July 5, 2016, Tuesday by THE EASTERN TODAY

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Vol. II

Issue 17

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, July 5, 2016

PM MEETS RIO OLYMPICSBOUND ATHLETES, WISHES THEM LUCK

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Khonsa Battalion apprehends an NSCN(R) Cadre

2 detained for duping youths with promise with OIL jobs Tinsukia, June 4. The police here have detained two persons for duping several youths by promising them jobs in OIL India Limited. The duo has been identified Rulin Dhan and Paul Hara. According to sources, the duo used to promise youths jobs in grade 4 category for which they used to charge rupees thirty to thirty five thousand. Based on similar complaint, All Assam Adivasi Students Association caught them red handed at court at the time when the duo had called a youth to collect money saying they will make a job agreement, added sources. The duo has been handed to Tinsukia police who have detained them and investigating the matter.

Exhibition to be held at Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 4: Maheshwari Mahila Sangathan of Golaghat is going to organize an exhibition on 21st July in Maheswari Bhawan from 10 am. The exhibition will include stalls, games etc. In the event there will also be an entertainment program.

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Each year, several students from India’s northeast region descend on New Delhi to seek admission to various colleges affiliated to Delhi University (DU).

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In order to help these students get admission, one of the student unions, the Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD) in collaboration with the Ikra Foundation organized recently, a one of a kind on

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CABINET REJIG: WITH EYE ON UP, MODI REACHES OUT TO ALLIANCE PARTNERS

13 BANGLADESHI MINORITY COMMUNITY MEMBERS HELD IN MEGHALAYA

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In a complaint letter to Dy. Commissioner, Pasighat today, the All Bogong Students’ Union (E) has alleged one Oyem Dai, President, Bogong Banggo Kebang of having drawn bill amount of Rs. 6 lakhs in total without practically carrying out the work of school maintenance/ repairing at Govt. Sec. School, Balek and IGJ, Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Pasighat. The union in their complaint statements has said that, Dai has drawn the bill with simply producing fake computer edited photos of whitewashed school classroom wall which was cross verified by visiting the school and taking the true

statements of concern Headmaster besides obtaining the details from RTI. The union claimed that, Rs. 2 lakhs was drawn against maintenance of GSS Balek and Rs. 4 lakhs against repairing of IGJGHSS, Pasighat by Dai and added that, headmaster and principal of the respective schools had issued completion certificate on Dai’s insistence. The union further states in the complaint letter that, Dai had told them, ABSU (E) team, that, the repairing funds was given to him by DDSE, Pasighat on mutual friendship for Chai-Pani. While lodging an additional case as FIR at Pasighat PS against Dai, the union demanded and appealed DC Pasighat to investigate the matter and punish the offenders government funds are being misused.

Meanwhile, DDSE, Pasighat, O. Panor has denied and condemned the statement of Oyem Dai for having taking his name in the illegalities if there any. Panor clarified that, the name of the contractors were selected as per the committee approval under the chairmanship of EAC who represented DC, Pasighat. The amounts were being transferred to contractors’ respective accounts after receiving due completion reports/certificates from concern Headmaster/Principal of the school which is again verified by BRCC team. So, there is no question of dragging my name into the illegalities if there had any, added Panor. When contacted to Oyem Dai over the allegation, he said

that, he is a society’s responsible and respectable person he wouldn’t involve in such gross illegalities. “I don’t want to argue over the allegation leveled by ABSU (E) led by President, Lungkang Ering, but matter will get cleared after works are cross verified and investigated. Moreover, the headmaster and principal who issued completion certificates are no fool or ignorant, how can I threaten them to get the bill payment completion certificate, as I am not a goon”, said Dai who was heard perturbed over the allegation. When contacted to Dy. Commissioner, Isha Khola over the issue, she said that, an investigation will be done, but until reports come in, I can’t give further comment upon the allegation.

Ferry services suspended, CRPF camp shifted, 30000 people affected in Majuli Jhanjimukh, Neematighat and Kamalabarighat as per information collected from the Central Water Commission (CWC) here today.

Bijoy Handique Jorhat, July 4

With continuous downpour of past several days, the water level of the mighty Brahmaputra is following above 1.5 meters danger mark, while district administration ordered suspension of all kinds of ferry services between Neematighat in Jorhat to five other ghats in Majuli Island, informed Roshni Aparanjita Korati, Deputy Commission in charge here today. Korati said that except 108 speed boat ambulance service from Majuli to Neematighat are permitted until further order while all other movement

Ferry service suspended in Jorhat. Pic - Bijoy Handique of ferries between Neematighat to Kamalabari, Dhokhinpat, Halmora, Afolamukh and Phulani are all suspended from Tuesday morning.

She said, water level of the mighty Brahmaputra is on increasing trend which was recorded at Dibrugarh,

In Neematighat over 25 shops are submerged under water as fresh Brahmaputra water entered into fresh areas in and around the river side villages and cultivation fields, while all the shops that has been under water are shifted all along the PWD road while more and more new areas adjacent to the river belt is reported to be under water, informed CWC sources here.

AASU during protest against privatization of Oil fields at Duliajan. A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, July 4

Around ten thousand protesters under the banner of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) Dibrugarh district today protested in front of Oil India Company Ltd. office at Duliajan in Dibrugarh district against the Central government decision to auction 12 small oil fields of Assam. The protesters holding placards and banners shouting slogans against the decision of Central rule BJP government. The protest has disrupted the functioning of Oil India Ltd. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Petroleum ministry recently approved handing over 10 per cent share of Oil India Limited (OIL) to private companies and this decision have angered the peoples of Assam. “We are against privatization of any oilfield of the state. This decision goes against the wishes of the people of Assam and the

privatisation of the oilfields takes away the people’s right over the state’s resources,’’ Lurinjyoti Gogoi, General secretary, AASU said. He added that they have demanded to withdraw the decision taken by the BJP led central government. “How could the government do injustice to the people of Assam. If our demands are not met, we will intensify our movement against the central government,’’ Gogoi said. “We should have the royalty of all natural resources of Assam and we cannot give private parties to take away our natural resources of Assam. The state government should take some necessary step to stop the auctioning,’’ he said. “In Gujarat the government had handed over the oil fields to the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation through a notification. But in Assam, they are giving the oil fields to private parties. Like Gujarat, Assam government had formed a company – Assam Hydro

Carbon Corporation Limited – in 2006. Why don’t the government hand over the oil fields to this company,’’ General Secretary of AASU asked. Though the protest was meant to be peaceful, some protesters have slapped the driver of Deputy General Manager (DGM) planning and broke the windshield of his car that came to pick the DGM from office. “Around 9am I am waiting for the engineer, suddenly three youth came and shouted me as to why I have came out during bandh and slapped me and thrown stones and broke down the windshield ,’’ DGM’s driver Shiv Mohan Lakhar reported over phone. An FIR was lodged at Duliajan police station. When asked by Eastern Today, the General Secretary of AASU replied that their boys were not involved in the incident. AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya, President Dipanka Kumar Nath was also present at the protest.

Assam CM gives his first maiden Recent flood affects 103 villages, visit to Lekhapani 660 MW coal 903.15 hector in Lakhimpur based power project at Margherita ET Correspondence Lakhimpur, July 4

Flood havoc continues to be grim in Lakhimpur district for the third day. A total of 68,446 people had to spent miserable days in the district due to recent flood caused by several rivers. Flood affected a total of 103 villages all over the district. Out of them, 62 villages in North Lakhimpur Revenue Circle (RC), 18 in Bihpuria RC, 14 in Nowboicha RC, 6 in Narayanpur RC, 3 in Subansiri RC was badly affected as per source of Lakhimpur District Administration. The flood caused by river Subansiri, Ranganadi, Gabharu Dorpang etc has collapsed the agricultural and economic

Villagers with their domestic cattle move towards safe place on a boat as their village being submerged by rising water level of Brahmaputra River at Salmara in Majuli. Pic - UB Photos

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infrastructure of these villages. flood inundated and affected 430.96 hector crop area in North Lakhimpur RC, 350 hector in Bihpuria RC, 99.78 hector in Nowboicha RC, 16.06 hector in Subansiri RC and 5.35 hector in Narayanpur RC. On the other hand, a total of 43,675 people in North Lakhimpur RC, 15,860 in Bihpuria RC, 8,004 in Nowboicha RC, 340 in Narayanpur RC, 567 in Subansiri RC along with a total of 5205 livestock have to suffer a lot in the grim flood situation. Significantly, no relief was distributed to the flood victims by the administration and that is why the suffered people expressed strong reaction on the negligible behaviour on the part of the District Administration.

Orientation for NE students conducted in Delhi Vangamla Salle Khapai New Delhi, July 4

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ABSU (E) alleges bill withdrawal AASU protests against with fake work completion privatization of Oil fields Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, July 4

Khonsa, 4 July : Based on intelligence of extortion activities being carried out in Khonsa Town, Assam Rifle, Khonsa Battalion carried out operation in Khonsa area and successfully apprehended an NSCN(R) Cadre. Namely SS PVt Monglat Akhang S/o Mounchin Akhang r/o Village- New Laptang, District- Tirap (ALP). A 7.65mm Pistol with rounds was also recovered from him along with some contraband item. (ET Bureau)

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‘Confluence on Opportunities cum Orientation’ at the DU conference centre. “The confluence was an attempt to generate right information and motivation to enable life transformation decision creating and inclusive platform from interaction to exchange ideas and horn intellectual knowledge from experts and accomplished personal from and within the community”, said Shimri Raising, President, TLKD. Dr. Santa Cruz, Deputy Dean, Students Welfare, Delhi

University, said “Right guidance in the upfront is very necessary. And, one nodal officer each has been assigned in every college concerning students from the northeast”. Oscar Fernandez, former union minster and a well wisher of north-eastern people, was among the people present at the event.

in what way they have to choose their subjects. And if they choose the right subject, at the right time, it will lead to the right opportunity. They (companies) will be ready to take them, otherwise, they (students) will have to train again to get to the opportunity”, said Fernandez. Experts from different fields attended the conference.

they want in life”, Dr. A S Yaruingam, Professor, Department of African Studies, Delhi University, said. Many students said that the confluence gave them a wider perspective about the opportunities that is available and to expand their scope on the ideas of what they want to become in life.

“There are ample opportunities here in the capital city. We have to assess what all are the opportunities available and tell the students

“In this city, students need to know many things and this is the opportunity for them to interact with seniors and elders to go forward and achieve what

The event also gave the equal importance given to every line of profession breaking age old traditions and conventional way of orientation.

ET Correspondent Margherita, July 4

NECF Coal India Limited the proposed project have been delayed.

Honourable Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal today gave his first maiden visit to proposed Lekhapani 660 MW coal based power project of Margherita subdivision and assured to the media persons and local people of that area that the proposed project work shall be started very soon. Former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who came here in the year 2008 have sanctioned 2000 bighas of Assam land for proposed Lekhapani 660 MW coal based Power project but due to over Sulphur found in the coals of

Along with Honourable Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal, Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma, Digboi MLA Suren Phukan, NECF Coal India Limited Margherita general manager JK Borah including other NECF CIL officials and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Kishan also visited at proposed Lekhapani 660 MW Coal based power project. Meanwhile All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA) Tinsukia District Committee General Secretary Ramanus Lakra today

welcomed Honourable Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal with a Adivasi Gamosha and submitted a memorandum with seven demands such as to grant ST status to the Adivasi people living in Assam, to increase the daily wages of workers to Rs 330 who are working in the Tea Gardens of Assam, to give land pattas to the Adivasi people living in Assam, to give jobs to unemployed Adivasi youths living in Assam, to provide basic facilities such as electricity, good houses, sanitation and others facilities to Adivasi workers working in tea gardens of Assam and to solve the major problems of Assam such as flood and soil erosion.

Rs. 40 Lakhs sanctioned for the Cyclone Victims of Diyun and Bordumsa Circle ET Bureau Diyun, 4 July

The district administration have sanctioned an amount of Rs. 40,00000 (Rupees fourty lakhs) for payment of immediate relief to the victims of Diyun and Bordumsa Circle who were

affected by the heavy rain and cyclone hailstorm hit in the month of April 2016. On 28th April last two persons were killed and umpteenth numbers of houses especially those constructed with Bamboos and woods were completely damaged in the fierce wind and hailstorms in villages

such as Avoipur, Dumpani, Jyotipur, Shantipur, Bijoypur and Diyun Town. EAC of Diyun thanks the local HMLA Nikh Kamin and the state of Arunachal Pradesh for their deep graciousness in mitigating pains of the desolate people of Diyun.

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

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ASTRO FOR YOU Aries A tough, action-packed day ahead! There may be difference of opinions with friends over trivial matters, but you will thrive on it. But all pending work will be completed, much to your relief. It's a promising and optimistic day. Taurus There is every possibility that you will enjoy a good rapport with people around you. You will think with your stomach today, craving for delicacies. Such a feeling might be because of repressed hunger. Something refreshingly different might be on the cards today. Gemini Your mind will be uneasy and anxious due to some reason today. You will be unable to express your anxieties. You will be able to secure the love of your partner by sharing your feelings. You need to let go of the past and strive to keep on moving forward with confidence. Cancer Today is a good day for you. However, don't expect a windfall. It is just one of those days when you will be in a good mood, irrespective of your problems, if any. You will treat your subordinates well, and they will show their appreciation. But if you think the atmosphere at your workplace is good, wait till you reach home. Your family will be exceptionally sweet to you, and your life partner will be all over you. And the financial condition won't be too bad either. What more can one asks for in life? Leo Motivating people through your own actions is one way; the other is to let your words do the talking. Both are equally effective.. With a bit of help from the stars, today, it is your words that shall hold more weight than your actions, as you make optimum use of your presentation skills. It seems like a good idea to keep an open mind and learn new things that will go a long way in improving your communication skills. So, reconsider taking another look at the latest that technology has to offer to you. Remember, good communicators make better managers at any given opportunity. Virgo Today you will be highly motivated. Your creative talents and abilities set you apart as an excellent artist. Words will flow if you give vent to your creativity, and if you choose to sing or dance, you will be the focus of attention. You are to pursue the performing arts or writing as hobbies. Libra You will showcase your ability and skills today in your work field and impress people. You will develop and express your inner love for art and artistic things and you will purchase a new work of art today. Scorpio You can be fondly called as 'the perfectionist' today. Right from being punctual to following a systematic method for your work, you do it all. All in all, you set an ideal example for the people around you. Sagittarius Look before you leap. Cupid has strung his bow and aimed an arrow at you. Love's labour will easily aid you to woo a young, tender heart. But don't be swept away by easy prospects and guard your reputation at all costs. Capricorn You will starve for some free time, but will find it difficult to steal even a minute from your busy schedule, even if it is for unwinding your overworked soul.. In times like these, one can hardly think straight, let alone be innovative. You will, however, work your way out by prioritising matters. By the end of the day, your efforts may get paid off, leaving you with the thought that it was all worthwhile after all! Aquarius You find solace in travel today. But if you plan to include others, beware, as you may end up doing all their dirty work too. But, you will find fulfillment even in that, which, is your strong point. You know how to turn a weakness into strength. Pisces Those who work hard to move towards their goals will do well today. It is a good day for business. You will be able to do a lot of new things in your job-business today. You will definitely succeed, but you need to work hard without getting disappointed.

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 5-7-16 (TUESDAY) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaga Grahak Jaga" 6-50 A.M-Lokageet 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-Singphow Songs 12-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Sajai Tolo Jeewanar Path" 2-00 P.M-Kunhipaat 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-45 P.M-Daakpakhili 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya(Sponsored Programme of KKHSOU) 8-30 P.M-Geetor Shorai, Artist-Umesh Gogoi, Production-Rajen Gohain Sd-/H.O.P

Construction of Lakwa replacement power plant to commence soon ET Correspondent Sonari, July 4: There is finally some good news for the electricity starving people of Assam. The state government has resolved to increase the production of electricity of its own by starting construction work of some new power generation units in Assam. Informing this to The Eastern Today, Arindom Choudhury, Chief General Manager (Generation), Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd. (AGCL) said that as part of the plan the construction work of Lakwa Replacement Power Plant (LRPP) in Lakwa Thermal Power Station (LTPS), Maibella is likely to commence soon which will increase the generation capacity of the premier power generating station of the state to 167.2 MW.

Choudhury also informed that the union as well as the state government has resolved to invest an approximate amount of Rs. 230 crores to construct the new power plant which is likely to be commissioned by March 2018. Seven gas engines each having an electricity generation capacity of 10 MW will be set up as part of the project. The engines built by Wartsila company will be purchased from Finland, Choudhury informed.

that Lakwa Thermal Power Station (LTPS) is a gas based power plant situated at Maibella in Upper Assam district of Charaideo. It was on 22 May 1978 the then President of India Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy laid down the foundation stone of LTPS. The plant was commissioned in the year 1981. During that time three gas turbine unit of Westinghouse Canada Ltd. were set up with an initial gas commitment from ONGCL.

were commissioned in the year 1994. Most recently LTPS has augmented its generation capacity by converting the BHEL GT units into combined cycle to operation to run a steam turbine. As a result the present generation capacity of LTPS is 157.2 MW. The WCL make gas turbine units at phase-1 power house of LTPS were commissioned in the year 1981 and since then these units were generating power at optimum level.

These new gas engines will replace the four gas turbines each having a production capacity of 15 MW. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonwal will lay the foundation stone of the LRPP within a few days, Choudhury informed.

The fourth unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was commissioned in the year 1986 when another commitment of 0.17 MMSCMD gas from ONGCL was received. In later years LTPS further increased its generation by installing three BHEL Gas turbine units. These units

As these units have become old and obsolete and in order to maintain the generation of the plant at its best replacement of WCL/MHI units with state of the art 70 MW Gas Engine plant is already underway. The open cycle gas engine with heat rate of 1900 plus will boost in the power generation

It is to be mentioned here

test schedule by providing obstruction upon the operations of ONGC.

The protesters obstructed the workers of the corporation from

As compared to the existing gas turbines of phase-1 power house that requires total fuel consumption of 0.6 MMSCMD to generate 60 MW power, the new gas engine will require approximately 0.36MMSCMD fuel to generate around 63.0 MW of power. This new replacement project will go a long way in making LTPS one of the major power producer of the state in the coming days. On the other hand work of the replace power plant at Namrup Thermal Power Station is nearing completion and will be commissioned shortly. This will also increase the power generation capacity of APGCL, Choudhury informed.

Accused fled away Rhino horn recovered, three poachers from court campus held with sophisticated firearm A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, July 4: One accused who was brought from Jail to produce before the court in Dibrugath today fled away from court campus. The accused was Ajit Bora resident of Kakotibari, Sivasagar. Bora is under judicial custody against two cases. Sivasagar PS Case no. 33/16 under Arms act and extortion. Dibrugath PS case no. 31/16 u/s 379/511 read with section 25 (1A)/

25 (7) arms act. He was produced before the Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrates today. After producing before the court he was kept in the cell at the court campus.He managed to fled away on a motorcycle waiting outside the campus. Earlier, he fled once from judicial custody while undergoing treatment in AMCH. But the Sivasagar SP managed to nab him after few days.

New students greeted with fruit saplings during admission in Mangaldai college ET Correspondent Mangaldai July 4: Assam Science Society, Mangaldai Branch and IQAC, Mangaldai College with the help of Social Forestry, Mangaldai distributed about 200 numbers of saplings of fruit plants of local variety to the students admitted into the B. Sc. 1st Semester in Mangaldai college for the academic session 2016-2017 the process of which has completed recently. . According to Secretary Assam Science Society, Mangaldai Branch, Dr. Kamala Kanta Borah the distributed fruit plant saplings of local variety included 50 nos of mango, 35 nos black berry, 15 Nos. amlakhi, 50 nos. olive and 50 nos of jackfruits among others . Regarding the idea of greeting students with a sapling on the day of admission itself , Dr Bora reiterated, "We should start any good work with plantation." According to Secretary Assam Science Society, Mangaldai Branch, Dr. Kamala Kanta Borah, and hence students were presented one sapling each on the occasion of their admission. Mean-

while Prof. Paresh Kumar Sarma, Coordinator IQAC in his reaction said, "This kind of unique initiative will create awareness among students, guardians and citizens about plantation." He further pointed out that through such programme, the college tried to make people feel that only plantation could save the life on earth. Teaching faculty members namely Mukut Sarma, Dr. Barnali Deka, Kunja Lata Barua, Mousumi Kangsha Banik, Dr, Jayanta Barua, Dr. Pranjit Sarma and Dr. A. Qasim and several other Assistant professors of the College gave away the sapling to the newly admitted students from the distribution table. Earlier in the welcome address Dr. Khagendra Kumar Nath, Principal, of the College appealed to the guardians and students coming for admission to collect one sapling each after acquiring admission in the B.Sc programme and also cautioned them not to throw out the sapling somewhere on the midway back to their home and rather take necessary care for its growth.

AJYCP undertakes obstruction schedule in Sivasagar, police detain hundreds of protesters Spl Correspondent Sivasagar, July 4: As a reaction against the decision of union ministry of making arrangements for bidding of twelve numbers of Oil Field in Assam and the support of the Assam Government lead by Sarbanada Sonowal, several protest schedules were undertaken all over the state by various organizations which was the high light of the day. In Sivasagar too, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) members staged a 12 hour pro-

economy of LTPS against the present operated open cycle 15 MW units of heat rate around 3500.

marching towards their field of operations by blockading the transport

section of the same disabling the normal movement of the workers. On the other hand police arrested hundreds of picketers of the student union from various parts of the district for obstructing the operations of ONGC. The union has decided to continue with their protest schedules until the central government withdraws the decision of bidding of the oil fields and as part of the schedule; they are to undertake a two hour blockade over the NH 37 on 5th July.

ET Correspondent Mangaldai, July 4: In a very prompt and significant operation against the organized gang of poachers, the Special Task Force (STF) formed by the state government has finally recovered the horn that was taken away from the full grown female rhino in Orang National Park (ONP) on the evening of June 27 last. The STF has also arrested three hardcore poachers and recovered a sophisticated Carbine along with ammunition within a very short span of time. According to information available here, the organized armed gang of poachers killed the female rhino in ONP and took away the horn on that night. The forest guards however could recover the partially decomposed carcass only on the early hours of June 30. Taking it seriously, the STF swung into action immedi-

ately and arrested Saiful Islam, Moksedul Islam and Dilowar Hussain of Bejimari area adjacent to ONP while they were taking shelter in Dolabari area near Tezpur town on July 1. The arrest of the notorious poachers’ trio led the STF to the recovery of the sophisticated automatic carbine used in the poaching and ammunition from the house of the arrested Saiful Islam. Significantly the Mahar Ali- elder brother of the arrested poacher Saiful

Islam is casual worker of the ONP. On the basis of the confession made by the arrested trio, the STF followed absconding poacher Rafiqul Islam of Bejimari area who tried to sell the horn in Chekoni area in Nagaon district and arrested the wife of Rafiqul Islam who led to the recovery of the rhino horn from a villagers house they had been taking shelter in Juria area in Nagaon district. However the poacher Rafiqul managed to escape from the STF net.

15 days summer workshop in Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir

sided the inaugural function. Former Professor of Chemistry of D.HS.K.College, Dr. Anjali Phukan was the chief guest of the function. The auspicious occasion was attended amongst others by Retd. Headmaster of Dibrugarh Bengali Boys’ High School, Parimal Mukherjee, Professor of Zoology of D.H.S.K. College, Sudakshina Das Bordoloi , ex-president of India Club, Soumen Dasgupta and Staff Reporter of Purbanchal Prahari Lalit Sharma as guest of honour. In the welcome address Madhusudan Ghosh elaborate the aims and objectives of the workshop. Chief Guest Dr Anjali Phukan in her speech lauded the role played by

the Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir and its parents body Bharat Sevashram Sangha for the welfare of the school children and upliftment of economically handicapped persons of the society. Retd. Headmaster Parimal Mukherjee recalled the dedicated services of Bharat Sevashram Sangha during calamity and natural disaster and called upon the members of DHMM for organising summer workshop. He hoped that such workshop would helped the students’ immensely in their future. Professor Sudakshina Das Bordoloi of D.H.S.K. College appealed to parents and guardians of the students to encouragetheir children for participating in the summer workshop.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

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Arunachal CM extends greetings for Dree festival of the Apatani community A Staff Reporter Itanagar, July 4 : Chief Minister Kalikho Pul extends his heartfelt greetings to the people of Apatani community in particular and to all the people of the state in general on the occasion of “Dree Festival”. In his message, CM said that the Dree Festival like many other tribal festivals of the state epitomize the rich legacy of the hardworking spirit of our ingenious forefathers that gives us a distinct identity today. As Arunachal is a potpourri of religions, communities,

languages and cultures and as known for its peaceful co-existence. He called upon the people of the state to celebrate such occasion to instil a spirit of unity, love, peace, communal harmony and mutual understanding among the brethrens putting asides all differences on the basis of caste, creed, colour, religion and community to further strengthen the bonhomie. He prayed to almighty God and Goddess DREE to bestow favourable weather for pest free and a bumper harvest of crops and also for the wellbeing and prosperity of all the people of the state.

Governor conveys festival greetings on the occasion of Dree A Staff Reporter Itanagar, July 4: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his heartiest festival greetings to the people of the State in general and the Apatani brethren in particular on the festive occasion of the Dree Festival. He expressed his hope that the festivity will ushers-in good harvest, peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

cultural fabric of our society. The celebration of the festival has always helped us to preserve the tribe's rich heritage, carry it forward and to pass on to the younger generation. He has appealed to the learned elders and youth to take pride in their ethnicity, healthy and vibrant customs, traditions, folklores, folk dances, songs etc. and preserve it for the benefit of future generations.

In his message, the Governor said that the Dree festival, which is an agricultural festival celebrated with spiritual invocations and rites, highlights the vibrant culture and traditions of our Apatani Tribe. It is one of the rich cultural assets of the State and at the same time it reinforces the splendid

“On this joyous occasion, my wife Rita Rajkhowa and I join my Apatani brethren in offering sincere prayers to Almighty Donyi Polo for joy, prosperity, happiness and tranquility for one and all”, the Governor said in his message.

WASE with Forest Dept Lohit District Administration observes Vanamahotsava week starts Helmet Awareness Week Spl Correspondent Pasighat, July 4: While observing the Vanamahotsava Week which is from 1st-7th July, the Women Against Social Evils (WASE) in association with Pasighat Range office under Pasighat Forest Division planted tree saplings at Upper Primary School, Balwadi, near APP Colony on Saturday. The team of WASE under the leadership of President, Omem Ering with the supports and coordination of Pasighat Forest Range planted more than 30 tree saplings in the school premises of UPS Balwadi in the presence of school teaching staffs and students. Omem Ering said that, the school had no trees around and needed the plantation as trees would not only in-

Tridip Chetia said that Seva Rehabilitation Centre for drugs addicted and alcoholic is the

one and first rehabilitation centre of upper Assam after Guwahati. "At Seva Rehabilitation Centre Margherita many youths have been cured and today these youths are turning to be a punctual and responsible citizen of our society", said Tridip Chetia President of Seva Rehabilitation Centre. Many drugs addicted and alcoholic youths comes from Itanagar, Changlang, Miao, Deomali, Dergaon, Duliajan, Digboi and from Margherita region said Tridip Chetia. The youths who comes at Sewa Rehabilitation Centre firstly detoxification are done under the supervision of doctors for 15 to 45 Days and after that group counselling, 1 to 1 counselling, meditation, yoga, input classes, evening

ET Bureau Itanagar, 4 July: Rajiv Gandhi University, a central University located at picturesque Rono Hills, Doimukh has introduced Online Admission System from the current academic session 2016-2017 onwards. Through this system, applicants can be able to apply to various courses of their choices online. RGU’s Deputy Registrar Dr. David Pertin informed that, this was a much awaited feather to be added on the University towards making admission possible with the click of the mouse from

inventory and sports are done for 90 to 145 days duration said Tridip Chetia. Desmond Thomas, Diku Singh, Anirban Dutta and Dul Hazarika who were once drugs addicted said to this correspondent that after coming to Seva Rehabilitation Centre our life has changed and now we look after those drugs addicted youths who comes to Seva Rehabilitation Centre to get cured. Tridip Chetia President of Seva Rehabilitation Centre, Margherita have requested to Honourable Chief Minister of Assam and Honourable Constituency Margherita MLA to provide funds at Seva Rehabilitation Centre so as to run the Rehabilitation Centre smoothly.

15 days summer workshop in Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jul 4: Fifteen days summer workshop for the children’s is going on at Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir, a sister organisation of Bharat Sevashram Sangha here at Dibrugarh Hindu Mandir premises. Every year such workshop was organised by Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir. The main objective of the workshop is to impart required knowledge on the various subjects’ viz. Art, dance, recitation of poem, vocal music, work experience and how to work with others and build meaningful relationship. The workshop was inaugurated on July 1, 2016 at Mandir premises. Madhusudan Ghosh, president of DHM mandir presided the inaugural function. Former Professor of Chemistry of D.HS.K.College, Dr. Anjali Phukan was the chief guest of the function. The auspicious occasion was attended amongst others by Retd. Headmaster of Dibrugarh Bengali Boys’ High School, Parimal Mukherjee, Professor of

Zoology of D.H.S.K. College, Sudakshina Das Bordoloi , ex-president of India Club, Soumen Dasgupta and Staff Reporter of Purbanchal Prahari Lalit Sharma as guest of honour. In the welcome address Madhusudan Ghosh elaborate the aims and objectives of the workshop. Chief Guest Dr Anjali Phukan in her speech lauded the role played by the Dibrugarh Hindu Milan Mandir and its parents body Bharat Sevashram Sangha for the welfare of the school children and upliftment of economically handicapped

festival, added Geyi who has been seen putting extra effort in planting more trees enthusiastically. Meanwhile, WASE in an statement today afternoon informed that, they came across two wine shops remaining opened till 8.30 PM violating the government guideline of closure by 7 pm at Bilat last evening. While demanding for strict action against such violating wine shops from district administration, Joya Tasung Moyong added that, M/s Oyin Tapak Wine Shop and M/s Legong Banggo Wine shop, Bilat were found violating the standing guidelines when WASE activists were returning from daylong tour in villages for signature campaign drive to let East Siang declared as dry district. someday soon.

RGU, Itanagar introduces Online Admission system

Seva Rehabilitation Centre introduced at Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, July 4: There is a saying "where there is a will there is a way" where a upcoming youth of Margherita name Tridip Chetia through his own effort have open a rehabilitation centre named Seva Rehabilitation Centre, a non-governmental organisation at Jaya Nagar, Margherita for those youths who are drugs addicted, alcoholic and dependency. Tridip Chetia said "in the year 2015 during the month of September, I thought a new idea to start a rehabilitation centre at Margherita for those who are drugs addicted and alcoholic".

crease beautification of the school but it would also give adequate shed during summer season. While, Joya Tasung Moyong, General Secretary informed that, more tree plantation will be covered besides our usual fight against social evils like drugs and other menace. WASE appealed every section of people, especially to those learned and environment concerning individuals to come forward and plant trees to balance our rapidly depleting forest. On the part of forest department, Range Officer, J. Geyi informed that, weeklong mass plantation of trees in different institutions will be carried out as part of Vanamahotsava week. Sensitization of public regarding tree plantation is the basic objective of the

persons of the society. Retd. Headmaster Parimal Mukherjee recalled the dedicated services of Bharat Sevashram Sangha during calamity and natural disaster and called upon the members of DHMM for organising summer workshop. He hoped that such workshop would helped the students’ immensely in their future. Professor Sudakshina Das Bordoloi of D.H.S.K. College appealed to parents and guardians of the students to encouragetheir children for participating in the summer workshop.

across the country and beyond easing the way for prospective candidates to apply without any hurdle. And, since the online mode of admission system is being introduced for the first time by the university, both the offline as well as online modes of applying for admission will be in place. Presently, the online mode of admission has been introduced for UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate courses. Applicants willing to apply through this mode can visit www.rgu.ac.in and will have to register themselves online first. Then

one can apply for their choice of course(s). There will be option to pay online as well as through offline mode i.e. through DD or Challan after filling up the online applications. After applying one can keep track of the status of their applications by logging into their registered accounts. Applicants are advised to thoroughly go through “How to apply Online?” to acquaint themselves before applying. With the introduction of Online Admission System, applicants would be saving lot of time, money and effort.

Tezu, July 4: To sensitise about importance of wearing helmet while riding to two wheelers, the Lohit District road safety council organised helmet awareness week from 4th July, here today. The council comprised of three members, SP Guni Pertin, SDO Gautam Hazarika, and District Transport Officer S. Tayang. Motor Vehicle Inspector and police person-

nel were also present during the drive. 4O (Forty) challans were issued to two wheelers riders who were found riding bikes without wearing helmet in the drive today. While issuing challans to the riders, the team sensitised them about the mechanism of head injury if met with an accident.

Assam sounds alert in 3 districts bordering Bangladesh; BSF steps up vigil Guwahati, July 4: Three days after the terrorist attack in a Dhaka restaurant, the Assam Police on July 4 sounded extra alert in three districts sharing international boundary with Bangladesh. The district officials have been also asked to keep in constant touch with the BSF. “Extra alert has been sounded in three districts sharing border with Bangladesh in view of the Dhaka incident. The BSF has been also asked to step up vigil in these three districts,” Pallab Bhattacharyya, Additional DGP (Special Branch) of the Assam Police said in Guwahati on July 4. Bhattacharyya also said that the police have been instructed to remain on extra alert in other districts too, with the Guwahati Police being asked to step its preparedness for any kind of situation. The three Assam districts that share international boundary with Bangladesh are Dhubri, Karimganj and Cachar.

49th DRDA governing body meeting held

“The Guwahati Police commissioner has been particularly asked to step up preparedness. Terrorists have a tendency of striking in important cities because such attacks get them a lot of mileage in the international media,” the ADGP said. Meanwhile, the BSF has stepped up its vigilance along the IndoBangladesh border in the Northeast. “The BSF has stepped up extra vigilance and intensified operations on the international border to check both illegal infiltration and exfiltration as well as other crimes across the border after the recent killing in Bangladesh,” a BSF spokesman said in Shillong. Meanwhile, the BSF on Monday apprehended 13 Bangladeshi persons while they were trying to infiltrate into South Garo Hills, district of Meghalaya. Twelve among the 13 persons are Hindus, and residents of Anandapur village under Kalmakanda police station of Netrakona district in

In Majuli alone a total of 45 villages are submerged under water affecting 30000 people and all are shifted to highland of Water Resource Department, most of the people taking shelter together with cattle, goat and pigs.

While initiating the meeting, Dai spelt out the objectives of the meeting and stressed on the significance of Governing Body meeting in the process of rural development. He appealed the house to implement anti-poverty programme through various flagship programmes and to adopt development oriented schemes for the larger interest of the rural people. The ZPC emphasized on the relevance of grassroot governance for the emer-

gence of people centric development and urged upon the PRI leaders and BDOs to carry out works for development of community as a whole. He explained ‘My Village My Development’ concept and assured to conduct more training and meetings to sensitize people in coming days. The bakers should open more and more new branches in rural areas so that people could avail optimum benefits under centrally sponsored schemes. Earlier DC Isha Khosla said that the participation of all the members was very encouraging and would motivate the officers and staff to raise their level of work culture. This forum should be utilized to work out innovative ideas for effective implementation of schemes & projects in the ground. She instructed the BDOs to guide the PRI leaders and to make them aware about role and responsibilities.

To avail benefits under MGNREGA every individual has to open bank account and produce Aadhar Card. Loksabha MP Ninong Ering said that a proper mindset with positive attitude should be developed. All should serve with service motive though there are great restrains and challenges, we have to overcome them and dedicate ourselves in the service of the poor. He assured all support & co-operation in the poverty alleviation programmes and appealed all to serve with dedication & responsibility and fulfill the expectation of the poor rural masses.

Bangladesh. “It appears to be a case of migration of Hindus who are in minority there after the recent atrocities over Hindus in Bangladesh. In the wake of recent terror attack in Dhaka, BSF in Meghalaya has also augmented its manpower at border keeping in view the possibilities of illegal migration and transborder movement,” a BSF spokesman said. “The security agencies in Bangladesh have also launched operations along some border areas. After these ops some elements may attempt to escape from Bangladesh to hide in forested areas in India,” the BSF spokesman added. Meanwhile, Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan on Monday visited the Indo-Bangla border at Shylla in Meghalaya and took stock of security situation at border. The governor was accompanied by PK Dubey, BSF Inspector General for the Meghalaya frontier.

Ferry services suspended, CRPF camp shifted, 30000 people affected in Majuli Contd. from Page 1

ET Bureau Pasighat, July 4: The 49th Governing Body meeting of District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) East Siang District was held under the chairmanship of ZPC Kaling Dai which was attended by MP Ninong Ering, CEO cum DC East Siang District Isha Khosla, ZPMs, Anchal Samity Chairperson, BDOs, representative of Banks etc.

The helmet awareness week is also an initiative of the Lohit District Administration to sensitise public about road safety and safe ride in the wake of increasing and alarming increased ratio of road traffic accidents in Tezu. The Petrol /Diesel Depot has also been instructed to not issue POL to two wheelers riders without helmet. DIPRO

Meanwhile the Health Department is keeping a mobile clinic at Neematighat to help out people during the flood hours as the water level is at its pick in the mighty Brahmaputra since past 24 hours, informed Dr. Udayan Baruah, the joint director here today. In Majuli a CRPF camp has been shifted from Goromur river side to

Bonghigopal Natya Mandir this morning as the previous site of the CRPF camp was submerged by fresh water entering from river Luit into the island. On the other hand the premises of Goromur College and Goromur Junior College is under fresh flood as water entering from river Luit via Upper Majuli, but due to ongoing summer vacation for the colleges academically students are not affected. Moreover administration has kept essential items, medicines, boats along with NHM medical teams at Neematighat and in Majuli with 108 services ready to serve at any movement during this flood and monsoon hours, informed Narsingh Power, the SDO of Majuli here today.

Old lady felicitated at Golaghat

PD (DRDA) Sibo Passing presented a brief report on project implementation and assured to implement all centrally sponsor schemes with dedication, true work culture and concerted efforts.

Sanmilit Nagrik Manch of Golaghat submits memorandum against Golaghat DC ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 4: The case of taking bribe by District Superintendent of Excise Golaghat, Jibon Chandra Phukan created sharp reactions among the masses after the Superintendent of Excise caught red handed taking bribe by the Vigilance and AntiCorruption sleuths on Thursday and he was taken to Guwahati and produced before the special court on Friday

where he revealed that the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat was involved in this whole matter and the DC took money to clear files. After this sensational revelation, Sanmilit Nagrik Manch of Golaghat headed by President Dwipen Dutta, Secretary Diganta Kr Bhuiyan and other members including Kaustab Moni Hazarika and Ajay Kanoi met CM

Sarbananda Sonowal and gave a memorandum regarding the whole matter and demanded an inquiry against DC Varnali Deka yesterday in Guwahati. The team met with Minister Dr. Himanta Bishwa Sarmah, Atul Bora and MLA Mrinal Saikia and explained whole matter. The case has evoked strong reactions in Golaghat and team is hoping that CM will take decision in greater interest of people.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 4: An old lady aged 90 plus named Makun Nissa (Burhi Bai) was felicitated on account of upcoming Eid by 2004 batch of Kushal Konwar Balya Bhawan School of Golaghat. The lady had

served the school as a care taker since the foundation with a kind heart by nature. A team led by Plabon Bordoloi felicitated the lady and provided financial help along with Mekhela Chadar and eatables. She blessed all and conveyed warm wishes.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

PAGE 4 Arms and ammunition recovered, 1 held ET Correspondent Mangaldai, July 4: Acting on a tip off, a police team from Kharupetia Police Station in Darrang district on Sunday midnight carried out raids and search operation in No 5 Arimari Char under the PS and recovered one country made firearm along with four live ammunition, one dagger and a mobile handset from the house and campus of one Maxibur Rahman (40) of the village. Police has arrested Maxibur Rahman and started further investigation. Police has claimed that they have been looking for the arrested person in connection with no of criminal cases including robbery registered in various PS of the district. It may be mention here that over the last fortnight the Darrang police has arrested as many as14 nos. of notorious criminals from different Char villages of the district and also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

New body of SKAC formed in Dibrugarh

As Chief Guest Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma delivers speech during oath taking meeting of Sonowal Kasari Autonomous Council at District Library, Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, July 4: The new body of Sonowal

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 4: ADGP and BTAD (IGP) Dr. L R Bishnoi said the police administration declared strong alert in four districts of BTAD area after terror attack in Dhaka, an area where 35 people with suspected links with a Bangladesh-based ter-

and started Boro cultivation. The illegal encroachers also started Boro cultivation along the side of the Mayong-Jhargaon PWD road. Though these huge portion of the government land was occupied by the doubtful citizens, yet there was no action from forest or revenue department. The local people alleged that ecology of Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary has been affected by these encroachment as the world's densest habitat of one horned rhinos is threatened by poachers and other illegal settlers. The Nature loving organization like Pabitora Conservation Society urged the government to evict those land of Pabitora from illegal settlers for the safety and security of all wild animals including one horned rhinos.

NDFB(S) leader Ferengga’s wife Monica Basumatary and three others arrested at Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 4: Chirang police arrested four persons from different places along Bengtol area, who are sympathizer and collected money for the NDFB(S), including Monica Basumatary, wife of BR Ferengga, General Secretary of the militant outfit, and two-teachers in Chirang district on Sunday. Addressing the reporters on Monday at Chirang SP office Kajalgaon, Dr. LR Bishnoi, ADGP Assam said that police arrested four persons, who have been supporting NDFB(S) through collecting money for the militant outfit organization. Police had been kept closed observation about working and supporting towards militant outfits in the region that some peoples in the area extending financial supports by collecting money and hence they were apprehended on Saturday and Sunday after thorough investigation. They were identified as Monica Basumatary, wife of BR Ferengga, General Secretary of NDFB(S), Pingkush Narzary, Jitendra Narzary, Headmaster of Tukrajhar HS School and Pradip Narzary, teacher of a school in Bengtol area. Police recovered cash 13,000 and four mobile handsets from their possession, among them two are school teachers, who collect money and contribute donation to the militant outfit.

M.S.Manivannan also present in the function. “We will work for the upliftment of our community and for the education of our students we will provide assistance,’’ said Chief Executive Officer Dipuranjan Makrari. Other executive members are- Tankeswar Sonowal, Deputy Chief, Rishikesh Saikia, Animika Bor Saikia, Ridip Hazarika, Biswajit Sonowal, Umendra Sonowal, Deeprekha Das Bagri, Dhiren Sonowal and Phanindar Sonowal.

High alerts in four districts of BTAD area after terror attack in Dhaka

Illegal settler creates serious concern in Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary by encroaching 350 bighas land ET Correspondent Morigaon, July 4: About 350 bighas of land of Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary were encroached by some doubtful citizen during last two months causing serious concern among the local people as well as nature loving organizations. According to information received, about 300 bighas of land were encroached in Thengbhanga areas of Pabitora Sanctuary while in Nakra habi Kusiani area 30 bigha of land were completely grabbed by illegal settlers. In Kuranibori area of the sanctuary, 20 bighas of land were illegally occupied by the doubtful citizens. Moreover, on the northern side of the Kholabhuyan forest camp of Pabitora Sanctuary illegal migrants occupied 30 bighas of land

Kachari Autonomous Council sworn in today in presence of Minister for

Tribal affairs Pramila Rani Brahma today at a function in District Library in Dibrugarh. The new 12-members team lead by President Madan Ch Hazarika, Vice President Ghanakanta Saikia and Chief Executive Officer Dipuranjan Makrari sworn today after the previous body lead by Dandi Sonowal reduced to minority because of shifting of 5 members to BJP on 24th of June last. MLAs Prashanta Phukan, Teras Gowala, Rituparna Baruah and Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner

Bishnoi told that Ferengga joined the militant outfit organization 2013, who was a lecturer at Bengtol College in History department that is why immediately upgraded to higher rank as general secretary as well commander in chief following his qualified positions. He said that Ferengga had opened two facebook accounts by fake name through which he has been sharing organizational view and activities. Police has been stern action against militant outfit and intensifying its operation in the area. He also said that NDFB-S militant outfit has been facing financial suffering in their stability, which are staying in Myanmar and Bhutan. Police on Monday produced the arrested persons at SP office at Kajalgaon. “We arrested four persons including Monica Basumatary, wife of B Ferengga in the area after keeping close eye on working and supporting among society. The local publics along the Bengtol area have been supporting militant outfit even though police administration had appealed not to extend support to militant organization. The arrested teachers voluntarily extending money support to the militant outfit in the area”, said Bishnoi. Sangkhar Raimedhi, Chirang SP said that police has been stepping stern against militant outfit organization in the district.

ror group has been arrested since last year. Bishnoi told on Monday that frisking had been intensified in the four districts considering the concern about possible terror attack by fundamentalist groups. He said security forces, including com-

mandos, started checking all vulnerable places such as crowded markets, hotels and restaurants and railway stations in view of the alert sounded. He said that last year police busted two camp of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) at Dhawkhanagar in

Chirang district and still no new member and activity of the organization was reported in the region. Police has been kept closed observation into situation and expected no such situation would be created in the region.

13 bags cardamom seized at Tinsukia Spl correspondent. Tinsukia, July 4: Hijuguri police seized 13 bags of cardamom - commonly known as badi elaichi, reportedly worth several lakhs of rupees, during a vehicle check here on Sunday night.

According to police sources, the bags were loaded on a Tata Ace vehicle (bearing registration number AS 09 C 0662) and was being sent to New Tinsukia Railway Station from where it was

supposed to be transported to Delhi via train. However, police intercepted the vehicle out Hijuguri police outpost and seized the goods. Further investigation is on, added police sources.

People of Jorhat seen buying Sewai for the festival Eid al-Fitr on Monday. Pic- Nakib Ahmed

No one would be spared if found negligent to duties says Amendu Hojai ET Correspondent, Haflong July 3: Amendu Hojai, Executive Member, NC Hills Autonomous Council in charge AH and veterinary department etc. said no one would be spared if found negligent to their respective duties and other development activities. Hojai who has been visiting all the schemes, projects and offices spread all over the district from last Friday at places like Harangajao, Kalachand, Khepre Umrangso etc. on Sunday inspected the Veterinary first Aid Centre at Kalachand and the Veterinary office at Maibang. He found that at Kalachand, the plot of measuring 90 bighas belonging to the department was encroached by public leaving only two bighas of land for the department. Hojai said right now he would study the matter then serve notices to the illegal encroachers so that the land of the department could be recovered. At Hojai noticed that four staffs out of seven are absent for which he has

Dalal Raj continues in Srirampur check gate, DC orders inquiry ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 4: At a time when the BJP led state government is taking tough measure to uproot the corrupt practices in the state, even though the famous interstate Srirampur check gate in lower Assam is seen to be not free from Dalal Raj as the unauthorized dalals are operating at the behest of certain officers for smooth pass of the trucker and vehicles taking huge illegal money. The new government has closed down two gatesforest and excise along the Srirampur check gate but the remaining gates have not been followed the strict instruction of the government to check the malpractices. Meanwhile, district administration of Kokrajhar ordered an inquiry into Dalal Raj situation along the inter-state Srirampur check gate to check anomalies prevailing while passing truck and vehicles. A team of journalists from Kokrajhar on June 30 visited the interstate check gate to know whether the dalal raj is contained. But the fact is that the dalals which have illegal counter in the roadside of the national highway are still doing their business although some of them have closed their operations after the government instruction to stop practices of dalal. There are many illegal counters that still exist at the behest of Sale Tax department. In as interview with media persons, the agent of illegal counter house said they have valid permission from the Sales Tax department and thus their counters are authorized. They also said the illegal

counters have closed their business and truckers can pass after submitting their documents to the government counter. Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Taxes H. Medhi in informal discussion (Reluctant to give interview) said he did not give any permission or authorization for opening private counter and there is no such counter. He however, said if these counters have got online permission from the higher authority than he has nothing to do with it but the permission from his side is not at all true. His statement has contradicted as a section of dalals have said they have authorization letter from the Superintendent of Taxes. Medhi said their department has lack of staff and for more effective works they need more staff at Srirampur check gate. He, however, failed to show the revenue collection sought by the journalists. Interestingly, the dalals operate their business in a very smooth way. The collectors of such unauthorized counters are moving around in bike or

in bicycle and take the challan as well as money from the drivers of the trucks for making pass. They are in a position to clear the road very fast while the drivers who are in queue to show their challan and pay taxes against their item have to spend lot of time or they have to strand on road for a day. For this reason, the drivers seek dalals for good pass. Most of the truck drivers say in the interview that the illegal collection from police were not visible now at Srirampur check gate and they can pay tax in the govt. counter directly but it takes lot of time. They alleged that if they stand up in the queue, they take lot of time but the dalals can make the pass very faster due to reason best known to them. They also said the drivers definitely want easy pass and therefore, they depend on the dalals through paying more money and there are many drivers who do not know the official procedure who directly seek dalals. They also reiterated that in many cases

they are forced to pay much higher tax as the officials want to create hassle in the name of checking imported items just to get the illegal money for which the drivers compel to pay extra money to avoid time consuming. The Enforcement Inspector of MVI-Pegu who showed his position and style like a don said there were no malpractices in Srirampur check gate. He questioned-“Should not the government collect revenue at the gate?” A journalist replied-“Who asked this question? This is not the question from the media person but the thing is that the unauthorized agents are doing their business in the gate despite the government has issued strict instruction to stop practices of dalals, the media persons asked. Madhav Prasad Sarma, Deputy Commissioner, Kokrajhar has ordered an inquiry into dalal raj anomalies along the Srirampur check gate. He also told that Gossaigaon SDO (civil) has been instructed to report within three days about situation.

ordered the Additional Director, AH & Veterinary to suspend these official who are on unauthorized leave. He also expressed concern over the unauthorized occupation of the office and laboratory of the department, in this he also directed the Additional Director, AH & Veterinary to take immediate action in addition to repair and renovation of the office as well as the departmental quarters. At Harangajao, during his visit along with officials of several departments like the Additional Director, AH & Veterinary, PHE, PWD,

Water resources and block all the ongoing projects and schemes at Harangajao. Hojai who is loved by the people of Harangajao for his pro-people activities in and around Harangajao in particular and in the district of Dima Hasao in general, said I love to help people whosoever come to me and at the same time I consider this as my responsibility and duty to do for others. He also said, “our government led by Debolal Gorlosa, CEM, NCHAC is committed to the people of Dima Hasao therefore I would like to follow the tradition of our government”.

Yoga plays a role in ensuring physical and mental well-being: Governor A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 4: “Yoga is not a religion, it is completely a science of well being, science of youthfulness and a science of integrating body, mind and soul” said governor of Assam and Nagaland hon’ble P.B.Acharya while releasing two books on Yoga at a function held at Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Ujanbazar, Guwahati this evening. The two books that hon’ble P.B. Acharya released were “Stay fit through Yoga” written by Amar Krishna Paul for yoga teachers, students and health conscious people and “Bridge the Information Gap” a practical handbook for all householders by Ashok Kumar Deb. Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Governor, P.B.Acharya said, “Yoga means addition of energy, strength and beauty to body mind and soul”, adding he said “Modern life is full of stress and problems which give rise to diseases like obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Yoga has the potential to address all these problems and plays a vital role in ensuring physical and mental well-being”. He moreover, said that yoga offers the cheapest and most undisruptive solution to all physical ailments. Both the books, the Governor ob-

served, have been written to benefit humanity as a whole. Governor said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian traditions to the world. It embodies unity of mind, body, thought and action. It also symbolizes harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and wellbeing all rolling into one.” As Indians, we should be proud that yoga has become a movement in our society for health and wellbeing and today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal the United Nations even proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, Governor added. President, Journalists’ Association of Assam. D.N.Chakraborty spoke at length on the benefits of yoga. Director, Purbanchal Yoga Mahavidyalaya, Yogacharya Subhasish while sharing his expertise, requested the Governor to take initiative for setting up of a new university in the North East India which will be completely dedicated to the Yogic activities of Swami Sivananda Saraswati Maharaj, the forerunner in the field of Yoga in the world. President ISKCON Jeeva Das along with a host of dignitaries were also present on the book release function.

BPL standard students face hardship in getting admission in DKD collage ET Correspondent Dergaon, July 4: The norms to enjoy the free admission is that students should come from BPL standard and which income is or at rupees one lakh per annum. But the students belonging to rich families and govt. servants submits the required income certificate and easily get admitted without proper review and creates

serious concern for the students who come under BPL standard. Such income certificates are issued without proper verification of income of the families. The public while interacting with this correspondent said that many students are taking free admission who don't even belong to BPL families.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

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With IWTTP in place, Water levels of all major rivers rising steadily : Manipur Tripura to get food, fuel Imphal, Jul 4: As intermittent rains continue to lash the State, water levels of all major rivers flowing through the Manipur valley have been rising steadily. Whereas vast areas of paddy fields have been flooded at Irengbam, Bishnu-pur district, a portion of Khuga canal breached at Churachandpur. Around 400/500 paris of paddy fields have been inundated at Irengbam as a portion of a bank of Khumankhong canal has breached. Barely two days after torrential rain left a trail of devastation in Churachand-pur, a portion of Khuga Canal which provides water to PHED's water supply lines and paddy fields breached last night. The left side canal that breached last night is located a few hundred meters away from the earthen dam and provides water to several hectares of paddy fields. It is also the water source of the PHE Department's water pump that feeds

12 B'deshi Hindus held while entering M'laya Shillong, July 4: As many as 12 persons belonging to Hindu families fled from Bangladesh and the BSF detected them at the South Garo Hills border of Meghalaya. Though the BSF arrested them since they had illegally crossed over to Meghalaya, an official statement of the BSF said after the recent atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, it appears to be a case of migration of the Hindus who are in minority there. The statement further said a special patrolling party of BSF troops deployed in South Garo Hills apprehended a total of 13 persons (12 Hindus and one Muslim) from Bangladesh while they were infiltrating into India. During search, the BSF recovered Rs 5,000 Indian currency and two mobile phones with Bangladeshi SIM from their possession. The arrested persons been identified as Anjan Sarkar (45), his wife Savita Sarkar (35), their son Sujeet Sarkar (7), Gopal Bhaumik (30), his wife Shifali Bhaumik (25), their son Pujan Bhaumik (10), Athir Das (40), his mother Nioji Das (60), Bindu Lal (45), Niranjan Mondal (38), Dulal Sarkar (20), his brother Akash Sarkar (14) and Shabuddin Sarkar (14), all residents of Anandpur village under Netrakona district of Bangladesh. The apprehension of twelve Bangladeshis also suggests the pressure Hindus are facing in Bangladesh. The apprehended Bangladeshi Hindus have confessed that they were going to Cooch Behar to meet relatives and would stay put there. Meanwhile, a BSF official said the force will examine whether the migrants can be pushed back to Bangladesh, but indications are that they do not prefer to go back at this juncture considering the vulnerable situation in the wake of attacks against the minority Hindus in the neighbouring country. (Agencies)

their filtration units and eventually supplies potable water to the town. Water supply to the town is likely to be affected until an alternative arrangement is made or the collapsed portion is restored. Meanwhile, several areas along the Lanva and the Sielmat streams are said to be still reeling under deluge as rain continues to lash the area. Sources said residents of at least three localities including Zoumunnuam village have been forced to seek a safer place in the midnight as the river bank breached. Several houses located along the Lanva river whose occupants have been evacuated are still waiting to return to their respective homes as the water level has not receded. Apart from the inundated paddy fields, MLA I Ibohalbi and high ranking officials of IFCD today inspected vulnerable portions of the banks of Khumankhong canal. Speaking to media persons during the inspec-

Water levels of all major rivers flowing through the Manipur valley have been rising steadily tion tour, Dr Ibohalbi appealed to the IFCD officials to take up all possible flood control measures so that the department lives up to its name. He then asked the IFCD officials to repair the breached portion of Khumankhong canal temporarily so that paddy cultivation at Irengbam Ma-mang Thoibimacha Loukon is not affected. The MLA and the IFCD officials also inspected the minor dam built at the confluence of Khujairok river and Khumankhong canal. It was found that the dam was in shaky condition which may collapse or breach any time. In case

the dam collapses, vast areas of paddy fields would be flooded. They also inspected roads running on either sides of Keinou river. Although the roads were constructed with MLA Local Area Development Fund some years back, they are so dilapidated on account of erosion along the river banks and they can get disconnected any time. Similar is the condition of the roads that run on either sides of Khujairok river. He further appealed to the IFCD Department to construct dams only at the most suitable sites, not at sites recommended by Ministers or MLAs.

Asking the department to take up all possible flood control measures so that the department lives up to its name, Dr Ibohalbi said that he would raise a proposal in the next session of the State Assembly to abolish the department. He also underscored the need to earmark certain amounts in the State budget for taking up flood control measures effectively. Ibohalbi then appealed to the Chief Minister to pay some attention to small rivers too rather than focusing all the attention only on big rivers. According to information received from Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), Nambul river waters are seeping through its bank at Wangoi near Sampat and while the river is now overflowing at different places. It is said that Nambul River is now flowing above warning level while Imphal River has approached flood level at 786.862 metre. At 784 metre, Iril River

is also close to warning level. Volume of rainfall recorded at different places of the State today are Kangpokpi 38 mm, Saikul 19 mm, Litan 28 mm, Lamphel 12 mm and Raj Bhavan 10 mm. Incessant rainfall since Saturday has flooded many places in Moirang AC too. Overflowing waters from Moirang river have flooded many adjoining houses in Moirang Lurenbal Leikai, Sribon Leikai, Moirang Mayai Leikai, Chingei Leikai and Moirang Koklibon Leikai. Moirang Kumbi road has also flooded therefore residents of Koklibon Leikai have been facing difficulties in commuting. Fish farms located near Moirang Kumbi road and Chingei Leikai have been severely affected. In the meantime, Communist Party of India, Moirang has urged the State Government to provide immediate assistance to the affected families.(Agencies)

Anti- femal foeticide law not effective Imphal, Jul 4: The Govern-ment of Manipur is still unable to implement the Pre-Con-ception and the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Pro-hibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 effectively in the State. It has been reported that the most common device used in committing female foeticide is ultrasound machine although it is intended to serve as a pre-natal diagnostic technique. An ultrasound machine can determine whether a foetus is a male or a female. RIMS Department of Gynaecology, Head Dr Ranjit said that sex of a foetus can be determined

18 months after conception. Majority of the medical professionals have by and large accepted that ultrasound machine is most widely used in committing female foeticide. The Pre-Conception and the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 lays special emphasis on use of ultrasound machines by gynaecologists, particularly in private clinics and hospitals. Under the Act, all Government hospitals, private hospitals and clinics should get themselves registered with the Family Welfare Department

for using ultrasound machines and they should send reports for every case. The reports should be in the format prescribed by Family Welfare Department and they should be accompanied with a declaration from patients that they have no intention to determine sex of foetuses and another declaration from consultant doctors that they never disclose the sexes of foetuses to their patients. To look into this matter, one PNDT cell has been opened at Family Welfare Department. After receiving certificate for installing ultrasound machines, the same machines should be

used by doctors/medical professionals who have completed MD in Radio Diagnostics or Diploma in Radio Diagnostics or three to nine months course on Radio Diagnostics and Gynaecologists who possess ultrasound experience certificate of registration. All hospitals/clinics should display sign boards/banner clearly embossed with the words 'Sex determination is not done here'. Altogether 107 private hospitals, clinics and Government hospitals including RIMS and JNIMS have been registered at the PNDT Cell

for using ultrasound machines. Dr Arun of PNDT Cell told The Sangai Express that maximum efforts are being invested to get all ultrasound machine users registered. However, not all registered hospitals/clinics send reports of using ultrasound machines. Efforts are also on to make all ultrasound machines immobile, rather than being portable, Dr Arun said. Non-compliance with the Pre-Conception and the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 entails a jail term of three years and a fine of Rs 10,000.(Agencies)

via Bangladesh

With IWTTP in place, Tripura to get food, fuel via Bangladesh Agartala, July 4: With formal inauguration of the revised Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP) having provision of third-country access with Bangladesh, steps have been taken to ship essential commodities including foodgrains and fuel to Tripura via the neighbouring country, a minister said on Sunday. "Initiatives have been taken to bring the essential commodities, including fuel and foodgrains, by using the waterways of Bangladesh through Ashuganj port on the river Meghna," Tripura Revenue and PWD Minister Badal Chowdhury told reporters here. Chowdhury said the Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH-8) is almost closed due to damage along a 20-km stretch at Lowepoia in Karimganj district of bordering Assam due to rainfall and water-logging. Hundreds of trucks have been stranded for almost a month, making it difficult to transport supplies to Tripura.

The consignments will be shipped from Kolkata port to Bangladesh's Ashuganj port, which is just 50 kms from here. He said IOC and FCI have taken initiatives following Tripura government's repeated request to the Centre to transport the commodities through Bangladesh. The revised Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP) with the provision of thirdcountry access was formally inaugurated on June 16 by Bangladesh Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan. He inaugurated the transit facility at Ashuganj port. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, in a meeting with PWD Minister Chowdhury, officials of IOC, FCI, Railways, PWD and transport departments on Friday last, asked them to take initiative to transport the essential goods through the neighbouring country. Bangladesh allowed FCI to transport 35,000 tonnes of rice in 2015.(Agecnies)

13 Bangladeshi minority community members held in Meghalaya

'Elect non Congress govt in 2018' Shillong, July 4: In the wake of desire of all non Congress political parties in the State to come under one banner, coupled with the formation of the North East Democratic Alliance led by the BJP, the HSPDP on Sunday advised the electorate to vote a single party to power as coalition governments have not helped Meghalaya. HSPDP chief Ardent M. Basaiawmoit, who is hopeful of a stable government in 2018, said the

electorate are conscious about ushering in better governance in the State. Stating that unification of regional political parties is not feasible as there can be no guarantee that no new regional political parties will come up again, Basaiawmoit said, "Unification of regional parties has been futile as there have been developments, even in the past, where new political parties have sprung up and there is no stopping

them. The main target should be to throw the Congress out." Pointing that any change in the political scenario lies in the hands of the people, he said, "The electorate are moving towards a new trend and they desire a stable government. The aspirations for a stable government can be understood from the clear-cut verdict of the people in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Delhi." "Let us go to the people. We should not under-

mine them while understanding that the ground reality is to not favour the Congress," Basaiawmoit said. Indirectly, what the HSPDP wants is that the people should vote for the party so that it can form the next government in Meghalaya even as the party is keen to have post poll alliance. It may be reminded that during the 2013 general elections to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, a total number of 17 candidates from

HSPDP contested the elections but only four Ardent M. Basaiawmoit (Nongkrem), K.P. Pangniang (RambraiJyrngam), Witting Mawsor (Mawshynrut) and the then party chief Hoping Stone Lyngdoh (Nongstoin) won their respective seats. Following the death of the party chief by-election was held to the Nongstoin Assembly seat which was won by HSPDP's Diosstarness Jyndiang. (Agencies)

Action against illegal charcoal trade continues in West Khasi Hills Nongstoin, July 4: Continuing their drive against the illegal charcoal business, officials of DFO, Khasi Hills (Territorial Division) seized a huge quantity of charcoal from Rambrai and Mawlangsu villages in West Khasi Hills on Saturday. Led by Ranger in charge, West Khasi Hills, L. Shangpliang, the officials made the seizure following the surprise inspection carried out with assistance from personnel from the

Nongstoin Police Station. Following the raids carried out as part of the "clean up mission", the seized charcoal was loaded in as many as three trucks and brought to Shillong. While two truck load of charcoal was recovered from Rambrai the rest was seized from Mawlangsu. Sources said that a certain quantity of the seized charcoal was left in a depot in the district for want of more vehicles to transport it.

Media persons from Nongstoin also accompanied the Forest officials, who, yet again dismantled as many as 20 charcoal-making pits along the way from Nongstoin to Rambrai besides those in Mawlangsu. Interestingly, most of the charcoal depots that existed along the road side at Rambrai was not to be found on Saturday. According to villagers, following the raid at Seinduli on June 28, most of the depots were shifted to nearby forests

and even at the residences of those running the illegal trade. Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), M. Wan who was also present during the raid said that the surprise checking, which have proved to be a major success since ht time of its initiation, will continue till the time the illegal trade is completely stopped in the district. According to him around 9 tons of charcoal was seized from Rambrai. He also said that Forest

department will step up vigil along the highway from NongstoinUmsawkhwan till RiBhoi to check the menace. It may be mentioned that the objective of clean up mission is also to create awareness among people on the damage caused to environment by charcoal making. The campaign against the menace began last month following on illegal trade in West Khasi Hills.(Agencies)

Thirteen Bangladeshi national, all members of minority community, were apprehended in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district Shillong, July 4: Thirteen Bangladeshi national, all members of minority community, were apprehended in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district on Monday when they were trying to cross the border, the BSF said. Members of the group, which included three women and four minors, said they came to this side of the border in the wake of recent "atrocities" against minorities in Bangladesh, a top BSF official said. The 13 hailing from

Anandpur village under Netrakona district of Bangladesh said they were going to Cooch Behar in north Bengal to meet their relatives but were willing to stay put there, he said. "They also felt threatened following the terror attack in Dhaka," the official claimed requesting anonymity. Meanwhile, the BSF augmented its manpower at the 443 km-long border with Bangladesh keeping in mind the possibility of illegal migration. (Agencies)

AICC leader arrives today, dissidents unexcited Shillong, July 4: AICC general secretary in charge Meghalaya, C.P. Joshi, will arrive here on Monday evening to meet party legislators and workers against the backdrop of demand for change of leadership. After his arrival here on Monday, Joshi will meet state party functionaries on Tuesday to understand the current political situation in the State in the wake of dissidents seeking a change of leadership. There are no high expectations on the part of the dissidents as they consider Tuesday's meeting to be a ritual affair like in the past when the then AICC leader in

charge Meghalaya, V. Narayanasamy, had met the dissidents after Chief Minister Mukul Sangma went ahead with the passage of the dual post Bill in the Assembly last year without due consultations. Besides, the State government had also failed to address the matters related to the empowerment of headmen then. Party sources said Joshi will meet all the party legislators and leaders to gauge the political situation as he is to submit a report to both AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

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Cabinet rejig: With eye on UP, Modi reaches out to alliance partners New Delhi, July 4: With an eye on the politically crucial assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh scheduled next year, the muchawaited expansion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet will take place on Tuesday. In what can be seen as an attempt to woo the alliance partners, the ruling BJP at the Centre is likely to induct several new faces from smaller and local parties. Leaders from the Apna Dal, Shiv Sena and Republican Party of India, which had announced its support to the BJP for the Mumbai civic polls due next year, will be included in the Cabinet this time. The Prime Minister is likely to keep regional balances especially in view of the upcoming elections in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. Sources state that Anil Desai- Shiv Sena,

Ramdas Athawale- RPI and Vinay Sahastrabuddhe- BJP (Maharashtra); Anupriya Patel- (Apna Dal), Raghav Lakhanpal- BJP MP Saharanpur, Yogi Adityanath- BJP MP Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh); Arjun Ram Meghwal-BJP MP Bikaner (Rajasthan); Parsottambhai RupalaBJP (Gujarat) and Ajay Tamta-BJP MP Almora (Uttarakhand) will find their place in the Cabinet this time. SS Ahluwalia, Mahendra Nath Pandey and P.P. Chaudhary are also likely to be inducted in the Cabinet. Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi are set to be promoted courtesy their splendid performances. Besides, there are a few

Relief, rescue ops underway in Uttarakhand, over 57 thousand people affected by floods in Assam

Relief, rescue ops underway in Uttarakhand, over 57 thousand people affected by floods in Assam Dehradun, July 4: Relief and rescue operations continued in the disaster affected villages of Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, where NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Army and the state police are working round the clock looking for any traces of life trapped under the debris. So far, 15 bodies have been recovered from the debris, while 12 persons are still missing. The death toll in Pithoragarh and Chamoli has gone up to 18. Meanwhile, Major rivers in the State which were in spate earlier have now started receding. With the clearing of landslides on Gangotri and Yamunotri national highways in Uttarkashi, vehicular traffic to both the shrines has been resumed. Yatra on the Kedarnath route was already going on uninterrupted and

now, continued efforts are being made to open the Badrinath national highway which was blocked at some places in Chamoli district since last three days. Chief Minister Harish Rawat has asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the yatris to the Chardhams are not stranded on the route. Meanwhile in Assam, more than 57 thousand people have been affected in floods in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts. Nearly 100 villages have been inundated. Flood water also submerged 1 thousand 500 hectares of crop land. Apart from flood, erosion also took serious turn in many districts. One relief camp has been set up in Sonitpur and two relief materials distribution camps were also started in Lakhimpur. (ANI)

Swathi murder case: Prime accused Ramkumar to be brought before court Chennai, July 4: In Tamil Nadu, the prime accused Ramkumar in the software engineer Swathi murder case will be brought before Chennai Egmore court today. Ramkumar was taken to Chennai from Tirunelveli yesterday in an ambulance after doctors gave the permission to travel. Swathi, a young engineer working in private IT company was murdered at Nungambakkam railway station on 24th of June. Nellai District Magistrate

Ramadas took the statement from Ramkumar and doctors gave the go ahead for travel. Ramkumar was arrested on Friday night by special team of police. When police surrounded him at his house in S h e n c o t t a i Minatchipuram village, Ramkumar tried to slit his throat and was admitted to Tirunelveli government hospital. A team of three doctors in the 108 ambulance accompanied him with armed police escort in the ambulance. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vacancies in the council which the Prime Minister is expected to fill tomorrow. Sarbananda Sonowal, who held the Sports portfolio, took over as the Chief Minister of Assam post the BJP's win in the northeastern state. A new Sports Minister is on the cards. Another key element of tomorrow's rejig would be the Prime Minister's decision on the below 75

year age criteria for a membership of the council. As a result of which, the fate of Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Kalraj Mishra will be decided on Tuesday. This was, however, not the criteria for Cabinet berth during the former UPA regime as the Congress leadership preferred veterans rather

than young blood. Besides, the UPA regime had several faces from the southern states of the country unlike the NDA which has adequate representation from north India. The top four portfoliosHome, Finance, External Affairs and Defence-are unlikely to be touched. The Prime Minister has been holding consultations on the Cabinet reshuffle with senior party colleagues including BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. A high-level meeting chaired by the BJP president is presently on at the party's headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, here to finalise the names. The Cabinet reshuffle will take place a day before Prime Minister Modi leaves on a fournation Africa tour beginning July 7. The Prime Minister, who

had reviewed the performance of various ministries indicating a reshuffle earlier on June 30, last expanded his Cabinet in November 2014. In November 2014, the Council of Ministers was expanded by adding four Cabinet Ministers, three Ministers of State (Independent Charge) and 14 Ministers of State, increasing the total size of the ministry from 45 to 66 ministers. The Cabinet was, however, leaner than the one headed by former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh during the UPA regime. The strength of Dr Singh-led UPA stood at 78 after its final reshuffle in October 2012. According to the Constitution, the total number of ministers in the Council of Ministers must not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha i.e. 82. (ANI)

Owaisi has no right to back 'ideologically extreme' people: Petitioner Hyderabad, July 4: Advocate K.Karuna Sagar, who has lodged a complaint against AIMIM chiefAsaduddin Owaisi over his remark to provide legal help to five arrested IS suspects, said on Monday that Owaisi has no right to help those who are ideologically extreme. Seeking a sedition case against Owaisi, Sagar said that he was boosting the morale of antinational people and was assuring them of legal aid despite their untoward acts and intentions. "I feel sorry for him, he has made a wrong choice. There are thousands of Muslims languishing in the court of India without any legal aid. If he is to give legal aid for his community particularly he can, but not to the person who are ideologically extreme and conspiring," Advocate Sagar told here. "There are revelations in the interrogation by the NIA where the IS module who has been ar-

rested by the NIA, have pledge their allegation to the IS chief AlBaghdadi," he added. Expressing confidence on positive outcome of the complaint, he said the police have sent the grievance to the legal opinion. "I have filed a complaint before the SHO of the Saroor Nagar Police against AIMIM chief Owaisi for his controversial remarks being given by him on the first of July 1, 2016 in Macca Masjid on Friday, stating that his party is going to give legal aid to the five IS module who have been conspiring to blast in Hyderabad and who are in the custody of NIA," he added. As Owaisi came under attack after his remark, BJP and JD(U) demanded strict action against him with immediate arrest. The Janata Dal (United) has demanded his arrest besides the cancellation of membership as a parliamentarian. "There is uniform civil

Owaisi has no right to back 'ideologically extreme' people code in many states..so does that make those states Hindu or Catholic? But it definitely creates the Islamic states. Owaisi is the greatest anti-national. He said he will provide legal aid to the people associated with the ISIS. Such kind of persons should be put behind the bars and their Parliament membership must be cancelled," JD (U) leader Ajay Alok told. Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also said Owaisi's statement

boosted the morale of the terrorists. "One should not fall so low in politics that they begin to appear favouring terrorists and terrorism. Play politics and take on the opposition, but don't do something which shows that you are on the side of terrorism," Naqvi said. Condemning Owaisi's decision to back the IS suspects, he further said that his decision would not be accepted by anyone across the country no matter his or her religion. (ANI)

Complaint filed against Abhijeet Bhattacharya for 'abusing, harassing' journalist New Delhi, July 4 : A complaint has been filed against singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya for his 'abusive' comments on Twitter allegedly targeting a woman journalist. A non-cognizable complaint was registered at the Vasant Vihar Police Station after Swati Chaturvedi, a Delhi-based journalist, approached the police. The playback singer, who is at the centre of a controversy for hurling abuses at a female journalist on Twitter, had yesterday accused the latter of being an 'antinational,' while adding that the war has not ended and he will give a proper reply in his defence. Bhattacharya said that the troll he got on the social media was unnecessarily, adding that he was just expressing his concern in regard with the murder of a techie in Chennai. "It is their profession to do all these things. They are fake journalists who do their journalism on the cost of their countries respect and dignity. I don't know them may be she is a famous journalist but who

Abhijeet Bhattacharya has given them the freedom to attack personally. It is very shameful that you target our country and hail another country," said Bhattacharya. "It all started when I tweeted for 'justice for Swati' in connection with the murder case and these people gave it a communal angle. They are accusing me that I am doing it to spread riots. I don't know if she is a renowned journalist, even if she is I am not concerned. And I would like to say that this matter has not ended here, I will not tolerate all this, I will fix you these people," he added. Calling the female journalist a 'blot' on the nation, the

singer called himself a 'Sanghi and said he is a proud Hindu and will always voice his opinion in this regard. And that he will never tolerate any anti-nationals comments. "I will not tolerate nonsense on the cost of my country. Such journalists are a blot on the nation. They always talk against our country. Whenever I talk of Hindutva or Hinduism they call me a sanghi, I have not signed any papers but I am a proud Hindu and if I talk about that then people call me Sanghi, if this is the case then yes I am a Sanghi," said Bhattacharya.

Further when questioned about the usage of unparliamentarily language, Bhattacharya said that he felt attacked from all quarters and that he had no choice but to come out aggressively in his defence. "They all are a group who were trolling against me, that is why I used such aggressive language. These all are anti-nationals. I will give a firm reply to these journalists. I am not against any religion. But I am not going to tolerate anything against my country," said Abhijeet. Bhattacharya caused a Twitter furore when one of his tweets - with stark communal overtones - on the murder of the Chennai Infosys techie S Swathi. He dubbed the murder, as a case of 'love jihad', suggesting that her attacker was a Muslim. When a female journalist and other Twitter users questioned out and demanded that he should be arrested for unnecessarily stoking communal hatred, Abhijeet unleashed a tirade of abuses at her by calling her "an old woman" in his expletivefilled rant. (ANI)

High alert on IndoBangladesh border after Dhaka carnage

High alert on Indo-Bangladesh border after Dhaka carnage Cooochbehar (WB), July 4: In the wake of the deadly attack in Dhaka, the Border Security Force (BSF) of North Bengal Frontier has tightened security arrangements in 199 Border out Post (BOP)'s including Barun Indo-Bangladesh border near Mekhligunj in Cooochbehar district of West Bengal. According to Suresh Kumar, the senior official of BSF, 13 Battalion, after the militants attack in Bangladesh security, has been tightened along the Indo-Bangladesh border. "BSF is putting a strong vigil over the border lines to avoid any unwanted incident. Our jawans are on high alert, doing duties around the clock in

fenced, unfenced and also in the riverine areas. We are also using speed boats and country made boats in the riverine borders," Kumar said. He also said that the BSF is also in contact with the local police which help us the joint operations. India shares 4096 kms of border with Bangladesh of which West Bengal has the most of 2216kms. The North Bengal Frontier has a border of 932kms of border with the country and has a number of porous areas. The length of the border in the other four states is Tripura (856km), Meghalaya (443km), Assam (262km) and Mizoram (180km). (ANI)

Focus on music instead of stirring controversies: Barkha Shukla tells Abhijeet

Former NCW member Barkha Shukla New Delhi, July 4: Taking a strong exception to singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya's Twitter barb on a woman journalist, former NCW member Barkha Shukla on Monday advised the former to refrain from stirring controversies and focus on his art. Reprimanding Abhijeet's remark on social media, Shukla said raking up controversies was not a new thing for the singer. "This is nothing new for singer Abhijeet... We all know he has been involved in these kinds of verbal barbs. He is always involved in these kinds of things, "Shukla told. "I feel he is a wonderful artist and he should concentrate on his art rather than commenting on these issues," she added. Shukla's remarks came in wake of Bhattacharya's 'abusive' language while addressing a woman journalist on Twitter on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has also registered a complaint in this regard.

A non-cognizable complaint was registered at the Vasant Vihar Police Station after Swati Chaturvedi, a Delhibased journalist, approached the police. The playback singer, who is at the centre of a controversy for hurling abuses at a female journalist on Twitter, had yesterday accused the latter of being an 'anti-national,' while adding that the war has not ended and he will give a proper reply in his defence. Bhattacharya caused a Twitter furore when one of his tweets - with stark communal overtones - on the murder of the Chennai Infosys techie S Swathi. He dubbed the murder, as a case of 'love jihad', suggesting that her attacker was a Muslim. When a female journalist and other Twitter users questioned out and demanded that he should be arrested for unnecessarily stoking communal hatred, Abhijeet unleashed a tirade of abuses at her by calling her "an old woman" in his expletive-filled rant. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

Post-Dhaka attack Japan's Uniqlo suspends most Bangladesh travel

Post-Dhaka attack Japan's Uniqlo suspends most Bangladesh travel Dhaka, July 4: Following the Dhaka terror attack that killed 20 people, including seven Japanese, Japan's Fast Retailing Co, owner of the Uniqlo casual wear brand, has suspended all but critical travel to Bangladesh and told staff here to stay home. According to reports Uniqlo has 10 Japanese staff in Bangladesh, one of its major production hubs outside China. It was one among the first to confirm that it will tighten travel restrictions to Bangladesh. A spokeswoman said all but critical travel was suspended, reports the Dhaka Tribune. Many industry analysts have suggested that foreign brands could now consider shifting out of Bangladesh. So far, no major producer has yet signalled official plans. Sweden's H & M on said in a Sunday statement said that there are no plans in changing any sourcing, but were following developments

closely. With major retailers from Uniqlo to Marks and Spencer and Gap Inc likely to rethink their investment after the latest attack targeting foreigners, Bangladesh's 26 billion-dollar garment industry has been bracing for the fallout. One of the world's poorest countries, Bangladesh relies on garments for around 80 percent of its exports and for about 4 million jobs. Nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis were killed in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan on Friday night. Besides 20 people, two senior police officersBanani Police Station officer-in-charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch Assistant Commissioner Robiul Islam were killed while trying to rescue the hostages. (ANI)

Anti-Muslim protests disrupt normal life in Myanmar's Rakhine State

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NEIGHBOURS

Dhaka attack: Italian envoy calls on world community to unite against terrorism Dhaka, July 4 : Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mario Palma, today called on world community to unite its efforts in fighting terrorism with emphasis on closer cooperation between the intelligent services. "This is the message of the moment we have to unite our efforts and this means also technical cooperation in fighting terrorist. I mean a closer cooperation between the intelligent services, a closer cooperation between the police, every kind of police. Every country has different police, statures, they have to cooperate more among their service and share whenever it's possible, all the information we need to fight this act," he said as people from all walks of life paid homage to the

victims of the Gulshan attack at the Army Stadium in Dhaka. Expressing his condolence to the victims of the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, the Italian Ambassador said that more about peace and harmony should be taught to youngsters in their schools. "The message we have to teach in our school, the good message of harmony, of cooperation, of love against hate. I feel so sorry, so sorry also for the young people who did it. They were educated young men. We cannot allow this to happen again in our society," he added. Nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis were killed in the terror attack. Saddened by the inhuman act, Palma said that Ital-

Italian envoy calls on world community to unite against terrorism ian Prime Minister Matteo Renz has asked the people to be strong during this hour of grim. "The reaction is that our prime minister said loudly to fight, to be strong, to go ahead. The response to the terrorism is to feel always able to live our daily live without accepting the limitation the terrorist will like

to impose on us. We are free men, we are free women," he said. The ambassador asked people not to pay attention to the messages of hate, death and instead subscribe the best message for life and love. He said that Italy stands united with Bangladesh. "To my citizen and all my Bangladeshi friends be

strong. We have to react in a way that gives the right messages to the people who want to destroy the social harmony between us. Italy and Bangladesh they have a very very rich tradition, diversity inside both countries. I see this unprecedented attack is also an attack the very identity of Bangladesh," he said. "You deserve all the cooperation and sympathy by your friends from all over the world. The same kind of sympathy who gave you a great support for your struggle to achieving independence. Now we have to unite our efforts to make this independence bearing fruits in term of social, economic and cultural advancement. We will be with you and you please be with us. Be with Italian people in this mo-

India 'still stuck' in 1962 war mindset: Chinese media Beijing, Jul 4 : Criticising the strong reactions from India over China blocking its bid to enter NSG, a state-run daily today said India is "still stuck" in the 1962 war mindset as it called for a more objective evaluation of Beijing's stand. "The Indian public seems to be having a hard time accepting the outcome of the Seoul plenary meeting of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) late last month after India failed to gain entry into NSG," an oped-page article in Global Times said. "Many Indian media (outlets) put the blame on China alone, accusing China's anti-India

and pro-Pakistan motives behind its opposition. Some activists even took to the streets in protest against China and Chinese products and some observers said the incident would freeze the China-India relationship," the article titled 'China, India should drop obsolete view for cooperation' said. The article asserted that "India's precautions" against China cannot be clearer. The country seems to be "still stuck" in the shadow of the war with China in the 1960s and many still hold on to the "obsolete geopolitical view" that China does not want to see India's rise, it said.

"However, New Delhi may have misunderstood Beijing, which can make a big difference in its strategic decisions. In fact, China no longer looks at India simply from a political perspective, but far more from an economic one," the article said. As New Delhi pushed its case to join the NSG last month, the Global Times, part of ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) publications, carried a number of articles including a hard hitting editorial claiming that China's stand is "morally legitimate" and the West has "spoiled" India. Continuing to justify China's stand to block

New Delhi's bid, today's article harped on the often repeated argument of signing the NPT being a must for India to join the NSG and that consensus is required for entry of new members. "India needs to perceive China objectively. Joining the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is a must for any country seeking NSG membership, but India is not a party to the NPT," the article said. "The only exception is if India can obtain consent from all 48-NSG members, but several countries apart from China hold reservations in this regard. India better put more efforts into figur-

ing out how to obtain international trust rather than misinterpreting and defaming China," it said. Quoting Political scientist Zheng Yongnian who stated that that, "China's bilateral relationship with India is second only to the SinoUS relationship," it said ties with China are of great significance to India as well. "The best option is for China and India to work together to boost their economic and trade ties. Only by seeking common development between China and India can the two build a new international order and form an Asian century," it said.(PTI)

India welcomes PM Hasina's gesture for Dhaka attack victim Tarishi Anti-Muslim protests disrupt normal life in Myanmar's Rakhine State Naypyidaw (Myan mar), July 4: Myanmar's ethnically divided Rakhine State witnessed mass protests, as thousands of Buddhists, including monks, demonstrated against a government edict to refer to Muslims as the 'Muslim communities of Rakhine' rather than describing them as 'Rohingya' or 'Bengalis'. Anti-Muslim rhetoric has been on the rise across Myanmar recently, as Buddhist mobs ransacked and torched two mosques in the last week . Myanmar has struggled to contain bloodshed on the basis of religion in recent years, especially in Rakhine State where Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims are at loggerheads. Rakhine State is home to about a million stateless Muslims who self-identify as Rohingyas and are reviled by Rakhine Buddhists. The government has sought to defuse the row over the term "Rohingya", by ordering officials to refer the Muslim community in the restive province as "Muslim communities in Rakhine". Protesters said that too was unacceptable as it hands Muslims recognition in a Buddhist state. "We reject the term 'Muslim communities in

Rakhine State'," U Kyawt Sein, a protest organiser in Sittwe, said. Rally-goers there shouted slogans including "Protect Rakhine State", while a protest in the town of Thandwe drew similar numbers, reports the Myanmar Times. "Bengalis should be called Bengalis," Ko Phoe Thar Lay, a leader of a local Rakhine youth group, said, adding that all 17 townships across Rakhine were participating in protests yesterday afternoon. Most Rohingya live cut off from the Buddhist community in displacement camps or remote settlements since sectarian riots in 2012. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has drawn criticism from rights groups for not taking up the cause of Muslims. UN rights investigator Yanghee Lee after a 12day visit to Rakhine and other conflict sites in Myanmar warned on July 1 that "tensions along religious lines remain pervasive across Myanmar society". Lee urged the country's new civilian government to make "ending institutionalised discrimination against the Muslim communities in Rakhine State . an urgent priority."(ANI)

Dhaka, July 4 : Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, today said New Delhi is grateful to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her gesture shown to 19year-old Indian Tarishi Jain and other victims of the Gulshan terror attack. Shringla said that Prime Minister Hasina met with the families of all victims. "She met the families of police personnel, who died. And I think this is quite unexpected extraordinary gesture considering the pre-occupation the Prime Minister faces at this point of time, but I think she made a point to express condolences and solidarity with the victims of this terrorist attack. And all I can say is that on behalf of my country we are grateful to her for the gesture," Shringla told.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla Shringla said the body of slain Indian hostage Tarishi Jain has been flown to New Delhi. "I have just been to the airport to see off our daughter Tarishi. She has just left Bangladesh and gone back home with her parents. And Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told me that she is

deeply distraught as what has happened," he said. Tarishi, a student of University of California in Berkeley where she studied Economics, was in Dhaka on vacation. She had gone with two other friends to the Gulshan cafe where she was killed. Shringla further said that

Prime Minister Hasina has also expressed condolence to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. "Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wanted me to convey condolences to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and she said that we will be resolute in the fight against terrorism," he added. Prime Minister Hasina today paid homage to the victims of the Gulshan attack at the Army Stadium in Banani. The people from all walks of life also paid homage in solidarity with the victims. Nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis were killed in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan on Friday night. Besides 20 people, two

senior police officersBanani Police Station officer-in-charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch Assistant Commissioner Robiul Islam were killed while trying to rescue the hostages. The 12-hour-long hostage crisis at the cafe popular with foreigners ended after a two-hour long assault by armed forces' commandos killing six gunmen. One assailant has been held by the security forces. Though Islamic state has taken responsibility for the attack, the Bangladesh government clearly rejected the claims and said the attack did not have any link with any international terrorist organization and it was homegrown. The Bangladesh authorities even blamed Pakistan's ISI for the attack. (ANI)

Taiwan may become the first Asian country to legalize same sex marriage Taipei (Taiwan), July 4 : Taiwan is expected to become the first Asian country to legalise same sex marriages following a likely decision to present this proposal before a parliamentary committee, reports . Taiwan has a large gay community and its annual gay pride parade is

said to be the biggest in Asia. It is one of the most progressive places in Asia in terms of safeguarding and promoting LGBT rights, giving legal status to homosexuality and permitting sex change operations. "I'm sure gay marriage will be legalised soon," said Chang (45), who

runs one of Taipei's most famous gay bars, Dalida, in the heart of the city's gay village. With the Liberal Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in power, expectations are high that Taiwan will become the first place in Asia to permit same sex marriage. President Tsai Ing-wen who was sworn in as

Taiwan's first female president in May this year, has repeatedly voiced her support for sexual equality and LGBT rights. However, homosexuality is still controversial with the older generation, and gay marriage is opposed by politically influential social conser-

vative and Christian groups. Previously, a bill raised to legalize same sex marriage in 2012 failed in the parliament and Yu Mei-Nu, the DPP legislator who proposed the last bill, says she is preparing to try again. She expects to present the bill later this year. (ANI)

ment very difficult moment," he added. Meanwhile, security continues to be tight at all sensitive points in the capital, with police checking all vehicles especially in the secured diplomatic area where the gruesome hostage killings took place. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had also called the Bangladesh Prime Minister and offered her assistance from American law enforcement, including the FBI, in the wake of the terror attack in Dhaka. State Department spokesperson John Kirby said that the Secretary yesterday encouraged Bangladesh to conduct its investigation in accordance with the highest international standards and offered immediate U.S. assistance in this regard. (ANI)

B'desh PM Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to Dhaka terror attack victims Dhaka, July 4: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the victims of the Gulshan attack at the Army Stadium in Banani here on Monday morning. The 12-hour-long hostage crisis had ended on Saturday morning after a two-hour long assault by armed forces' commandos killing six gunmen and capturing one alive. Nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis were among the 20 killed in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan on Friday night. Two senior police officers-Banani Police Station officer-in-charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch Assistant commissioner Robiul Islam also lost their lives while trying to rescue the hostages. While Salauddin was laid to eternal rest at Banani Graveyard in Dhaka, Robiul was buried at her village home in Manikganj. Meanwhile security continues to be tight at all sensitive points in the capital, with police checking all vehicles especially in the secured diplomatic area where the gruesome hostage killings took place. US Secretary of State John Kerry had also called the Bangladesh Prime Minister and offered her assistance from American law enforcement, including the FBI, in the wake of the terror attack in Dhaka. State Department spokesperson John Kirby said that the Secretary yesterday encouraged the Bangladesh to conduct its investigation in accordance with the highest international standards and offered immediate US assistance in this regard. (ANI)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

The Downfall of Democracy in Bangladesh "Sheikh's unprecedented moves since coming to power threaten to undo much of the country's democratic progress."

Centre Renews AFSPA in Nagaland for Six Months Recent events in India's restive Northeast have turned the spotlight yet again on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), a controversial piece of legislation that con(Photo: thestatesman) fers vast powers on the armed forces deployed in "disturbed areas" of the country. The Indian government declared as "disturbed areas" 12 districts in Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam and imposed the AFSPA on them, only to revoke it in early May,2015. Then in late May, the government of Tripura revoked AFSPA, 18 years after it was first imposed in this state. A few days later, on June 4,2015 militants ambushed a convoy of the Indian Army's 6 Dogra Regiment in Manipur. The attack, which left 18 soldiers dead and eleven injured, is among the deadliest militant strikes on the Army in over three decades in this troubled state. Imposed first on the Naga Hills in 1958, AFSPA, an emergency law, was to be in force for a year. Almost six decades thereon, it remains in effect not just in these hills but in "disturbed areas" across all seven northeastern states. Since July 1990, it has been in force in the Kashmir Valley too. But again the Central government has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) for another six months in Nagaland stating that the state is "in a disturbed and dangerous condition". In its notification, the Union Home Ministry said that the whole of Nagaland is in a disturbed and dangerous condition and hence the AFSPA will remain in effect for the next six months. Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from June 30, 2016 for the purpose of that Act, the Ministry notification stated. Declaring whole of Nagaland as a "disturbed" area under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 will give the armed forces powers to search, raid and arrest without a warrant. Also, it would allow use of force by the Army personnel even to the extent of causing death, against one who puts law and order in a 'disturbed' area, in peril. Incidentally, the Nagaland government has been seeking removal of the "disturbed" area tag since 2005, citing the falling levels of insurgencyrelated incidents or deaths. The declaration of Nagaland as a disturbed area comes a month after the Naga rebel outfit, NSCN (Khaplang), launched an ambush in adjoining Manipur, killing 18 Army personnel. The attack led the Army to retaliate with cross-border surgical strikes against camps of NSCN (K) and allied outfits like PLA in Myanmar. The announcement also came three days after the death of Isak Chishi Swu, chairman of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM). According to officials, killings, extortion, factional clashes and other subversive activities have been going on in different parts of Nagaland at the behest of a few insurgent groups and so it was necessary to extend AFSPA for another six months.

Black money India witness downfall in Swiss Bank Our motherland India, which was once the top share holder in the Swiss Bank has now slipped to 75th place in terms of money held by its citizens with banks in Switzerland, while the UK remains on top. The fall in money by Indians in Swiss banks is a positive sign and ofcourse the data indicated the government's steps to recover black money were in the right direction. The government and the income tax (I-T) department are continuously working to detect black money and are making efforts to track down any such funds that have returned to India. Money held by Indians in Swiss banks has fallen by nearly third to a record low of 1.2 billion francs (about Rs 8,392 crore) amid a continuing global clampdown on the famed secrecy wall of Switzerland's banking system. India was placed at 61st place last year, while it used to among top-50 countries in terms of holdings in Swiss banks till 2007. The country was ranked highest at 37th place in 2004. As per the latest annual update on Swiss banks, released by Switzerland's central bank SNB (Swiss National Bank), the total money held there by foreign clients from across the world fell by nearly 4 % to Swiss franc (CHF) 1.42 trillion (about Rs 98 lakh crore) at the end of 2015. Pakistan was placed higher at 69th place with CHF 1.5 billion-a shade better than 0.1% of total foreign money parked with Swiss banks. India was placed at 61st place last year, while it used to among top-50 countries in terms of holdings in Swiss banks till 2007. In terms of individual countries, the UK accounted for the largest chunk at about CHF 350 billion or almost 25% of the total foreign money with Swiss banks. The US came second with nearly CHF 196 billion or about 14%. No other country accounted for a double-digit percentage share, while others in the topten included West Indies, Germany, Bahamas, France, Guernsey, Luxembourg, Hong Kong and Panama. India was ranked 75th with CHF 1.2 billion (about Rs 8,392 crore), which is not even 0.1 % of the total foreign money in Swiss banks and is the lowest for the country in at least two decades or since 1996 -- the first year for which full comparable data is available. India was also lowest ranked among the BRICS nations -- Russia was ranked 17th (CHF 17.6 billion), China 28th (CHF 7.4 billion), Brazil 37th (CHF 4.8 billion) and South Africa 60th (CHF 2.2 billion). Others ranked higher than India included Mauritius, Kazakhstan, Iran, Chile, Angola, Philippines, Indonesia and Mexico, while a number of so-called tax havens were also placed above, including Jersey, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Marshall Islands, Bermuda, Belize, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Seychelles and St Vincent and the Grenadines. All offshore financial centres together held CHF 378 billion in Swiss banks. The total for developing countries stood at CHF 207 billion, while the same for the developed countries was much higher at CHF 833 million. India was ranked in top-50 continuously between 1996 and 2007, but started declining after that -- 55th in 2008, 59th in 2009 and 2010 each, 55th again in 2011, 71st in 2012 and then 58th in 2013.

Last month, Ripon elections, a pillar of Chakraborty, a Hindu Bangladesh's democracy. mathematics teacher in Second, faced with the the district of Madaripur, backlash that ensued, she Bangladesh, heard a took a series of increasknock on his door. As he ingly authoritarian meaopened it, three men sures to silence her critics, forced their way in and ranging from attacks on hacked him with knives popular media outlets to repeatedly. He survived- accusations of terrorism barely. targeting the political opSince 2013, Bangladesh position. has witnessed a spate of Until 2008, the rivalry begrisly Islamt w e e n ist attacks David Landry S h e i k h ' s targeting Bangladesh LGBT activists, secular Awami League (BAL) intellectuals, atheists, and and Zia's Bangladesh Nareligious minorities, with tionalist Party (BNP) took dozens killed. The grim the form of imperfect-yet tally has spiked in recent functional-democratic months, with five murders competition. Quasi-miin April, four in May and raculous economic three in June-not counting progress accompanied those like Chakraborty, that democracy. who miraculously sur- Bangladesh's economy vived. Grisly as these at- quadrupled in size betacks have been, and de- tween 1991 and 2014. All spite the fact that the Is- this time, Bangladesh was lamic State has claimed walking on a democratic responsibility for many of tightrope, which required them, no formal investiga- careful political maneution of the killings has vering. As part of the taken place. Instead, over country's return to democten thousand arrests were racy in 1991, the chief jusrecently carried out as part tice took the reigns of a of a new mass "anti-mili- caretaker government tant drive." This tepid re- charged with organizing a sponse to the crisis high- free and fair election. In a lights the worst kind of poetic twist, Sheikh and cynical politics: the at- Zia-the daughters of two tacks have been used by independence heroes and Prime Minister Sheikh ex-presidents-faced off at Hasina in the latest epi- the helm of their fathers' sode of her longstanding parties. Zia eked out a win feud with opposition by less than one percent of leader Khaleda Zia. the popular vote. The two political leaders The caretaker government have been at each others' of election oversight was throats for decades, in a formally set up in the lead political row that has es- up to the 1996 election as calated through countless a way to prevent rigging squabbles and five elec- by the ruling party, which toral contests. But since would cede its power to gaining power in the chief justice 90 days Bangladesh's 2008 elec- before an election to entions, Prime Minister sure an impartial contest. Sheikh Hasina has de- The system worked: cided to settle the feud by power changed hands in gravitating toward au- both the 1996 and 2001 thoritarian rule. First, she elections. In both contests, dismantled the caretaker the caretaker government government system of ensured that political

foxes did not guard the electoral hen house. However, when Bangladesh's political parties failed to agree on a head for the caretaker government in 2006, President Iajuddin Ahmed (a BNP appointment) landed the job by default. Chaos ensued. Bangladesh's democratic progress has required its elites to operate on specific key principles, and most importantly the idea that a neutral body should oversee elections. The technocratic government that took over power in 2006, following a state of emergency, shared that commitment to neutrality. It delivered Bangladesh a reasonably free and fair election less than two years later. Power changed hands for a third contest in a row. The crucial commitment to neutrality died with Sheikh's return to power. She decided that going forward, rather than attempting to play the established system to her advantage, she would dispose of it altogether. In 2011, her newly formed government unilaterally changed the constitution and abolished the caretaker government electoral system. In a declaration defying a key principle of democracy-that election bodies should remain apolitical-she stated: "We can't allow unelected people to oversee national elections." Unsurprisingly, she won the next election handily. Nearly all opposition parties boycotted the election; a majority of the parliament's 300 seats were uncontested. This assault on democracy also threatened Bangladesh's economy. Shortly after Sheikh made her power grab, nu-

Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina (Photo: hediplomat) merous hartals-general strikes-ground economic activity to a halt. In fact, more than 100 hartals have taken place in Bangladesh over the past five years, and their rate has nearly doubled since 2010. Worse, they have also become much more violent. The hartals that have taken place since 2010 have been almost four times deadlier than before. Hartals are so omnipresent in Bangladesh that the country's largest English-language newspaper has a dedicated hartal section. In a disturbing new development, Sheikh's government has sunk as low as blaming the recent spate of lynchings on opposition politicians, rather than on the problem of fundamental Islam. In response to the grisly murder of an LGBT magazine editor on April 25, Sheikh alleged that opposition parties "are involved with these secret killings as they want to destabilize the government and the country." An investigation-a non-political investigation-is long overdue. Yet, according to

South Asia researcher Abbas Faiz, "If there is an investigation that is not going to point [toward opposition politicians], the government will not allow that." On June 13, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights added his voice to those calling for an investigation of the attacks. Rather than protecting members of the press and Bangladesh's minorities, Sheikh's government itself has undermined them. In a surreal form of victim blaming, after four atheistleaning bloggers were hacked to death, the government's reaction was not to denounce the attacks, but to call on bloggers to exercise self-censorship. Furthermore, last year, in a deliberate attack on independent media, the Bangladeshi army's intelligence agency instructed major corporations operating in the country to stop advertising in its two largest independent newspapers. This type of reaction hurts freedom of speech in the country, a vital marker of democratic progress. A significant shift in Bangladeshi politics-on

both sides of the aisle-is needed. It is time for the country to move beyond the longstanding and counterproductive feud between Sheikh and Zia. Both leaders, while in power, have abused the country's judicial and political systems for gains at the polls and to discredit one another. They have also orchestrated numerous hartals to advance their personal agendas. Sheikh's unprecedented moves since coming to power threaten to undo much of the country's democratic progress. The international community needs to pressure her to stop battering the country's hard-fought democratic gains through her cynical maneuvering and insist that she reinstate the caretaker government electoral system. She must also stop her onslaught on independent media. None of these efforts will prove a panacea; but at least they will make it harder to score political points when innocent Bangladeshis are being viciously attacked for what they say or believe. Courtesy: The diplomat

World Bank to lend $1 billion to India's solar programme This is the Bank's largest ever support for solar power in any country In a major push for India's solar programme, the World Bank has committed more than US $1 billion in lending over financial year 2017. The Bank will support small and large initiatives, from the installation of solar panels on rooftops to setting up of massive solar parks. This is the Bank's largest ever support for solar power in any country and the announcement comes as World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim visits the country this week. "India's plans to virtu-

ally triple the share of renewable energy by 2030 will both transform the country's energy supply and have far-reaching global implications in the fight against climate change," said Kim in an official release. "Prime Minister Modi's personal commitment toward renewable energy, particularly solar, is the driving force behind these investments. The World Bank Group will do all it can to help India meet its ambitious targets, especially around scaling up solar energy." Kim will also express support for the Interna-

tional Solar Alliance (ISA), an alliance of 21

countries led by India and France at COP 21. ISA

Solar panel (Photo: mg.etimg)

aims to mobilise a trillion dollars in investments to encourage the growth of solar energy. The World Bank is already supporting other solar projects in India, including the approval of a $625 million loan for the country's Grid Connected Rooftop Solar programme and setting up of the 750-MW ultramega solar power project in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group's private sector arm. "The rapid expansion of solar power can improve the quality of life for mil-

A proposed law

Narendra Modi PM Of India. (Photo: cdn.narendramodi)

Sir, Reports in the media suggest that the Narendra Modi led NDA government in the centre is contemplating enactment of law to keep open Cinema Halls, shopping malls etc all through the night (24x7). We donot understand the logic behind opening of the halls or malls throughout night. The very first question we are cconfronted with is - how safe our women folk will be. The newspapers or electronic media reports on each and everyday flash news about the molestation, rape or tourture on the women/girls throughout India. In the act of molestation or rape, not even minor girls are spared. In broad day light itself cases of snatching of chains, purses are reported from almost all the parts of India. 'Nirvaya Episode' almost runs the roost. Needless to add, some Ultra modern, Westernized young girls/women in a show of temperity visit bars wearing provocative dresses

are also some of the reasons behind these heinous acts against women. Considering the factors, we appeal to our central government to review the contemplation of the proposed law, which once enacted/enforced will do more harm to the society rather than doing any good.

lions of Indians, especially for its poorest citizens," said Onno Ruhl, World Bank country director in India. "It can also create thousands of jobs in the solar industry and underpin progress in all areas of development, helping the country fulfill its dream of becoming the 'India of the future'." At COP 21 in Paris, India pledged to derive 40 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. The country has also announced the ambitious target of developing 100 GW of solar energy. Courtesy:Down to earth

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Page 9

So Much To Say On Foreign Policy, But Silent In India: Why PM Modi Needs To Change If one were to simply At an average of about count the multifarious so- two foreign trips every cial media posts and month since he's been in news articles lauding the power, Modi has stunned Indian Prime Minister's critics who predicted in recent appearance at a 2014 that foreign policy joint session of the US might take a backseat Congress, in what might under the helm of a well be his last official trip statesman who had no into the States before ternational diplomatic exObama's term in office perience. From military comes to an end, it might to economic to cultural take longer than it took advances, India seems to have a Modi to pay a quick Pranav Prakash somewhat visit to the enduring US's neighbor to the disposition in an othersouth, in a successful at- wise shifting international tempt to garner support political landscape. for India's bid to the The historical Logistics Nuclear Suppliers Group Exchange Memorandum (NSG). of Agreement It is difficult to downplay (LEMOA) with the US, the enormous impetus for instance, which allows that has been given to for the sharing of military India's position and influ- supplies and fuel, can be ence in the global stage described as nothing thanks to Narendra short of a tectonic shift in Modi's, often thankless, the foreign relations of a efforts to build diplomacy country that, for a signifiacross the geopolitical cant period in its post-colandscape. We've simply lonial history, was assonever had a Head of Gov- ciated with the doctrine ernment, since Pandit of Non-Alignment. Nehru, who has afforded The Land Boundary foreign affairs and diplo- Agreement that we inked macy the kind of lavish with Bangladesh around attention and primacy that this time last year allowed us to resolve a challengit is receiving today.

ing border dispute that has subsisted since Independence, leaving over 50,000 people stateless and in enclaves that neither country had sovereignty over. It might be fair to say that where foreign affairs are concerned, we've left no stone unturned. So where is the catch, one might wonder, for there's always a catch. It can hardly be contested that to cement India's position in world politics and to move increasingly towards a more dynamic grand strategy is in her best interest. But then, would we still praise our foreign policy if it comes at the price domestic security, as increasingly seems to be the case? The sheer plurality of caste, class and religion that abound within the subcontinent in their infinite manifestations, is hardly anything new. We've existed within this diversity for years; our heterogeneity, if anything, is growing, as differences in sexuality, scientific beliefs and social practices arise. It would then, to the

astute politician, be of tremendous consequence, to leverage this heterogeneity, as we appeal for importance to a global community. That which has tragically resulted, in our quest for international relevance, is an indifference to the politics of the domestic, or so at least it seems in the case of Modi. Thrust into the limelight of national politics nearly a decade and a half ago for his inability to curb the macabre and savagery of the Gujarat pogrom, Modi has, to this day, kept away from any serious public acknowledgement of the events of 2002. It wouldn't hurt to recall that this was precisely the reason for the United States government's revoking of Modi's visa in 2005. A lot has changed in the interim, in large part due to the stellar rise of Modi and the importance of strategic relations with India, for the States. But it would be misguided to presume that anyone, but us, has forgotten. Not surprisingly, an article that didn't get

Why Is It Such A Big Deal To Know English In India? Last night a lady from tion errors by someone, my neighbourhood vis- inability to read properly, ited my grandmother frame sentences, conand after having blab- verse confidently bebered about everything comes a matter of ridiimportant and unimpor- cule while there is a tant she began talking strong possibility they about her son and his themselves don't know children who have been any better or else belong staying in Australia for to a privileged set who some time. After a few are able to access the seconds of normal con- right platforms for learnversaing the tion, she Prachee Bhardwaj l a n guage. set out to brag about how her English when taught as 'foreign settled' grand- a communicative skill sons have mastered the helps children underEnglish Language. "Wo stand the real art of it. angrezi filmo me ni However, cramming bolte, bilkul waise, usse grammar rules, long lists bhi fast hi samajh lo," to of vocabulary, rote

minds. This sentiment is humane but the culture of learning a language is rather skewed. Why is there a taboo attached to not knowing a particular language? I see hoards of people who struggle trying to speak and write English and some who avoid situations where English needs to be spoken. Isn't this because of the taboo created in our social lives about not knowing the language? To bring a more positive turn to this, how about a philosophy of learning at any age? A language need not be learnt only

Image for representational purpose (Photo: media2.intoday) quote her. Of course, I frowned a little, laughed a bit and eventually thought that nothing can be done about such people. But later it made me ponder upon what the people of my country have turned a simple language into. I have heard it from many, these small little vaunts about speaking English fast and with an accent. Children approach the spoken aspect of the language with the idea that they need to learn the accent and speak exactly like an actor in a Hollywood film. Right from their childhood, knowing the language becomes a show they can boastfully put up for their peers and relatives. Small pronuncia-

learning the stories and poems and answers to their corresponding questions makes the language no less than a challenge and burden for most children. Moreover, it makes the language which is used all over the world in various contexts from personal to travel and reading, watching films and listening to music, highly monotonous. This also leads me to highlight how important it has become for parents these days that their children learn to speak English and converse fluently without understanding the basics of learning a language. The idea that they lost out on opportunities and that their children shouldn't often creeps into their

at school, going back to notebooks and grammar practice books. I have personally taken workshops where children learnt to improve their spoken English skills in 20 days and not a single day did we use a notebook, a pen or even a closed classroom space for that matter. There are a lot of groups, NGOs, schools that have started approaching teaching language through these methodologies and even a child with average learning capacity, an introvert, the shy ones and the naughty ones, all lie in the same sphere of learning through every day experiences, games, spaces and books. I feel English is no more than just a lan-

guage for people in such settings. A few important facts about the availability of facilities for learning the English language can be found in the Fifth All-India School Education Survey. According to the survey, only 1.3 percent of primary schools, 3.4 percent of upper primary schools, 3.9 percent of middle schools, and 13.2 percent of high schools use English as a medium of instruction. Schools treating English as the first language (requiring ten years of study) are only 0.6 percent of rural primary schools, 2.8 percent of rural high schools, and 9.9 percent of urban high schools. These are only a few statistics but they speak volumes about the approach to the language in the country. School systems corrupt the joy of learning, approach it as another subject that adds burden to not only children's life but the teachers too. Hence, children are never versed in the language enough to be confident and comfortable. Language is no less than art. English has hooked us emotionally, socially, mentally yet we treat the language like a commodity - our gateway to something better. We need to open up about ideas and be educators rather than the clichĂŠd teacher in the closed walls of classrooms. Develop an ideology and attitude which is embracing, motivating and equipped enough to understand the nuances of learning a language so that it does not remain and rot in children's report cards rather makes them go around the world with an essential art acquired. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

publicised as much as the ones keeping diligent track of the number of standing ovations that Modi received during his speech at Congress was one that revealed a markedly antagonistic sentiment, among the members of the US Congress, towards Modi, in the days leading up to his arrival at Capitol Hill. Nisha Biswal, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, who was testifying at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Indo-US relations, had to deal with a harsh dismissal of Modi when Bob Corker, Chairman of the Committee, reportedly blamed Modi for India having "14 millionslaves in the year 2016?. The term was used in reference to victims of trafficking, child labor and debt, and appeared in a global slavery index published by the Walk Free Foundation. To conflate the tumultuous hospitality that Modi received after this incident with compliance to and succor of Modi's politics would be

Narendra Modi, PM of India (Photo: hindustantimes) an embarrassing transgression. Back at home, the nation seems to be hovering precariously between religious fanaticism, bigotry and nationalist fundamentalism, all of which are inextricably intertwined with each other as much as they are with the social construct of caste and with communalism. Modi's charismatic speeches abroad might be winning hearts, but his silence at home is stopping them. The propagation of religious extremism through the RSS and its organs, a growing apathy towards minority rights and the stifling of dissent through the evolution of archaic laws such as sedition are

but the reverberations of a government without its leader. As a nation state, which is hailed as the world's largest democracy, freedom of speech is considered a fundamental right. How is speech free, if students of the nation's most prestigious universities are tortured for being a certain way? Indeed, for the first time in over thirty years, we have a majority government in power. Perhaps a coalition could have prevented the withering away of domestic security. We may only speculate. On the 24th of June, in Seoul, India was hopeful that China would rescind its opposition, as it did in

2008, and allow us to join the 48-nation NSG. If this were to have happened, it would have been a testament to Modi's diplomatic prowess in the first half of his term as Prime Minister. At the halfway mark, Modi has a choice to make. He could continue with his exuberant diplomacy and secure India's position as a force in international politics to be reckoned with. Or he could divert his attention homeward, and be a leader to a people that is beginning to let differences tear it apart beyond recovery once again. There is incredible potential either way. The choice, as they say, is a matter of politics. Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

Score! Kashmir's First Female Football Coach Is Kicking Down Gender Barriers Most of us live dull, "I am my father's darling This young footballer is have proper facilities at very enthusiastic when it the stadium, hence, pardreary lives. Only the for- boy." tunate few are able to Relatives and family comes to coaching. "My ents are reluctant to send live the life of their friends consistently tried aim is to excel at football, them for practice. dreams. Among those to dissuade Nadiya, say- in addition to giving ex- Nadiya says that while lucky ones is, 19-year-old ing that she has no future cellent coaching support Bakshi Stadium has betfootball player-cum- in football. After the sup- to young, upcoming ter infrastructure, it is port of her parents, the footballers," she says. coach, Nadiya Nighat. occupied by the Indian Nadiya breaks the ste- encouragement and sup- Nadiya coaches students Armed Forces. As a rereotype that people may port she got from the for free. "Passion and sult, girls feel more vulhave in mind regarding Jammu Kashmir Football money do not go hand-in- nerable in Bakshi StaA s s o c i a - hand," says this devoted dium. Kashmiri girls. She t i o n footballer."JJ7, as well as Nadiya fervently hopes is a pas- Daanish Bin Nabi ( J K F A ) the Rambagh FC Club is that one day, J&K has its sionate footballer. For her, proved vital for her. She free for everyone. My own girls team for footplaying and coaching says, "Had JKFA not sup- priority is to make these ball. football is her passion and ported me through my youngsters understand Her Heroes her life. Nadiya started playing football when she was ten years old. While she has graduated from high school, she has not taken applied for further studies. This 19-year-old sleeps, dreams and lives football. She is all praise for her mentor and coach, Mohammad Abudullah. "He has taught me everything I know about football. It was only after his coaching that I decided to play football for the rest of my life," she says. The feisty Kashmiri girl competed at the nationallevel through the Youth 19-year-old football player-cum-coach, Nadiya Nighat (Photo: Service and Sports, 2010, cdn.youthkiawaaz) against the Chandigarh team in Nagrota, Jammu. difficult times, I would not what football is all about. All sportspersons have In 2015, once again, she have made it to this Money always comes their heroes. Nadiya is no got a chance to play at the level." second." different. She says that national-level through the Coaching At Clubs One of her students, she is a big fan of PortuJammu Kashmir Football Nadiya not only plays Owais Manzoor, has been guese superstar, Cristiano Association (JKFA). football, but is also a quali- part of her coaching class Ronaldo. "I only wear It is hardly a surprise fied coach. She holds the for three months. He number 7 jerseys, bethough, that it took her a D-License for coaching says that he has learnt cause so does Ronaldo. I while to get her family's which is recognised by good football tricks from love his moves and his support. Nadia faced stiff FIFA, the governing body Nadiya. "When I saw her attitude when he comes opposition from her of international football. for the first time, I was to the field. I like his mother and relatives be- Her dream, she says, is shocked that a girl would passes and free-kicks. I cause of her love for to play football and also coach me. But slowly, I also love Argentine hero football. She says, "Ini- continue as a Coach. saw how skilfull she is at Lionel Messi. I love his tially, my mother, relatives Right now, Nadiya the game, and I realised running and skills." and friends did not ap- coaches under-19 play- that I can learn much These days, Nadiya neiprove or supported my ers at two clubs. One is from her. It is because of ther follows the 2016 game. My mom used to exclusively for boys, and her that I have been se- UEFA European Chamsay that I am a girl and the other for girls. There lected for Panthchowk pionship nor Copa that it won't look good if are around 30 boys in JJ7 Panthers Club," said America. "Because of I play football, that too, Club, and 18 girls in Owais. Ramzan, I go to bed very among boys. But my fa- Rambagh FC Club. Lack Of Infrastructure early," she says. ther convinced everyone What does JJ7 stand for? Nadiya rues the poor in- Nadiya's message to at home to support me. Nadiya says JJ are the frastructure in football young footballers is to Gradually, my mom also initials of her nickname - stadiums. She says that seek excellence in the started supporting me in Jiya Jan. Seven is her jer- the support for the girls sport, and keep playing. my endeavor to excel at sey number. That is why club is very poor because "In football, the sky is the football." she says. the boys named her club of lack of proper infra- limit," And she laughingly says, JJ7. structure. Girls do not Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

BUSINESS

Rs 7,000 crore to be invested in India by Dubai's Lulu group to set up malls, hotels Dubai, Jul 4: Buoyed by relaxation of FDI norms, NRI tycoon Yusuffali M A, who heads the Dubaibased retail conglomerate Lulu Group, has announced investment of over Rs 7,000 crore in India for setting up shopping malls and hotels. Ali said his group will invest Rs 4,650 crore in Kerala, Rs 1,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh and Rs 1,410 crore in Telangana in the hospitality and retail sector. Complimenting the NDA government for raising FDI cap for various key sectors, Ali estimated that investment to the tune of USD 150 billion will flow into India's retail, aviation, tourism and manufacturing sec-

Fast and The Furious 8 Ice vehicles launch Mumbai, Jul 4: The Fast and The Furious franchise has always managed to create a stir in the world of car tuning/modifying. After the high-flying (quite literally) action sequence from the last movie, the crew is back and this time in Iceland (on ice!). As expected, Fast 8 will get some amazing rides which are more than capable of handling icy surfaces. Five of these cars have officially been announced and they are exciting to look at. Dom or Vin Diesel is sticking with his love for muscle. In the last movie, his 1970 Dodge Charger was reinforced to tackle a freefall from a plane and then a mountain. This time around, his 1970 Dodge Charger has been given a much wider stance, huge wheel arches, wide tyers and some bullet holes to tackle the icy situation. Letty or Michelle Rodriguez is also fond of muscle cars. In the last movie, she was seen driving a green 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T with metallic bars all around. This time, she will be driving a Local Motors Rally Fighter. This car screams muscle. The coupe-like body is mounted on a high-rise chassis with massive suspension and high ground clearance. Highlighted by a bush bar and roof mounted LED lights, this car will surely get her out of any cold situation. Roman or Tyrese Gibson likes to 'shine' or stand out in a crowd. The orange Lamborghini Murcielago will easily make him the most unique character on ice. Tej or Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges has been given a ripped-up Ripsaw which suits his role of the crew's backbone. Finally, Hobbs or Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will ride an 'Ice Ram' which for all intent and purposes is a tank. These cars have definitely increased our excitement. Fast 8 is due for a release on April 14, 2017. (Agencies)

A GOOD INVESTMENT Dubai-based retail conglomerate Lulu Group, has announced investment of over Rs 7,000 crore in India for setting up shopping malls and hotels.

The Forbes magazine had last year listed Ali, a first generation migrant to the Middle East, as the 30th wealthiest Indian and the 737th richest in the world.

Lulu group will invest Rs 4,650 crore in Kerala, Rs 1,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh and Rs 1,410 crore in Telangana in the hospitality and retail sector.

In Telangana, the group is investing Rs 500 crore for establishing a food processing plant, while a shopping mall will be set up with an investment of Rs 900 crore in Hyderabad.

tors from the Gulf countries in the next few years. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach to a

number of Gulf nations coupled with new initiatives to attract foreign investment have made India the most talked about

Lulu group will initially invest Rs 1,000 crore for setting up a shopping mall and a five star hotel and convention centre in Lucknow. The site for the project has already been identified and construction work will start by December. In Kerala, Ali said his group is making an investment of Rs 4,650 crore in a number of projects FDI destination in the region which is eying to broaden its non-oil investment. "There will be a tremendous push from

Gulf investors into India as the they are looking to broaden their non-oil investment," he said. Ali's Lulu Group, having an annual turnover of $6.3 billion, has already made major investments in retail, hospitality and food processing sectors in India. The Forbes magazine had last year listed Ali, a first generation migrant to the Middle East, as the 30th wealthiest Indian and the 737th richest in the world. Ali said the company will initially invest Rs 1,000 crore for setting up a shopping mall and a five star hotel and convention centre in Lucknow. The site for the project has already been identified and construction work will

start by December. In Telangana, Ali said his group is investing Rs 500 crore for establishing a food processing plant, while a shopping mall will be set up with an investment of Rs 900 crore in Hyderabad. In Kerala, Ali said his group is making an investment of Rs 4,650 crore in a number of projects. A shopping mall and a five star hotel with investment of Rs 1,250 crore is being set up in Thiruvananthapuram, he said, adding another five star hotel will come up in Kochi at an investment of Rs 1,600 crore. The Lulu Group is also a setting up a world class IT Park at Kochi with an investment of Rs 1,400 crore. (Agencies)

SAIF Partners invest in mobile crowdsourcing platform 'Playment' ANI New Delhi, Jul 4: Leading venture capital firm SAIF Partners has announced a pre-series A funding deal of Rs. 4.7 crore into the Bangalorebased venture Playment that enables large companies to crowd-source completion of process oriented tasks that are typically done by inhouse or outsourced teams (BPOs). Playment will use the funds raised to lay the foundation of a world class engineering and product team, along with scaling up deployments in all clients. Playment is a two sided marketplace that helps large companies bring cost-effectiveness and speed to their operations, and on the other side helps smartphone users

supplement their income on the go. To the company's credit, it has already been able to supplement monthly income of several thousand people by over a third and that explains how the company has acquired tens of thousands of 100 percent organic downloads. "We strongly believe in the power of the sharing economy. The world has seen how the likes ofAirbnb and Uber have created a new source of income and we want to be right up there with them," said CEO Playment, Siddharth Mall. "We're building a platform where humans and machines can work together to solve problems which were previously unsolvable at scale. To enable this, we

CEO Playment, Siddharth Mall. (Photo: playment) are using cutting edge technology, to build systems that can provide an awesome experience to thousands of our players who play on the app throughout the day. To

be able to do that, we would be investing a lot in building a world class product and engineering team," added Siddharth Mall. "We're very excited about team

Playment's discovery of what we believe to be a massive market opportunity. Moreover, we feel it's the best team for the job as the co-founders have strong technical backgrounds and knowledge of the space via their Flipkart experience," said Principal SAIF Partners, Mayank Khanduja. While the platform is still in early stages, it's power lies in the ability to generate direct and recurring cash earnings for anyone with a smartphone within minutes of coming on the platform. India is a fast growing emerging market with lots of ambitious people and we believe the masses would get addicted to Playment," added Mayank Khanduja.

Factory data, auto sales in US improve, construction spending slips ANI New Delhi, Jul 4: US factory activity expanded in June as new orders, output and exports rose, providing another sign that the country's economic growth was regaining its footing after witnessing a decline early this year. Auto sales were higher as June sales were strong due to the demand for pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles. On an annualized basis, the June industry selling rate came in at 16.66 million units, well below May's sales pace of 17.45 million. Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler reported June sales gains of 6.4

GM chief economist, Mustafa Mohatarem. (Photo: bloximages.chicago2) percent and 6.5 percent respectively, but General Motors, Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen all sold fewer vehicles. According to the analysts, in-

dustry sales may have peaked in 2015 at 17.45 million units, but GM chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem still held out hope for another record

year. "Positive economic indicators like historically low interest rates, stable fuel prices, rising wages and near-full employment provide the environment for strong auto sales to continue in the second half of the year," said Mohatarem. The weaker construction data could prompt some economists to trim back their secondquarter growth estimates and could help reinforce the Federal Reserve's view that there is currently too much uncertainty over global and US growth to raise interest rates in the near term. The employment index rose to 50.4 in June from 49.2 in May, for

its first reading over 50 since November. US stocks rose after the ISM data, and major indexes all closed higher for the fourth day in a row to recover nearly all of their sharp losses in the wake of the Brexit vote. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies as benchmark US Treasury yields fell, with the 30-year bond yield at its lowest since the 1950s. The International Monetary Fund stated that uncertainty over Britain's departure from the EU will dampen near-term global growth. It, however, remains unclear how much Brexit might affect the US demand.

India's biggest oil refinery to cost $30 billion: IOC Dehradun, Jul 4: India's biggest oil refinery that state-run IOC, BPCL, HPCL and EIL plan to set up on the west coast will cost USD 30 billion or Rs 2 lakh crore, a senior official said. "The 60 million tonnes a year refinery and a mega petrochemical complex will be set up in two phases. "Phase-1 will be 40 million tons together with an aromatic complex, naphtha cracker and polymer complex," said Sanjiv Singh, Director (Refineries), IOC. Phase-1 will cost Rs 1.2-1.5 lakh

crore and will come up in 5-6 years from the date of land acquisition, he said. "The entire refinery will include three crude units of 20 million tonnes each - first of these will be part of phase-1. "The mega complex will require 12,000-15,000 acres of land and two-three sites on coast of Maharashtra are being explored," he said. The second phase will cost Rs 50,000-60,000 crore, he added. IOC has been looking at west coast for a refinery as catering to customers in West and

South was difficult with its refineries mostly in the North. HPCL and BPCL have also been looking at a bigger refinery because of constraints they face at their Mumbai units. "The refinery will produce petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF and feedstock for petrochemical plants in plastic, chemical and textile industries in Maharashtra," he said. Fifteen million tonnes a year is the biggest refinery any public sector unit has set up in one stage. IOC recently started its 15 million tonnes unit at Paradip in

Odisha. Reliance Industries holds the distinction of building the biggest refinery in India till now. It built its first refinery at Jamnagar in Gujarat with a capacity of 27 million tonnes, which was subsequently expanded to 33 million tonnes. It has built another unit adjacent to it for exports, with a capacity of 29 million tonnes. The refinery being planned by the stateowned firms will be bigger than that. The phase1 itself will be bigger than any one single unit. It will also be accompanied by

a petrochemical complex. India has a refining capacity of 232.066 million tonnes, which exceeded the demand of 183. 5 MT in 2015-16 fiscal. According to International Energy Agency (EA), this demand is expected to reach 458 MT by 2040. IOC has six refineries with a total capacity of 54.20 million tonnes. It also has subsidiary refineries with 11.50 million tonnes capacity. Paradip has taken its refining capacity to 80.7 million tonnes. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

Coomaraswamy appointed as central bank governor of Sri Lanka

A file photo of Indrajit Coomaraswamy, veteran economist and the new Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). (Photo: omlanka) Colombo, Jul 4: Indrajit Coomaraswamy, veteran economist, is the new Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). President Maithripala Sirisena announced Prof. Coomaraswamy's appointment through his official twitter account. Mr. Coomaraswamy succeeds Arjuna Mahendran, whose tenure was marked by controversies over issuance of bonds, came to an end on June 30. The decision was taken after consulting Prime Minister Ranil

Wickremesinghe, according to an official statement issued by the President's office. Mr. Coomaraswamy would assume charge on July 4. He would hold the post for six years. "He must have been in a state of shock," said Radhika Coomaraswamy, the younger sister of the economist and Member of the Constitutional Council, expressing her joy and surprise over the appointment of Mr. Coomaraswamy as Governor. (Agencies)

Silver price reaches 2year high on global cues

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: feedster) Chennai, Jul 4: Riding high on strong global cues and continued buying by industrial units and coin makers, silver prices cracked the Rs. 45,000mark by surging Rs.960 per kg to trade at a twoyear high of Rs 45,560. This was the fifth straight day of rise for the commodity. On the other hand, gold held steady in absence of any worthwhile buying by jewellers at prevailing levels, even as the precious metal strengthened overseas. Bullion traders attributed the rise in silver prices to a firming trend overseas, where it surged to its highest level since August 2014, as Britain's vote to leave the EU fuelled speculations that central banks around the world will boost economic stimulus. Moreover, increased offtake by domestic industrial units and coin makers too buoyed

sentiment, they added. Globally, silver climbed 5.2 per cent to $19.58 an ounce and gold advanced 1.4 per cent to $1,339 an ounce in New York in Friday's trade. In the national capital, silver ready extended gains for a fifth straight day by surging Rs.960 to trade at Rs.45,560 per kg, its highest level since July 14, 2014 when it stood at Rs.45,600 per kg. Silver weekly-based delivery to continued its upward journey and edged up by Rs 30 to Rs.45,200 per kg. Silver coins, however, held steady at Rs. 74,000 for buying and Rs. 75,000 for selling of 100 pieces. However, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity held steady at Rs.30,550 and Rs.30,400 per ten grams respectively. Sovereign followed suit and ended flat at Rs.23,400 per piece of eight gram. (Agencies)

RECORDING BREAKING RISE Riding high on strong global cues and continued buying by industrial units and coin makers, silver prices cracked the Rs. 45,000-mark by surging Rs.960 per kg to trade at a two-year high of Rs 45,560. Globally, silver climbed 5.2 per cent to $19.58 an ounce and gold advanced 1.4 per cent to $1,339 an ounce in New York in Friday's trade. In the national capital, silver ready extended gains for a fifth straight day by surging Rs.960 to trade at Rs.45,560 per kg, its highest level since July 14, 2014 when it stood at Rs.45,600 per kg. Silver weekly-based delivery to continued its upward journey and edged up by Rs 30 to Rs.45,200 per kg. Silver coins, however, held steady at Rs. 74,000 for buying and Rs. 75,000 for selling of 100 pieces. However, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity held steady at Rs.30,550 and Rs.30,400 per ten grams respectively.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, JULY 5

Features

PAGE 11

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Debunking those everyday health myths Eat five portions of fruit and vegetable a day? The five-a-day campaign has been running, in one form or another, in the UK since 1993. You may not know, however, that in this context, one portion equals 80g. What a nice, neat way, someone thought, of packaging the WHO's daily recommended fruit-and-veg dose of 400g. But while the tagline has been taken into the nation's bosom - with people often jokingly wondering whether a Terry's Chocolate Orange, or glass of Fanta, counts as one of their five-a-day - obesity has continued to rise, and fresh-produce consumption has declined. The cost of fresh food has risen, and lower-income households eat the least fruit and veg. Food peddlers, meanwhile, cause mass confusion by flogging five-a-day items in random portion sizes, and by only flagging up the five-a-day eligibility of more expensive, or less healthy, processed

foods rather than basic, cheaper fresh ingredients. As far as we know, though, the advice is actually sound. Some of the original hypotheses about the extent of the cancer protection that fruit and veg offers - have been rubbished, but it is generally agreed that fruit and veg is nutritious, provides fibre, and takes up room on the plate that might otherwise accommodate a deep-fried Mars bar. (That said, there is no magic superfood, and other unprocessed foods are good for us, too.) In 2014, a study by University College London suggested that seven portions a day were necessary, but, soon after, a much larger study found no evidence that more than five portions a daywould give further protection against some cancers and heart disease. Phew. Drink eight glasses of water a day? No one knows where this dictum originated. A 1945 US Food and Nutrition Board document once said that we need 2.5 litres

a day, but it also said that much of this can be obtained from food. In any case, how much we need fluctuates, on any given day, according to how active we're being, what we're eating, whether we're ill, and the weather. This is why our bodies handily tell us when we need more water (although old age can stymie thirst signals). Don't listen to anyone who tells you you're already dehydrated when you feel thirsty. Someone made that up. In 2011, Margaret McCartney, a GP, wrote to the BMJ to highlight the lack of evidence for hydration advice, including the NHS's more modest recommendation of six to eight glasses (or 1.2-1.9 litres) a day. She namechecked an initiative called Hydration 4 Health, which promotes the benefits of drinking extra water to the public and to doctors. Hydration 4 Health recommends two litres for men and a little less for women (1.6 litres). It

is sponsored by the French company Danone, which owns Evian, Badoit and Volvic mineral waters. A review study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology in 2008 found "no clear evidence of benefit from drinking increased amounts of water". The potential perks the study investigated included improved kidney function and detoxification, clearer skin, fewer headaches and reduced calorie consumption due to feeling fuller. However, the authors wrote, "although we wish we could demolish all of the urban myths found on the internet regarding the benefits of supplemental water ingestion, we concede there is also no clear evidence of lack of benefit". You lose the most body heat from your head? It's easy not to question this. Heat rises, after all. Roofs need insulation and so do heads. Except, now you mention it, so does any part of the body

when it is cold. It is thought the confusion arose from the misinterpretation of an experiment carried out by the US military in the 1950s. It was freezing and only the participants' heads were exposed to the elements, so, of course, that is where they shed the most heat. More recent investigations have found that the head loses as much body heat as any other exposed body part. Bad news for the hat industry. Starve a fever, feed a cold? This goes back a long, long way: it appears in John Withals' dictionary of 1574, and has been linked toa misreading of Chaucerian English in The Canterbury Tales. The original thinking was probably that fasting would cool the body during a fever, whereas eating would warm you up when you have a cold. However, in practice, we should feed both colds and fevers. Fevers speed up the metabolism and burn more calories,

Representational image (Photo: ehstoday) so food is welcome. That said, if you lose your appetite for a few days, bodies are adept at using fat stores for emergency energy. Drinking, however, is essential, and this is one occasion when you should force yourself to drink, even if you don't feel like it. Fevers and colds speed up dehydration (which will in turn cause mucus to harden, and this you really don't want to happen).

Reading in the dark ruins your eyesight? Poppycock. Reading in dim light can be challenging, to the point of being deeply irritating. It can even give you a headache and result in tired or strained eyes. However, says the College of Optometrists, "reading in dim light or in the dark is highly unlikely to cause any permanent damage to your eyes". Some studies have found that myopia is

more common in highly educated cultures, in which children grow up doing more close work, such as reading, but the connection could simply be that richer populations have better access to diagnosis from eye specialists. Ideally, however, when reading after dark, light should shine directly on to the page, and not come from over your shoulder, thus causing glare. Courtesy: theguardian

Why India's healthcare system needs an overhaul? Virat for healthier lifestyle among children Despite recording several gains in health in recent years, India continues to lag several health indicators such as mortality rates and malnutrition. The country carries a disproportionate burden of the world's sick. Home to 17.5% of earth's population, India accounts for 20% of the global burden of disease, 27% of all neonatal deaths and 21% of all child deaths (younger than five years). In a paper released over the weekend in health journal Lancet, a team of researchers led by Vikram Patel, a professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, identified seven structural problems in India's healthcare system. A weak primary healthcare sector India has made strides in the expansion of public ser-

healthcare professionals in India despite recent increases in MBBS programmes and nursing courses. Lancet says this shortage is compounded by inequitable distribution of these resources. In community health centres in rural areas of many states, ranging from Gujarat to West Bengal, the shortfall of specialists exceeds 80%. "India does not have an overarching national policy for human resources for health. The dominance of medical lobbies such as the Medical Council of India has hindered adequate task sharing and, consequently, development of nurses and other health cadres, even in a state like Kerala that has historically encouraged nurse education and has been providing trained nurses to other parts of India and other

many new institutions set up in the past decade... encouraged by commercial incentives, have often fuelled corrupt practices and failed to offer quality education", the study said. Low public spending on health Public health expenditure remains very low in India. Even though real state expenditure on health has increased by 7% annually in recent years, central government expenditure has plateaued. Economically weaker states are particularly susceptible to low public health investments. Many state governments also fail to use allocated funds, but this "might simply reflect structural weaknesses in the system and that need to be addressed with more resources and a different approach to pro-

India carries a disproportionate burden of the world's sick. (Photo: Aljazeera) vices. For instance, in 2015, there was one government hospital bed for every 1,833 people compared with 2,336 persons a decade earlier. However, as Lancet points out, this has been inequitably distributed. For instance, there is one government hospital bed for every 614 people in Goa compared with one every 8,789 people in Bihar. The care provided in these facilities is also not up to the mark. For example, in 2011, six out of every 10 hospitals in the less developed states did not provide intensive care and a quarter of them struggle with issues like sanitation and drainage. Unequally distributed skilled human resources There aren't enough skilled

countries," said the Lancet study. Large unregulated private sector Given the quality of care available, few frequent public sector hospitals. The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) numbers show a decrease in the use of public hospitals over the past two decades-only 32% of urban Indians use them now, compared with 43% in 1995-96. However, a significant portion of these private practitioners may not be qualified or are underqualified, Lancet said. For instance, a study in rural Madhya Pradesh found that only 11% of the sampled healthcare providers had a medical degree, and only 53% had completed high school. Moreover, "the

vision and delivery of care", said Lancet. The 14th finance commission recommendations, which will transfer a greater share of central taxes to states, offers an opportunity for the latter to increase investments in health. Fragmented health information systems Like in most facets of life in modern India, getting quality, clean, up-to-date data is difficult in the health sector as well. This is despite the presence of many agencies ranging from NSSO to the Registrar General of India to disease-specific programme-based systems to survey malaria to HIV. Data is incomplete (in many cases it excludes the

private sector) and many a time, it's duplicated. Worse, the agencies don't talk to each other. Further, its usage is limited because of an inadequate focus on outputs and outcomes. Irrational use and spiralling cost of drugs Costs of medical treatment have increased so much that they are one of the primary reasons driving people into poverty, as Mint has pointed out previously. Yes, there have been schemes such as the Jan Aushadhi campaign to provide 361 generic drugs at affordable prices and different price regulation policies, but their implementation has been patchy and varied in different states, said Lancet. Corruption also increases irrational use of drugs and technology. For instance, kickbacks from referrals to other doctors or from pharmaceutical and device companies lead to unnecessary procedures such as CT scans, stent insertions and caesarean sections, the study said. Weak governance and accountability "In the past 5 years, the government has introduced several new laws to strengthen governance of the health system, but many of these laws have not been widely implemented," said Lancet. In some instances, the "scope of (some) regulations is still unclear, and there are fears that these laws have hindered public health trials led by non-commercial entities", it added. The Lancet study identified inadequate public investment in health, the missing trust and engagement between various healthcare sectors and poor coordination between state and central governments as the main constraints why universal healthcare is not assured in India. "At the heart of these constraints is the apparent unwillingness on the part of the state to prioritize health as a fundamental public good, central to India's developmental aspirations, on par with education. Put simply, there is no clear ownership of the idea of universal health coverage within the government," it said. Courtesy: livemint

To ensure that children between the age group of 8 and 12 years grow up to be fit and make exercise a part of their daily life, cricketer Virat Kohli and technology-driven fitness platform Stepathlon Lifestyle on Tuesday launched Stepathlon Kids. Virtual race The company will launch its operations with a 30day pedometer-based mass-participation virtual race designed for kids. It will encourage them to participate in a 30-day race around a virtual world. The children will be given pedometers to track their steps and encouraged to take 15,000 steps a day for a healthy lifestyle and to create long-term positive behaviour. These steps, when entered on the Stepathlon Kids website, will get converted into distance and the team will move across a map of the world. To make it a fun activity, the race will take the children on a virtual journey around the world, provide them information on health, history, social studies and general knowledge. Responsibility Speaking at the launch, the cricketer said: "As a sports figure, I realise my responsibility towards creating awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, especially among children. The statistics on growing obesity in India are getting scarier day by day." He added that a fit body and healthy lifestyle not only make one physically strong, but also make a person feel good about himself/herself. "More importantly, it works. I can vouch for it," Virat said. Ravi Krishnan, cofounder and CEO of Stepathlon Lifestyle, said: "Children today have become more sedentary than ever in the history of our species. The initiative aims to get them out of the house." Virat said he wasn't very

interested in his fitness regime until a couple of years back. It was only after the 2012 Indian Premier League that he realised he had to become more devoted towards his fitness if he wanted to rise above average. "It started because of my sport, but now it has become my lifestyle." There's an old saying "You are what you eat." Virat follows it too. So he has given some tips on eating in the right amounts and from the right sources. Have a look: " Eat well: Virat

amounts of fats. " Mineral water: He also seems to be addicted to drinking only the purest form of water, i.e., mineral water. He has been seen drinking only mineral water on the tours which adds in to the fact that he is very serious about what he consumes. After all, water borne diseases can hit you up pretty badly. Don't you agree? " Avoid Junk Food: Virat also seems to be the fan of the "avoid junk food" propaganda as he has been seen consuming organic wheat crack-

what you eat on a constant basis is the first step towards achieving your fitness goals. " Hit the gym five days a week: If you have got a membership of a gym or started a gym in a spare room then don't let it go to waste. Virat hits the gym at least 5 times a week and you should try it too. If you don't have ample amount of time, then an hour for 5 days a week would be more than enough (you can even divide it further by hitting the gym half an hour in the morning and half an

Cricketer Virat Kohli interacts with children at the launch of Stepathlon Kids (Photo: business-standard.) doesn't seem to believe that eating less food is good for your body. Rather he emphasizes on eating freshly cooked meals to your heart's content. He is a fan of home cooked meals and suggests everyone to avoid eating out when you can easily cook at home. " His favorite dishes: Virat seems to be a fan of fish and lamb chops. He probably cannot resist trying it out, when he is on a tour and has to eat in restaurants or hotels. It's a pretty cool option as it's filled with protein (the building blocks of our muscles) and contains fewer

ers over fried chips. It's a pretty good choice as all those fried chips may seem delicious but can harm your body in more ways than you can imagine. How to be fit? Moving on, let's have a look at the "key tips" given by Kohli to keep our body fit. " Self control in eating right: As mentioned before, Kohli keeps a close watch on what he eats, every time he opens his mouth. You should do it too. Indulging in a little candy or icecream may seem like a little slip but it can totally ruin your fitness goals. So exercising self control in

hour in the evening session). " Do a combination of cardio and weights: Kohli also seems focused enough to try on core exercises like cardio and heavy weights. These exercises would surely help you develop your muscles in a precise manner and you'll have an impressive body within a few months. Conclusion: All in all, Virat Kohli's tips are quite simple and easy to implement. You just need a rock solid frame of mind to follow all the rules. If you do, the results would surely be awesome. Courtesy: healthyceleb

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Anil Kumble insists he'll not curb Kohli's aggression ANI Bengaluru, July 4 : Newly-appointed India head coach Anil Kumble on Monday insisted that he will be the 'last person to curb' Test skipper Virat Kohli's aggression but advised players that there exists a 'thin line' which needs to be respected by everyone. "I love Kohli's aggression. I was also an aggressive player. I'm not someone who will look to curb his natural instincts. But of course, we all know how important it is to be the ambassadors of India and

to be a part of the Indian cricket team. We will ensure that there is a thin line," Kumble said while addressing a pre-departure press conference ahead of West Indies tour. The legendary leg-spinner also admitted that forthcoming tour of West Indies will be tricky series, adding that they will try out 'various combinations' during practice games in order to determine the ideal playing XI. "The expectations to win in West Indies will always be there. West Indies are a tough side even at home

Euro 2016: Giroud seeks revenge in semifinal clash against Germany

Oliver Giroud ANI London, July 4 : France star striker Oliver Giroud has expressed that his side will be out to avenge their disappointing World Cup loss when they will take on Germany in the mouthwatering Euro 2016 semifinal clash on Friday. France were beaten by eventual champions Germany 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil two years ago. Reflecting on the upcoming titanic tussle, the Arsenal forward said Germany will be the favourites for the game, but insisted that his side have 'a lot of desire' to erase memories of the World Cup defeat, the Mirror reported. Giroud scored a brace as hosts France produced a scintillating performance in their 5-2 rout of minnows Iceland in the Euro-

pean Championship on Monday. France have not beaten the Germans in a competitive fixture since 1958, but Giroud believes home support will play a massive factor when they will attempt to alter the wretched record. "I hope the French public are as excitable in the stadium as they were tonight, and they support us all the way. We play a Euros semi-final in front of a home crowd. I'm proud of what we're achieving. I hope we come out with the right result once again," Giroud said after the quarterfinal win over Iceland. Meanwhile, French coach Didier Deschamps also admitted that Germany are the best side but added that his side are ready to give their best against the world champions.

PM meets Rio Olympics-bound athletes, wishes them luck

Indian boxers Manoj Kumar and Shiva Thapa who are representing India at the Rio Olympics. PTI New Delhi, Jul 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met the Indian athletes who will represent the country at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and wished them luck. At the function held at the Manekshaw Centre, PM Modi interacted individually with the sportspersons, and wished them luck for the August 5-21 Games. The dignitaries who attended the function were Sports Minister Jitendra Singh, Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav, All India Council of Sports (AICS) Chairman Vijay Malhotra, Indian Olympic Association President N Ramachandran, Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, Hockey India President Narinder Batra, HI Secretary General Mohammed Mushtaq Ahmed among others. India will be sending its biggest ever contingent to the Olympics this year with more than 100 athletes having already qualified in 13 sporting disciplines. The previous highest was 83 that the country sent in the 2012 Olympics in London.

More athletes are likely to qualify in the coming days, and the Sports Ministry and the IOA are expecting more than 110 to represent the country in the Games. Notable athletes who met the Prime Minister today were shooters Jitu Rai, Manavjit Singh Sandhu, Heena Sidhu, shuttlers PV Sindhu, K Srikanth, boxer Shiva Thapa, long distance runners Sudha Singh and Lalita Babar among others. The Indian women's hockey team along with chief coach Neil Hawgood and coach C R Kumar were also in attendance. National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu were also part of the gathering. During the send-off function the athletes were seen taking selfies with the PM and his autographs. "Great to meet our Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi ji..Thank you for all your support.jai hind????" boxer Shiva Thapa later tweeted. Several of the Rio-qualified athletes gave the function a miss as they are currently training abroad.

Anil Kumble they know the conditions. They are in a transition

phase and there will be some young West Indian

player playing in the Test cricket. We are expected to win but the conditions are pretty similar to what we get here at home," said Kumble. "We still have about two weeks before the first test. We have got a couple of practice games. We will try out various combinations and give everybody an opportunity to have a knock in those two matches and then decide what is the ideal combination to go leading into the first test," he added. India will play first of the four-match Test series on July 21 in Antigua.

Wimbledon 2016: Djokovic's early exit leaves Serena shocked ANI Johannesburg, July 4 : World number one Serena Williams has revealed that top-ranked men's player Novak Djokovic's early exit from the Wimbledon Championship left her shocked as she expected him to stage a sensational comeback. Djokovic's hopes of securing a calendar Grand Slam were crushed after he was beaten 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) by the unheralded Sam Querrey of the United States in the rain-hit Wimbledon third round on Saturday. Williams, who is seeking record-equalling 22nd major title, said that she was surprised to see Djokovic go out of the All England Club prematurely, Sport24 reported.

Serena Williams She, however, saluted Djokovic for his 'historic' achievement of winning four Grand Slam titles in a row-- Wimbledon, US Open (2015), Australian Open, French Open (2016). Williams, who hasn't won

a major since last year's US Open, also stated that fear of suffering a humbling loss like Djokovic is keeping her focused ahead of last 16 clash against Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday.

Coming days will decide how we shape up as Test unit: Kohli PTI Bengaluru, Jul 4 : With Indian cricket team geared up for their busiest Test season comprising 17 five-day games, skipper Virat Kohli aptly stated that the coming days will be an indicator as to how they have shaped up as a Test unit. "This is the perfect situation and opportunity to challenge and assess ourselves as a Test team. These months will define how we play as a Test team in coming years," Kohli said at the pre-departure media conference ahead of Indian team's tour of the West Indies. Hailing Anil Kumble's appointment as the team's head coach, the Indian skipper said that now they have a man, who can also tell them how to win Test matches abroad. "It is a huge boost for us that

Virat Kohli Anil bhai is our coach. Bowlers will feel more support due to his presence. Especially as he is someone who has won so many matches for the country and knows what it requires to win matches both India and abroad," Kohli said praising Kumble. The skipper also pointed out how Kumble has brought a refreshing change to the team bonding sessions.

"Yesterday, he arranged a team activity (cricketers had a Drum Circle session with Vasundhara Das's group) and it was fun. It was a surprise for us. Often due to the rigours of international cricket, we forget about team bonding session. "These sessions helps in build camaraderie which shows on field. Even Dhoni bhai, who came for the meeting (Roadmap) joined us and enjoyed the session," Kohli said mentioning that the limited overs captain also gave his inputs on the tour ahead. Glovesman Wriddhiman Saha's batting has been under scanner and KL Rahul is in the squad as the reserve keeper but Kohli made it clear that it would be the Bengal lad, who firmly remains the first-choice behind the stumps

Oil India FC & Shillong Lajong in Semis Sports Reporter In the second half, Oil InDibrugarh, July 4: Oil dia FC players maintained India Football Club, their dominance over the Duliajan defeated Moran game. Geremsha Town Club 5-3 in the 8th Basumatry came strongly Bodousa Cup Football and scored his second goal Tournament organised by in 63rd minute. Bodousa Moran Town Sports Club Club opened Bodousa Cup their account at TDSA stadium in Tinsukia today. through Maina Saikia in Oil India FC opened the the 66th minute. floodgates through Geremsha Basumatry Geremsha Basumatry in dominated over the oppothe 28th minute. nents and again strikes for Basumatry received a his team in 71st minute. pass of Manash Manjit Raktim Gogoi of Moran Chetia from left flank. Town Club scored back to Minto Boro converted a back goals in the 77th and pass of Geremsha 80th minute. The final Basumatry and found the goal was scored by back of the net in the 35th Geremsha Basumatry. In minute. the second half, Moran

Town Club showed some attacking display. Nobin Rabha and Geremsha Basumatry were booked with yellow card while Ram Gaur of Moran Town Club got yellow card. Geremsha Basumatry was adjudged man of the match. Tomorrow, Amofa FC, Manipur will lock horn with Assam Rifles SC. In another match, Shillong Lajong Football Club Academy beat Global FC 1-0 at Kokrajhar District Sports Association Stadium in Kokrajhar today.

Mercedes boss warns of `team orders` after another Hamilton-Rosberg collision ANI Johannesburg, July 4 : Mercedes chief executive Toto Wolff has severely censured his both drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, after they crashed into one another again at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg last evening. A clearly miffed Wolff warned his batting drivers that team orders could be imposed in order to prevent more self-inflicted setbacks in the championship, Sport24 reported. Although Hamilton won the race, the crash on the last lap of the race caused extensive damage to Rosberg's car and also cost the team a potential one-two in the final standings as the German could only finish fourth. Earlier this season, the pair had knocked one another out of the race and scored nothing at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg Reflecting on the unfortunate race, Wolff said repeated collisions are making them 'look like a bunch of idiots' and called for an immediate solution while pointing out that it was disrespectful to those who work hard to prepare the cars. He also said talking to the drivers had not worked and, there-

fore, Mercedes could be forced to implement 'the notvery-popular team orders' in order to manage the situation. Hamilton's win cut Rosberg's lead in the title race from 24 points to 11 ahead of next weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

All Assam Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knockout football tournament begins at Maibang ET Correspondent Haflong, July 3: The All Assam Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knockout football tourney and 2nd MLA cup organized by the Maibang Sports Association was inaugurated by B B Hagjer, MLA, Haflong in presence of Executive Members of N C Hills Autonomous Council Subrata Thaosen, Amendu Hojai and other officials and sports lovers of Maibang at Dishru Cultural Club play ground on Sunday. In this connection a public meeting was also held wherein B B Hagjer, MLA, Haflong attended as the chief guest while Executive Members of N C Hills Autonomous Council Subrata Thaosen, Amendu Hojai were the guests of honour. A K Langthasa, Advisor Dishru Cultural Club said there has been no dearth of talent among the youths of Maibang but the lack of proper infrastructure sometime stand on the way of sports development in Maibang which requires to take care of. He also said though this tournament

B B Hagjer, MLA, Haflong shaking hands with the players was introduced last year only but has been gaining instant popularity, this year as many as sixteen teams have joined the tourney. Chief Guest and MLA Hagjer in his speech while appreciating the organizer said it was a noble approach and the talents in such rural parts of the country should also be nurtured

properly so that our youth could also take part in National events. The inaugural match was played between Dhemaji and Lakhipur of Cachar district and the Lakhipur team defeated the Dhemaji by 13-0. Earlier all the guests and dignitaries were felicitated with gamosa.

Evin Lewis shines as Patriots register first win in CPL 2016 ANI Basseterre, July 4 : A superb batting display from the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots saw them make the second highest total in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) history as they won their first match this season. The St Lucia Zouks were beaten thanks to excellent batting from Evin Lewis and Devon Thomas that allowed the Patriots to score a massive 203 for 7 off their 20 overs. It was an electrifying start from the Patriots who reached 69 for 0 off their six over PowerPlay, the highest six over total of this CPL this season to date. Both Lendl Simmons and Lewis got

off to rocketing starts as they put on the best opening stand of the tournament up to that point. Simmons fell just two balls after the end of the fielding restrictions for 30 from 16 balls. Lewis kept going as he blasted his 73 from 34 balls in an innings that included five Maximums. He was particularly harsh on the inexperienced spin bowlers in the Zouks line up, four of the five sixes that Lewis struck came off the bowling of Kristopher Ramsaran who was playing in just his second CPL match. As was the case in their match against the Jamaica Tallawahs on Saturday, the Patriots lost wickets at regular intervals through-

CPL 2016 out the innings. They had the best possible base to post a total in excess of 200 when they were 115 for 1 in the 12th over, but when Lewis and Faf du Plessis departed in the

space of five balls it meant that a rebuilding job was needed. For a while it seemed they would stumble in that pursuit of 200, but they got their in the end and that was

thanks to Devon Thomas. Thomas took a while to get going, he was on 11 off 15 balls, before he launched his attack. He was batting at eight in the previous match, but he had impressed with a seven-ball 25. Here he was promoted to four and did not disappoint. He scored 37 runs from the last 12 balls he faced as he made a careerbest 48. Facing the second highest total in CPL history the Zouks began their chase brilliantly thanks to an opening stand of 90, going past the 69 that was made in the first innings of this match to set a new high for the first wicket in CPL 2016. Fresh from taking three wickets with the ball Shane Watson was making

batting look very easy on this excellent Warner Park surface. Watson breezed his way to 55, with Johnson Charles making a quickfire 40. They had given their side a chance of making the highest successful chase in a T20 game in the West Indies, but when both men fell in the space of nine runs the chase collapsed. Excellent bowling from the ever more impressive Tabraiz Shamsi in combination with Samuel Badree saw them choke the life out of the middle of the Zouks innings. A stranglehold from which the St Lucians never recovered as they were defeated by 58 runs.

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