7th jan 2016

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Anup Chetia's Return a Shot in the Arm for Assam Peace Process Part I Page 8

Issue 213

Price -

Dibrugarh, Thursday, January 7, 2016

JOBS &

5.00

Terrorist activities on rise whenever BJP is in power: Shinde

Gold price shot up

CAREER

Pages- 12

Page 10

Page 9

Page 6

Geographical feature shields Arunachal HRD Minister Smriti Irani blows poll bugle for Assam Assembly elections from major impacts of earthquake “Arunachal was outside a 50 km radius range from the epicentre at Manipur’s Tamenglong region. In addition, the geology in Arunachal Pradesh is different.”

B.K. Rastogi

A landscape in Arunachal.

IANS Kolkata, Jan 6

Located at the northernmost tip of northeast Indian, Arunachal Pradesh, was fortunately, shielded from major impacts of the deadly Manipur earthquake because of its geography and geology, said experts, cautioning against complacency. They say lessons must be learnt from the disaster to build site-specific quakeresilient structures.

ET CAPSULES Youth drowned at picnic spot Doomdooma , Jan 6 : In an unfortunate incident ,one Reeki Shah ,22 , drowned at picnic spot while went to take a bath in the nearby river .

The incident occurred at the Arunachal Ghat of Buri Dihing river under Bordumsa police station of Arunachal Pradesh.

According to sources the deceased hails from Tinsukia district. He was a motor mechanic by profession.

The body was recovered due to the promptness of the local people.

The sudden demise of the youth brought sorrow to the picnic group.

The police take away the body and sent for postmortem.

It is noteworthy that illegal stone mining on the Arunachal Ghat is being done on a greater scale which has created deep ditches under water and the possibilities of such incidents has been increasing. (Correspondent)

Pradip Dangaria passes away Doomdooma, Jan 6 : Pradip Dangaria , a teacher and sport organizer passed away on Tuesday morning at his resident at Kakopather. Dangaria was 48 years old and suffering from diabetes and kidney ailments for a long time. Dangaria was a popular football player. (Correspondent)

Famous for its biodiversity, Arunachal Pradesh, sharing international borders with Myanmar, China and Bhutan, was perhaps the least affected when a 6.7-magnitude temblor along the Indo-Myanmar border jolted India’s northeast and east and neighbours Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

At least eight people were killed and more than 120 injured in the Manipur temblor that affected its other northeast

sisters including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim and Nagaland. A six-storey under-construction building toppled in Manipur's capital Imphal where the iconic Mothers' Market also took a hit.

“Arunachal was outside a 50 km radius range from the epicentre at Manipur ’s Tamenglong region. In addition, the geology in Arunachal Pradesh is different,” B.K. Rastogi, former director gen-

ET Bureau Lakhimpur/ Golaghat Jan 6

eral of Gandhinagar-based Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) told IANS. The soil in Manipur ’s quake-hot areas is alluvial which magnified the seismic waves, but most of Arunachal is rocky which doesn’t have similar amplification effects, explained Rastogi.

Contd. on Page 3

Tezu abuzz with pilgrims and tourists for historic and holy Parsuram Kund mela Bishnu Rana Tezu, Jan 6

The Parsuram Mela is all set to begin shortly as the makeshift structure of around 150 (one hundred fifty) are nearing to completion. The sleepy landlocked township once again abuzz with pilgrimages, tourists and businessmen who have started their footfalls both to take holy dip in the Kund and to make good earning in the grand Mela being organised here at the township which is virtually 45 Km distance from Parsuram Kund (a holy dip site). Like every year Mela held at Tezu during a holy dip at Parsuram Kund on the auspicious occasion Makar Sankranti.

Shopkeepers from Jammu & Kashmir, Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia from Assam and the other adjoining states throng the place to sell their goods in the form of Quilts, Jackets, Bed sheets, Shirts/ Pants, Coats, Ornaments, Utensils, Artefact and etc and go back with good profit. The

Sarbananda Sonwal addressing the meeting at Chandmari Playground, Near By-pass, Chaboti in Lakhimpur. Pic - UB Photos

"Despite being the MP from Assam, former Prime Minister Mon Mohan Singh betrayed the people of the State during his time. A great expectation was on him for the betterment of the state. If he had paid attention to the people of Assam,

they would have not been suffering a lot,’’ said Smrity Zubin Irani, Human Resource Development Minister of the Union Government in a public rally at Outdoor stadium playground in Lakhimpur.

Irani today beat the poll bugle of the Assam state Assembly election to be held in the month of April and called upon the people and the party

Assam govt constitutes committee for monitoring and implementation of the Cable Television Networks Regulations Act 1995.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 6

The Assam government has constituted a state level committee for monitoring and implementation of the provisions of the Cable Television Networks Regulations Act 1995.

The state government issued a notification on January 2 constituting the committee

under the Chairmanship of Assam Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary or Commissioner and Secretary as Vice Chairman, an official release here stated today.

The state Director of Information and Public Relations has been designated as Member Secretary of the Committee.

Contd. on Page 3

activists to get ready to dethrone the Congress from power.

While addressing Karyakrta Sanmilan she claimed Narendra Modi as a strong leader of the nation. She said that the Prime minister Modiji has think for the development of Assam and for that he has launched several developmen-

tal schemes for the people in all the sector. "The Union Government of BJP is positive enough to do what could not be done by the Congress during the long period of sixty years’’, she stated.

Contd. on Page 4

Minor girl abducted in Tinsukia Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 6

A 15-year-old girl was allegedly abducted a youth in Lohar Kachari village under Tinsukia police station.

According to complaint received on Wednesday, the girl was on the way to her school at Makum when the incident took place on December 29. The family member of the girl has named a local boy of the same village in the FIR, added police sources.

Officer-in-charge of Tinsukia

police station Hiranya Bora said that they have received a complaint of kidnapping of girl. On the basis of the complaint an FIR has been registered and investigation has been started," he added.

On the other hand, a police source suggested that it is a case of elopement but as the girl is a class 9 student and allegedly minor it will be treated as a kidnapping case. A case under section 366 of IPC has been registered.

All airbases in western sector put on high alert; Intel says more terrorists are at large A file picture of Parsuram Kund.

Tezu citizens have good time to cherish in doing marketing during this occasion.

The Bazaar Welfare Committee (BWC) has been facilitating every necessary amenity with the support of District Administration to make the Mela successful.

Tamiyo Tapak, DC Lohit is personally monitoring the preparation of the event by visiting the Mela ground. He also assured all kind of support in

conduct of the mega event.

“We are providing security, medical and other mandatory facilities for their comfort after proper permission from the DA and whatever revenue generated 40% of it is deposited to the government and rest kept for the welfare activities of the market”, informs Chang Tayang General Secretary BWC. The Mela will be continued up to 31st January 2016 next.

Agencies Gurdaspur, Jan 6

Intelligence input says that more terrorists are at large.

Days after terror attack in Pathankot's air base, all Western Sector airbases have been put on high alert after two suspicious men in army uniform were sighted near Tibri military station in Punjab's Gurdaspur. Acting on the intelligence input about Tibri, the entire around area around military station has been cordoned off.

In a pre-dawn attack, a group of heavily-armed Pakistani terrorists, suspected to be belonging to Jaish-eMohammed outfit, struck at the Air Force base in Punjab on January 2.

Security forces during the combing operation at Pathankot.

Several countries have condemned the attack in which seven securitymen were killed.

Pristine beauty of rare Rhododendron beckons you to the land of Monyul on sunny summer Enchanting Tawang plans to expand existing tourist circuits, Mega Tourist Destination Scheme to become another feather of success another story to tell you.

Yes, it's the pristine beauty of rare rhododendron that beckons you on every sunny summer to the land of Monyul, we have popularly known as the enchanting Tawang. But most of tourist S Medak the enthusia s t s across the globe are unknown to this untouched, virgin and unexplored beauty of rhododendron. The fairy tale behind rhododendron is, once the snow fades away from the hill beds of Tawang, flowers of Rhodo starts blooming and turned entire Tawang into a

Gautam Budha preaching his initial four disciples.

dreamy garden beneath the open canopy and that brings anyone to a new world of imagination.

If a little landscape is presented to the outer world that is the towering snow capped peaks feeding the horizon, long invigorating walks and quaint mysticism and much more …. representing a unique historic perspective mixed with natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and ChongChugmi ranges and Chu river and valley. Hence, visiting Tawang and its picturesque narratives ends on the winter itself about which much has been talked and packaged.

But there is still a hidden beauty lying in the summer of Tawang as the rosy rhododendron start blooming from the late winter that is from the month of March and last up to the end of August. The entire surrounding hills of the district are a hot bed of wild and indigenous rhododendron available in different species.

With its red, white, cream, purple and yellow color flowers brings you to another world you have never imagined to witness.

It's already manifested that Tawang has been the backbone of Arunachal tourism contributing highest revenue

to the state exchequer from hospitality sector. Adding more to this saga, Rhododendron distinguishes Tawang from rest of the tourist map in India. Hence, the land of Monyul is waiting to draft another success story by presenting the beauty of rhododendron this coming summer.

Various initiatives are on to present before you the magic charm of rhododendron on this coming rainy season.

Highlighting these initiatives, the District Tourism Officer (DTO), Tawang, Tsering Dekey told this scribe, "Earlier Tawang has recorded the flow of tourists only in the

winter. This time efforts are on to welcome and facilitate the tourists to experience the beauty of rhododendron. Accordingly, we will be start receiving increased tourist flow round the year. Here, summer will be a unique attraction with blooming Rhodo".

Appraising various schemes, Dekey said, central government schemes like Mega Tourist Destination has already been sanctioned.

Through this scheme, tourism department as well as the local stakeholders will get an a sustainable economic boost.

Contd. on Page 3

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Tashi Delek. Yes! The Monpas exchange Tashi Delek in their own Bothi language that literary wishing for your good luck and good health once we reach Tawang. Hence, once visiting Tawang, this div i n e wish of Debananda t h e Monpas reminds you to visit this quaint hamlet in the western corner of the state again and again.

Usually, your preparation to make a Tawang trip comes only in the winter. But have you ever thought of visiting this secret place during summer? Summer of Tawang has

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

Highlanders ride for peace and unity and Mr Vikash Manager of Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank on Wednesday from Haflong lake shore.

Niranjan Hojai, Chief Executive Member, N C Hills Autonomous Council flaging of the rally.

Anup Biswas Haflong Jan 6: A seven day tour-de-hills of Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram was today flagged off by Sri Niranjan Hojai, Chief

Executive Member, N C Hills Autonomous Council in presence of Shri Subrata Thaosem, Chairman of NCHAC, Mr Ihuing Pame, Executive Member Tour-

ism, Brigadier SP Vishwasrao, DIG 22 Sector Assam Rifles, Mr Amarendra Barua, DC Dima Hasao, Dr. GV Shiva Prasad, SP Dima Hasao

A diverse group of 24 Royal Enfield bullet enthusiasts of Haflong will be undertaking the driver.

This initiative of the Highlanders is aimed at promoting peace and unity between Tribes and non-tribes of Dima Hasao District. The Highlanders group was established in August 2015 with the aim of promoting peace and tourism in Dima Hasao District. The tour-de-hills titled ‘Brotherhood Ride for Peace and Unity’ is cosponsored by NCHAC, Tourist Department of the

Assam Govt, Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank and 22 Sector Assam Rifles.

It is learnt that the Highlanders would be calling on Governors of Meghalaya and Mizoram and the Director General of Assam Rifles and Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) during their seven day long ride. They will also be meeting local gaon buras and school children during their halts in Umrangso, Shillong, Silchar, and Aizawl.

Aizawl Thunders, the Royal Enfield Bullet club of Aizwal and Highlanders will be teaming-up for a social cause in Aizwal city.

DC, Darrang imposed Concern over irregular power ban on illegal con- supply in Lower Haflong, Sarkari Bagan area of greater Haflong struction on govt land ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Jan 6: Following the recent violent incidents in Hetou Chapori under Mangaldai Police Station, apprehending further breach of peace and tranquility in the charchapori areas of Darrang district , the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate , Darrang Manoj Kumar exercising power conferred under section 144 CrPC has imposed ban on encroachment of government land and any construction on such land with immediate effect. The order passed on Monday has also prohibited assembling of more than five persons in public places,

organizing public meeting, rally , processions, using of loud speakers etc without prior permission from the authority.

Sticking posters and writings on the walls of any government establishments, carrying sharp weapons etc have also been banned. The ban is imposed on running of ferries and boats in between 6 pm to 7 am in the district , as stated in a press release issued by the district Public Relation department here. It may be mentioned here some violent incidents recently took place in Hetou Chapori between two groups over the grabbing of government land in the area.

ET Correspondent Haflong Jan 6: The people of Lower Haflong and Sarkari Bagan area of greater Haflong have expressed serious concern over the irregular power supply coupled with unjustified load shedding in the area since long.

Meanwhile, the power consumers of Lower Haflong and Sarkari Bagan area of greater Haflong submitted a representation to the Assistant General Manager, A P D C Ltd CAR, Haflong Dima Hasao on Wednesday demanding immediate action.

The representation signed by at least 60 power consumers of the

area stated that they have been experiencing untold difficulties due to unjustified and prolonged load shedding for about ten years.

Due to such regular load shedding for hours (not at a stretch) that too in peak hours of business, the businessmen are at great loss. Moreover, the students who are appearing final and annual examinations are also the worst sufferers.

Under above circumstances, the citizens of Lower Haflong and Sarkari Bagan appealed to look into the matter and do the needful at the earliest so that people would not take any path

DC assures to filled 138 vacant post of ASHA worker in Nalbari District Ramen Kalita Nalbari,Jan 6 : A district level ASHA convention 2015-16 was held today at Nalbari Natya Mandir under the aegis of Nalbari district health society. The convention was inaugurated

by Dr Om Prakash, Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari.

Addressing the meeting, DC said that a rapid change is taking place in health sector due to the efforts of ASHA workers.

He assured that the 138 vacant posts of ASHA workers in the district would be filled up within next March. He added that due to the vacant post of ASHA workers the number of delivery in homes is raising in Char areas. He urged upon the ASHA workers to work with dedication for the upliftment of the society.

He further stated that the ASHA workers should play a vital role to edu-

cate the community in health centre and Bachiran Begam of all health aspects.

Chandakuchi Health The deputy commis- centre were awarded for sioner further said that their best performance in the works of the ASHA this field. workers would be monitor from this month and The meeting was adthe low performer dressed among others by ASHA workers would be Krishna Baruah , Additerminated from their tional Deputy commissioner of Nalbari, Dr job.

Chittaranjan Pathak, In the ASHA convention joint director of Nalbari three ASHA workers Health services and Dr Padumi Baishya of Premanath Bora,former Dalua Health center, state programme manSarala Nath of Baragra ager of NHM.

Satgari Govt. MV school gears up for cenetary celebrations Shajid Khan Tangla,Jan 6: Satgari Govt. M.V school an educational institution, which celebrates and respects diversity in all its hues, and endeavours to touch the pinnacles of excellence, will rejoice to celebrate its 100 years of glorious existence. Preparation is currently under way to celebrate the historic moment with a three-day extravaganza on January 16, 17 and 18. Established in 1907 during the pre-independence times the

school located at Tangla has always been the backbone of education in earlier Darrang district and presently Udalguri districtand its surrounding areas.The colourful celebration will take off on January 16 with the unfurling of 100 school flags by the school teachers, exteachers, alumni and officials of the Cenetary O r g a n i s i n g Committee.The celebration will culminate on January 18 with an open session, scheduled to be attended by

Ramen Deka Member of Parliament Mangaldai Lokshabha , Santius Kujur Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha,Research scholar Ismail Hussain, Kamali Basumatari MLA Paneri LAC, Khampa Borgayari Deputy Speaker BTC,Jagadish Sarkar EM BTC,Bonjar Daimari EM BTC and others. The three-day festivity is packed with serious brainstorming sessions, rich display of culture,science exhibition. According to the organisers the prepara-

tions have been going since months back. The three-day festivity will include host of buzzing activities like Alumni Meet,Cultural programmes,rallies,drawing competition and many other events. On January 18 a cultural night programme will be organized were popular singers Dwipen Baruah and Vreegu Kashyap will enthrall the audience. A group of comedians namely 'Maheswar Nath and his team from Mangaldai will also entertain the audience.

HELPING HAND

of agitation in this regard.

The Assistant General Manager, A P D C Ltd CAR, Haflong : Dima Hasao Nekib Ahmed while giving patience hearing assured that within February next this problem would be resolved.

It is to be mentioned here that the people of Lower Haflong and Sarkari Bagan had been approaching the authority concerned time and again but the authority failed to provide regular power supply without any disruption for the reasons best known to the authority concerned.

CORRIGENDUM 1. “20th” death anniversary of Late Bakin Pertin was observed, not 19th.

2. Late Bakin Pertin was permanently settled at Mirbuk village, Pasighat in the year “1971” not in 1997.

LOST & FOUND I Miss Leeta Tayang daughter of Solingso Tayang have lost my original Class X ‘All India Secondary School Certificate 2009’ passed Certificate and Marksheet bearing Roll – No 3119624somewhere at New Mekailiang village. According an FIR has been lodged at PS Tezu to trace out the missing document under vide Tezu PS B.D.E No. 06 dated 05/01/2016 but failed.

CORRECTION In the court of first class judicial magistrate Tezu of Lohit district AP, I Miss Leeta Tayang daughter of Solingso Tayang permanent resident of New Mekailing PO/PS Tezu has corrected my spelling of Surname as ‘Tayang’ which was wrongly written as ‘Tayeng’ in my school certificate as well as Father’s and Mother’s surname. The Tayang surname is written in every Document / Certificates creating confusion and does not relate. Henceforth, from Tayeng to Tayang is corrected for my future convenient as Leeta Tayeng and Leeta Tayang is the same and identical person.

Members of Hopeline, a Jorhat based NGO distributing warm clothes to the needy and poor in the town. Pic - Nekib Ahmed

ASTRO FOR YOU You will be indecisive today, which is not usually the case with you. This could lead you to indulge in speculation, which is not so bad unless you risk all your money in it. Besides, when it comes to matters of the heart, you must exercise a great deal of caution.

Impulsive action kicks in as you work and interact today. Do not let the pressure and strain cloud your thoughts, and instead focus on acting on the things at hand. If you find things spiralling out of control, take a break and listen to some music that soothes your heart.

Today, you will decide to become a bit more conscious about your health.

You may or may not join a gym or measure your calories, but you will definitely sit up and take notice of your lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. A new job is also likely, which will open a completely new chapter in your life.

Today, you will put your heart and soul into whatever task you take up. And, that’s a great thing to do. Don’t lose heart though, if despite the best efforts, the results of your efforts are not too forthcoming. Feeling dejected is only going to hamper your progress. Remember that you’ll receive your due sooner or later. Spend some time with your loved ones to revive yourself. Alternatively, a quiet evening tucked in the bed with a nice book is also a great idea.

If one were to put an earnest spirit and a frank attitude together, the result would be a Leo; it’s like your hallmark. And with qualities like these in your kitty, don’t be surprised if you happen to reach a milestone or two today. Will it be marital bliss or career success? No matter what the area is, be assured that your societal standing shall get a heady boost today. Just don’t let the success go to your head.

The booster rockets of your ambitions and spirit to work will kick in at the maximum today. Seek recreation after a hard day’s work and look to relax at private parties, social-dos and even weddings.

“Every man has specific natural abilities”, said Aristotle. This seems to be true for you today. Your natural talents will be acknowledged and documented at work. This might prompt your equals to hold you up above the rest, and for your seniors to positively encourage you to scale greater heights. But as always, be careful to make sure that success does not make you heady with arrogance. Keep yourself firmly grounded, and remember that, ‘pride cometh before the fall’.

You will find yourself thinking with your heart rather than your head today.

You may not be able to repress your feelings, and you should not even try.

But you should be careful about how you express them, particularly in public as people may judge you wrongly on the basis of it.

Today, your superiors at work are going to trust you with many complicated assignments. But, after exerting yourself, you are sure to come out with flying colors and have your work appreciated. Do not be surprised if cash incentives come your way. Such may indeed be your fortune.

You will be a live wire, today. With amazing exuberance you have completed mammoth tasks and have spread the energy around. It will give you tremendous job-satisfaction. Everything seems well and good the personal front, too. Spending some quality time your spouse will relax your mind and keep you in an upbeat mood.

For a moment, it seems that you’re swamped with problems. But you are brave enough to deal with any ugly issue that crops up suddenly. There is hint at a romantic evening, which may just be time together in a jacuzzi, or simply preparing a meal together. Pure ecstasy!

You are fond of traveling and are always looking for an excuse to set off.

Hence it comes as no surprise if you pack your bags and decide to embark upon a journey on a whim today. It is a much needed break too, from the daily stresses of earning a livelihood. While you are seeking solitude, you will take your friends and relatives along with you on the trip.

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

7-1-16 (THURSDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme)-Live Phone In Programme on "Magh Bihur Sanskriti Aaru Parampara", Expert-Durlobh Burhagohain 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 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 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of Directorate of Distance Education, D.U) 9-30 P.M-National Programme of Regional Folk and Light Music 10-00 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

Si- Donyi celebrated Support for bamboosa grows ET Correspondent Naharlagun, Jan 6: The Si- Donyi festival of Tagin community was celebrated with traditional fervors and gaiety here at Si-Donyi ground near Helipad, Naharlagun. The festival is celebrated every year from 5th to 8th January by Tagin community to celebrate and pray for well being of community as a whole. The Tagins believe that the all pervading SI-donyi is the supreme authority of the existing life.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Parliamentary Secretary for UD and Land Management, Teachi Kaso,

asked all the senior members of the community to impart their traditional knowledge and wisdom to their younger generation so that they can carry forward their tradition and culture ahead. The Parliamentary Secretary also appeal all to spread the message of love, peace and togetherness while celebration the festival.

Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary Supply and Consumer Affairs, Nyamar Karbak, while wishing the people for prosperity and great year ahead asked the people not to forget their own traditional, culture and

festival no matter what religion they follow. He further appealed, especially the younger generation to preserve their culture and language.

On the occasion mementos was given to Mithun donors, former Chairperson and Secretaries of Si-Donyi. SiDonyi Mythology was read out by Secretary General SiDonyi Committee, Capital Complex and Mega dance was performed by dance troops from capital complex and districts. Earlier, Tagin folk tale title â•œthe Story of Himbin Techiâ• a comic book was released by the Chief Guest.

GJCMCC finalizes all Events for Mega Mopin Celebration

Wakro, Jan 6 : Bamboosa Library received an affectionate encouragement with Divya Singh contributing cash for rebuilding the Bamboosa at Tezu. Divya, a research scholar in Max Planck Institute, Dortmund accompanied by parents Deepa and Deven Singh expressed her strong solidarity with the Lohit Youth Libraries. Divya is the first recipient of the BAMBOOSA MEMENTO OF GRATITUDE delivered at the hands of reader activist Asuni Khamblai. Deepak Sharma, Trustee, Sri Sri Rural Development Program of the Art of Living expressing his strong support to the Lohit Youth Libraries promptly handed over his contribution.

Deepak also gave boxes to help the Vacation Mini Libraries by the Library Network. Earlier Deepak travelled to RiWATCH campus in Khinjili to meet the founder of the library movement. Interacting with members of local NGOs he opined that here is a won-

derful affectionate leader who dedicates his life to the service of the people and society. Salutations to his grit and determination, the commitment and hard work is inspiring added Deepak.

Deepak assured to continue his support and exhorted all to support the noble cause.

BAMBOOSA MEMENTO

OF GRATITUDE was presented to Deepak Sharma.

A core committee headed

by Bapen Kri has been formed to rebuild the Bamboosa.

Members of Wakro based NGO thanked Vivek Singh for supporting rural Arunachal with talented youth volunteers. In an en-

couraging gesture Divya Singh took up the responsibility of sponsoring the education of a rural Arunachali child. The cause of service to Arunachal that is inspired

by His Holiness Swami Sri Sri Anubhavanandaji is very close to my heart and the sweet Apnes are very

dear to me, complimented Divya as she conveyed her New Year wishes to the rural school children. The Apnes presented dances and sang to commemorate the occasion. Deepa Singh and Deven Singh appreciated the Apnes and the teachers and staff for the service rendered.

Last phase enrollment of APCMHIS underway Aalo Jan 6: In a meeting held under the Chairmanship of Shri Doi Ado President, Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee all events for invitation, sports, cultural, felicitations etc were thread barely discussed to celebrate the coming mega event at Gumin Kiin on Jan 5 last.

Speaking on the occasion, GJCMCC President Shri

1 dead in road mishap ET Correspondent Teok, Jan 6: In a road accident held at Teok – Kawoi Mari road under Teok Police station of Jorhat district, one person was spot dead today evening. According to sources, a goods carrying truck (AS04-AC-4707) which was on its way from Teok to Kawoi Mari hit a person named Sarbananda Sarmah (60) due to which the person died on the spot.

Sarmah hailed from Kawoi Mari Gohain gaon. The Teok police quickly swung into action and the truck was taken into possession. A case had been registered and further investigations are on.

Doi Ado and Secretary Shri Henrik Basar disclosed their month long tour to different parts of the state to garner support and mobilization of fund by teams of GJCMCC where overwhelming responses were receieved from Galo inhabited areas of the state. They sought cooperation right from grassroots level to the top and urged all in charges to present their DPR and

fund requirement to sort-out all arrangement at their level level in advance.

Elaborate arrangements are being made pertaining to paintings, filling up of Pinku Pinte Leker, Prist House, Gumin Kiin and other structures within the celebration ground. The committee will also take up approach CC Pavement from Nehru Chowk to Donyi Polo Dere.

Assam govt constitutes committee for monitoring and implementation of the Cable Television Networks Regulations Act 1995.

Contd. from Page 1

The other members of the committee are Director General of state police, Secretary of Social Welfare Department, Secretary of Women and Child Development, Director of Doordarshan Kendra, Guwahati Working Journalist President Prasanta Rajguru, NGO activist Sunita Changkakoty, academician Dr Trisha Duwarah

Bora, psychiatrist Sangita Dutta and sociologist Tabiul Hussain.

The Committee has been constituted so that no cable operator can broadcast or telecast any undesirable contents at the state level as per the Cable Television Networks Regulations Act 1995. The term of the Committee will be two years from the date of issue of the notification, the release added.

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi inspects progress of construction of 360 bedded Arunachal State Hospital Itanagar, Jan 6: Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi today inspected the progress of the construction 360 bedded ward segment of Arunachal State Hospital.

The project is funded under the forward linkage project under the Union Ministry of Health, GoI for strengthening and upgradation of Arunachal State Hospital, Naharlagun. Ugradation of ASH is also a pre requisite for establishment of Medical College in the State.

CS enquired about ensuring proper provisions in terms of sewerage and drainage plan and interrupted power provision. He directed to submit estimate for provision interrupted power supply and assured to provide fund inRE. Director Health Services, Dr. Moji Jini informed that the ward segment will completed by August, and OPD, Lab,OT,Blood Bank and Administration Block will also be accommodated for timebeing to facilitate the next phase of construction.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, Cs called for monthly review of progress to further speed up.

Later, in a meeting with senior medical and programme officers of the Health Department , Shri Negi reviewed the imple-

mentation of various programmes and the delivery of healthcare services for the benefit of the people of the state.

The Chief Secretary also enquired about procurement of medical equipments for providing healthcare services and stressed on proper utilization of equipments purchased for the treatment and diagnostic care of the particularly the needy and poor patients.

On the need for early establishment of proposed Medical College, CS suggested for working out all required formalities for establishment of Medical College.

He was accompanied by Secretary Planning ,IPR and Printing , Shri Sonam Chombay, Commsisioner Health,Bolung Siram.

Later, the Chief Secretary, also inspected the progress of construction of Office Building of Soochna Bhawan in PapuNallah.

When informed that progress of the Soochna Bhawan has been delayed due to non release of fund, CS directed for immediate release of fund amounting to Rs. 98 lacs for completion of Soochna Bhawan at the earliest. The project was started in 2012.

The Department of Infor-

mation and Public Relations, which is vital wing in disseminating the information and awareness of the welfare programmes and policies of the State Govt is presently functioning in the old civil secretariat SPT Building built in 1971 and the the entire area is now allotted for the ASH campus.

Earlier, CS also visited the State Library in Itanagar to assses the feasibility for the provision of the Reading Room to attract readers with all required state of the art facilities including cafeteria to cater need of the visitorsand suggested for solar panel for generating electricity to minimize recurring cost of power. ,Later, he also visited the Directorate of Printing and while visiting all the sections and got a first hand insight into the functioning of the printing equipments and noted that with the available equipments and skills, the directorate can also besides printing of Govt printing works, can also take up all kinds of printing works. He lauded the commitment and hardwork of the officers and staff and asked to keep up level of commitment.

missioner Isha Khosla along with JDHS (T&R) Dr. Kabang Lego, DMO Dr. M Perme and Medical Supdt.

Dr. YR Darang reviewed arrangements today in the camp.

Last phase enrollment of APCMHIS underway.

Pasighat, Jan 6: A large number of people thronged at enrollment centre set up at the Pasighat General

Hospital Audi-Visual hall here to enroll their names for obtaining the APCMHIS Smart Card. The District

Medical Officer had organized the camp for the residents of Pasighat Township.

East Siang Deputy Com-

In her message to the people, DC khosla appealed the denizens to enroll their names stating that it is a unique health scheme that aims to provide free medical and surgical treatment for hospitalization in government and private hospitals in cashless manner to the families of Arunachal Pradesh. By cashless manner it means that when a beneficiary approaches an empanelled hospital for

Geographical feature shields Arunachal from major impacts of earthquake Contd. from Page 1

Common principles of geography and energy distribution played a key role in the state escaping the disaster.

“As the distance from the epicenter increases there is an equal decrease in the energy released and subsequently a decrease in the effect.

“This is one of the factors why Arunachal Pradesh did not see damage during the Monday's quake,” Gibji Nimasow, a professor in the geography department of the Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, told IANS. Manipur bore the brunt of

the temblor, which struck at 4.35 am and left a trail of devastation in the region: at least four people were injured in southern Assam, walls of some residences and other buildings cracked in Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland where the intensity was strong.

IIT-Guwahati’s Chandan Mahanta pointed out the quake was distinguishable from other temblors in the region because of its duration (more than 30plus seconds) but Arunachal, home to the great Indian hornbills, was lucky time-wise too.

"While the first quake was only for a second in Arunachal Pradesh, the second quake on Monday lasted for few seconds, less than a minute, which

saved the state from disaster," Nimasow elaborated.

While the magnitude of the tremor was 6.7 in Manipur and Assam, it slumped below 6 in Arunachal, said Nimasow.

“The potential to cause damage was low as the temblor’s intensity was less,” disaster management coordinator for UNDP project Sarat Das, told IANS, from Tripura, adding the quake was classified as a moderate intensity one.

According to the USGS, moderate to large earthquakes in the region around northeast India, where the subcontinent collides with the Eurasia plate, are fairly common.

India's northeast region is considered the world's sixth

most earthquake-prone belt.

In the last 100 years, some 19 other quakes greater than magnitude-6 have occurred within a 250 km range from the site of Monday’s temblor. The largest was a magnitude-8 quake in 1946.

But northeast India has not learnt its lessons yet despite its vulnerability, lamented Durgesh C Rai, of IITKanpur’s National Information Centre of Earthquake Engineering.

“Copying building designs from other cities for modernisation is not right.

Buildings in earthquake prone regions should be according to the site-specific codes,” Rai told IANS.

Pristine beauty of rare Rhododendron beckons you to the land...

Contd. from Page 1 Provision available within the MTD scheme includes, Viewing Gallery of Jang Water Fall, Development of Tsechu hot water spring, Parking place development in Monasteries and, MP Theatres.

Besides these, the district administration and particularly the tourism department have been trying to expand the existing tourist circuits since the PAP (protected area permit) and RAP (restricted area permit) has been relaxed and made more convenient now," added Dekey. Reaching in Tawang one can witness the expression through beautifully orchestrated music and dance routines in the Monpa fairs and festivals that chants in your mind and hearts ever again.

The stretch to reach your dream Tawang covers a distance of 350 km starting from Tezpur, the Headquarter of Sonitpur district in Assam to the 17th century Monastery built on jutting spur overlooking the wide Tawang valley at an altitude of 10,000 ft.

Presently, to improve the infrastructure of this beautiful tourist destination, both the state government and the central government besides the local private entrepreneurs

have been taking a lot of initiatives to provide a better accommodation to the visitors.

Talking exclusively to this scribe, Dekey further informed that local youths were provided high end taxi cab under Chiep Minister's Paryatan Vikash Yojna (CMPVY) which was launched in the year 2012.

Since the launching of CMPVY, 23 such high end taxi cabs have been provided to the beneficiaries of Tawang. Moreover, under CMPVY, home stay operators are also provided subsidy for development and maintenance of two rooms with western toilets to attract more tourists to the rural villages.

Sharing her secrets of success stories in Tawang tourism, Dekey said, "Our Religion and culture of local people has a similarity in hospitality services. Significantly, people have realized the scope and advantages behind it. Tourism industry can only boost people economically here.

Pointing out the growth of tourism in Tawang, she informed, "Every year 5/6 new hotels are joining the business.

Mentioning that the providence of high end taxi cabs under CMPVY became another milestone to meet the growing demand, Deke opined that the proper utilization of it benefited a lot to the unemployed youth.

CMPVY has been felicitating the home stays through monitoring, sensitization programs and training in regular intervals.

"Tourists' first preference has always been a smooth road.

Now the cutting and widening is going on. Now visitors can fly around every nook and corner to touch the beauty of Rhododendron," said Deke.

Recently, helicopter services had stopped from operation from Tawang helipad due to several accidents occurred earlier, specially the Late chief minister Dorjee Khandu's air accident that scared a lot. But from the last October onward, it has been renewed again from Lumla helipad to receive high end tourists. Helicopter service is given twice in a week on Tuesday and Friday via Lumla.

Earlier, fairs and festivals and the natural landscape were the traditional attraction of Tawang. Now full efforts are on to promote another Tawang to the outer world with the packages of Rhododendron so that people can visit this place round the year, Dekey said.

As the pockets of scenic rhododendron are lying in the far away hill tops, so home stays can be the best accommodation for the tourists. Considering this, tourist department has recently recommended 19 more home stay operators in differ-

ent villages nearing to the view point of Rhododendron, she further pointed out. Presently 15 home stays are operating; 6 in Zemithang circle and 9 are in Tawang and its adjoining villages. Morerover, there are more than 45 commercial hotels besides number of guest houses, tourists lodges in Tawang town.

Categorically mentioning the role of local people to boost tourism in Tawang, Deke said, "Govt/department can just sensitize to promote and implement various schemes, but the stakeholders, the local people must participate and change their mindset. Tourists are quite critical to handle. Since, tourism is a service industry; we have to be quite careful to meet their requirement."

Mentioning the role of the department, she said, "So we are conducting various training programs for the tourism service providers. We also took them for exposure tour to Sikkim from time to time. As a result, self employment generation has been increased in Tawang.

Revealing the department's requirement from the present government, Deke said that sufficient fund provided for organizing regular training, workshop, sensitization programs, exposure tour, to develop infrastructure, marketing and publicity.

treatment, he or she is not required to make any payment instead the payment is made on his behalf by the Insurer to the empanelled hospital.

During her visit, the DC issued directives to the district health authority for wide publicity and extra arrangement (before and after the scheduled time) for government employees so that normal official works is not hampered. Later she inspected the ongoing construction of the 50 bedded MCH Wing building and expressed happiness over the progress. She instructed the executing agency for timely completion and to maintain quality. (DIPRO)

CS chairs preliminary meeting for celebration of Statehood Day Itanagar, Jan 6: The Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi chaired a preliminary meeting with regards to celebration of Statehood Day 2016 and Festival of Arunachal at CS conference Hall Itanagar on January 5.

In departure with the normal Statehood Day function, the meeting discussed to celebrate the 30 years of Statehood Day with a difference at State Capital and all districts in befitting manners.

Apart from the normal programmes, it was decided to organize lead up programmes as a precursor to the Statehood Day and Festival of Arunachal. The programmes will spread over at different locations of Capital region.

The main attractions of the events will be symposium on “Growth of Representative Government in the State” and debate & essay competition on 30 years of journey of progress at RGU Doimukh, a symposium by APSCW on “Journey of women progress during the three decades” and Workshop on Performing Arts & Theatrical Events. ‘Street pageant’ will also be a special feature of the buildup events to the Statehood Day celebration.

The functions will also be organized at district level with varied programmes like food festival, exhibition on the rich bio-diversity and traditional sports.

The meeting was attended by all the Commissioners, Secretaries, DC & SP Capital and DIPR.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

ASHA workers urged to play role of educator Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Jan 6 : A district level ASHA convention 2015-16 was held at Nalbari Natya Mandir under the aegis of Nalbari district health society today.The convention was inaugurated by Dr Om Prakash,deputy commissioner of Nalbari lighting a ceremonial lamp.

Addressing the meeting the deputy commissioner said that a rapid change is taking place in health sector

due to the efforts of ASHA workers.He assured that the 138 vacant post of ASHA workers in the district would be filled up within next March.

He added that due to the vacant post of ASHA workers the number of delivery in homes is rising in Char areas.He urged upon the ASHA workers to work with dedication for the upliftment of the society.He further stated that the ASHA

workers should play a vital role to educate the community in all health aspects.

The deputy commissioner further said that the works of the ASHA workers would be monitor from this month and the low performer ASHA workers would be terminated from their job.

In the ASHA convention three ASHA workers Padumi Baishya of Dalua health center,Sarala Nath of

Baragra health centre and Bachiran Begam of Chandakuchi health centre were awarded for their best performance in this field.The meeting was addressed among others by Krishna Baruah ,additional deputy commissioner of Nalbari,Dr Chittaranjan Pathak,joint director of Nalbari health services and Dr Premanath Bora,former state programme manager of NHM.

Training on Fire Extinguishing and Disaster Management Skills at DHSK College A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan. 6: Fire brigade technicians displayed fire extinguishing skills to the NCC cadets at the ongoing 10 Assam Battalion Camp held in DHSK College today. The students of the college were also present during the eye and

mind captivating programme. The cadets as well as the students were informed regarding necessary precautionary and safety measures to be taken during natural disasters or accidents. The resource persons imparted training to the cadets on the use of

AVS brings laurel to the school by participating in cultural olympiud ET Correspondent Tezpur, Jan 6: The Assam valley school near here brought laurel to the school by participating in cultural Olympiad of Performing Arts 2015 held in Bangkok, Thailand for the Classical and Folk dance category.

prize.

In the group Classical category out of 138 participating group the AVS group comprising Tannaz Hoque, Yashvi Lohia, Anuja Barooah and Nitika More managed to secure 3rd. position while in

It is to be mentioned that in the Solo Folk ( Bihu) dance category out of 82 participants, Aarushi Lohia bagged the 1st

solo all classical dance open category Rubi Bora Bordoloi bagged the meritinous prize (4th) out of 97 participants.

Silver jubilee session of Udalguri Bathaou Mahasabha to get underway Shajid Khan Tangla,Jan 6 : The silver jubilee session of Udalguri district ‘Bathou Mahasabha’ is going to be held at Harisinga from February 6 to 9, 2016. The Harisinga Bathaou Anchalik has taken the initiative to organise this big religious and cultural event of the Bodo culture.

The venue of the event is fixed at Sonaisri Fwthar, Harisinga. Meanwhile volunteers have been put to work to colect population and education data of the Bodo people and with the collected data a souvenir magazine would be published where data's of popu-

lation; education, occupation of people number of service holder, cultivates, buisiness man would be published.Earlier onDecember 13 2015 the foundation pillar of the silver jubilee programme of Udalguri Bathou Mahasabha was instilled The pillar was laid by Founder of Udalguri Bathaou Mahasabha 'Alongbor Babru Bahan Swargiary' in presence of large gathering of people.The four days will be marked by various cultural, religious programmes, along with exhibition of sericulture, agriculture,culture of bodo community would be held.

fire extinguisher, using rope to climb down a burning building etc. A live demo was performed to display fire extinguishing skills. Dr. S.K. Saikia, Principal of DHSK College, encouraged the cadets as well as the students to learn these necessary

safety skills. Dr. Saikia also briefed the students regarding making preparations to qualify for National Defence Academy situated at Nagpur. Group Commander Brigadier Sanjeev Manchanda was also present in today’s camp.

Governor condolences A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 5 : Governor of Assam and Nagaland, P. B. Acharya has expressed his deep concern over the massive earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude which struck the Northeast at 4:35 A. M. of 4th January and the unimaginable miseries left behind by it. Already 8 persons have lost their lives in the disaster while more than a hundred have been injured and more than 300 structures have been damaged.

The Hon’ble Governor has conveyed his condolences to the members of the family of the bereaved and has prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The Governor said that Assam and the Northeast have a long history of earthquakes beginning, as per available records, from the 8.3 moment magnitude earthquake of 1897 followed by the 8.6 moment magnitude earthquake of 1950 and as per expert predictions,

earthquakes of greater intensity might follow.

An earthquake of the magnitude of the recent one has come after a long time, he said.

He has, therefore, appealed to the people to prevent the wanton destruction of forests and called for the conservation of natural resources in the best possible manner. He added that unplanned destruction of the ecology results in the increase in natural catastrophes which cause havoc to humanity.

He affirmed that conservation and protection of the ecology is the only way to prevent and reduce the disaster brought about by natural calamities. “We must, at all cost, refrain from destroying nature in order to save ourselves,” he remarked.

He added, “Only by being friendly to nature and protecting it, can we hope to avoid the further occurrence of such disasters. Love and care of nature is prevention of natural disaster.”

Smrity Irani inaugurates newly constructed building of Kendriya Vidyalaya ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Jan 6: Smrity Zubin Irani, union Human Resource Development minister today inaugurated the newly constructed building of Lakhimpur Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) at 11am in a program held in a befitting manner. She participated in the program as the Chief Guest along with Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of State (Ind) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Utpal Dutta, the MLA of Lakhimpur LAC who attended the program as the Guests of Honor. The NCC unit of the KV welcome them with immense enthusiasm. The program began with Vande Matoram and it was followed by the lighting of lamp by the Guests.

Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 Tezpur students presented the welcome song while D Manju Nath, the Assistant Commissioner of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangsthan, Tinichukiya Region presented the welcome address. The Chief Guest was over whelmed on seeing the talent of the School.

In her lecture, she declared to open the commerce and humanity stream in the school very soon. Moreover, she promised to estab-

Smriti Irani, HRD minister of India inaugurating Kendriya Vidyalaya school building in Lakhimpur. Pic - UB Photos lish ten e-classrooms in the school. She elaborated the developmental changes of the Education Department nationwide. "People can avail the 'e-pathsala' Mobile App to download the NCERT and CBSE books free. Another Mobile App 'sarangsa' is designed to supply the progress and drawback report of any stu-

dent to their parents through SMS. Parents can consult with the teachers to lessen the drawback of the student through the App"-she said in the inaugural Ceremony.

Sarbananda Sonowal also delivered short speech in the program. He ruminated the golden intellectual history of Lakhimpur in his

speech. Principal of the school Gajendra Joshi offered Vote of Thanks.

Lakhimpur DC Debeswar Malakar, Santosh Kumar Mall, the Commissioner of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangsthan, New Delhi was present in the program.

Bihu and Bhupendra Sangeet were performed in the program.

HRD Minister Smriti Irani blows poll bugle for Assam Assembly elections Contd. from Page 1

She called upon the several thousand people assembled in the playground to bring BJP into the power of the State in the next Assembly election.

Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports criticised CM Tarun Gogoi led State Government and the Congress Party with strong words.

"Congress could not bring change to the state. Despite the Party and its Government has destroyed the developmental infrastructure of the State prioritizing favouritism and corruption.

The people of the North Eastern region have deprived of their constitutional right due to the negligence of Congress led

Union Government in the post-independent period.

But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up strong resolution to transform the poor condition of Assam", he added.

He declared that the Prime Minister and Nitin Gadkari, Union Transport Minister have accepted his request to grant fund for the construction of LuhitKabolu bridge, ChichiTekeliphuta bridge, Nimatighat-Kamalabari connecting bridge and thus attempted to mobilise development in communication not only of Lakhimpur but also of the State.

Sonowal said himself is unable to produce the utilisation certificate of the developmental funds allotted by the Union Govt.

"What happened to the fund proposed for the rejuvenation of flood

stricken Dhemaji District?

Why was the Lakhimpur Medical College not constructed?"- he asked the Chief minister. He termed the Congress and AIUDF as an evil element for the State. "Both of them have tried to discriminate the people of Assam for their political gain. They are destroying the integration among the people of the State. But they who were enriched with the spiritual teachings of Sankardev, Madhavdev and Ajan Phakir will not allow them to do so", remarked.

Jorhat MP Kamakhya Tasa along with the Presidents, secretaries and several leaders were present in the program. Putali Kayasthya, the the activist of Nowboicha Naree Jagaran Somity joined the Party with her supporters.

On the other hand,

Smriti Irani laid the foundation stone of the new building of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Golaghat.

In the ceremony Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs and State BJP President Sarbananda Sonowal, Kaliabor MP Gaurav Gogoi , MP Kamakhya Tasa ,Bijoya Chakraborty , BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sharma ,Commissioner of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Santosh Kumar Mall were present along with Smriti Irani . The Kendriya Vidyalaya ,Golaghat was established at Pulibor in 2007 and the sanctioned new building will be at Selengi which is located at a distance of two kilometres from District Headquarters . aThe new building will cost around 188.41 crores.

Ethnique 2016 Brings Together Culture Lovers

ANI Jorhat, Jan 6: A daring concept of cultural tourism presented to the larger world by school dropouts and unemployed youth, organized

by Institution for Culture And Rural Development (I-CARD) came to a grand finale at 9.00 pm on 3rd January. This is "Jorhat's Own Annual Tourism Festival".

The festival, christened as 'Ethnique' is a simul-

taneous spread of dances, music, rituals, folktale narration and street theatre dramas, presented in 13 venues. The focus was on the Mising tribe of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. However, the Ethnique 2016 brought in the lively presentations of dances, songs and rituals by the Tea Garden community of Assam. About 200 aspiring artists participated in this Ethnique festival.

The festival featured innovative presentations, welcoming visitors with the catchy tunes of oi ni:tom (Mising folksongs). The campus with the aesthetically erected stage, dream lights, delicious ethnic food and the marvellously illuminated vegetation was a fitting ushering in of the new year. 16 food stalls constructed like colourful umbrellas served 16 dif-

ferent ethnic food items.

Some of these were culinary experiments, with traditional ingredients, by members of the ICARD family.

The whole array of Mising cultural dances, like Salloya, Mibu So:nam, Lereli, Éjug So:nam, Gumrag, combined with rituals and celebrations like Ali a:ye Ligang, Midang (Marriage), Dobur and Mibu Dagnam. Pagbum Dance (float dance) was a special attraction over the waters in the campus. On the main stage there was a fusion dance choreographed by Puspalata Mili, the media manager of I-CARD. Those walking along the internal road could not but stop at the life scene presentations lead by Sabitri Doley. Two young girls dared the cold, the entire Ethnique time, fishing in Mising style with sieves.

Dam Payeng joined the girls with bamboo spear demonstrating the village fishing style.

Rhythm of Dance School performed at the end of

the three-day program to support the Ethnique festival 2016 to crown it with a grand finale.

Ethnique 16 festival became eye catcher of four young visitors, from England, namely Eion, George, Joe and Eddie who arrived in life plus to study I-CARD's strategies of youth development. They said it was a totally new and exciting experience for them to participate in this festival and were proud to be part of this festival. Edie added that it was a colourful festival which makes us love to be here, and that he was enjoying a lot.

Another attraction of Ethnique 16 was the exhibition ground were managed by sales people from different parts of Assam (Nagaon, Golaghat and Majuli) and from Kolkata. In the main building of ICARD one could study the historical heritage of Misings with artefacts collected from different parts of the Mising world. One item, a lenong, presented in the

exhibition was brought

by Fr. Thomas from the USA. He found this in the backyard of one of his friends. A sprinkling of the photo collections of Fr. Thomas were also on display.

There was more than 2000 visitors part during this three day ethnique festival. It is a growing attraction for culture lov-

ers.

This festival's main motto is commemorating the living heritage of Mising traditions, to bring them to the public arena and to preserve them. In the process, I-CARD is all out to beautify its presentations to attract people and to give due value to the tribal community. I-CARD talks about internal transforma-

tion and external image building for promoting tribal communities and to maintain peace in the region. Another aim of Ethnique is to give platform for unemployed but talented village youth so that they can live by this art, and to build their capacities, says the director of I-CARD, Fr. K.A Thomas, sdb.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

IIT Rourkee team to examine damaged Ima KeithelsNBCC should be held accountable: Chief Secy Imphal, Jan 5: An expert team of IIT Rourkee would examine the Ima Keithels of Khwairamband Bazar which were damaged by a devastating earthquake on Tuesday. Speaking to media persons at his Old Secretariat office this afternoon, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar stated that repairing or reconstruction of Lakshmi Market and New Market would be done based on the report of the expert team. A

team comprising of Dr Y Jogendra, Dr Manish Srikande and Dr BK Maheshwari would arrive here on January 7 and they would stay here till January 11. All the team members are said to be experts in the field of earthquake engineering.

Both Lakshmi Market and New Market were constructed by the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) under the Urban Development Minis-

try and they have nothing to do with the State PWD, Dr Ratankumar said. The third Ima Keithel was constructed by PWD after they conveyed their inability to construct all the three market complexes and the third market complex was not affected by the earthquake.

During a video conference with Union Cabinet Secretary PK Singh and the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) today,

Chief Secretary O Nabakishore categorically stated that NBCC compromised work quality when they constructed the two Ima Keithels and they should be held accountable, Ratankumar conveyed. The Union Cabinet Secretary informed that a central team would visit the State to assess the losses caused by the earthquake.

At the same time, PWD is already assessing the

losses and destruction. As it is risky, the Ministers' block of Civil Secretariat has been closed to visitors, Ratankumar said. Chief Secretary O Naba-kishore who was also present at the press meet said that most buildings were constructed by violating building bylaws. Reports have been pouring in about leaning buildings and the Government is considering about to repair all buildings which

AI aircraft's tyre deflates; passengers safe Bhopal, Jan 6: A tyre of an Air India aircraft arriving here from Delhi with 75 passengers on board was found deflated after landing at the airport here on Wednesday morning. All passengers are safe, an Air India spokesperson said in Delhi.

Reduced pressure was

are deemed to be risky. The Government is also considering to re-examine private buildings, hospitals and schools. Apart from closing Civil Secretariat, Minister's Block to visitors, all the articles of and equipment of NIC kept there have been shifted to safer places.

Meanwhile, a medical team sent by the Government of India arrived here today and they visited injured victims at RIMS. (Agencies)

Amit Jogi expelled from Congress for six years

BJP delegation NHRC issues notice to Bihar Govt. debarred from over deplorable conditions of prisons visiting Kaliachak Malda, Jan 6: A BJP delegation led by Shamik Bhattacharya, its lone MLA in West Bengal Assembly, was not allowed to visit Kaliachak village, about 30 km from here, which had witnessed violence on Sunday.

A 25-member delegation led

by Bhattacharya was detained by the police and taken to the local police station. But they were released in about ten minutes.

The delegation was requested by the police not to visit the village in view of the law and order situation.

Later, Bhattacharya told reporters that they wanted to visit the village to know about the exact reason of the Sunday's incident but was not allowed to go.

Bhattyacharya also said he had received a phone call from the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while he was sitting in the police station. He however, declined to divulge the content of their conversation. Earlier on Sunday, violence broke out at Kaliachak over an alleged remark of a BJP leader, police said.(Agencies)

TMC leader threatens to cut CPI(M) leader's tongue

CPI(M) leader Gautam Deb Kolkata, Jan 6: Trinamool Congress MP Idris Ali allegedly threatened to cut off the tongue of CPI(M) leader Gautam Deb if the latter speaks ill of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, even as his party disapproved of the statement and called for his explanation. "Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is an epitome of honesty. If Gautam Deb speaks ill of her again, I will cut off his tongue and break his bones," Ali said in response to the former Left Front minister's claim that Banerjee would have to go to jail in connection with the Saradha case. "I will do it even if he hides in the CPI(M) state headquarter at Alimuddin Street," the TMC Lok Sabha MP from Basirhat said while speaking at a meeting on Tuesday at Dadpur village panchayat in North 24 Parganas district's Sashan area. Deb had reportedly said at CPI(M)'s North 24 Parganas district office in Barasat on Monday that both Banerjee and senior TMC leader and Rajya Sabha member Mukul Roy would have to go to jail in connection with the Saradha scam. The Left party has taken up a programme to gherao the CBI office at the CGO com-

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is an epitome of honesty. If Gautam Deb speaks ill of her again, I will cut off his tongue and break his bones," plex in Salt Lake on January 12 to demand that Banerjee and Roy be questioned in connection with the Saradha scam.

Disapproving Ali's comment, Trinamool Congress on Wednesday termed it as "crass and unhealthy" and asked him to give an explanation in writing about why he made such a remark.

"Seen footage of Idris Ali's comments. Crass & unhealthy. Party doesn't endorse such views. He has been asked to explain in writing," TMC national spokeperson Derek O' Brien posted on Twitter. Another TMC leader, who did not wish to be named, said such comments will have an adverse impact on the party's image.(Agencies)

Patna, Jan. 6: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to the Bihar Government over reported deplorable conditions of prisons in the state.

The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing the deplorable conditions prevailing in the prisons of Bihar. This story is based on an exhaustive report titled 'Prisons of Bihar: Status Report-2015' prepared by Smita Chakraburty, an activist and researcher. She was assigned a project by Justice V.N. Sinha, Patna High Court Judge and Executive Chair-

The NHRC has issued notice to the Bihar Government over reported deplorable conditions of prisons in the state

man, Bihar State Legal Services Authority, to visit all

the 58 prisons of Bihar to study the living conditions

and submit a report. The Commission observed that although it is not oblivious of the ills plaguing the prison system in the country as a whole, the prisons are also involved in gross violation of human rights of the prisoners that are under the care and custody of the state. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Prisons, Government of Bihar for factual reports within four weeks. Reportedly, Chakraburty interviewed as many as 30,070 inmates during her study.

(ANI)

Ajit Jogi Raipur, Jan. 6: Amit Jogi, the legislator from Chhattisgarh's Marwahi Constituency, has been expelled from the Congress for six years. "Amit Jogi who is a legislator and his wrongdoing has also defamed the Congress and hence the

Jharkhand CM calls on Javadekar, discusses shortage of forest New Delhi, Jan 6: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today met Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and held discussions on a range of issues including severe crunch in the number of forest officials in the state.

"There is a lot of forest area in Jharkhand and we held discussions on it's proper management. We also discussed about the crunch in central staff which the state is facing. There is shortage of frontline staff which had been ignored for the last 14 years. "We had detailed discussions on how it can be fulfilled. There were posi-

tive discussions on how to make forests better and how to take both development and management of forests together," Javadekar said.

Meanwhile, a Jharkhand government statement said that Das raised the topic of severe shortage of officials of Indian Forest Service in the state with the Union Minister. The statement said that Javadekar assured that in the next couple of years, 7-8 such officials will be increased there. Das said that in the naxal-affected areas, the utilisation of five 5 hectare of forest land, whose power has been given to state government,

manner. On the issue of cutting down central assistance on tiger projects to states to 60 per cent, Das said that the Union Minister will discuss the issue with the Union Finance Minister and will try to bring back the assistance to 100 per cent. Das

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has just 14 activities included into it. Das said that Javadekar assured of considering his government's proposal of including other activities in it in a positive

had also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday when he invited him to the state to lay the foundation stone of a bridge in Sahebganj district. He had also met Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

(Agencies)

"There is a lot of forest area in Jharkhand and we held discussions on it's proper management. We also discussed about the crunch in central staff which the state is facing. There is shortage of frontline staff which had been ignored for the last 14 years." -Says Raghubar Das

Governor awaits return of VAB by Centre Shillong, Jan 6: The KHADC has urged Governor V Shanmuganathan to request the Centre to speed up the process of examining the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2015 and accordingly sent it back to his office for early approval.

A KHADC delegation led by its chief PN Syiem met the Governor on Tuesday to know the status of the Bill. According to the delegation, the Governor asked them to be patient and assured that he would follow up the matter. Later addressing media persons, Syiem said that the Governor was awaiting the arrival of the Bill from the MHA following which he would give his assent. "We have urged

Governor V Shanmuganathan in a discussion with KHADC chief PN Syiem at Raj Bhawan

the Governor to remind the MHA to deliver the Bill to him after they are done with the scrutiny," Syiem said. It may be mentioned that the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) VAB, was amended as per the advice of the Governor following which he gave his

assent while the KHADC VAB is pending with the MHA. It was referred by the Governor to the MHA for further examination and to seek the constitutional validity of the Bill. Meanwhile on the issue pertaining to the nominated MDC, the KHADC CEM said, "We have

urged the Governor to stick to the rule before taking any decision on the matter." The delegation urged him to recall the file containing the name of J. Reenbohn from the State Government and give his approval. "The nominated MDC Reenbohn was unanimously proposed and this proposal has been appreciated by the people." Syiem said. According to Syiem, proper procedure was followed to propose Reenbohn's name.

He reiterated that Assam Meghalaya District Council Rules, sub rule 2 of Rule 6 states that the District Council may submit its recommendation of a nominated MDC to the Governor.

In this connection,

Syiem pointed out, "On any matter related to the State Government, the Governor can seek the approval of the Council of Ministers, but the District Council is under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, so we urge the Governor to grant his approval taking into the consideration the consensus in the House."

While the KHADC had recommended the name of Reenbohn, the state government had sent the name of former MDC Irene Lyngdoh for consideration of the Governor. The Governor sent both the names back to the state government to avoid the confusion. It was learnt that during the meeting of the delegation, the Governor did not give any specific assurance.

Huge haul of explosives seized in Garo Hills Tura, Jan 6: Garo Hills police have seized a large amount of explosives, including electronic detonators, from a Tura-registered vehicle abandoned by its occupants after police set up a road block in the Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills on Tuesday night.

The banned ULFA of Assam is believed to be

the owner of the explosives and was reportedly sending it across to the banned GNLA in Garo Hills when police set up a surprise road check point in Bajengdoba, 80 kms from Tura, after receiving intelligence inputs about the shipment of the explosives. A police picket at Berubari village,on the main na-

tional highway in Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills had spotted a white Mahindra Bolero vehicle approaching from the Assam side of the border in the darkness of the night.

When the police team signalled the vehicle to stop the driver made an attempt to break through

the police barrier. As the vehicle passed through police opened fire targetting the tyres of the vehicle. The vehicle managed to move some distance before the two occupants abandoned it and fled into the nearby forests taking advantage of the darkness. When police searched the vehicle they found as many

as 1200 gelatin explosive sticks which is used by militants to prepare improvised explosive devices to target security forces. Police also recovered as many as 1000 electronic detonators and 100 non-electronic detonators. Both detonators are required for triggering IED explosions.

The Bolero vehicle, bear-

ing Tura number ML08 D 8888, is learnt to be registered to a Muslim person from Assam.

The finger of suspicion is squarely on the ULFA and GNLA militant outfits. Both share a common agenda and have been working in tandem since the time of the Garo outfit's formation more than five

found in one of the tyres of the Airbus 320 aircraft, operating on Delhi-BhopalDelhi route after it landed at Raja Bhoj Airport and was taxiing to the terminal building, the spokesperson said.

The flight landed at around 0720 hours, the spokesperson said. (Agencies)

years ago. The ULFA is known to have a huge stockpile of explosives which is in big demand by the GNLA. ULFA militants are known to take shelter in GNLA camps and are regularly guided through the Garo Hills jungles into Assam and Bangladesh by GNLA militants.

(Agencies)

party suspends him for six years," said Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Bhupesh Baghel. Baghel also said that the action was followed by the issue of the poll rigging and the alleged audio tape came to light. Baghel also urged the party to expel former chief minister and senior leader Ajit Jogi. "The wrongdoings of Ajit Jogi have defamed the Congress Party and the PCC appeals the All India Congress Committee to expel Ajit Jogi for six years," he told the media here. Commenting on the controversy over an audio tape about him purportedly "fixing" the by-poll seat in assembly poll last year in Chhattisgarh, Amit Jogi had earlier termed the recording as "fake" and claimed he was being blackmailed.

(ANI)

Ex-Speaker Syiemiong no more Shillong, Jan 6: Former Assembly Speaker and three-time legislator Winstone Syiemiong passed away on Tuesday afternoon at his residence at Laitumkhrah following a prolonged illness. Syiemiong,78, is survived by his wife, five sons and one daughter.

His mortal remains will be laid to rest at the Church of God cemetery, Lawmali, here on January 7 at 1 pm.

Syiemiong was elected to Meghalaya Legislative Assembly three terms from Nongspung constituency soon after the formation of the state . He had held the post of Assembly Speaker from 1978 to 1983 and was also elected as MDC for one term from NongspungSohiong. Syiemiong who passed Assam Civil Service was the founding president of Meghalaya State Badminton Association.

Assembly Speaker AT Mondal while condoling former legislator's death has recalled his contributions to the state. Former legislator and president of Meghalaya Forum of former MLAs, SD Khongwir said that death of Syiemiong has created a vacuum to the Forum.

Khongwir, a contemporary of Syiemiong recalled that as "Speaker, he raised the standard of the House to a spectacular position and as MLA he was a prominent achiever in politics".(Agencies)

Girl abducted, raped Rajkot, Jan 6: A 22-yearold woman was allegedly abducted and raped in a moving van two days ago, and two persons were arrested in this connection on Tuesday, police said.

Amit Ahir and Bhavesh Barwad (both 20) allegedly abducted the woman from her house near Nana Mauva area on the night of January 3. "Amit allegedly raped the girl inside the van," said the lady police sub-inspector, who is investigating the case.

(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

PAGE 6

Terrorist activities on rise whenever BJP is in power: Shinde Sanjay Dutt to walk New Delhi, Jan. 6: Ac- eral incidents took place ments. Slamming the free on Feb. 27 cusing Prime Minister after that, whether it is Prime Minister for mak- Accusing PM Modi of not being able to manage relations Narendra Modi-led NDA the Red Fort, attack on J- ing an unscheduled visit with Pakistan Shinde saysgovernment of not being able to manage relations with Pakistan in a proper manner, the Congress party on Wednesday said that terrorist activities in the country had risen whenever BJP came to power at the Centre. "In 1999, when the Indian Airlines plane was hijacked, we had released terrorists from our jails.

Masood Azhar was one of them. This has emboldened the terrorist organisations like JeM, they now think that India is weak," former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said at a press conference here. "Sev-

K assembly or attack on Parliament. Whenever the BJP comes to power the terror activities increase," he added. Shinde also pointed out that the government had failed to handle Pathankot attack in swift and effective manner. "When they had intelligence inputs beforehand, they should have cordoned off the airbase," he said. He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scathing remarks against the UPA government during the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack, saying that the Congress had refrained from making such state-

to Pakistan to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif, Shinde said, "He abruptly visited Pakistan.

Held talks there but never told the nation about the discussions he had." He welcomed good relations with Pakistan but said that it should come at the cost of India's security.

"We can be friends with Pakistan, but we will not tolerate any terrorist attacks," he said. He also lauded the valiant efforts of the security forces while defending the Pathankot Airbase. However, the BJP earlier accused the Congress of politicizing the Pathankot

He pointed out that the government had failed to handle Pathankot attack in swift and effective manner.

Former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde

Slamming on PM for making an unscheduled visit to Pakistan to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif, he says, "He abruptly visited Pakistan.

Held talks there but never told the nation about the discussions he had."

airbase attack and said that the NDA Government had inherited terrorism problems from the grand old party's five decade long regime. "The Congress has ruled this country for over five decades. The Congress party and their government, from which we in-

herited the problem of terror, today are criticising the government and politicizing terror. Does the Congress party have national interest in mind at all? Do they have any policy at all?" BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao told.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency

(NIA) is questioning Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh, his friend Rajesh Verma and the cook in connection with the Pathankot terror attack case. The NIA has registered three cases in the probe and a 20 member team is stationed in Pathankot. (ANI)

Whenever the BJP comes to power the terror activities increase

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt

Pune, Jan. 6: Bollywood ing illegal weapons from actor Sanjay Dutt, who those involved in the was jailed in an arms case deadly 1993 attacks in related to the 1993 which 257 people were Mumbai blasts, will be killed and over hundred released from Pune's others injured. He was Yerwada jail on February sentenced to six years in 27. The actor will com- jail in 2007. The actor, plete his jail-term on Feb- who served 18 months, ruary 25 but the delay has was later out on bail been caused as he over- fighting the conviction extended his parole by until a court in March two days. The 56-year- 2013 ordered that he you are going to talk to old actor was found should be sent back to Pakistan about oranges?" guilty in 2013 of acquir- jail. (ANI) he added. Prime Minis"The 56-year-old actor Sanjay Dutt, ter Narendra Modi on who was jailed in an arms case reTuesday received a phone call from his Pa- lated to the 1993 Mumbai blasts, will kistani counterpart, who assured him all support in be released from Pune's Yerwada jail on February 27" Pathankot attack probe.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) is questioning Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh, his friend Rajesh Verma and the cook in connection with the Pathankot terror attack case. NIA has registered three cases in the probe and a 20 member team is stationed in Pathankot. NIA DG Sharad Kumar is also visiting Pathankot today to monitor the probe.(ANI)

Why can't Odd-Even Pak Army Chief, ISI complicit end this Friday, asks in Pathankot attack: Congress Delhi HC New Delhi, Jan. 6: AsNew Delhi, Jan. 6: The Delhi High Court has asked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government to explain as to why the Odd-Even trial should last for more than a week. The High Court has asked the city government to file a de-

tailed account of the impact on pollution level of the new traffic rules, which were introduced on January. The AAP Government had declared that the first two working days since the inception of theOddEven scheme was a success. (ANI)

Will continue as PM even if I lose EU referendum: David Cameron London, Jan. 6: Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he would lead the government even if he loses the referendum on Britain's EU membership. His statement comes after he conceded that ministers will be free to campaign on either side in the referendum "Our aim to set forward a choice for the British people that they want.

And they can either choose to stay in a reformed European Union, or to leave a European Union. And, come what may, I will continue to lead the government in the way I have," Cameron told MPs in a statement on last month's EU summit: The Prime Minister

said that he would follow the example of Harold Wilson, who suspended collective cabinet responsibility during the 1975 EEC referendum. "My intention is that at the conclusion of the renegotiation, the government should reach a clear recommendation and then the referendum will be held. It is the nature of a referendum that it is the people not the politicians who decide. And, as indicated before Christmas, there will be a clear government position, but it will be open to individual ministers to take a different personal position while remaining part of the government," he said.

(ANI)

serting that Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Shaif and the ISI are deeply complicit in the Pathankot terror attack, the Congress Party on Wednesday said there was no point in holding a dialogue with Islamabad as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accounts for nothing in his country. Congress leader Manish Tewari said the real ruler of Pakistan is General Sharif. "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accounts for nothing in Pakistan, his writ doesn't run beyond Raiwind," said Tewari.

"He (General Raheel Sharif) and his ISI are deeply complicit in the attack in Pathankot, the

NGT seeks undertaking from Volkswagen against 'cheat device' New Delhi, Jan. 6: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought an undertaking from Volkswagen by January 11 that it would not sell any vehicle fitted with their disputed ' cheat device' in India. In September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that many

Volkswagen cars being sold in America had a "defeat device" - or software - in diesel engines that could detect when they were being tested, changing the performance accordingly to improve results. The German car giant has since admitted cheating emissions tests in the US. (ANI)

I-T department raids Apollo Hospitals New Delhi, Jan. 6: Officials of the Income Tax Department on Tuesday conducted raids across various offices of Apollo group of hospitals over alleged tax violations. The IT investigation wing also searched their head office in Chennai. According to

reports, the IT department has confirmed that raids were conducted but refrained from divulging the details. Apollo Hospitals is country's largest healthcare chain which runs 64 hospitals besides 2,200 pharmacies and a network of clinics. (ANI)

attack earlier in Gurdaspur and the terror which is being perpetrated in India since 1980," he added. Tewari while talking to pointed out that the government had 'single agenda of terror' to be discussed with Pakistan. "Foreign Secre-

tary-level talks should be immediately abrogated.

What do you want to talk to Pakistan about? You don't want trade and transit treaty with Pakistan," Tewari said. "You want only one thing that the terror should stop. If terror doesn't stop what

NDA Govt. inherited terrorism woes from Congress: BJP

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao

Prime Minister David Cameron

Congress leader Manish Tewari

PM Modi trusts Pakistan more than his ministers: Congress

New Delhi, Jan. 6: Accusing the Congress of politicizing the Pathankot airbase attack, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said that the NDA Government had inherited terrorism problems from the grand old party's five decade long regime. BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Raofurther hit back at the Congress for criticising the government over the

Pathankot terrorist attack and asked if they had 'national interest' in mind.

"The Congress has ruled this country for over five decades. The Congress party and their government, from which we inherited the problem of terror, today are criticising the government and politicizing terror. Does the Congress party have national interest in mind at all? Do they have any policy at all?" Rao told.

"When Foreign Minister made a detailed statement about India-Pakistan bilateral relations on the floor of the house, they never paid any attention to it.

They never allowed Parliament to function," he added. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari earlier attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making an unscheduled visit to Pakistan to meet his

counterpart Nawaz Sharif and said that the latter trusted 'those on the other side of the border' more than his ministers.

"Looks like the Prime Minister trusts those on the other side of the border more than us even when they have betrayed us again and again," he told. Sharif had called up Prime Minister Modi yesterday and assured that their government was working on the leads and information provided by the Indian Government on the Pathankot attack,

adding that they would investigate the matter. He also appreciated New Delhi for showing maturity in its statements post the terror attack on the Pathankot Airbase while asserting that terrorists were trying to disrupt the efforts to bring peace between the two countries.

The operation against the terrorists at the air base entered its fifth day today as security forces continue to carry out combing operations to smoke out any remaining terrorist. (ANI) .

"The Congress has ruled this country for over five decades. The Congress party and their government, from which we inherited the problem of terror, today are criticising the government and politicizing terror."Says Rao

Obama breaks down amid emotional 'gun control' address Washington D.C., Jan. 6: United States President Barack Obama made an emotional and passionate address on Tuesday as he called for a national 'sense of urgency' to limit the incidences of gun violence in the country. The President paused to wipe his tears while talking about the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

"Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad. And by the way, it happens on the streets of Chicago every day," Obama said referring to his hometown where he began his political career.

Hitting out at congres-

sional Republicans for fighting against precautionary measures, the President called on America to punish them at the polls. "Each time this comes up, we are fed the excuse that commonsense reforms like background checks might not have stopped the last massacre, or the one before that, or the one before that, so why bother trying. We know we can't stop every act of violence, every act of evil in the world. But maybe we could try to stop one act of evil, one act of violence," Obama said. Asserting for a need of new and stricter gun control measures, the President

President Obama

said the Congress 'needs to act' "The folks in this room will not rest until Congress does. Because once Congress gets on board with commonsense gun safety measures, we can reduce gun violence a whole lot. But

we also can't wait. Until we have the Congress that's in line with the majority of Americans, there are actions within my legal authority that we can take to help reduce gun violence and save more lives," he said. (ANI)

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari

New Delhi, Jan. 6: Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making an unscheduled visit to Pkaistan to meet his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif, the Congress Party on Wednesday said that the former trusts 'those on the other side of the border' more than his ministers. "Looks like the Prime Minister trusts those on the other side of the border more than us even when they have betrayed us again and again. The kind of statements that our ministers have been making, it appears that the Prime Minister doesn't trust his own ministers. He should have taken opposition parties into confidence before taking such a step," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said when asked about Nawaz Sharif calling up Prime Minister Modi to give assurance that they would act against those responsible for Pathankot attack. "Prime Minister went there (Pakistan) uninvited. Look what followed. It is the brave efforts of our soldiers that the attackers were neutralized, otherwise the loss could have been more," he added. Sharif had called up Prime Minister Modi yesterday and appreciated New Delhi for showing maturity in its statements post the terror attack on the

Pathankot Airbase while asserting that terrorists were trying to disrupt the efforts to bring peace between the two countries. Sharif further assured that their government was working on the leads and information provided by the Indian Government on the Pathankot attack, adding that they would investigate the matter. The telephonic conversation takes place at a time when the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan scheduled for this month looks in serious jeopardy with strong indications that the Modi Government may call off the engagement if evidence emerges that Pakistan's state actors were complicit in the fidayeen raid on the air base. Reports suggest that India expects Pakistan to take action against the leaders of terrorist group Jaish-eMuhammaed, which scripted the attack on Pathankot, as a pre-condition for the talks. Lauding the valiant efforts of the security forces for defending the Pathankot air base from the fidayeen, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said six terrorists have been neutralised so far in the combing operation, which is still on for safety purpose. (ANI)

PAGE 7

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

NEIGHBOURS Nepal Govt. using 'false charges' Pak ISI responsible for Pathankot attack: Bruce Riedel against protestors: Madhesis

New Delhi, Jan. 6: Blatantly blaming Pakistan's intelligence agency for the Pathankot attack, security expert and columnist Bruce Riedel has said that the attack was an attempt to prevent any detente between New Delhi and Islamabad after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise 'Christmas Day' visit to Lahore. Riedel said the attack which lasted for days and claimed the lives of at least seven soldiers was the work of the Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Muhammad, which was created 15 years ago by the Pakistani intelligence service. "JEM was created in 2000 by Mualana Masoud Azhar. Azhar was captured in India in 1994 after taking western hostages in Kashmir. In December 1999, a group of terrorists hijacked an Air India jet flying from Nepal to India and diverted it to Afghanistan.

They demanded the release of Azhar and his colleagues in return for the passengers

Bruce Riedel

and crew," he wrote."And they got it, thanks to help from the Pakistani intelligence service ISI and al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, according to accounts of the hijacking based on the Indian officials who negotiated with the terrorists for the hostages' freedom," he said.

Riedel said the JEM has received training and weapons from the ISI and worked closely with al

"The Pathankot attack the attack was an attempt to prevent any detente between New Delhi and Islamabad after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise 'Christmas Day' visit to Lahore. Riedel said the attack which lasted for days and claimed the lives of at least seven soldiers was the work of the Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Muhammad, which was created 15 years ago by the Pakistani intelligence service"- Says Bruce Riedel Qaeda. He also elaborated on how the Pakistani Army has long distrusted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for advocating the improved relations with India since the 1990s. Prime Minister Modi's visit was the first by an Indian prime minister in more than a decade.

It was also Sharif's birthday and the birthday of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Jinnah. "So far New Delhi has not can-

celled the planned talks.

Modi's advisers are well aware of the double game the Pakistani army plays and the differences inside the Pakistani establishment... The Indians have accepted Prime Minister Sharif's public condemnation of the attack and promised to provide evidence of JEM's role to his government, including cellphones captured in the attack," he added. (ANI)

Seoul vows to punish Pyongyang for bomb test Seoul , Jan 6: South Korean vowed on Wednesday to forge a united stance with the international community to punish Pyongyang for going ahead with a fourth nuclear test.

Seoul will ensure that North Korea will pay the price for testing a hydrogen bomb, calling it a grave provocation and challenge to international peace and stability, President Park Geun-hye said. "Now, the government should closely cooperate with the international community to make sure that North Korea pays the corresponding price for the nuclear test," Park said in a National Security Council meeting. Park said it was important to induce the international community to impose strong sanctions on North Korea. The comments came about two hours after North Korea announced that it has successfully conducted a hydrogen bomb test. The North's nuclear test could prompt the UN Security Council to tighten its sanctions against North Korea.

The communist country has already been under UN sanctions for its previous nuclear tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013. Last year, Park warned that there will cer-

Islamabad considers Kashmir as an 'unfinished' agenda: Pakistan President Islamabad, Jan. 6: Asserting that Pakistan considered Kashmir as an unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent, President Mamnoon Hussain said he will continue supporting Kashmiri people. The President said this while talking to a delegation of Pakistan occupied Kashmi (PoK) leaders which called on him and reiterated that Islamabad would continue to adhere to the principled stand of the right of selfdetermination of Kashmiri people which is the basis of its foreign policy'. He asserted that Kashmir is a 'Muslim majority' area and the efforts underway for turning the majority into a minority there would 'never be successful'. He also condemned the attack on the terrorist attack on the airbase in Pathankot and maintained that Pakistan is against all kind of terrorism. (ANI)

President Park Geun-hye tainly be consequences if North Korea goes ahead with provocative actions that violate the UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea on Wednesday issued a statement condemning North Korea for testing a hydrogen bomb and pledging to take all necessary measures against North Korea. Park called on the military to maintain readiness in cooperation with the US troops in South

Korea as she warned of a stern retaliation if Pyongyang stages a provocation against Seoul. The US government said it could not confirm that North Korea had conducted a hydrogen bomb test, while vowing to respond appropriately to any "provocation".

"While we cannot confirm these claims at this time, we condemn any violation of UNSC (United Nations Security Council) resolutions

and again call on North Korea to abide by its international obligations and commitments," White House National Security Council's spokesman Ned Price said.

The statement was in response to North Korea's announcement that it had successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test.

Price added that the US would continue to protect and defend its allies in the region, and "respond appropriately to any and all North Korean provocations". Meanwhile, Japan has also condemned the hydrogen bomb test conducted by North Korea, saying the test was a "significant threat". "The hydrogen bomb test is a significant threat to Japan's national security and is unacceptable," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. Japan will consider sanctions against North Korea as its nuclear test violates UN Security Council's relevant resolutions, Abe said. Abe also said Japan will work with the US, South Korea, China and Russia to cope with the issue. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida will hold talks with the US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy over the nuclear test. (Agencies)

Pakistan Navy surges security at Gwadar port as CPEC commences Quetta, Jan.6 : Pakistan Navy has been making strenuous efforts to ensure comprehensive security by raising special marine battalion for surveillance at Gwadar Port with the commencement of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Being the point of origin, Gwadar is the backbone of CPEC, which will be linked to China's western region

through a rail and road network. CPEC intends to revive the ancient Silk Route with a focus on infrastructure and constituting the strategic framework of bilateral cooperation. The project is a 3,000kilometer network of roads, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas from Gwadar Port to Kashgar city in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur region. CPEC

would help Pakistan in boosting its economy and will reduce China's routes of oil and gas imports from Africa and the Middle East by thousands of kilometers. (ANI) "The project is a 3,000-kilometer network of roads, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas from Gwadar Port to Kashgar city in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur region."

Kathmandu, Jan. 6: The Madhesis in Nepal have claimed that the government has adopted a crackdown strategy against them in Terai region to suppress their agitation against the newly-adopted Constitution. The crackdown against Madhesis by the Nepal Government will only push the movement towards further violence, an advocate at Nepal Supreme Court, Dipendra Jha, told Indian ambassadorRanjit Rae on behalf of the marginalised community in a letter. Jha mentioned various incidents of Terai districts which made evident the claim that excessive force and filing of false charges against the protestors are unabated there. Jha said that the government should be responsible to immediately expedite rehabilitation efforts. On December 20, the police shot down a 16-year-old at Gaur, district headquarters of Rautahat, Jha told the Indian envoy. Eyewitnesses said that the police took him into control and shot him when he was returning home from school where the protests were going on. On

turned down by an official who said that only "one man and one woman" can be registered as married.

Sun claimed that local police also visited his home after he filed the case, which has gained a high profile and has been hailed by many LGBT activists online. "The officer kept emphasising that it is important to have a child to carry on one's family name, but I can't abide by people imposing their values on me," Sun added.

"The original text of the Marriage Law does not say one man and one

woman, but a husband and a wife. I personally believe that this term refers not only to heterosexual couples but also to same-sex couples," he

the same day, United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) Sarlahi district coordinator Ashok Yadav was apprehended by the police from a local FM radio station in Malangwa, where he was present for an interview. A case of public offence was filed against Yadav. The advocate claimed seven protestors in

Saptari district are charged with robbery and theft cases based on the complaints of police in the last week of December. Jha said the failure to address the issues of Madhes with larger ownership and efforts of UDMF may usher the movement in the hands of extremists and radical forces that have been fertile during the longest

North Korea's nuke test 'serious threat' to Japan: Abe Washington D.C., Jan 6: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called North Korea's claim a 'serious threat' to Japan and a "grave challenge" to nuclear nonproliferation efforts. Abe said that the test violates the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution.

He also said that Japan along with the US, Russia, China and South Korea will take action against Pyongyang and discuss the matter at the UNSC. The Hydrogen bomb test could take North Korea a step closer to developing

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nuclear warheads capable of striking the United States.

North Korea asserted that it would not abandon its nuclear weapons program

as long as the US maintained what it called "its stance of aggression". Following the test, a4.9 tremor was experienced and the Pentagon said that it was "looking into reports of a possible seismic event near North Korea's nuclear facilities."

South Korea's presidential office, meanwhile, has convened an emergency security meeting in Seoul. The country "strongly condemned" the test and warned Pyongyang that it would be made to "pay the price" for ignoring international opinion. (ANI)

North Korea carries out nuclear test as 'self-defence against US' North Korea, Jan. 6 : North Korea media announced that they have successfully conducted its fourth nuclear test, which had also triggered an artificial earthquake.

Hydrogen bomb test could take North Korea a step closer to developing nuclear warheads capable of striking the United States. An announcement on North Korean television said the country had successfully tested a "miniaturised hydrogen bomb" and describing it as an "act of self-defence" against the US. The broadcast declared the test as a complete test and said that the procedure was overseen by the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, who celebrates his 33rd birthday this Fri-

China admits first same sex marriage rights lawsuit Beijing , Jan 6: China's first lawsuit on same-sex marriage rights has been accepted by a court, marking a milestone for gay, bisexual and transgender rights, official media reported.

Plaintiff Sun Wenlin (pseudonym), a gay man, told state run Global Times daily that the court has accepted his suit against the civil affairs bureau in Changsha's Furong district for not accepting his marriage registration application. Sun filed the case on December 16 after his marriage registration application was

The Madhesis in Nepal have claimed that the government has adopted a crackdown strategy against them protest in Nepal. The advocate further said that the immediate resolution of Madhes uprising through the moderate force of UDMF will result in sustainable and long lasting peace in the border areas. Jha thanked India for the country's support to stand by social justice, human rights and democracy in Nepal. (ANI)

Bangladesh SC upholds Nizami's death penalty Dhaka, Jan. 6: The Supreme Court has upheld the death penalty given to Jamaat-e-Islamic chief Motiur Rahman Nizami, charged for arms trafficking and 1971 war crimes against humanity. A fourmember bench of the Appellate Division upheld his death in three charges, life imprisonment in two and acquitted him in three other charges, reported The Daily Star. Nizami was the last high-profile suspect to be tried for 1971 war crimes. The court delayed his verdict in June 2014 because of his poor health. The special tribunal had last year said that death would be the only fitting punishment for the horrendous crimes which Nizami committed. (ANI)

US calls on India, Pak to stand firm on talks post Pathankot attack

The country had successfully tested a "miniaturised hydrogen bomb"

day. North Korea asserted that it would not abandon its nuclear weapons program as long as the US maintained what it called "its stance of aggression". Following the test, a4.9 tremor was experienced and the Penta-

gon said that it was "looking into reports of a possible seismic event near North Korea's nuclear facilities." South Korea's presidential office, meanwhile, has convened an emergency security meeting in Seoul. (ANI)

Karachi, Jan 6: The United States has urged India and Pakistan to not allow extremists to prevent them from holding talks on bilateral issues following the deadly attack on Indian air force base in Pathankot. US State Department spokesperson John Kirby urged Pakistan to act against perpetrators of the deadly attack. He said that the US wants India and Pakistan to resolve all issues bilaterally. He also said that the US strongly encourages the two neighbours to remain firm on their commitments of a secure future for their countries and for the region. (ANI)

Tokyo calls Pyongyang's Hbomb test 'significant threat'

Tokyo, Jan 6: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday condemned a hydrogen bomb test conducted

by North Korea, saying the test was a "significant threat".

Japan has held its national security council meeting immediately after a 5.1-magnitude quake was detected was quoted as saying by around 10.30 a.m. (local the Global Times previ- time) in the northeastern ously. The court is ex- part of North Korea, pected to hand down a Xinhua reported. North ruling on the case within Korea's official media six months. (Agencies) said the country has suc-

cessfully conducted its first hydrogen bomb test. Pyongyang had conducted three nuclear tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013.

"The hydrogen bomb test is a significant threat to Japan's national security and is unacceptable," Abe said, adding Japan will consider sanctions against North Korea as its nuclear test violates UN Security Council's relevant resolutions.

Japan lifted part of its own sanctions against

North Korea since the two countries reached an agreement that Pyongyang agreed to re-investigate the whereabouts of Japanese nationals it allegedly abducted four decades ago. Abe also said Japan will work with the US, South Korea, China and Russia to cope with the issue. Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida will hold talks with the US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy over the nuclear test. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

Food Security Scheme Mizoram to Implement by February The Mizoram government has been making preparations to implement the National Food Security Scheme

by February this year according to the state Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister. Earlier the scheme could not be implemented during September last whereas the deadline fixed by the Centre and the state government was compelled to defer the implementation for two times due to unavoidable circumstances. The last attempt to implement the scheme in November fizzled out due to complaints from Opposition parties on the appointment of village-level selection committees. Of the 1.1 million population of the state, a little over 7,06,000 people would be covered by the scheme under which each person would be entitled to receive five kgs of rice at the rate of Rs three a kg. The state government has been making arrangements to provide food to the entire population of the state at a higher rate of Rs 15 a kg.

According to the scheme the general category will be provided at least three kilograms of food grains per person per month at half the minimum selling price.The bill will also provide rations or cooked meals to children under 14 years of age, destitute including women and persons on the margins of society. The bill provides for costsharing to pacify the states, which will implement the law. The states have also objected over the authority to decide on the criteria to identify the beneficiaries. The government is now focusing on an ambitious National Food Security Act aimed at drawing more people into the food security net. It has made a strong pitch for providing 35 kg of cereal at Rs 3 per kg every month to the poor of this country. The government is also earnest to fulfill the party's poll promise of enacting such a law, and has even provided the broad outlines of the proposed legislation.The entitlements would cost the government about Rs. 94,973 crore per annum, as against the existing food subsidy bill estimated at Rs. 67,310 crore. The food grains required to be procured to meet the obligations under the Bill is estimated at about 65 million tonnes, up from the average 50 to 55 million tonnes at present.

The Government had expressed concern that food subsidy, currently at Rs.63, 000 crore ($12 billion), may go up to Rs.1.2 lakh crore ($ 23 billion) if the bill is implemented. Rising fertilizer prices and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of the grains was another concern.

Managing the finances would not be a problem but procurement would have to be improved. It is estimated that against the current procurement levels of 54 millions tons, the requirement may go up to 62 million tons. Also about 2.25 crore pregnant women and lactating mothers are expected to benefit from the legislation that proposes to give Rs. 1,000 per month for six months as maternity benefit. Maternity benefits that are available only in 52 districts will be extended across the country. All this is commendable but there is need for caution since the economy is showing signs of sluggishness.

Earthquake and safety measures Property can be regain not life Earthquakes are not a frequent occurrence. However, they can be very disruptive because they occur suddenly and tend to affect large areas. Earthquakes can be a one-time event of a few seconds shaking or a series of events of varying duration. Because earthquakes happen without warning, being prepared in advance is critical to minimize damages and loss. Earthquake engineers often say earthquakes don't kill people, collapsing buildings do. The tragic loss of life that followed the huge earthquake in Nepal on April 25 occurred despite the fact that the country is among the world's leaders in community-based efforts to reduce disaster risk. But poverty, corruption, and poor governance have all led to a failure to enforce building codes - as has a shortage of skilled engineers, planners and architects. Sadly the country was on its way to deploying knowledge and skills to tackle its long-term vulnerability just as the ground shook. To keep buildings standing, it is essential to have adequate building and planning codes, as well as proper training and certification for professionals such as engineers, architects, and planners. But having certification and codes on paper does not ensure implementation or compliance. Nepal does, after all, have some of these things. Laws and regulations must also be monitored and enforced. That is not easy in a country such as Nepal, which has isolated villages, a history of conflict and many governance difficulties. Financial as well as social resources are needed to set up earthquake resistant buildings. Governments at all levels need to be functioning and competent in order to engage with processes such as urban planning and earthquake-resistant construction. Citizens must trust and have the opportunity to work with their governments, including the law enforcement and judicial sectors.

It's not just about buildings. Many non-structural measures are needed to ensure survivability in earthquakes. Appliances such as televisions, microwaves, hot water boilers, and refrigerators (which do not always exist in Nepalese homes) must be securely fastened to the floors and the walls. Otherwise, they move and topple, killing as readily as building collapse. Even in affluent earthquake-prone locations such as New Zealand and California, we see shockingly low rates of households enacting these basic measures. Despite recent improvements, Nepal still lags behind other countries when it comes to human development and it is still seen as highly corrupt. It also scores badly on child health and gender equality measurements.

If you are in a high risk area, take steps to reinforce your house. Bolt your house to the foundation and reinforce support beams as needed. Secure any furniture such as bookshelves and cabinets to the walls to minimize risk of falling over during a quake. Secure cabinet doors to help keep dishes and other contents from falling out. Earthquake preparedness can help reduce anxiety and minimize injury. If you know where to take cover in your house and how to communicate with other family members after the earthquake if you are not together, it will be of great help after a natural disaster like earthquake.

Anup Chetia's Return a Shot in the Arm for Assam Peace Process Part I Subir Bhaumik The fragile peace process in strife-torn Assam appears likely to get a fresh impetus after the return of Anup Chetia, the northeastern State's most talked about rebel. Chetia, who was released recently by a Guwahati court after 18 years in a Bangladesh prison, is widely expected to push forward the peace talks between the pro-talks faction of ULFA headed

by Arabinda Rajkhowa and the Government of India, says Subir Bhaumik. Politically, any solution to the four-decade long conflict will be a morale booster for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - helping the beleaguered Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and providing a campaign point for the party in the 2016 State election.

Anup Chetia is not exactly a Chota Rajan.

While Rajan's return to India was splashed across the national media, Chetia's return was a rather tame affair, despite his undeniable relevance to the politics of peace in Assam. India's troubled northeastern State now has its best shot at lasting peace after nearly four decades of insurgency, believe those involved with the Assam peace process.

Chetia, the general secretary of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a dreaded insurgent group that has operated in Assam since 1979 demanding a "sovereign socialist Assam", was deported to India in November 2015 by Bangladesh, 18 years after his arrest in Dhaka in 1997. The legacy of blood and violence in Assam took a turn for the better after a faction of the ULFA decided to give peace a chance by announcing unilateral ceasefire and showing interest in talks with the Indian government. The pro-talks faction's most prominent leader so far has been Arabinda Rajkhowa, chairman of the ULFA's political wing, who has been holding parleys with representatives of the Gov-

ernment of India since he was handed over by Bangladesh in November 2010.

Assam's police chief Khagen Sarmah, one of the masterminds behind isolating the ULFA hawks and getting negotiations started with doves, had this to say when Chetia flew back to India: "Chetia's return from Bangladesh will definitely have a huge negative impact on Paresh Barua's faction which has refused to be part of the peace process.

Though Chetia was in prison for nearly 16 years, it had a positive psychological impact on rebels seeking shelter in Bangladesh. This is now over."

The wily police chief, who has spent much of his career in intelligence, made it clear that Chetia, whose real name is Golap Barua, is key to the government's game to isolate Paresh Barua and deprive the hawkish warlord of friends and legitimacy to continue to pursue his armed movement from the jungles of Myanmar. That Sarmah was not off the mark was evident in the way Paresh Barua reacted.

A day after Chetia opted to join the peace talks and abjure violence, Barua told this writer in a telephone interview (he gave similar interviews to the Assam Tribune and The Times of India as well) that he would fight on.

"As general secretary, he [Chetia] was my senior in the ULFA and I respect his judgment.

He played a big role in building ULFA and there is no denying that. But as far as I am concerned, I will not join the peace talks unless the Indian government decides to discuss the core issue of Assam's sovereignity."

Barua also disclosed that Art of Living guru Sri Sri Ravishankar had been in touch with him as a mediator for the Modi government and had requested him to drop the demand for discussing Assam's sovereignity. "Modi's government will fall if he accepts such a demand," Barua quoted

Ravishankar as telling him. Barua appears firm on his stand but is not unwilling to leave the doors open for Chetia, should he change his mind - in any case, he seems to have refrained from outright hostility. In fact, Barua has never closed his doors on anyone in the ULFA who may have a change of mind. There have been reports that some ULFA activists - their numbers are not many, though - who had sided with the pro-talks faction led by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa had subsequently gone back to the Barua faction in the Myanmar jungles, frustrated as they were with the slow and secret process of the peace talks.

Sarmah's predecessor G. M. Srivastava spelt out in some detail the game behind rushing the repatriation of Anup Chetia.

In a detailed interview to Assam Tribune, Srivastava, who is credited with the successful trans-border campaign against the rebels in Tripura, said Chetia's return and his subsequent decision to join the peace process is important for three reasons: (a) After Chetia joined the peace talks, no 'big name' in the ULFA remains in the field to support Paresh Barua in the rebel hierarchy and the military wing chief stands completely isolated (b) It is after Chetia's arrest in Bangladesh in 1997 that the military wing led by Paresh Barua became preponderant and its influence grew - so, with Chetia back, that can now be reversed and that would help the peace process (c) Chetia is a mature politician, one of a handful in the ULFA, and he can give the Assam peace negotiations a 'meaningful thrust' ULFA's Internal Dynamics What Srivastava, a master practitioner of Kautilya's doctrine of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed, has not spelt out is equally important - the ethnic equation within the ULFA. Chetia is not only a close relative of Barua, but also a fellow

Anup Chetia

Muttock. The Muttocks and the Morans in Upper Assam have provided most of the recruits to Paresh Barua since the split in the ULFA in 2009, when Arabinda Rajkhowa and other senior leaders, quietly handed over to India after their arrest in Bangladesh, decided to start unconditional negotiations with the Indian government. Jiban Moran has been effectively Paresh Barua's secondin-command in the Myanmar jungles.

The Muttocks and the Morans have a history of uncompromising rebellion and Barua's narrative of 'no talks without discussion on sovereignty' draws much from that.

The Moamoria Rebellion (1769-1806) was started by the Muttocks and the Morans, adherents of the Moamara Sattra, a monastery practising and propagating the Ekasarana Dharma that attracted huge following among the two tribes. The leaders of the sattra capitalised on the widespread discontent against the Ahom kings and the nobles and helped the Muttocks and the Morans rise in rebellion protesting against the Paik system.

5 The Ahom king even lost his capital and retaking that involved much bloodshed of the subjects.

The Ahom king failed to retake the entire kingdom and a portion in the northeast, called Bengmara, became virtually independent.

In the days after the

ULFA split, when Paresh Barua lost support of other senior leaders who drifted towards the protalks group, the military wing chief fell back on the narrative of the Moamaria Rebellion to justify his obduracy. By all indications, Barua was counting on Chetia's support following the former general secretary's return.. If Chetia backed Paresh, the MuttockMoran narrative of uncompromising struggle could be reinforced and the holding out in the jungles of Myanmar justified. With Chetia refusing to endorse the Barua line and actually apologising to the people of Assam for inflicting the travails of an armed insurgency, Barua's narrative stands punctured in his core support-recruitment base - the Muttocks and Morans of Upper Assam. The grand narrative of Assam's struggle for independence has been already lost with a majority of the top ULFA leaders joining the talks. Now the little narrative of uncompromising struggle a kind of a last ditch stand - built around the history of the Moamoria Rebellion also may fall apart with Chetia joining the doves.

Assamese nationality formation The assimilative nature of Assamese nationality formation process, reinforced over the centuries by the message of social inclusiveness of

Shankardeva and Ajan Pir, weakened considerably during the anti-foreigner agitation (19791985). Not only did it alienate the 'Na Asamiyas' (East Bengal Muslims) who had adopted Assamese as their mother tongue, but also the tribal groups that had come close to adopting the Assamese language and culture.

The Assam agitation ended with a compromise between the Indian state and the agitating All Assam Students Union, but the disillusionment over the 1985 Accord triggered the rise of the ULFA by legitimising a constituency for separatism in the State which had been New Delhi's 'political sub-contractor' in running the Northeast.

The 1985 Accord was followed by a phase of assertive re-tribalisation in Assam's politics, when tribe after tribe began movements, sometimes violent, demanding separate States or autonomous regions. Some of these movements, like those of the Bodos, were carry-overs from the past and had a history, but were substantially more violent. The All Bodo Students Union's (ABSU) call for 'Divide Assam Fifty-Fifty", followed by similar movements by Karbis, Dimasas, and other tribes, drove nails into the Assamese nationality formation process. To be contd

How Resourceful We are Sir, Whenever a pay-commission submits its reports and subsequently accepted by the concerned undertakings of the government, substantially, enhancing the salary and other perks, the jubilation of the employees knows no bounds. But if the successive pay-commission keeps enhancing the salaries, it proves to be an unbearable burden to certain government undertakings. The Indian Railways expressing inability to implement it is a case in point. The concerned ministry need to see the viability in accepting the reports, taking into account the huge number of employees.

Government should remember that the tax-payers' money should not be spent in paying the salaries of its employees without looking at the pros and cons of the resources. This phenomenon also exists in the employees of the Assam government whose demands are much beyond what the resources of the state allow. At the same time, it is noticed that the Oil-sector employees become the blue eyed boys, as government pays them heftily. This is not to suggest that the benefits enjoyed by them should be curtailed abruptly.

What we mean, the products of the Oil sector belong to the people of India. Moreover, to be self-reliant in

producing sufficient oil without importing still remains a distant dream for India. But at the same time, it is a fact that the NDA government at the centre could strengthen the national exchequer, enhancing the foreign exchange reserves substantially. We fail to cling to the maxim, cut your coat according to your cloth.

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

JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

Appointment in Assam Administrative Staff College Society, Khanapara, Guwahati (Assam) Applications are invited from eligible Indian nationals for filling up positions under the Assam Administrative Staff College Society in the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara.

Applications in plain paper indicating name, date of birth, present and permanent address, email ID and contact number(s), office address, present post held, educational qualifications with photo copies of certificates, experience and nature of work done with certificates may be addressed to "Director, Assam Administrative Staff College Society, Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022". In case of government employees, applications may be submitted through proper channel.

Candidates will have to appear before an interview board where original copies of all testimonials will have to be produced.

No TA and DA shall be paid for attending the interview. Candidates will be informed individually regarding the date and time of interview.

The term of post engagement will be initially for a period of one year renewable every year, Subject to satisfactory performance. Further, the engagement will be on the basis of terms and conditions prescribed by the Board of Management and Executive Committee of Assam Administrative Staff College Society.

The last date for submission of applications for each of the posts mentioned above isJanuary 25, 2016.

Sd/- Director Assam Administrative Staff College Society Khanapara, Guwahati-22

Vacancy of Assistant Professor at Rangapara College, Sonitpur (Assam) In persuance of DHE letter No. G (B) Ac/Permission/247/ 2015/426 Dt. 04.12.2015, applications along with testimonials from H.S.L.C. onward are invited from the candidates having UGC Norms with NET/SLET/SET Degree (as mandatory required qualifications) for the following vacant sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors at Rangapara College in the Pay Band + AGP Rs. 15,600-39,100 + AGP 6000/- with allowance as per rule.

Candidates who have obtained M.Phil degree on or before 1.07.2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtained M. Phil / Ph.D degree from off campus centre. Provided however, that candidates who are or have been awarded a Ph.D degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum standards and procedure for award of Ph.D degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET / SLET / SET. The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015 and relaxable up to 5 years for SC / ST candidates.

1. Assistant Professor, English 2 (Two) Posts i) 1 (One) Post Un-reserved ii) 1 (One) Post, Reserved for OBC/ MOBC Application with Bio-Data including contact number and all relevant testimonials from H.S.L.C. onwards along with a bank Draft of Rs. 1000/- (Rupees One thousand) only in favour of the Principal, Rangapara College payable at SBI, Rangapara Branch should reach Rangapara College, Rangapara within 15 days from publishing of this advertisement. The candidates must have a PermanentResidential Certificate (PRC) and must know local languages.

Candidates in service must apply through proper channel or submit NOC issued by concerned authority. No TA / DA is admissibleat the time of interview.

Page 9

Applications are invited for the posts of Asst. Professor at N.N. Saikia College, Titabar, Jorhat, Assam.

N.N. Saikia College Titabar Applications are invited from eligible candidates having UGC norms with NET/SLET/ SET (as mandatory requirement) Ph.D. (compliance with UGC regulation 2009) M.Phil degree obtained on or before 10.07.2009 (excluding candidates obtained M.Phil/Ph.D. degree from off Campus Centre) for the following sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors in the UGC scale of pay.

1. Assistant Professor- Assamese - 1 post, unreserved.

2. Assistant Professor - Chemistry-2 posts (a) Post reserved for OBC/MOBC (b) 1 post unreserved.

3. Assistant Professor- Geography - 2 posts (a) 1 post unreserved (b) 1 post reserved for ST(P).

The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01.01.2015 and relaxable upto 5 years for SC/ST candidates. The candidate must have a PRC and must know local languages. Application with bio-data and all relevant attested documents from HSLC onwards along with a Demand Draft of Rs. 1000/- (non- refundable) drawn in favour of the Principal, payable at UBI, Titabar Branch should reach the undersigned within 10 days from the date of publication of the advertisement. No TA or DA will be paid to the candidates.

Sd/- Principal, N.N. Saikia College, P.O. Titabar-785630 Dist. Jorhat, Assam.

Job posts vacant at Dimoria College, Khetri, Kamrup (Assam) Applications along with a demand draft of Rs.1000/- (one thousand) (non refundable) only drawn in favour of Principal In-Charge, Dimoria College, Khetri payable at Central Bank of India, Khetri Branch along with full bio- data supported by selfattested copies of certificates and mark sheets from HSLC onward and contact number are invited from the candidates having latest UGC norms in the regular UGC scale of pay and will be received by the undersigned within 5days from the date of publication of this advertisement for the fol lowing vacant sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors.

The candidates having Ph.D Degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for award of Ph.D Degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted f rom the requirement of NET/SLET/SET. Those who have obtained M.Phil Degree on or before 10/7/2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtain M.Phil/Ph.D Degree from the off campus centre.

(1) Assamese: 02 (Two) Posts: (i) 01(One) Post: (Unreserved), (ii) 01(one) Post: (Reserved for SC), (2) Political Science: 01 (One) Post : ( Reserved for ST(H)), (3) Geology: 01 (One) Post: (Unreserved), (4) Botany: 01 (One) Post: (Reserved for OBC/ MOBC) (5) Education: 02 (Two) Posts: (i) 01(One) Post: (reserved for ST (P)), (ii) 01(One) Post: (Reserved for SC), (6) Post: Anthropology: 01 (One) Post against FIP of UGC. The candidates should have a Permanent Residential Certificate and must know local languages.

The age of the candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015and relaxable up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates. The OBC/ MOBC, SC and ST candidates must submit their relevant caste certificate from appropriate authorities. Those who are in service must apply through proper channel.

No TA/DA will be provided for appearing interview.

Sd/- Dr. Hem Ch. Deka Principal In-Charge Dimoria College, Khetri, Kamrup (Metro) PIN: 782403, Assam

Sd/- Principal i/c, Rangapara College PO:- Rangapara, PIN:- 784505 Dist:- Sonitpur (Assam)

Indian Army SSC Officer (Technical Entry) Recruitment Indian Army Last Date: 08/01/2016.

Applications are invited from married/ unmarried male and unmarried female Engineering Graduates and also from Widows of Defence Personnel for grant of Short Service Commission in the Indian Army in all Arms/ Services. Course commencing in October 2016 at Officers Training Academy (OTA),Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Category of posts: 47th SSC (Technical) for Men : 100 posts in various Engineering streams, Age : 2027 years 18th SSC (Technical) Women : 10 posts in various Engineering streams, Age : 20-27 years Widows of Defence Personnel : 01 post, Age : 19-29/20-31 years Remuneration: Pay Scale : PB3 Rs.1560039100 Grade Pay Rs.5400 and MPS Rs.6000/ How to Apply: Apply Online at Army recruitment website http://joinindianarmy.nic.in from 09/12/2015 to 08/01/2016 only.

Job posts vacant for PWD at LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur (Assam) LGB REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) Post Box No. 15: FAX No. (03712) 233623 TEZPUR:: 784001 :: ASSAM No. LGB/Estt/PWD/1804/15/09 Dated 1st Jan'2016 SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR PWD (2nd Attempt) LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur invites applications in prescribed Format from the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) candidates for the post of (i) Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and (ii) Staff Nurse under Special Recruitment Drive.

Application Form and other details of Advertisement/conditions may be downloaded from the website www.Igbrimh.org. Duly completed application should reach to the Administrative Officer, LGBRIMH, Tezpur- 784001 on or before 21.01.2016. Candidates are advised to follow website for further modification if any from time to time. Candidates may submit application through e-mail at recruitment lgbrimh@gmail.com.

Interview/Selection test is likely to be held on 30.01.2016.

Director, LGBRIMH

The Eastern Today has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.).

1). According to the report released by International cotton Advisory committee which country become world's largest cotton Producer Company? a) China b) India c) Japan d) Germany Answer: b 2). Which state government has imposed 'drought tax' which happened first time since 1973? a) Maharashtra b) Gujarat c) Odisha d) Andhra Pradesh Answer: a 3). Who has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of twitter? a) Jack Dorsey b) Adam Bain c) Dick Costolo d) David Anderson Answer: b 4). Who is the chairman of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India? a) Ashish Bahuguna b) Anup Das c) Yudhvir Singh Malik d) Sudha Rana Answer: a 5). Who has won the ShantiSwarupBhatnagar Prize in the field of chemical science? a ) GovindswamyMugesh b) Dr. Kavirayani Ramakrishna Prasad c) Dr. Yamuna Krishnan d) Dr. Pradyut Ghosh Answer: d 6). Who Among the following author, wrote his cancer experience in his book Quicksand: What it means to Be a Human Being a) Denise Mina b) Ruth Rendell

c) Henning Mankell d) James Ellory Answer: c 7). Who has won Woman's singles Wuhan open title 2015, held at the optics Valley International Tennis Center in Wuhan, china? a) Maria Sharapova b) Venus Williams c) Sania Mirza d) Petra Kvitova Answer: b 8). Which of the following country launched its first typhoon detecting rocket? a) Germany b) India c) China d) Russia Answer: c 9). Which Indian Film opened the 20th edition of Busan Film Festival in South Korea a) Quissa b) Drishyam c) Zubaan d) None of these Answer: c 10). Name the Indianorigin diplomat who will be the new British Ambassador to Qatar? a) Ajay Jadeja b) Rohit Sharma c) Sunil Sharma d) Ajay Sharma Answer: d 11). Which of the following bank has become the first to launch m-Visa, a card-less and device -less solution to make the payments? a) HDFC Bank b) ICICI Bank c) SBI d) Axis Bank Answer: b 12). Which country has been ranked number one in the ICC women's team ranking? a) India b) England c) New Zealand

d) Australia Answer: d 13). Who has been honored by UK city of Coventry for his contributions to the west midlands region of central England? a) Ratan Tata b) Anil Ambani c) Lakshmi Mittal d) Narayana Moorty Answer: a 14). Who has been appointed as Director General of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)? a) Narendra sisodia b) Arvind Gupta c) Uday Bhaskar d) Jayant Prasad Answer: d 15). Theme "Creating Heart -healthy environments" belongs to which of the following day observed on 29-SEP2015? a) World Vegetarian day b) World Heart day c) World Habitat day d) World Food day Answer: b 16). Which of the following countries has signed loan agreement with India for Green Energy Project of Euro 125 Million? a) Russia b) US c) China d) Germany Answer: d 17). Who has won world cup chess championship 2015 held at Baku, Azerbaijan by defeating Peter Svilder? a) Vishvanathan Anand b) Veselin Topalov c) Sergey Karjakin d) Wesley So Answer: c 18). Who was the author of the Book "The God of

small Thing"? a) Daman Singh b) JhumpaLahiri c) Kiran Desai d) Arundhati Roy Answer: d 19). Which former Prime minister of India has been awarded Bangladesh Liberation War Honor? a) Manmohan singh b) P. V Narasimha Rao c) I.K.Gujral d) Atal Bihari Vajpayee Answer: d 20). In which year first Indo-UK Air Exercise Indradhanush was conducted? a) 2008 b) 2007 c) 2005 d) 2006 Answer: b 21). Name the first sportsperson to make an honorary group captain in the Indian Air Force 83rd anniversary celebration? a) Virat Kholi b) Sachin Tendulkar c) Sunil gavaskar d) Mahindra Singh Dhoni Answer: b 22). Nualgi, an Indian Company has won popular Choice Award at Climate coLab of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge. This company belongs to which field. a) Biotechnology b) Chemical Science c) Nano technology d) Medical Science Answer: c 23). Who has been appointed as the head of Intergovernmental panel for Climate change? a) Hoesung Lee b) Thelma Krug c) P R Shukla

d) Ko Barrett Answer: a 24). Which of the following schemes is related to Neeranchal for watershed project? a) Pradhan mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana b) Pradhan mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana c) Pradhan mantri Awas Yojana d) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Answer: a 25). With whom India's Aditya Birla group have agreed to invest jointly to build new solar power plants in India? a) HBG Holdings b) Abiraaj Group c) UAE Exchange d) Mawarid Finance Answer: b 26). Who becomes the 14th woman to win Nobel Prize in the field of literature since it was awarded in 1901? a) Alice Munro b) Doris Lessing c) Herta Muller d) Svetlana Alaxievich Answer: d 27). Recently, Ahmed Mansoor has won the Martin Ennals award 2015 for Human rights Defenders. He belongs to which of the following country? a) India b) UAE c) China d) US Answer: b 28). Which of the following state was not approved by union cabinet for constructing All India Institutes of Medical Science? a) Maharashtra b) Andhra Pradesh c) West Bengal d) Jammu and Kashmir Answer: d 29). In which state NGT

charge environmental tax in addition to toll tax? a) Gujarat b) Delhi c) Kerala d) Andhra Pradesh Answer: b 30). According to the report released by the Economic Intelligence unit, how much percentage India spends on palliative care a) Less than 10 % b) Less than 1 % c) Less than 11 % d) Less than 21 % Answer: a 31).Who ranks at the top of Forbes list on Asia's Richest Family? a) Henderson Land Development b) Ambani c) Lee family d) Birla Answer: c 32) Philately day of National Postal week celebrated in India on _______ a) 10-Oct-15 b) 13-Oct-15 c) 14-Oct-15 d) 15-Oct-15 Answer: b 33) Which country has appointed AR Rahman as cultural ambassador to enhance its country's art and culture? a) Seychelles b) Uruguay c) Spain d) Switzerland Answer: a 34) Who among the following has won Best opposite spiker award in women's Volleyball championship 2015? a) Tatiana Kosheleva b) Maja Ognjenovic c) Anna Malova d) Lonneke Sloetjes Answer: d 35) Which Telecom company has introduced Nirvoy life insurance

scheme in Bangladesh? a) Bharti Airtel b) BSNL c) Telenor d) MTNL Answer: c 36) How many organization of National Dialogue Quartet, the Tunisian civil society has won 2015 Nobel Peace Prize? a) 3 b) 5 c) 4 d) 6 Answer: c 37) What does the letter 'T' denotes in the term UNCTAD? a) Trade b) Telecom c) Transfer d) Tax Answer: a 38) China has recently launched a __________ satellite called 'The Jilin-1'. a) Communication satellite b) Navigation satellite c) Reconnaissance satellite d) Remote sensing satellite Answer: d 39) Which of the following mobile service provider launched its Wi-Fi app recently?

a) Vodaphone b) Airtel c) BSNL d) Docomo Answer: b 40) President Pranab Mukherjee is on six days visit to three nations, which of these is NOT one of them? a) Egypt b) Jordan c) Palestine d) Israel Answer: a 41 ) . W h i c h c o u n t r y will host 8th BRICS Summit on 2016? a) Brazil b) Russia c) India d) South Africa Answer: c 42). Who is the winner of 1st Hridaynath Mangeshkar award? a) Asha Bhosle b) Lata Mangeshkar c) Amitabh Bachchan d) AR Rahman Answer: b 43). Who is Ravindra jain? a) Famous Dancer b) Hindi Poet c) Bollywood Actor d) Music Director Answer: d

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

BUSINESS

Gold price shot up Chennai, Jan 6: Riding on strong global cues and increased buying by jewellers at the domestic bullion market, gold recently shot up by Rs 225 to Rs 25,840 per ten grammes.

Silver followed suit and edged higher by Rs 75 to Rs 33,700 per kg on increased offtake from industrial units and coin makers. Bullion merchants attributed rally in the precious metal to a firming trend overseas as a global equity rout as concerns over slowing economic growth in China and tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran raised haven assets appeal. Globally, gold ad-

vanced 0.2 per cent to $1,077.13 an ounce and silver by 0.6 per cent to USD 13.96 an ounce in Singapore, while 0.20 per cent to $1,076.60 an ounce at London in early trade. Besides, pickup in buying by jewellers supported the upside in prices, they said. In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity surged further by Rs 225 each to Rs 25,840 and Rs 25,690 per ten grams, respectively. It had gained Rs 195 yesterday.

Sovereign, however, remained steady at Rs 22,200 per piece of eight grams in limited deals.

Tracking gold, silver

State-run ports need renovation: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley.Source: s3.india.com New Delhi, Jan 6: The staterun ports sector needs to be overhauled and moved towards privatisation, finance minister Arun Jaitley said. "The structure of state sector ports needs a rethink, moving towards privatisation of state-run trust ports," Jaitley said at an event jointly organised

by India Infrastructure Finance Company and industry chamber FICCI. "If major ports don't overhaul their structures, they will seriously fall behind in competition with minor ports," the minister said. Noting that policy changes in civil aviation sector had allowed

for major improvement of small and medium-sized airports in the country, he said the private sector had shown interest in development of ports too. He said the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) was already in place, and it was in touch with many sovereign and pension funds that had shown interest in investing in the sector. Following the first meeting of the NIIF here last week, Jaitley, who heads the NIIF Governing Council, told reporters that the progress with regard to the proposals of sovereign funds from the United Arab Emirates, Britain, Russia and Singapore were particularly discussed. While the government will contribute Rs 20,000 crore to the fund, another Rs 20,000 crore is expected to come from private investors. The Union Cabinet in July approved the creation of the NIIF with a corpus of Rs.20,000 crore for development of infrastructure projects, including the stalled ones. (Agencies)

Government hikes in VAT and cess makes petrol, diesel more costlier in Gujrat Ahmedabad, Jan 6: Petrol and diesel became costlier

by Rs 1.90 and Rs 1.82 per litre respectively in Gujarat from yesterday's midnight, as the state government increased the Value Added Tax (VAT) as well as cess on these fuels. So far, government used to collect 23 per cent VAT and 2 per cent cess on petrol. Now, the government has increased the VAT by one per cent, taking it to 24 per cent, and raised the cess by two per cent, taking it to four per cent, an official release said. As a result, consumers have to shell out Rs 1.90 more for a litre of petrol, which will now cost Rs 62.12. "The new rates will come into effect from midnight," the release added.

The VAT and cess imposed on diesel has been increased by three per cent and one per cent respectively, taking the total VAT to 24 per cent and

cess to four per cent. As a result of this, the price of diesel has gone up by Rs 1.82 per litre and the new rate is Rs 50.13, the release said.

Justifying the move, the state government claimed that the hike came after a gap of nine years. In the release, the government claimed that there are eleven states in the country -- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Punjab, UP an Uttarakhand - which charge more tax on fuel than Gujarat. It also claimed that constantly decreasing fuel prices are making a huge dent in the state treasury, as a result of which the government was forced to cut its spending on propeople developmental works. "To cope with the situation, the hike was necessary," the government said.

(Agencies)

GOOD DAYS ARE BACK AGAIN Ø Gold recently shot up by Rs 225 to Rs 25,840 per ten grammes.

BSNL CMD, Anupam Shrivastava.Source: www.voicendata.com 2,500 in the current financial year. He apprised that in order to improve its telecom service, the BSNL would be setting up around 25,000 mobile towers in the country, with an investment of Rs 5,500 crore. On the issue of call drops, he said the problem is aggravated due to people's miscon-

Ø Sovereign, how-

Ø Tracking gold, silver ready went up by Rs 75 to Rs 33,700 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 135 to Rs 33,705 per kg.

Ø

Silver coins too spurted by Rs 1,000 to Rs 48,000 for buying and Rs 49,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

ever, remained steady at Rs 22,200 per piece of eight grams in limited deals. Ø In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity surged further

by Rs 225 each to Rs 25,840 and Rs 25,690 per ten grams, respectively.

ready went up by Rs 75 to Rs 33,700 per kg and weekly-based delivery by

Rs 135 to Rs 33,705 per kg. Silver coins too spurted by Rs 1,000 to Rs

48,000 for buying and Rs 49,000 for selling of 100 pieces. (Agencies)

Ø Silver followed suit and edged higher by Rs 75 to Rs 33,700 per kg on increased offtake from industrial units and coin makers.

360Ride raises Rs 1 crore in seed funding Bengaluru, Jan 6: 360Ride, a Bengaluru-based startup that offers a P2P-powered free ride sharing platform for commuters, has raised Rs 1 crore in seed funding by a Delhibased investor. Launched in 2015, 360Ride aims at creating a strong pool of likeminded verified commuters by becoming an alternative mode of urban transportation.

The startup plans to utilise the fund to expand its marketing and promotional campaign and create awareness about 360Ride to solve the major problem of demand and supply in ride sharing segment. Lokesh Bevara,

CRMWaypoint acquired by Accenture Pune, Jan 6: Accenture has acquired CRMWaypoint, a supplier of cloud advisory and technology services in the Netherlands, specializing in Salesforce cloud solutions for sales, service and marketing. The acquisition further strengthens Accenture's position as a leading cloud services by reinforcing its Cloud First agenda that provides clients with high-standard cloud strategy and technology consulting, as well as cloud application implementation, integration and management services. With the acquisition, CRMWaypoint's professionals have joined the Accenture Cloud First Applications team, which delivers cloud services for Salesforce, Workday, ServiceNow, Google and other "pure play" cloud technologies. "The addition of CRMWaypoint gives us access to a sizable force of highly skilled and sought-after Salesforce professionals in the Netherlands and beyond," said Peter van Tilburg, Accenture's Cloud First Applications lead for the Netherlands.

Ton van der Meer, founder and CEO of CRMWaypoint.Source: www.lubbersdejong.nl

"Together we are even better positioned to meet the growing demand for cloud solutions. Our Cloud First agenda is focused on helping clients improve their business growth, agility and competitive advantage by leveraging all of the benefits cloud can deliver." Ton van der Meer, founder and CEO of CRMWaypoint, said, "Over the past years, we've forged a team delivering significant growth in the Netherlands, which culminated in our company being recognized as a plati-

num partner by Salesforce in 2015. As a next step, we're excited to become part of Accenture as this will give us even more opportunity to develop our people and leverage their skills to drive cloud adoption and implementation for leading brands on a global scale." CRMWaypoint is one of the largest Salesforce partners in Benelux, established in 2006 with an exclusive focus on Salesforce. It was one of the first official implementation partners for Salesforce in the

Dutch market in early 2008. Since then, CRMWaypoint has delivered on more than 600 Salesforce projects in different industries with a team of highly qualified professionals that carry over 80 Salesforce certifications. CRMWaypoint is serving clients both in medium business and large enterprise market segments. In October last year, Accenture acquired Cloud Sherpas, a leader in cloud advisory and technology services specializing in Google, Salesforce and ServiceNow, which followed previously acquired Salesforce and Veeva Systems solution providers, Tquila UK and ClientHouse. Accenture continues to grow and strengthen its position as a leading enterprise cloud services provider.

Accenture was one of the first global companies to establish a strategic alliance partnership with Salesforce and today has leading capabilities in Salesforce with more than 3,400 unique certified professionals around the world. (Agencies)

Toyota may explore petrol version of Innova, Fortuner ANI Mumbai, Jan 6: The Indian unit of Toyota is all set to explore the petrol versions of its popular multi-purpose vehicles Innova and SUVFortuner to tide over the Supreme Court's verdict, curbing registration of vehicles with large diesel engines in the National Capital Region. Toyota, which records maximum sales from diesel-powered vehicles, is also considering having petrol versions for all future products to de-risk sales from adverse rulings on diesel vehicles. The current ban on registration covers vehicles with en-

40k Wi-Fi Hotspots in the country to be set up by BSNL: CMD Indore, Jan 6: Public sector telecom major BSNL said it is working on setting up 40,000 Wi-Fi Hotspots in the country to counter its inadequacy in providing 4G data services. "We are at present neither a 4G service provider, nor do we have the relevant spectrum to launch this service. But to deal with this challenge, we are working on a scheme to set up 40,000 Wi-Fi Hotspots in the country, as it (Wi-Fi Hotspot) is faster than 4G services," BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava told reporters. Shrivastava said under the scheme, 500 Wi-Fi Hotspots have been set up in the country, and the company plans to increase them to

Ø Globally, gold advanced 0.2 per cent to $1,077.13 an ounce and silver by 0.6 per cent to USD 13.96 an ounce in Singapore, while 0.20 per cent to $1,076.60 an ounce at London in early trade.

ception that the radiation emitted by the mobile towers has an adverse effect on their health, owing to which many such towers have been removed from residential areas. The BSNL CMD further said that in FY15, the company achieved an operating profit of Rs 672 crore, and expects it to reach Rs 1000 crore by the end of the current fiscal year. He said, "We are not just satisfied by increasing our operating profit, but we are also working on taking the company to a net profit position. We expect to reach that position by FY19." (Agencies)40k WiFi profit position. We expect to reach that position

by FY19." (Agencies)

gine size of two litres or more and is for three months, but there are concerns among auto makers that this could be extended. TS Jaishankar, deputy managing director-commercial at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "When we started selling the Innova, we had made available a petrol version. It was discontinued as demand was largely diesel-driven.

We have to see now, if it warrants, we have to get it back." According to data available with industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Toyota sold 91,588 ve-

hicles in the domestic market between April and November 2015. Of these, 50,771units, or more than 55 percent, were the Innova and Fortuner. According to industry experts, about 400,000 units of diesel vehicles with two-litre or heavier engines are sold in the country annually and of these five to eight percent are sold in the NCR. Data shared by the company (from the Delhi government's website) show of the 2.64 million cars registered in the National Capital Territory until March 2015, 1.42 million were of BSI of II. Toyota is not

PAGE 10

Image for representational purpose.

CEO & founder of 360Ride, said: "We are very happy to be backed by an investor who understands the industry really well and whose interest are aligned with ours.

We are bound with the vi-

sion of providing an easy ride sharing platform that can offer a low cost, P2P-powered transportation systems and provide a convenient and hassle free commute for everyone." Commenting on the investment in 360Ride, the investor said, "When Lokesh was pitching the idea, we were thrilled with his vision of making ride sharing a main stream transportation in India.

We see a huge potential in this segment and are excited to be associated with 360Ride. We believe that 360Ride is going to change the way how ride sharing is done in India." (Agencies)

Microsoft's latest operating system running on 200 mn devices

Image for representational purpose.

ANI Hyderabad, Jan 6: Microsoft Corp's latest operating system, Windows 10, is running on 200 million devices as reported by the company.

According to a statement by the company, this is the fastest adoption rate of any of its operating systems. Windows 10, which the company released as a free download in July, powers both personal computers and devices like phones. It replaced Windows 8, the heavily criticized system dating from 2012. "I would characterize this as white hot adoption out of the gate," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at FBR Capital Markets, who has an "outperform" rating on the stock. Much of the

growth comes from retail consumers, with devices such as Microsoft's Xbox gaming console helping drive adoption of Windows 10, the company reported.

Xbox's busiest day ever was December 28, it added. But the ultimate success of Windows 10 will be judged by the take-up rate among businesses.

About three-quarters of Microsoft's enterprise customers are testing Windows 10, the company said.

Microsoft also needs more mobile developers to build apps for Windows 10 to help catch up with players like Apple and its popular iPhone and iPad devices. It reported some progress in that area recently, citing more visits to its Windows Store for apps such as video service and music service Pandora.

Eurozone inflation remains static TS Jaishankar, Deputy Managing Directorcommercial at Toyota Kirloskar Motor.Source: www.toyotabharat.com

the only one to examining options to develop petrol versions of bestselling products. Last month, Mahindra said it will focus on developing petrol engines for its existing portfolio of vehicles.

Europe, Jan 6: Eurozone inflation remained unchanged at a lower than expected 0.2 percent in December, official data said,adding pressure on the European Central Bank to ramp up its efforts to boost the economy in Europe.

ECB president Mario Draghi last month disappointed market hopes with a more limited than

expected bid to revive the struggling eurozone economy given low inflation levels across the 19 countries that share the euro. The data from the EU`s Eurostat statistics agency came in below analysts` forecast of 0.3 percent inflation for the period, which is much lower than the ECB`s official two percent target. (Agencies)

Flights to Kabul increased by SpiceJet Abu Dhabi, Jan 6: Low cost SpiceJet, the only private Indian carrier to fly to Afghanistan, will increase its Delhi-Kabul flights to five a week from February 8. The airline currently has three flights to the Afghan capital a week. Air India also flies on DelhiKabul route. The budget airline has also added flights on the domestic side to meet additional demand. "SpiceJet will operate a renewed winter schedule adding 10 new daily frequencies on its domestic network encompassing some very popular routes such as Chennai-Kochi (fourth direct flight added), Ban-

MORE FLIGHTS Ø Low cost SpiceJet, the only private Indian carrier to fly to Afghanistan, will increase its Delhi-Kabul flights to five a week from February 8. Ø The airline currently has three flights to the Afghan capital a week. Air India also flies on Delhi-Kabul route. Ø The budget airline has also added flights on the domestic side to meet additional demand. Ø SpiceJet will operate a renewed winter schedule adding 10 new daily frequencies on its domestic network encompassing some very popular routes such as Chennai-Kochi (fourth direct flight added), Bangalore-Vijayawada (second direct flight added) Kochi-Chennai (fourth direct flight added) and Hyderabad-Vijayawada (second direct flight added) among others. Ø The airline has also increased seating capacity on some domestic routes by undertaking aircraft upgradation from Bombardier Q400 which has a seating capacity of 78 seats to Boeing 737 which can accommodate 186 passengers.

galore-Vijayawada (second direct flight added) Kochi-Chennai (fourth direct flight added) and

Hyderabad-Vijayawada (second direct flight added) among others," the airline said in a state-

ment. The airline has also increased seating capacity on some domestic routes by under-

taking aircraft upgradation from Bombardier Q400 which has a seating capacity of 78 seats to Boeing 737 which can accommodate 186 passengers.

This upgradation would be operational for 6 days a week on routes such as Delhi-Varanasi and Delhi-Dehradun among others. SpiceJet senior VP (commercial) Shilpa Bhatia said: "We are always looking at ways to improve our network capacity so that we can continue to offer the best possible services to our customers while providing them with more flexibility." (Agencies)

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"No, there is a conflict of interest. I have my Sehwag International School (in Haryana). So I cannot be a part of it. I cannot be a selector but if any association wants me to be a part of it, I would love to do that. There are other cricketers who have a reputation but they are not getting the opportunity to be a part of the selection panels. "

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

PAGE 11

Virender Sehwag

FC Goa called up for breach of ISL regulations

Agencies Mumbai : Indian Super League's (ISL) Regulatory Commission has called upon the FC Goa management for a preliminary hearing here on Wednesday for breaching regulations and bringing disrepute to the game.

Following their 2-3 loss in the final to Chennaiyin FC on December 20, FC Goa boycotted the medals ceremony, alleging the game

was fixed.

"FC Goa have been charged under the ISL Regulations for 'boycotting match and league ceremony', 'public criticism and threatening match officials', 'allegation of match fixing', and 'non-adherence of league rules'," said an ISL release on Tuesday.

The commission includes advocate Vidushpat Singhania and former cricketer Kiran More.

Coach Phil Simmons urges Windies to 'keep fighting' Agencies Sydney: West Indies head coach Phil Simmons is urging his players to 'keep fighting' when the third and final Test against Australia enters its fourth day.

The entire third day's play was washed yesterday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, leaving West Indies on 248-7 in a match marred by inclement weather, reports CMC. Carlos Brathwaite's entertaining 69 was the highlight of the West Indies innings, which was affected by rain during the first two days, particularly the second day when only 68 balls were bowled."I think we have seen, in the last three days of cricket (including in Melbourne in the second Test) we've had, we've im-

proved and our batting seems to be thinking about it more and fighting a little bit harder to not give the Aussies wickets," Simmons told reporters.Brathwaite's counterattacking 69, following his bold 59, has earned him a place in the record books as the second batsman in Test history to score half centuries in his first two matches batting at No. 8.The only other batsman to achieve the feat was Australian wicketkeeper Sammy Carter against England in 1907."There is a lot of light (at the end of the tunnel) with the players and I think you can mention (Kraigg and Carlos Brathwaite) because they have got runs," said Simmons.

Sehwag lashes out at inefficient state assns, team selection PTI New Delhi : Swashbuckling former India opener Virender Sehwag, who recently retired from international cricket, has lashed out at selectors who picked players under the influence of "people in power" and at inefficient running of state associations. Asked if its a problem that state associations were not run efficiently, Sehwag, who recently shifted to Haryana from Delhi in domestic cricket, said, "Yes. Its not just Delhi. There are other associations which have problems. "You need to change things at U-19 and U-16 level because thats problem area. If you pick over-age players, it is a problem that needs to be identified. If you have a player whose name and stature is big, you wont have this problem," he told Cricinfo. Sehwag said that

Virender Sehwag he cannot become a selector as that could be a conflict of interest as he has opened a school where young cricketers would be

groomed but would love to be part of a state association in another capacity. "No, there is a conflict of interest. I have my Sehwag In-

ternational School (in Haryana). So I cannot be a part of it. I cannot be a selector but if any association wants me to be a part of it, I

would love to do that. There are other cricketers who have a reputation but they are not getting the opportunity to be a part of the selection panels. "What is happening is that the guys in power introduce names to the selectors and the selectors then act according to these peoples whims," he said. Sehwag, now 37, last played for India in 2013 after scoring 8586 runs from 104 Tests and 8273 runs from 251 ODIs. He might be known to have unflinchingly stuck to his see the ball and hit it batting approach irrespective of match situations in his playing days, but Sehwag said he made changes in his techniques early in his career to emulate iconic Sachin Tendulkar. "When I was growing up, I played a lot of 10- and 12-over games, I would bat in middle order.

I got only 10-odd balls to

face and I tried to score as much as I could. I applied the same approach in domestic and international cricket and people were appreciating my strike rate being more than 80 or 90 in Test cricket," Sehwag said when asked if his approach changed how batsmen opened the innings in a fundamental way. "I was just playing my game and not thinking that I have to score quickly or do something different except when I joined the team and wanted to bat like Tendulkar. I realised there could be only one Tendulkar and I changed my stance and backlift. I realised I should change my game and I did it. After that, I was playing with my own technique," he said. Asked if there was only one Sehwag as well, he said, "Yes, because of my mindset and the impact I had on the team but there was only one Tendulkar."

Bowling fast remains Dibrugarh Coaching defeat priority for Umesh Yadav Tinsukia cricket Academy Agencies Mumbai : Umesh Yadav belongs to the rare breed of Indian bowlers who can bowl consistently quick and the 28-year-old is not ready to sacrifice pace to gain more control on his line and length.

The right-arm fast bowler has failed to cement his place in the Indian bowling line-up since making his debut in an one-day international against Zimbabwe in May, 2010. Yadav, who has an economy of 5.84 in the 50-over format, has played 17 Tests and 52 ODIs for India but has

often been panned for being wayward while striving for extra pace. "I am here because of my pace," Yadav told reporters on the eve of the team's departure for a limited-overs series in Australia."Whenever I come on to the ground or the pitch (to bowl) I always think about my pace. I do not think about my line and length," he added. Yadav's words would delight cricket fans in the country who often bemoan the tendency among the Indian pacemen to drop pace once they have made the

team, apparently to prolong their career. Yadav has often lost his place in the team to fellow rightarm fast bowler Varun Aaron and with India slated to play a lot of cricket this year on spinfriendly tracks at home, they are likely to vie with each other for a spot. The fast bowler accepts it is difficult to bowl fast while also sticking to the line and length to keep the runs down. While Yadav is working with the support staff on identifying the best spot to land his deliveries, he is also keen to bowl even faster.

Sports Reporter Singh top scored with 33 ting four fours to the Dibrugarh, Jan 6: off 60 balls laced with fence. Rijit Dey played a Dibrugarh Cricket four boundaries. Abhijit steady knock of 21 off 65 Coaching Centre (B) beat Paul contributed 28 off 36 balls with the help of one Tinsukia Cricket Acad- balls, hitting three bound- boundary. Krishna Bagat emy by five wickets in the aries. unbeaten at 19 off 23 Simang Arnold balls with two Phulari Invitation Simang Arnold Phulari Cricket boundaries. (under-15) InterFor Tinsukia District Cricket Tourna- For Dibrugarh cricket Cricket Academy, Abhijit ment organized by Cocahing Centre (B), Paul and Nihar Narah Dibrugarh City cricket Nishant Singhania shared two wickets each Coaching Centre at scalped four wickets for by giving away 22 and 39 Dibrugarh District Sports 17 in 7 overs while runs respectively.

Association Stadium here Samrat Bhattacharjee Nishant Singhania of today. Altogether, eight took three for 17 in 5 Dibrugarh cricket Coachteams participate in the overs. ing Centre (B) was adtournament.

In reply, Dibrugarh judged man of the match.

Opting to bat, Tinsukia cricket Coaching centre Tomorrow, Sivasagar Cricket Academy scored (B) scored 137 for five in Phoenix will play 134 in 34.3 overs before 28.5 overs. Rishab Nag Duliajan Cricket Acadbeing bundled out. Aman scored 22 off 46 balls, hit- emy.

Starc says he's unlikely to NE open Tennis Kicks off be fit for T20 World Cup

likely be during the Indian Premier League tournament, starting late April.

"That could be a possibility and there's the West Indies triseries after that as well," Starc said. "I've played probably non-stop for two years and the silver lining is I get to give the body a bit of a break and re-

build that strength. Make sure everything is 100 per cent before I go again."

The left-arm swing paceman, who has taken 91 wickets in 25 tests and was one of the stars of Australia's World Cupwinning campaign last year, did acknowledge that a return to the national team was not a

certainty.

"I don't think you can ever say 100 percent that you've cemented a spot," Starc said. "I'm still going to have to work when I get back to bowling to get my spot back.

"But I'd like to think in the last 10-12 months I've come a long way in all forms of cricket."

Guests being introduced to the players of the 20th North east open tennis tournament AATA Ranking Championship which got underway in Golaghat today. Pic - Amit Nagori

Incessant rain abandons fourth day of Sydney Test ANI Sydney: Persistent downpour has washed out the fourth day of the second

Test between Australia and West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Darrang school prize money badminton concluded

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Mayukh Goswami Mangaldai, Jan 6: Dikraj Kalita has bagged the crown in the senior boys (U-16) category of the Jibon Deka and Renu Deka memorial second

Darrang school prize money badminton tournament organized by the Mangaldai Club here yesterday. In the final played at the Gopinath Bordoloi Indoor Stadium

late last evening Dikraj defeated Bhargab Moni Kashyap 21-19 and 2117. Similarly in the final of junior boys (U-13) Sohail Islam emerged champion registering a

comfortable 21-19 and 21-6 win over Naieem Anjum. On the other hand, in the final of the girls open category Chinmoyee Medhi smashed Junom Nishi

Hazarika 21-5 and 216 to win the crown. After the final matches winners were awarded cash prizes amounting to total of Rs 20,000 along with trophies by

Pratap Bordoloi , chairman Mangaldai Municipality Board, journalists Ganesh Dutta , Abdul Khaleque and other distinguished guests.

Due to continuous drizzling, the umpires had decided to suspend the play after the third day's play was also called off without a ball being bowled.

This is the fifth time in over a century of Test cricket in Australia where play had been abandoned for two consecutive days due to rain, Sport24 reported.

Earlier, opting to bat first, opener Kraigg Braithwaite smashed 85 runs to help his side reach 248-7 on the

second day before rain disrupted the play.

Meanwhile, Denesh Ramdin remained unbeaten on 30 and will try to resume his side's inning when he will come to bat on the final day of the Test along with Kemar Roach.

Australia have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series following their 177run win against West Indies in the second match in Melbourne.

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Agencies Sydney: Injured Australian paceman Mitchell Starc isn't expecting to recover in time from ankle surgery to play in the Twenty20 World Cup in March.

Starc sustained a stress fracture in his right foot on the opening day of the day-night test against New Zealand in Adelaide in November, and later elected to go ahead with previously delayed surgery on bone spurs in his right ankle, forcing a long lay-off that included the ongoing three-test series against the West Indies.

"It's a pretty rough time frame," Starc told reporters during the washed out day four of the third test between Australia and West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"It's still 5-6 weeks away before I'm back to 100 percent running."

Playing at the Twenty20 World Cup in India, "is very unlikely," he said, "everything would have to go perfectly to be any chance. I won't know until I can start doing some stuff on it."

Starc, who was wearing a "moon boot" to take pressure off his foot, said his first return to action would more

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 6: The 20th North east open tennis tournament AATA Ranking Championship started from today at Tennis Club Complex in Golaghat.

The tournament was inaugurated by General Manager (HR) of Numaligarh Refinery Limited Apurba Bhattacharya .

Altogether, 150 Tennis players are participating in 6 events in the tournament.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARYU 7

Page 12

FASCINATING FACTS

The Brahmin and His Enemies Long ago, a poor Brahmin lived with his family in a small house. His disciples would help him with food and clothes. He somehow managed to pass his days.

One day, the Brahmin received two calves as a gift from one of his disciples. He was overjoyed.

Though he had difficulty in arranging for fodder and grain for the calves, he managed to feed the two calves. Years passed by and the calves grew up into two bullocks.

A thief had seen the bullocks. "The foolish Brahmin does not even know the proper use of these bullocks. I will steal the bullocks and sell them," he thought.

That evening, the thief started for the Brahmin's house. While on his way, the thief was stopped by

*The hottest place on earth is in Dallol, Ethiopia, which is a sizzling 94 degrees in the shade on a typical day! *Angel Falls in Venezuela is 20 times taller than Niagara Falls. *The blue whale is the largest animal that ever lived (it could reach 100 feet long and weight up to 150 tons!) *Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a basketball game in 1962, when he played for the Philadelphia Warriors. *The longest bout of hiccups lasted 69 years! *The longest conga to this date included

119,986 people. *The smallest cat is the Singapuras and weighs only 4 pounds. *The longest movie made lasts 85 hours and is fittingly titled "The Cure for Insomnia." *Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing 29,028 feet high. *The smallest dog recorded was a Yorkie and was only 4 inches tall. The biggest dog weighed 344 poundsmore than two full grown men! *The largest baby to be born so far weighed in at 15 pounds, 5 ounces! *The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.

CRAFTY CRAFTS Textured Tye-Dye Paper a fierce demon. "I am hungry. I will eat you," said the demon, in a thundering voice. "Wait!

Wait, dear friend! I am a thief I am on my way to the Brahmin's house to steal his bullocks. You can eat the Brahmin instead of me," said the thief.

The demon agreed. The thief and the demon proceeded towards the

Brahmin's house. Reaching the house of the Brahmin, the thief said, "Let me take the bullocks and go. Then you can eat the Brahmin."

"No! Let me eat the Brahmin first. I am hungry," roared the demon. The two started to quarrel.

The noise woke up the Brahmin. As soon as he saw the demon, he started chanting some mantras.

The demon uttered a sharp cry, "AAIEE!" and disappeared.

Then the Brahmin got hold of a thick stick, "You tried to steal my bullocks, did you?" said the Brahmin. And he thrashed the thief. Thus the Brahmin saved himself from the demon and eventually punished the thief.

The Brahmin and His Enemies were separated from each other.

LAUGH OUT LOUD

What You Need: o 3 fat markers o 1 piece of foam o 1 piece of paper Instructions: 1.

Take your piece of paper and crumple it up.

2.

Using your markers, color all over the piece of foam.

3.

Open up your paper carefully and rub the foam all over it.

4.

You will see all the different colors appear on the paper!

5.

You can keep adding more color to the foam and repeating the process until you get the color results you want.

6.

This can get messy for your hands, so either use washable markers or cover your hands with plastic gloves.

WHAT AM I ???

Teacher: Now, children, if I saw a man beating a donkey and stopped him, what virtue would I be showing?

Ramu: Brotherly love.

During an English lesson, the teacher notices that a boy was

not paying attention to him.

Teacher: Pappu, join these two sentences together. I was cycling to school. I saw a dead body.

Pappu: (thinking for a while) I saw a dead body cycling to school.

RIDDLES

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

Q: Which room has no door, no windows, no floor and no roof?

A: Mushroom Q: What comes thrice in December, once in February and never in March and April?

A: The letter E Q: What gets whiter the dirtier that it gets?

A: Chalkboard Q: What has to be broken before it can be used?

A: An egg.

Q: Big as a biscuit, deep as a cup, even a river can't fill it up.

What is it?

A: Kitchen strainer.

FIND YOUR PATH

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Editor: Ripunjoy Das

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