Friday,oct 30,2015 by THE EASTERN TODAY

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Vol. 1

Issue 144

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Dibrugarh, Friday, October 30, 2015 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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Tame Passang

JAC leaders addressing the media in Itanagar. ET Photo

Contd. on Page 3

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Dima Haso BJP strongly oppose Thao Sen, Daulagup’s entry into BJP

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Bordumsa Mahila Mandal convened a meeting at Singpho Heritage Centre, Bordumsa to discuss various

issues concerning women and children. Placing the agenda,BMM President Pisilu Singpho spearheaded the discussion while inviting Contd. on Page 3

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The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) had asked the State government and security forces to stop operation

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cences. Officials of the Jorhat administration along with officials of the Assam Abhantarin Jal Parivahan Vibhag department had conducted a check on the documents and safety measures adopted by the ferries from 24 October to 28 October. "It was not only the documents but also other issues such as Ferry Insurance, passenger insurance, safety measures like first aid, life jackets, emergency equipments in case of an accident, etc. were

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all missing in most of the ferries," said Tridip Gogoi of the Assam Abhantarin Jal Parivahan department of Jorhat. Sources have informed that getting wind of the checking by officials most of the ferries plying illegally had stopped plying and the owners of these ferries had gone missing putting the passengers in grave situation.

Contd. on Page 4 ○

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ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Oct 29

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Contd. on Page 3 ○

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Stop operation or will shoot to kill abducted BDO, threaten GNLA ET Correspondent Shillong, Oct 29

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betrayed SC people

Tapas Samaddar Rangia 29 oct

immediately against the cadres of the outfit or else they have threatened to kill the abducted BDO. In press statement issued to media here on Thursday, Contd. on Page 4

ful and majestic Umrangso in large numbers usually from the second week of October every year. The first ever falcon festival, the biggest festival in Dima Hasao,

“Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi-led Congres Government has paid no adequate attention towards the allround development of 45 lakh people belong to Scheduled Caste in Assam. The Government has just only betrayed them in the name of development. Though huge amounts of fund have been allotted for the purpose, at least 10% progress is not experienced by these people” – alleged Sodou Asom Anusuchito Jati Chatra Santha at a press meet today held at North Lakhimpur Press Club. Basanta Das, the Finance Secretary of the organization slammed the State Govt and the concerned department with regard to the amelioration of the suffering of the SC people.

Contd. on Page 3

Contd. on Page 4

Command, Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi made a visit to Rangiya based Red Horns Division on 28 October 15 accompanied by Lt Gen Sarath Chand, GOC Gajraj Corps, Contd. on Page 4

After visiting the forward localities in Tawang Sector, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern

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Bordumsa Mahila Mandal takes up burning issues Pisi Zauing Bordumsa, Oct 29

The Dima Hasao BJP District Committee has opposed the probable entry of former CEM Debojeet Thaosen and EM Kulendra Daolagupu as disclosed by Sri BB Hagjer, President, Dima Hasao BJP District Committee at a press meet in the district BJP office, Haflong on Monday. To justify the Dima Hasao BJP District Committee’s decision, Hagjer said that during their tenure in the NCHAC,

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Eastern army commander State Govt alleged to have reviews the progress

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Soon after taking the charge of General Manager/NF Railway Construction Organisation, Harjeet Kumar Jaggi has conducted a window trailing inspection of the newly converted Lumding-Silchar line on yesterday. During the inspection GM/Con has personally inspected works of several bridges, retaining walls, station building and given instructions to complete all left over works found in these places. Contd. on Page 3

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Anup Biswas Haflong, Oct 29

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Anup Biswas Haflong, Oct 29

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GM/Con conducts window trailing inspection of Lumding-Silchar newly converted line

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Contd. on Page 3 ○

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Falcon Festival at Umrangso Anup Biswas Haflong, Oct 29

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A clamp down on ferries by officials of the Jorhat administration along with officials of the Assam Abhantarin Jal Parivahan department on the ferries plying over the river Brahmaputra from the Neemati Ghat to Majuli unearthed the fact that nearly 90% of the ferries have no valid documents and that the operators have no valid li-

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has 1669 households out of which 713 have toilets; meanwhile SBM-G target as per PIP has set up at 745 out of which 646 have been completed; defunct or left out household stands at 211.

holds out of which 1754 have toilets; meanwhile, under SBM-G a target as per PIP has been set at 347 out of which 334 have been completed; defunct or left out households stand at 273.

ET Bureau Jorhat, Oct 29

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Ø Khownag

ØIkoratuli has 2374 house-

90% of ferries plying from Neemati Ghat in Jorhat to Majuli without valid papers

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Guwahati, Oct 29: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will address two rallies in Assam next month to kick off the Congress campaign for a record fourth successive win in the assembly election amidst the strongest ever opposition from a resurgent BJP this time. Assam is expected to go to polls between March and April next year, and the BJP is emerging as the strongest challenger to the Congress. (Correspondent)

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Rahul visit

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Tinsukia, Oct 29. A dead body of a rickshaw puller was found on the railway tracks at Hijuguri Gate No 4 in Tinsukia on Thursday. According to sources, the rickshaw puller was murdered and his body was thrown there. His rickshaw was spotted just near the tracks, sources added. (Correspondent)

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Dead body found

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Dhubri, Oct 29: Rajendra Nath Sarkar, 46, of Lakhimari border village under Golokganj police station of Dhubri district, died on the spot when his motor bike collided head on with a truck near Bikrampur chariali today. (Correspondent)

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki made a courtesy call on President of India Pranab Mukherjee yesterday. He gave a detailed outline of the programs and policies being implemented by the state government for welfare of the people and development of the state. He also updated the President on the progress of the Prime Minister ’s Special Package besides implementa-

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Road mishap claims 1

tion of all central government and state government flagship programs. Intently going through the Chief Minister’s detailed information, the President appreciated the state government’s initiatives, of which he said many were unique and novel. Mukherjee especially lauded the Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme, terming it one of the most benevolent schemes ever launched.

ET Correspondent New Delhi, Oct 29

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Golaghat, Oct 29: A white Bolero Pick Up was stolen on October 25 late night from the campus at Cite Campus Dihingia gaon Silonijan of Karbi Anglong bearing vehicle number ASO5C3959. Meanwhile, the owner Sumit Malpani has reported the matter at Shantipur PS. (Correspondent)

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Vehicle theft

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President of India hails Tuki for CM Health Insurance Scheme

ET CAPSULES

has 1407 households out of which 848 have toilets; meanehile, under SBM-G target as per PIP has set up at 294 out of which294 have been completed; defunct or left out households stand at 265.

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The Jan Andolan Committee (JAC), an affiliate of the BJP Arunachal Pradesh, has once again come into the limelight after failing to pursue its demands of ‘financial emergency’ to be imposed in the State against the backdrop of the State's financial crunch in the past few months.

Ø Ouphulia

Singlijan Tea Estate at Dibrugarh district in Assam has become the first Tea estate to achieve the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status under Swachh Bharat Mission. Open defecation poses a serious threat to the health of children in India. Mostly, in the rural areas of India people opt to go outside to do their business instead of building toilets. In the Tea estates of Assam open defecation is rampant whereby people go out in the fields, Contd. on Page 4

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“The continual release of LOC against the non-plan head shows that the State Govt is incompetent of handling the matter in a better way and is misusing State fund to allure the local MLAs to join the ruling camp.” The JAC gave a 10-day ultimatum to the Governor to initiate inquiry into the issues brought by them, or else "the committee shall drag the issue into the street".

SOON TO RECEIVE ODF TAG

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A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 29

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ET Correspondent Itanagar, Oct 29

Pages- 12

Sengalijan Tea Estate first to get ODF tag

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BJP’s JAC gives 10-day ultimatum to Governor

5.00

The preparations are afoot to celebrate and also to raise awareness on Amur falcons (one of the longest migratory birds) roosting at the beauti-

KMSS alleges large scale anomalies and corruption by APDCL in implementation of RGREP in Charaideo

cmyk

At a time when the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government in Assam has been repeatedly claiming that his government is for the poor and the upliftment of the rural population, the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity [KMSS] today alleged that there has been large scale anomalies and corruption by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited [APDCL] in implementation of the highly ambitious and centrally funded Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Programme [RGREP] in more than 50 villages in upper Assam’s Charaideo sub division. The Sivasagar district committee of KMSS through a memorandum submitted to the Deputy General Manager, Sivasagar Electrical Circle, APDCL had alleged that there has been an unholy nexus between a section of corrupted

APDCL officials of Charaideo sub division Electrical Circle, gaon panchayat representatives under Sonari and Mahmora LAC, contractors and middlemen due to which the implementation of the scheme has turned into a farce in these villages. The villagers from these villages have been appealing to the APDCL authorities for the past four to five years to monitor the implementation of the scheme, however, all their pleas have fallen in deaf ears, a KMSS activist said. The KMSS has also alleged that the APDCL though installations of faulty digital meters are charging excessive rates against power supplied to the people in the Longpotia, Sapekhati and Baruanagar areas. On the other hand, the KMSS in its memorandum has requested uninterrupted power supply to the people within 10 kms radius of the Lakwa Thermal Power Station at Maibella.

cmyk

ET Correspondent Sonari, Oct 29

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

LAMPS oppose distribution of NFS items through private contractors Sushanta Roy Diphu, Oct 29: The centrally sponsored National Food Security (NFS) Act may receive a serious setback in the autonomous hill districts of Assam owing to its erroneous policy of distribution. This has been alleged by a number of LAMPS (Large and Multipurpose Society) office bearers of Karbi Anglong recently. The semi government organizations are of the view that so long nearly 50 LAMPS of this district have been engaged by various government agencies to carry out public distribution of various government levied items like rice, sugar, kerosene, etc. considering its wide distribution network which penetrates every nook and cranny of this backward region. “State government’s strategy of dispensing the essential food items under NFS through private contractors

to the actual beneficiaries will never succeed and the policy makers have a sinister design, it is almost certain that there will be huge black-marketeering with the rice and other food items if private contractors control the distribution mechanism. LAMPS are government registered bodies and function strictly under government norms, the office bearers are elected by the members and they do have lots of public accountability; we condemn this type of anti people policy of the government; at least the autonomous council can act on its own and engage the LAMPS to implement the NSF act in public interest by reversing the wrong decision of government,” said chairman of a LAMPS on condition of anonymity. A section of LAMPS members told this correspondent that it is quite possible that

the Food and Civil Supply department has mainly motivated the Assam Government in its preference of distribution policy just to benefit some contractors at the expense of hundreds of LAMPS in the state. The whole NFS will turn into a money minting mechanism and fill the coffers of a few while the poorest of the poor for whom food security is of paramount necessity will famish, an official said. The LAMPS associated individuals mentioned that from their experience they have witnessed that private contractors never go to inhospitable places defying hilly terrains and bad roads. “The poor men’s food will make way to warehouses of the merchants and the huge profits will be shared by officials, politicians and the contractors,” said a member of a Diphu based LAMPS.

Workshop on journalism on Nov 16 ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Oct 29: A workshop on journalism will be organised on November 16 at India Club Digboi by the Tinsukia District Journalist Association (TDJA) in collaboration with the Digboi Press Club as part of the celebrations of the National Press Day. The workshop will be inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia dis-

trict, Puru Gupta. The inaugural session will also be attended by Hemchandra Pathak, DIPRO, Tinsukia and Apurba Kumar Nath, Chief Administrative Manager, IOC (AOD), Digboi. Eminent journalist Adip Kumar Phukan and Atanu Bhuyan will be the resource persons at the workshop. A number of senior journalists of Tinsukia district will at-

tend the valedictory function. Besides, the working journalists of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, college and university students have also been invited to participate in the workshop. TDJA president Anuj Kalita and Secretary Manoranjan Das have urged all journalists and other interested persons to participate in the workshop.

AFFIDAVIT By an Affidavit before the Notary Golaghat dated 22/ 06/2015 I have changed my name from Sachin Rajak to Sachin Kashyap for all intend and purposes .

A cultural programme in progress during a programme organised by Ranganath Kalakhetra at Sivasagar Natya Mandir. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

Foundation stone for construction of busts laid

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Oct 29: The foundation stone for the construction of the busts of Lakshminath Bez Barua Chandra Kumar Agarwala and Hemchandra Goswami was laid yesterday by Hari Charan Saikia, the Awardee of Sangeet Natak Akademy Award in 2012. Under the aegis of Prayash of Lakhimpur the foundation stone of this solemn venture was laid at a piece of land donated by Bihpuria Sanmilito Natya Samaj, just opposite the Joga Barua Smriti Bhawan at Bihpuria. It is noteworthy that with the view to re-ignite the minds of the new generation of Assam, the praiseworthy contribution of Lakshminath Bez Baruah, Chandra Kumar Agarwala and Hem Chandra Goswami towards development of Assamese literature, “Prayash” of Lakhimpur has taken this solemn venture to set up ‘busts’ of these three litterateurs of Assam. It is worth mentioning that these three literary figures heralded a new age and a developmental trend in Assamese literature by publishing a journal named ‘Jonaki’ in 1889. Renaissance and romanticism in Assamese literature emerged through Jonaki. These three literary figures were known as the ‘Triad of Jonaki Age’ who were involved in the constitution of Ashomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhiny Sabha which was the breeding ground of Ashom Sahitya Sabha. Lakshminath Bez Baruah is entitled as a Sahitya Rathi, Chandra Kumar Agarwala as Protimar Khanikar while Hem Chandra Goswami was the first sonneteer of Assamese language. Yesterday, the programme began with the recitation of ‘Ghosa’ at 10 am. A host of eminent personalities like Golok Hazarika, Jadav Sarma, Municipal Board Chairman Dipak Sarkar, Princial of LDHS School Kusum Patgiri, Sumitra Bhuyan, Pradip Sarmah etc. took part in the foundation stone laying programme which was anchored by Dr Biswajit Bhuyan on behalf of Prayash. The construction of the three busts is slated to be completed by the second half of January next year.

Graves of WWI heroes from Manipur found in Europe ANI Imphal, Oct 29: After almost a century, graves of eighty seven people from Manipur, who took part in World War I (WWI) as members of the Labour Corps, have been found in war cemeteries across Europe and Egypt and Yemen. This was stated at a press meet held at the complex of at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations on handing over the pictures to the kin of late Putanleng Shinglai. Putanleng, one of the troops who serve in the World War I, nephew and family became the first family to get the WWI casualty grave picture and the where about of Putanleng. Sonereng Shinglai, son of Late Putanleng who is 82 years old received the pictures of his late father from Rajeshwar Yumnam at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations complex. In April 1917,

Cleanliness drive ET Correspondent Dibrugarh, Oct 29: With the view to encourage positive work culture among the employees, the Dibrugarh Treasury office organized a special weeklong cleanliness drive within the office campus recently. The initiative inaugurated by Treasury officer Hiren Kalita was wholeheartedly participated by all the employees of the office.

Passed away ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Oct 29: Binodini Deka, 85, a popular and religious lady and wife of the former chairman of Doomdooma Town Committee and freedom fighter Late Nagendra Narayan Deka passed away yesterday at around 11.20 am at her residence at Azad Road here due old age ailments. She is survived by two sons and six daughters and a host of relatives.

the Manipur Labour Corps, with strength of 2,000 people, belonging to Meiteis and tribal communities from the state, were sent to Europe by sea from Bombay, said eminent World War researcher Yumnam Rajeshwar. They were sent after an agreement was signed between the then Manipuri king, Churachand Singh, and British Political Agent Lt Col HWG Cole, he said. Satisfied with Singh's assistance, the British government honoured him with the title of Knight Commander Star of India. Being non-combatants, they were engaged in transportation of arms and ammunition, digging trenches, cleaning military camps, running errands and construction of temporary camps, Rajeshwar said. The men had stayed for one-and-a-half years in France. “Many of the bravehearts died in various

battles in Europe and records of the deaths were not maintained properly because of the insignificance of the Labour Corps,” said Rajeshwar. "But I have found 87 graves of Manipuris who were buried in France, Italy, Egypt and Yemen. I have their grave reference, name of the cemetery and the country where they were located," he said. Among others, Rajeshwar named four Manipur labour corps members from the hill districts. They were Akhil Pukhini (Mao), Salkhukam Kuki, Sangai, and Makhal Tangkhul. "It is almost a century now. No Manipuri has ever laid a flower on their graves. I am trying my best to collect photos of the graves. As of now, I have collected three grave pictures from France," Rajeshwar said. He added that it was time the government took serious note of the matter and collect

all the data of the 2,000 bravehearts, he said. "At least, we need to remember them. These brave Manipuris and their gallant efforts should be included in education and history books," Rajeshwar said. He said some of their descendents had been requesting him to gather more details in this regard. Speaking to the media persons, Yumnam Rajeshwor, co-founder WW2 Imphal Campaign Foundation siad that Manipuris who were sent to help the British troops during the world war remain unknown. But in the last 2/3 year he manage to find 2 grave and 87 graves of Manipuris who fought in the WWI were also found in October 2015 while going through the war graves report through online research. These troops were sent during the reign of Churachand Maharaj, 1917, he added. “These graves are in the four

foreign soils namely France, Italy, Egypt and Yemen. Graves’s numbers, when these troops died all the data are available to him and he even manage to give out the information to some of the person who have call up providing information of their family member who have fought in the WWI,” he added. Grave pictures of the British troops have been sent to the family members who have been contacting him in the last few months. This time he was able to receive information and pictures of graves of Manipuri’s, which is the first in the history of Manipur, he added. Yumnam Rajeshwor further said that this is just the beginning of finding the graves and will continue the research to find the rest of graves of the Manipuris. “Expecting information from the family members who have serve in the IWW,” he added.

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

G M Hospital

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

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

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

Assam Medical College

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

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

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

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

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

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

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

Sachin Rajak G.F Road Ward 13 Golaghat

ASTRO FOR YOU Now at last you have realised that you have been preoccupied with work at the cost of your family life. Making up to them now is going to take a lot more effort. Be ready to open your purse strings for either eating out, going out for a movie or shopping at the best places. Today you are going to focus on enhancing your looks and appearances. Instead of trying to seek satisfaction from within yourself you will be flaunting your fine clothes, your hairstyles. A visit to a beauty parlour cannot be ruled out. Your new looks will make you tremendously confident and impressive and will make others see you in a new light. Have no fears. You have a great day ahead. You will find yourself caught in two minds repeatedly, owing to your unpredictable mood swings. This will be the cause of a lot of mental stress. You can reduce your anxiety by talking out your issues with family members and experts. You need to take care of your health today. A day to indulge in fantasy. Your ideas will be fantastic. Your status and prestige go up. People will praise your efforts. A day of creativity and success. A challenging day awaits you. You will face some tensions and problems, however this doesn’t mean you will not be able to complete all your work successfully. Your personal life will proceed as usual, however expectations from you at the work-front will increase. You need to maintain a balance between your home and work-place. Children will be a source of a lot of appreciation today, in and out of the classroom. Your logical abilities will become stronger. Stay peaceful, flow with the tide and enjoy yourself, regardless of what happens in the day. Call it your generous side, but today is the perfect day to give back to all those from whom you have received so far. With roots set firmly in community service, it might do you well to extend that helping hand and return something back to them, preferably in the double. Go along with the spirit of an early thanksgiving today. You are a visionary and today you work towards building a successful future. But, expecting an instant result would be unfair. You need to have patience to bring in those dynamic changes in your life. Wait and watch, the patience would reap sweet fruits! The cloud of worries is likely to keep you gloomy today. Try to burst that cloud, and take a decision that would help you to solve your troubles. There may be some delay, if you want the situation to get back to normal. If you are planning to fly to foreign shores for further studies, start documentation and other preparations today. Whether you are a student or not, on this favourable day, all you need to do is to make a priority list, follow it and finish off your work one by one. If you are associated with Stock Market, expect an advantageous day ahead. Are you facing a roadblock in your path? Make a minor change in your route, you will find a smooth and clear road once again. The efforts you have made in the past will come to fruition, today. Don’t get satisfied with your current achievements, you still have a long way to keep working hard. Do not commit yourself to any large investments today. It is best to avoid speculative activities. For those who have a job, the co-operation of your colleagues will help you progress.

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

30-10-15 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-15 A.M-Gandhi Prarthana 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Chah-Shramikar Aasor (Tea-Garden Programme) 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa" (Sponsored by Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.) 9-30 P.M-Film Songs 10-00 P.M-Classical Music.Artist-Pragyan Baruah Sd-/H.O.P

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

Coup d’état in Karbi Anglong bunged up Sushanta Roy Diphu, Oct 29: An attempt at staging one more coup d’état in Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council purportedly by BJP akin to one at Dima Hasao Autonomous Council seems to have bunged up; at least for now after pronouncement of Chief Executive Member of KAAC Tuluram Ronghang in the presence of seven Congress associates that no member of his executive committee harbours any intention to crossover to the BJP. Regarding media reports that seven EM’s of his executive committee are planning to join BJP, the CEM told the media

at his residence yesterday night that it is a lie and the speculation has been circulated by forces intending to destabilize the Congress unity which is intact now. The CEM was accompanied by the district Congress president Mongol Sing Timung, Deputy Chairman of KAAC Surya Rongphar, Pradip Diphusa, Pradip Signar. Most interestingly EM Ashok Teron who is considered a close ally of the MP Biren Sing Engti, was present in the press briefing and his presence triggered the speculation of a possible realignment in the district that may boost Congress strength in the coming election.

The clearing up drive by the CEM came after a press statement by Mohan Rongpi, incharge media cell of BJP in the morning alleging that few EMs and the CEM himself is trying join BJP through back door but the district BJP will never allow any tainted Congress EMs or leaders to join BJP and the party has conveyed its resolution in this respect to the state authority. It may be mentioned here that grassroots BJP workers in Karbi Anglong expressed their resentment before the state BJP on the issue of continued flow of Congress leaders into the

party fold and since last Sunday discontented workers right from the lowest unit to the district level expressed their unwillingness to accommodate tainted Congress leaders in the party in any high position of the party hierarchy. A number of informal and formal meetings have taken place in Bokajan, Howraghat, Diphu and other places of West Karbi Anglon on this issue, “ BJP can’t be a dustbin for the corrupt people and party can’t go on accepting Congress leaders into its fold often” is the general view of the BJP workers and leaders.

AAUA protests against delay in construction of Madhav Dev Kalakshetra ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Oct 29: With regard to the delay in the construction of the Madhav Dev Kalakshetra in Narayanpur of Lakhimpur district, All Assam Unemployed Association (AAUA) again became vocal against the engaged contractor and Executive Engineer of the District PWD (Building Division). The Lakhimpur district body of AAUA today staged sit-in-strike for hours at the approach of the gate of the office demanding

immediate completion of the construction of the aforesaid venture. During this hours, the members of the Association shouted slogans demanding to blacklist of the contractor and the Executive Engineer. Further they slammed Bhupen Borah, MLA of Bihpuria LAC, Cultural Affairs Minister Bishmita Gogoi and the State Govt regarding their lack of initiative with regard to the completion of the construction of the Madhav Dev Kalakshetra. It is worth mentioning that an

amount of INR 5 crore was allotted for the project under NLCPR Scheme and its construction began five years ago. Meanwhile an amount of Rs 2.65 crore was withdrawn by Ananta Borah (Anup), the contractor for the 69% physical progress of the construction of the project as per the departmental disclosure. But AAUA claimed that at least 40% had been not seen at the site. AAUA added that MLA Bhupen Borah wanted to keep the issue alive for political gain. “He just

sheds crocodile’s tear over the issue on the floor of the Legislative Assembly in order to mislead the people of the state” – remarked Jiban Rajkhowa the Secretary of AAUA along with Binod Das and Abhijit Sonowal, the President and Secretary of Lakhimpur Dist body of the Association. After the protest programme, the Association sent a memorandum to the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi demanding immediate completion of the project.

A week long wildlife observance comes to an end ET Correspondent Shillong Oct 29: The wildlife wing of the Forests and Environment Department, Meghalaya concluded its week long celebrations at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong today. The event is an annual affair that is celebrated across India and the theme chosen for this year is, ‘Living with Wildlife’. The concluding function was graced by the Meghalaya Minister for Forests and Environment,

P Tynsong, as the Chief Guest while the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, PBO Warjri, attended as Guest of Honour. Speaking at the function, Tynsong reminded the gathering, the school students in particular, of the need to preserve and protect wildlife in all its forms and also reaffirmed all present in the meeting about the continual attempts of the Government at forest and wildlife conservation. He reminded

the gathering of the land tenure system in the state and how it necessitates the concerted effort of all the stakeholders for the richness and diversity to multiply. He also called for more community participation to help facilitate the process of conserving forests and wildlife and assured that more awareness would be created by the Government in this regard. The Chief Secretary in his speech, stressed on the need to

maintain and preserve wildlife since all life forms play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance of any habitation. The day was also marked by the distribution of prizes to all the winners of the School and College level Drawing & Painting Competition, and the Essay Writing competition organized to mark the celebration. Some members of the public were also felicitated as a mark of appreciation for their efforts at saving wildlife.

Bus overturns on NH-52, four injured Indrajit Tingwa Namsai, Oct 29: A private bus bearing registration number AS 23D 4803 plying between Gunanagar, Chongkham to Tinsukia, Assam this evening around 4 pm met with an accident at Solungtoo, about eight kilometres from Namsai. The bus was returning to Gunanagar when a speedingTata Nano car from Solungtoo village suddenly approached the NH at the intersection. The driver tried to maneuver the bus and avoid collision with the car when it lost balance and it overturned. At least four passengers have recieved minor injuries who were rushed to the nearby Primary Health Centre,

is being organized at Umrangso by Blue Hills Society in association with Dima Hasao District Administration, Wildlife Trust of India, CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) on October 31 and November 1, 2015. This two day event is to be held at Karbi Club

Aalo Oct 29 : In his effort to ensure fair assessment of assets on ROW of proposed Tans-Arunachal Highway for compensation, West Siang DC Pige Ligu carried out random spot verification of components assessed by the District Land Acquisition Team from Gabu Stream to Tai under West Siang District. He was accompanied by SP Mari Riba, DLR&SO Pumek Ronya, AE (Highway) Gemar Padu and officers of the committee representing respective department. This exercise was necessitated after the Compensation Es-

timate has been returned back by MORT&H, Govt. of India due to high cost of estimate and other technical reasons. The DC instructed the team to carry out realistic assessment of assets with total transparency at the backdrop of litigations and even CBI enquiry into alleged irregularities in compensation assessment for construction of TransArunachal Highway project in other part of the state and directed the DLR&SO to finalize the estimate at the earliest for onward submission to CE (Highway). DIPRO

BJP’s JAC gives 10-day ultimatum to Governor Contd. from Page 1

Today, a team under the leadership of Tame Passang as the chairman submitted a memorandum to the Governor, JP Rajkhowa demanding immediate intervention over the ‘alleged unconfirmed irregularities on

the part of the State Govt’. Briefing the media here today, Passang said the State Govt is diverting funds under the disaster management department meant for the interior districts that reeled under natural calamities. He said most of the fund meant for the affected areas is spent in

the capital complex and for the Papum Pare District alone. He alleged the State Govt of issuing ‘letter of credit’ (LOC) to the work falling under non-plan budget. He said, “the continual release of LOC against the non-plan head shows that the State Govt is incompe-

tent of handling the matter in a better way and is misusing State fund to allure the local MLAs to join the ruling camp.” The JAC gave a 10-day ultimatum to the Governor to initiate inquiry into the issues brought by them, or else "the committee shall drag the issue into the street".

President of India hails Tuki for CM Health Insurance Scheme Contd. from Page 1

He observed that the scheme could be replicated by other states

successfully to bring solace to the needy and the poor. The President congratulated the Chief Minister for the effort

and sincerity in putting into place a seamless health delivery system. Meanwhile, Tuki invited the President to visit the

state, to which Mukherjee agreed in principle and assured to visit the state sometime later this year.

GM/Con conducts window trailing inspection of Lumding-Silchar newly converted line Contd. from Page 1

GM/Con also inspected Tunnel No. 10 near New Haflong station, and Badarpur and also Silchar station building and interacted with media persons at all these three places. During the visit he also had discussion with Presi-

dent and ex. President of BJP Dima Hasao District Committee, Haflong and discussed issues relating to railway development in the district. At Badarpur, GM/ Con received memorandum from Shri Radheshyam Biswas, Hon’ble MP of UDF(LS) and discussed urgency of a

foot over bridge and one approach road at Badarpur station. At Silchar, GM/ Con had also discussion with Ms. Sushmita Deb,Hon’ble MP & Sri Ajit Singh, Excise & Sports Minister, Assam regarding starting passenger services from Silchar to rest of India and other rail re-

lated issues. During the inspection GM/Con was accompanied by Shri A.S.Garud, Chief Administrative Officer/Con-1, Shri R.K/Jinger, Chief Engineer/Con-1, Shri Ravindra Ram, Chief Engineer/Con -4 and other Sr. officers of Con. Organisation.

Dima Haso BJP strongly oppose Thao Sen, Daulagup’s entry into BJP Contd. from Page 1

their administration was not that much efficient and was even corrupt as a result which many Congress MACs and Congress party workers left their party. So, it would be harmful for the party as well as for the district to allow them to

join BJP, he added. When the District BJP President BB Hagjer was asked about the Prakanta Warisa joining the party, he said, “Prakanta Warisa didn’t like the style how Ex-CEM Debojeet Thaosen worked and that’s why he left his former party and joined BJP long back and we welcomed him.” BB

Hagjer also said that “if the duo joins the BJP then it will be the same thing, there will be no change, only that the party workers will lose faith in the party. Thaosen and Daulagupu will not be welcomed even by the state BJP committee; we have trust and confidence in the state BJP committee”.

He further added that if the need be, they would approach the National leadership to prevent them joining BJP. In this regard, the BJP Dima Hasao BJP District Committee had earlier called a 10-hr Dima Hasao bandh on Oct 29 from 5 am to 3 pm. However, the bandh was withdrawn at the last moment.

Bordumsa Mahila Mandal takes up burning issues

Lathao. The injured were however released after receiving first aid. The bus

usually ferries goods on its return trip and thus passengers were not many. Had it

been filled with passengers then the mishap could have been disastrous.

Falcon Festival at Umrangso Contd. from Page 1

West Siang DC carries spot verification of compensation assessment

Ground at Umrangso in the district of Dima Hasao, Assam. The event is also supported by North Cachar Hills Autonomous council , Dima Hasao forest department, All Dimasa Students’ Union, Karbi Students’ Association, Khelma Federation Club, Tularam Club, Embellish Photography, Equinox Musical Society, etc. The two-day event will

witness renowned bands like Celestial Sphere, Sout Recho. Tourists from within the state and other parts are expected to attend this programme. Expectedly, there will be a bike rally, good music, good food and good vibes. Amur falcon is a small raptor of the falcon family; it breeds in south eastern and northern China

before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in South Africa. Umrangso is an industrial town in Dima Hasao district of Assam, India. It is located at the border of Assam and Meghalaya states some 112 km from Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao district of Assam.

the learned resource persons to throw light and suggest solutions to domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, child labour, drug trafficking and invironmental awareness. Smti K. Bo, Junior Teacher speaking on human trafficking said the menace is prevailing throughout the country and that children and women are the targeted sections. Without ascertaining the identity of employers, poor parents often send their girls as maids and these girls are sold in brothels in exchange of lucrative amount. She further informed that human trafficking is also done for organs and begging industries. Jawra Maio, Advocate speaking on laws to protect children from sexual offence educated the gathering about the provisions of POCSO Act. Speaking on women and child health issues, Dr. K. Mongchan said women face different health problems at various stages of her life like puberty, adolescence and period of menopause. To overcome

this, Dr. Mongchan advised women folks to take fruits and nutritious foods containing proteins, vitamins and iron especially during pregnancy, lactating and breastfeeding period to stay fit and avoid fatal diseases. The doctor also gave tips to avoid breast cancer. Terming women and children as most vulnerable sections subjected to trauma of domestic violence, M. Lego, headmaster said anyone found guilty of committing such crime should be dealt sternly under the provision of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and every like minded

people should come forward. Advocate Moonmoon Nocte throwing light on child rights said since children cannot defend themselves they often fall prey to exploitations and other crimes. She said onus lies on the adults to intervene and prevent atrocity on children and ensure their due share of rights. Ms. Koing Samon Umbon, Vice Principal, Gidding said women as always should be in the forefront of promoting traditional cultures. Citing loss of culture is loss of identity, she appealed fellow women folks to live by ex-

ample and encourage use of organic food habits to avoid diseases. She also pointed fingers at electronic media for spread of wrong ideas in societies. She also urged women organizations to accelerate the pace of tirade against the menace of drugs and other psychotropic substances responsible for degrading societies and ruining families. Bordumsa Anchal Samiti Chairperson Sindunong Singpho stressed on social evils like polygamy and drug abuses prevailing in society. He suggested for initiating stringent steps for eradication of the evils.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

PB Acharya criticizes Assam Illegal sale of liquor SMSS demands Ambedkar's statue CM during Morigaon visit at Margherita

Dalim Phukon Morigaon, Oct 29: Governor of Assam PB Acharya as part of his two-day visit in Morigaon district, central Assam, took stock of implementation of various developmental schemes in the district today. He met with high government officials, representatives of more than 20 social organisations and discussed local problems of

the district. Talking to the newsmen, the Governor expressed serious concern over the recent suicide cases of teachers and farmers in the state and criticised the modus operandi of the Tarun Gogoi led state government in implementing the different developmental schemes of the central government. Lambasting the Tarun Gogoi's 'Bikasita Asom'

(Developed Assam) remark, Governor Acharya said that his concept of 'Bikasita Assam' is different from the 'Bikasita Asom' of Tarun Gogoi. The Governor raised the corruption issue at different levels, while calling the state government to the continuous killings of rhinos and moribund communication system in rural Assam a mute spectator.

ET Correspondent Margherita, Oct 29: Margherita has recently witnessed rampant illegal sale of liquor. One of the most controversial areas happens to be Sheetla Bari near Vineer Mill Bazaar, Margherita under Tinsukia District which is totally a residential area and where non-stop sale of illicit liquor is witnessed thereby affecting the peaceful ambience of the Sheetla Bari area. Suman Loadh, a local youth of this area, says, "Many a time we have approached the Margherita Administration and Margherita Excise officials to take necessary action against one Haru Loadh who sells illicit liquor at his home day and night." Again, one Mukundu Bhattacharjee, a neighbour of Haru Laodh, said that during midnight hours, everyday some youth come to buy liquor at his house creat-

Protest in connection with rape of school student ET Correspondent Margherita, Oct 29: All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students' Union, Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chaatra Parishad, residents of Pengree and school students today staged dharna in front of the office of Margherita Sub Divisional (Civil) Office for more than one hour in connection with the alleged rape of a school student by one Sanjib Gogoi who is a drug addict on 18 October at Inthem Nagapather village. Keshab Sonowal,

President of All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students' Union Central Committee alleged that Jay Shankar Warry, the officer incharge of Pengree Police Station is one of the corrupt Police officers who in lieu of money allow youths to engage in the drugs dealings as a result of which drugs, heroin, opium are rampantly sold at Pengree area under Margherita Sub Division. "Sanjib Gogoi who is a notorious drugs dealer has raped a school student but have not got sufficient

punishment as a huge commission is given to Jay Shankar Warry, officer incharge of Pengree Police Station for protection," Keshab Sonowal said. Meanwhile, Kanchan Bora, general secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee said that the areas where drugs are rampantly found are Inthem Nagapather, Ulup, Ritupather, Pengree, Bordumsa which fall under Margherita Sub Division but Margherita Administration, Margherita Police and

Margherita Excise officials watch as a mute spectators. If Margherita Administration, Margherita Police and Margherita Excise officials do not take action against the drugs menace then AJYCP shall initiate strong agitation in the coming days, warned Kanchan Bora. A memorandum was submitted to the Sub Divisional officer (Civil) Margherita with a copy sent to Tinsukia District Deputy Commissioner and Tinsukia District Superintendent of Police.

Vehicle online registration launched in Meghalaya ET Correspondent Shillong, Oct 29: Meghalaya Transport Minister, HDR Lyngdoh today launched the Vahan 4.0 and Sarathi 4.0, an online based software application for registration of vehicles and issuance of driving license here at the Conference Hall, Main Secretariat, Shillong. Vahan 4.0 is an upgraded version of the existing software (Vahan 2.0) that is currently running across all RTOs/DTOs in the State and aimed at improving upon the existing system in many ways. The application has been designed and developed by the National Informatics Center, Transport Division, New Delhi. In the earlier version of Vahan, all the data of vehicles needs to be entered manually by the data entry operators. In the new version of Vahan, the data entry operator has to enter very few vehicular parameters such as Chassis number, Engine number, name and address of the owner, manufacturer’s name and model of the vehicle and

once these parameters of the vehicle are entered, the remaining information pertaining to the vehicle such as un-laden weight, seating capacity, length of the vehicle, width, height, wheel base and laden weight will automatically be generated from the central server as all the data of all newly manufactured vehicles in the country are already made available by the respective vendors and stored at the central server. Just at the click of a mouse, the data required will be generated from that point and need not be entered again from that point, thereby saving a lot of time and effort. This application is also expected to reduce the workload to a huge extent, both at the dealer as well as at the District Transport Office; wherever the data entry is done. The second advantage is that there is very little chance of error in data entry as the system will automatically fetch all the parameters of the vehicle once the base data has

been entered. Furthermore, any modifications that are made in the application software will be instantly reflected in all the client computers across all the sites and the programmers need not go to each and every office anymore for deployment of the modified application. The third advantage of this application is the fact that it is a web based application hosted centrally at single location, at the National Data Centre, New Delhi. This eliminates the need for local infrastructure at the DTO’s office, thereby saving time and money required for day to day maintenance of the same. A very important feature of this application is the fact that it checks for double registration of vehicles that are registered in other parts or States in the country. This will prevent the vehicle owners from evading payment of taxes in the place where the vehicle is originally registered. It may also be noted that this

is one step towards implementation of a full-fledged online interface for the citizens of the State thereby allowing them to avail the different services such as Payment of Road Taxes, Renewal of Registrations etc. from their residence. Sarathi version 4.0, for issuance of driving license, offers online services for Learner ’s Licenses wherein applicants can apply for learner’slicenses from any location and complete all the required process online. The applicant need only visit the office of the DTO for capturing the bio-metrics (Signature, Thumb impression, Photograph) and for the verification of the documents submitted. Once this process is completed, Learner’s License will be issued against which the application can further apply for a driving license. Meghalaya will be the fifth State in the country and first in the North East to implement Vahan 4.0 and Sarathi 4.0.

Eastern army commander reviews the progress Contd. from Page 1

to review the overall security situation prevailing in Lower Assam and also to get a first hand feel of the ongoing operations against the terrorist groups. On his arrival at Rangiya, the General Officer Commanding-in-

Chief Eastern Command was received by Maj Gen CP Mohanty, the General Officer Commanding of the Division. He was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operations in Lower Assam, with a specific update on the current operations being undertaken against NDFB (S)

post the 23 December 2014 violence against the Adivasis. The General Officer expressed his satisfaction on the progress of operations and also appreciated the efforts made by the formation to counter the rapidly changing situation in the region. General Officer Commanding-inChief, Eastern Command

was happy with the population friendly approach and empathy displayed by the Army in conduct of the operations. The General Officer Commanding-inChief personally interacted with field commanders at their respective Headquarters to obtain a first-hand perspective of the operations on the ground

State Govt alleged to have betrayed SC people Contd. from Page 1

He alleged that the Govt has perpetually betrayed them. In spite of massive corruption in the Directorate of Scheduled Caste the

Govt has taken no necessary action against corrupted Ministers and officials. “The Govt held Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) for the SCs in 2013 but no attempt has been taken to get the qualified SC candidates

appointed in the government jobs” – he said. He alleged that Sarat Borkatoky, the Education Minister has deprived them of their right. “We demand these candidates be appointed within the

month of December. Otherwise strong agitation will be initiated from January next year” – he declared. Moreover, Das strongly criticized the Union Govt too over the big dam issue.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Oct 29: Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti's Golaghat District Unit has demanded erecting a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat. Earlier, the state government has directed establishment of a statue of Dr. Ambedkar at each district headquarters. But the SMSS has alleged that Golaghat DC has decided to erect the statue at a corner spot in Golaghat which it says is an insult to the Father of

Indian Constitution. In a press release, SMSS Golaghat District Unit stated that in other districts of the state, statues of Dr. BR Ambedkar have been erected in front of the DC offices of respective districts. But in Golaghat, administration is doing the opposite thing by preparing to set up the statue at a corner in the backyards of the Circuit House. The organisation has protested against this and demanded erecting the statue in front of the DC office.

Yoga teachers' training camp ing a noisy atmosphere. Anima Das and Sabita Chakraborthy, both in their 70's have bemoaned that many of their children who study in schools and colleges cannot study properly because many drunkards use vulgar language and scream loudly in front of their house

creating a noisy atmosphere. Meanwhile, Pranob Paul, a resident of this area, said that one Mintu Debnath who has been illegally selling LPG cylinders and petrol without keeping safety precautions like fire extinguisher at hand might cause a major fire to break out someday.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Oct 29: A training camp for Yoga teachers will be held at Bhojpuri Bibah Bhawan from November 3. This 25 day long training camp will be organised by Patanjali Yog Samiti, Golaghat District Unit. Participants' forms are available at Patanjali Arogya Kendra at Hospital Road Golaghat.

Sengalijan Tea Estate first to get ODF tag Contd. from Page 1

behind bushes, forests, open bodies of water, or other open spaces rather than using the toilet to defecate. The practice is rampant in India and the country is home to the world’s largest population who defecate out in the open. Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner MS Manivannan said that a formal announcement would be made on November 2, 2015 with regard to awarding the ODF tag to Singlijan Tea Estate. He said Timona Gram Panchayat and garden management gave the rare status to the tea garden as it achieved the open defecation free target. For a population of 1500, 147 household toilets have been constructed under Swachh Bharat Mission. The Deputy Commissioner said water samples of 320 numbers of drinking sources were tested and have been disinfected.

Garden management also constructed 125 platforms around hand pumps. Not only this, to encourage the habit of practicing cleanliness, segregated waste disposal through separate dust bins have been kept. Another three tea gardens in Dibrugarh district are also on the verge of getting open defecation free tag. The DC said that due to heavy floods and adverse atmospheric condition, ODF could not be achieved in the three GPs. IKoratoli (Lahowal Block), Ouphulia (Tingkhong Block) and Khowang GP (Khowang Block) are about to be declared as Open Defecation Free GPs before November 15. The district administration and the Public Health Department (PHE) Department are working hard to make the District an Open Defecation Free district. Manivannan said that it is felt that construction of toilets alone will not make the mission complete. There is a need to bring a

change in the attitude among the masses. Awareness programmes through interpersonal communication and other IEC activities are being carried out with the help of Wash cell of UNICEF in the district. Availability of trained and quality masons, material chain management, logistics support, manpower mobilisation are the major challenges faced in the field. Meanwhile, this year the Dibrugarh District administration has set a target of completing 31200 individual household latrines under SBM (Gramin) this year. The Above Poverty Line (APL) households not having toilets as per base line survey conducted by the Public Health Department in 2012 is 90754. Last year 8253 Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) were constructed. This year around 9000 toilets were completed and rest are in progress. “The real

challenge is the tea garden where most of the households are not having sanitary latrines where the Garden Management is supposed to provide the sanitary latrines for all permanent employees as per Plantation Labour Act. But in many of the cases it did not happen and hence the open defecation is rampant in garden areas,’’ said Manivannan. He added, to address the sanitation issues, a series of meetings were held with the garden managements and some of the garden managements came forward and Singlijan is one among the first to come forward and become ODF garden. The problem of defunct toilets and left out families without toilets are being considered under MNREGA subject to eligibility. 265 and 211 such households have been identified in Ouphulia and Khowang GPs and soon these two GPs will be on the the map of ODF GPs of the country.

90% of ferries plying from Neemati Ghat in Jorhat to Majuli without valid papers Contd. from Page 1

"Ferries plying to Salmari, Sumeimari and Dakhinpat areas have stopped plying from Neemati Ghat due to which the passengers are facing a harrowing time," said Ratul Das, a regular passenger to Dhakinpat in Majuli. It may be mentioned that earlier on many an

occassion there were reports of lessies using unfair practices not only in deploying unfit ferries which resulted in breakdowns in the midst of the river but also on the safety measures adopted for passengers and goods by the owner of the ferries. Many ferry owners were fined for not having valid papers by the team while many have been given a week's time to sub-

mit their valid papers to the authorities with a warning on the failure of which would result in the cancellation of their licences. Meanwhile, the move by the officials have been lauded by many as strict measures by the authorities can put a stop to the excesses and provide more security to passengers by the lessies and ferry owners.

Apart from the officials of the Jorhat administration and Neemati Ghat, the incharge of enforcement (Guwahati), Hazibur Rahman, Abhay Kumar and Arup Deka and officials of the Assam Abhantarin Jal Parivahan department (Jorhat) Tridip Gogoi and Ratul Tamuly took part in the week long check at the Neemati Ghat at Jorhat.

Stop operation or will shoot to kill abducted BDO, threaten GNLA Contd. from Page 1

the GNLA threatened to kill the BDO of Chokpot Mr. Jude Rangku T Sangma if the operation is not stopped within a week. The BDO was waylaid at Deku Deganggre at gunpoint on Tuesday, while he along with two others were en route to Tura in an official government vehicle at around 6:30 pm. The GNLA issued the warning after feeling the heat in the wake of the operation launched by the Meghalaya Police to rescue the kidnapped BDO. “Stop operation against us in the entire Garo Hills within a week or we will be compelled to kill the

BDO Jude Rangku T Sangma”, said the statement of GNLA issued here on Thursday. The Meghalaya Police had launched massive operation in the entire Chokpot to rescue the abducted BDO, said South Garo Hills SP Mr. Lakador Syiem. The SP informed that operation has been launched in the entire Chokpot region with additional forces called in from other districts of Garo hills. The outfit claimed responsibility for the abduction the BDO for allegedly lying to the Chief Minister that the outfit had taken Rs. 29 crore meant for black topping of Chokpot road and that the situation

was not conducive for initiating development works. “We have not taken any money from the BDO whatsoever till date. We have abducted him to find out why he lied to the chief minister”, the outfit said. Meanwhile, the government employees of South Garo Hills District including the top government officials of the District Administration, Local NGO’s, leaders and citizens of Baghmara jointly held a peace rally today around Baghmara town to protest against the practice of regular abduction of government officials of South Garo Hills District and for the safe release of BDO, Chokpot, Shri Jude Rangku T. Sangma.

During a short meeting the Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills District, Smti Shella N. Marak called upon the people of South Garo Hills to join their hands in bringing peace and development within the District. “It is high time, everybody raised our voices against such inhuman activities and regular abduction of the Government officials of South Garo Hills District and it greatly hampers the developmental activities besides disturbing the work culture”, she said.Shri Surosh M. Sangma in his brief address appealed for the unconditional and immediate release of the abducted BDO, Chokpot, Shri Jude Rangku T. Sangma

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

KMC to take steps to bring down festive hoardings Kolkata, Oct 29: Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is taking measures to bring down the hoardings, banners and decorations that were put up during the Durga Puja."We are aware that during the festive season, huge hoardings were put up. These will soon be removed. Like every year, this year too, we are taking steps so that the hoardings are removed soon," Mr Debashish Kumar, member, Mayorin-Council (parks and squares, sports and advertisement) said. "We have instructed the puja organisers to remove the hoardings without any further delay," he

added.During the Pujas, hundreds of banners promoting puja events and hoardings displaying names of Puja committees are put up in different parts of the city. Most importantly, at major thoroughfares such as Camac street and surrounding areas where major pujas are organised by puja committees, banners are put up to promote their events.KMC takes steps every year to bring down the hoardings after the festive season is over.This year too, the officers of the advertisement department of KMC will request the organisers to remove the hoardings, the MMIC said. (Agencies)

Jharkhand minister to embark on 'Swachtha Abhiyan' from December 13 Ranchi, Oct 29: Jharkhand Minister Saryu Roy, who also heads Damodar Bachao Andolan, yesterday said a weeklong "Swachtha Abhiyan" will begin on December 13 to spread awareness in keeping rivers pollution-free. "In a joint effort, NGOs will begin clean water sources from December 13 to 20," Roy told media. Roy, who presided over a meeting here with intellectuals and NGOs in this connection, said the ac-

cent of the campaign would be to inculcate awareness among industries and civilians about the cleanliness of rivers and their sources, thus creating moral pressure on polluters of rivers. Roy, who holds the departments of Parliamentary Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs in the Raghubar Das government, said the NGOs would play an important role through collective effort in the awareness programme next year. (Agencies)

PAGE 5

REGION

GNLA claims responsibility Tura, Oct 29: In a strange twist to the abduction case of the Chokpot Block Development Officer, Jude Rangku T Sangma, the banned GNLA has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping while stating that the action was in response to recent statements, allegedly attributed to the officer, relating to misappropriation of fund from the block.The rebel group has claimed that the officer had blamed them and politicians for non-implementation of projects and withdrawal of funds. "On May 23rd when the Chief Minister visited Chokpot block and asked what happened to

Rs 40 crore sanctioned for the black topping of interior roads, the BDO said that all the money had been taken away by the GNLA. Till date we have not taken any money from the block or the BDO," claimed Chokpot commander Hedio Ch Momin, alias Karak, in a statement to the media on Wednesday, a day after the officer was kidnapped while travelling from Chokpot to Tura. The outfit further claimed that when questions had been raised about non-utilization of funds meant for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) the blame

had been put on a minister who diverted the money for the recent Chokpot byelection.Congress candidate won the election held in June this year."As many as 248 villages were part of the MGNREGS project and money amounting to Rs 20 crore for menial work undertaken for 50-60 work days should have been paid but the officer says that the entire amount was taken by a minister for the by-election," alleged the GNLA leader.He added that there was no response from the BDO when questions had been raised by members of the public in regards to the Backward Region Grant Fund

(BRGF) projects of 20132014 amounting to one crore fifteen lakh ten thousand rupees.The militant group announced that the officer was now in their custody in a camp where he would be questioned for his statements and allegations.Despite the allegations by the rebels, many are skeptic about their statement given that the said officer was known in govern-

ment circles to be an upright officer when it came to financial dealings.In view of the (threat perception from militants, the police had provided armed security guards to BDO Jude Rangku Sangma but the officer had reportedly turned them down since it hampered his day to day interaction with villagers in his line of work.Plea for safe release: The

India, France sign bilateral digital preservation and conservation pact Kolkata, Oct.29: India and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conserve, develop and publicize written heritage. The agreement was inked at that the National Library in Kolkata. Sreya Guha, Joint Secretary (Library) in the Ministry of Culture and Bruno Racine, President of the National Library of France signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries. The pact will entail development of digital co-operation, sharing of technical and other expertise, competency and skill-building and cultural co-operation between the two countries.

The MoU, which was inked yesterday, will assist a programme on digitization of old manuscripts and documents, begun in France seven years ago, as it will make it possible for gaining their experience and high -quality expertise in this field. Guha said that the Ministry of Culture is emphasizing on the project of building a National Virtual Library in India which will store and share numerous manuscripts, archives, artworks etc and this co-operation will go a long way in efficient implementation of this project. The National Virtual Library will link and share all knowledge re-

sources lying within the possession of various government institutes and other organizations of both the countries. France is also keen to avail India's assistance in sorting out, deciphering and gaining a better in-

sight into their collection of the several thousands of Indian documents, especially in Sanskrit and Tamil languages,that are archived in their possession. Racine mentioned a number of correspondences between

Rabindranath Tagore and French scholar Sylvan Levin lying with them. All these can be made a part of the digital collection, he said. Mr. Racine disclosed that a number of joint Indo-French symposia and conferences in connection with this are lined up. The Director General of National Library, Dr. Arun Kumar Chakraborty, and the new Consul-General of France in Kolkata, who were also present on the occasion, said that capacity and skill building programmes under the agreement will give a boost to Make In India and Skill India programmes. (ANI)

Delhi intervention sought in tea impasse Siliguri, Oct. 29: In a bid to end the stalemate in 16 tea estates under the Duncans group in north Bengal, senior trade union leaders have proposed their umbrella organizations to stage a workers' agitation in Delhi soon to draw the attention of the Union commerce and industry ministry. Senior leaders associated with tea plantations apprehend that more tea workers will die if the deadlock continues. It may be mentioned that some tea workers have died in other closed tea plantations, including the Bagrakote Tea Estate owned by the Duncans group.

The latest victim of poverty was Mukti Santhal, who died owing to prolonged illness at the Bagrakote TE. "I have proposed to the leaders of the co-ordination committee of trade unions and others associated with the Joint Forum to stage a workers' agitation in Delhi. The objective is to draw the attention of the central government as well as the commerce and industry ministry in a bid to resolve the crisis of over 25,000 workers associated with 16 tea plantations in north Bengal," an 86- year-old trade union leader, Chitta Dey, told The Statesman

over the phone. "I have already made the proposal, but there is a question mark on the preparations for the programme in Delhi. We will discuss the matter in the next meeting of the Joint Forum,"Mr Dey, the convener of the coordination committee,

said. "The state labour directorate has been convening reconciliation meetings on the present crises in the Duncans plantations. The state labour directorate should immediately issue a notification and refer the case to the tribunal.Both the central and state gov-

ernments should take up the matter at a war-footing in the interest of the 25,000 tea workers," Mr Dey said. "The Tea Board, which is under the Union commerce and industry ministry, should take over such sick industries based on the Tea Act 1953. But both the state and the Centre are allegedly reluctant to come forward," he added. However, another senior leader and spokesperson of the Joint Forum,Ziaul Alam, said:"Both the state and Central governments have allegedly allowed the Duncans group owned by GP Goenka and others to go

DPL hit by boulders in coal consignments Kolkata, Oct 29: Stones and boulders, in sizeable quantities, being mixed with the coal ore supplied by a nationalized coal company have become a recurring nuisance for Durgapur Projects Limited (DPL), an ailing stateowned power utility. In the last two days, DPL has faced severe demurrage due to this and its power generation has been hit, DPL officials said.The consignment dispatched by the Bharat Coking Coal Limited in a rake of 59 box wagons arrived at DPL on 26 October evening. The entire rake was stranded at least for six hours after the discovery of stones and boulders in the consignment and the matter, according to senior DPL officials, was intimated to the BCCL authority. Mr Ratan

Ghosh, deputy general manager (Coal Handling Plant) of DPL's Power Plant, said,". We received the faulty consignment, which included a huge quantity of stone boulders. Due to this the rake was detained and we expected a BCCL team would visit for inspection."The stones and boulders that are mixed with coal ore are supposed to be segregated at various levels before the ore is pulverised and charged into boilers. The officials said DPL is forced to pay for the stones that come mixed with the coal.Coal India officials did not deny stones were getting mixed with coal. But they refute the allegation of deliberately sending large amounts of stones with coal. DPL officials, however,

alleged that these are deliberately added to the coal to make up the weight intact after coal is pilfered. According to DPL officials, presence of large quantities of stones increases the time needed to unload coal, delaying the availability of railway rakes to bring in more coal, besides raising the demurrage charge. Normally eight hours is given by the railway authority for unloading and for every additional hour, Rs 150 per wagon is charged as demurrage. Each rake comprises 59 wagons and each wagon carries 58 MT coal to the power plant.The INTUC today lodged a complaint with the DPL authority alleging that the stone boulders supplied by BCCL has hit the power utility's exchequer.Mr Umapada

Das, general secretary, INTUC at DPL in his complaint letter claimed, "This consignment had 70 per cent stone boulders and we demand removal of third party intervention in such matters.DPL officials should be posted at the coal loading point of the coal mines." The BCCL authority, meanwhile, has expressed surprise at DPL's allegation. The BCCL's

GM (sales and marketing),Mr S.Sanghi said,"It's absurd and the DPL hasn't informed us about any such discrepancy as yet. However, we shall hold an inquiry voluntarily." In 2004, two FIRs were registered with the Sindri PS against BCCL mine authorities for supplying stone boulders in coal. (Agencies)

with their own designs." "The labour department has done its duty, and now it is the duty of the state and central government's commerce and industry departments," he said, adding, "Duncans is now under the board for industrial and financial reconstruction (BIFR)." Enforcement officials from the provident fund office have filed cases against GP Goenka and others over non-payment of w o r k e r s . R e c e n t l y, Darjeeling district officials have expressed concern over the ongoing unrest in some

tea plantations owned by the Duncans group. North Bengal development minister Gautam Deb has also taken initiatives to resolve the crisis and restore law and order at Gangaram TE near Bagdorgra in Siliguri. "The situation needs a permanent solution. Distribution of rice and wheat at the rate of Rs 2 and 3 per kg respectively by the state government is not the permanent solution. No initiative has been taken to resolve the ongoing deadlock in the 16 Tea Estates under the Duncans group ,"Mr Dey said. (Agencies)

officers and employees of South Garo Hills district administration have condemned the abduction of Jude Rangku T Sangma and appealed for his safe and unconditional release at the earliest. "He is an officer who is known for his integrity and ability to get things done under extreme difficult circumstances," stated the district administration and government employees of South Garo Hills in a joint statement on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Mindikgre regional unit of the Garo Students' Union has appealed to the abductors to release the BDO. (Agencies)

Rahul toaddress three election rallies in Bihar Patna, Oct. 29 : As part of campaigning for the fourth phase of the Bihar Assembly election, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will address rallies in Madhubani, Kishanganj and Katihar districts of Bihar, on Thursday. The Congress is contesting 41 seats in the 243-member Bihar assembly, while the JD-U and RJDare contesting 101 seats each. Election in Bihar is being held in five phases between October 12 and November 5. The counting of votes will be taken up on November 8. (ANI)

Assam Rifles official pays tribute to slain jawan Imphal, Oct 29: The Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) paid respect to the paramilitary force jawan Paokholet Baite who lost his life in an ambush on AR patrol on October 25 last in between Kwatha and Satang villages, 18 km from the IndoMyanmar border town Moreh in Manipur's Chandel district.Baite was killed when troops of 24 AR partolling the area came under heavy fire on that day. The funeral service took place at Moreh in presence of IGAR (South) the release said. (Agencies)

34 percent votes cast till 1 p.m. in third phase of Bihar polls Patna, Oct. 29: An estimated 34 percent votes were cast till 1 p.m. in the third phase of Bihar Assembly elections. Polling is underway in 50 constituencies, spread over six districts, amidst tight security arrangements. Re-polling is also being held at booth no.131 of Banka Assembly constituency and at booth no.188 of Chakai constituency. Polling on these booths was held on October 12 during the first phase of polling. Governor Ramnath Kovind, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former chief minister Rabri Devi exercised their right of franchise. Non-functioning EVMs have been

reported from a few places in Nalanda, Bhojpur, Buxar and Siwan districts. Polling, which began at 7 a.m., will conclude at 5 p.m. in 40 constituencies, while it will end at 4 p.m. in the remaining 10 Naxal-affected seats. A total of 1.45 crore

electors are eligible to decide the fate of over 800 candidates, 71 of whom are women. Of the total 14,170 polling stations, 6,747 have been declared as critical and 1,909 as Left Wing Extremist hit polling stations. (ANI)

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India calls for BRICS involvement in multilateral funding for science, technology and innovation Moscow, Oct.29: Science, Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that India supports multilateral funding system which would provide the basis for announcing BRICS Call for Proposal to support multi-country research projects. He was addressing the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at Moscow today. He said active co-investment of resources including funds from each BRICS partner country in support of BRICS Call for Proposal is desired. He said that India attaches great importance to its engagement with BRICS which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, coordination and cooperation on contemporary global and regional issues

of mutual interest. At Wednesday's meeting India has supported creation of BRICS Research and Innovation Networking Platform (RINP) under which it expects a BRICS Innovation Corps to be created and that an inventory of innovative products, services and solutions would be maintained. India, he said, has also welcomed the proposed BRICS initiative on 'Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network' (GRAIN). Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that all BRICS countries must identify their common needs and share information on existing major research infrastructure specially those engaged in addressing the common societal challenges as well as those under construction or those that can be developed in future to avoid duplication of resources and

money. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that the BRICS STI Cooperation MoU signed in Brasilia in March 2015 captures the spirit in connecting usefulness of knowledge and innovative products to usefulness of society. He said as a follow up of the BRICS Young Scientist Forum mooted and being coordinated by India, a five (5)-day BRICS Young Scientist Conclave will be held at the National Institute of

India has always stood for and with Africa: Sushma Swaraj New Delhi, Oct. 29: Asserting that India has always stood for and with Africa, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said ours is a relationship forged in the crucible of the shared struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and apartheid. "That era is now behind us, but the solidarity engendered by that shared struggle continues," she added in her inaugural remarks at the third India-Africa Forum Summit. Swaraj said this gathering of African Heads of States and Heads of Governments is like a family reunion. "I can see how the diversity of Africa matches our own, how every flag from Africa has its own special place. So, on behalf of 1.25 billion Indians, let me welcome you most warmly to New Delhi," she added. The External Affairs Minister said India and Africa are united by our common goal for progress, prosperity and peace around the world. "We are linked by the Indian Ocean. And we are joined together by the 2.7 million strong Indian Diaspora in Africa, which is contributing actively to

Massive fire kills labourer at Maruti power plant in Chhattisgarh Korba, Oct.29 : A labourer was killed and twelve others were injured after a massive fire broke out at a Maruti Clean Coal power plant in Korna District of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. Out of the injured, four are said to be in serious condition. According to reports, a boiler had blasted, which caused a massive fire inside the plant. The injured have been taken to the N.C.H Hospital in Gevra. (ANI)

the economic development of its adopted homeland," said Swaraj."Our modern partnership rests on the pillars of economic growth, development and empowerment and is a consolidation of our engagement at various levels - bilateral, regional and pan African," she added. Swaraj said the longstanding and multifaceted India-Africa development partnership is based on the principles of equality, friendship and solidarity. "It represents one of the finest examples of South-South cooperation," she added.

The External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that the third India-Africa Forum Summit will chart a bold new course for future cooperation. "I had started my remarks with an African proverb. I will also end with one. It says, 'If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together'," said Swaraj. "We want to travel far on the path of development and we want to travel together with our African friends and partners, in the true spirit of sabka saath, sabka vikas," she added. (ANI)

Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Bangalore, India during March 2016, with intent to create BRICS Young Scientists Corps. The minister called upon BRICS countries to collectively explore the merit of establishing a BRICS Young Scientist Forum Secretariat in India with the Department of Science and Technology of India as the coordinator and with the commitment and support from all

BRICS countries. This would give pace to building and implementing the BRICS Young Scientist's Regional Scientific Programs, he added. The Minister said in the area of Geo-spatial Technology Applications, India will be hosting the first BRICS Working Group meeting on the theme 'Geospatial technology for good governance and decision making through collaboration and partnership', to come with detailed actions and joint project proposals which could then be supported by BRICS countries. India had earlier taken the leadership in the area of geospatial technologies and its applications among the BRICS countries for mutual cooperation. He informed the BRICS Ministerial meeting that India would be willing to coordinate a new additional BRICS Thematic Leadership role

in Nanotechnology. He proposed that it could be an integral part of the BRICS STI Cooperation Work Plan 2015-2018, by adding it to the current basket of BRICS Thematic Leadership Areas. He said this should consolidate BRICS leadership at the global level in the area of Nanotechnology and its applications in areas of health, energy, environment etc. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that BRICS countries should also have a cooperation plan to provide affordable healthcare to its people. India also outlined the scope of BRICS Project on Technology Foresight on Climate Systems to be implemented as part of BRICS STI Work Plan 2015-2018 and called for a focus on developing a roadmap for relevant best technologies available for climate change mitigation and adaptation. (ANI)

PM Modi should maintain decorum of his post: JD(U) New Delhi, Oct. 29: Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwarranted remark on RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti, Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi on Thursday said the former has failed to maintain the decorum of his post. "Narendra Modi's remark on Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa has become a topic of discussion. He has not been able to come out of his syndrome of the Gujarat chief minister," Tyagi told. Making an oblique reference to the candidature of Lalu's eldest daughter Misa from Pataliputra parliamentary constituency after denying the party symbol to then RJD secretary general Ram Kripal Yadav, Prime Minister Modi had called her 'bechari' in

his election rally in Bihar. Meanwhile, Tyagi hinted that there would be a rift in the BJP post the Bihar Assembly polls. "There can be a huge explosion in the BJP after the Bihar elections because the modus operandi has become very narrow," JD (U) leader KC Tyagi told. "The top leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party has lost patience. Lal Krishna Advani, Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, Shatrughan Sinha R.K Singh are all disappointed with Modi ji," he added. (ANI)

Ministries agree on streamlining approvals for urban construction projects New Delhi, Oct.29: The Central Government has decided to come out with necessary notifications by the end of next month for streamlining approvals for construction projects in urban areas. This is being done to ensure time bound and hassle free clearances for projects. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting convened by Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Culture Minister Dr.Mahesh Sharma and Cabinet Secretary P.K.Sinha besides secretaries and senior officials of eight related ministries were also presentat the deliberations. The ministers and the Cabinet Secretary reviewed the progress made by respective ministries towards enhancing 'ease of doing business' in urban areas since inter-ministerial consultations were initiated by Naidu a few months back. Naidu said that the country is ranked low in terms of doing business in urban areas and there is an imperative need to improve the same in the context of

efforts for sustained high rate of economic growth and other initiatives like Housing for All. Parrikar suggested a practical and realistic approach to fast track approvals for projects. Cabinet Secretary Sinha said that streamlining of approvals need to be taken seriously to end cost and time over runs and harassment of project developers. He suggested to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change to consider incentivizing compliance with the guidelines. He noted that official notifications in respect of agreed upon measures would go a long way in improving India's rank on 'ease of doing business'.Ministrywise initiatives to fast track approvals were as follows: 1. Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change: Guidelines for according Environmental Clearences are being further simplified based on the built up area and will soon be finalized; Simplified guidelines could be incorporated in the bye-laws/regulations of States and Urban Local Bodies so that the Ministry need not be ap-

proached for clearences. 2. Ministry of Civil Aviation: Since 65 percent of applications for height clearences are in respect of major 12 airports, Colour Coded Zoning Maps of nine of these have been uploaded on website that would enable urban local bodies accord approvals without the applicants going to the Ministry;CCZMs in respect of other 3 airports would be made available by end of December; CCZMs of another 14 airports would be uploaded by the end of next year which would take care of over 90 percent of applications for clearances; No Objection Application System (NOCAS-II) would be soft launched on 31st October this year and would be available for use of applicants and this would eliminate human interface for approvals. 3. Ministry of Culture: Website for online filing and grant of No Objection Certificate for buildings not falling in restricted areas of National Monuments has been made fully operational ; Online approvals can be obtained using the 'app' developed by ISRO and

the accuracy of the 'app' has been enhanced to a margin of error of only 1-2 metres; Mapping of 600 monuments has been already completed that enables online approvals; Heritage Bye-laws of 201 major monuments is being done on priority. Secretary (Culture) demonstrated online approval and it was appreciated by all. 4. Ministry of Defence: All Services and Defence organisations have been directed to advise local military authorities and local units to provide details and maps of restricted and unrestricted areas to local municipal authorities; Works of Defence Act is being reviewed along with framing of Ammunition Storage Policy to enable easy approvals; Colour Coded Zoning Maps for defence airports under joint civil operations will be prepared after a meeting with all concerned is taken by the Minister of Defence. Concerned defence establishments will accord required approvals with in 30 days from date of application. Defence Minister said that subject to strategic and sensitivity considerations, necessary measures will

be taken for fast tracking approvals for urban construction projects. 5. Department of Consumer Affairs: National Building Code-2015 will be finalized by the end of December this year keeping in view the requirements of quick approvals. 6. Ministry of Urban Development: Model Building Bye-laws have been prepared and the simplified guidelines to be proposed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests will be duly incorporated in the same. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has suggested 'Risk based' approval system that places the onus on the applicant for any violation of undertaking given in respect of compliance with guidelines. The Ministers and officials suggested strict penal measures for any violation of guidelines in the new architecture including demolition of constructions so made. Notifications in respect of the measures agreed upon and the implementation mechanism including empowerment of urban local bodies to accord approvals will be issued by end of next month. (ANI)

Sydney most hostile to Muslims Last phase of J-K: Top LeT in Australia, claims survey District and Block commander killed Oct.29: A new or ethnicity. The survey trends - contains some Panchayat polls survey of national atti- identified broad support warning signs. For inin encounter in Sydney, tudes released on Thurs- for multiculturalism in stance, people from day by the Monash Uni- mainland capital cities, non-English speaking Khandipora versity in Australia has but with differences most backgrounds remained

Kulgam Oct 29: Top Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) commanderAbu Qasim has been killed in an encounter between security personnel and militants in Khandipora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam Dis-

trict. Qasim was involved in Udhampur attack, in the attack on Army convoy in 2013 in Hyderpora District of Jammu and Kashmir and also in the killing of Sub-Inspector Altaf Ahmed. (ANI)

revealed that the city of Sydney is the most hostile to Muslims, while Melbourne is seen as the most tolerant towards members of that community. The survey, which appears in the Sydney Morning Herald, further states that among a majority of Australians, the spirit of multiculturalism prevails and that there is barely any support for calls from far-right groups to officially discriminate or reject would-be migrants on the basis of religion

pronounced in sentiment towards Muslims. Only 16 per cent of Melburnians reported a negative view of Muslims, compared with 27 per cent in Sydney. The findings in Sydney are closely matched in Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Canberra is the only city close to Melbourne with 16.1 per cent negative. The Monash survey titled Mapping Social Cohesion, was conducted in most years since 2007 to identify long term social

twice as likely to report experience of discrimination, and Muslims more than twice as likely as Roman Catholics to feel discriminated against. Monash University social researcher Andrew Markus said the findings showed Australians broadly supported the policy to turn back asylum seeker boats and this appeared to have strengthened public faith the immigration system. (ANI)

Lucknow, Oct. 29: The fourth and last phase of District and Block Panchayat elections is taking place in the state on Thursday. Except Gautam Buddha Nagar, elections are being held in 74 districts. Eleven thousand 687 candidates are in fray for

704 post of District panchayats. More than two crore 74 lakh voters are eligible to cast their vote today. Among them, almost 59 percent voters are male and about 41 percent are female voters. The counting will be held on 1st November. (ANI)

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NEIGHBOURS

No anti-China block in the making: US Washington, Oct 29: The US has said there is no anti-China grouping in the works as its recent military manoeuvres in South China Sea against Chinese maritime territorial claims has gained support from several countries in the region. "No," State Department Press Secretary John Kirby said when asked if there is an anti-China block forming in view of the recent developments in South China Sea given the fact that several countries are supporting its move. "As I've said repeatedly

Shamsher Mobin Chy resigns from BNP Dhaka, Oct 29:Top BNP leader Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury has resigned from party's all the posts on health ground.Mobin, BNP vice-chairman, also former foreign secretary, confirmed his resignation to the media today morning."Citing various illnesses, I have submitted my resignation letter to BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on We d n e s d a y. " B N P Chairperson Khaleda Zia is now in London.He served as Foreign Secretary from October 2001 to March 2005 during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government. Chowdhury also served as Bangladesh Ambassador to United States from 2005 to 2007.He joined the BNP in 2008. Mobin was made a vice chairman in 2009. (Agencies)

here, that freedom of the seas is a fundamental principle which must be protected, and that is one of the reasons why the US Navy exists. They are operations in international waters and they are not meant to be nor should they be perceived to be by anybody as provocative," he said. The Asia Pacific rebalance that the US continue to pursue and the security aspects that it continues to observe in the Asia Pacific region are not aimed against or for any one nation. "It's about preserving our own national

security interests in that part of the world, the national security interests of our allies and partners," he said. Five out of seven of US treaty alliances are in the Pacific region. "So we have serious commitments

rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law," Schultz said. "So I can tell you that the operation that was conducted that you're referring to was the result of a rigorous interagency process designed to produce options for our leadership to ensure that was the case," he said. "As the President stated I believe in front of all of you that the United States is going to fly, sail, and operate anywhere where international law allows," he added. (Agencies)

Pakistan Loses UN Human Rights Council Election Islamabad, Oct 29: Pakistan failed to win a reelection to the top UN human rights body; garnering just 105 votes in the 193-member General Assembly.The General Assembly yesterday elected 18 members of the UN Human Rights Council through a secret ballot. Pakistan's current term at the Council is set to expire on December 31 and it was seeking reelection to the 47-member Human Rights Council.Sources said the loss came as a setback to the Pakistani delegation

that had appeared confident of winning the seat. The sources attributed the loss to the way the Pakistani delegation fought the election, adding that it could not lobby effectively for the vote. The new members, who will start their three-year terms beginning January 1 next year, are Belgium, Burundi, C么te d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Kenya, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Togo, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates

and Venezuela. Pakistan lost the seat in the AsiaPacific category in which five seats were vacant. India is also a member of the Council and its term will end in 2017.Members of the Council are elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly.Geneva-based non-governmental human rights group UN Watch welcomed the defeat of Pakistan, terming it as a "major surprise."Days before the vote, several human rights bodies had

opposed the re-election of Venezuela, Pakistan and UAE to the UN Human Rights Council due to widespread criticism of these governments for egregious human rights violations.According to a report by UN Watch, Human Rights Foundations, and the Lantos Foundation, Pakistan, UAE, Burundi and Ecuador were cited by human rights groups for having committed serious violations of numerous articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including curbs on the

freedoms of speech, press, religion, and assembly, along with disregard for fundamental due process.The candidate countries were also found to have voted against UN resolutions taking action for victims of human rights abuses in various hotspots, UN watch said.Sources in the Indian Mission to the UN here welcomed the election of Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan against the backdrop of historical visits undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to these nations earlier this year. (Agencies)

Quake death toll rises to 267 in Pak Karachi, Oct. 29 : Over 267 people have died and 1,865 people injured in Pakistan following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck major cities of the country on Monday.Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that at least 11,389 buildings were damaged across the country, reported the Dawn.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has been the worst hit area in the

country, with 220 people reported dead, 1,656 injured and over 10,586 h o u s e s damaged.Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced Rs 0.6 million relief package for those killed in the earthquake and Rs 0.1 million for those who have been injured.The epicenter of the earth quake was 82 km southeast of Feyzabad in a remote area ofAfghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountain range. (ANI)

China buys Airbus jets during Merkel visit

Beijing, Oct 29: China has committed to buying Airbus jets worth $17 billion during a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.Merkel and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also attended the signing Thursday of agreements between Nokia Corp. and phone carrier China Mobile Ltd.and between

there, and they are not aimed at China. They are aimed at trying to decrease tensions and preserve stability, because that region is so vital to the rest of the world - economically alone, but on other levels

as well," Kirby said. Meanwhile the White House reiterated that its military operation in South China is in accordance with international law. "These operations are conducted in accordance with international law and applied evenhandedly around the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz said. "Our policies are intended to advance our strategic objectives in the Asia Pacific region, including on maritime issues. This includes protecting the

Volkswagen AG and a Chinese bank, ICBC Ltd. The China Foreign Exchange Trade System and Deutsche Borse, which operates the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, also agreed to set up a joint venture.Such agreements are a fixture of foreign leaders' visits to

Former president Rajapaksa before the Presidential Commission today Colombo, Oct 29: Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived again at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC), today morning.The Kurunegala District parliamentarian has been summoned to give a statement regarding an allegation of non-payment of dues to a state-owned TV channel for broadcasting advertisements for his 2015 presidential campaign.An audit inquiry has found that the state television Independent Television Network has incurred losses over Rs. 101 million as Rajapaksa has failed to pay the dues to the state TV for advertising his election campaign.The former President appeared before the Commission on 15 October as well to record a statement over the same allegation. The commission last month obtained a statement from the former President at his residence in Mirihana as well. (Agencies)

China and are meant to emphasize the commercial benefits of amicable relations with the world's second-largest economy. The Airbus sale calls for China to buy 30 A330 jets and 100 A320 jets. Airbus has headquarters in France and Germany and employs 15,000 people at its German factory. (Agencies)

Nepal seals fuel deal with China, ending 40 years of dependence on India Kathmandu, Oct 29 : Nepal has sealed a deal with China to import petroleum products from the northern neighbor, ending four decades of sole dependence on India for the supply of gasoline. According to The Himalayan Times, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and China National United Oil Corporation (PetroChina), a state owned company signed a memorandum of understanding regarding supply of petroleum products from China to Nepal.Joint Secretary Madhu Marasini at the Ministry of Finance, a

member of the Nepali delegation said that it is a framework agreement between the two countries regarding the import of petroleum products from China.However, the pricing is yet to be decided as many factors had to be put under consideration, he added.Nepal is currently reeling under acute shortage of petroleum products after Madhes-based parties intensified their agitation in the wake of the promulgation of the new constitution on September 20 and obstructed the Nepal- India border. (ANI)

Pak rejects foreign aid for quake relief work

Karachi, Oct. 29: While acknowledging condolence and concern expressed by other countries after the massive earthquake on Monday, Pakistan has announced that it does not need any foreign assistance for relief work.According to the Dawn, Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed said that there is no shortage of supplies and Pakistan is fully capable of handling the crisis by its own.However, Pakistan is grateful to the countries that have expressed concern and offered assistance for res-

cue, relief and rehabilitation for affected people in the quake-hit region, he added. Rasheed added that eighty per cent of injured people have been discharged after receiving proper medical assistance and critically injured patients have been airlifted to hospitals in major cities for proper treatment.Over 267 people have died and 1,865 people have been injured in Pakistan following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck major cities of the country on Monday. (ANI)

Sri Lanka joins the Open Government Partnership Colombo, Oct 29: Sri Lanka has become the newest member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. Sri Lanka endorsed the Open Government Declaration committing "to foster a global culture of open government that empowers and delivers for citizens, and advances the ideals of open and participatory 21st century government," at the Open Government

Partnership's Global Summit that is held in Mexico City from October 27 - 29.Sri Lanka is the only South Asian participating country in the OGP and joins other countries in the Asian region such as Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines and Republic of Korea.Welcoming Sri Lanka as a new member of the OGP, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who headed the Sri Lankan delegation to the OGP Global Summit, was accorded the honor of being the first plenary speaker at the inauguration presided over by Mexican President Enrique Pe帽a Nieto.Addressing the

summit, Minister Rajapakshe said that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to join the OGP, extending recently initiated good governance practices towards an open government and that "the Open Government Declaration that Sri Lanka has just endorsed is very much in line with our government's vision for Sri Lanka.""As we join

the OGP, we recognize that the threshold required to be a truly open government has been raised. This makes us even more determined to walk this path together with participating states of the OGP and civil society members, learning from your experiences, and obtaining expertise whenever necessary to build our own capacities, to reach the required benchmarks. And as our government has already demonstrated, we keep our promises," Minister Rajapakshe said.The first step towards full OGP participation is meeting the OGP eligibility criteria. In order to be eligible to participate in

OGP, governments must demonstrate a minimum level of commitment to open government principles in four key areas of Fiscal Transparency, Access to Information, Income and Asset Disclosures, and Citizen Engagement. Sri Lanka became eligible to join earlier this year, having met the required criteria and scoring 14 of a total of 16 points.The delegation to the OGP summit also included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the US Prasad Kariyavasam and officials of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. and the Ministry of Justice. (Agencies)

Nepal Parliament Elects Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Women's Rights Activist, As First Female President Kathmandu, Oct 29: Nepal's parliament elected a 54-year-old women's rights activist as its first female president Wednesday, just weeks after the country established a new constitution in September. Bidhya Devi Bhandari was the country's defense minister from 2009 to 2011 and is currently the vice-chair of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-

UML), reports said. Bhandari said she would help effectively implement the new constitution. "I have been elected as the first female President as per the inclusive and proportional principles and we implemented the constitution," she said.The move comes just 12 days after Nepal announced Onsari Gharti as its first female speaker. Bhandari got 549 votes out of 597 - 48

parliamentarians were not present and eight votes were named invalid, the Kathmandu Post reported. Bhandari will be replacing Ram Baran Yadav, who was the country's first elected president after it abolished monarchy in 2008."Few opponents may link her success towards sympathy shown by people after her husband's demise (in 1993) but that is not true.

The fact that she has been elected thrice from Kathmandu in parliamentary elections defeating top leaders proves her mettle," CPN-UML leader Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said. Bhandari was among the country's politicians who pushed for women's rights under the new constitution, which now dictates a one-third quota for women in parliament. It also states that either the

president or the vice president of the country should be a woman.Her husband, Madan Bhandari, who was the leader of CPN-UML, died in a car crash in 1993, the Associated Press (AP) reported. In 2006, Bhandari led protests against former King Gyanendra, calling for democracy in the country."There were doubts about the implementation of new con-

stitution," Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chairman of Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), Nepal's major ruling partner, said, according to Kathmandu Post, adding: "But the completion of elections for vital posts shows that the implementation of the constitution is moving ahead. And it has established inclusive proportional values." (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

The Impasse of US-China Relations HIV cases rise

Last month's summit appears to have changed little

A public health challenge

David Lai

HIV/AIDS is not merely a public health challenge; it is a political, social and economic challenge as well. When India's first AIDS case was reported in 1986, there were around 20,000 reported cases of AIDS worldwide. It was initially thought to be the problem of a few large Indian cities or urban agglomerate such as Chennai and Mumbai. But, with the passage of time, the epidemic has grown alarmingly and at present six states, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tamil Nadu, have come to have a high prevalence rate of more than 1% among the general population. In 1998 the HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) was started in India principally to monitor the trends of HIV/AIDS prevalence and accordingly take measures to build up the control activities in different geographical areas and population groups. Of the 7,54,787 people screened for HIV from 1999 till March 2015 in Nagaland, 18,069 were detected positive. While the adult HIV prevalence rate in Nagaland officially remained at 0.73%, yet detection of fresh cases in Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Tuensang and Kiphire has caused concern among those involved in HIV/AIDs control programmes. And owing to stigmatization and discrimination, many people were reluctant to undergo HIV tests and this undermined the efforts to effectively control its spread. Also it has been 25 years since the first HIV/AIDs case was detected in Nagaland while the response should encompass creating a positive environment in all spheres so that the quality of life can be improved for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and AIDs, especially the poor and the most marginalised section. Moreover as of March 2015, there were 12,213 PLHIVs enrolled for Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre and from March 2014 to March 2015, 880 PLHIVs enrolled for ART died while many new cases were being reported every month. Further, several problems were faced by PLHIVs where treatment was insufficient to meet the needs while many faced risks of interruption for treatment due to shortage of drugs or breakdown of CD4 machines which were due to poor health facilities in Nagaland. And that many PLHIVs have had to travel to Imphal for Viral Load Test and for sending the samples to Kolkata. In view of this, the state health authorities and departments should make necessary arrangements so that VLT could be done within the state which would be of tremendous help. Moreover as of February 2015, out of 18,069 confirmed HIV cases, 12,000 have registered for treatment but it was not known as to how many were accessing available treatment. Nagaland does not have any brothels or red light areas but commercial sex workers are very much prevalent in the state particularly in Dimapur. Since the society is still very apprehensive of talking about sex, there is the need for young people to have adequate information and awareness about AIDS.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made an official visit to the United States in late September 2015 with great expectations. The top priority on his agenda was his determination to seek official U.S. endorsement of his initiative for a "new model of major-country relations" and to set U.S.-China relations on the right course accordingly. Unfortunately, given U.S. apprehension of Xi's heavy agenda and frustrations over repeated clashes with China in the Western Pacific in recent years (even in the days prior to the summit), President Barack Obama did not answer Xi's calls and the Chinese president returned to China virtually empty-handed. China's Quest for Compromise China and the United States have had a bumpy relationship since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. In recent decades, this relationship has been complicated by a power transition process, triggered by the economic rise of China. Power transition is a struggle among the big nations (big primarily in terms of their geography and demographics) within the international system. It is between a previously underdeveloped and disgruntled yet currently rising big nation that challenges the powerful stakeholders of the system. The struggle is about the international political, economic, and security order that reflect the values and interests of the most powerful nations. Thucydides, the ancient Greek historian, is perhaps the first to argue that power transition carries the seeds of war. In his observation of the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens, Thucydides asserted that the growth of Athenian power and the fear generated on the Spartan side had trapped the two powerful nations into a war for 27 years. The ancient Greek tragedy is hardly the only example of this: There have been many other power transitions throughout history. Almost all ended in war. The unfolding U.S.-

Positive India economic outlook Modi-led government has task cut out though According to the IMF's latest economic health check, the growth rate of India is expected to rise to 7.5 percent between 2015-16 and thus becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The other Asian giant China's economy is projected to slow down to a more sustainable pace - 6.8 percent GDP growth in 2015, and 6.3 percent in 2016, according to the International Monetary Fund's Regional Economic Outlook for Asia and the Pacific. Growth in Asia and the Pacific will continue to outperform the rest of the world, and is expected to remain steady at 5.6 percent in 2015, easing slightly to 5.5 percent in 2016, said the report. Growth will be driven by domestic demand, underpinned by healthy labour markets, low interest rates, and the recent fall in oil prices. The global recovery, while being moderate and uneven will continue to support Asia's exports, says the report. The IMF's Regional Economic Outlook calls for a strong push for structural reforms across most, if not all, economies in the region. The report notes that in addition to boosting productive capacity, structural reforms can help rebalance growth toward consumption, which remains a priority for some major Asian economies. Meanwhile, major reform areas would include measures to address supply-bottlenecks in India, state-owned enterprises, and financial liberalisation in China, and initiatives to raise services productivity, and labour force participation in Japan. Maintaining flexible fiscal and monetary policies to effectively manage aggregate demand will remain important in the future. The report noted that lower oil prices have provided an opportunity to undertake further fiscal reforms aimed at lowering energy subsidies, while measures have been taken in a number of countries, including India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Financial and macro-prudential policies should continue to address financial sector risks. This will be particularly important to increase resilience to shocks, and to contain the buildup of systemic risk associated with shifting financial conditions, and volatile capital flows, the report said. Asia, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global output, but contributes nearly two-thirds of global growth, will remain the global growth leader, even though potential growth - the economy's speed limit - is likely to slow down, it said. But on the other hand the outlook could be vulnerable to adverse events. Most Asian policymakers have in place broadly appropriate interest rate and fiscal policy settings, although the risk of renewed financial volatility may warrant a somewhat tighter monetary policy stance in some countries, it said. The Modi led BJP government of India meanwhile would be required to take adequate steps and policies with the view to maintain India's positive economic outlook as indicated in the IMF report.

China power transition therefore begs the question whether it will fall into the same trap. The Chinese argued at the outset that power transition was a Western experience, and the Thucydides Trap should not apply to China's relations with the United States. However, Chinese leaders have gradually learned that China's rising power is creating forces beyond their control and making the China-U.S. relations more contentious. Thus, in an attempt to ease the U.S. concern, China put forward a "Peaceful Development" call in 2003, promising not to challenge U.S. supremacy and not to repeat the mistakes made by past great powers. On the surface, the Chinese move is a step in the right direction. However, it does not guarantee enduring and positive China-U.S. relations forever, as areas of contention have continued to trouble the two nations. In a 2013 meeting with Obama at the Sunnylands Resort, California, Xi took the Peaceful Development promise a step further, turning it into a guideline for U.S.-China relations (and for other big nation relations as well). Xi's initiative has three action codes: China and the United States should strive for 1) no confrontation, 2) mutual respect for core interests, and 3) win-win cooperation. Deciphering Xi's Model Xi's model is remarkably simple; yet loaded with heavy requirements. First, Xi holds that although China and the United States have many conflicts, the two nations should not take war as an option to settle their differences; and if the United States and China can make a pledge on this point, tensions between the two nations will not automatically become a test of will or set the two nations' war machines in motion. Second, strategic trust must be based on mutual respect. On this point, Xi insists that China has suffered a "respect deficit" from the United States. In other words, the U.S. challenge to China's form of government, its quest for territorial integrity, and

China's "rightful place in the world," all of which are China's core interests. Xi reminds the United States that China is now more powerful and deserves due respect accordingly. Finally, Xi reiterates the Peaceful Develop-

The United States can deal with the Chinese government, but it cannot turn a blind eye to what it sees as the misconduct of China's repressive regime. With a fundamental difference on this issue, conflict, rather than respect, is the

ment promise that his rising China has no intention to uproot the United States or the U.S.-led international order; China does not seek unilateral gains in the competition with the United States; and the China-U.S. competition will not be existential (zero-sum) but instead will be mutually beneficial (win-win). In the past three years, Xi (and the Chinese government) has made extraordinary efforts to sell this initiative. However, Xi also sees that his U.S. counterpart has been reluctant to give him a wholehearted endorsement. Xi therefore made "getting the United States on board" the centerpiece of his official visit to America. Indeed, Xi seized every opportunity to remind Obama of the "Sunnylands agreement," the three action codes, the danger of falling into the Thucydides Trap, and the imperatives of U.S.China mutual respect and cooperation. U.S. Ambivalence The United States has been cautious with China's broad-brushed calls. The concern is that the Chinese initiative is in essence asking the United States to give China an unearned status and a license to do whatever it wants. This is especially troublesome with respect to the second point in Xi's model, for the United States does not see eye to eye with China over its core interests. For instance, top among China's stated core interests is the preservation of the Communist Partyruled political system.

normal state of affairs. Another top Chinese core interest is about China's territorial integrity. This is a contentious and unsettling issue and China is currently engaged in intense territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas. Although the United States does not take sides on the disputes, it does not agree that the disputed territories form part of China's territorial integrity. Asking the United States to respect this Chinese core interest is like putting the cart before the horse, and the U.S. will not endorse it. From a cultural perspective, U.S.-China interactions are difficult because the two nations do not sing the same tune. Xi likes to talk about lofty principles and express vision on a large scale. He sees the U.S.-China relationship as complicated; but like an entangled fishing net - once the head rope is pulled, the meshes will open. In other words, if the two nations' leaders can grasp the key link, they can set the complicated issues in order; and from Xi's view, the key link is strategic trust and mutual respect. To Americans, Xi's figurative speech is difficult to comprehend. The United States is a problem-solver and action-oriented. Instead of engaging in obscure talk, Americans like to tackle specific issues. Indeed, Obama prepared a laundry-list of problems for Xi, such as China's cyber-hacking and espionage, unfair trade practices, cur-

rency and stock market manipulation, human rights violations, assertive behavior in East and South China Sea territorial disputes, reckless encounters with U.S. military in the Western Pacific, and so on. He began talking about the problems even at Xi's arrival ceremony at the White House. For the United States, solving these practical problems is the best way to improve U.S.-China relations. A "Superpower Summit" Going Sidetracked Xi came to "the Washington of the West" on the same day Pope Francis made his historic visit to "the Washington of the East." U.S. attention was all on the lovable Pope. The Chinese president's arrival did not even make any of the major U.S. network news broadcasts. Xi's delegation included 15 of the richest Chinese. They represent a combined wealth of more than $1.3 trillion, about the size of South Korea's GDP (2013 measures), the 13th largest economy in the world, and were ready to spend. Indeed, for their first purchase, they bought 300 Boeing passenger planes, the largest single order on record. Unfortunately, this was not enough to attract any American attention. The Chinese delegation, like many Chinese tourist groups nowadays, was left to spend their money at the gigantic "Seattle Outlet Mall." When Xi Jinping finally arrived in Washington DC, he was once again ignored as U.S. attention was focused elsewhere. House Speaker John Boehner had suddenly announced his resignation. His earlier-than-expected move had instantly become the talk of the town in Washington. When Xi and Obama came to meet the press, U.S. journalists could not help but to turn the presidential joint press conference into a U.S. domestic politics forum. Xi stood by the podium awkwardly watching Obama talk about domestic politics. A New Model of Major Country Relations?

There was no joint statement following the Xi-Obama meetings. This was an apparent disappointment for Xi. Worse, the two sides were left to provide their own account of what had taken place in the presidential meetings; and there were oddly large inconsistencies. The Chinese side listed 49 "consensuses" as the "accomplishments of Xi's visit to the United States" whereas the U.S. side listed fewer items and had them in a different order. (Concerned readers are left to figure out the "agreements.") The biggest difference was on Xi's model for major-country relations. The Chinese foreign minister claimed that Xi and Obama had an extensive discussion of the new model. The No. 1 item on the Chinese list states that "the two sides commended the important outcomes of the meeting at Sunnylands in 2013, the meeting in Beijing in 2014, and the meeting in Washington in 2015 between the two presidents, and agreed to continue their efforts to build a new model of major-country relationship between China and the United States based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation." However, the White House documentation has no record of Obama discussing the model with Xi and there is no mention of the Chinese initiative in any of the statements and releases either. We don't know which side is telling the true story. Yet one can see that the different accounts are clearly bumps in the U.S.-China power transition. As this journey continues, the Chinese side will continue to press for mutual trust and respect; and insist that practical issues will go away if they have the strategic commitment from the United States. The U.S., however, always goes after specific problems in the two nations' relations; and believes that trust and respect can only come from measurable cooperation. This journey will continue to be bumpy if the two nations continue to talk past each other with neither side willing to break the impasse.

The Ground Scenario and the Digital India Project

Sir, PM Narendra Modi's Digital India initiative is a laudable endeavour. The programme that comprises of various initiatives, each targeted to prepare India for becoming a knowledge economy and for bringing good governance to citizens through synchro-

nized and co-ordinated engagement of the entire government. PM Modi through the Digital India Week urged the people to gain knowledge and to empower themselves through the Digital India Programme. The vision of this initiative also aims at inclusive growth in areas of electronic services, products, manufacturing and job opportunities etc. The programme is supposed to generate huge number of IT, Telecom and Electronics jobs, both directly and indirectly. Success of this programme will not only make India digitally empowered and but also the leader in usage of IT in delivery of services related to various domains such as health, education, agriculture, banking, etc. However, much more needs to be done for it to ultimately become a success. As thousands of villages across the country continue to be deprived of internet connectivity - the widening digital gap between country's urban and rural parts needs to be bridged. For this, the government needs to pool in resources with private players. The Centre and states should

collaborate, as arguing over "rights of way" is a waste of public time and money. Yours etc. Supriya Sharma Lakhimpur

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

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

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"Dhoni Is Far From Finished": Why We Shouldn't Blame India's ODI Loss On Him After a 3-2 defeat to South Africa in the One-Day International series, courtesy a scintillating batting performance by the Proteas in the decider at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (25th October, 2015), critics are expected to unleash their swords, yet again, on India's limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for everything that hasn't gone right for the team so far. What was touted to be a cracker of a finale, turned out to be a onesided show of supremacy, abetted by some exceedingly ordinary bowling and sloppy fielding on the part of the Men in Blue. In the postmatch press conference yesterday, a visibly unhappy Dhoni expressed his disappointment at the inconsistent runs of form put on display by his frontline pace bowlers throughout the course of the 5match ODI series."If you see any other nation, Test or ODI, the

fast bowlers come and in one or two years, they graduate to the next level. They become their striker bowler. They know their strength and bowl according to it. We aren't able to do that. Once you put in a lot of effort in an individual and if he doesn't come good, then again a vacuum gets created where you are forced to look for individuals," rued the Indian skipper. Apart from lack of consistency amongst his available resources, particularly in Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma, Dhoni's woes as a captain have been compounded by injuries picked up by some of his most bankable players. While Mohammed Shami had to be ruled out much before the start of the series, a painful side-strain sustained by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin - arguably India's best bowler across all formats this year- during his second spell in the

difficult to put presKanpur ODI, further sure on some of the reduced Dhoni's opyoungsters in the tions, robbing the team. After playing so bowling attack of the many ODIs, if I can't little teeth it posdo it, then there are sessed. not many in the team In the run-up to the who would do it. It's ODI series, much was something that I have talked about if Dhoni to do." should promote himShikhar Dhawan and self up the order, Suresh Raina's abysgiven the element mal form, coupled unreliability surroundwith a general lack of ing the middle-order consistency in the perthat is now beginning f o r to gather mances more curAnnesha Ghosh of star rency in batsmen t h e Rohit Sharma and mindspace of the folvice-captain Virat lowers of the game Kohli ensured that the with each passing fixSouth-African ture. Following his inbowlers could guide nings of 92 not out their team to a measly that guided India to a 5-run and 18-run vic22-run victory in the tories in closely-consecond ODI at Indore, tested games. Given a seemingly relieved that 5 out of 6 top and Dhoni had articulated middle order batsmen this concern at the in the Indian line-up press conference: have averaged under "Once I left Tests I 50, as opposed to a thought now I want to 65-plus average by the enjoy my ODI cricket. South African trinity I want to bat up the of de Kock, du Plessis order but when I see and de Villiers, it my team, I find it very difficult to just pro- would be incorrect to train the guns at the mote myself. Who is Indian captain on acgoing to bat at No 5, count of the generic 6 and 7? I find it very

unsatisfactory batting performance by the team and pin all the blame on him, now that the series has been concluded. After the 2-1 series loss to Bangladesh earlier this year, and now, with the T20 and ODI series defeat at the hands of the mighty Proteas are far from being a purple patch for one of the finest finishers in world cricket and India's most successful captain. Dhoni is far from finished. Even when detractors came out all guns blazing at the 34-year old skipper, with former cricketer Ajit Agarkar insinuating that Dhoni has increasingly become "a liability" for the team and going on to question his place on the side following the T20 series defeat, Dhoni, staying true to his style, chose to let his bat do all the talking. In what was panning out to be a collective catastrophe fuelled by the failure of the toporder in the Kanpur

Corporate Citizenship Nidhi Garodia Like individuals, business houses also earn the citizenship of the country they are registered. They enjoy all the rights (except Voting right), and are entrusted with responsibility towards the society in which they survive. In India, the company acquires its citizenship by registering itself with the Indian Companies Act. Corporate citizenship also known as corporate conscience, responsible business, or corporate social responsibility, is a form of corporate selfregulation integrated into a business model. It involves corporate activities related to community involvement, philanthropy, environment and governance issues. Companies that integrate corporate citizenship with business goals have at their disposal a more robust set of tools for serving customers, shareholders and communities. The center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College defines the essence of citizenship as how a company delivers on its core values in a way that- minimizes harms; maximizes benefit; is accountable and responsible to key shareholders; and support strong financial results. Corporate citizenship has five stages- elementary, engaged, innovative, integrated and transforming, these involves credibility, capacity, coherence and capacity, respectively. Corporate citizenship is an exercise performed by companies to bring contentment to the society, and neutralize the adverse affect of their existence to the surrounding. Corporate citizenship share real business results, it helps achieve business goals. Many survey shows,

corporate citizenship helps increase companies market share and manage risk. Drives that instigate companies to embrace corporate citizenship are both internal and external. Tradition & values; reputation/image; business strategy; recruit/retain employees are some of the internal factors, whereas customer & consumer; expectation of community; law & political pressure are external factors driving companies to integrate CSR activities in their business strategies. In India, CSR was a tradition to perform, which has been enforced through legislation with the passing of the Indian Companies Bill, 2013 w.e.f. 1st April, 2014. The legislation has bided the companies to make compulsory investment for society betterment. As per law, every company having net worth of Rs. 500 crore or more, or turnover of Rs. 1000 crore or more or net profit of Rs. 5 crore or more during any financial year shall constitute a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the Board consisting of three or more directors, out of which at least one director shall be an independent director. Those company fulfilling the eligibility, shall ensure that the company spends, in every financial year, at least 2% (two percent), of the average net profits (average net profit calculated in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 198) of the company made during the three immediately preceding financial years, in pursuance of its policy; provided that the company shall give preference to the local area and areas around it where it operates, for spending the amount earmarked for CSR activities. Sched-

ule VII of the act also provide with the list of activities to be undertaken as CSR activity. Even international quality assurance regulation like ISO standards has set ISO 26000 standard to ensure that companies strategies are integrated to CSR activities, and companies are responsible citizen of the country of their operation. ISO 26000 helps companies attain organizational governance, which would lead to sustainable development of the society and corporate and society/community. It focus on maintaining organizational governance through ensuring human rights, addressing labour problem, checking on environmental issues, protecting consumer rights, fair operating practices, fair marketing, factual & unbiased information, fair contractual practices, community involvement & development. Assam is a state rich in flora and fauna, and has abundant of natural resources. Many companies are operating in the region for years, but there has been subsequently less development in the area than rest of India. In Assam, companies operating in our locality address issues of labour as incorporated in Indian Companies Act, 2013 on CSR and ISO 26000 standards. They promote education within the region. Many scholarship and educational infrastructural development programme are run by the corporate in the surrounding areas. All these have helped our state in improving the education quality and facility within the state. Now the local folk can easily take the benefit of education, without migrating to other parts of the country.

ODI, Dhoni's aggressive, unbeaten knock of 92 gave India something to play for and subsequently helped register their first win ever since their first encounter against the visitors on October 2 in the Mahatma Gandhi- Nelson Mandela Freedom Series. As has been the congenital propensity of the larger lot of Indian cricket fanatics, one may expect the whole of India to go for Dhoni's blood one morning and yet the minute he plays a match-winning in-

nings, he's showered with praises galore. In an international career spanning more than 10 years, with over 12,000 runs to his credit, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become an old hand in this game of bouquets and brickbats. Judging the merit of the man and the amount of cricket left in him solely by his recent run of performances can, therefore, by no means do justice to the contribution of the player and captain who has, in the past, led Indian cricket to the pinnacle of glory, winning the inaugural

World t20 in 2007 and the 2011 World Cup; guided the team to the semi-final of the 2015 edition Down Under and also triumphed in the Champions Trophy in 2013. Even as he begins to embark on his journey into the sunset, safeguarding the team's interests bit by bit, one can expect Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue answering his critics in his trademark fashion, breathing fire with his willow and taking the fight to the opposition, every time he walks out onto the cricket field.

Is Religion More Important Than People Being Killed? The Debate Over The Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill Joel Pinto

Despite of so much of e d u c a t i o n a l infrastructural development, the state is lacking prosperity. Industrial growth of the region remains way behind the educational growth. Student's passing out from the educational institutions out numbers the jobs available in the market. This has resulted into a much serious problem of educated unemployment. As per national figures Assam stands just after Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Kerala in the unemployment sector (majority being educated unemployed). Acquiring higher education indulge huge amount of money, and when a person does not get as per one's qualification, it leads to frustration. Our youth are demoralized to study further, as they think education won't change anything to their present status, rather will lead to financial crisis in the family. Such factors forces our youth to vicious circle of insurgency and promote bad practices in our society. Education is important, but its recognition is more important. Education without exposure is unused potential, which is always unsettled. Exposure without education is like extracting flower without nectar. Education and exposure

together is like blossoms that spread fragrance of prosperity for self and society. Youth of Assam has the potential, all they need is more exposure to prove themselves. Preindependence our state was one of the most prosperous states of the country. People used to migrate to our land from various corners of the country in search of work and shelter. Unfortunately, post independence Assam and other northern states would not keep pace with other states of the country in the race of development, and gradually lost its prosperity. If the corporate houses instead of focusing on education only, can also focus on providing job opportunities, or help the local folks to be self-employed, than much of the problem can be solved and the state can retrieve its prosperity to certain extent. For eg. Companies dealing in extraction of natural resources can form a campaign involving localities to educate their fellow state people, caution use of resources. This will help those involve in earning their livelihood, our people will be educated, use of natural resources will be optimized and companies will earn the reputation of responsible citizenship.

Reference: 1. www.iso.org 2. www.mca.gov.in 3. www.oneindia.com 4. http://ccc.bc.edu

A burning issue in India is whether to pass the anti-cow slaughter bill or not, and this drama has taken the centerstage. Hindus want their cow god unslaughtered and worship it and some are trying to just find some meat to eat. I have seen people fight to get food to eat, but I've never seen people fighting over the issue of whether to kill a cow or not. It seems funny that the life of a cow has become a center issue in the nation, but people who are being killed every day are not even cared about. Has animal meat become more important to us than the life of a human being? Issues like terrorism have shaken the whole world, but we Indians are fighting like children over a piece of meat. Hindus worship cow as God. I don't have any objection to it. In the future, there will be a religion which might worship Hen/ Chicken as God, so will the government put a ban on killing it? Pantheists believe that nature is god and anything that grows in nature has God. According to their ideology, we cannot cut anything, nor eat anything. So, will the Government issue an anti-nature

cutting bill, if someday Pantheists propose it? We live in a secular and democratic country where one is free to eat anything that s/he wants; no person has the right to object to it. Harming people over the issue of beef is depriving them of their fundamental right. The recent events that I have noted in the news give a horrible impression of o u r c o u n t r y. T h e Maharashtra beef ban, attack on people for eating beef etc., is how extreme people can go and it can be stated as a disgrace to our country. Man is a rational being and is capable enough to think and reason out what is right and wrong, good or bad. There are many people who are starving and dying and have nothing to eat. Have we ever thought of them? There are greater issues that need to be discussed to make our country a better

place, but are those issues discussed? A few months back there was a huge commotion regarding Ghar vapsi, and now we have the anti-cow slaughter bill. For us, religion is important than the value of human life. We have blinded ourselves and give a deaf ear to the cry of the other. I feel the words of a great philosopher Sartre are coming true "Other is a Hell to me, He steals my freedom, the other has to be annihilated". If this goes on, there will be no one left to eat what is left on the earth. "Religion is Opium of the people," as said by Karl Marx. We are now not able to live for the other; we want us and only our religion to survive. If God does exist, he/she may be looking at us and laughing at our stupidity. Let us, once and for all, just leave this issue and focus on the betterment of the country, not any religion

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

BUSINESS

ITC to double investments in Punjab Mohali, Oct 29: FMCG giant ITC recently said it will double its investments in the food processing sector in Punjab from Rs 700 crore to Rs 1,400 crore. Besides, the company is interested in sourcing Kinnow fruit from Punjab for making juice at its facility in the state. "For integrated food processing park, we had committed Rs 700 crore. But after having gone back from here, we soon came to the conclusion that Rs 700 crore was not enough to make investment in the food bowl of India. "So, we upped the investment to Rs 1,400 crore," ITC chairman YC Deveshwar said while addressing the

second edition of Progressive Punjab Investors Summit. The company, which is coming up with its integrated food processing park at Kapurthala, will also increase area for its upcoming manufacturing facility. "I am happy to inform that construction is on at 40 acres of land (in Kapurthala)," he said, adding that the facility's acreage would be increased to 71 acres. In the first edition of investor summit in 2013, ITC had announced to invest Rs 700 crore in food processing sector in Punjab. He also hailed the Punjab government's move to exempt all taxes on food processing inputs.

GOING DOUBLE THROTTLE Ø FMCG giant ITC recently said it will double its investments in the food processing sector in Punjab from Rs 700 crore to Rs 1,400 crore. Ø The company is interested in sourcing Kinnow fruit from Punjab for making juice at its facility in the state. Ø The company, which is coming up with its integrated food processing park at Kapurthala, will also increase area for its upcoming manufacturing facility. Ø Deveshwar further said that he was also keen on sourcing Kinnow from Punjab and invest in hospitality sector in the state.

Deveshwar further said that he was also keen on sourcing Kinnow from Punjab and invest in hospitality sector in the state. "Barring unforeseen cir-

cumstances, this kind of tax free inputs, Punjab should be the place from where all value added food processing products should be supplied

all over India. "We already have in mind to compete against imported orange juice and beverages with Kinnow from Punjab. If all goes well, then within three months from now, Kinnow sourced from Punjab will be marketed by ITC and processed it here in our facility," he said. "We are also in tourism and hospitality business and will be very happy to make further investment if opportunity was given for land at right location. We will make investment in luxury hotel, convention centre or large facility where conference should be held here," he added. (Agencies)

Celebrate this Diwali with Reliance Jio plans to issue debentures discounted eco-friendly E-Bikes New Delhi, Oct 29: Reliance Jio Infocomm said it is planning to raise Rs 3,000 crore by issuing secured redeemable nonconvertible debentures on private placement basis. The company, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, plans to launch commercial 4G services by the end of this year. "... pursuant to the approval of the board of directors and shareholders, the company proposes to issue secured redeemable non-convertible debentures aggregating up to Rs 3,000 crore on private placement basis," Reliance Jio said in a regulatory filing. In May, the company had raised $750 million or about Rs 4,500 from consortium backed by Korea Trade Insurance Corporation to buy telecom equip-

ment from Samsung Electronics and Ace Technologies. The company in July had announced to raise Rs 4,500 crore through debentures. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has already invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in its telecom venture Jio. The company has plans to offer 4G service at a monthly charges of Rs 300-500 and start commercial service with 4G mobile phones priced as low as Rs 4,000 a unit. The company is now present in all 29 states of India, with a direct physical presence in nearly 18,000 cities and towns, and covers over one lakh villages. In addition, Jio has also built an optical fibre network comprising nearly 250,000 route kilometres of fibre optics. (Agencies)

Anti-allergic drug in US recalled: Sun Pharma Mumbai, Oct 29: Sun Pharma has initiated a recall of over a million packs of anti-allergic Loratadine drug from the US market after checks reportedly revealed the tablets were 'super potent' and 'out of specification'. Loratadine tablets are manufactured and distributed in the US market by Ohm Laboratories, US-based subsidiary of Ranbaxy. Loratadine is generic version of Bayer's

Claritin drug. Sun Pharma acquired Ranbaxy in a $4 billion deal in April 2014, making it the largest domestic pharma company by sales. US is the largest market for the company and contributes to a half of its revenue. Its sales in the market have been impacted following US Food and Drug Administrationimposed restrictions on production facilities in India. (Agencies)

ANI New Delhi, Oct.29: Those buying a new twowheeler or replacing the old ones with eco-friendly bikes can now benefit from special discounts being offered by E-bike manufacturers this festive season. These discounts, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 on eco-friendly bikes will be a benefit for E-bike buyers. Some of the players like Hero are even extending warranty to two years. Some others are throwing free gifts and bumper offers. Currently, the government is giving the subsidy between INR 7500 to 9400 depending upon the e-vehicle model. According to Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), industry's move is primarily aimed at encouraging people to migrate to eco-friendly and economical commuting solutions, especially city

commuters who are at the receiving end of the alarming pollution level and high fuel cost. "All our member manufacturers have decided to offer special festive season discount on their products to encourage faster adoption of green mobility which will in turn help curtail the dangerous level of pollution in our cities," said Sohinder Gill, Director Corporate Affairs, SMEV.

Gill also pointed out that these green bikes will also help reduce commuting budget as running cost of E-bikes were a fraction of gasoline bikes. "E-bikes are not only environment friendly but also substantially cheaper to own and run." Some of the key members of the association include Hero electric, Mahindra, Avon, Electrotherm, Lohia, Ampere etc.

Italy sells 6-month debt at negative yields

Milan, Oct 29: Italy sold six-month bills at an average negative yield for the first time on Wednesday as the prospect of further monetary easing in the euro zone pushed investors to pay to hold Italian debt. Italy sold 6 billion euros ($6.6 billion) in bills due in April 2016 at a yield of minus 0.055 per cent, down from a 0.023 per cent yield paid a month ago on the same maturity. Since

then, the European Central Bank has indicated it could unleash new stimulus measures to shore up inflation as early as December, including possibly cutting its deposit rate further into negative territory. The ECB's message pushed Italian yields below zero on maturities of up to two years on the secondary market. The sharp fall in Italian borrowing costs since the easing of the euro zone debt crisis has brought

welcome relief to the country's stretched public finances. At the same time, it has made a traditional form of investment far less attractive to Italian savers. Recently, Italy sold 1.75 billion euros of zero-coupon, two-year paper at a yield of minus 0.023 per cent for the first time ever. The lowest yield paid at an auction of Italian bills had already fallen into negative territory in April, when sixmonth debt fetched a minimum yield of minus 0.011 per cent. Wednesday marked the first time in which also the average yield and the maximum yields were negative. This is in stark contrast with a record 6.5 per cent yield Italy paid to borrow over six-months in November 2011, when concerns over its public debt - the world's fourth-largest - mounted amid fears of a possible break up of the euro zone. (Agencies)

Drugmakers Pfizer, Allergan may consider merger New Delhi, Oct 29: Drugmakers Pfizer Inc and Allergan Plc are considering combining in what could be the biggest merger in the healthcare industry in already busy year, the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday. Pfizer recently approached Botox-maker Allergan about a deal, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. The process is in its early stages, and may not yield an agreement, while other details of the talks are unclear, the report said. The

healthcare sector has seen an unprecedented wave of deals since early 2014, from large drugmakers buying up smaller rivals, to consolidation among makers of generic medicines and tie-ups between insurers. Pfizer, which has a market value of about $219 billion, has already played a part in the recent deal frenzy, having last month paid $15 billion to acquire US rival Hospira Inc. The US-based company was not immediately available for comment. Ireland-based

Allergan, which declined to comment, has a market capitalization of about $113 billion. The company became the third-largest generic drugmaker in the United States after combining with Actavis in March. New York-based Pfizer, known for such medicines as Lipitor and Viagra, went after a much bigger target last year when it unsuccessfully pursued a $118 billion combination with AngloSwedish pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca Plc. That deal would have al-

lowed Pfizer to lower its tax bill by moving its headquarters to England. A takeover of Dublin-based Allergan could have similar advantages for Pfizer, the Wall Street Journal reported. "When you're the size of Pfizer, an acquisition like this may be the only choice you have in order to be able to move the needle for sequential growth...so the question now becomes, if not this, what, and if not now, when?" said WBB Securities' analyst Stephen

Brozak. Allergan would give Pfizer, whose revenues are expected to slide 3.3% this year, a boost in top-line growth. The Botox-maker's revenue is seen increasing 39% this year, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S estimates, although much of that growth is thanks to the Actavis deal. Following the Actavis tie-up, Allergan sold its generic drugs business to Israel's Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in July for $40.5 billion in cash and stock. (Agencies)

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Mirai Communications deploys Corpus iPlatform to monetise its digital cable network ANI Hyderabad, Oct. 29: In its endeavor to monetize its digital cable Network, Mirai Communications, a leading cable MSO group has deployed iPlatform, an interactive TV middleware from Corpus Media Labs. Mirai can now generate additional revenues through value added services including Timeshift TV, PVR recording, EPG advertising, Interactive channels and applications apart from enhancing customer experience across multiple screens including Set top boxes (HD, SD, Hybrid ) and mobile devices. Operationally, Mirai can benefit from Plug and Play STB installation, auto tuning of new services, upgrade STBs periodically through OTA. Their subscribers can now pause Live TV, set program reminders, favorites, select preferred language and schedule recording among several other features. Also EPG background UI can be dynamically changed to enhance customer experience. "Corpus has optimized the Middleware for low memory STBs to deliver rich UI experience to our subscribers. We have better control of our operations and in terms of service upgrades and software upgrades. We are now gearing up to add value added

services and open new revenue streams through subscription and advertising," said Sreeram, CTO of Mirai Communications. Corpus has built AD delivery engine to schedule and targets ads based on set parameters to help advertisers get maximum benefit. EPG server, Software OTA server and Channel playout solution to enable operator reduce costs in launching Value added services quickly. These solutions will be show cased at the upcoming SCAT Exhibition, scheduled from 5th to 7th November in Mumbai. Operators can meet our team at our stand no. F3. "We are happy to deliver in line with Mirai's vision to create an engaging cable TV service netw o r k . We h a v e o p e n SDK for our middleware to reduce porting and int e g r a t i o n e ff o r t s a n d achieve greater speed to market," said Sachin Tummala, CEO, Corpus

Media Labs. Corpus Media Labs Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1999 as a technology company with a vision to offer monetization solutions to the Media and Entertainment domain. Its flagship product suite, Corpus i Platform is a unique value delivery platform designed for MSOs and OTT content providers. The platform consists of state of the art client framework which enables rapid and rich EPG a nd UI development, feature enhancement and customization optimized for different STB hardware configuration. MSO can start with standard VAS and gradually enable more advanced feature and premium VAS. The platform also includes the multiscreen application framework to enable operator branded OTT application on second screen devices like tablets, smart phones and PC.

Samsung Electronics unveils Q3 profit rebound New Delhi, Oct 29: Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Thursday unveiled a 11.3 trillion won ($9.9 billion, or Rs 64,419.3 crore) share buyback after reporting its first on-year profit growth in two years thanks to strong component sales, pushing its shares sharply higher. Samsung said it would cancel all shares purchased through the buyback, its biggest to date, and planned to give shareholders 30% to 50% of its free cash flow over the next three years, primarily through dividends. The buyback, to be carried out in phases over a year, will be welcome news for those investors who have been clamouring for bigger

payouts from the world's top smartphone maker, which has lost market share to rivals such as Apple Inc and Huawei TechnologiesCo Ltd. "Samsung's core smartphone business is struggling, which means the shares would likely fall. The buyback helps defend the stock price," said Chung Sun-sup, head of corporate analy-

sis firm Chaebul.com. Cancelling the purchased shares would also help the Lee family, founders of Samsung Group, boost their control of the conglomerate's crown jewel. Samsung's shares touched a near six-month high and were up 2.2% as of 0340 GMT, compared with a 0.3% decline for the broader market. (Agencies)

Jet Airways Q2 net up Rs 83 crore

Bengaluru, Oct 29: Private carrier Jet Airways posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 83 crore in the second quarter of this fiscal, ended September 30, against a net loss of Rs 42.8 crore a year-ago period, helped by healthy 26.3% growth in passenger traffic coupled with improved aircraft utilisation by the airline. The total sales grew by 8.1% to Rs 5,504 crore in the July-September quarter of the current fiscal as compared to Rs 5,092 crore in Q2FY15, the

company said in a release. Jet Airways carried a total of 6.37 million passengers in the quarter, an increase of 26.3% from 5.04 million passengers flown by the airline in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, it said, adding average aircraft utilisation also grew by 9.9% to 12.6 hours during this period. "It is encouraging to report a profit in the second quarter, which is traditionally a lean season for the aviation sector. The growth in passengers flown by Jet Airways and

the improved aircraft utilisation have been significant contributors to the performance in the second quarter," Jet Airways Chief Executive Carmer Ball said. While the robust competition in the Indian aviation sector continues to put pressure on yields, Jet Airways has continued to make progress by focusing on improving operational efficiency throughout our business, he said. The Indian domestic aviation market is witnessing robust growth with traffic growing by 20%, Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal said. "Jet Airways is committed to contributing to this growth by providing enhanced connectivity and a full-service travel experience to our guests. Our financial performance in the second quarter clearly demonstrates that our efforts are showing positive results," he said. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

Features

PAGE 11

TRAVEL & TOURISM Bishnupur, the land of temples F

inally the day had arrived! The blue skies accompanied by the golden rays of the sun were just perfect for our (my Manipuri friend and me) trip to the district of Bishnupur. The place lies approximately 30 kilometers away from the capital city of Manipur, Imphal. With our bags packed, camera ready and notebook in hand, we made our way to the Keishampat-BishnupurChurachandpur junction to avail of the winger car services. After much negotiation, we managed to reserve a car to take us on our travail. My excitement began to get the better of me as I began to click pictures of the road that took us to our destination Bishnupur, also known as the land of temples. It took us about 40 minutes to reach the district. It is interesting to know that the people refer to the place as Bishnupur, Bishenpur and as well as the name by which it was formerly known,

Lumlangdomg. The weather gods seemed to bless us as the skies shone bright. Without wasting any time, we paid the driver and hurried off to seek directions to the list of temples I had made some weeks ago. It was indeed a blessing to have my Manipuri friend accompany me on this sojourn as he did all the talking and price negotiation on my behalf. We soon found ourselves abode an auto rickshaw en route to perhaps the Bryan most fam o u s temple in the district - the Vishnu Temple. Vishnu Temple is the oldest temple in Manipur and its establishment dates back to 1507 A.D. Historians have it that the temple was built by King Kyamba at Lumlangdong, the place that is known today as Bishnupur. It is believed that the King of Manipur, Kyamba joined forces with the King of Pong to defeat a Shan Kingdom

called Kyang. This kingdom lies in what we call Myanmar, today. Having won the battle, the Pong King gifted King Kymaba an idol of Lord Vishnu. The King soon had a temple built and the idol placed in it. So began the worship of Lord Vishnu and hence came the name of the district, Bishnupur. The architecture of the temple represents a combination of Manipuri with Chinese designs. A quick tour of the temple and its surKhan roundings, a couple of photographs and we were ready for the next shrine. The same auto that took us to the Vishnu Temple now drove us to the second temple Shri Shri Abedita Prabhu Temple in Bishnupur. We met a few temple locals (they wished not to be photographed) who informed us the deity worshipped here was Govindajee and that the preparations for Lai Haraoba were underway.

We now reserved another auto to take us to the third temple located next to C.L College, Bisnupur. It was the Konung Leirembis temple which was constructed in 1984. A long drive up a steep slope brought us to our destination. It was a delight to see the temple grounds hosting the annual athletics meet of a school from that district. Apart from us and the students of the school, we were visited by a couple of very curious monkeys who rather enjoyed posing for a photo shoot. Not wanting to distract the students from their sports meet, we prayed at the shrine dedicated to Lord Govindajee and made our way to the Bishnupur Bazaar. Our next destination would take us to a place called Moriang. The road to Moirang is breath taking and a refreshing experience from the hustle of Imphal. Clean air, green fields and smooth traffic made for an interesting journey.

We stopped along to way to capture the stone structure of Khamba and Thoibi (Manipuri gods for Moirang). We hopped on to another auto and were breezing through the National Highway that would take us to the renowned Ibudhou Thanging Temple located in Moirang. Upon reaching the temple, I asked my friend to buy some flowers and candles to be presented to the deities as an offering. The old lady who sold us the flowers was keen to have her photograph taken by us! Ibudhou Thangjing Temple, Moirang, is a traditional Manipuri

Land of Lilies and Stonehenge Manipur is referred to

as the 'Switzerland of the North East' and the description befits the state. When it comes to tourist hubs, the nine districts of the state provide ample destinations to lure travellers. It was in my agenda to visit the district of Senapati. Having done my initial research, I Bryan was soon on my way there. The district of Senapati lies to the North along the Manipur Nagaland Highway 39 and is deemed as a must visit place for those who seek the green and tranquil of nature. Having done my homework on the history of the district, the district was formed in the year 1969. The district got its name from Senapati Tikendrajit Singh who happened to belong to the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Manipur. Manipuri historians hold that Senapati Tikendrajit Singh was the one who welcomed the British delegation led by Sir James Johnstone. Later he fought valiantly against the English troops when they took over the kingdom in 1861. All this got

temple found in Moirang, a city in the district of Bishnupur. This is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Ibudhou Thangjing, an important deity linked with Shanamahism that is practiced in Manipur.The temple is famous for the celebrations held here during the festival called Lai Hairoba. The temple is still under construction and in need of donations to help finish the build. It was an honour that we were able to contribute a small amount towards the endeavour. Here are some snap shots of the temple and worshippers. The next place that we covered was

Ningthoukhong, a short distance away from Moirang. Having reserved an auto, we were able to cover two important temples in the area. They first one was Shri Shri Shri Gopinath Jeeugee. The calm environment was a great relief as we had been touring temples for the past two hours. One can find a pond located on the premises to help clean up and cool down before offering prayers to the local deity Lord Gopinath. The day was drawing to a close as we made our way to the next temple. We were in for a surprise as the temple Ibudhou Oknarel Harao Sanglen

was the brother temple to the one in Moirang and was gearing up for the annual Lai Haraoba to be help later that evening. Once again, bright lights and festoons donned the ceiling along with the temple priest chanting on the overhead microphone. The next time you come to the land of the Meitei people, do pay a visit to the district of Bishnupur and soak in the sacred atmosphere. Apart from the major temples mentioned here, there are many other local temples that dot the lanes and by-lanes. Plan your trip well and you could get to be a part of the Lai Haraoba festivity. (Agencies)

Three Step Sadu Chiru Waterfall Bryan Khan

me excited and I was ready for my trip. We took a winger from Mantripukhi (Imphal) and were ready to travel 68 kilometres to this district. Our drive to this haven was fun filled as the serpentine roads, green pastures and towering hills made up for Khan the time spent in the winger. It is true, about 80% of the district is green and filled with flora and fauna. I could not wait to reach the Senapati Bazaar where we would hop on to one of the local auto rickshaws and explore this paradise. We breezed through the hills and finally reached the central place or bazaar. The first place that we visited was Senapati or Senapati Valley. This is the district headquarters (don't get confused, the village Senapati is the headquarters of the district of Senapati - the topic in question). The place is quite populated with a number of schools, a reasonable bazaar and efficient transportation. Our next destination was Mao, a quaint little village that served as a bor-

der between Manipur and Nagaland. The place is believed to be the oldest hill station and a police check point now stands to divide the land of the Nagas from that of the Manipuri's. Little girls will trays in their hands, selling eatables, approached us. The sight of pineapple mixed with tantalising spices got me buy a packet. Trust me, this favourite snack of the locals is a clear winner with most of the travellers. It is sweet and yet tangy along with a kick of chilli. The beauty of Mao is beyond words. The deep gorges and

gushing streams made us want to stay longer, but as we had to cover other places, we soon made a move. The next place we visited was the old village of Yangkhullen. The entire village is built on a steep hill called Makhel. The place is believed to be the place of the common origin of the Nagas. Once there, my Manipuri friend soon got conversing about the history of the place and its association with the Naga people. Makhel is typical of the villages that nestle in the Swiss Alps with a backdrop of the hills. We then got into our auto and began our journey to a famous place in the district, the Dzuko Valley. The place is named after the famous Dzukou lily and is considered to be the most beautiful place in the North east. After what seemed like heaven, we reached the place and just soaked in all that nature had to offer us. With the major tourist destinations covered, we had to move on to Willong Khullen. This is a village located 37 km from the Manipur- Nagaland

highway 39. It is much similar to the Stonehenge in Britain with some stone stands as tall as 7 metres.The bazaar is worth visiting with a number of shops and restaurants. The place is inhabited by Meitei's, Naga tribes Kuki, Zemai and Tangkhul and Muslims. The people here are either Hindu, followers of Islam or Christianity. The highlight of the place is the Sadu Chiru Waterfalls which one just cannot afford to miss when in Manipur. The long drive uphill and then the even longer walk up to the place, the cold water and gushing waterfall is nature's spa to those who take the time to visit this hotspot. Our legs began to tell us that it was time for us to get some rest. We soon stopped at a local eatery to munch on some bora's (onions and other green vegetables mixed in a batter and deep fried) along with some chana (the Manipuri's just love pulses) and cold drinks. With the thunderstorm at our heel, we soon boarded a car back to Imphal. (Agencies)

Manipur is a state the present's one with a host of picnic spots. As a matter of fact, many beautiful places still lie undiscovered or are not quite famous with tourists and travellers. It was a sunny May morning that I had planned to cover a famous waterfall in the state. My Manipuri friend accompanied me on this trip as well. The Sadu Chiru waterfalls are located in Laimaram, which happens to be a part of the district of Senapati, Manipur. The place can be easily accessed by car from the Imphal. Reserve a car or get a ride on the winger services to reach a place called Nambol. Once there, you will need to reserve an auto rickshaw that will drive you up the extremely steep roads that lead to the water paradise. I would need to mention that the road leading to this quaint spot is dotted with picturesque villages and meadows straight out of a Heidi novel. Yes, Manipur is indeed the Switzerland of India. Small communities of huts, rare species of flowers and tranquility greets you along the way until you reach the spot where you're your ears begin to detect the gurgling of water over rocks. After a 15- 20 minute long drive uphill, you will come to the parking area of this hotspot. Be prepared, the journey has just began as you will have to climb a flight of steep steps and rock to get to the waterfall. The area is maintained by the

Indian Army. However, despite the presence of hoardings asking visitors to keep the vicinity clean, the entrance is a little messy with soft drink cans and chips packets littered all over. Having completed the arduous journey of climbing the steps, the magnificent Sadu Chiru waterfalls welcome the tired travel with the sound of gushing water. One still needs to clim over rocks to enter the pool beneath the waterfall. Do be a little careful here as one can easily slip on the moss covered rocks and cut oneself on the sharp rocks. I couldn't wait!! I quickly got into my vest, got my slippers off and made my way into the pool below. The water, though inviting, is extremely cold when one comes in contact with it for the first time. A few moments later, we were happily enjoying ourselves washing under the waterfall. We were not

the only ones there as many locals and tourists were also making the most of nature's gift to them. Everyone seemed to be mesmerised by the beauty of the place and the waterfall that offered a refreshing experience stayed in the water for a good 20 minutes until we began to shiver. Out of the water, we soon dried ourselves and headed to the parking lot to grab a bite. All the climbing and wading in the water does make one hungry. We were given the option of buying local Manipuri dishes like rice with uti and iromba, nadi and chicken or snack on some chips and biscuits. I chose the latter and sipped on a hot cup of coffee while sunbathing.Soon our auto arrived and it was time to make our way down to the winger car stand to catch a car back to Imphal. (Agencies)

"I would advice the Pakistan Board to simply make it clear that if according to the Indian Board their government has not given them clearance to play Pakistan, then our government is also not willing to let our team go to India for the World T20 next year."

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

Preparations on for Wangnya Pongte Memorial Football Tourney in Changlang

Changlang Football Club- B egde past Young XI football club Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Oct 29: Changlang football Club – B registered a win in their match against Young XI football club in the football tournament organized by the All Changlang Dis-

trict Students’ Union (ACDSU) at the General ground here today. Seventeen teams are participating in the tournament from across the district. The Champions and Runners up teams will receive

trophies and cash prize of 1 lakh and 50,000 rupees respectively. ‘The Eastern Today’ has been roped in by the organizers as the media partners for the tournament. The match was a one sided one as

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Javed Miandad

CFC-B defeated Young XI FC 3-0. The first goal of the match was scored by Dentu Zongsam to put his team in the lead in the 12th minute. The lead was doubled in the 25th minute by Samtu Korang when he

found the back of the net from just outside the penalty box with a neatly taken left footer. The scoreline read 3-0 at the final whistle as the captain of CFC-B, Dang Pa scored in the final minute. There was a se-

rious injury in the match as a player from Young XI FC was taken to the hospital with a broken leg. The local people thoroughly enjoyed the match as the home team made it to the next round.

Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Oct 29: The Wangnya Pongte Memorial Football Tourney is being awaited anxiously to crack the silence of the slumbered denizens in this district headquarters through the sporting event. This district have been in limelight for the wrong reasons often especially for militancy, drugs and refugees issues etc. This never ending saga needs to be halted from all possible fronts. This can be achieved by diverting young minds into sports. The football tournament is going to be conducted soon in memory of Wangnya Pongte, who was not only a first AAPSU leader but one of the pioneered politicians among Tutsa community. The entire Tutsa tribe across Changlang and Tirap District are indebted to him for his unprecedented philanthropy. The football tournament is being conducted by Tutsa welfare society. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of 50000/- rupees apart from a trophy. The runners up will be awarded 30000/- rupees, most discipline team will be awarded 20000/- rupees, best goal keeper with 10000/- rupees and highest scorer 10000/- rupees each. For registration and other details please contact the chairman - 09436252913and General secretary 09436077849.

Chhetri treble inspires Mumbai to 5-1 ISL win over North East ANI Mumbai: India football captain Sunil Chhetri scored a brilliant hat-trick to helpMumbai City FC complete a 5-1rout of North East United FC in the highest-scoring match of the Indian Super League at the D Y Patil Stadium here. Chhetri put the hosts ahead in the 25th minute with a clinical penalty strike before Boithang Haokip restored momentary parity four minutes later. Chhetri then restored the lead for Mumbai with a close-range strike five minutes before half-time. He became the first Indian to get a hattrick in the ISL when he dispatched another penalty three minutes into the sec-

Bilashpur CBSE School National Games CFC overcome Correspondent Deepjyoti Sangha 6-3 Sports Dibrugarh, Oct 29: BringDSB-division league Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Oct 29: Chandraprashad Football Club defeated Deepjyoti Sangha 6-3 in the MK Dutta Memorial B-division league 2015-16 orga-

nized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association (DDSA) at the Chowkidinghee playground here today. Alt o g e t h e r, 1 6 t e a m s participated in the tournament.

ing laurels to their schools, Hiranyamoie Kachari of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya School won 2 gold 1 silver medals while Amit Kr. Raut of Kendriya Vidyalaya Dibrugarh won 1 silver and 1 bronze in the Taolu event which was held as part of the Bilashpur CBSE School National Games from 25th to 28th October, 2015.

DFCC blank DFA 4-0 Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Oct 29: Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre steamrolled Duliajan Football Academy 4-0 in the first Gunaram Dhekial and Subha Baruah All Assam Football Championship 2015 organised by Khowang Sports Association in association with Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council at Burikhawang playground in Khowang today. Altogether, 16 teams partici-

pated in the tournament. Bicky Maji opened the floodgates for his team by converting a pass from the right flank in the 57th minute. Borkhab Das scored the goal from the right flank in the 68th minute. Borkkab Das scored again in the 75th minute by converting a pass from Bicky Maji from the left flank. Alex Dang Dang scored the fourth goal for his team in the 79th minute by firing from just

outside the penalty box. Earlier, in the first half, both the teams failed to score. Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre maintained their tempo in the field and didn’t give any chance to their opponents to score against them. On the other hand, Duliajan Football Academy failed to score as their attack was no match for their opponents. Tomorrow, Dulia Arunodaya Sangha will meet Lingrijan Tea estate, Naharkatiya.

Danglat FC enter final 9th Chongkham Champions Running Trophy

ET Correspondent Chongkham, Oct 29: Danglat FC defeated Mao Tai Club 3-2 in a match of the ongoing 9th Chongkham Champions Running trophy at the Chongkham mini stadium. The tournament is being organised by the Chongkham Youth Welfare Association. The Chongkham camp of the army is helping the organizers in publicity of the event which has become a popular event of the locality. As expected, the match was

a closely contested one with both teams giving their all to enter the final. The first goal came in the 3rd minute of the match, when Koliyan Namchoom scored to put Mao Tai Club in the lead. However, the match was back at level footing with Ralbom of Danglat FC scoring the very next minute on a counter attack. Thereafter the match saw some competitive football with both teams making plenty of attempts of the opposition’s goal without any luck. After halftime, Danglat FC took the lead in

the 65th minute through some skillful football with Duhi finding the back of the net. They were unable to maintain the lead as Koliyan Namchoom of Mao Tai scored in the 67th minute to bring his team on level terms. The winning goal came in the 78th minute when Ralbom scored a spectacular goal to put his team in the final. The match was witnessed by a huge crowd who were entertained till the last minute. Tomorrow, 2nd IRBN will take on 2nd Mile Namsai in the other semi-final.

Man City thrash Palace 5-1 to reach League cup quarters ANI London: Man City displayed an imperious form as they swept aside Crystal Palace 5-1 at Emirates Stadium to reach the quarterfinals of the Capital One Cup. Forward Wilfried Bony scored a header to put his side ahead in the 22nd minute before midfielder Kevin De Bruyne doubled the lead in the 44th minute. In the second half of the game, Kelechi Iheanacho thumped the third goal for City followed by another goal by Yaya Tour. It was defender Damien Delaney who scored a goal for Crystal in the 89th minute before Garcia Alonso smashed another goal for his side one minute later to make it 5-1 against the visitors. City will now play a quarterfinal match against Hull City on December 1.

ond half. Mumbai maintained a complete stranglehold when Sony Norde consolidated the lead in the 51st minute before Frantz Bertin completed North East United's humiliation three minutes before the final whistle. After securing a third straight win, Mumbai have climbed to second spot in the points table.

Rongmei Youth Club register win

ET Correspondent Haflong, Oct 29: Rongmei Youth Club defeated Upper Republic Veng FC 1-0 in a closely contested match of the 11th CEM’s Cup Carnival invitational

football tournament, 2015 organized by Dima Hasao Sports Association here today at N.L. Daulagupu Sports complex in Haflong. The match saw a lone goal when Teli of

Rongmei Youth Club put the ball at the back of the net with a free kick from the right flank. The match saw both teams making a lot of attempts on goal but to no avail. A huge

crowd witnessed the match. One of the spectators was hopeful that the upcoming matches will also be very competitive as the tournament heads towards a close.

FC Karbi Anglong defeat Borbheta Sports Club 4-2 ET Correspondent Jorhat, Oct 29: In an exciting match played between host team Brobheta Sports Club and FC Karbi Anglong, the latter ultimately managed to overcome the hosts 4-2. Though the host team tried very hard to dominate the proceedings, they missed several scoring chances with FC Karbi Anglong goalkeeper coming up trumps with several saves. In the 21st minute of the first half, Upen Basumatery drew first blood for the Karbi

Anglong team by converting a pass from Nokenkumba to open the account in their favour. Further on, although

52nd ATPA Football the Borbheta boys produced a spirited display of football, at the end of the first half, the scoreline read 3-0 in favour of the visiting team. In the second half, the hosts managed to pull back two goals while the visiting team added another goal to their tally with the

scoreline reading 4-2 when the match ended. The match was conducted by referee Hiren Gogoi (Sivasagar), asstt. referees Sumamanta Dutta (Jorhat) and Paban Pathak (Jorhat); the 4th official being Raju Bora (Jorhat), while the attendant FIFA official as match commissioner was Nirmal Chetia, informed Lalit Bora, the vice president of the organizing committee said. The Friday's match would be played between Jorhat Town Club and Nagoan Vibjyor Football Club.

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