June 13, 2016, monday

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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 6

Vol. 1

Issue 365

Dibrugarh, Monday, June 13, 2016

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Arunachal CM stresses upon transparent The pioneer of mobile theatre, Achyut Lahkar is no more evaluation of APJEE-2016 results A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 12

What is OMR? OMR Scanner Machine detects the option opted by candidates and stored in a database designed in the backend. The readings are being verified by the key answer sheet using a program designed for calculation of marks. It takes only 30 seconds to calculate the data and is completely full proof.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul along with the Minister of Education Wanglin Lowangdong visited the office of Director, Higher & Technical Education, Itanagar today to ensure that the results of Arunachal Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination 2016 are being evaluated in a transparent way. The APJEE 2016 for various courses like MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc. & AH, BSc(Agri/Horti/Nursing/ Forestry/Home Science/ Fisheries), BSc(Nursing), B Pharma, Boot/MLT/BRIT and GNM was conducted today.

The 7 members Evaluation Committee headed by Bidol Tayeng, Secretary (Education) informed that evaluation of Answer Sheet is being done through an Optimal Mark Reader (OMR) Scanner Machine. OMR Scanner Machine detects the option opted by candidates and stored in a database designed in the backend. The readings are being verified by the key answer sheet using a program designed for calculation of

ET CAPSULES

Himanta becomes ACA chief Guwahati, June 12 : In a new development for the Assam cricket association, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was elected unopposed as the President of Assam Cricket Association on Sunday. He was elected without any contest at the Annual General Meeting of the Assam Cricket Association held at the Barsapara cricket stadium in Guwahati, sources said.

Outgoing President Gautam Roy (also a BCCI vice-president) did not contest for the post.

However former ACA secretary, Bikash Baruah is present in the new committee as well Pradip Buragohain has been elected as the Secretary and Mani Saikia as the Treasurer.

was held today will be declared within 24 hours and will be uploaded in the departmental website instantly.

CM Pul with Education Minister Wanglin Lowangdong during the visit.

marks. It takes only 30 seconds to calculate the data and is completely full proof.

Chief Minister lauded the department for adopting such a full proof technology for evaluation of the answer sheets.

Dr Tejum Padu, Director of

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Pradesh Public Service Commission has adopted the same technology after learning it from the H & TE Department which is the fullest proof and the fastest method of evaluating the mark sheets.

He also informed that the result of APJEE 2016 which

K D Singh, Advisor to Chief Minster, Directors of Secondary and Elementary Education along with high officials of the education department were present on the occasion.

Assam Regiment remembers its heroes of 1971 war Agencies Jammu, June 12

Top Indian Army officials on Sunday commemorated the valiant actions of the Assam Regiment in the ChhambAkhnoor theatre in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

"Deputy Chief of Army Staff and Colonel of the Assam Regiment and Arunachal Scouts, Lieutenant General Subarata Saha, and 1971 war veteran Major General PK Puri (retired) laid wreaths at the 5 Assam Regiment war memo-

rial at Rakhmuthi," Colonel SD Goswami of the army's Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command said.

A motorcycle expedition was also flagged off from the general area of Mandiala in Akhnoor sector on the occasion.

The battalion was conferred the Battle Honour for Chhamb and Theatre Honour for Jammu and Kashmir for its heroic and valorous performance in the 1971 war.

The Pakistani troops sup-

ported by heavy armour had attacked 5 Assam positions in 1971.

"However, due to resolute leadership and dauntless courage of the officers and men of this unit, the attack was stemmed and as such the capture of Akhnoor bridge, the final objective of this offensive and India's jugular vein to J&K, was prevented."

"This victory came at a price of five officers and 19 men, who laid down their lives to defend the motherland."

It is the only infantry battalion to be awarded a Battle Honour in this sector during the 1971 war.

Turning nostalgic, Puri, who was a company commander at that time, extolled the army and saluted the sacrifices made by its personnel.

Commemorating its platinum jubilee celebrations and 75 years of dedicated service to the nation, the regiment is conducting two motorcycle expeditions on Sunday.

Small hydropower project for self - sufficient power in dist Bishnu Rana Tezu, June 12

Model walks the ramp during Guwahati Fashion Week held at ITA Centre in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

Higher & Technical Education informed that the department has been using OMR Scanner machine for evaluation of mark sheets since the year 2002 and is the first to use this machine in the state. Even the renowned institute like North East Regional Institute of Science & Technology and Arunachal

This year the H & TE Department of Arunachal Pradesh has made record of declaring the results of DIPLOMA (APJEE) 2016 within 4 hours of examination, which was the fastest all over India. The examination was held on May 28 last.

On the close heel of serious power crisis in the district and several old hydropower project (especially Dhuranallah built way back in the year 1978) is facing cost overrun, the Arunachal Pradesh Hydropower department has envisaged in tapping small hydropower project to meet up the growing demand of the power in the Lohit district.

Dhas Nallah 2x100KW and Digaru 2MW power potential are the fresh projects taken up by the department to feed the burgeoning local demand.

“These two projects have much prospect to meet the demand of the township and adjoining villages. Commissioning of the projects also ends forever the long depending syndrome of power and erratic power supply of 33KV line from neighboring state. We are given 3 (three) years time to complete

the duo projects.

Earlier the department has made adequate and systematic survey of the projects and submitted the government for sanction. At Wakro circle also three (3) potential projects have been taken up.

We are told to make to commissioned within three years which could be the fastest and most effective projects, disclosed Er Promod Tripathi AE HPD Lohit.

Subsequent to the major policy boost of the NDA in the renewable energy sector, The Arunachal Pradesh govt. has planned to develop small hydropower project on priority basis. The NITI Aayog has agreed that the projects up to 100 MW could soon be promoted and taken up small hydropower project under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Govt. of India.

Contd. on Page 3

The father of mobile theatre in Assam, Achyut Lahkar, passed away at his residence in Pathsala in Barpeta district on Sunday morning. He was 85.

A pall of gloom descended over Assam with the news of Lahkar's demise coming in.

Lahkar was born in 1931 in Pathsala. He gave birth to mobile theatre in Assam away back in the 1960s.

He founded the popular Natraj Theatre at Pathsala in 1963 which performed across Assam and in other states for nearly 40 years.

Lahkar was a pioneering dramatist, actor, director and producer and staged numerous memorable plays on the mobile theatre stage.

He also published and edited an illustrated magazine called Deepawali for some time. He was awarded the Kamal Kumari National Award in 1997.

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MLA from Patacharkuchi constituency Pabindra Deka on Sunday visited the residence of Achyut Lahkar in Pathsala and condoled his death.

Contd. on Page 4

Assam police personnel paying respect towards Achyut Lahkar. Pic - Sasanka Talukdar

CM Sonowal directs for full state honours to Lahkar A Staff Reporter Guwahati, June 12

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed Chief Secretary V.K. Pipersenia to accord full State honours to Achyut Lahkar, the doyen of mobile theatre, who passed away in the morning at his Pathsala residence, leaving a pall of gloom in the theatre world. Founder of Nataraj theatre, Lahkar passed away at the age of 85 after protracted illness.

On hearing the sad demise of Lahkar, Chief Minister Sonowal called up Chief Secretary Pipersenia to make arrangements to accord full State honours to the multifaceted theatre personality and to declare one-day State mourning in his honour.

Contd. on Page 4

Governor condoles over demise of the ‘Father of Assamese Mobile Theatre’ A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 12

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has condoled over the demise of Achyut Lahkar, the pioneer of the Assamese theatre movement.

Deeply saddened by the passing away of the ‘Father of Assamese Mobile Theatre’ after prolonged illness, the Governor in his condolence message said that Late Lahkar was the pioneering dramatist, veteran actor director and producer who staged numerous memorable plays in mobile theatre.

Contd. on Page 4

Stern action will be initiated for illegal deforestation and rhino killing : Pramila Rani Brahma ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 12

Assam Environment and Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma said that stern and strong action will be initiated for illegal deforestation and rhino killing and in doing so nobody would be spared. Expressing concern over the fact that some forest department personnel were arrested for their alleged involvement in rhino killing in Kaziranga National Park a few weeks back, Brahma said that her department would not spare anyone against whom charges of such criminal acts are found. "He or she might be a top ranking official or a forest guard, we will not spare anybody who is found to be guilty", she said adding that there is also an equal and urgent need to improve the facilities for the frontal staff who are battling the

poachers day in and day out.

On the other hand, after public alleged that forest department had totally failed to check deforestation along Nayekgaon range in Kokrajhar the minister on Sunday made her maiden visit to Nayekgaon forest along with forest officials where

valuable Sal trees were felled illegally in huge number recently by some timber smuggling and local public allegedly under the nose of the forest department officials.

Contd. on Page 4

Gyan Vigyan's Pradumn Kumar shines in Dibrugarh of glory and fame. Approximately, around 13 lakhs students appeared for JEE in the year-2016 which is held in two phases JEE Main for admission to NIT, IIIT and other universities. Students qualified in JEE Main are eligible for appearing in JEE advanced for the admission in IIT, IIST, ITSER.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jun12

Today Pradumn Kumar, a brilliant student of Gyan Vigyan Academy, a leading educational institution of upper Assam, secured an all India rank of 2974 from Dibrugarh in IIT (His Roll No is 3003131) adding yet another feather in the institution's cap

Pradumn Kumar

Contd. on Page 2

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Lauds education dept for adopting OMR scanner machine for evaluation of answer scripts

ET Bureau Guwahati / Bajali, Jun12

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You feel lost and thoroughly depressed today. This will make you turn towards spirituality. You will devote more time to meditation and will pray a lot. Despite the adverse circumstances, you will make a good deal of material headway.

Taurus You are being much planned and focuses, poised and practical in handling your affairs today.

You'll be able to take identify the best strategy, course of action that the situations demand. This day you would be performing like a specialist, a real expert and will not fail to accomplish whatever you have set out to do. Most likely you will be taking up several projects and assignments in course of the day.

Gemini The day will be dedicated to spending quality time with children. You will be overloaded with household responsibilities and will find it tough to deal with them. However, you will manage to do well and will be satisfied with the outcome. Avoid getting too sentimental if you are a parent; also, you may have to act tough with your kids.

Cancer A shopping spree with your darling is likely to be the highlight of the day, even though you will be paying for almost everything. Though you have decided to be this lavish out of sheer love, your sweetheart will more than return the favor with a sweaty thank you 'return gift' in the evening.

Leo Don't expect you'll be handed everything on a silver platter. Especially today, you must put such expectations on the back burner. Today, you would do better to dig deep into your resources of persistence, as a somewhat less productive day awaits you. But do not let this momentary glitch upset you; stick to your plan and slog it out. Efforts made today will have a major bearing on the fruits you receive in the future.

Virgo You will charm people with your flexibility of thought and willingness to adjust today. Those under the spell of love will see an unexpected turn of events; but don't panic, as things will eventually work out in your favour. Some quality family time is also on the cards. Strengthen the family bond by adopting your responsibilities and paying respect to family tradition and conventions.

610 workers and employees of coal mining at Margherita remain unemployed ET Correspondent Margherita, June 12: After the two years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP Government at the centre where BJP leaders and workers are celebrating two years of Narendra Modi’s government but unfortunately at Margherita region total 610 workers and employees of Rungta Coal Mining and ANE Coal Mining are in roaming here and there searching for a Job as because both the private

coal mining companies tender have been finished and hence removed all 610 workers and employees from their works.

According to sources, Rungta Coal Private Mining who had 250 workers and employees one year back, now earning their bread and butter working as daily wages labourers. “ANE Private Coal mining having 360 workers and employees are now jobless due to the Negligence of NECF Coal

India Limited Margherita” said an Employee of ANE Private Coal Mining to this correspondent.

Under NECF Coal India Limited Margherita once there were many private coal mining companies where many youths of Margherita Region get engaged with it, but today they are jobless and now working as daily wages worker.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi have taken up many

schemes such as "Make in India, Start up India and Digital India" but have forgotten that employment should be given top priority” said an employee of ANE Private Coal mining Company. “We appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open the Coal Block Allocations and give tenders to private coal mining companies at NECF Coal India Limited Margherita so that we could feed our family members

well” said workers and employees of ANE Private Coal mining Company to this Correspondent.

Noted communist of Margherita Comrade Bikash Dasgupta said “Whether Congress party, BJP party or any other political party who governed our country just obey the guidelines of capitalist and corporate world, while farmers, workers, youths and general people of country are suffering”.

DBNF observes World Blood Donor Day 2016 in Dibrugarh

Libra For people you may appear to be a miser but when it comes to your closed ones you will never hold back or hesitate to spend. Today is a good day to take your loved ones shopping. You may overspend your budget but the spending will give you a feeling of happiness and contentment.

Scorpio Life is the best teacher, they say. And today, you even experience this. You may learn to survive the neck-tight competition in the market. This may invite a lot of envy, but nothing shall bother you. 'To err is human, to forgive is divine,' so, it's fine even if you commit some errors.

Sagittarius You will enjoy the magic of the Midas touch today. In business, sheer brilliance will help you derive the best possible results in productivity and clinching new contracts. Your approach, in general, will be methodical, disciplined and systematic for most part of the day.

Capricorn The day will be of paramount significance as you are likely to meet someone who will be associated with you for life. Also, relationships and relatives will keep you busy for major part of the day. You may not find it interesting, but you will not have any options either. A visit to holy places for some peace of mind is also likely. Back home, you will do what you would have preferred doing the entire day - spend time with your family and loved ones.

Aquarius It's a day you may want to spend with yourself. But it may still not bring the desired peace and tranquility. An unpleasant situation may force you to deal with reality. You now realize how much strength you derive from your devotion to God. Pisces You set irreproachable standards for yourself, but what keeps your subordinates from grumbling about it is the efforts you make to help them achieve perfection in their endeavors. You inspire, they aspire.

Jahnu Boruah Dibrugarh, Jun 12: Dibrugarh Blood Donors’ Forum, a leading organisation of Dibrugarh observed the World Blood Donor Day 2016 in advance today at Rajlakshmi Banquet Hall, Shantipara in Dibrugarh. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June, every year, to mark

the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who first distinguished the main blood groups and discovered the Rh factor in human beings.

The DBDF has been working relentlessly for the promotion of voluntary blood donation in upper Assam, especially in Dibrugarh District. The principal of Assam Medical College and

Hospitals (AMCH) Dr. R. K.Kakoti, president of DBDF Ashit Roy, Dr. P. Saikia, Dr. A. Sarma, Dr. N. Upadhaya, and Dr. J. Gogoi were on the dias. Principal Dr. R. K. Kakoti said during his speech “Everybody should donate blood for the cause of humanity”. The above mentioned guest on the dias were delivered

valuable speeches on awareness of blood donation, AMC blood bank and its 24 hour service, comparative analysis between Blood bank and Business Bank.

In this programme 12 Nos. of people donated blood and more than 30 Nos. blood donators were felici-

tated with a sapling and a certificate in this programme. Ashu Paul has mentioned about the activity log of the forum. Various bold donor organisations from different parts of Assam also took part in the programme.

Those organisations were also felicitated by the forum in this programme today.

World Anti-Child Work HSLC And HSSLC Day held at Dergaon Toppers of Sivasagar were

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

ET Correspondent Dergaon, June 12: World Anti-Child Work Day today observed at Dergaon with highlighting and providing awareness regarding anti-child work by Dergaon administration and public organizations.

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 13-6-16 (MONDAY)

It is noteworthy to state that a

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaagaa Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anushthan 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Drama-Khirikiyedi,Written by Ali Haidar (Part-3) 8-30 P.M-Talk-"Pobitra Romjanor Rooja" by Dr. Munirul Hussain 9-30 P.M-Mandakini Sd-/H.O.P

great number of private business units comprising aluminum factory, FCI, missionary construction, hardware, hotel etc. hires child to work for them and even family members too send them to work.

“Many education schemes to make all minor child educated

is though in forces but more than 100 child work in brick manufacturing units around Dergaon revenue circle. Similarly child work in private shops for loading heavyweight goods is illegal concern of anti-child work observations”, said organisations during the World Anti-Child Work Day.

felicitated At Juvo Dol

World Anti-Child Day observed at Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jun 12: An awareness programme against the child labour has been organised at the DC office in association with Dibrugarh District Administration and District Labour Department.

Labour Commissioner P. Das has mentioned the aims and objective of the meeting and ADC A. Chaliha has presided over the meeting.

Dr. R. Kakoti, principal of AMC has delivered an analytical speech on child mind set and psychology and the formation of a systematic society. Additional SP S.

Singh mentioned about the child labour protection ordinance and its various sites.

Assistant Commissioner H. Chaudhari, Sewali Boruah, President of Child Welfare Society, Bhudev Fukan, President of Chambers of Commerce emphasized on awareness of child labour and role of NGOs and other social organisations for the promotion of the society.

ADC A. Chaliha added in his speech that “the workless attitude of the senior members of the poor family is the ultimate reason of

the creation of child labour”. He mentioned to make call to help line number 1098 to inform about child labour. Dr. R. Kakoti administrates the oath taking of all present people in the programme to avoid appointing child labour.

A chorus was sung by the children of the Child House and Development Ashram.

An art competition was also organised among the children. An awareness rally was also organised against child labour under the sponsorship of the Labour Department.

ET Correspondent Sivasagar, May 12 : Purvotar Hindustani Yuwa Chatra Parishad of Sivasagar today organised a function at Juvo Dol here at Sivasagar to felicitate the top 35 meritorious students of Sivasagar district, who have excelled in the recently concluded HSLC and HSSLC exami-

Attending as a chief guest on the occasion,Sivasagar SP Anand Prakash Tiwari in his address said that You all had brought laurels to the entire district of Sivasagar and made us proud . He also urged the students for better results in future.

Road mishap Gyan Vigyan's Pradumn held at Kumar shines in Rangia, 25 Dibrugarh injured Contd. from Page 1 ET Correspondent Rangia, June 12: At least 25 passengers were injured where 6 people reported critically during a road accident held at NH-31 near Moranjana, Rangia this evening. A Barpeta bound speedy Bus (no AS 15 C 7498) collided with a truck (No NL 01 D 6318) injuring 25 passengers including Women and children. The injured passengers have been shifted to Rangia civil Hospital by the locals.

Under Civic Action programme, CRPF 186 Bn distributed Water Filter among villagers of Kumari Khamti, Kumari Adivasi and Kumari Kachari under Mahadevpur P. S. in Namsai dist. of Arunachal by 186 Bn of CRPF on today. Commandant Anil Minj, Extra Asst Commissioner H. N. Dubey, Asst Comndt Thomas Vargese, Company Comndr Chandreswar Prasad, SM Babu Lal and Gaonburahes were present. A Free Health Check up Camp was also organised on this occasion, where morethan 150 persons were examined and free medicines were provided to needy persons. Camp was organised under d guidance of Dr L. Pitri... Photo and text Dinesh Goyal

nation 2016.

6 of them immediately shifted to GMCH in a critical condition. Police rushed to the spot and controlled the situation.

This year 1, 98,000 were found to be eligible to appear for JEE advanced and total number of seats in IIT are 10575. Pradumn Kumar has taken coaching in G.V. Coaching under Gyan Vigyan Academy.

Talking to 'The Eastern Today' Pradumn Kumar said about his preparation, co-operation from the parents and teachers. Specially, mentioned about the G.V. Coaching Centre and Gyan Vigyan Academy with the non-stop friendly cooperation of the faculties. He has got 90.2% in XII examination under A.H.S.E.C and his BITSAT mark is 319. Notable that Pradumn Kumar occasionally used socialmedia for academic purpose and told he has invested minimum 12 hour per day in study during his preparation. Concept base learning is always co-operative for reaching someone’s goal, added by Pradumn Kumar. The whole atmosphere of G.V. Coaching Centre and Gyan Vigyan Academy is joyful today after the result.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

PAGE 3

Growing epilepsy cases in Nalbari district causes concern ET Correspondent Nalbari, June 12: The Inadequate awareness among the masses has complicated and increased the epilepsy cases in the state.Even the Nalbari district is adversely affected due to the growing epilepsy cases.The fact was revealed by a study conducted by the Guwahati-based multi-specialty hospital GNRC Hospitals. The study, formulated by analyzing data from records of the last 17 years maintained by GNRC, and various other publicly available sources. Addressing the media personnel in a press conference held at Nalbari press club Dr. Prasenjit Deka, Consultant, Department of Neurology, GNRC Hospitals, said that most of us believed that seizure is a synonym for epilepsy but in reality epilepsy is more than seizures. The state of Assam is facing a debilitating burden of 3 lakh epilepsy patients. He added that the point which needs to be focused is that majority of those cases are unrecognized, under reported and hence untreated. For example, Nalbari district has around 5774 patients. But, 99.66 percent of them are untreatedi.

The corollary is that lack of health adversely affects not only the population’s physical

well-being but also its mental, social and economic well-being. Dr. Deka stated that the main reason for 99.66% of untreated epilepsy cases due to lack of treatment or inadequate attention to prevention was lack of awareness. Requesting the media to support GNRC’s mission, he stated that only media can help take the message of preventive healthcare and early intervention to the masses, and thereby serve the cause of society-building and nation-building. He requested the media to support GNRC in fulfilling this objective. He also informed that GNRC has a dedicated Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Centre with Video EEG facilities at their Sixmile campus. It is the only centre in entire Eastern India.

It provides MRI (Brain) at Rs. 2500, Video EEG at Rs. 6500 and Neuropsychology evaluation only for Rs. 1500. In other leading hospitals of the country one needs to pay Rs. 13000, Rs.10000 and Rs. 3750 respectively for these.

Moreover, there is a huge transportation and accommodation cost for the patient and the attendants as well while travelling to a place outside the state, which is avoided when treatment is available locally, Dr. Deka said. Dr.

Namrata Khandelwal, Consultant, Department of Neurology, GNRC Hospitals who was also present in the press conference said that a healthy population is also one that is energetic, one that contributes to and drives the economy.

Economic impact of untreated epilepsy is alarming in the district as individuals suffering from epilepsy remain unemployable.Speaking on the occasion, Satabdee Borah, CEO, GNRC of Sixmile, detailed the unique and ambitious Epilepsy Awareness programme conducted by the hospital group. She said as conscionable members of society, it is our responsibility to relentlessly endeavour to progress in the direction of ‘Health for All, Smiles for all.

We plan to organize free epilepsy detection and counseling camps in Nalbari on June 19,she added. The team of neurologists and epilepsy experts from the hospital will consult individuals free of cost. Moreover,she further said that the people who would like to visit GNRC Sixmile for further treatment after the camp will be given priority and adequate concessions to recover from the disease.

Society conducted an exploration trekking to some unexplored waterfalls

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 12: The members of the Eco-Tourism Society of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar have organized a trekking to an unexplored destination located near the capital city with the help of the well wishers, villagers and visual media persons at BadangBadha village area on Saturday the 11th June. On reaching the spot, the Chairman of the society Tazap Wahge while responding to the queries in an interview

by the accompanying media expressed the objective of the society and drawn attention towards the scope and potentiality of eco-tourism in the state. He felt that at a time when the scorching heat is making the life difficult, an offbeat event of such type could be the perfect way to rediscover while exploring the unexplored place.

Badang-Badha village area is one of those unexplored places with high potentials which have something on

ABSU appeals PM Modi to solve Bodoland issue ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 12: The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has appealed the BJP led NDA government at centre under the Prime Ministership of Narendra Modi to adopt a policy in the forth coming monsoon session of parliament for peaceful solution of the Bodoland Issue.

In a statement, ABSU president Promod Boro said that the students union reaffirms to continue its democratic mass movement for lasting solution of the issue. He said that slogans of the Government for mere economic and infrastructure development cannot fulfill the ethnic aspiration and preservation of the identity and culture of the Bodo people and we strongly believe that the creation of Bodoland state will be the only solution to ensure the protection of identity and culture of the Bodo community.

The Union is organizing a National Level consultation within July at national capital on the issue and launching a series of movement programmes on the demand which is going to be publi-

cizing through regional and national press on 7th July 2016 to be held at Guwahati under the aegis of National Federation for New State (NFNS).

The ABSU on the 29th Martyrs Day of Bodoland movement today organized a rally at Tamulpur in Baksa. The ABSUpay homage to 1st martyr Sujit Narjary a class X students who had killed on 12th June in the year 1987 while returning from a mass rally at judge field Guwahati on demand of Bodoland and all the martyr of Bodoland Movement since 1987. ‘In the entire movement we have lost more than 5000 lives in last 4 decades.

ABSU observing the day since 1987 as a memorable day and will continue it till the Bodo society stay alive in the world. Alike any other movement for survival and protection the Bodoland movement is also one which has build an awareness on protection of identity, land, language and culture, to live with dignity of life as a citizen of the country and the universe through struggle, he said.

The Bodoland movement

had played a role of eye opener for the downtrodden communities and the marginalized Tribes in the region to live with honour and all sorts of protections under the constitution of the country. The movement has provided enough evidences about the discrimination, exploitation and suppression of the ruling class people of the same country and state on the underprivileged section of the society.

‘It has been experienced that the largest tribal community (Bodo) of the NE region has been surviving because of movement only.

If there has been no movement the marginalized group of people like Bodos have been vanished for aggressive assimilation and systematic exploitation, the Absu president said. The ABSU president said the longest constitutions of the largest democratic country of the world failed to provide the right and justice to the indigenous people in the 68 years of Independence.

‘The legitimate demand and genuine issues of the people has been pending and kept unaddressed for which Bodos has no alternative way to protect the identity and culture other than vig-

orous mass movement, he said adding that ‘the Union government has created numbers of new states after independence at different time only for the political gain of the ruling party of that particular time which is too much injustice on the part of the Bodos and other statehood aspiring and deserving people of the country.

Stating that the Bodoland movement is not a new movement, it has already been completed 4 decades and as a result the movement witnessed the formation of two arrangements i.e. BAC in 20th February 1993 and BTC in 10th February 2003, he said ‘but none of the arrangement could accommodate the aspiration of the people nor could ensure the protection of different values of the community for survival with a distinct identity. Thus the movement is still going in a vigorous mode as the government has not taken any resolution for permanent solution of the unsolved Bodoland issue.

He stated that the ABSU restarted the third face of Bodoland movement from

the year 2010 and the then UPA government organized series of tripartite talk with the struggling organizations in the year 2013 and 2014 but didn’t adopted any policy for permanent solution of the issue. ‘On the other hand, the Union Supported BJP led NDA in 2014 General Election as they (BJP) assured and included for solution of the Bodo issue as one of the point in their election manifesto (Additional). But sorry to say in last two years they didn’t take up any pragmatic initiative to resolve the issue, he said.

He also stated that the NDFB (P) is also under ceasefire agreement since 2005 for permanent solution of the Bodoland Issue, as we have noticed, there have been several rounds of talks in bureaucratic level but no any talk has been arranged in political level for permanent solution of the issue.

Leaders from various organizations including former Lo Sabha MP Sansuma Kunggur Bwiswmuthiary and NDFB-P general secretary Gobinda Basumatary were also present.

Governor conducts field visit in various routes of the State Capital of Arunachal Pradesh A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 12: Continuing his efforts in improving the conditions of the roads in the State, starting from Capital Complex, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa made a field visit to the perennial bottleneck points in various routes of the State Capital.

He made on-the-spot visits of the bridge points at Papu Nallah, near Petrol Pump and Niba Hospital and interacted with the Chief Engineers on the sites, stated in a press release issued from the administration.

ing to the laid out specifications and CPWD norms.

Stating that road connectivity is the single most important sector which needs to be developed and maintained at all cost for progress of the State, the Governor stressed.

The Chief Engineer (Highways) Er. Bora Ete and Chief Engineer (Western Zone) PWD Er. Nani Taki briefed the Governor on the continuing progress of the works.

vent erosions near the bridges and roads. The Chief Engineer (Highways) informed that the works of bridges will be completed within ten days.

The Governor advised them to widen the water outlet so that there is free flow of streams, running under the bridges. He also suggested for concrete walls to pre-

To have a real feel of the progress and experience the quality of the roads, the Governor himself drove on the Naharlagun-JullangItanagar Bypass road. He

was not at all impressed by the quality of road as in many places, it was found that there were no drainages, carpeting was broken and road is narrow due to landslides. He advised the Chief Engineer (Western Zone) PWD to submit proposal for the road at the earliest to the Government for budget provision as it is the only alternate route avail-

able on blockage of the main Itanagar-Naharlagun highway.

The Governor emphasised that all the road projects in the State must be implemented without any compromise in quality and quantity. There must be excellence in work, use of standard materials and execution absolutely accord-

Driving through the Sector roads, the Governor was delighted to note that the denizens of the Capital Complex has obliged to the appeal of Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh in making the city clean and said that a good beginning has been made.

He expressed hope that people of the city and State will continue to keep their colonies, sectors and town clean. The Governor once again appealed to the people to cooperate and comply with the orders of the District Administrators for healthier environment and better place to live in.

offer for everyone including adventure sports, trekking and regulated fishing. A little over 3 kilometers trekking on foot from main road connecting the Ganga Lake in the outskirt of capital city Itanagar is enticing following the stream up to its main source forming numerous lovely cascading waterfalls is enchanting. Advisor of the Eco-Tourism Society and Deputy Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University Dr. David Pertin, who accompanied the exploring team

suggested that if properly developed through publicprivate partnership mode, this point could become a very famous tourist destination in and around the capital city and could even strengthen the economic life of the villagers of the adjoining area besides would add to the sources of revenue for the state in eco-tourism sector. The place with virgin beauty boasting with lovely cascading waterfalls is sure to attract tourists and adventure lovers in the days to

come, where the visitors can go trekking, rock climbing or camping in the wild and revel in the peace and enjoy some quietude in the serene and cool place whose pristinely raw and untouched beauty will not fail to mesmerize. Village elder Nguri Tala was optimistic that with the support of the society and governmental agencies the area will be developed at its best and will make the place a sought after tourist destination in the near future.

Army apprehends laef terrorist & NDFB(S) linkman ET Correspondent Rangia June 12: Different districts of Lower Assam have been facing the ominous, omni present threat of extortion from the various terrorist groups for a long time. The groups, especially the NDFB(S) in Kokrajhar & Chirang, have been using extortion as a means of self-sustainment & procuring weapons, which are further used for terror activities. This has created a sense of havoc amongst the hard working communities of this area.

The Indian Army, in conjunction with the Assam Police, have launched comprehensive, sustained operations against the NDFB(S) and other such terrorist groups, in an ever successful bid to bring normalcy to the area.

The Army has also been launching specific operations against the network of Linkmen, who extort money on behalf of the groups and procure weapons for them. In the past two days, the Army and Police have launched major operations against various groups. As a result, the teams have apprehended a linkman of NDFB(S) in the wee hours of 12 June 16 from Kokrajhar District.

This particular operation was launched on receiving specific inputs about a linkman who was extorting large amounts of money and preparing to send it to the Bidai group. Reacting

swiftly, the Army launched operations and apprehended Jibon Arjya, who was extorting cash to the tune of Rs 1 lakh. The cash was recovered from the Linkman alongwith a Pistol and ammunition.,It is alleged that the outfit was using it to threaten local businessmen and other people.

In another operation on 11 Jun, based on specific inputs from Military Intelligence, the Indian Army and Assam Police launched an operation in Goalpara District. The Army was informed regarding the suspicious movement of a terrorist of the dreaded Liberation of Achik Elite Force in the area of

Deuripara, near Goalpara.

The team reacted swiftly and apprehended the terrorist on 11 June. He has been identified as SuparoSwargyari. According to the militant, he joined the LAEF in 2014 and has been active in carrying out subversive activities since then. One 7.65 mm Pistol has been recovered from the militant alongwith some ammunitions.

These sustained operations have led to decrease in terror incidents and extortion activities.

This is developing a sense of security amongst the people and as a result will bring development to the region.

Small hydropower project for self - sufficient power in dist Contd. from Page 1 The state government sought the support of the planning body to help develop State’s untapped hydropower potential in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of 24x7 Power for all by 2022.

Emphasizing tapping of small hydropower project in the districts, Kalikho Pul CM in his recent visit in the Lohit district said Anjaw is the best model for self sufficient power where small projects were set up even at the most interior Chaglagam circle to harness

power for the nearest villages.

“The district of Arunachal is blessed with innumerable rivulets and streams which need to be harnessed to generate power to avoid dependence on Assam and could saved rupees in crores while purchasing power”, The CM suggested.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

PAGE 4 One dead, several injured in road mishap ET Correspondent Tezpur, June 12: One person was killed and several others sustained serious injuries when a tractor carrying about fifty member kirtan party including minors was knocked down by a speeding truck bearing Regn. No. AS-07-A4452 at Jamuguri Bakula area on NH-15 under Jamuguri police station in Sonitpur district last night.

The team was travelling from Choibari Borachuk area. The deceased who died on the spot was identified as Anjana Garh (45). In the incident 12 persons were injured seriously three of whom were rushed to the Tezpur Kanaklata Civil Hospital while nine were admitted in the Jamuguri 30 bed Primary Health Centre.

Modi govt.'s decisive politics 13th World Blood Donor has ended policy paralysis: BJP Day observed at Haflong Allahabad (U.P.), June 12 (ANI): Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modiled government is laying new standards of democratic accountability and has set a unique example of public contact, Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday said policy paralysis has ended and decisive politics has taken over under the NDA regime.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the BJP's national executive meeting in Allahabad, Prasad highlighted the NDA government's achievements in the last two years in office.

"No corruption has taken place under our government. Our government works on the ground of no policy paralysis and decisive leadership," he added.

Prasad said the NDA government has struck a balance between rural and urban development unlike the

previous UPA regime.

"We also showed that reform and public welfare can go together. There is no disconnect, the bureaucracy will deliver and implement the decision taken by the political leadership, this never happened before. The previous government was always in dilemma on such issues. Moreover, the simmering disconnect between the defence policies and foreign policies has also been completely resolved," he added.

The Union Minister further said BJP president Amit Shah primarily during the meeting discussed about two things: first the successful completion of two years of government and second the party's performance in the assembly elections of coromandel states.

"Amit Shah in his inaugural address discussed about two decisive incidents. First that under the governance of Prime Minister Narendra

Stern action will be initiated for illegal deforestation and rhino killing : Pramila Rani Brahma Contd. from Page 1

Brahma took stock about the Sal trees felled and ordered concern department official to protect forest area with stern action at any cost.

Brahma expressed her serious concern over the Sal felled inside forest area said that it was shock and unwanted situation for the state, even though there is forest department official, protection force in the area, yet valuable trees were felled illegally.

She has expressed suspects that there was a nexus with timber smuggling from this area while taking advantage to brokerage the Sal trees in the region. She has

directed forest official to step with stern protection and involved culprits will be booked through inquiry, she said adding that nobody would be spared into situation. She also said that she will intimate this situation to Chief Minsiter Sonowal and stern measures would be taken to protect the forest environment.

Nayekgaon Ranger Fakuruddin Ali Ahmed said that smugglers felled Sal trees in the forest area.

‘We could have protected this forest if we had sophisticated arms as well sufficient man power with the department along the range.

The timber smugglers come with arms, lathis, dao to fell

tress inside the forest and we are to become observer because we have shortage of man power and arms with us’, he said.

He has demanded increase of man power and provides sufficient arms to guard the forest range in healthy manner to protect forest tress and wild life. On the other hand, local public alleged that timber and Sal trees were felled illegally under the nose of forest department official in the range. Subash Tigga, a social activist said that no forest official come forward to protect illegally felled Sal trees which has been taking since few days back along the Nayekgaon forest in the area.

The pioneer of mobile theatre, Achyut Lahkar is no more Contd. from Page 1

The MLA declared that a statue of Lahkar will be constructed in Pathsala soon.

A pall of gloom descended in Pathsala after the demise of Achyut Lahkar, the doyen of the Assamese mobile theatre movement.

Meanwhile Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed Chief Secretary V.K. Pipersenia to accord full State honours to Achyut Lahkar, the doyen of mobile theatre, who passed away in the morning at his Pathsala residence,

leaving a pall of gloom in the theatre world. Founder of Nataraj theatre, Lahkar passed away at the age of 85 after protracted illness.

On hearing the sad demise of Lahkar, Chief Minister Sonowal called up Chief Secretary Pipersenia to make arrangements to accord full State honours to the multifaceted theatre personality and to declare one-day State mourning in his honour. Sonowal also called up the DC and SP, Barpeta and to make full preparations for his last rites.

Chief Minister Sonowal mourned the death of Lahkar and described his passing away as an

irreparable loss to bhramyaman (mobile) theatre. “A pioneer of bhramyaman theatre, Achyut Lahkar strode like a colossus spanning several decades. His death is an irreparable loss to bhramyaman theatre. The void created by his death will be difficult to fill. His outstanding contributions will be remembered by posterity,” said the Chief Minister in his condolence message.

The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Governor condoles over demise of the ‘Father of Assamese Mobile Theatre’ Contd. from Page 1 He founded the Nataraj Theatre, the first mobile theatre or Bhramyman Mancha in Assam way back in 1963.

The Governor recalling the contributions of Late Lahkar said that the Doyen of Assamese Mobile Theatre movement and the winner of the Kamal Kumari National award in 1997, Late Lahkar will always remain in the hearts of the people and his legacy will live on through his noted works and plays such as Arena, Ajoya Vietnam, Usha, Black Money, Doctor Babu, Ami Henu Manuh Nohoi etc. and many other mobile theatre enterprises which have not only earned name and fame through the staging of numerous dramas, plays etc. which apart from providing entertainment to the people in the areas unreached by cinema halls,

theatre halls etc. have also been providing opportunities to young talents from all over Assam to showcase their skills and provide productive employment to thousands.

While conveying his sincere condolences and profound sympathies to the members of the bereaved family and praying to the Almighty to give them enough mental strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss, the Governor said that the Assamese theatre will, without doubt, miss his commanding and endearing presence as the towering theatre personality.

“I join my wife Rita Rajkhowa and those millions of admirers and people of Assam and North Eastern Region, in offering our respectful homage and prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul”, the Governor said in his message.

CM Sonowal directs for full state honours to Lahkar Contd. from Page 1 Sonowal also called up the DC and SP, Barpeta and to make full preparations for his last rites.

Chief Minister Sonowal mourned the death of Lahkar and described his passing away as an irreparable loss to bhramyaman (mobile) theatre. “A pioneer of bhramyaman theatre, Achyut Lahkar strode like a colossus spanning several decades. His death is an irreparable loss to bhramyaman theatre. The void created by his death will be difficult to fill. His outstanding contributions will be remembered by posterity,” said the Chief Minister in his condolence message.

The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) successfully completed two years at the Centre; second the assembly elections which took place this year where the BJP performed well," said Prasad.

"In Assam, we got full majority which opened the gateway of the north-east for the BJP, in Kerala we got one seat and 15 percent vote share along with allies.

Where as in West Bengal, we got 10 percent vote share with our partners in the state. So, it seems like a good start for the BJP in the coromandel states, where it has won in one of the states and made its presence more prominent in other states," he added.

Prasad further said the BJP has spread it wings across the nation from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Guwahati.

The BJP national executive meeting began at Allahabad in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

this evening.

Prime Minister Modi, who arrived here for the meet earlier today, told the BJP workers not to take the opposition lightly and counter their accusations by working for the people.

According to sources, Prime Minister Modi made this assertion during a meeting with the BJP's national office bearers' held ahead of the two-day national executive meet that is going to discuss several crucial issues, including the next assembly polls due next year in five states particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

According to sources, the office bearers meeting discussed many issues, beside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, achievements of the NDA government in last two years and organisational matters.

Sources said the party leaders also deliberated upon the issues to be included in political resolution.

Pithika celebrates 12th Foundation Day

ET Correspondent Haflong, June 12: To mark the 13th World Blood Donor Day a Blood Donation Camp was organised by NGO Dawns of Tomorrow Society (D.O.T.S) on 12 June 2016 at Civil Hospital, Haflong. 40 units of blood was collected through the camp and handed over to the hospital. In keeping with the theme ‘Blood connects us all’, people of Dima Hasao District, irrespective of tribe, religion, caste or creed, voluntarily donated blood and contributed towards saving lives.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June, every year, to mark the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who first distinguished the main blood

groups and discovered the Rh factor in human beings.

The camp of 12 June 2016 is the first in series of events planned by Medical Department and Civil Hospital.

People from various tribes turned out in their ethnic attire and came forward to donate blood. It was a sight to see and exhibited the true meaning of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘All Tribes, One India’. Each donor was presented a badge by D.O.T.S to display that he was a hero and had contributed to save a life. To further motivate, the ‘Heroes’ were provided with light refreshments and juices.

One of the donors said “I feel it is my social responsibility towards Haflong

and Dima Hasao to contribute for conservation of life.

We have lost many lives in past two decades for no reason, but we should now conserve it. If my blood can save a citizen’s life, be it from any tribe or religion, caste, I think I am surely a Hero”.

Other NGOs like Changes Society and AROH also participated in the conduct of the camp. As always, Assam Rifles provided the necessary assistance for the camp and lived up to being ‘Friends of the Hill People’.

Few Friends of the Hill People also donated their blood for the Hill People even though they have a permanent board at the hospital with contact No. for emergency donation of blood.

Ranu Langthasa files nomination Linkman arrested for Chairperson of NCHAC ET Correspondent Haflong, June 12: Mrs. Ranu Langthasa, a BJP candidate for the post of Chairperson has filed her nomination to the Secretary, NCHAC Sri Debanan Daolagupu in presence of Prakanta Warisa, Samuel Changsan, Kelendra Daolagupu, Fleming Rupsi, Him Bahadur Chetri, Ajay Chakraborty MACs and others on Sunday.

It is going to be the history in making as Langthasa would be the first lady chairperson of the NCHAC since the inception of the NCHAC. Talking to media after filing the nomination as the BJP candidate for Chairperson Mrs Ranu Langthasa said she felt proud to be the chairperson where her father-in- law was

also a two time chairman.

She also promised to maintain neutrality while act as the chairperson in NCHAC. She also said the post of chairperson is always considered to be prestigious and sacred one. Till the filing of this only Mrs. Langthasa is the lone candidate for the post of Chairperson.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 12: A linkman of NDFB-S was apprehended from Saralpara area in Kokrajhar district along the Indo-Bhutan border today by a joint team of army and police today.

Based of specific information, army and police launched a joint operation in the area and apprehended the NDFB-S linkman. He was identified as Jibon Arjya, 52 of No 1 Jaraguri in Bongaigaon.

Army sources said he was arrested while coming to collect Rs 1 lakh as extortion money. One pistol along with a live round and Rs 1 lakh cash and a monile was recovered from him. More interrogation is on.

ABSU remembered martyr Sujit Narzary on Bodoland Martyrs Day

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 12: Over hundred poets from different parts of Kokrajhar and Chirang district participated and recited their self composed poems on the occasion of 12th Foundation Day celebration of ‘Pithika’ on Sunday held at Basic Training Centre (BTC) in Kokrajhar.

programme in Kokrajhar because there are many budding and senior poets who participated and recited their self composed poems.

‘This kind of programme will encourage to create and write literary work and poem among literary world through which persons be identified positive in their creations’, said Kumar.

The celebration was organized by Boro Employees’ Literary Society, Kokrajhar to mark the foundation day of Pithika,a group of poets and literary activists.

Noted writer PK Hazoary said that the occasion was pleasure moment for us because the Pithika group turns its 300 poets’ session in today’ life.

Noted poet Nilim Kumar, Guwahati graced as chief guest on the occasion and interacted with poets and recited self composed poems. He said that it is a great pleasure to be part of this poem recitation

Sahitya Academy awarded Brajendra Kumar Brahma,Janil Kumar Brahma,writer Lakhinath Brahma, Pithika organizer Swmdwn Brahma were prominent attendees on the occasion.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 12: The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and Bodo community recalled martyr Sujit Narzary, first martyr of Bodoland movement seeking for separate Bodoland statehood, on his 29th death anniversary, was being observed at his martyr tomb at Bhatipara village in Kokrajhar on Sunday.

Martyr Sujit Narzary, was died on June 12(1987) due to attacked by anti-Bodoland while on way back to Kokrajhar after participating a grand mass gathering at Judges Field in Guwahati seeking separate Bodoland statehood.

Mangalsing Narzary, father of Sujit Narzary paid floral tribute to Sujit at martyr tomb along the JD Road at Bhatipara on his martyrs day, was organized by South Kokrajhar anchalik committee, ABSU in the presence of villager and ABSU leaders.Janak Ujir,vice president Kokrajhar district unit ABSU hoisted half union flag and observed one minute silence condolence to mark the occasion. BTC executive member Doneswar Goyary attended the function and paid floral tribute to Sujit.Goyary said that Sujit Narzary, first martyr of Bodoland movement and we must remember him among society who sacrifice his life for the cause of Bodoland statehood.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Urkhao Gwra Brahma paid homage to Sujit Narzary at the statue at Government HS & MP School complex in the presence of student and local peoples, was organized by Kokrajhar district unit ABSU Premjit Narzary, president Kokrajhar district committee ABSU hoisted union flag.

Former MP Brahma recalled Sujit Narzary, who lost his life for the cause of Bodoland statehood in early age and encourage us to follow the ideology of the movement spirit.

Brahma has urged state and centre to take stern step while bringing permanent solution of Bodoland issue as soon as possible besides settlement of NDFB (P) issues through political dialogue. Jayanta Kumar Roy,principal of Govt HS & MP school, paid tribute to Sujit and remembered, who

Sujit was a student who strongly participated the movement whole hearted and sacrifice his life for the cause of separate Bodoland state.

‘We must remember him (Sujit) because he sacrifices his life for the cause of Bodoland issue.The ABSU has been recalling him on his death anniversary as Bodoland martyrs day to mark him among the community’,he said.

Mangalsing Narzary,father of Sujit Narzary said, “I recalled my son Sujit Narzray, who died on today’s day in 1987 due to attacked by some unidentified miscreants. I do hope that one-day dream of Bodoland statehood would be created. Bodo people and organizations should be united and unity while meeting issues of Bodoland issues in coming days to attract government’s tendency to bring permanent solution”.

Third Foundation Day of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya was observed at Nagaon ET Correspondent Nagaon, June 12: Third Foundation Day of Mahapurusha Srimanta S a n k a r a d e v a Viswavidyalaya was observed here on Friday last on the premises of the Viswavidyalaya with a daylong programme. The programme began with the hoisting of the Viswavidyalaya flag by Prof. Kandarpa Kumar Deka, Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Synchronising with the foundation day an open meeting under the presidentship of Dr. Deka,

VC, was held in the auditorium of the Viswavidyalaya. In the beginning of the function Dr. Deka, Dr. Ratul Chandra Bora, Registrar of the Viswavidyalaya, Sri Babul Bora, Principal Secretary of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha, Sri Rupak Sarma, local M.L.A and others lighted the lamp. The function began with recitation of a borgeet by Preetirekha Dutta, a research scholar in the department of Sankaradeva Studies. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Bora, Registrar, who while welcoming

the guests gave a brief history and activities of the Viswavidyalaya.

Speaking on the occasion as distinguished guest, Sri Rupak Sarma wished a bright future for the university and hoped that this institution of higher learning would be a centre of Excellence in future. He assured all help to the Viswavidyalaya for its all round development and progress.

Sri Babul Bora, principal secretary of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha in his inaugural speech gave a brief description of how the

Viswavidyalaya came into existence, pains and pangs while materializing the plan and future plan of the Sangha to develop the institution. He, too, disclosed the plan of the Trust to introduce some other subjects in 2017.

Srijut Bhabendranath Deka, Padadhikar of the Sangha launched an online journal of the Viswavidyalaya, and in his speech dwelt on the responsibilities and accountability of the Viswavidyalaya towards the society and the the people.

Dr. Pradip Hazarika, Prof.

& Head of the Deptt. of Assamese in his speech recalled the contributions of different people for the growth of the University, and laudatory steps taken by the Viswavidyalaya during last two years.

The Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deka threw light on the activities and achievements of the Viswavidyalaya during last two years and disclosed that in future rapid expansion of it will be made.

Earlier Sikha Duwara, Asstt. Prof. of Sociology department recited Hem Barua's poem "Mamatar Cithi "

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

Nagaland governor appeals for unity among Nagas

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya PTI Imphal, June 12: Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has termed the framework agreement signed between the Centre and NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015 as a "momentous development" and appealed for unity among the Nagas.

Acharya said he was encouraged by the statement of NSCN(IM), issued on June 7 last, calling upon all Naga people to be prepared for final solution, while acknowledging that a strong foundation has been laid with the signing of the framework agreement.

He said this while interacting with media persons in Dimapur on Saturday, a statement issued

by Directorate of Information Public Relations said here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, describing Yoga has an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition which embodies holistic approach to health and well-being, Acharya appealed to all sections of the society to

participate in the International Day of Yoga 2016.

He said that in order to spread the message and importance of Yoga, state level function will be held at Indira Gandhi stadium, Kohima on June 21 while district level functions would be held at respective district headquarters.

On the education front, the Governor viewed education as a social responsibility and said that people managing the educational institution should not be commercial minded but take it as a mission.

"To strengthen the society, education is the most important pillar," he said.

On alleged rampant corruption, backdoor appointments in government departments and irregularities in implementation of schemes, Acharya said there is a need to "suitably" strengthen the Vigilance Commission and urged the State government to immediately enact and appoint Lokayukta.

Tripura captive breeding at zoo fetches three lion cubs

PAGE 5

Manipur women open roadside fuel stall IANS Imphal, June 12: Binasakhi is busy these days. No, it's not with household chores, but this housewife in Manipur capital is occupied because of the economic blockade—she is selling petrol at a premium from her roadside stall.

"Every time there is a general strike or a blockade, I can earn about Rs.1,000 per day," Binasakhi, 45, said as she sold petrol to a motorist.

Economic blockade is like a perennial curse for people in Manipur who reel under the crippling effects of such agitation.

This time, it's the joint

committee of tribal groups that has called for the 10-day blockade. The result has been on the expected lines—prices of the commodities have skyrocketed as panic buying continued. Petrol and diesel have become a luxury, as the fuel stations remain closed.

So how could Binasakhi source petrol?

It's an open secret here.

Whenever there is a blockade or strike in Manipur, hundreds of women like Binasakhi team up with certain fuel station employees who provide petrol and diesel for an additional charge of Rs.10–Rs.15 per litre.

The fuel is collected in

us even though we sit on the roadside under umbrellas to sell petrol and diesel," said Nungshibi, 40, who is one among the many women who are the only options for motorists to source fuel at such times of crisis.

"We just run away in case the jerrycans catch fire due to some accident.

Otherwise, it's all fine here," she said.

Manipur women open roadside fuel stall

jerrycans and bottles by these women. And then the housewives use their entrepreneurial skills to sell petrol and diesel by

jacking up the prices by another Rs.10 or Rs.15 depending on the demand.

"The police don't trouble

Locals here know that these enterprising women are in reality helping to keep the wheels turning. Or else, life would have been even more miserable in a state which often gets cut off from the rest of the

Work on Northeast-Chittagong bridge begins IANS Agartala, June 12: India started work on building a bridge over the Feni river in Tripura to ferry heavy machines and goods to and from the northeastern states and the rest of India via Bangladesh through the Chittagong international port, top official said here on Saturday.

The Bangladesh government has earlier agreed to allow India to use the Chittagong port, about 72 km from Tripura’s southern border town of Sabroom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina jointly laid the foundation stone of the bridge during the former’s twoday visit to Dhaka on June 6-7, 2015.

“India has completed preliminary work including making detailed project report to build the bridge in Tripura to access Chittagong port to carry goods and heavy machineries for the northeast region,” Tripura’s Public Works Department (PWD) National Highway wing Chief Engineer Dipak

Ranjan Das told reporters.

“The DPR after some modification would be resubmitted to the Road Transport and Highways Ministry (MoRTH) next week for release of funds,” Das said.

The official said New Delhi would build the double-lane bridge and approach roads both in Bangladesh and India at its own cost and gave responsibility to Tripura PWD to construct the bridge and related approach roads.

Das said that after the finalisation of the tender, two and a half years time would be required to build the 150-metre-long bridge and other necessary facilities.

“A joint team of senior officials of India and Bangladesh recently visited Sabroom (in India) and Ramgarh (in Bangladesh) to initiate construction work and finalise other ground works,” Tripura PWD minister Badal Choudhury told IANS. “The proposed bridge, to be built at a cost of Rs 94 crore, would be the trading lifeline not only for

northeast India but also neighbouring South Asian countries,” Choudhury said.

Referring Bangladesh Industry Minister Alhaz Amir Hossain Amu’s declaration last week here, Tripura minister said: “Both Bangladesh and India are very keen to intensify trade and business with the northeast region and also set up joint venture projects for the benefit of the two neighbours.”

During Modi’s visit last year, both the countries had signed an agreement promising that Bangladesh would allow use of Chittagong sea port and Mongla river port for the movement of goods to and from India.

A Tripura Industry and Commerce Department official said various other tourism-related amenities and infrastructure would also be constructed in and around the bridge area, 135 km south of Tripura capital Agartala.

The Northeast Frontier Railway has started laying broad gauge tracks to extend its network up to border town Sabroom

and extension of railway line linking Bangladesh’s Akhaurah railway station, just five kilometres from Agartala railway station.

The National Highway8, which connects Tripura with rest of India, has been extended up to Sabroom border town.

The northeastern states are surrounded by Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan as well as China and the only land route access to these states from within India is through Assam. But this route passes through hilly terrain with steep roads and multiple hairpin bends.

Chaudhury said: “If Dhaka provides transit facilities to India and if we can use the Chittagong international port and other ports in Bangladesh, commodities and machinery can be transported to the northeast from various parts of India and abroad, saving huge time and money.”

“The transit between northeast India and rest of the country and abroad via Bangladesh is likely to become a reality in

near future,” he said.

On an average, the distance between important cities of Bangladesh and northeast India is 30 km to 100 km.

Agartala via Guwahati is 1,650 km from Kolkata by road and 2,637 km from New Delhi, while the distance between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh is just about 500 to 600 km, depending upon the mode of transportation.

The Food Corporation of India had last year ferried 35,000 tonnes of rice in different phases to Tripura from Visakhapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata port via Bangladesh using the Ashuganj river ports and Bangladesh highways.

Ashuganj river port is just 40 km from Agartala.

In 2012, Bangladesh had allowed the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to ferry heavy machinery, turbines and over-dimensional cargoes through Ashuganj port for the 726-MW Palatana mega power project in southern Tripura.

Overcrowding, water scarcity, lack of proper sanitation afflicts Shillong Civil Hospital Tripura captive breeding at zoo fetches three lion cubs

Agencies Agartala, June 12: The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura created history two days ago. For the first time in 30 years, the park, which was later transformed into a sanctuary, welcomed three lion cubs and 10 baby pythons in one day.

Sanctuary officials said Sepahijala had a 22year-old lion. In July last year, the zoo authorities brought one male and one female lion from Bannerghatta National Park of Karnataka under an animal exchange programme conducted by the Central Zoo Authority.

The lioness gave birth to triplets on June 9 in the zoo hospital. The cubs and their mother were reported to be fit and healthy, said chief wildlife warden AK Gupta.

He added that the population of lions has gone up to six in the sanctuary now.

Sanctuary authorities also found a python had given birth to 10

snakelets. He added, "Normally, pythons hatch after 90 days, but in this case the snakes were out in 45 days and found to be healthy."

Tripura forest minister Naresh Jamatia said Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary had brought four pairs of animals, including lions, sambars, black bucks and porcupines, under the animal exchange programme of Central Zoo Authority last year from Bannerghatta.

Tripura sent three Phayre's leaf monkeys, popularly called spectacled monkey (one male, two females), three pig-tailed macaques (one male, two females) and two Himalayan bears to Bannerghatta Park in exchange.

He expressed concern over the future of Asiatic lions, whose surviving population is confined to Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, and authorities are not willing to exchange the species.

Agencies Shillong, June 12: Various ills plague the Civil Hospital Shillong which caters to the majority of patients from KhasiJaintia Hills.

Overcrowding, water scarcity, lack of proper sanitation, and the allegations of non-availability of medicines are some of the problems which confront the hospital authorities time and again.

The accommodation of patients at Civil Hospital, Shillong is a cause of concern for the hospital authorities as due to accommodation problem, the patients are made to sleep on beds placed on the side of ramps.

There are many patients who come from rural areas of the state who are accommodated in the corridors in civil hospital due to shortage of beds.

Plight of cancer patients Speaking to The Shillong Times, an official source said that the persons who sleep on the side of the ramps are mostly cancer patients as most of them are in need of immediate medical attention and the hospital cannot deny ad-

mission to these patients.

“The ramp facility is only for cancer patients. With the increasing number of patients from rural and urban areas we have no choice but to accommodate them,” the source said.

In order to tackle the ever increasing number of cancer patients by accommodating them for their treatment, it is learnt that the hospital has approached the state government for help by requesting the government to establish an indoor ward of the cancer wing, to facilitate the admission of patients treated at the hospital.

When contacted, AL Hek, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, said, “There are rising cases of cancer patients reported at Civil Hospital.”

Hek said that there more than 600 beds in Civil Hospital, even as he admitted that accommodation is a problem due to numerous patients with various illnesses admitted in the hospital.

Asked whether the overcrowding is a seasonal matter, he replied in the positive.

Water scarcity Reacting to the allegations that some patients and attendees purchase water from outside, hospital sources said that it is up to wishes of the people.

“The patients are also careless as they leave the tap water running which results in wastage of water,” the hospital sources added.

While some patients did not air any complaints, others stated that they purchased the water from outside the hospital or bring from their homes.

On enquiring as to the reason why they do so; some gave a vague reply as it is their personal wish while others said that it is due to the scarcity of water in civil hospital.

There are varying claims as to the condition of the water, since some said it is clean and find no problem, but the fact is that attendees of the patients living nearby usually go home and bathe.

Many claimed that the water provided at the hospital is unclear and not pure.

A villager who came all the way from West

Jaintia Hills for treatment in Shillong said that he purchased water from outside but when asked the reason, he smiled and said, “We wanted to do so .”

Another attendee said water is brought from their homes and added that water is available in the hospital only in the morning.

Shortage of water also leads to the problem of sanitation.

After this reporter visited the male medical ward, foul smell emanated from the sanitary toilet; and surprisingly a bed with no patient was placed just a few meters away from it, adding to that there are nearby rooms where attendees of the patients face unhygienic condition which in the short or long run add to the sickness of the patients.

24×7 drugs store a distant dream On the issue of availability of medicines, there are varied views. An attendee said, “It is up to people to air their views on the matter, but as for me, medicines are sufficient. Though, I have to

purchase some medicines from outside.”

However another lamented and said that most of the medicines are bought from outside while the same complaint can be heard from some others too.

It may be noted that back in the year 2015, Hek had spoken of planning to set up a 24×7 drugs store which till date seems to a fairytale promise with perhaps no happy ending.

The promise was renewed by Hek and state health officials recently as they said that they will work out the modalities in this regard, but in vain.

A member of the Opposition last year had highlighted the lack of facilities in the Shillong Civil Hospital including the absence of a blood bank and modern laboratory, among others.

On the other hand, the parking lot of the Hospital was noticed to have been water logged after heavy rains on Thursday morning which will become the breeding ground of diseases if proper hygienic standards are not maintained.

country due to strikes and blockades.

But what happens if the blockade or the strike continues for months?

"In such a situation, the male members of the families source low grade fuel from Myanmar, about 110 kilometres from Imphal.

They travel there with scores of jerrycans to collect petrol and diesel," said a local.

And so this story of unofficial fuel supply chain continues even as people of Manipur brave yet another blockade that has been called to protest against three "anti-tribal" bills passed by the Assembly in 2015.

HC dismisses petition by ILP activist's wife Agencies Imphal, June 12: The Manipur high court on Friday dismissed a petition that sought to quash the criminal case against Khomdram Ratan, former convener of the agitating Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System. The petition also sought that the 'wanted' tag and cash reward for handing over Ratan be done away with.

Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West had on June 2 registered a criminal case against Ratan after a photograph of him with a few others taking oath, holding a United National Liberation Front (UNLF) flag went viral on social media. The UNLF, formed in 1964, is a proscribed group fighting for the creation of an independent Manipur. Ratan is a resident of the Singjamei area.

Police charged Ratan with being a UNLF member and 'indulging in prejudicial activities against the state, promoting social unrest and enmity among different groups of people living in Manipur.' The government had announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh to any individual who may provide information leading to the arrest of Ratan. An Imphal court has ordered Ratan's bank account be frozen.

Challenging the case, Ratan's wife Kh Hemolata filed a petition to quash the FIR and charges against him in the Manipur high court. Having heard both parties, the high court dismissed Hemolata's petition, terming it 'devoid of merit'.

On the other hand, the indefinite bandh called in parts of the Singjamei area demanding withdrawal of the case against Ratan continued unabated, affecting normal life there.

On June 3, Ratan had resigned as convener of the joint committee.

Subsequently, its key leader BK Moirangcha was appointed convener-in-charge. Ratan had said the photograph was a doctored one and had been uploaded with the motive to destabilize the PMP campaign.

He added that such tactics would not deter him or the movement.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

PAGE 6

Delhi restaurant owner denies discrimination, blames 'aggressive' customer New Delhi, June 12 : Vihur Kanodia, the owner of Shiv Sagar restaurant in Connaught Place, today refuted charges of discrimination against the underprivileged children and alleged the 'aggressive' woman Sonali Shetty demanded that food be served free of cost to them.

"We do not discriminate against anybody. We give service to everyone. But if someone enters the restaurant and behaves aggressively then we can't give service. This is exactly what happened yesterday.she was very aggressive. She wanted free food and we denied it," Kanodia told the media here.

Stating that the incident

has been captured in the CCTV footage and investigation is going on into the same, Kanodia said Sonali became very aggressive when she was denied free food.

"When we denied giving her free food, she said she was ready to pay. She came in the restaurant and you can see how her behavior changed in 1530 minutes. She was in the restaurant for more than an hour. My statement is we never discriminate and we serve food to everyone. We don't want anyone to create a scene in the restaurant," he added.

However, this contradicts the stand of one of the employees of Shiv Sagar restaurant who stated earlier that they

Italian newspaper criticised for distributing free copies of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' Milan, June 12: An Italian newspaper has been criticised for distributing free copies of an annotated version of Hitler's "Mein Kampf" with a paid supplement to Saturday's edition.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Twitter that Il Giornale's decision to give away the copies of the Nazi leader's political treatise was "squalid" and expressed solidarity with Italy's Jewish community.

Efraim Zuroff, director of the Israeli office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, was quoted as telling Corriere della Sera it was unprecedented for a newspaper to use "Mein Kampf" to boost sales, while the ANSA news agency quoted Israeli Embassy sources as expressing surprise.

But Il Giornale, a centreright daily owned by the family of former premier Silvio Berlusconi, said the decision to distribute the edition of the text, which includes critical notes by an Italian historian, aimed "to study what is evil to avoid its

return."

Acknowledging the controversy in an editorial, editor-in-chief Alessandro Sallusti said nobody could suspect the move to be an apology for Nazism and the global Jewish conspiracy posited in the book written between 1924 and 1926.

"The concerns of our friends of the Italian Jewish community, who always have and always will see us by their side ... deserve all our respect," Sallusti wrote.

Il Giornale on Saturday started selling an eightvolume history of the Third Reich, with the annotated copy of Mein Kampf free for readers who buy the first volume.

A 70-year copyright on Hitler's book held by the state of Bavaria expired at the end of 2015, prompting Munich's Institute for Contemporary History to re-issue it as an annotated version earlier this year in an effort "to thoroughly deconstruct Hitler's propaganda".

PM Modi to motivate revenue officers towards achieving high standards

Prime Minister Narendra Modi New Delhi, June 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the two day annual conference of CBDT and CBEC next week in the national capital, where he will motivate the revenue officers towards achieving high standards in taxpayer friendly service, in view of fast paced changes in the world economy.

It is for the First time that two Revenue Boards are holding the conference simultaneously.

Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley will also be interacting extensively with the officers of the two Boards during various sessions on 16th June, 2016.

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha shall deliver the valedictory address on the afternoon of 17th June.

The Annual Conference of Senior Tax Administrators

of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is scheduled to be held on 16th & 17th June at Vigyan Bhawan in national capital.

The conference will be attended by officers of the rank of Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners and Principal Commissioners of CBDT and CBEC. The conference provides a platform to assess the performance of the year gone by and to deliberate on emerging issues without any hierarchical barriers.

251 officers of the rank of Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners and Principal Commissioners from CBDT and 170 from CBEC are expected to participate in the conference. (ANI)

Vihur Kanodia, the owner of Shiv Sagar restaurant in Connaught Place had permitted the children to enter but refused service later as they were creating a ruckus inside and disturbing the other customers.

"It is completely untrue that we denied entry to the children, as we have

it on record that we allowed them to sit inside.

We also never said that we won't provide service to the children. But then the kids were making a lot of noise, tossing things around and creating a commotion. As a

restaurateur, I have the right to deny service to someone who disturbs other customers," Roma Malhotra, an employee of the restaurant, said.

The Delhi Government has issued a probe into the incident.

"This is typical Colonial mindset. Can't be tolerated. Have ordered DM New Delhi to enquire & report within 24 hours," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

Sisodia also asserted that the restaurant's license would be revoked and firm action would be initiated if all the allegations are proven.

Sonali, who lodged the case against the Shiv Sagar restaurant, said the restaurateurs' told

her and the children to vacate the premises immediately as it is their right to serve whomever they want.

"They clearly told us to get and also threatened to shoot me if I don't clear out from the premises. The owner discriminated with kids and refused service citing that kids aren't well dressed and are look dirty. Nevertheless, I came back and sat down in front of the restaurant in protest. Even the police did not support us," she said.

Sonali further said that she would return to the restaurant today with more street children and sit outside its door at 4 p.m. as mark of protest.

(ANI)

Will cancel license of CP restaurant if charges proven: Manish Sisodia New Delhi, June 12 : Expressing distress at the news of a restaurant in Connaught Place allegedly denying service to street children, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday asserted that the restaurant's license would be revoked and firm action initiated if all the allegations are proven.

"The woman is saying that she wanted to celebrate her husband's birthday by spending time with the street children and feeding them.

She was made to wait for two hours and was not served food and was thrown out later, this is very inhumane," Sisodia toldANI here.

"I have called on the DM to give me a report in 24 hours and if all the allegations are proved to be true and is found on record, then we will revoke the license of the restaurant and will take action under various sections," he added.

Asserting the Constitution talks about right to

equality, Sisodia said that every citizen, no matter their clothes, caste and background, was equal, adding that as long as the restaurant is being paid, they do not have the right to deny service to a customer.

"If someone gets drunk or gets involved in a brawl and then makes noise, then you can toss them out. But it's ridiculous that you don't serve a person because he is poor. These people are the very same who go to temples and feed the poor kids there, but won't do the same in their own restaurant," Sisodia said.

The woman Sonali, who has lodged the case against the Shiv Sagar restaurant, earlier said that the restaurateurs' told her and the children to vacate the premises immediately as it is their right to serve whomever they want.

"They clearly told us to get and also threatened to shoot me if I don't clear out from the premises.

The owner discriminated with kids and refused ser-

Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia vice citing that kids aren't well dressed and are look dirty. Nevertheless, I came back and sat down in front of the restaurant in protest. Even the police did not support us," she told ANI. However, the restaurant has flatly refused the charges, saying they had permitted the children to enter but refused service later as they were creating a ruckus inside and disturbing the other customers.

"It is completely untrue that we denied entry to the children as we have it on record that we al-

Cong hands over UP baton to Azad, Kamal Nath takes charge of Punjab & Haryana

Congress New Delhi, June 12 : The Congress Party on Sunday made important changes in its leadership in three states, including Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where the polls are due to be held next year.

The Congress has appointed senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad as the state in-charge of Uttar Pradesh andKamal Nath as state in-charge of Punjab and Haryana respectively.

Azad and Nath have replaced Madhusudan Mistry and Shakeel Ahmad, who were earlier state in-charges of Uttar Pradesh andPunjab and Haryana.

Several questions are being asked about the Congress' leadership following the party's dismal per-

formance in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and as well as the recent assembly elections.

On Saturday, the Congress won six seats in the Rajya Sabha polls and the BJP-led alliance made significant gains with 12 seats in the biennial elections.

The other major gainer in the elections held for 27 seats across seven states include the Samajwadi Party, which won seven seats in Uttar Pradesh.

The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats.

Out of the 58 seats that fell vacant in the Upper House this summer, the NDA has now won 23, improving upon the 18 seats it held earlier. The Congress, which held 15 of these seats, now has nine. (ANI)

Ceremonial departure for President Mukherjee ahead of three-nation tour

lowed them to sit inside.

We also never said that we won't provide service to the children. But then the kids were making a lot of noise, tossing things around and creating a commotion. As a restaurateur, I have the right to deny service to someone who disturbs other customers," Roma Malhotra, an employee of the restaurant said.

Sonali has said that she would return to the restaurant today with more President Pranab Mukherjee street children to carry on with her protest and sit outside its door at 4 p.m. New Delhi, June 12 : A number of agreements President Pranab are likely to be signed be(ANI) Mukherjee on Sunday tween both the countries was accorded with a Cer- including on visa waiver emonial departure for his and line of credit. six-day three-nation tour Apart from bilateral level to Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire talks President and Namibia.

Mukherjee will also have He was seen of by Vice engagement with the President Hamid Ansari business community in and Prime Minister Accra as India plans to Clinton, the presumpNarendra Modi. scale up its investment in tive Democratic presiOn the first leg of his the mineral and gas rich dential nominee. visit, he will reach the nation.

Political pundits, howGhanaian capital Accra Indian Investments in ever, say it is a tough later this evening, where Ghana is substantial and road for Trump in Pennhe will hold talks with his amounts to nearly 3 bilsylvania as it was way counterpart John lion dollars in various back in 1989 that PennMahama on bilateral, re- sectors and trade besylvania was carried by gional and multilateral tween both the countries a Republican candidate. issues of mutual interest. has gone up three times Since then no RepubliThis is the first ever visit in the last three years. can presidential candito Ghana by the head of The President's visit is date has won this state. the state and comes as a expected to open up new Trump himself acpart of the Government's opportunities of cooperaknowledged the tough efforts to deepen ties with tion between the two task ahead but exuded the African countries. countries. (ANI) confidence that "his movement" would see him through this time.

His die hard supporters also believe so.

"Of course he is going to win Pennsylvania this New Delhi, June 12 : Jagdeesh Chandra on his time. No doubt about Spiritual leader Jaggi popular J.C. Show. it," asserted Traci Basudev has said yoga Basudev also highlighted Gerrard and her husguru Baba Ramdev has the deteriorating educaband Alan Gerrard -made the nation proud by tion system in the nation who run a small busibalancing his basic works and encouraged the chilness in Pennsylvania. on yoga with his business, dren to lead a positive life.

They said they want less which has contributed to- "It's unfortunate that 12 to restrictions in business wards the Indian economy. 14-years-old children are and smaller govern"Anyone who does busi- committing suicide. ment. ness within the frame "Trump is charismatic. work of law and regula- We are continuing with the He says what other tion, the nation benefits education system which people are afraid to say," from that. Baba Ramdev is started two hundred years Traci said at a Pittsburg spending very less time on back by people from other rally of the Republican business so that his basic nations. People should get presidential candidate. works on yoga is not ham- rid of such attitude and The Gerrard couple pered. For this, the nation children should lead a voted for Trump during should feel proud of him," positive life," he added. the primaries. (PTI) Basudev told ETV head (ANI)

Trump would change governance philosophy, say supporters Pittsburgh (US), Jun 12 : Donald Trump may have generated controversies right through his campaign trail but his supporters feel the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is "charismatic" and would change the philosophy of governance in the world's largest economy.

Pennsylvania, a 'coal country' which once was the economic hub of America but is now badly hit by recession and new economy of climate change and green energy, could prove to be critical to Trump's path to the White House.

The 69-year-old real estate tycoon is planning to spend quite a substantial amount in this key swing state and try to exploit the general economic disenchantment of small businesses and people with his slogan of 'Make America Great Again'.

"He (Trump) is a dynamic guy. He is refreshing. He is not any other politician. It's now or never for America," Ralph J Dadowski, who along with several hundred other supporters waited inside a hanger for hours to listen to

Donald Trump Trump's speech in this steel city, told PTI. A local businessman in pharmaceutical sector, Dadowski strongly believes that Trump is the best person to lead the country.

"We need to change the philosophy of governance and how we do things. And Trump represents that," Dadowski said, adding that he would vote for Trump in the November general elections.

As he kicked off his presidential campaign in full swing, Trump selected Pittsburgh in

Pennsylvania as one of his key stopover this weekend.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, several thousand people waited for him inside a hanger for hours.

Trump also campaigned in Richmond in Virginia and Tampa in Florida -the other two swing states.

In all his speeches, he dwelt on similar themes - bringing jobs back to the country, reviving the economy, stopping illegal immigration, radical Islamic terrorism, making military strong and his personal attack on Hillary

India should be proud of Baba Ramdev: Jaggi Basudev

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Exiled Lankan Tamils willing to testify against human rights violations: ITJP report Colombo, June 12 : The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) Sri Lanka in its report stated the exiled Tamil victims of war crimes and torture have said that they would testify via video before a special court in Sri Lanka only if international judges were involved and their identities protected.

"It's important that thousands of Tamils who've fled Sri Lanka have a voice, especially as some are the only known surviving witnesses to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity," the Colombo Page quoted its author Yasmin Sooka as saying.

Fifteen insurgents killed in Kunduz military operation Kabul, June 12 : At least 15 insurgents were killed in a military operation in Afghanistan's northern Kunduzprovince.

The 20th Pamir Army Division in a statement said that in addition fifteen other insurgents were arrested, reports Tolo news.

The operation was launched in the area in a bid to prevent insurgent activities in the province.

The statement said that there were no civilian casualties during the operation. It, however, did not provide details over casualties of the security forces during the operation.

The military operation comes in the wake of the recent abduction of at least 200 hundred bus passengers on the outskirts of the city by the militants. Though most were later released, at least 12 were killed after being accused of working for government security organizations. (ANI)

Hindu man beaten in Pak for eating during Ramazan Islamabad, June 12 : A Hindu octogenarian has been beaten black and blue in Pakistan's rural Sindh district for eating during the fasting month of Ramazan.

Gokal Das, a resident of Hayat Pitafi in a remote village of Ghotki district, was beaten by a police constable and his brother while having biryani in public which was given to him in charity on Friday, reports the Express Tribune.

Police official Bachal Qazi confirmed that Das was having biryani at around 6 p.m. local time on Friday when Ali Hassan Haidrani and his brother Mir Hassan threw the elderly man on the ground and beat him black and blue.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered against Haidrani and his brother, who were subsequently arrested.

"We will seek remand of the two accused on Monday for further investigation," Qazi added. (ANI)

The report by the ITJP comes at a time as the Island nation prepares to present its progress in implementing a transitional justice program it outlined in October last year and agreed to in a consensus UN resolution at the Human Rights Council in Geneva next week.

According to an ITJP report, victims interviewed in the study clearly identified criminal accountability, including the prosecution of those who were in positions of superior and command responsibility as their top priority.

They were also clear that all of the transitional jus-

Exiled Lankan Tamils willing to testify against human rights violations: ITJP report

tice mechanisms, particularly the special court, must have a majority international staff in the form of judges, prosecutors, investigators and

commissioners in order to guarantee independence and inspire their trust.

The victims were clear that no amnesty should be offered for international

crimes.

"These findings have huge implications for the design of the transitional justice mechanisms in Sri Lanka," said Sooka.

She said that donors, the international community and the Sri Lankan Government must take note and facilitate the participation of these victims.

Both President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have reaffirmed to the victims that there will be no foreign judges in the domestic mechanism that will be set up to take judicial action on human rights violations allegedly commit-

ted by government troops and the LTTE during the military conflict.

They, however, asserted that the country will seek the consultations of foreign judges and lawyers for the domestic mechanism within the legal framework allowed by the Constitution.

The victims have already identified prosecutions as the most urgent priority, with reparations and constitutional reform the least important.

However, most refugees and asylum seekers said that they would never return to Sri Lanka citing it would never be safe to do so. (ANI)

China says more discussion, consensus needed on India's entry to NSG Beijing, June 12 : China has said that more talks were needed to build a consensus on which countries can join the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) following the United States' push to include India in the elite group.

"China notes that some non-NPT States parties wish to join the NSG. For the "non-NPT States parties" to join the issue of how to do this group of countries, China has always advocated a full discussion of this first group to seek consensus and decisions by consensus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in an statement.

With Beijing already leading its stance in opposing inclusion of India in the NSG, reports now suggest

that other countries, including New Zealand, Turkey, South Africa and Austria also oppose New Delhi's membership.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman in a veiled statement said that many other countries hold similar position on India's entry to the group.

"NPT is a political and legal basis for the international non-proliferation system. This position applies to all "non-NPT States parties", which is not for the specific nonNPT States parties. In fact, there is not only within China, many countries in the group, also holds the same position," he clarified.

He said that large differences remain over the issue of non-NPT countries joining the NSG.

PTI conspiring to topple govt., alleges PML-N Islamabad, June 12 : The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N(PML-N) has accused Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) of conceiving "another conspiracy" to derail democracy in the country by toppling the present regime.

Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and MNA Daniyal Aziz told a news conference that the PTI chairman did not want to see the present regime complete its five-year term as he knew that his party would not be able to win the 2018 general elections.

Stating the PTI knew that if the present regime was al-

lowed to complete its term then Pakistanwould be on the road to progress, he alleged that Khan wanted to send the present government packing before the next polls.

In an apparent reference to the PTI's tough stance on the Panama Papers leaks, he said: "Once again, they are preparing a conspiracy against democracy and the country's economic development, this time on another issue."

The PML-N leaders also accused the PTI leadership of its failure to curb corruption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where their party had been ruling for the past three years, Dawn reports. (ANI)

Imran Khan

"Since recent times, within the group of "non-NPT States parties" to join this group of countries the problem was some discussion, but there are really big differences," he said.

"The next step, China supports the Group continued to discuss this further, to an early consensuson this.

China will continue to participate in constructive discussions," he added.

The countries, who oppose India's membership, argue that its inclusion in the group would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation and also infuriate New Delhi's rival Pakistan.

Islamabad, which enjoys the backing of its close ally China, has also responded to India's membership bid and asked for its admission as well.

China says more discussion, consensus needed on India's entry to NSG

The decision on Indian membership will only be decided at the NSG plenary meeting in Seoul scheduled on June 20.

While reports surfaced that Beijing would try

its best to stop India's entry into the group, Washington has already vouched its full support during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to United States earlier this week. (ANI)

Nepal to invite Indian President this year

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Kamal Thapa Kathmandu, June 12 : Nepal is all set to extend an invitation to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to visit the country later this year.

"We are working to make Mukherjee's visit possible within 2016," the Kathmandu Post quoted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Kamal Thapa as saying.

Thapa, presently on a three-day visit to India, held discussions with the Indian officials about President Mukherjee's visit.

President Mukherjee's tenure ends in July next year.

It is yet not clear whether Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari

will visit New Delhi before her Indian counterpart's visit to Nepal.

The relations between the two countries soured after Nepal recalled its envoy Deep Kumar Upadhyay and cancelled President Bhandari's visit earlier in May this year.

However, the recent meeting between Thapa and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj indicates that the bilateral ties between both sides are back on track.

It may be recalled here that Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had on behalf of President Bhandari extended an invitation to Mukherjee to visit Nepal during his India visit in February. (ANI)

Three injured in firecracker explosion at Shanghai's Pudong airport

Top political advisor stresses 1992 Consensus at Straits Forum

Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng Xiamen, June 12: Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng stressed adherence to the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, and the maintenance of peace and stability, at the opening ceremony of the eighth Straits Forum in Xiamen Sunday.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that as long as the political foundation is upheld, cross-Strait relations will enjoy a prosperous future, adding that secessionist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" must be firmly opposed and con-

tained.

Yu said that he met with representatives from the mainland and Taiwan prior to the conference, and they commended the achievements made during the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, but expressed concern for the future of the ties.

Representatives strongly supported the maintenance and peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, peace and stability, Yu said, adding that it was the common wish of compatriots of the two sides.

During his speech, Yu also said the mainland highly valued proposals from Taiwan compatriots suggesting easier travel to and around the mainland, and it will put forward measures as soon as possible.

Three injured in firecracker explosion at Shanghai's Pudong airport

Shanghai, June 12 : At least three people were injured in a firecracker explosion, which rocked the Shanghai Pudong International Airport this afternoon.

"3 injured in Shanghai Pudong airport explosion. Flights undisturbed.

Explosives self-made with firecrackers," Xinhua News tweeted.

Xinhua News reported that the explosives were selfmade with firecrackers.

The blast reportedly took

place at the airport's terminal 2.

CCTV News on its twitter handle posted pictures of the incident which showed medical staff assisting a man on a stretcher.

The Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) team deployed on duty is presently inspecting the premise.

Meanwhile, the investigation is underway to find the exact cause of the explosion. (ANI)

Turkish Foreign Minister to visit Lanka next week Yet to find militant link Colombo, June 12 : Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will pay a two-day an official visit to Sri Lanka beginning on June 14.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said the Foreign Minister will be received by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Speaker of the Parliament Karu

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Diplomatic Training, Exchange of Information and Documentation".

Jayasuriya, reports the Colombo Page.

He will also be meeting his Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera, as well as Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrema.

During his visit from June 14-15, theTurkish Foreign Minister will sign with his counterpart the "Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation between the

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu

The visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation.(ANI)

in Mitu murder: IGP Dhaka, June 12: The investigation is yet to find any militant link to the killing of Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, wife of a top police official in Chittagong, the chief of police said today.

“Probe is still underway.

Until we progress further, it can’t be told who are behind the killing,” said AKM Shahidul Hoque, inspector general of police (IGP).

He made the comments while addressing a meeting with eminent personalities in the port city of Chittagong at its Metropolitan Shooting Club as the chief guest.

Mitu, wife of police Superintendent Babul Akter, who had a successful run in curbing militancy with an iron fist in the port city, was murdered on the morning of June 5.

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

Kashmir: A Water War in the Making? Part I

Japanese encephalitis On the rise in Assam Cases of deadly mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis have risen nearly five-fold in five years in India's northeast Assam state as a result of warming weather and changing rainfall. Be(Photo: 3.bp.blogspot) tween 2010 and 2014, the number of annual cases rose from 154 to 744, with deaths rising from 41 to 160, according to data from the Assam health department. The disease, which in 2009 was recorded in only half of the state's districts, now is seen in all of them. The data from the state health department itself shows that the disease has taken a deadly turn over the years in the state. Unfortunately the state machinery waited for the disease to go out of control, whereas it should have taken steps to control the disease much earlier. Mosquitoes, the carriers of the virus, breeds in the stagnant water pits and paddy fields - areas most prone to Japanese encephalitis (JE). Having moist climate, deep forests and dense network of water streams, Assam is highly prone to the disease. An eight-year-old boy today became the seventh victim of Japanese encephalitis in Dibrugarh district this year.

As per reports Since January 1, six deaths have been confirmed in Dibrugarh district because of Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome. While Japanese encephalitis claimed one life, five died of acute encephalitis syndrome. Rural pockets like Tengakhat, Nahoroni, Barbaruah, Lahowal and Khowang report the highest cases every year. And since January, 50 cases of Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome have been detected in the district. It is seen that civil society groups and activists have so far blamed the Assam government for the soaring cases and deaths. The records of the Assam government indicate that the disease is showing an increasing trend over the years, and this year it seems to have gone completely out of control. The government should have taken steps over these years to ensure that the cases of the disease are minimal.

The State government should direct the health officials to procure laboratory testing kits for JE and AES to ensure quick diagnosis and to carry out intensive fogging in the affected and nearby areas and involve panchayats in awareness drives. Health officials should also ensure adequate supply of vaccine and medicine to big hospitals, district hospitals and other health centres.

Bridging the Distance To Connect Bangladesh During Modi's visit to Bangladesh last year, both the countries had signed an agreement stating that India would be allowed to use the Chittagong sea port and Mongla river port for the movement of goods to and from India. Under this agreement, the Northeast Frontier Railway has started laying broad gauge tracks to extend its network up to border town Sabroom and extension of railway line linking Bangladesh's Akhaurah railway station. The only access of the surrounding states of Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and China to India are through hilly and rough terrain, making transportation difficult, costly and at times, risky. On an average, the distance between important cities of Bangladesh and northeast India is 30 km to 100 km. Agartala via Guwahati is 1,650 km from Kolkata by road and 2,637 km from New Delhi, while the distance between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh is just about 500 to 600 km, depending upon the mode of transportation. The Food Corporation of India had ferryed 35,000 tonnes of rice last year in different phases to Tripura from Visakhapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata port via Bangladesh using the Ashuganj river ports. The National Highway-8, which connects Tripura with rest of India, has been extended up to Sabroom border town. The northeastern states are surrounded by Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan as well as China and the only land route access to these states from within India is through Assam. But this route passes through hilly terrain with steep roads and multiple hairpin bends.

Whereas in the year 2012, Bangladesh had allowed the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to ferry heavy machinery, turbines and over-dimensional cargoes through Ashuganj port for the 726MW Palatana mega power project in southern Tripura.

And in a new venture India has started work on building a bridge over the Feni river in Tripura to transport heavy machines and goods from the northeastern states and the rest of India to Bangladesh.

The bridge is expected to be a lifeline for Tripura due to its proximity with the Chittagong port, which is about 72 km from Tripura's southern border town of Sabroom. The bridge, whose foundation stone was laid jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hassina, would be a double-lane bridge and would be completed in two and a half years' time . A joint team of senior officials of India and Bangladesh recently visited Sabroom (in India) and Ramgarh (in Bangladesh) to initiate construction work and finalize other ground works.The proposed bridge, to be built at a cost of Rs 94 crore, would be the trading lifeline not only for northeast India but also neighboring South Asian countries.

Pakistan and India are locked in a bitter water conflict centered on the explosive Kashmir issue.

In Cameron Stracher's first European to dis2011 novel The Water cover the mouth of the Wars, Vera and her river Indus (or the Lion brother Will struggle to River) in Tibet's Sangisurvive in a country that Kabab area. Four dehas collapsed from an cades later, the British environmental cata- divided the Indian subclysm. The authorities continent. The land divihoard water, dam rivers, sion occurred without and even exploit clouds considering the irrigated as glaciers vanish and boundaries.

On April 1, polar ice caps melt. In their Baba Umar 1948 India taking advanbid to find their lost friend, both the tage of its control over characters risk the ire of the headworks - cut off armed groups and glut- the supply of water in tonous corporations and every canal that crossed ultimately learn the truth into Pakistan. India about the water scarcity. briefly restored the flow In a slightly different at a price. In July 1951, way, such a story has Pakistan accused India been playing out in of cutting water supplies Kashmir since 1947, to its Wagha and Bhaun when the erstwhile Brit- villages. ish India was divided Both sides traded accuinto Pakistan and India. sations until David With the division, Kash- Lilienthal, who had won mir became a bone of preeminence in the contention - as did the United States as head of six major rivers flowing the seven-state Tennesdown to Pakistan (the see Valley Authority three western rivers) and (TVA) made a trip to InIndia (the three eastern dia and Pakistan. rivers). Both countries Lilienthal described the agreed to sign a World dispute as "a Punjab Bank-brokered treaty in powder keg" in his ar1960, the Indus Water ticles about the trip. He Treaty or IWT. The observed: "No army, treaty could not, however, take into consideration all the river-relevant changes that the future was to produce.

Today Pakistan and India are locked in a bitter water conflict. Though diplomatic exertions have prevented a major escalation, both countries are entangled in legal battles as more dams and power projects come up in Kashmir. In Kashmir itself, politicians and civil society groups of all hues have been demanding a review of IWT, which has been labeled "detrimental" to the region's economy.

Pakistan and India are dangerously energystarved and nowhere close to an agreement on disputed Kashmir. The intertwining impact of climate change and population pressures offer a forecast on their water conflict that is anything but encouraging. Predictions that the next major war will be over water are common.

But is such a scenario realistic? Could both countries amicably end their water disputes?

The Indus Water Treaty Between 1905 and 1908, a Swedish explorer, Sven Hedin, became the

sentation from both sides and the World Bank - worked out an operating scheme for storing and distributing water.

A month later, the World Bank offered its "good offices" in mediating between Pakistan and India. But as negotiations continued, it became clear that Lilienthal's idea of involving "brothers" on a common project had ignored the endless hostility between both sides. The waters would have to be split instead.

The World Bank in 1954 proposed that Pakistan be given the waters of the three western rivers and India the Indus' three eastern tributaries. Hiccups continued until both sides agreed to sign a water-sharing agreement in 1960. The vice president of the World Bank, William A.B Iliff, would later remember using "cajolery" to press both sides.

Water allocation and disputes

Pakistan and India are dangerously energy-starved and nowhere close to an agreement on disputed Kashmir. The intertwining impact of climate change and population pressures offer a forecast on their water conflict that is anything but encouraging. Predictions that the next major war will be over water are common. But is such a scenario realistic? Could both countries amicably end their water disputes?

with bombs and shellfire could devastate a land as thoroughly as Pakistan could be devastated by the simple expedient of India's permanently shutting off the sources of water that keep the fields and the people of Pakistan alive. India has never threatened such a drastic step‌ but the power is there nonetheless."

The interlocutor proposed that the whole Indus system be developed as a unit while a corporation - with repre-

The treaty allocates entire rivers and tributaries, instead of water volume, and has remained relatively intact for over 50 years. However, the IWT's longterm effectiveness is uncertain in light of Pakistan-India tensions over Kashmir. There is doubt whether IWT can address India's mounting use of the waters for hydroelectricity and Pakistan's growing need of the same waters for agriculture.

Pakistan-based Arshad

Image for representational purpose (Photo: 1.bp.blogspot) H Abbasi, a transboundary water expert, tells me there are some serious emerging violations of IWT "as India plan to construct 155 hydropower projects in Kashmir" and that "India isn't sharing any information pertaining to the detail design, structural drawings, and design calculations of the upcoming projects."

India began building major hydropower projects in Kashmir in 1970s and now has 33 projects at various stages of completion on the rivers in Kashmir.

Currently, the most controversial dam project is the proposed 330 megawatt dam on the Kishanganga River (also called Neelum in Pakistan-administered Kashmir), a tributary of the Indus. Its construction began in 2007 and is almost complete. The waters are to be diverted through a 24 kilometer tunnel for power production and the rest of the water flow is supposed to join the Wullar Lake and ultimately run through Jhelum to Muzaffarabad (in Pakistan-administered Kashmir) - dodging the 213 km long Neelum, on which Pakistan is also building its own Neelum-Jhelum HydroElectric Project (NJHEP). Pakistan has

also objections regarding the 850 MW Rattle hydropower project on Chenab river, which Islamabad says involves faulty designs.

Earlier in 2013, the International Court of Arbitration decided that "India shall release a minimum flow of 9 cumecs [cubic meters per second] into the river below the KHEP [Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant] at all times." The judgment also dictated that "[a]t any time at which the daily average flow in the river immediately upstream of the KHEP is less than 9 cumecs, India shall release 100 percent of the daily average flow."

While media and officials on both sides hailed their respective countries for winning this case, late South African water expert John Briscoe observed that India "has won the battle, but ‌ lost a far more important war."

The rush to meet energy demand through hydropower is occurring in both countries amid shortages of adequate access to energy. The number of dams under construction and their management are a source of significant bilateral tension. Briscoe argued that if India builds all its planned

A Glaring Similarity

Image for representational purpose (Photo: unipics)

Sir, There is every possibility of an act of reenactment of Mathura's Jawahar Bagh Public Park occupied illegally by Cult leader Ram Briksh Yadav, his 3000 followers in the eviction drive and against the land grabbers of the Kaziranga National Park. Way back on May 20, 2015 Allahabad High Court directed the U.P. government to take appropriate action to free the park, but the U.P's samajwadi Party (the ruling dispensation) did not heed the order.

Police contend that each time they come to take action, the party's stalwarts stand on the way. The High court was prompted to issue notice to the U.P. government on contempt ground on January 22, 2016. At last, the U.P. government woke up from slumber, the machinery was pressed into action to free the park on June 2. Police had to take tough action, that resulted into the killing of a superintendent of Police, another Police O/c and the squatters

projects on the Indus, New Delhi will be capable of holding up about a month's worth of river flow during Pakistan's critical dry season, "enough to wreck an entire planting season," as the New York Times put it after interviewing Briscoe.

"The treaty worked well in the past, mostly because the Indians weren't building anything," Briscoe told theTimes. "This is a completely different ballgame. Now there's a whole battery of these hydro projects."

Mistrust threatens IWT's stability. Any perceived decrease in the flow of waters augments this mistrust, no matter whether caused by India's activities or climate change. The Economist argues that the Indian bureaucrats fuel these fears with "obsessive secrecy" about water data.

Climate Change Climate change threatens Kashmir, already worn-out by the armed conflict between over half a million Indian soldiers and about a dozen rebel groups fighting for independence or merger of the territory with Pakistan.

"Climate change indicators are quite loud and clear in the region and have impacted the snow and glacier resources in the upper Indus," glaciologist Shakil Ahmad Romshoo tells me.

The Indus supports about 90 percent of Pakistan's agriculture.

Scientists say a number of glaciers in the area are rapidly receding due to climate change. The large-scale human intervention in the form of unorganizedpilgrimages and mindless tourism too is upping the temperatures, resulting in the fast melting of glaciers.

"The stream flows emanating from the region has significantly decreased. It is pertinent to mention here that the IWT [Indus Water Treaty] did not have any clause on climate change impacts on stream flows," Romshoo says.

The Indian Rivers Interlink project in India and mismanagement of existing water supplies augments the pressure on both countries. (To be contd) Courtesy: the diplomat

Best Letter The best letter

of the month in

including women and children. Alto- the Letter to the gether, 29 people lost their lives. We Editor section find no difference between what hapwill be awarded pened in Mathura's Jawahar Bagh Puban amount of lic Park and what is going to happen in Rs 200. So the illegal settlers of Kaziranga Naplease keep tional Park. It is a shame on the part of the erstwhile congress government of writing.

Assam for its inability to free the Park despite Guwahati High court's direcLetters to the tive. We know it for certain that many editor and articles heavy weights of the congress stood on the way of eviction supported by Akhil should be sent to : The Eastern ToGogoi. Mathura's case of eviction is a day manifestation that a desperate situation needs a desperate handling. We beChowkidingee, lieve, the new government at Dispur Near Sankardeva will take appropriate action without Hospital Mancotta loss of time to free the Kaziranga NaRoad, Dibrugarhtional Park.

786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc.

Email : Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

Page 9

ed

How rape survivors in India get blame, not support On January 17, 2015, a published an open letter 23-year-old woman was online addressing her atraped by a 20-year-old tacker on June 4, 2016, Stanford University stu- where she has put in dedent named Brock Turner tails of her experience of while she was uncon- the assault and what she scious after a house party. found wrong about She was raped behind a Brock's statement of dedumpster and the only fence at court. While this memory she letter has had of the Avilasha Ghosh b e c o m e sexual aspopularly sault was when she woke shared by social media up the next morning in the users who empathise hospital covered in dried with her, there is also a blood and multiple circulation of Brock's wounds. father's controversial The issue gained wide- statement in which he spread public attention had said that "20 minutes because of the leniency of of action" should not cost punishment that was given his son a harsh punishto Turner by the Santa ment of six months imClara County Court de- prisonment in jail. Further, spite the egregious nature since Turner also hapof the crime he had com- pens to be a star swimmitted. To Judge Aaron mer, most newspapers Persky, despite Brock repeatedly emphasised pleading guilty and being on his athletic excellence, charged with three felo- as if mentioning it renies, six months of impris- duced the atrocity of the onment in addition to pro- crime he had committed. bation was punishment After reading Emily's letenough as otherwise, his ter (I find it to be a very career as an athlete would brave effort on her part), be seriously affected.

I opine that rather than Emily (as Brock called addressing her as a her in the courtroom) has 'Rape Victim', we should

call her a 'Rape Survivor'.

Although what happened to her that night was downright awful, she managed to survive the assault, make her voice heard and seek justice.

I wonder who the Court and public would blame if a similar incident happened in India. I think we have a good idea about it already after the infamous 'Nirbhaya' gangrape case that happened in Delhi in 2012. Popular opinion on this issue blamed the girl for first, going out on a late night movie show with her boyfriend/male friend, second she was wearing "western" clothes which were apparently provocative and third, she was outside of her house late in the night with a man. Although controversial, victim blaming is recurrent in India which strongly relies on patriarchal norms with regard to a woman's access to public space, her clothing and her association with members of the opposite sex.

In 2012, when some men raped a 42-year-old Anglo-Indian woman inside a car late night at Park Street, Kolkata, people did not question the act of penetration without her consent. She was labelled as a "bad woman" who is to be blamed for what happened to her simply because she visited a nightclub and was friendly with a bunch of men she was not previously acquainted to. Although the three convicts were sentenced to ten years of imprisonment, the social stigma and public shaming against the survivor, Suzette Jordan, continued. Such deviant acts keep happening time and again but there's no saying that it is normal because it simply is not.

Rape is a serious crime and it cannot be justified on any grounds. As Emily pointed out in her letter, rape is not a matter of promiscuity; it is a question of consent.

In India, given how popular opinion always

finds a way to shift blame from the assaulter to the assaulted, Emily would have been subject to public shaming and societal exclusion. How could she go out of her house late at night? How could she get drunk at a party with unknown people? Why did she say yes to dance with a man she did not know? Instead of questioning the perpetrator as to why he thought it was okay to drag an unconscious girl behind a dumpster and penetrate her without her verbal consent and taking advantage of her loss of memory to justify his actions during trial, the girl would have been questioned on grounds of her sexual morality and unrestrained freedom.

I am writing this piece today because I think any form of rape happening anywhere to anyone is not okay. Physically and mentally harming someone simply because she was friendly and was out late at night is not okay.

Exploiting her sexually

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: img.india-forums) when she was unconscious and then running away leaving her naked and injured behind a dumpster is not okay (no matter how drunk you are!). Rape can happen to anyone, anywhere but that does not mean that we need to quietly accept it as our fate and let the criminal get away with it.

We need a change of attitude towards how people look at the act of rape and the rape survi-

vor. The idea that a woman's life is over after she has been raped is downright sexist because it means that a girl's selfworth is measured solely in terms of her sexuality.

Why should she be ashamed of herself when she has not committed the crime? Why should she be stripped of her pride and honour because she has been 'polluted' by an unknown man?

Instead of

dehumanising her and treating her like a worthless being, I feel that she should be patted on the back for being strong and brave enough to have survived such a traumatising situation. Rather than secluding her to one corner, she should be encouraged to pull herself together and rebuild herself. After all, wearing western clothes, having male friends and going out late at night is not a crime but rape is.

The way these fearless tribal women are My eternal love for reading: why protecting their lands will inspire you books are like spinach soup for me India and its relationship that predilection to with its tribal people has discrimination is to been rocky and uneven to expand our knowlsay the least. edge, to make that Transitioning from the shallow understandfreedom movement, the ing a less-shallow one. attitudes of even the most While p r o - Anjana Radhakrishnan I was gressive and highly-edu- doing research on ethicated leaders, were often cal mining and movedeeply problematic in ments against extraction, their quests to "civilise the I ran across a savage". Only recently videopublished in 2006, has a more holistic and detailing a women-led nuanced understanding of tribal movement against the lifestyles of tribal mining in Odisha. The people, come to the fore- women of this tribal vilfront of national discus- lage, disenchanted and sion but their integration disenfranchised by their into the identity of India governments, were unremains lacking. willing to remain quiet.

Instead, these women Perhaps, this is because began branching out to it's often easier to 'other' one another, building

A group of tribal woman of India. (Photo: tribal groups than to understand them in theirdifferences and similarities. To be fair, to even understand and know one tribe is a task that takes months and years of steeping in its culture - to understand all of them seems to be Herculean task. Moreover, I find that for most people, there is a certain romanticism in the knowledge through which one will never grasp the entirety of India by the very nature of its breadth and scope, but that kind of romanticism dances on the knife-edge of exoticism.

The only way to battle

connections through shared losses of land and livelihood. They coordinated resistance efforts which ranged from direct confrontations with miners to government protests which led to violence.

Turns out, this group of women in Kamargada Village in the Kendujhar district are not the only tribal women who are organising conservation movements across the state.

Odisha, a large state nestled by the Bay of Bengal on the eastern seaboard, holds the largest number of tribes

which contribute upwards of 20 percent of the state's total population. The 62 tribes who reside along the Eastern Ghats and the coastal plain possess unique economies, traditions, and cultures. These tribes also own ancestral land, ostensibly covered by the Forest Rights Act (FRA), that sits atop vast mineral deposits of iron-ore, coal, bauxite, and chromite.

Like in many other states, FRA protections seem to exist solely to look pretty on paper with the state government and multinational companies moving forward on extraction projects without community consulta-

ments. While the women complete their rounds around the forest, usually between 7 am in the morning till noon, the household chores are shared between the men and younger children.

Following these examples, women in neighbouring villages like Sinduria, Kodalapalli, and Darpanarayanpur have also begun fighting for their rights to dignified lives, living off the lands of their ancestors.

Reading stories like this, it becomes pretty clear, pretty quickly that onedimensional understandings of tribal life do not begin to cover its nuanced realities. Here are striking examples of women mobilising, clearly articulating their deep-rooted relationships with the earth (relationships the vast majority of the world continue to deny or remain ignorant to), and willing to take a public stand for their ways of life.

And they're doing it with the full support of their communities. They're able to break from typical gender roles without facing backlash from their tribes.

To be prescriptive about our tribal populations "Free them of subsisupload.wikimedia) tence livelihoods! Incortions, environmental as- porate them in India's sessments or financial economic development!" compensations.

- is to feed into the The women of Odisha do worst of colonialist, not let that stop them - Euro-centric ideas of they didn't back in 2006 'saving the savage'. It and they still aren't today. isn't to say that the InIn Gunduribadi, a tribal dian government should village located six hours hold no responsibilities south of the women in towards the tribal popuKendujhar, women lead- lations - for one, it'd be ers have also been great if the FRA was mobilising protests actually implemented against mining activity. and honoured instead of bypassed every time a These women have multi-national company spent the past 30 years showed interest in a patrolling their tribal tract of land, but it should lands, protecting their give us all food for food sources and liveli- thought. I, for one, could hoods vigilantly from learn a heck of a lot mining companies and from the women of encroaching govern- Odisha.

"Books are the plane, didn't notice people and the train, and the weren't. I assumed my road. They are the des- classmates must have tination, and the journey. stacks of books piled up They are home." -Anna in their own homes, with Quindell bookshelves that were Growing up, I have al- much bigger and more ways felt that there was grandiose than mine. I something surreal in the dreamt of owning a beauart of booktiful shelf, one writing.

Yusra Khan resembling the How mere magnificent words and sentences furniture that filled Prostructured in a certain fessor Kirk's mansion in way were supposed to the Narnia stories. I truly transport you from one believed I could step into world to another - how a book; I had pictured did a select few in the world gain the power to do that? Giving the mind a singularly distinctive function to adhere to, somewhere between the lines of Roald Dahl's 'Revolting Rhymes', we realise books are a resource for limitless amounts of knowledge.

Not just a medium of enjoyment, but pure treasure. Reading nourishes you in the way almond oil enriches dry roots, the way spinach soup soothes an upset stomach, the way a bowl of porridge gives you a fresh start in the morning; reading is supposed to infuse you with new ideas, and give Reading books freshness to your thought process. myself do it, endless As a child, I loved open- times. Once, on a paring up a book and land- ticularly lonely afternoon ing in a different world when all I wanted was to like the one with Sally escape the pile of unfinand Darrell, returning to ished holiday homework 'Malory Towers' with which was due the next its soft grey stone stand- day, I convinced myself ing high up on a cliff that I needed to run away and fell steeply down to the I swear I have felt the sea. Each school term breeze of the Hogwarts was full of vicarious joy, grounds (even if for a and a distant boarding just moment, and only if school in an English a whiff were enough for countryside became an a lifetime). endless fantasy. Harry Potter was a childhood I have travelled with love, no, I wouldn't say Bilbo on endangered that. It remains essen- roads, become wiser with tially pivotal to every- Atticus Finch, been thing I build myself on seated next to a shaky as I grew up and any- Elizabeth during the one who points out it's monthly school parliaall "magic and witch- ment meeting, battled the craft" deserves to be Dark Lord with Harry, housed with the known the thrill of endDursleys. less puzzles with ProfesWhen I was reading, I sor Langdon, and even

waged a war in Narnia.

transformative.

I will never stop marvelling at the meditative trance-like effect that a good book produces that forces you to finish a 387-page novel overnight. How we fall in love with people we have never met and continue to long to meet them all our life. How you are a different person at the end of the book. How a different person at the end of

When you pick up a Jane Austen novel and submerge yourself in a world that consists of the most diverse characters that are capable of both good and bad, you find that perfectionism is not what we should strive for. Grey characters have worked all this time because they are the ones we can relate too. Reading gives you a sense of belong-

is a very good habit. (Photo: i.huffpost) another?

I never understood why people didn't want to read - dive into worlds far more fantastical than ours. What special beauty did materialism hold, that was not momentary or alterable?

Everything returns to dust, yes, but not books.

Not the elation the end of its last page brings to you - not that. Not the fascination with a new author and the hungry urge to gorge on all of his works, not the mad thirst to meet him and kiss the hand that spelled such magic on print and brought to life inanimate words and sentences.

Never that.

Lifetime readers will agree when I say reading good literature can be

ing. When you are a part of the experience, even if just as a mute spectator, you feel less lonely in your existence. You know your dreams and hopes and struggles are shared. That you are not alone in thinking what you're thinking.

You are part of a larger ecosystem.

Books affect our thinking in more ways than we think they do. And that is purely why, besides the pleasure of it, we need to delve into a wider variety of rich genres that the world offers us - and that can range from, Dr Seuss to Ayn Rand. Just pick any book you think you will love; remember, a book will always love you back.

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

Honda HR-V expected to be unveiled in India STYLE MATTERS

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: blogsimages.forbes) Gurgaon, Jun 12: Honda had recently launched the BR-V in the country. With a third row of seating, the car takes on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. If the carmaker sees enough potential in the Indian market, it might bring the HRV to India in 2017.

Yoichiro Ueno, Honda

Cars India's president and CEO, has said that the SUV segment is the fastest-growing segment in the Indian auto market and if it observes further growth the company will address it by launching new models. The statement from the Honda official just reaffirms the fact that the popularity of

Parijat industries eyeing niche in Indian agrochemical market ANI New Delhi, Jun 12: Parijat industries , which has raised an undisclosed amount from Rabo Equity Advisors, Investment Advisors for India Agri Business Fund II (the "Fund") for a minority stake, is looking to become a dominant player in the Indian Agrochemical market, after making its mark in the international arena.

Parijat is an Indian Agrochemical player with extensive global presence in 70 countries, 6 international offices, exclusive distribution networks in India, Russia and the C.I.S and West Africa.

Parijat is looking to achieve Sales of INR 15,000 Mn by 2021 and also expand its domestic distribution network to 10,000 retail points in three years from 4,500 at present, thereby expanding its presence through the country. Parijat is recognised in the Industry for introducing and promoting new age molecules. The investment comes along positive news on the monsoon in India after two difficult drought years for Indian agriculture, with shall also boost the companies' growth. Rabo Equity Advisors, a subsidiary of Rabobank, currently advises two funds in India, IABF - II and IABF - I. India Agri Business Fund I - a $120 Mn fund which is invested in 10 companies across sectors like biotechnology, warehousing, edible oils, dairy and basmati rice. India Agri Business Fund II is a USD 200 mln Private Equity Fund targeted at expan-

sion/growth of Indian food and agribusiness companies in India across the value chain. It is sponsored by Rabobank along with pedigreed anchors namely CDC Group, Generali Insurance and Asian Development Bank.

According to Mr. Keshav Anand, Chairman & Managing Director, Parijat Industries "Parijat is committed to exponentially growing its domestic presence with innovative products besides the international footprint. We are delighted to have Rabo Equity as our partner and hope to leverage their extensive domain knowledge and global outreach in the Food & Agriculture sector" According to Mr. Rajesh Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director, Rabo Equity Advisors, "Rabo Equity is excited to invest in Parijat and believe that under the leadership of the Anand Family, Parijat shall be a leading player in the high potential agrochemical sector. We are especially excited at the Company's export forays" Parijat Industries is a first generation agrochemical company which pioneered the space of exports of Indian agrochemicals, at first through syndication and subsequently through exports of its own formulations manufactured at their plant in Ambala.

They are young entrants to the space of the Indian market but in this short time have introduced a number of molecules that have differentiated Parijat as a source of cutting edge products in the domestic space.

Mechanical duties are carried out by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol unit with power figures quoted as 143PS/ 172Nm in the international variant. It is mated to either a 6speed manual or a CVT transmission.

Honda might also borrow the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill from the Civic Coupe for the Indian market. It churns out an impressive power figure of 175PS and a peak torque of 220Nm. A 1.6-litre diesel mill is also on the cards.

Honda had recently launched the BR-V in the country. With a third row of seating, the car takes on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster.

With the HR-V Honda will be filling in the gap between the BR-V and the CR-V and, therefore, expect it to be priced somewhere around the Rs 16 lakh mark.

The HR-V's front grille with two sharp ridges on the bonnet merging into it is reminiscent of the Honda CR-V's facade.

The spearhead shaped headlights combined with a hump shaped silhouette give the car a vibrant look. But the best looking angle for the HR-V is undoubtedly the rear threequarter where the inclining roof meets the stylish tailgate.

high stance vehicles is on an all-time high. In 2015 alone we saw the introduction of around ten cars in this body style.

The HR-V's front grille

with two sharp ridges on the bonnet merging into it is reminiscent of the Honda CR-V's facade. The spearhead shaped headlights combined with a

hump shaped silhouette give the car a vibrant look. But the best looking angle for the HR-V is undoubtedly the rear threequarter where the inclin-

ing roof meets the stylish tailgate. Mechanical duties are carried out by a 1.8litre four-cylinder petrol unit with power figures quoted as 143PS/172Nm in the international variant.

It is mated to either a 6speed manual or a CVT transmission. Honda might also borrow the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill from the Civic Coupe for the Indian market. It churns out an impressive power figure of 175PS and a peak torque of 220Nm. A 1.6litre diesel mill is also on the cards. We hope the carmaker will soon clear the air over what engines it intends to introduce in our country. With the HR-V Honda will be filling in the gap between the BR-V and the CR-V and, therefore, expect it to be priced somewhere around the Rs 16 lakh mark. (Agencies)

HCL Wins MetricStream Partner of the Year Award ANI Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Jun 12: HCL Technologies, a leading global IT services company, has been honored with 'GRC Innovation Partner of the Year 2016' award from MetricStream for the spirit of collaboration and innovation.

The MetricStream GRC Journey Award ceremony was held at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in Washington DC on April 26, 2016. The awards were presented by Shellye Archambeau, CEO of MetricStream and Gunjan Sinha, Executive Chairman of MetricStream. The partner awards recognize MetricStream's business partners who have provided exceptional GRC consulting, services and guidance to customers. These partners work closely with MetricStream, providing hands-on assistance with strategy and foundational elements, enabling customers to meet their GRC goals.

A total of 17 awards were presented, honoring the efforts and achievements of MetricStream customers, individual customer stakeholders and partners.

Kalyan Kumar, Executive Vice President at HCL Tech-

Shellye Archambeau, CEO of MetricStream.

(Photo: i.ytimg) nologies, said "21st Century Enterprises do face challenges in managing cyber threats and maintaining real-time compliances.

HCL's DryICE… Autonomics & Orchestration framework, complemented with integrated GRC methodology, also focuses on automation of compliance and risk management activities and our association with MetricStream supports this strategy. HCL is thrilled to receive the MetricStream GRC Innovation Partner of the Year 2016 award. This is a testimony to HCL's industry leading

GRC programs and practices." Rohit Bedi, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships & Alliances at MetricStream said, "The combined strength of HCL's industry expertise and thought leadership, and MetricStream's powerful GRC platform and applications enable us to jointly deliver best in class GRC solutions for our customers globally. Innovation is key to our clients who need better ways to drive success in their business and create a sustainable and competitive edge. This milestone stands as a testament of HCL's and

MetricStream's commitment to continuously innovate and set new benchmarks of excellence in the GRC space." A pioneer in the area of Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), HCL is among the first IT services companies to create an industry-recognized IP content & proprietary framework BRiCSâ"¢ (Business Risk Intelligence & Compliance Solution), for Risk & Compliance management specific to industry verticals.

The creation of integrated GRC BRiCSâ"¢ framework is a step towards making an enterprise more regulatory compliant, risk averse and security aligned, which is also a core attribute of HCL's core DryICEâ"¢ Autonomics & Orchestration methodology.

HCL is a premier partner of MetricStream since 2013 for their GRC technology services, and has strong capabilities and technical expertise on the MetricStream platform. With a dedicated Center of Excellence, HCL has developed and engineered many leading GRC applications like PCI-DSS management, SANS 20 dashboard and Information Security Operations Management, leveraging MetricStream AppStudio platform.

Idea launches TVC to interface consumers about 4G LTE experiences ANI New Delhi, Jun 12: India's fastest growing telecom operator Idea Cellular is all geared up to communicate the experience on 4G LTE and how it can bring about 'The Biggest Small Change' in the life of people who live online, through its new TVC campaign. With this campaign, Idea is reaching out to the people who relate with their smartphones like a TV screen where they watch movies in High Definition ( HD), use video calling to share special moments with friends, live stream cricket matches or just simply indulge into

gaming with online community and they need all that at faster speed and with even superior internet experience. The new TVC which was released on TV and Digital on June 3rd, brings alive an array of benefits through situations where consumers can be seen truly living the 4G experience as it goes on to answer the question that's on everyone`s mind about 4G. The TVC captures the essence and the spirit of today's youth which lives in the moment and wants to share and capture each and every aspect of their lives. Focusing on some of

the key attributes that define the high speed 4G LTE technology, which is revolutionizing the data segment in the telecom sector, Idea's new campaign points out that while upgrading from 3G/2G to 4G may appear small, the impact on the Internet experience is big. "Since we are talking to a digitally savvy audience, the Idea 4G launch campaign will see the brand in a new avatar - a younger, more energetic, hi-tech look and feel. For the first time ever, we have worked with international directors who are known for their

work in the area of technology and computer graphics. In terms of treatment, the film has a fast pace, dynamic, international feel and a vibe and energy that the digital natives can identify with," said Chief Marketing Officer Idea Cellular, Sashi Shankar. Idea's 4G LTE services are presently available across 10 telecom circles, thus this national campaign will be further amplified to deliver one constant messaging on positioning the experience that a consumer gets on the Idea network across the country.

Contraction in April's industrial output Mumbai, Jun 12: A contraction in manufacturing output dragged industrial production growth back in to the negative zone in April, rekindling concerns if a turnaround has indeed taken place and also raising fresh worries over the quality of the data.

Factory output shrank 0.8 per cent in April, its first decline in three months, official data showed. It had expanded three per cent in April last year.

"IIP (Index of Indus-

LESSENING OUTPUT A contraction in manufacturing output dragged industrial production growth back in to the negative zone in April, rekindling concerns if a turnaround has indeed taken place and also raising fresh worries over the quality of the data.

Factory output shrank 0.8 per cent in April, its first decline in three months.

Manufacturing sector, which constitutes over threefourths of the IIP, contracted 3.1 per cent in April compared to a growth of 3.9 per cent in same month last year.

Capital goods output declined nearly 25 per cent in April, indicating that the investment climate continues to remain subdued. It had grown 5.5 per cent during the same month last year.

The contraction in the consumer non-durable segment's output, of 9.7 per cent, pulled down the overall consumer goods sector. It dipped 1.2 per cent against growth of 2.8 per cent in April 2015.

trial Production) numbers are disappointing," said Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economic advisor, State Bank of India. Pointing out that the IIP numbers are based on the old series, he said that the IIP data seems at odd with the "decent" growth in net sales, earnings before tax and profit after tax seen in the fourth quarter corporate results in segments such as auto, ceramics, plastic products and pharma.

volatile.

"It is becoming very difficult to predict as the numbers are notoriously

The contraction in the consumer non-durable segment's output, of 9.7

" Manufacturing sector, which constitutes over three-fourths of the IIP, contracted 3.1 per cent in April compared to a growth of 3.9 per cent in same month last year. Capital goods output declined nearly 25 per cent in April, indicating that the investment climate continues to remain subdued. It had grown 5.5 per cent during the same month last year.

per cent, pulled down the overall consumer goods sector. It dipped 1.2 per cent against growth of 2.8 per cent in April 2015.

Consumer durables production, however, continued to do well. It grew 11.8 per cent, faster than 1.3 per cent a year ago, showing a revival in demand. The sectoral break-up shows that electricity generation growth quickened to a one year high of 14.6 per cent against the marginal decline of 0.5 per cent a year ago. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

18% rise in direct tax collection in Apr-May

Revenue Secretary, Hasmukh Adhia. (Photo: financialexpress) New Delhi, Jun 12: What comes out as a good news for the economy, a jump of 18 percent to Rs 43,391 crore was registered in net direct tax collections during the first two months of the current fiscal, the government said. "The net direct tax collection for the first two months of the current year is Rs 43,391 crore, which indicates a growth rate of 18 per cent," Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said in a series of tweets. The indirect tax growth rate for April-May FY17 is 36.7 per cents with ARM and 14 per cent without ARM.

"However in case of direct taxes, the trend can only be visible after June when advance tax installment falls due," Adhia added.

Direct tax collection, which includes corporation tax, income tax and wealth tax, is estimated to rise 12.64 per cent to Rs 8,47,097 crore this year from Rs 7,52,021 crore in 2015-16. In another tweet, Adhia said as against the Budget Estimate (BE) of Rs 7.78 lakh crore for the indirect tax for current fiscal year, the net collection up to May was Rs 1.31 lakh crore, which is 16.8 per cent of BE. (Agencies)

25% duty on sugar export proposed by Food Ministry to ensure sufficient supply New Delhi, Jun 12: The Food Ministry has proposed imposing 25 percent duty on export of sugar to ensure sufficient supply in the domestic market, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said. International prices of sugar are rising and therefore traders may increase the export of sugar to make profit, Paswan said. "To keep the export of sugar in control, it is proposed to levy 25 percent custom duty on export of sugar," Paswan said in a series of tweets.

This move will keep sufficient availability of sugar in domestic market and the price will be under control, he added. According to trade sources, sugar exports have become vi-

able now as global prices have increased by 50 percent in last three months due to disruption in supply from Brazil. As demand and supply of sugar in India are at par, the government does not want any export from the country.

The country had exported 1.4 million tonnes of sugar so far in the 201516 marketing year (October-September). Retail sugar prices last month had crossed Rs 40 per kg due to 11 percent fall in domestic sugar output in the ongoing 2015-16 season. Sugar production in India, the world's second largest producer is estimated to be about 25 million tonnes in 2015-16, as against 28.3 MT last year. (Agencies)

TECHNOLOGY Lenovo Phab2 Pro Tango enabled smart phone unveiled

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: businesswire) New Delhi, June 12 : Chinese computer gaint Lenovo showcased a series of new smartphones at its Tech World event in San Fransisco. It took the wraps off its keenlyawaited Tango handset -

PHAB2 Pro smartphone.

The Google-created Tango augmented reality technology was given star treatment at the event. The bigscreen gadget will be available globally in September for $499. (Agencies)

SMART FEATURES It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor. It quickly processes and time stamps all the rich sensor data simultaneously received from multiple camera sensors, gyro and accelerometer, resulting in a fast, smooth augmented reality experience, where 3D AR graphic overlays track more naturally to the physical surroundings.

The PHAB2 Pro features Dolby AudioCapture 5.1 with Dolby Atmos playback. You can use crystal-clear 5.1-channel surround sound for recording.

The PHAB2 Pro, powered by Tango technology - a set of sensors and software from Google that senses and maps its surroundings - makes a host of cuttingedge smartphone augmented reality (AR) experiences possible.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

Features

PAGE 11

ENVIRONMENT India is bestowed with cies is shrinking at an rich flora and fauna and alarming rate. In addition is considered among the to that, a small group of 12 Mega Bio-Diversity Golden Langurs are witcountries of the world. nessing the ordeals of inOut of the 25 bio-diver- troducing them in a habisity hotspots in the tat where they have no world, India has two, choice, but to die with namely- Western ghats time.Within the city of and Eastern Himalayas. Guwahati in the state of The Northeast region of Assam, a small group of India comprising of Golden Langurs can be seven states viz. Assam found on the smallest (78,438sq.km), river island Arunachal Biswajit De of the river P r a d e s h Brahmaputra, ( 8 3 , 7 4 3 s q . k m ) , the Umananda Island or M e g h a l a y a the Peacock Island (Co(22,429sq.km), Mizoram ordinates: 2611'47?N (21,081sq.km), Tripura 9144'42?E)as was named ( 1 0 , 4 9 1 . 6 9 s q . k m ) , by some poetic British Nagaland (16,579sq.km) Administrator. and Manipur The temple of Umananda (22,327sq.km) has got (Siva) is located on the two hotspots: The Peacock Island, hence Himalayas and the Indo- the name Umananda IsMyanmar, comprising of land. The temple was a tri-juncture called Indo- built in 1694 A.D. by the Malayan, Indo-Chinese Bar Phukan Garhganya and Indo-Burmese sub Handique by the order of regions. It is the gateway His Majesty Swargadeo to Indias rich Bio-Geo- Gadadhar Singh (1681graphical Diversity.

1696), one of the ablest Discovered by the Brit- and strongest rulers of ish Naturalist Edward the Tai Ahom dynasty.

Pritchard Gee in the Mythological stories as1950s, the Golden Lan- sociated with the islands gur is a primate however say that the Isspecies.As a tea planter, land had appeared from Gee was part of a highly the heart of the influential group of Brit- Brahmaputra River upon ish landowners very the request from Lord close to the highest lev- Shiva. Every day, Counels of provincial power. try boats and Launches Soon after India's Inde- operated by the pendence, Gee was one C e n t r a l I n l a n d of the first to assess the WaterwaysCorporation threats to endangered and DirectorateofInland species and outline con- Waterways,Assam ply servation measures to from the Kachari Ghat, protect them.

Kuruwa Ferry Ghat and So close, so conspicuous, the Fancy Bazaar Ghat in they are on the brink of Guwahati to take countextinction before we less visitors, tourists and even get to know them worshipers to the island. thoroughly. The Wild A recent survey and intaxa like Rhinos, El- terviews were conducted ephants and Tigers are by the author with stuvery familiar to the dent naturalists from the people, but majority of schools of Guwahati, as the people do not know a part of a programme enenough about the Golden titled Nature as our Langur and the need for Classroom, resulting in its conservation. The new observations and natural habitat of the spe- documentation of untold

stories. It is said that a group of 15 Golden Langurs were introduced into the Umananda Island some 50 years back. Veteran worshipers at the temple speak of a certain King of Nepal (name unknown) who had taken the Golden Langurs to the Island to sacrifice them to the God. Upon protests from worshipers and some local people, the King was forced to keep the primates on the island and return. Thus

Golden Heritage on the Thin Red Line! stalls to cater to the pilgrim and tourist traffic the daily fuel requirements has increased over the past 15 years. The stall-holders do not hesitate to indulge in illegal logging, wood-cutting

the cheap sponge cakes and Laddoos. The shopkeepers sell the cakes and junk food to the visitors on the island and encourage them to feed those to the Golden Langurs.

The golden langurs live in groups and are friendly to the people who come here (Photo: thebetterindia) as an Introduced species, nurtured and cradled by nature, the Golden Langurs had been on that island ever since. Their numbers had increased to 17 some 25 years back, the veteran worshipers further observed.

Now only 6 of them are alive on the Island, struggling to exist.

The Golden Langur is herbivorous and its diet mainly consists of ripe and unripe fruits, mature and young leaves, seeds, buds and flowers. With the advent of mixed religious beliefs and the need for the construction of multiple temples and the resultant increase in

and illegal encroachment on the island. Habitat destruction due to cutting of the vegetation on the island has put the status of the Golden Langurs on a knife edge. Lack of their natural diet has forced the Langurs to answer the calls of the people visiting the Island and accept offerings of Fruits, Berries, Nuts, even lowgrade sponge cakes, potato chips and other Junk Food. Now, the Golden Langurs need to co-exist with the stall-holders on the island. The shops seem to be their only source of fresh water to drink. Their daily natural diet has been replaced by

People often come close to the Golden Langurs to pose photographs and feed them with the cakes.

The Golden Langurs gently reach out for the cakes and then retreat to a safe distance into the trees to eat. Visitors would often be chided by the shopkeepers for breaking the cakes and laddoos into what seemed like sensible, smaller pieces, as (according to them) the Golden Langurs prefer to have one whole cake. A Boat operator runs a part time business on the Umananda Island as a resident Chai-wala, who sells cakes and laddos at

Rs. 10 a throw. A rusted board put up by the Forest department of Assam that reads Please do not Feed the Golden Langurs fails to make the people aware that one should not feed junk food to the animals. But there is something irresistible about the way the Golden Langurs come swinging down when the Chai-wala calls them shouting filmy n a m e s , Govindaaaaaaa.Sreedev iiiiiiii.H emmmma aaaaaa.

Two of them had been reported to have died of Food Poisoning in the year 1999. Over the past few years the local NGOs have observed that there is a decline in the number of mature individuals.

They state that they have witnessed a serious population decline, estimated to be more than 50% over the past years on the Umananda Island. Those actively involved in wildlife conservation in the state of Assam further attribute habitat loss and feeding of junk food to be the two main reasons for the dwindling population of the species.

Translocation was proposed and requested by many organizations to the Forest Department of Assam. On February 14th, 2011, a female golden langur was successfully translocated from Umananda, to the State Zoo in Guwahati as part of the Central Zoo Authority's (CZA) conservation breeding programme for the endangered species. The officials had reported that the langur had been quarantined. They wanted to ascertain that the animal is free from diseases before putting it with other males in the zoo. But after a few initial tests the Zoo had returned the Langur to Umananda

stating Diseases and Genetic Disorders. After ten days another female Golden Langur was to be translocated from Umananda to the zoo but the project was stopped.

Interestingly, the AssamState-Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, Guwahati, is also thinking about building a conservationbreeding centre for the Golden Langurs on its premises. Zoo DFO, Mr. Utpal Bora said, The project is highly ambitious and right now it is at a preliminary stage.

We have submitted the initial proposals to the government to set up the breeding centre inside the zoo which is a very suitable location for their breeding. Once completed, the facility promises to be a big boon to researchers and if the project tastes success, according to reports, at least 100 Golden Langurs could be nurtured, which could be then released in the wild.

Elsewhere in the State, new lifestyle choices such as the new fad by young locals towards eating primate meat, is also being blamed for the dwindling numbers of the Golden Langurs. Scientists at the Bodoland University areworking towards test tube productionof the endangered Golden Langur, using the embryo-transfer technology. According to the Scientists, Embryo-transfer techniques have been applied to nearly every species of domestic animal and many species of wildlife and exotic animals. The population of the golden langur is fast declining because of various reasons and unless something is done immediately, this beautiful animal will soon disappear from this earth. So it is our

responsibility to increase the population of the species. They further state that since the University is quite close to the Manas National Park, where the Golden Langur is also found, hence it would be easy to carry out the embryo transfer process.

The responsibility lies on us as a country to tackle the real reasons causing the steady decline of the Golden Langur population. Encroachment of our forests by people needs to be tackled either by legislating policies at the state level or enforcing policies of the country already in place. The real reasons why so many people are taking to the forests, resorting to illegal logging also needs to be probed. The solutions here may lie in cheap and renewable energy sources as well educating the locals on the importance of the monkeys in the bio-diversity chain. The role of education is very important to change attitudes and behaviour such as feeding junk food to the animals both in their natural habitats and in zoos and to stop eating primate meat, while still being respectful to any culture or tradition, past and present in the concerned areas.

It is upon us to realize that the delicate balance of the earth is at stake and every endangered species, whether Rhinos, Tigers or Langurs, are equally important.

As we debate, discuss, ponder, re-think, act, spread awareness, strive to conserve, the Golden Heritage of the city of Guwahati is facing the Thin Red Line, like many other species.

Are we, the humans, moving to embark on another Ark of Time?

Courtesy: indiawilds

Climate change mitigation: Turning CO2 into rock Now, railway tracks turns abattoir An international team of scientists have found a potentially viable way to remove anthropogenic (caused or influenced by humans) carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere - turn it into rock.

The study, published today

approach is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), where CO2 is physically removed from the atmosphere and trapped underground. Geoengineers have long explored the possibility of sealing CO2 gas in voids underground, such as

Section Of Rock Core From The Co2 Storage Reservoir Showing Vesicular Basalt With A Well-Defined Fracture With Calcium Carbonate Mineralization (Photo: Esciencenews) in Science, has shown for the first time that the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) can be permanently and rapidly locked away from the atmosphere, by injecting it into volcanic bedrock. The CO2 reacts with the surrounding rock, forming environmentally benign minerals.

Measures to tackle the problem of increasing greenhouse gas emissions and resultant climate change are numerous. One

in abandoned oil and gas reservoirs, but these are susceptible to leakage. So attention has now turned to the mineralisation of carbon to permanently dispose of CO2.

Until now it was thought that this process would take several hundreds to thousands of years and is therefore not a practical option.

But the current study - led

by Columbia University, University of Iceland, University of Toulouse and

Reykjavik Energy - has demonstrated that it can take as little as two years.

Lead author Dr Juerg Matter, Associate Professor in Geoengineering at the University of Southampton, says: "Our results show that between 95 and 98 per cent of the injected CO2 was mineralised over the period of less than two years, which is amazingly fast."

The gas was injected into a deep well at the study site in Iceland. As a volcanic island, Iceland is made up of 90 per cent basalt, a rock rich in elements such as calcium, magnesium and iron that are required for carbon mineralisation.

The CO2 is dissolved in water and carried down the well. On contact with the target storage rocks, at 400-800 metres under the ground, the solution quickly reacts with the surrounding basaltic rock, forming carbonate minerals.

"Carbonate minerals do not leak out of the ground, thus our newly developed method results in permanent and environmentally friendly storage of CO2 emissions," says Dr Matter, who is also a member of the University's Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute and Adjunct Senior Scientist at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Columbia University. "On the other

hand, basalt is one of the most common rock type on Earth, potentially providing one of the largest CO2 storage capacity."

To monitor what was happening underground, the team also injected 'tracers', chemical compounds that literally trace the transport path and reactivity of the CO2. There were eight monitoring wells at the study site, where they could test how the chemical composition of the water had changed. The researchers discovered that by the time the groundwater had migrated to the monitoring wells, the concentration of the tracers and therefore the CO2 had diminished, indicating that mineralization had occurred.

"Storing CO2 as carbonate minerals significantly enhances storage security which should improve public acceptance of Carbon Capture and Storage as a climate change mitigation technology," says Dr Matter.

"The overall scale of our study was relatively small.

So, the obvious next step for CarbFix is to upscale CO2 storage in basalt. This is currently happening at Reykjavik Energy's Hellisheidi geothermal power plant, where up to 5,000 tones of CO2 per year are captured and stored in a basaltic reservoir."

Courtesy: eurekalert

for endangered vulture

A painkiller called diclofenac, poisoning of animal carcasses and electrocution have for long killed vultures in India.

Assam has a new slayer of these endangered scavengers - railway tracks.

According to the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani near Guwahati, the railway tracks have become deathtraps for vultures that feed on carcasses of elephants and livestock hit by trains.

"Twice since 2014, I have seen trains run over 50 vultures cleaning up carcasses on the tracks," Jiten Kalita, a villager in the Bhagabotipara area, says.

But neither the Northeast Frontier Railway nor the Assam Forest Department has taken this seriously.

The onus, conservationists say, is more on the railway authorities to save the Schedule 1 birds by removing the decomposing carcasses from the tracks.

Along with poisoning and electrocution, train-hits have claimed more than 400 vultures of the Himalayan griffon species from 2007 to June 2014, records with the VCBC say. Poisoning killed 193 more between January 22 and March 15 this year. Earlier in 2001, 60 birds died in Rongjuli area of Goalpara district and 23 in Nalbari

due to poisoning.

VCBC nurtured 30 poisoned vultures back to health and released them in the wild in 2007. This raised hopes for the muchmisunderstood bird that has lost 99 per cent of its population in India partly because of its slow breeding.

of Bath says.

Ignorant of the vulture's utility as a sanitation engineer, many people regard it as an ominous creature.

Some, like 20-year-old Pallabi Das, are trying to remove misconception about the bird that has powerful eyesight to locate

chick a year, and it takes more than five years to attain maturity. "A five-year gap between two chicks makes saving the vulture that much tougher," Sachin P Ranade, manager of both Rani and Kolkata-based VCBCs, says.

On the brighter side, the

A new slayer of these endangered scavengers - railway tracks. (Photo: Kishore Talukdar)

Of the few remaining vultures, says a senior member of National Board for Wildlife, 40 per cent are dying every year.

Experts say a world without vultures will struggle to dispose of carcasses, causing health hazards. India is already feeling the heat with at least 5.5 million feral dogs taking the space of the vanishing vultures, a study by Anil Markandya of the UK-based University

food from afar.

A weaver, Pallabi has made a pair of vultures a motif on the gamosas (towels) she churns out. She uses these gamosas as a tool for creating awareness about the need to save the vultures.

Prajanma, a literary body, has also been trying to sensitize the people on the ecological importance of the vultures.

One of the challenges of protecting the scavengers is that they produce only one

Ministry of Environment and Forest will declare 30,000 sq km in Assam as vulture protection zone after making this area a totally diclofenac-free zone.

The provisional belt covers nine districts of eastern Assam.

They are Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, North Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Karbi Anglong, and some parts of Dibrugarh.

Courtesy: Nezine

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 13

PAGE 12

India edge past Great Britain 2-1 in Hockey Champions Trophy ANI London, June 12 : Two quick goals scored in the beginning of the second and the third quarter were enough to ensure India win their first game of the Champions Trophy by outclassing the hosts Great Britain 2-1 here on Saturday.

PR Sreejesh, who was making his 150th appearance for India, was called into action early on, first to deny Great Britain through two penalty corners in the opening minutes, and then marshalling his defence to stop Britain's attack from causing the damage early on.

Great Britain held most of the possession and pressed India back into their half, but were unable to break the deadlock. The two teams went

into the first break with the game goalless.

India were the first to break through in the second quarter. SV Sunil and Mandeep Singh combined to strike an opener.

Sunil ran in from the right of the circle and drove hard to the baseline, before crossing back to Mandeep who tapped the ball in to give his side with a 1-0 lead aginst Britain.

After the goal, the play settled down into a pattern. Great Britain played more passes, India covered more turf.

India had their first penalty corner in the third minute of the second half, but Raghunath's low flick to the left was saved by George Pinner. In the aftermath of the save though a foul won India another penalty corner. Raghunath

Indian Hockey team drove to the opposite side, with height only to be denied by Barry Middleton on the line. Unconvinced India asked for the referral and were rewarded with a stroke.

Harmanpreet Singh then struck a goal from the spot to double India's lead.

A minute later though, Great Britain won a penalty corner, and Ashley Jackson made no mistake,

unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner past Sreejesh to reduce the deficit to one.

With five minutes left, Manpreet was awarded a green card, and almost immediately Great Britain made the main advantage count, Sam Ward missing from point-blank range.

India held firm in defence and went into the final break in the lead.

The final quarter was played at a frantic pace, as both teams ran at each other furiously, the play direct and often breathtaking. Ward missed a chance to equalise, just before Mandeep missed one to double India 's lead. Great Britain had a final chance via a penalty corner in the 57th minute, but Surender Kumar cleared off the line to ensure that they took home the points.

`Sprint King` Bolt clocks 9.88 seconds to win Racers GP With the win, Bolt has also improved on the 9.98 seconds he posted at the Czech Golden Spike meet in Ostrava last month.

Meanwhile, Nickel Ashmeade and Yohan Blake both finished the race in the second position in 9.94 seconds ahead of Asafa Powell, who clocked 9.98 seconds.

Usain Bolt ANI Johannesburg, June 12 : Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ramped up his preparation for the Rio Olympics as he recovered from a stumble to win the men's 100 meters at the inaugural

Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Jamaica.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist finished the race in 9.88 seconds, thus notching the second fastest time in the world this year.

Despite enduring an injury-disrupted season last year, Bolt had claimed all three sprint titles at the World Athletics Championships.

He will now aim to defend his 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles from 2008 and 2012 in the Rio Games starting August 5.

Warner's ton helps Aussies trounce Saina Nehwal overcomes BCCI chief to back `Big Three` Proteas in Caribbean tri-series Sun Yu to clinch second Australian Open title

Saina Nehwal ANI Sydney, June 12 : Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal produced a spirited fight back as she outclassed China's Sun Yu to clinch her maiden title of the season at the Australian Open Super Series here on Sunday.

After going down in the first-game, seventh-seed Saina rebounded strongly to register a 11-21, 21-14, 21-19 triumph over her Chinese compatriot in the gruelling summit showdown of the women's singles event that lasted one hour and 11 minutes.

With her second Austra-

lian Open title, Saina has also improved her headto-head record with Sun Yu to 6-1.

The 26-year-old had earlier snapped her semi-final jinx after claiming a straight-game victory over second seed Wang Yihan of China.

Earlier, Saina had struggled to breach the last-four stage in the major tournaments as she made a slew of semifinal finishes at the Swiss Grand Prix Gold, India Super Series, Malaysia Super Series Premier Open and Asia Badminton Championships.

formula in ICC meeting

ANI Karachi, June 12 : Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur is likely to back the continuation of `Big three`, featuring the cricket boards of India, England and Australia, in the annual International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting to be held in the last week of June in London.

Earlier in 2013, the ICC gave additional power to Australia, England and India which invited a flurry of criticism from the independent cricket stakeholders.

Thakur's plan is in direct contrast to his predecessor and current ICC president Shashank Manohar, who is looking forward to the abolishment of `Big Three` for the cricket's benefit.

According to the Dawn, Thakur had earlier held a discussion with England and Australia over his stance of pressing ahead

Anurag Thakur with the `Big Three` formula. The 41-year-old is expected to project a favourable BCCI stance for keeping the formula intact.

Reflecting on the same, Pakistan Cricket Board ( PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan revealed that the decision to do away with the formula had already been taken, but how it would be dismantled would be de-

the game, the Guardian reported.

England appeared to have won the game with Direr's goal, but Russia kept themselves in the game and levelled the score when skipper Vasili Berezutski netted a header just two minutes prior to the stoppage time.

Russia will now play against Slovakia while England will take on Wales in their next clash of the Euro 2016.

Russia Copa

David Warner failed to counter the Australian bowling attack and were eventually bundled out for 252 in 47.4 overs despite some brilliant efforts by Hashim Amla (60) and Faf du Plessis (63).

For Australia, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa bagged

match point, but insisted that he was satisfied with the way he performed in the tough condition.

"I was pleased with how I played. I think I can play better in some big moments, but he came up with some really good shots when he needed it.

I've just got to keep working hard and it's going to go my way the next time around," the topseeded said following the match.

Roger Federer

ANI Stuttgart, June 12 : Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer's hopes of winning his maiden Stuttgart Open title were dented, after he suffered a defeat at the hands of Austria's Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals of the men's singles event here on Saturday.

The 14-time Grand Slam Champion suffered a 63, 6-7 (7-9), 4-6 defeat

against his Austrian opponent in a thrilling contest that lasted about two hours.

With the win, third-seed Thiem has now set up a summit showdown clash against seventh-seed Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany for the title.

Reflecting on his defeat, Federer admitted that it was quite disappointing to lose the game with

It was Federer's first campaign since his thirdround exit to Thiem in Italian Open. He (1072) had earlier surpassed Ivan Lendl's record of 1,071 wins in the Open era with his quarter-final win over Germany's Florian Mayer.

Earlier, Federer withdrew from the French Open after failing to recover from a back injury, thus ending a run of 65 consecutive appearances at Grand Slam tournament.

three wickets each.

Warner was adjudged `man of the match` for his match-winning contribution.

Australia will play their next match of the daynight series against hosts West Indies at the same venue on Monday.

Hamilton pips Rosberg to grab Canadian GP pole position

Federer stunned by Thiem in Stuttgart Open semis

Berezutski strikes late as Russia deny England victory in Euro opener ANI London, June 12 : Striker Vasili Berezutski thumped a last-minute equalizer as Russia settled with a 1-1 draw against England in their opening match of the European Championship at Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Sunday.

After a goalless first-half, England broke the deadlock through Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier's free kick in the 73rd minute of

cided in the next meeting.

Shaharyar informed that Pakistan want termination of the 'Big Three' formula in order to bring democratic system at the ICC .

The formula was advocated by former BCCI president N. Srinivasan, who was later suspended for being involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match-fixing scandal.

ANI Basseterre, June 12 : Australian swashbuckling opener David Warner struck a blistering century before the bowling unit came in fore to help their side claim a comfortable 36-run win over South Africa in the fourth ODI of the tri-nation series at Warner Park in St. Kitts.

The swashbuckling batsman smashed 11 boundaries and two sixes in his 109-run knock and also shared a huge 136-run stand with Usman Khawaja (59) for the second wicket as Australia posted a score of 288 for six in their stipulated 50 overs.

Skipper Steve Smith also made significant contribution in his side's innings with his unbeaten 52 runs.

In reply, South Africa

Lewis Hamilton ANI Johannesburg, June 12 : Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has secured pole position for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix after edging past his Mercedes team-mate Nico

Rosberg in a close-fought qualifying round.

Hamilton, who won his first race of the season at Monaco Grand Prix, clocked his best lap in one minute and 12.812 seconds to finish 0.062 seconds quicker

than the German driver.

With the win in the qualifying round, Hamilton has grabbed his 53rd pole of his career, Sport24 reported.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel finished third in his Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Dutch teenager Max Verstappen.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen clocked sixth fastest followed by the two Williams cars of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa in the seventh and eighth place respectively.

Rosberg currently holds a 24-point lead over Hamilton in the championship table after winning first four races of the season.

Cook, Shearer honoured on Queen Elizabeth's birthday ANI Johannesburg, June 12 : Legendary England footballer Alan Shearer and country's cricket team skipper Alastair Cook have been made Commanders of the British Empire (CBE) in Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday honours list.

Shearer, who is currently an acclaimed pundit with the BBC, received the

honour for his charitable services to the community in North East England.

Meanwhile, Cook has been named a CBE for his contribution to cricket. He became the youngest player and first England batsman to reach 10,000-run landmark.

Reflecting on the same, the England opener said that he felt extremely

proud to receive such kind of honour, Sport24 reported.

Cook was earlier honoured with Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his brilliant performance in his side's Ashes victory over Australia in 201011 while Shearer received Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001.

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