account what has already been protected in other places, in addition to socioeconomic costs of implementation, feasibility of success, other aspects driving biodiversity.

"The increase in the number MPAs in recent years is encouraging, but most of this increase has come from a few very large MPAs," said Dr. Ben Halpern of UC Santa Barbara and NCEAS. "Those very large MPAs provide important value, but they can be misleading in thinking that biodiversity is being well protected because of them.

Species all around the planet need protection, not just those in some locations. Our results point out where the protection gaps exist."

Said co-author Dr. James Watson of WCS and the University of Queensland: "As most marine biodiversity remains extremely poorly represented, the task of implementing an effective network of MPAs is urgent.

Achieving this goal is imperative for not just for nature but for humanity, as millions of people depend on marine biodiversity for important and valuable services." (Agencies)

New snake species with pitch black eyes Extremely rare and hidden in the forests of the Andes, there are still new snake species left to find. This has recently been evidenced by the colubrid serpent, described for the first time in the present article.

Moreover, there is the vicious circle enwrapping its relatives: the harder it is to find more specimens, the tougher it is to describe and thus, start to identify them, which does not help in mapping their distribution and habitats. To address this issue, Dr. R. Alexander Pyron, The George Washington University, and his international research team have included a taxonomic review and discus-

sion on the relationships and origin within a nonvenomous snake tribe in a paper, published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

Slender and small, the new species, called Synophis zaheri, measures less than 40 cm in length, or between 351 and 372 mm.

Contrasting to its slim body with a distinct neck, separating the head from the body, its eyes are large and bulging, making up for more than a third of its head. Being black in colour, it is hard to tell the pupil and the iris apart.

While the upper part of the body is grayish-brown with an iridescent sheen, the

abdominal side stands out with its yellowish-white colouration.

Typically for the tribe, where the new species has been placed, it is also characterised with a highly modified spine and an enlarged scale row running over it. This is also where the name of this group of snakes comes from with "Diaphorolepidini" consisting of the Greek words for "differentiated" and "scales." Not so clear, however, is the name of the genus, which the authors have translated also from Greek as "with snake," but find themselves unaware of the

meaning behind. The species is named after Dr. Hussam El-Dine Zaher, a Brazilian herpetologist whose work has been foundational for South American snakes.

In conclusion, the scientists note that the rarity of the observed snake species, especially the genus, where the new serpent belongs, accounts for the unclear species-boundaries as well as for the myriad of undescribed species. "Dipsadine diversity in the Andes is clearly underestimated, and new species are still being discovered in the 21st century," they point out. (Agencies)

In the high-altitude Himalayan region of Ladakh, where resources are limited and survival is an everyday battle, humanwildlife conflict is on a gradual rise.

To reduce this stress on the local communities as well as the wildlife in this region -- and to manage conflict, WWF-India along with the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir, has initiated the construction of smart corrals that provide high protection to livestock from snow leopard attacks.

Recently, in the month of October, the first set of such predator-proof corrals were formally handed over to the local communities of Tuna, Matho and Yangthang villages. The communities will now own and maintain these enclosures. These new corrals are expected to massively reduce conflict by fully protecting livestock from snow leopard attacks.

The stress of conflict In Ladakh, where food and water resources are scarce and the dependence on livestock like yaks, cows, dzos (a yak-cow cross breed), sheep and goats is high, frequent snow leopard attacks on cattle are a major source of economic loss and distress to the local communities. According to studies conducted between 2006 and 2012,

attacks on domestic livestock by wild predators like the snow leopard, black bear and wolves, have significantly increased. Snow leopard attacks are the cause of major concern - from three attacks in 2006 to 32 in 2010, 46 in 2011 and 55 recorded in 2012.

Based on sighting index and reported attacks, WWF-India in 2014 conducted a series of studies in 11 villages -- Matho, Shang, Taro, Stok, Phey, Fiang, Kheroo, Tambis, Khangral, Umba and Khanji -- of Ladakh, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir.

Of them, three were the worst hit -- Khanji (13), Matho and Shang (8 each).

With agriculture being possible only for a short period of four months in these cold desert regions, livelihoods largely depend on cattle rearing and dairy produce. With limited livelihood options, the death of a single farm animal often costs the villagers dear.

Why conflict The snow leopards are elusive cats which typically keep away from human habitation, confining themselves to higher altitudes of the Himalayas.

Wild sheep and goats form the main prey base of these animals. However, over the past decade, increasing human intrusion is eating into the snow leopard

Source: news.yahoo.com

habitat, boxing them in and degrading and fragmenting their forest. Additionally, regular extreme weather events related to climate change have been threatening this region, forcing herders to keep surplus livestock as a security against loss. This, in turn, adds to the stress, affecting the primary prey base and threatening the long-term survival of snow leopards.

WWF-India has been working in tandem with the Jammu and Kashmir wildlife protection department since 2008, to protect biodiversity and maximise livelihood options in the high-altitude Western Himalayas Landscape.

Economical, easy, smart corrals These smartly designed corrals, constructed by our experienced field team in consultation with local communities are not only structured to be predatorproof, but also trap heat to

maintain favourable temperatures within the cattle pens so that healthy conditions prevail and the yield of dairy products increase. Currently, corrals are also being constructed simultaneously in Changthang and Rong villages.

Cost-effective and easy to maintain, WWF-India envisions reducing HWC in the Himalayan region with these smart corrals. Indeed, the local communities are optimistic. Ishey Angmo, a villager from Matho village, Ladakh, who began operating the corrals recently, said, "The morning after we started using the newly-constructed corral, we saw snow leopard pug marks right on the top of it. It seems the animal had wandered atop my pen last night. Thanks to the predator proof corrals, the animal couldn't reach my cattle and wreak havoc on my livelihood." Courtesy: www.wwfindia.org

Rare Amazonian butterfly named after Sir David Attenborough A beautiful new Black-eyed Satyr species has become the first butterfly named in honour of the popular naturalist and TV presenter Sir David Attenborough. Although not the first animal to be named after the British national treasure, the butterfly is so rare that it is known only from lowland tropical forests of the upper Amazon basin in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.

The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, led by Andrew F. E. Neild, Natural History Museum, London, and Shinichi Nakahara, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity and Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, is published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

The presently described

Caption: Rare Amazonian butterfly. Source: www.bbc.com Attenborough's Black-eyed tiple winner of the BAFTA Satyr, scientifically called award and a president of Euptychia attenboroughi, Butterfly Conservation. has such a restricted distri- "Other animals and plants bution that all of its known have previously been dedisites lie within 500 cated to Sir David, but it kilometres from each other makes us happy and proud in the north-west of the up- to be the first to dedicate a per Amazon basin. butterfly species in his Best known for scripting name," says Andrew Neild. and presenting the BBC "Although we are a large Natural History's 'Life' se- team from several countries ries, Sir David from across four continents Attenborough is also a mul- and speaking different lan-

guages, we have all been deeply influenced and inspired by Sir David's fascinating and informative documentaries."

The butterfly's atypical wings in comparison to its relatives, have been the reason the scientists took to plenty of diagnostic characters to define its taxonomic placement. The peculiar patterns and morphology initially led the researchers to think the species could be even a new genus.

"It was a surprise for us that DNA data supported inclusion of this new species in the existing genus Euptychia, since this species lacked a distinctive structural character which was considered to be shared by all members of the genus" explains Shinichi Nakahara. Courtesy: www.sciencedaily.org

Discovery of a hibernating primate Hibernation is a state of energy conservation during which body temperature and metabolism are drastically reduced. If this state lasts longer than 24 hours, it is called hibernation. Shorter periods are called daily torpor. There are many mammals that hibernate.

However, among primates hibernation is a rare capability, as it had been previously found in three species of lemurs only. Lemurs exclusively live on the island of Madagascar, where they hibernate during the dry season, mainly to conserve water.

Southeast Asian pygmy slow lorises regularly hibernate Now a team at the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology at the Vetmeduni Vienna, collaborating with colleagues from the Vietnamese Endangered Primate Rescue Center, has discovered another primate that hibernates: the

pygmy slow loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus).

They belong to the socalled wet nosed primates, reach a body size of about 20 centimeter and a body mass of 400 gram. They live in Southeast Asia and are nocturnal, tree-living animals.

The researchers investigated the body temperatures of five pygmy lorises in fall, winter, and spring in a Vietnamese primate reservation. It turned out that both sexes repeatedly showed hibernation episodes lasting up to 63 hours between December and February. According to first author Thomas Ruf, the underlying reason is likely an endogenous annual clock, which induces hibernation at a time of the year when food abundance is decreasing. However, it is also the decreasing ambient temperature that triggers hibernation. "In Vietnam, where we studied the animals, there are pro-

nounced seasons. Ambient temperature can drop to 5 centigrade. This is exactly when the probability of animals entering a hibernation episode was highest," Ruf explains.

According to Ruf, free living pygmy lorises are adapted to reduced food availability in winter. During the cold season food is sparse. Hibernation then helps to save energy.

"There had been anecdotal observations of pygmy lorises that remained inactive for several days. Occasionally animals were encountered that felt cool to the touch. However, we discovered only now that the lorises actually hibernate" explains first author Thomas Ruf. Hibernation as an overwintering strategy among primates Previously, scientists had assumed that the environmental conditions on Madagascar may have been crucial for the occur-

First Hibernating Primate. Source: www.dailymail.co.uk 10 rence of hibernation among primates. "Our new finding of a hibernating primate species outside Madagascar sheds new light on the evolution of hibernation," emphasizes Ruf. "Possibly, hibernation as an overwintering strategy was lost in other primates in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. However, perhaps hibernation is also used by further primate species, which have not been studied yet." Court e s y : www.sciencedaily.org

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"Chennaites have been strong in the relief operations. The young and old have come together helping everyone in need. I will also help in whatever way I can. The honourable CM has awarded me generously for my gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games medals and now I would like to do my bit to revive our Chennai. While I will help in relief operations wherever I can, I would like to make a contribution of Rs 2 lakh to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund."

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Indian Squash player Deepika Pallikal

PAGE 12

South Africa stonewall at Kotla after Rahane ton Agencies Delhi: South Africa resorted to dogged stonewalling in their pursuit of an improbable 481-run victory target after Ajinkya Rahane stroked his second century of the match to tighten India's grip on the fourth and final Test on Sunday.

The hosts declared their second innings on 267-5 half an hour before the lunch break as soon as Rahane (100) became the fifth Indian to score centuries in each innings of a Test match on the penultimate day at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium. Skipper Hashim Amla led South Africa's extraordinarily dour reply, taking 46 balls to get off the

mark as the visitors crawled to 72-2 at stumps after 72 overs of relentless blocking over two dot ball-littered sessions. Amla was unbeaten after making 23 painstaking runs from 207 balls while AB de Villiers managed 11 off 91 with South Africa still 409 behind the victory target. The visitors lost Dean Elgar cheaply before Amla and Temba Bavuma (34) started blocking balls after balls in a desperate bid to take the match into the fifth and final day. Even after Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Bavuma, the score moved at a funereal pace as de Villiers too curbed his natural aggression, needing

Tinsukia Town Club annihilate Tinsukia Town Club Blues Chandra Dutta Memorial Cricket Tournament Raushik Baruah Dibrugarh, Dec 5: Tinsukia Town Club thrashed Tinsukia Town Club Blues by 10 wickets in today’s match of the 1st Chandra Dutta Memorial Cricket tournament. The tornament is being organized by Tinsukia District Sports Association at the TDSA stadium. Tinsukia Town Club Blues won the toss and elected to bat first.

However, the decision backfired as they were bundled out for a paltry score of 110 runs in 31.4 overs. Anubroto Lodh was the only notable contributer

with 43 runs which included six boundaries. For Town Club, Abhilash Gogoi and Maqbul Hussain bagged four and three wickets each giving away 8 and 25 runs respectively. Chasing the target, Tinsukia Town Club romped home in just 11.5 overs with Rupam Dutta scoring a breezy 65 off 42 balls. He hit seven boundaries and five maximums enroute his innings.

His partner, Sanjib Baruah remained unbeaten on 35 runs off 24 balls. Tomorrow, Cosmo Club will take on Tinsukia Railway.

Shuttler Srikanth fails to clinch Indonesia Masters title ANI Malang: Top seeded Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth failed to clinch his second Grand Prix Gold title of the year after losing to second-seed Tommy Sugiarto in the men's singles final at the Indonesian Masters tournament

here on Sunday. Srikanth suffered a 21-17, 13-21, 22-24 defeat against the Indonesia shuttler in a summit clash that lasted for an hour. Earlier in the year, Srikanth had become the first ever Indian to win the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold tournament.

Ajinkya Rahane celebrates his second innings hundred.

33 balls to get off the mark.

Despite the presence of con-

temporary cricket's most destructive batsman in de

Agencies London: English Premier League champions Chelsea's fall from grace continued with a humiliating defeat by lowly Bournemouth on Saturday after Leicester City's improbable title challenge was bolstered by a 3-0 victory at Swansea City. A late headed goal by substitute Glenn Murray earned Bournemouth a shock victory at Stamford Bridge and left Blues boss Jose Mourinho trying to explain away an eighth defeat in 15 league games since the start of the season. Chelsea's first Premier League home defeat in their last 44 games against a newly-promoted side deepened the crisis at Stamford Bridge but lifted Bournemouth out of the drop zone.

Leicester moved two points clear at the top after Riyad Mahrez's hattrick sank Garry Monk's

Diego Costa of Chelsea shows his frustration during the Premier League match against Bournemouth.

sorry Swansea side. Their England striker Jamie Vardy's record 11-match scoring streak ended in south Wales but Algerian Mahrez delivered the points as Leicester capitalised on previous leaders Manchester City's dismal 2-0 defeat at Stoke City in the early kickoff. Mahrez netted twice in the first

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates with Gareth Bale (left) after scoring. tions, opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he volleyed in Pepe's cross. Benzema, who is under investigation over his alleged involvement in an attempt to blackmail France team mate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex video, added a second in the 16th minute with a low shot into the corner. Gareth Bale made it 3-0 in the 35th after being set up by Cristiano Ronaldo, who put Real out of sight against a woeful Getafe when he finished off a swift break three minutes later. It marked the first time this season Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo, collectively known as 'BBC',

end, captain Virat Kohli added five runs to his overnight score before a low Kyle Abbott delivery trapped him leg before to end the series-high 154-run fifth wicket partnership.

Rahane could not be denied his hundred, though. The 27-year-old slog-swept Imran Tahir over midwicket for his second six of the innings and stepped out against Elgar for his third to storm into the 90s. Rahane then took a quick single off leg-spinner Tahir to join an elite league of Indians that also included Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar (thrice), Rahul Dravid (twice) and Kohli.

Premier League: Chelsea stunned

by Bournemouth, Leicester go top

La Liga: Real's turbulent week ends; Barca held Agencies Madrid: Real Madrid ended a turbulent week off the pitch on a high when Karim Benzema struck twice in a 4-1 victory over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday before leaders Barcelona were held to a 11 draw at Valencia. Real's performance at the Bernabeu lifted them into second for a couple of hours before Atletico Madrid responded with a 2-0 win at Granada, while Santi Mina's late strike for Valencia rescued a point with new coach Gary Neville in the stands.

Neville, who was appointed last week but will not officially take over until Sunday, saw plenty to impress him as the home side recovered from falling behind to Luis Suarez's 59th minute goal to stun the Spanish and European champions. With 14 matches played, Barca lead on 34 points, two ahead of Atletico, with Real a further two points adrift in third. Celta Vigo have 25 points in fourth after they drew 1-1 at Real Betis, while Deportivo La Coruna are on 22 points in fifth following a 1-1 stalemate at home to Sevilla. Valencia are seventh on 20 points and Sevilla 10th on 19. Hammered 4-0 at home by bitter rivals Barca last month, Real needed a strong performance against city neighbours Getafe to relieve the pressure on coach Rafa Benitez. France forward Benzema, whose legal problems have been another of Real's off-field distrac-

Villiers and one of the most fluent scorers in Amla, the first 10 overs of their partnership did not yield a single run and things did not improve later either. In a low-scoring series in which no other batsman from either side managed a single hundred, Rahane took 206 balls to bring up his second of the match and the sixth of his Test career with the help of eight boundaries and three sixes. After India resumed on 190-4, Rahane played a couple of uppish drives before bending his knees for an upper-cut, chipping a Morne Morkel delivery over third man in an uncharacteristic show of aggression. At the other

have scored in the same La Liga game. Real eased off in the second half and Getafe defender Alexis Ruano pulled a goal back at a 70th-minute corner, prompting more whistles directed at their own team from some sections of the home crowd. Barca wasted a host of chances in the first half at Valencia, who were severely depleted by injuries and suspensions and are mired in mid table after an erratic season that prompted Monday's sacking of coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Suarez finally found the net when he raced onto a Lionel Messi pass and cracked the ball past goalkeeper Jaume

Domenech from a tight angle. It was the Uruguay striker's eighth consecutive game on the scoresheet, during which he has rattled in 12 goals.

Valencia had barely troubled Barca keeper Claudio Bravo until Paco Alcacer fed Mina four minutes from time and he cracked a superb shot into the top corner to bring the home fans to their feet. It was a morale-boosting success for Valencia ahead of their Champions League game at home to Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday, Neville's first game in charge, when they must win to keep alive their chances of advancing to the last 16.

half and struck again after the break as Leicester moved to 32 points, two clear of Arsenal, who are now second a point above Manchester City after a 31 win over Sunderland.

Two goals inside the opening 15 minutes from Stoke's Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, both created by Swiss

playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, condemned injury-hit Manchester City to defeat at a blustery Britannia Stadium.

Manchester United drew 0-0 with West Ham United to stay fourth, level on 29 points with neighbours City. Fifthplaced Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 at West Bromwich Albion after England midfielder Dele Alli's early strike was cancelled out by a James McClean header at the Hawthorns. Aston Villa's under-pressure manager Remi Garde is still awaiting his first win with the bottom club, who at least earned some comfort in a 1-1 draw at Southampton.

Villa have six points and are seven adrift of the safety zone, with Bournemouth and fellow strugglers Norwich City, who lost 2-0 at Watford, level on 13 points above Sunderland on 12 and Newcastle United.

Tamulbari emerge champions Avik Chakraborty capitalize on the scoring Dibrugarh, Dec 6: opportunities. However, Tamulbari Tea Estate Tamulbari Tea Estate emerged champions by de- mostly dominated both the feating Dinjan Udalguri proceedings. The chamTea Estate 2-0 in the final pion team was given Rs. of the Arun Jalan Memorial 16,000 along with a winprize money inter-garden ning trophy while the runr u n ners up ning Inter-garden football w e r e trophy awarded football tournament here at with Rs 8,000. Raja Dutta Mokalbari Tea Estate play- of Tamulbari was adjudged ground in Dibrugarh. The best player of the tournafinal was witnessed by ten ment while Papu Tanti was thousand spectators. awarded second best player Tamulbari Tea Estate of the tournament. The opened their account tournament was organized through Hemanta Gaur in by Mokalbari Kanoi Tea the 53rd minute. Shortly Estate in association with after, Aditiya Karmakar of Dibrugarh District Sports Tamulbari Tea Estate Association. Altogether, 22 doubled the score in the teams took part in the tour59th minute by converting nament. The referees were a pass from the left flank. Pradip Saikia, Indrajit In the first half, both teams Chetia, Rituporno Konwar toiled hard but could not and Debojit Gohain.

Assam is on verge of defeat vs Maharastra: U/19 Cooch Behar Trophy Mayukh Goswami Mangaldai, Dec 6: Host Assam is on the verge of suffering defeat against Maharashtra on the second day of four day Cooch Behar trophy elite group C match here at the Mangaldai stadium here today. When stumps were drawn today Assam with only three wickets in hand got a lead of only four runs in their second innings. It was again a dismal performance by the Assam batsmen as they lost seven of their batsmen with only 86 runs in the board in their second innings.Sandip Paul Mazumdar top scored with 28 runs, while Riyan Parag (18) and Sahil Jain (18) were the other batsmen reaching into double figures. For Maharashtra the pair of U.S. Agarwal (4/36) and S.A.Kothari (3/23) shared the host wickets among themselves. Earlier

resuming their over night first innings score of six without loss , Maharashtra riding on a fine quick century from Ruturaj Gaikowad (108 in 120 b) reached 204 runs in 48.2 overs and thereby gained a crucial first innings lead of 82 runs . Host skipper Mrinmoy Dutta (6/69) was the chief wrecker in the visitors innings while Riyan Parag (4/83) gave him able support.

Brief Scores: Assam Ist Innings: 122 all out in 52.4 overs ; Second Innings: 86 for 7 in 49 overs ( S Paul Mazaumdar 28 , R.Parag 18 , S.Jain 18 ; US Agarwal 4/36 , S.A.Kothari 3/23) Maharashtra : Ist Innings: 204 all out in 48.2 overs (R.Gaikowad 108 , U.S.Agarwal 36, M.Dutta 6/ 69 , R.Parag 4/83)

Bundesliga: Gladbach shock Bayern Agencies Munich: In-form Borussia Moenchengladbach struck three times in 14 minutes in the second half to floor champions Bayern Munich 3-1 on Saturday and inflict their first Bundesliga defeat of the season. Bayern's lead at the top of the league was cut to five points after second-placed Borussia Dortmund snatched a 2-1 victory at VfL Wolfsburg when Shinji Kagawa scored in the third minute of stoppage time, moments after Ricardo Rodriguez had levelled for the hosts.

Oscar Wendt put Gladbach ahead in the 54th minute and quick goals from Lars Stindl and Fabian Johnson knocked out Bayern, who looked stunned after winning 13 of their 14 league games in a record-breaking start to the campaign.

Franck Ribery scored on his comeback after an eight-month injury break but the Frenchman's 81stminute goal came too late to turn the game around.

Gladbach, who face Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, stretched their unbeaten run under coach Andre Schubert to 10 league games and climbed to third on 26 points.

Bayern, repeatedly caught napping at the back and lacking their usual pace on the wings with Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa out injured, were still

the better side in the first half. Robert Lewandowski connected with a superb Philipp Lahm through ball in the 18th minute and Thomas Mueller had a shot on goal but keeper Yann Sommer was well placed to save both efforts.

Kingsley Coman hit the post with a low drive in the

and Johnson beat the offside trap two minutes later before Ribery scored a consolation. Dortmund, who moved up to 35 points, struck through Marco Reus in the first half and desperately tried to protect their lead as Wolfsburg attacked after the break. The Wolves

home in the Bundesliga and earn Dortmund a sixth win in their last seven games. Hertha Berlin climbed up to fourth with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Bayer Leverkusen, who had Sebastian Boenisch sent off with a red card for a dangerous challenge.

Leverkusen, who host

Bayern Munich players after the final whistle.

25th minute.

But Gladbach hit the champions on the break, Raffael combining beautifully with Wendt and the Swede curling a low shot past keeper Manuel Neuer. Stindl was given far too much space and volleyed in on 66 minutes

thought they had done enough to secure a point when Rodriguez scored a stoppage-time penalty to level. But Japan international Kagawa broke free in the third minute of stoppage time and finished to snap Wolfsburg's 29game unbeaten run at

holders Barcelona in the Champions League, have now won just once in their last five league matches and are five points off Hertha in eighth place as their rollercoaster season continued with their sixth defeat of the campaign.

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