June 27, monday

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 12

Vol. II

Issue 9

Dibrugarh, Monday, June 27, 2016

FEMALE BLUE TITS SING IN THE FACE OF DANGER

Unidentified Body Recovered Golaghat, June 26: Today sensation prevailed at a border area of Sarupathar Borpathar in Golaghat over recovery of a dead body of an youth.

According to the report today a body was recovered near the railway track in the area.

It is suspected that the youth had fallen from moving train. The deceased is yet to be identified. The police had started investigation.

(Correspondent)

Pre Childhood Care and Education Day Observed Golaghat, June 26: Under East Golaghat Integrated Child Development Project Pre Childhood Care and Education Day was observed recently at 1No Bengenakho wa Anganwadi Centre in Golaghat. The event was organised by eight Anganwadi Centres under the region and an NGO named Golaghat Nirman Mahilla Gut. District Social Welfare Officer Bonti Saikia, Gomariguri and East Golaghat CDPO Dipti Burhagohain, President of Golaghat Nirman Mahilla Gut Munni Bora along with several Anganwadi Trainees and local people were present on the occasion.

(Correspondent )

Classifieds at Rs. 10/- per word

Call Ashok - 09706289816 For your copy of

The Eastern Today

Call Pranjal08471896580

5.00

Pages- 12

PAGE 6

JAITLEY SLAMS 'DICTATOR' INDIRA, SAYS EMERGENCY A BLOT ON CONGRESS HISTORY

BSF STOPS 250 BANGLADESHIS FROM ENTERING TRIPURA

Page - 6

Page - 5

Page - 11 ET CAPSULES

Price -

4 arrested in connection with Four-day long Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhaya Devi robbery case at Jollang village temple concludes successfully Based on the findings, two more arrests were made, and they were identified as Bengia Yanga and Anjan Majumdar.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 26

A team from the capital police, headed by Superintendent of Police Kime Aya, under close supervision of Itanagar SDPO Techi Hanyir and OC N Sora, recently arrested four people in connection to a robbery case at Jollang village.

According to an FIR filed at Itanagar Police Station by one Bengia Yallu on June 18, local bead necklaces worth Rs 2,09,94,700, other jewellery and two mobile phones were stolen from her house in Jollang village on the intervening night of June 5 and 6 last.

On receiving the complaint, a case was registered at

SDPO Hanyir said that the preliminary investigation revealed that Bengia Yanga was the mastermind of the entire episode. Yanga reportedly engaged nonArunachalese to steal local beads and sold it those who would buy them.

Itanagar Police Station Vide case No-174/2016 u/s-457/380 IPC. The police received a lead with the support of the Call Detail Report and arrested one Md Miraj Ali and one Md Saidul Islam from Polo Colony, Naharlagun on June

24 last.

The arrested confessed of their involvement in the crime and based on their disclosure, an intensive search was led by SI N Nishant, where the police recovered various stolen beads from Doimukh area worth over two crore.

She also said that they are expecting more arrests if the investigation goes in the right direction.

The SDPO said that such incidents have occurred at several places and has been increasing, but since they go unreported, the police cannot initiate any action.

International Day against drugs abuses and illicit trafficking observed in Diyun ET Correspondent Diyun, June 26

The International Day against drugs abuses and illicit trafficking was observed in Diyun circle under the initiatives of Arunachal Pradesh police in collaboration with Diyun Market committee.

To mark the day, a procession was carried out in Diyun township area with the theme” Lets march to towards a drug free society” in which around 500 participants took part. It was followed by a public gathering at Diyun Market area.

Attending the programme, Mr. T. Mibang EAC, Diyun highlighted the effects of drugs among the youths and encouraged the public to stand against drug peddlers and the drug consumers. Speaking on the occasion, SI. T. Wangpan,

Devotees queue for payer in Kamakhya Temple during last day Ambubachi mela at Maa Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos A Staff Reporter Guwahati, June 26

The four-day long Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhaya Devi temple at Guwahati, Assam concluded today, and with this, the door of the Shakti shrine at Nilachal hillock was re-opened for devotees.

A huge number of pilgrims, coming from different parts of the country and abroad visited Ambubachi mela this year.

Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra

Pradhan and Union HRD minister Smriti Irani also visited to Kamakhya today morning for the darshan.

The Ambubachi Mela also known as Ambubachi Festival that started on 23 June 2016 was visited by around 7 lakh 50 thousand pilgrims from various parts of the world.

This yearly mela is celebrated during the monsoon season that happens to fall during the Assamese month Ahaar, around the middle of June, when the Brahmaputra River is in spate.

It is related to the Tantric cult and is also known as Kamkhya Devi Puja.

The doors of the temple remains closed for three days during the festival as it is believed that Goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle.

Lakhs of devotees were queuing up since last night waiting for their turns to get darshan of Goddess Kamakhya, and nearly 2 thousand volunteers have been deployed by the administration for crowd management.

According to officials of the Kamrup Metro district administration, close to 20 lakhs devotees had gathered this year during Ambubachi Mela.

School management committees to be headed by graduates Assam govt. goes for major change in education dept.

A view of the procession taken out in Diyun on Sunday. Pic - L. Ralte OC PS Diyun briefed the legal aspects of drug trafficking and appealed all the public, NGOs, civil societies, student organizations and elite groups to cooperate with police and administration in eradicating

drug menace within Diyun circle for larger interest of the society.

He also warned those drug addicts and drug peddlers to give up their habit and join

hands in marking a drugs free society. The bazaar secretary Shri Sunil Sharma also spoke on the occasion and extended gratitude towards Police Department for organizing the awareness programme.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, June 26

Keeping in tune of its promise of reform in the state government machineries, the Assam government today announced a major welcome change in the education department.

Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today announced at Guwahati that the

Assam government has issued guidelines where school management committee will be headed by graduates. Those contested panchayat level/ parliament or assembly election in last 20 years cannot be president/vice president of the committee.

Announcing that over 4000 school management and

development committees (SMDCs) stands dissolved, Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said, “The government notification of August 6 2014 does not laid down any criteria of selection of the president/vice presidents of the SMDCs including uniform qualification."

3 fake ULFA All Arunachal Pradesh Husband-wife duo arrested for arrested at villages to get electricity by fooling and extorting Rs 3.5 lakh for job in Coal India Ltd Bordumsa 2017, says Power Minister Power Minister Tenzing Norbu Thongdok also said that the Centre had given full assurance to develop new projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, June 26

cmyk

In a joint operation conducted by the Assam police, army and CRPF, three fake ULFA cadres were arrested from Bordumsa area in upper Assam's Tinsukia district. The arrested persons are Diful Medhi alias Juganta, S/O Sri Sorbeswar Medhi, resident of Bokapathar village, under Bordumsa police station, Raju Moran, R/O Tarani village, PS: Pengeree and Dhoinya Saikia

alias Konthi R/O No. 3 Borhollong village, PS: Bordumsa. One chinese made pistol and 5 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from their possession.

The arrested persons have been demanding money in the name of ulfa in the Bordumsa area for quite sometime and their arrest by the security forces have brought relief to the people of the area

Asserting that the Centre is concerned about development in the northeastern states, Arunachal Pradesh Power Minister Tenzing Norbu Thongdok said that Union Minister of State for Power Piyush Goyal has given assurance to develop hydropower, solar and thermal projects in his state.

“We plan to go for electrification of these villages which cannot be covered under transmission lines, which are very far off through grid mode, that is providing solar photovoltaic electrification

of to each household,” he said.

“The central government is very positive. Union MoS Power Piyush Goyal has requested and suggested us to submit schemes. He said that he will support the metering system. He said he will also support roof top solar voltaic system which will be given to us.”

He also said to the reporters, “100 megawatts solar powers will come up in Arunachal Pradesh. He will give all technical support and also try to enhance the subsidies in the solar power development in the state.”

Regarding the setting up

a coal base thermal plant at Kharsang ,Thongdok said Goyal has directed the Coal and Power Secretary Anil Swarup to assist the Arunachal Pradesh government in the setting up of the thermal plant.

“The union power minister was very positive about thermal project and coal deposits in Arunachal Pradesh. He never knew about that. We told him that new locations are being identified and Goyal said that we should go ahead with the thermal project and see that the coal thermal plant is established,” he said.

Thongdok said that on the issue of wind energy, he has submitted plans related to the

use of high-velocity winds to Goyal.

He said the central government has also agreed to sanction smart meters for all households and to supply LED bulbs at a subsidized rate.

On the issue of imposing ban on development of the small hydro power projects by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Thongdok said Goyal has promised to take up the issue.

Talking about electricity development plans in Arunachal Pradesh, Thongdok said his government has taken up scheme under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana Scheme (DDUGJY).

Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, June 26 Husband was in the role of a 'sir', while her wife played the role of a 'conwoman'. Perhaps, this is not the script of a reel life but a script of real life crafted by a Makum - based husband and wife in which they fooled one woman Sushila Orang and took rupees 3.5 lakhs for getting her a job at Coal India Limited. This came to light yesterday night when Makum police arrested the duo husband and wife from a small hut beside Baba Dhaba along national highway 37 at Makum. Police also recovered 2 fake sims from them.

The sim were registered in the name of one Kunti Chetri and was used in the ploy.

According to sources, the wife introduced her husband as 'sir' to Sushila Orang on the pretext that he has very good relation with a top Coal India officer and will help her get job in Coal India. In the name of getting her job they took rupees 3.5 lakhs in smaller installments of rupees 20 to 30 thousand in a span of last 2 years.

The case was cracked by Makum police led by police station in-charge Bhaskar Saikia.

The arrest has been made in connection with Makum ps case no 128/16 under section 420 IPC.

cmyk

ANI New Delhi, June 26

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today, you may be stumped by some mysterious and wonderful event. That or you may encounter an unexpected yet advantageous incident. It may not exactly be path-breaking, but it is sure to make you take stock of things. Also, you may find it difficult to meet deadlines today. Nevertheless, let people know how important your work is.

Taurus Much to the disappointment and annoyance of your friends and associates, you are likely to act unduly possessive and self centered about persons and objects. Be sure, your overprotective attitude is not likely to amuse anyone. To make matters worse you will possibly ignore their well founded resentment and instead of setting matters right, you will be running after material gains.

Try to reconsider your actions and motives. No one is likely to forget and forgive anything.

Gemini You are likely to make a list of your daily chores that take most of your time. Then you will find a way to outsource these activities or eliminate them from your routine altogether. You will also devote a lot of your time to meditation. Health of a family member may give you some anxious moments.

Cancer The day looks set to be an ordinary day, for both work and play. Yet, if you are planning to participate in an event or a competition today, march ahead, by all means. There will, practically, be no one who'll be able to compete with you. On other fronts, expect things to be rather calm and mundane, with no significant ups and downs.

Leo Your competitors will try to malign your reputation today. They will try to spoil your image and impression in front of others. You need to be courageous and nip their efforts in the bud. You need to delegate decision-making activities to others today. Your wrong decisions need to be buried by you.

Virgo Your communication and creative abilities are your best weapons. You will be overflowing with zest for life and will exude cheerfulness. Your creativity will bloom fully only in situations where there is no pressure or strain.

Libra You will try to gain in-depth knowledge about new technological inventions in your spare time today. Some of you may have queries regarding higher education that you may be able to take up today and reach a conclusion about.

Scorpio Till now you have experienced all the highs. Today you may come across the lows of the professional world. The equation between your boss, colleagues and you may get slightly disturbed.

However, you will make it up by evening. Fresher's may look for some career opportunities.

Sagittarius Being a part of all things bright and beautiful will remain the highpoint today. You may don the hat of an activist and fight injustice and discrimination in the right spirits. Even if you are asked to conquer the world, you will be able to do it today.

Capricorn The wait for some good news may have been too long, but it will surely find its way to you today. Your focus will remain fixed on work, and you may feel like you are finally starting to like your job. This, in turn, will lead you to take some well-informed decisions about your future. And if the good news comes at the right time, you will probably be saved the effort of finding a new job.

Aquarius Today is an important day in the larger scheme of things. You may finally decide to buy a home, change your job, or marry! Sudden and unexpected profits are on the cards too. Reputation and rewards are all yours today. This acknowledgement helps you remain committed.

Pisces Today is likely to be a day of mixed fortunes. While a hectic morning and a positively frantic afternoon will see you at your wits' end, a sumptuous dinner with your sweetheart, followed by a sensuous evening, will delight you out of your mind.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

The role of railway Poor students provided police questioned in financial assistance tobacco seizure case Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, June 26. The role of railway police came under serious questioning after it released and handed over 8 bags of pan masala seized with 2 bags of tobacco on June 24 on the grounds that pan masala in not banned. According to a GRP personnel the pan masala has been handed to a Khan - titled businessman after he showed builty.

According to special sources the 8 bags pan masala seized alongwith 2 bags of banned tobacco were of the same lot with same marking on all bags just like the 39 bags of pan masala and tobacco seized on Saturday were of the same lot with a mention of P65 on all bags and same marking on all bags. This fact makes it ample clear that the banned tobacco also belonged to the same person who claimed the seized pan masala. Hence, the question that is being asked is instead of arresting the person for bringing banned products why did railway police handed

him the bags of pan masala to take away?

This question becomes more significant after the fact that in every such major hauls railway police failed to apprehend anyone linked to the goods.

Responding to media question, railway police suggested that the builty is being made on fake name and address, hence, they could not identify the person linked to these goods and no action on them is possible.

Law experts suggest that seized goods in such case where partial goods are banned are released only on courts direction and questioned the motive of railway police in the hurry in releasing bags of pan masala. They also asked instead of interrogating this businessman why railway police is soft towards him.

It must be known that despite frequent haul of banned goods in fake name and address of the consignor and consignee railway police has not seem to have taken steps to break this module.

Interactive workshop of Ex-servicemen in army camp Joypur ET Correspondent Naharkatia, June 26: An interactive workshop for the ex-servicemen was organized

by Army Camp Joypur of Dao Division. The interactive workshop was aimed at addressing the grievance of the ex-servicemen and to inform the ex-servicemen fraternity of the benefits being given by government to the ex-servicemen. The ex-servicemen community were informed and educated on the welfare measures, which are implemented for the ex-servicemen such as OROP, medical benefits, improvement in canteen facilities. The ex-servicemen were also educated on the various carrier opportunities being given by the Indian Army for their children. The ex-servicemen also contributed immensely with

their valuable suggestion for their betterment. A Suvigya Cell to address the pension cases and grievance cell for resolving other issues were established. The effort was appreciated by the ex-servicemen and was able to resolve many problems of the

Name Change In the Court of first class Judicial Magistrate, Tezu, Lohit District Arunachal Pradesh, I Shri Jai Kishore Thakur S/O Mr Basu Deo Thakur, age about 48 yrs of Village Ranipur, P.O, P.S Katya Gopalganj District, Bihar religion Hindu, nationality Indian, occupation Businessman, that my son name is Roshan Thakur since from the birth time but in some document it was recorded as Roshan Kumar and in some document as Roshan Thakur due to my ignorance, Whereas both Shri Roshan Thakur and Shri Roshan Kumar is the same person.

In an affidavit I sworn to produce before the authority to clear the future confusion regarding my son’s name and in a statement mentioned here is true to my knowledge and belief.

ex-servicemen. Approximately 180 ex-servicemen with their families from Danga kumar, Naharani and Joyour Camp location graced the occasion with their presence. The workshop was appreciated by the ex-servicemen.

Biennial Conference of Doomdooma Press Club held

ET Correspondent Doomdooma, June 26: The biennial conference of Doomdooma Press Club concluded with a daylong programme today. According to the scheduled programme, the flag was hoisted by the President Anuj Kalita and Secretary Manoj Dutta offered floral tribute towards all those who

The meeting which was held in Sonari Star's Eleven Club was presided over by Jyotiprasad Phukan, President, Charaideo district committee of BAYM and was anchored by its Secretary General Jalal Chaudhari. Journalists Shankar Lal Agarwal, Mritunjoy Das and Rofick Ahmed who attended the meeting as chief guests

praised the organization for taking the step to help poor students in there higher studies. A number of leaders of the organization also spoke on the occasion.

The selected students were provided cash amount and were felicitated with certificate and fulam gamucha. A few students also expressed there feelings on the occasion.

Homeopaethic Camp Held ET Correspondent Golaghat, June 26: Under the banner of Sri Sathya Sai Sewa Samity and in association with Purnima Phukan, Maina Phukan and Jugeshwar Borpatra Gohain Memorial Charitable Homeo Clinic a Free Homeopaethic Camp was organised in Kabarugaon. The programme started at 9 am. Many men

women and children of the adjoining area took part in the same.

The patients were examined by Dr Dipankar Saikia, Dr Giridhar Phukan, Dr Pradip Borgohain, Dr Hemramba Bora and Dr Ratul Gogoi. Apurba Borgohain and other distinguish guests were present. The patients number tolled to around 200 and were provided with free medicines

Yoga Camp Held today

27-6-16 (MONDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi 9-05 A.M-Antara 12-30 P.M-Gharjeuti 2-30 P.M-Dopahar Samachar 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anushthan 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of D.D.E.,Dibrugarh University) 8-30 P.M-Jnan Bijnan 9-16 P.M-Barerahaniya 9-30 P.M- National Programme of Play (Regional Version) Sd-/H.O.P

ET Correspondent Sonari, 26 June : The Charaideo district committee of Brihattar Asomiaya Yuva Manch ( BAYM ) held a meeting in Sonari today to provide financial assistance and felicitate some selected students belonging to BPL ( below poverty level ) families who have passed HSLC exams this years with flying colours.

sacrificed their lives for the cause of journalism.

In the meeting, Secretary Manoj Dutta presented a three page report of the activities carried out during his tenure. At the same time Rajesh Prasad presented the income and expenditure statement as treasurer of the club.

After dissolving the old

committee, the procedure of forming a new committee was started in which Anuj Kalita was selected as President, Pradip Kumar Moran as Vice President, Abhijit Khataniar as Secretary, Manoj Barua as joint Secretary, Rajesh Prasad as treasurer, Kuldhar Barman as office secretary, and Dinesh Goyal, Nowantik Orang, Manoj Dutta, Arjun Barua and Kulen Barman were included as executive committee members.

Some burning topics of the locality was discussed in the meeting which has been neglected by the administration continuously. The meeting was concluded by vote of thanks by the outgoing Secretary Manoj Dutta.

Yoga Camp held at Maheswari Bhawan in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, June 26: Under the banner of Golaghat Maheswari Organisations a Yoga Camp was held at Maheswari Bhawan today from 6 am in which Govinda Pal and M.Chetri of Patanjali Yog Samity Golaghat were

the main demonstrator. In the program many people took part.

Gourishankar Binnani and Indar Chand Laddhar assisted them and they made the people aware regarding which pranayam healed which disease .

Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad opposes oil fields lease issue, calls Assam bandh on Tuesday ET Correspondent Margherita, June 26: Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom have declared Assam Bandh on 28 June Tuesday due to Central Government move to lease out 12 Oil fields of Assam to Private investors. Chao Mintu Deodhai Phukan, General Secretary of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi Led BJP Government at the Centre is going to hand over all Assam Assets to Private Companies which will be a big curse for the Greater Assamese People. During the Assam Agitation 855 Martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland Assam and to protect Assam Assets from the clutches of Central Government and outsiders but newly elected Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal who is regarded as "Jatiyo Nayak" is turning to a mute spectator now but we shall not allow BJP Government at the Centre to do this kind of injustice and we shall continue our agitation till than BJP Government at the Centre drops

this decision said Chao Mintu Deodhai Phukan. BJP is a Political Party of Hindi Lobbyist,Capitalist and Anti Assamese hence they don't worry about the feelings of Greater Assamese people said Chao Mintu Deodhai Phukan. Before the 2016 Assembly Election of Assam BJP Government at the Centre had promised to give ST Status to Six Ethnic Communities people of Assam but till now we have got not any notification from the BJP Government at the Centre hence they are only cheating and depriving us from basic our ST Status Right said Chao Mintu Deodhai Phukan.

Again big dams at Lower Subansiri is a also a big problem for the people of Assam hence we shall also protest against it said Chao Mintu Deodhai Phukan.

Meanwhile, All Assam Muttock Yuba Chatra Sanmihloni, Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Sanmihloni and All Assam Singpho Student Union have also Supported the 12 Hours Assam Bandh on 28 June.

Foundation Day of Saksham, Assam Chapter and Hellen Keller Jayanti observed Subham Chakraborty Dibrugarh, June 26: Samadrishti, Kshamata Vikas Evam Anusandhan Mandal (SAKSHAM) is a charitable nation organization registered at Nagpur under registration number MAH/654/ 2008[N]. The organization has its head office in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The aim is to bring the entire person with disabilities in the main stream of our nation. Saksham believes that the disabled people are not burden on the society but assets of the na-

tion. At the outset of the programme, the members of the committee felicitated guest of honour Dr.Amrit Boruah, former joint director of health services, Dibrugarh and a renowned physician, the president of Saksham Mr Manuj Tamuli, the president of Marwari Yuva Manch and Dibrugarh MLA Mr Prasanta Phukan.

"The aim to establish this organisation is to create awareness among the disabled people that they

through this kind of problem. The birthday of Hellen Keller is on 27th June but they celebrate her birthday today with the foundation day of Saksham.

MLA Prasanta Phukan delivering his speech.

were a part of this nation and they also want to live with respect neither with ignorance", said Tamuli, the president of Saksham who is himself a blind and know the problem of the people who are going

"I am really thankful to the members of the organization for inviting me on this special day. If we all move together than we can make a society where all will get their due rights", Dr Amrit Boruah said. People don’t participate in good social program but for club parties all are excited to par-

ticipate, he added. I am thankful to Saksham and Marwari Yuva Manch for taking the lead, Phukan added.

capacity and seeing capacity due to some diseases, but she continued her battle and was never disheartened", he said.

The committee distributed wheelchairs, walking stand and sticks to the disabled or are now referred to as differently able or dibyang. President of Marwari Yuva Manch started his speech by thanking the MLA and the president of Saksham. He spoke about the life of Hellen Keller. "At the age of 19 she lost her hearing

Saksham was established in Guwahati in 1977 they had 600 offices and 2500+ staffs all over the India.

The president of Marwari Yuva Manch was thankful for having an opportunity to work with Saksham.

Saksham in collaboration with Marwari Yuva Manch, Dibrugarh greater and Pragati Sakha.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PAGE 3

“International Day against Drug Govt to construct one more bailey bridge at Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” Division IV to minimize traffic congestion observed by Changlang Police ET Correspondent Changlang, June 26: In order to achieve the goal of a drug free society the Changlang Police Department conducted “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” here at Changlang Market, today.

OC, Police Station, Changlang Inspector B Tangjang while briefing the gathering about the ill effects of drugs informed that addiction leads to enhance of crime like theft, dacoits, cheating, murder, rape etc.

Promoting awareness of dangers associated with illicit drugs urged the students and youth to refrain from drug abuse which spoils one’s career and life as a whole.

Highlighting the efforts and achievements of Department of Police Changlang in curbing the social menace, he informed that twenty five were registered with forty four arrests in last

four years. Seven Kilos of Opium smeared cloth worth Rs. 7, 84, 000/-, Two Kilos and 350 gm of Ganja worth Rs. 10, 000/-, four pkts of 240 gm Heroine worth Rs 50, 000/-, 10 gm of Brown sugar worth Rs 20, 000/and cash amount of Rs. 1, 72, 020/- to be used for buying drugs were seized, he added.

The Inspector also sensitized on The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 1985 and informed that under Section 8 no person shall cultivate coca plant or gather any coca plants, cultivate poppy or cannabis plant. He also deliberated section 15 to 32 under which one may be sentenced to 10 years imprisonment to death sentence stressing them to refrain from drug abuse and its illicit trafficking.

The programme was attended by all the shopkeepers of Changlang town, youth, etc.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul took this decision on the spot during his site inspection on Saturday after finding that the bailey bridge at Division IV is a single lane due to which vehicles from both the sides got struck at the bridge point causing long traffic congestion. He observed that there is possibility of one more bailey bridge in the side of the existing bridge and instructed PWD to construct one more

bailey bridge over the nallah within a period of two weeks.

Chief Minister opined that once another bailey bridge is constructed, the traffic congestion in Ganga Mar-

ket and along HH-415 at Itanagar can be reduced to a great extent by diverting the vehicles plying towards Niti-Vihar and Division IV areas from Ganga Market, Akashdeep and R K Mission Hospital.

International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking observed

by Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rilfes

Mass rally organised by Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles on“International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rilfes observed International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ovserved at Jairampur Pranjal Bhuyan Jairampur, June 26: The Jairampur battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 25 Sector Assam Rifles continuing its efforts, in addition to distributing solar larterns,organizing medical camps in remote areas,organized a mass rally in Jairampur on“International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”.In order to make this world a better place to live the battalion continues its endevaour by organizing this rally to create awareness about ill-effects of drug usage and caution people about drug abuse.The main objective was to communicate a message among the masses “Say No To Drugs” and to reach out every corner not only of Jairampur

but also to include places like Miao, Nampong and Jagun. Speaking on the occasion, the Commandant, Jairampur Battalion reiterated that problem of drugs essentially needs to be tackle on two fronts: Firstly,supply reduction which is to reduce the supply of drugs by enforcement i.e.by seizure of drugs,arrest of drug traffickers etc.and secondly,demand reduction which is to curtail demand of drugs in the society through awareness campaigns and mass rallies like what the battalion has done.

He also told that Assam Rifles is committed towards overall development of the remote areas and further assured that the battalion will continue doing what ever it takes to make this place a better place for all of us.

Rhythm for Charity organised by Buddhast Event Management Group A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 26: The second edition of ‘Rhythm for Charity’ was organised by the Buddhast Event Management Group, Seppa at Thupten Ga-Tseling Monastery today with the theme “I Support Kampu Hollen (Orphanage)”.

Adding more colour to the day, various local singers and jazz bands performed hit songs to enthrall the huge gathering during the daylong programme.

The formal function was attended by Yupia and Itanagar deputy commissioners Pooja Jain and Sandeep Kumar Singh.

Addressing the occasion, the DCs appreciated the organiser and appealed to the gathering to come and support such noble activities for better future of the orphans. DC Singh called upon NGOs and likeminded individuals to work together to play a role in development of neglected and abandoned children in orphanages, and work to promote similar childcare programmes.

He further appreciated and lauded the organising committee for conducting the charity event in a spectacular manner and hoped for grand success of the programme.

and gets damage. It was also observed that at various points where CC roads meet another road, a huge gap has been kept unattended. He instructed the SE PWD (Capital Circle) to immediately make corrective measures and smoothen the road by giving proper gradient at the end of the CC road and also to construct the gap at meeting points of two roads in the Capital Complex within a period of two week’’s time.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 26: Govt to construct one more bailey bridge at Division IV to minimize traffic congestion at Ganga Market and along NH-415 at Itanagar.

ET Bureau Khonsa, June 26 : As part of world wide resolution of observing international day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking on 26 Jun every year, Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles observed the 26 Jun 2016 as day against Drug abuse.

Medical officer of Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles

delivered a lecture with a presentation and posters with emphasis on various causes leading to addiction, illeffects of alcohol on health, various measures to prevent the addiction and ways of rehabilitation. This effort was to motivate the locals to stay away from substance abuse for their good health. This lecture

was attended by 35 Civilians.

The participants also gave message to quit alcohol and tobacco with help of pamphlets. At the end of the event all participants took a resolution to quit all kinds of tobacco products and motivate others to come out the vicious cycle of alcohol addiction and ill health.

Assam Water Resource minister inspect erosion hit Neematighat ET Correspondent Jorhat, June 26: The Assam Water Resource minister Keshab Mahanta visited erosion hit Neematighat and several parts of outer Majuli and felt apprehensive over the threat that the mighty Brahmaputra is causing towards the landmass surrounding the river belt towards the Jorhat city.

After inspecting erosion hit areas in Neematighat and its surrounding that the Brahmaputra is causing se-

rious threat to 5 km stretchable road that leads to Neematighat and seriously hit Dynee gaon if a 50 metre more erosion take place, Brahmaputra river water will touch the NH 37 till Dergaon to Kaziranga National Park which could be taken as a serious threat. So the minster requested his department to start anti-erosion work in war footing pattern so that erosion could be stopped at the initial level.

The Water Resource minis-

ter announced to take immediate step to stop erosion at Dynee gaon, Jhanjimukh and parts of Upper Majuli at Sonowal Kachari and Somoimari.

The Water Resource minister was accompanied by Jorhat DC Roshni Aparanjita Korati, senior officials from Water Resource department including Dergaon MLA Bhaben Bharali and members from AJP-BJP party workers were present along with him.

He also observed that there is cutting edge and no proper gradient were given at the end of the CC roads due to which small cars and low ground clearance vehicles are facing difficulties

While observing that there is illegal earth cutting in nook and corner of the Capital Complex causing unwarranted landslides, damaging roads as well as

posing as threat to the dwellers in low lying areas, Chief Minister instructed the DC and SP Capital Complex to issue stringent orders and to take appropriate action accordingly.

Chief Minister Pul while considering that capital dwellers are constructing houses haphazardly in nallahs and unsafety areas unmindful of the possible natural calamities, he appealed to the denizens of capital complex to refrain from constructing their houses in nallahs and landslide prone areas citing that the state capital is situated in a very high seismic zone.

23rd death anniversary of Late Moyong observed Spl Correspondent Pasighat, June 26: The 23rd death anniversary of ABSU martyr late Onyok Moyong was observed in a small but memorable way by the members of All Bogong Students’ Union (E) at his burial ground and statue, Pasighat Bazar on Saturday.

While recalling the history of it’s martyr, ABSU (E) observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to late Moyong who was shot-dead by police during an agitation led by Bogong Banggo some 23 years ago in 1993. On the occasion, Lungkang Ering, President, ABSU (E) said that even

23rd death anniversary of Late Moyong observed at Pasighat

though late Moyong is not among us today physically, his sacrifices and hard work for the Bogong in particular and Pasighat in general will always be remembered till our last breath. Ering and

his team also recalled late Moyong as their role model and on the occasion, urged all fellow ABSU members to live upto the expectation of martyr Moyong by doing good work and sacrifices.

ABKYW lauds CM for procurement of lands for Arunachal Sadan Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, June 26: The Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing has has expressed their gratitude to incumbent Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for having successfully procuring series of plot of lands at New Delhi, Mumbai, Shillong and Guwahati for Arunachal Sadan and Arunachal Niwas.

In a statement, ABKYW President Aling Pinggam and General Secretary, Er. Toi Modi on behalf of entire Adi community has said

that the procurement of land will be a big asset for the state as more Arunachal Bhawans or Houses are required at those metropolis for accommodating poor patients, students and others, besides governmental needs for office or tourist information centers.

The duo also expressed huge satisfaction over successful conduct of Janata Dharbar by CM Pul from where many poor needy patients belonging from rural

Arunachal received direct relief on spot which were never seen before. To meet CM by an ordinary public like these days would be never possible owing to bureaucratic hurdles, added Pinggam. While wishing best for Pul to continue such public welfare work in true spirit, ABKYW has appeal CM to give more importance to development of Adi belt with special mention to materialize Smart City Mission of Pasighat, the oldest town of the state.

Resumption of Lumding-Silchar Rail service likely from July 10 ET Correspondent Haflong June 26

The resumption of Lumding - Silchar Rail service which was disrupted since May 16 due to damage of foundation of track following landslide near Migrengdisa on Lumding Silchar BG is likely to start from July 10 next though we have set July 7 as the target to open the line for traffic, said confident R P Jingar, Chief Engineer, N F Rly at the restoration site near Migrengdisa on Sunday.

Jingar, who has been considered to be the most acquainted official with the behavior and characteristic of this hill section and also served a long period in this hills section in many positions disclosed that right from the day one we have been trying our best to restore the communication

and also succeeded for few days but some we become helpless at the hand of Nature, since a hillock of 150 meter by 60 meter depth began to slide at 45 degree (not straight way) causing swelling of track foundation. We have adopted several means as prescribed by experts and also by the geologist but swelling of track foundation could not be checked as of now.

Therefore we have decided to divert the affected portion of 220 meter by cutting hillock which requires few more days and also absence of rain. But at the same we would also take care of the main track. At least 10 numbers excavators were engaged to expedite the restoration work and several officials are doing their best day in and day out. Jingar,

up stream of hillock so that rain water would not go inside the cracked hillock which might minimize the sliding of hillock.

who is concerned for the people of Dima Hasao in particular said we appreciate the people of Dima Hasao for their co-operation during such a situation.

Barun Adhikari, Geologist

of GEO-Consultant who has been monitoring the everyday's work as well as the geological changes etc. said that the hillock on the side of the track measuring 150mX60m of depth 60 m is

moved 12 meter downwards at 45 degree resulting to swelling of track foundation.

To check the swelling of track foundation we have taken measures including using synthetic cloths on the

The people of Dima Hasao while appreciating the untiring efforts of the Railway officials who are working day and night for the restoration of the Train services and the recent resumption of SilcharHaflong train communication from June 23 for five days in a week appealed to the authority concerned to introduce a train in between Lumding and Mahur also which would be a great help for the people southern Assam including Dima Hasao. The people of Dima Hasao have expressed their great satisfaction over the Railway authority for its concern for Dima Hasao people.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PAGE 4

Brahmaputra erosion poses serious threat at Barkshetri Ramen Kalita Nalbari, June 26 : Massive erosion caused by the river Brahmaputra posed serious threat at Kaplabari and Peradhara under Barkshetri revenue circle in Nalbari district.The Government inaction to carry out anti erosion project at the erosion hit sites complicated the situation in Nalbari district.In Kaplabari village the massive erosion of the mighty Brahmaputra river hit the right bank embankment and more than 20 percent have already been eroded.Even the continu-

ous erosion posing serious threat to the dyke which is considered a lifeline of the

greater parts of Nalbari and Barpeta district.If the embankment breached at

Kaplabari the Brahmaputra river will submerge a large areas of the both districts.Even it is feared that the heavy current of the river will wash away the dwelling houses of the nearby areas if the breach caused at Kaplabari.The subdivisional office of Water Resources department of Mukalmuwa have been erecting some bamboo spurs to prevent the erosion but no result got to protect it.On the other hand the river also posed severe threat at Peradhara village near Rampur.The

continuous erosion also caused a threat to the Peradhara model hospital constructed in the river in side.If the department failed to bring it under control the model hospital will in the river soon.Presently the river is only few metres ahead from the hospital.

Unfortunately the department has taken no step to protect the hospital from the erosion of the river.In the same time the erosion of the Pagladiya river is also posing threat at various places in its

course.Especially the erosion causing serious at Karia, Sadhnapar, Kamarkuchi, Hanapara, Hablakha and Bullitpar in the district.It is very unfortunate that the Government has not taken the issue of massive erosion seriously.It may be mentioned here that in the time of danger the sub divisional officer and junior engineers of Mukalmuwa have been engaged in NRC update works.As a result they have failed to look after the anti erosion works in the subdivision since long back.

Student’s body alleges flawed construction Sushanta Roy Diphu June 26: The All Karbi Youth Union (AKYU), in a press release, has alleged that construction of the training-cum guest house of the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department located at Manja, 16 kilometer from Diphu is incomplete, although the final bill amount of Rs.90 lakh has been drawn.

The construction is not only incomplete but it is also of poor quality. The incomplete building was to be inaugurated on KAAC foundation day on June 23 but it was foiled by AKYU. The work was allotted to M/s Rasinja Enterprise at an estimated cost of Rs.90 lakh.

The Department concerned played a dubious role in the matter leading to financial embezzlement in the project, the release added.

The release has also alleged that the process of appointment in 3rd and 4th grade posts legal process was not followed, leaving out deserving and meritorious candidates. The roll numbers published for the post of Sectional Assistants calling for viva voce as published by department of Irrigation (Zone-IV), Diphu is erroneous. Some newspapers have left out the Roll Nos. of successful candidates. AKSU appealed to the authority to halt the viva voce for the time being, the release stated.

Sushanta Roy Diphu June 26: The Karbi Farmers Association (KFA) on June 22 met Irrigation Minister Ranjit Dutta and submitted a memorandum, demanding an NIA enquiry into the alleged massive corruption in the Irrigation Department of Karbi Anglong. In the meeting,

Dutta told the KFA delegation that he will take proper action and constitute an enquiry to know the truth. He also promised the KFA that Superintending Engineer Summit Das, SDO in Charge Bolin Das and SOs Prakash Kakoti and Nikonjo Das will be transferred from Karbi Anglong.

Anti drugs day International Day Against Farmer’s demands action celebrated at Nalbari Drug Abuse observed ET Correspondent Golaghat, June 26 : 142 Battalion CRPF Junakinagar Golaghat observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Day in a befitting manner today. A rally in this regard was taken out which was flagged off by Deputy Commandant Achla Ram and Kunjumole T.K. The rally moved on to various places of the town making aware the people regarding ill effects of drugs. The officers, SOS, and Jawans participated with Banner, Poster, Play Card with enthusiasm.

ET Correspondent Nalbari,June 26 : The Nalbari district administration celebrated the International Day against the drugs abuse and illicit trafficking at Nalbari town here today,On the occasion an awareness rally was took out through the main thor-

oughfare of Nalbari town.The rally started from Nalbari Harimandir Premises was flagged off by Dr Om Prakash,deputy commissioner of Nalbari.In the awareness rally the superintendent of police Dr Bedanta Madhab Rajkhowa also took

part.The rally ended at the premises of Nalbari zilla parishad office where an awareness meeting on drugs abuse and its illegal trafficking was held.A street play was also performed on drugs abuse to generate awareness among the people.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed at Margherita

ET Correspondent Margherita, June 26: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was today observed at Margherita Block Conference Hall today by Margherita Sub Division Administration in collaboration with Legal Awareness Network Centre, Margherita.

The

programme was presided over by Kuludhar Konwar, Senior Citizen of Margherita. Margherita Sub Divisional Police Officer Inamuddin Ahmed, Margherita Sub Division Administration Extra Commissioner Dmithun Borgiary, Margherita Town Committee Vice Chairman Bhim Karmakar,

Margherita Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr K C Das,Legal Awareness Network Centre, Margherita President Papu Sah, Margherita Students Union Leaders, Margherita NGOs and many more people were present during the programme.

Meanwhile International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was also observed today at Ledo Bazaar 5 Number Line Anganwadi Centre

by Ledo and Hamukjan Gaon Panchayat Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.

All the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers took out a procession by holding placards and shouted slogans against drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking and also organised a Awareness meeting.

Massive Plantation drive by MMDS International Day Against Drug Abuse observed in Golaghat

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed at Guwahati Guwahati, June 26: The International Day of Drug abuse and illicit Trafficking was observed by the Social Welfare Department, Assam at NEDFI House, Guwahati today. In the programme, the keynote address was delivered

by Principal Secretary Hemanta Kumar Narzary,

IAS. In his address he said that young people should be made aware of the consequences of drug abuse. He added that illegal trafficking of drugs should be checked and also lauded the various NGOs who have taken significant steps to combat the menace of drugs.

The welcome address was

given by Social Welfare Additional Director Dipak Choudhury, ACS. The meeting was attended by Secretary Smt. M.Baruah,ACS, ASCPCR Member Secretary Smt. Leena Das, Police Officials, Departmental Officers, Doctors, students, NGOs amongst others.

International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking observed at Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 26: The International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking was observed at Basic Training Center, Kokrajhar with day long programme along with rest of the world.

It was organized by the Kokrajhar District administration, a mass awareness rally was started from Basic Training Centre via fly over, Vivekananda path and concluded at the same point in which people from different sections of the society including students, police personnel, members of various NGOs participated.

BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoyary and BTC executive member for Sports and Youth Welfare Doneswar

Goyary flagged off the rally.

Borgoyary said that uses of drugs with many forms are growing among young generation, which was not a good sign for society. We must stop all kinds drugs uses to check healthy society, otherwise it would be a dangerous situation as drug abusing becoming a serious concern in the region, Borgoyary added.

Madhav Prasad Sarma, Kokrajhar DC said district administration organized the function to bring awareness against use of drugs among society. The peoples should avoid uses of drugs which may cause several disease for human life, he said.

Shyamal Prasad Saikia, SP said that this is a day celebration against drugs and illicit trafficking in the district where peoples from all sections as well students took part. Police and district administration have been stepping to check drugs uses among society through organizing such kind of rally and awareness programme.

Various competitions among the students and youths including speech competition on drug abuse and illicit trafficking, art competition and one act play were also held during the day long programme to create mass awareness among the target groups, especially the youths.

International Day of anti drug abuse and illicit human trafficking observed at Mangaldai ET Correspondent Mangaldai, June 26: The international day of anti drug abuse and illicit human trafficking has been organized by Darrang district administration and Mangaldai Sadar Police Station authority separately here today . Deputy Commissioner , Darrang Manoj Kumar , Superintendent of Police , Darrang Sunil Kumar , Additional Deputy Commissioner Narnarayan Nath , Deputy Superintendent of Police , Darrang (HQ) Deboranjan Sharma along with other officials of the district civil and police administration took part in the awareness meeting organized on the

occasion by the district administration in association with District Social Welfare Department and other couple of non government organizations at Mangaldai Town High School .

On the other hand a meeting convened by the Officer in Charge of the Mangaldai Sadar Police Station at the conference hall of the Village Defence Organization (VDO) was participated by good no of people from different walk of life of the society including grass root level workers of the Village Defence Party , senior organizers of VDO , representatives of the students' organi-

zation , NGO , media persons among others discussed many things related to adverse effect of contraband drugs , spurious liquor and other intoxicated substances and measures to check the growing menace of

the society . Several speakers including Jehidul Islam , Deputy Superintendent of Police , Darrang (Border), Circle Organizer , VDO , Mangaldai Police Station Circle , Kamal Boro, secretary VDO,

Paniram Deka, secretaries of VDPs from different Gaon Panchayat levels namely Kalpana Debi Barua , Bhadreswar Deka and Nazimul Islam, president NSUI , Darrang Anjan Deka participated in the discussion.

Earlier Officer in Charge of Mangaldai Police Station, Inspector Lohit Ch Rabha explained the objectives of the meeting presided over by Gohin Kataki , President of the VDO , Mangaldai Police Station area.

The meeting also resolved to many decisions in connection with control of drug abuse demand of regular checking of business estab-

lishments selling "Dendrite" which is often used by youths and students for intoxication, stop sale of contraband drugs from the medicine shops without proper medical prescription , more action against the traders , transporters and concerned government officials involved in the illegal practice of spurious liquor , ganja and other substances used for intoxication and setting up a district level rehabilitation centre for the victims of drug abuse among others and advised the organizers to send these resolutions to the government level for necessary action.

ET Correspondent Morigaon, June 26: The Morigaon Multi--Development Society (MMDS), a socio-cultural society has completed a massive plantation programme in the district during last 21 days.The President of the MMDS, Pankaj Tamuli told this correspondent that the society had started the programme on World Environment Day (June 5). In the first phase, the society planted 200 plants at Kusturba School playground, Morigaon. This was followed by massive

plantation 400 plants alongside of Morigaon Bhurbandha PWD road on June 17. The Society took up the third phase plantation programme at the compound Deputy- Commissioner court where 200 plants were planted on June 26.

In the future course of action, society will plant around 1000 plant in every vacant places and keep vigil in nurturing of those trees in Morigaon town,informed Pankaj Tamuli, President, MMDS.

Artist felicitated at Nazira ET Correspondent Nazira, June 26: Two well known senior artists of Nazira, Shilpi pensoner Kali Prashad Raddy and actor Horen Rajkhowa were feliciated by the Axom Natya Sanmiloni, Nazira,in a function of the Kalaguru Brishnu Prashad Rabha Smriti Divas organised by the Nazira branch of Axom

Natya Sanmiloni at Nazira Sports Club on 20th June.

Miss Jyotimoni Hatikakoti anchored the programme and the President of Nazira sports club Sanjib Agarwala,social activists Provin Baruah,Sanjiv Phokan etc.were present in the programme along with other dignitaries.

International Day against drug abuse observed in Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, June 26: International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking 2016 with the theme Listen First- Listening to children and Youth is the first step to grow healthy and safe was observed throughout the district of Jorhat with joint collaboration with the department of Health, Education and Police, informed Dr. Bhoktimoi Bhattacharyya, the Nodal officer of Drug De-Addiction Centre, Jorhat.

Earlier in the morning students of Sankardev Seminary High School and students from Lakshmi Union High School took out the colourful rally with slogans and holding placards high lighting say no to drugs, while Rapplica, a social cultural organization performs street play and drew sketch

on the main streets of the city near JB College and at Baruah Chariali high lighting about the use of poisonous drugs which is a threat and very dangerous to one’s life.

The international day against drug abuse was held in similar ways at every nook and corner throughout the district as the Education department along with Police and Health organized in a different way to make upcoming youths aware about the importance of drugs and use of drugs which is illegal to the society, which might lead one’s life to an unknown destination with free dozes first from his friends and become addicted when no one could stop him for the same, said Rajib Dutta, a social activist from Rapplica.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PAGE 5

BSF stops 250 Bangladeshis from entering Tripura Status report Agartala, Jun 26: Around 250 Bangladeshi nationals, who tried to enter Tripura on Saturday returned back from the border, police said.

These Bangladeshi Hindu tribals were evicted from their habitation by the forest guards of that country.

"After a flag meeting between the officials of Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh, the latter took these Bangladeshis back from the border to provide rehabilitation in their villages," Khowai district police chief Jayanta Chakraborty told

State Govt to constitute 5th pay panel shortly Shillong, Jun 26:Despite financial constraints, the state government is on the job to appoint a Pay Commission to hike the pay and other allowances of its employees.

An official source said on Saturday that an exercise is on to finalize the chairman and members of the Fifth Pay Commission at the earliest.

The Forth Pay Commission recommendations were implemented by the state government 10 years back.

In 2009, when DD Lapang was the Chief Minister, the state cabinet had announced an overall pay hike of 32 per cent for all its employees with retrospective effect from January 1, 2007 based on the recommendation of the Fourth Pay Commission headed by retired IAS official KK Sinha .

Though the employees who resorted to agitation demanded the implementation of pay with effect from 2006, the government did not pay heed to it.

The arrears were also provided to the employees in several installments.

Since it is mandatory to revise the pay of the employees every ten years, the deadline for the employees to get the new salary will be early part of 2017 as the last pay hike took effect from January 2007.

Moreover, sources said that with seventh Central Pay Commission recommendation likely to take effect from next month, the state government employees will have no other option but to demand the formation of fifth pay commission at the earliest.(Agencies)

over phone.

The Khowai district administration provided these Bangladeshi nationals food and other essentials during the day.

"Around 250 people, including women and children, tried to enter western Tripura on Saturday morning but the BSF thwarted their attempt," Chakraborty said.

"Bangladesh forest guards had destroyed the homes of these people and evicted them from forest lands at Chunarughat in eastern Bangladesh late on Friday. These people are Hindu tribals who took

BSF sources said they communicated the matter to Border Guards Bangladesh and a flag meeting between the senior officials of the two forces was held in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Union Home Ministry's Border Management Secretary Susheel Kumar, who arrived here on Friday on a three-day Around 250 Bangladeshi nationals, who tried to enter Tripura on Saturday returned back from the border

shelter along the Indian border," he added. The police officials said that due to border fencing and alertness of the BSF troopers, the

Bangladeshis could not enter Tripura's Champahowar village under Khowai district, around 100 km west of Agartala.

visit to Tripura, held a meeting with Tripura Chief Secretary Yashpal Singh, senior officials of the BSF, District Magistrates and Collectors of different bordering districts besides senior state government officials to review the various aspects of the IndiaB a n g l a d e s h border.(Agencies)

"Around 250 people, including women and children, tried to enter western Tripura on Saturday morning but the BSF thwarted their attempt,"

AICC to adopt wait-and-watch policy Shillong, Jun 26: The AICC which is affected by the back-to-back defeats in last several elections may go slow on the demand of the dissidents to effect a change of leadership in Meghalaya.

The party sources admitted that the AICC is yet to overcome those defeats, so it would take some more time to address the problem of Meghalaya CLP. However, the dissidents want an early solution to the leadership issue "since the matter has been lingering for a long time".

Several party legislators are skeptical about the outcome of the visit of the AICC general secre-

tary in charge Meghalaya CP Joshi who is scheduled arrive here on July 5 to hold discussion with legislators and party workers.

According to them, similar exercise was carried out by his predecessor V. Narayanasamy who had met the legislators who were not happy with the style and functioning of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma after the dual post Bill was passed in the House last year without proper consultations with the legislators. The meeting of the AICC leader ended in submitting his report to the High Command.

However, a section of the dissidents now is of the

view that if the AICC does not effect change of leadership, they will not shy away from taking extreme step to send Sangma packing.

Sources said that the dissidents are exploring all options to ensure that Sangma does not continue to be in power.

The fear of the majority of legislators is that if Sangma continues to be in power, this will affect the poll prospects of the party in 2018 Assembly polls due to heavy antiincumbency as the people are not happy with the performance of the present government.

Complaints against CM sent to Delhi

Several complaints have reached Delhi from the legislators against the Chief Minister after his wife's defeat in the Tura by poll.

The complaints range from the usual late arrival of the Chief Minister to attend official functions and the office in Secretariat to lack of consultations with senior party leaders including former Chief Ministers DD Lapang and SC Marak on issues of importance.

Moreover, sources said that there is hardly any consultation with his Cabinet colleagues on important issues even as the meeting of Congress Legislature Party to dis-

cuss the grievances of the legislators is not frequent.

The dissidents are also annoyed over the over dependence of the Chief Minister on officers.

"It is a serious matter that a few IAS officers from the state spend half of the month in Delhi and clear the files from there with the blessings of the Chief Minister", a legislator said.

According to party sources, the Government and the party is in a dilemma over the style of functioning of the Chief Minister which if not immediately addressed will destroy the party in the 2018 polls.(Agencies)

Citizens' urge for composite dialogue Imphal, Jun 26: A team comprising of many con-cerned citizens, women leaders, Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur (ICHAM) and the All Manipur Working Journa-lists' Union (AMWJU) jointly submitted a memoran-dum to Chief Minister O Ibobi today.

They also met Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club after submitting the memorandum, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network founder Binalakshmi Nepram said that all the ethnic communities, mothers' of different communities, CSOs and citizens of the State want to bring peace and resolve the vexed issue of Inner Line Permit System.

Govt of Manipur should urgently invite all parties particularly JCILPS and JAC Churachandpur for talks separately and togeth-er to resolve the current impasse that has

paralysed the State.

The State Govt should ensure proper burial of all the people killed in Churachandpur firing, ensure FIR is lodged and those responsible for the death be suspended. The Govt should also ensure relief and rehabilitation for bereaved families and injured victims. The Govt should urgently constitute an expert committee that is inclusive of all ethnic groups and A team comprising of many con-cerned citizens, gender to look into and women leaders, Information Centre for Hill Areas advise on current Bills Manipur (ICHAM) and the All Manipur Working and ensure drafting of a Journa-lists' Union (AMWJU) jointly submitted a new Bill that will take memoran-dum to Chief Minister O Ibobi into consideration interests of all ethnic commu- introduction of a new Bill repeal of the disturbed nities. that will protect all indig- area status attached to the enous communities in the State of Manipur in upGovt. of Manipur should upcoming Assembly ses- coming Assembly sespublish a white paper at sion. "We also call upon sions and ensure that the earliest regarding the Govt. of Manipur to de- Irom Sharmila who is on existing demography of velop an Education Cur- hunger strike for the last the State and address the riculum and a Diversity 16 years is able to enjoy fears of both hills and Policy that is inclusive of normal food once again", valleys so that all all communities in the she continued. rumours and hearsays are State so that we all are Binalakshmi Nepram laid to rest. able to bridge the said that the State Govt Govt. of Manipur must miscommuni-cation and should explore all avinclude women leaders in trust deficit among dif- enues to ease tension preall peace talks and peace ferent communities", vailing among the ethnic process. The State Gov- said Binalakshmi communities and bring ernment should ensure Nepram "We also call for peace in the State.

Children and students should be discouraged from taking part in protest agitation. Instead of using them, mature people, intellectuals, scholars and civil society leaders should be frontrunners of any public agitation. Its time to change the strategy of using children and students in any form of protest or agitation.

Concerned citizens of Manipur would go to Ukhrul, Chandel and Senapati next week to meet and share ideas with different ethnic communities to bring peace in the State, she added. Kuki Women Union president Rose Mangshi Haokip, Manipur Muslim women leader Sitara Begum, Rongmei Women Organization president Pantibonliu Gomei, and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network founder Binalakshmi Nepram called on the Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum.

(Agencies)

All pol parties meet resolves to draft new bill Imphal, Jun 26: A meeting of all political parties was held today in the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat and the meeting agreed to draft a new Bill for protection of indigenous people of Manipur.

The meeting which began at 3 pm was chaired

by Chief Minister O Ibobi.

With the Protection of

Manipur People Bill 2015 withheld by the President of India, participants of the meeting felt that a new Bill needs to be prepared to protect the indigenous people of Manipur immediately.

It was agreed that the main object of the new Bill should be acceptable to all sections of the society. After threadbare discussion, the meeting resolved to entrust legal and constitutional ex-

perts to draft a new Bill which will enable the State Government to enact a new legislation to protect and preserve indigenous people of Manipur looking into all aspects of the hill people and valley people of Manipur.

Due consultation should be made with all stake holders of both the hills and the valley before finalization of the new

draft Bill, reads the second resolution.

The third resolution of the all political parties meeting resolved to introduce the new Bill in the next session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Claiming that due process for preparation of the new Bill has been initiated, representatives of different political parties present at the meet-

ing appealed to all the citizens of Manipur to maintain peace and extend full cooperation to the efforts of the all political parties and the State Government towards accomplishment of the exercise to have a new legislation.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 300th day of tribal movement, JCILPS has conveyed solidarity to the be-

reaved families of the nine people killed in Churachand-pur firing last year.

A press release issued by JCILPS publicity affairs committee convenor Ksh Somorendro further clarified that the ongoing civil movement for enacting a constitutional safeguard for all indigenous people of Manipur is not related with any insurgent group. (Agencies)

contradicts reality

The barrack type quarters were constructed by MDS as a deposit work under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Imphal, Jun 26: Even though barrack type quarters constructed by Manipur Development Society (MDS) for Wangoo Laipham Primary Health Centre (PHC) has not been completed, status report submitted to the concerned authority by MDS claimed that the construction work has been completed. The barrack type quarters were constructed by MDS as a deposit work under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Although major portions of the quarters have been completed, there are still some portions which are yet to be completed.

The misleading report submitted by MDS was detected when Health Minister D Korungthang, Sugnu AC MLA K Ranjit, Wabagai AC MLA Fazur Rahim and officials of Health Department inspected Community Health Centres and PHCs located within Sugnu AC on Saturday.

D Korungthang stated that he would consult MDS and the concerned contractor regarding the incomplete portion of the quarters.

Even though the status report claimed that the cons- truction work has been fully completed, the final bill has not been released yet.

Meanwhile construction of barrack type quarters for Kakching CHC is currently underway.

Nonetheless, 50 per cent of the estimated cost has been released so far.

If there is any pending liability, the same would be paid without undue delay, Korungthang

stated.

The State's health sector has been facing shortage of doctors and staff while 62 doctors have gone to different places to pursue PG courses.

As for the recruitment exams held for appointment of nursing staff, paramedical staff and other staff, the results would be declared within the current month.

The issue about shortage of doctors would be discussed at the Government level, informed the Health Minister.

Although there should be 10 doctors at Kakching CHC, only four doctors are working at the CHC at present.

N o n e t h e l e s s , Korungthang assured that due procedures would be initiated to increase the number of doctors to at least six.

Even though there is shortage of staff at Serou PHC, Sugnu CHC, Wangoo Laipham PHC and Kakching Khunou PHC, all these health centres are somehow manageable with the existing staff.

There are no partition for male and female patients in the general ward of Wangoo Laipham PHC. As such, the existing structure would be modified and enlarged.

In the meantime, the barrack type quarters, thoug h i n c o m p l e t e , would be used as male ward temporarily.

Later, MLA K Ranjit conveyed gratitude to the Health Minister and Health Department officials for inspecting health centres located within his h o m e c o n s t i t u e n c y.

(Agencies)

Govt all set to review amended excise rules Shillong, Jun 26: The state cabinet will take a decision regarding the relaxation of amended excise rules. A Cabinet memorandum was already prepared by the concerned department in this regard, an official source said on Saturday.

The Meghalaya government had issued the notification on September 23 last year after the cabinet approved an amended excise rule that states that no liquor shop should come up within a distance of 200 metres from hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship.

The rule also fixed a permissible distance of 50 metres from mid-point of national and state highways for the shops within the city/town limits, and 100 metres from midpoint of national and state highways for those in other places.

The Excise Minister Ze-

nith Sangma, recently said that the cabinet would take a final call on the review of the amended order.

"There are certain concerns arising out of the order and we are keen to review it," Sangma said.

According to Sangma, Shillong being a hilly region, it is illogical to put restriction regarding distance of educational institutions, religious places and hospitals with the liquor stores.

"There is also a question of which one came first whether a liquor store or an educational institution before effecting the closure of the former," Sangma said The Minister also said that the issue of putting restriction to set up liquor stores near the Highways by the Centre was only a recommendation and it was up to the state government to follow it or not.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PAGE 6

India confident on NSG entry, says current NSG to meet again, likely to discuss hurdle "not a diplomatic failure" New Delhi, June 26: Asserting that India would continue to talk with China to further its mission to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday said that New Delhi met the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT) criteria, adding the current hurdle was not a diplomatic failure.

Speaking to here, MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup stated that procedural hurdles were part of such deals, adding that India applied for membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) 10 years ago, and has achieved successful entry into both groups in this week alone.

"There are some processes that take a long time. I would evaluate the NSG membership process in that category.

Yes, we did not get the desired result from Seoul. Probably it is going to take slightly longer," Swarup said.

Talking about the countries, besides China, who had raised oppositions to India joining the NSG, he said there, is a bit of disinformation floating the matter.

"As I mentioned earlier, there was only one country which persistently raised procedural hurdles, as a result of which no decision could be arrived at in Seoul and we stick to that stand. As far as other countries are concerned, there are some who raised procedure related issues, but

Dalhousie MLA Asha Kumari picked as Punjab Congress' in-charge

The Congress has selected Dalhousie MLA Asha Kumari to replace Kamal Nath as the general secretary in-charge of Punjab Chandigarh, June 26: The Congress has selected Dalhousie MLA Asha Kumari to replace Kamal Nath as the general secretary in-charge of Punjab ahead of next year's assembly polls in the state.

Kumari, who had earlier this year been convicted in a land grab case, is presently out on bail.

Nath resigned as the party's incharge of Punjab affairs earlier on June 15 following a controversy over his alleged role in the 1984 riots.

In a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Nath requested her to relieve him from his duties so that the attention of the party is not diverted from real issues such as the 'rampant drug trade' in Punjab.

"Certain elements are raking up these issues now only for political gains. I am touched by the support shown by our party workers and leaders in Punjab in rejecting the false accusations. I am a practitioner of Nehruvian politics and maligning of the Congress party using false accusations is unacceptable to me," Nath said in the letter.

Hoping that the party focuses

on the upcoming elections rather than the furore over his appointment, he added the Congress must highlight the issues of misgovernance, misery of farmers and youth, break down of law and order and rampant drug trade in Punjab.

"Given this, I request that I may be relieved of my charge to ensure that the attention is not diverted from the real issues facing Punjab," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy had earlier ridiculed the Congress and said that the grand old party is foolish as it is not able to decide whom to appoint in Punjab.

Swamy told, "The Congress is foolish. They don't know whom to appoint in Punjab. In any case the people of Punjab don't like the Congress."

Kumari's selection as the Congress' general secretary in-charge of Punjab can be seen as an attempt on part of the grand old party to boost its chances in Punjab.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)BJP government has been in power for two consecutive terms in Punjab where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also trying hard to prove its mettle this time. (ANI)

FDI in defence will make India an 'export' hub: Parrikar Bhubaneswar (Odisha), June 26 : Union Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday welcomed the decision to notify changes in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the defence sector and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government has taken this step to make India an export hub.

"The government has taken a big step in defence sector by increasing FDI. This has been done so that India becomes 'export hub' over the years," Parrikar said.

"When our government came to power, import was 70 percent.

Now, import has come down to below 60 percent. I can assure that by the time this government ends its first term, we will be able to bring down our imports to 40 percent," he added.

Last week, it was announced that 100 percent FDI would be permitted under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce in respect of food products manu-

factured or produced in India.

The key changes include allowing 100 percent FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India and permitting up to 100 per cent FDI in defence sector.

The other sectors that have benefitted include the broadcasting, pharmaceuticals, civil aviation, single brand retail among others.

The ruling BJP-led NDA Government has brought major FDI policy reforms in a number of sectors like defence, construction development, insurance, pension sector, broadcasting sector, tea, coffee, rubber, among others in last two years.

The FDI inflow into the country has increased at USD 55.46 billion in 2015-16 as against USD 36.04 billion during 201314.

This is the highest ever FDI inflow for a particular financial year. (ANI)

India confident on NSG entry, says current hurdle "not a diplomatic failure" not a single country apart from that one country opposed India's NSG membership," Swarup said.

With the NSG and China setting the NPT as a crucial criterion for gaining entry, the diplomat asserted that India has already implemented all

the provisions meeting the criteria and that it has all the credentials to be part of the NSG. "India is an important member of the nuclear comer club. We are building 38 reactors within the country. Every year more than 150 plus export licenses on

nuclear related items are issues by India. This itself tells the need of India to be inside the NSG. Our credentials on non proliferation speak for itself," Swarup said.

Asserting that nobody in the global economy can equate India with Pakistan on the NPT issue, the spokesperson added that India's current NSG hurdle was not a diplomatic failure. However, he admitted that the results were not as expected.

"These are continuing processes. We will continue to work actively on this. Today Indian diplomacy does not fear failure. We will redouble our efforts and double the momentum to achieve the result," Swarup said.

Indicating that India would continue to discuss the matter with China, he

added that a relationship only moves forward if both sides are mindful of each other's concerns and priorities.

Meanwhile, the NSG will meet yet again this year to discuss the process of inclusion of countries like India, who have not signed the NPT. A special plenary session of the NSG can be called by the year end.

According to sources, there is possibility of India's inclusion in the NSG, while New Delhi will continue to discuss the issue with China.

The NSG earlier on Thursday failed to reach a consensus on New Delhi's membership application after several members of the 48-member group insisted on adhering to NPT conditions for admission.

(ANI)

Jaitley slams 'dictator' Indira, says Emergency a blot on Congress history New Delhi, June 26 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today attacked the Congress on the 41st anniversary of the Emergency, saying that dark day was a blot on the grand old party's history, adding Indira Gandhi had imposed the same solely because her position as the Prime Minister was then under threat.

Jaitley in a Facebook post shared Indira gave a 'phoney' reason that there was a breakdown of public order and the actual reason was that her continuation as the Prime Minister was threatened since the Allahabad High Court had unseated her as Member of Parliament for adopting 'corrupt practices' during her election.

"The impact of the Emergency was to inflict a dictatorship on the country.

All political opponents were detained. The authority of the Courts to hear a challenge against the detentions was suspended. The Supreme Court caved in before the dictator. The Press was subjected to pre-censorship. No Public protest was allowed. The Parliament was without an opposition. By projecting her son Sanjay as her

successor, the dictator converted India into a dynastic regime. Inner party democracy was throttled.

The Parliament without an opposition amended the Constitution in order to legitimize a Constitutional dictatorship," Jaitley said.

Asserting that only political workers offered some resistance by courting arrest and going to jail, the Union Minister added that politicians were the only institution that fought the emergency since they were the only accountable section of the society.

"If one looks back at the history of the Congress Party after independence, the blots on it are economic reforms being delayed by over two decades, transformation of India in to a dynastic democracy, the imposition of Emergency in 1975, Operation Blue Star and Corruption," Jaitley said.

He further dared the Congress' current leadership to express their opinion on this subject and asked whether they would have an internal debate on these issues.

Earlier on Saturday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh echoing similar sentiments said

India's bid

NSG to meet again, likely to discuss India's bid New Delhi, June 26 : The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) will meet yet again this year to discuss the process of inclusion of countries like India, who have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

A special plenary session of the NSG can be called by the year end.

According to sources,

Monsoon gains strength; to end later than usual time New Delhi, June 26: Putting all the speculations to rest, the Monsoon has finally picked up pace along the West Coast and parts of Northeast India.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley that the Congress committed a "historical blunder" by imposing the Emergency, adding that was the "most important" reason behind the grand old party's "shrinking base".

"The Congress committed a historical blunder by imposing the Emergency on June 25, 1975.

Now, the party is shrinking and its base is sliding. There are other reasons for it, but the Emergency served as the most important reason and the party is still paying its price," he said after paying tributes to the prisoners of Emergency rule.

The Emergency stands as one of the most contro-

versial periods of Independent India's history during which the 21month period in 1975-77 when prime minister Indira Gandhi unilaterally had a state of emergency declared across the country.

The Emergency was in effect from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.

The order bestowed upon the Prime Minister the authority to rule by decree, allowing elections to be suspended and civil liberties to be curbed. For much of the Emergency, most of Gandhi's political opponents were imprisoned and the press was censored. (ANI)

there is possibility of India's inclusion in the NSG, while New Delhi will continue to discuss the issue with China.

The NSG earlier on Thursday failed to reach a consensus on New Delhi's membership application after several members of the 48-member group insisted on adhering to NPT condition for admission. (ANI)

With plentiful showers towards the latter stages of the season, the Monsoon rains are likely to end in India later than usual this year.

The rainfall deficiency that had once peaked at 25 percent on June 17 now stands at 16 percent as on June 25.

sown crops such as cotton, rice, soybean and sugar cane to drop by nearly 24 percent.

"The monsoon has remained 15 percent lower than average in June, but the deficit is expected to narrow in the days to come," said an official.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also singled out good rains as one of the factors helping India when Britain's vote to leave the European Union is roiling world markets.

With substantial increase in Monsoon rains, it is expected that the farmers will be able to recover from two straight droughts.

Monsoon rains typically arrive at the southern coast of Kerala state by June 1 and start retreating by September from the western state of Rajasthan.

Monsoon rains are the lifeblood of India's agriculture-dependent economy and a week's delay in their onset this year has caused the planting of summer-

But a late start is no guarantee of a delayed end as it states a possibility that the terminal phase will be wetter and the withdrawal will be later than normal. (ANI)

"Brain dead" Yashwant Sinha slams govt. policy towards Pak, hints at "war-like-situation" New Delhi, June 26: In the wake of the deadly Lashkar attack in Pampore in which eight CRPF personnel were martyred, former union minister and senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Sunday alleged that India's current policy with Pakistan was a complete failure and called on the Narendra Modiled government to take action against the hostile neighbour or continue to face attacks like Pathankot and Pampore.

Speaking to here, the former finance minister stated that the continuous assaults on the Indian defence, which has resulted in the deaths of several personnel, have given birth to a war-like situation between India and Pakistan.

"When these numbers of

BJP leader Yashwant Sinha our people are being slaughtered, it's a clear open attack on India by Pakistan. It is with great distress that I am saying that our government's policy towards Pakistan has failed. There are still many leaders, who will call for cordiality with Pakistan saying they are

'bechara'. They are not 'bechara', they have been attacking us for years and now, they are targeting our defence personnel head on," Sinha said.

Calling on the Centre to muster courage and make Pakistan accountable for all they have done, Sinha said that

there was absolutely no reason for India to be afraid.

"If we never question Pakistan and keep 'bowing down' to them then attacks like those in Pathankot and Pampore will continue. After incidents like Pathankot, we bang our chests and weep and then forget about it," he added.

Stating the time has come to teach Pakistan a lesson, Sinha said, "If they have nuclear weapons, so do we. For the government, I am under the category of brain dead as I do not even have the status to give an opinion. But I have continuously opposed this government's policy towards Pakistan."

Hitting out at the Pakistan High Commissioner for his casual reaction on the Pampore attack, the se-

nior BJP leader asserted that Abdul Basit's statement calling to focus on their 'Iftar party' instead was against all norms of diplomacy and was highly objectionable.

"Earlier also, I had asked our government to declare the Pakistan High Commission as persona non grata, that means that we do not accept them and that they should go back to Pakistan. But this High Commissioner to still remain on India's soil is just not right," Sinha added.

Basit on Saturday shrugged off the question on the attack and said that one should instead focus on the Iftaar celebrations in the Pakistan High Commission.

"It's the month of Ramzaan, let's focus on this Iftaar party. The issue

of Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed issue between India and Pakistan. It's an issue, which needs to be solved. We hope we will sit and discuss on the issue and find a solution. Let's have the Iftaar party and enjoy ourselves," he told the media.

Saturday's attack was the fourth one on the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir this month. At least 17 security personnel were killed and several others injured in the last three major strikes along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway during the period.

Officials say infiltration has dramatically gone up compared to the previous year with more than 50 terrorists crossing the border in the last five months. Last year, there was zero infiltration in the first four months. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PM Sharif summons diplomats back to Pak after Eid celebrations

Nawaz Sharif Lahore, June 26 : In view of the changing regional situation, Pakistan's Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has summoned all Pakistani diplomats stationed abroad to Islamabad after Eidul Fitr.

Rashid, speaking to the standing committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), said the diplomats would be briefed in detail and given instruc-

tion in light of the changing scenario in the country.

Stating that Islamabad expects its neighbours not allow its enemies the use of their land against it, he called for cooperation between nations. " Pakistan and Afghanistan should address each other's complaints," the Express Tribune quoted him as saying.

He added that peace between neighbours is necessary for economic prosperity. (ANI)

Two ISIS commanders among 18 killed in Nangarhar operations

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Panamagate scandal: Bilawal calls for accountability, warns of street agitation Karachi, June 26 : Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ledgovernment of street agitation if the joint opposition's efforts for an inquiry into the Panamagate scandal are destroyed through political gimmickry.

"The PPP stands for transparent accountability. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif or anyone else who has stashed away the

nation's money in offshore companies will not be spared," the Express Tribune quoted him as saying.

He made the statement while talking to Khursheed Shah, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, yesterday.

Bilawal was called by Shah to brief him about the emerging situation after the detachment of the PPP from a parliamentary committee formed to draw the mode of investigations of Panama Papers.

Bilawal said the PPP

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wanted across-the-board accountability instead of

an exercise to use it as a tool against some indi-

viduals or selective targets.

Shah informed him that the PPP was consulting other political parties to chalk out their further strategy against the government over the scandal.

In a separate meeting, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah briefed Bilawal about the law and order situation and the provincial budget.

Qaim Ali Shah alleged that some federal ministers were trying to define the National Action

Nepal questions Canada on workers killing in Kabul suicide attack Kathmandu, June 26 : Nepal has sought answers from Canada about its citizens killed in a terrorist attack in Kabul last week.

Nepal has also requested the concerned authorities to ensure the safety and security of Nepali workers still working with Canadian diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan.

At least thirteen Nepali migrant workers were killed and six were seriously wounded when they became a bomber's target while being ferried to the embassy in an unprotected minibus on

June 20.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bharat Raj Paudyal said Nepal's Ambassador to Canada, Kali Prasad Pokhrel, met Canadian High Commissioner to India, Nadir Patel, and other foreign ministry officials in Ottawa and sought to know their take on the incident and apparent security breaches, reports the Himalayan Times.

During his conversation, Ambassador Pokhrel expressed concern about security lapses while ferrying the Nepali guards from their camps to the embassy without any security escort.

Kathmandu has also asked Ottawa to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and share the findings.

A total of 147 Nepali security guards worked at the Canadian mission in Kabul before the attack.

They were hired by a British security consultancy firm named Sabre International.

After the attack, at least 24 of them returned home in the same flight, which airlifted the mortal remains of the deceased of the Kabul attack.

Meanwhile, Charge d'Affaires of Nepal to Pakistan Tirtha Raj Aryal,

Nepal questions Canada on workers killing in Kabul suicide attack who concurrently looks after Afghanistan as well, has met diplomats of the

Canadian Embassy in Kabul and expressed concern regarding the attack. (ANI)

Karachi operation gets PM Sharif's green signal Two ISIS commanders among 18 killed in Nangarhar operations Kabul, June 26 : At least 18 militants fighting for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group including two commanders were killed in the latest operations conducted in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) in a statement today identified two commanders of the group as Khetab and Kamran and said that 22 militants of the terror group were also wounded during the operations.

The statement said the operations were conducted in Kot district involving security personnel from different security institutions, including army, police, and the Af-

ghan Air Force.

The operations came after the loyalists of the terror group launched a major attack on police check posts in Kot district on Friday.

At least eight civilians were killed and seven others were wounded during the attack by ISIS loyalists.

In a bid to curb the activities of the anti-state groups, the Afghan forces as well as the U.S. forces are regularly targeting the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The U.S. forces have also stepped up airstrikes against the ISIS loyalists after they were granted more authority by the U.S. President Barack Obama. (ANI)

Karachi, June 26 : In wake of the rising violence in Pakistan and the recent targeted killing of a qawwali maestro and kidnapping of a top judge's son, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has given the go-ahead for scaling up the operation in the provincial metropolis.

Sharif gave the nod on Friday after getting input from senior officials of law enforcement and security agencies, reports the Express Tribune.

Direction to put in

Karachi operation gets PM Sharif's green signal place full-proof security measures, especially during the last days of the fasting month of Ramazan

India's bid to NSG opposed by China on 'principle': Pakistan

Chinese man arrested in Pak for stealing data from bank ATM Karachi, June 26 : Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a Chinese national for allegedly stealing data from a private bank with skimming devices at one of its ATM facilities.

The arrest came after bank management approached the investigation agency for its assistance when they observed suspicious activity of two foreigners at their Plaza Square branch, reports Dawn.

It was noticed by the management through CCTV footages installed inside the ATM facility that the foreigners spent an unduly long time there though for not any visible job.

The FIA has formally launched investigations into the matter and lodged the case against the suspect identified as Xie Yi. Xie Yi had landed in Pakistan on June 18 with a friend named Xie Rongjing.

The FIA under Pakistan Penal Code has registered a case under Sections 36/ 37 of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) against the arrested suspect and his aide at large.

(ANI)

and Eidul Fitr, to maintain peace was also given by Sharif.

Meanwhile, Army Chief

Aizaz Chaudhry Islamabad, June 26 : Calling Beijing as Islamabad's 'all time friend', Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry has said that China acted upon its principled stance in opposing India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

In an interview with state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV), Chaudhry said that regarding India's bid to NSG membership, China along with other

countries supported the principled stance that it would be a bad precedent if New Delhi was granted membership without signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"We remained in touch with them in Seoul (during the NSG session) and we are happy that the truth has won," Dawn quoted him as saying.

Chaudhry claimed that Pakistan based its case on two points, one that the Indian membership will further increase the strategic

and conventional imbalance in South Asia.

"Our second point was that when in 2008 they (India) got a waiver, they increased their nuclear stockpile. It was clear that they are using their own fissile material for military purposes and were taking the material from other countries for civil purposes...the world appreciated this point," he said.

He said the matter has not ended and Islamabad will continue to pursue the matter of NSG membership.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group on Thursday failed to reach consensus on New Delhi's membership application after several members of the 48-member group insisted on adhering to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) condition for admission.

China, Russia, Brazil, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland and Turkey are the countries that opposed India's application.

(ANI)

General Raheel Sharif departed for Karachi today to attend a detailed briefing session on the law and order situation in the metropolis.

His visit comes in wake of the recent unrest in Karachi triggered after the high-profile kidnapping of Sindh High Court chief justice's son Ovais Shah and the assassination of famed qawwal Amjad Sabri.

General Raheel will attend a briefing at the Crops Headquarters in Karachi along with Interior Minister Chaudhry

Nisar Ali Khan, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and other high-ranking officials, reports say.

Acclaimed Sufi singer and qawwali maestro Sabri,was shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen in a central Karachi neighbourhood on Wednesday.

The targeted killing came two days after masked men kidnapped the son of Sindh's top judge from outside a supermarket.in broad daylight.(ANI)

Adamant Nepali Congress demands compensation to quake victims

Nepali Congress Kathmandu, June 26 : Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, today obstructed the Parliament meeting demanding Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli led-government to provide a lump sum of Rs. two lakh to earthquake victims to rebuild their houses.

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, following the obstruction, announced that the meeting was postponed for an hour.

Oli was scheduled to address the meeting about the present status of reconstruction works and progress on distribution of assistance to the earthquake victims.

He, however, could not

address the House due to the obstruction.

Nepali Congress' lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC, at the beginning of today's meeting, criticised Oli-led government and warned that his party would not let the House proceed with its business unless the government addressed the concerns of quake victims, reports the Himalayan Times.

Nepali Congress, the largest political force in the legislative body, has been obstructing the House meeting for the past few days over the government's failure to address the concerns of the earthquake victims.

(ANI)

Plan against terrorism on a provincial basis.

"They are trying to describe incidents of terrorism in Sindh as law and order problem to blame the PPP government while similar crimes in other provinces are treated as terrorism," he complained.

Stressing that law and order situation should be the government's first priority, Bilawal said that any loopholes in the security of the citizens must be plugged. (ANI)

131 Daesh fighters killed in Nangarhar province clash

131 Daesh fighters killed in Nangarhar province clash Kabul, June 26 : At least 131 Daesh fighters were killed in an ongoing fighting with the Afghan security forces in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

According to the local officials, seven security force personnel and five civilians were killed besides 31 others wounded in the clash, which continues over the past two days.

Nangarhar governor Salim Kunduzi said the gunbattle between the two sides started early on Friday after hundreds of Dash rebels attacked the security forces' outpost in Kot district.

Kunduzi said the clash still continues in Sayed Ahmad Khail and Sepai villages in the district, adding over 200 local police force members have been deployed to clear the area of militants.

"Nearly 36 Daesh rebels were killed in face-to-face battle with security forces, 95 others were killed in airstrikes. The clashes still continue [in Kot]," Tolo News quoted Kunduzi as saying.

General Dad Mohammad Harifi, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief in Nangarhar, said, "According to intelligence reports, nearly 600 Daesh fighters attacked the district and that the security forces are trying to eliminate them."

Meanwhile, Nangarhar police chief Zorawar Zahid said the military operation will continue in Kot to eliminate all the insurgents.

Reports say that a number of tribal elders in Nangarhar have announced their support to the Afghan security forces in fight against Daesh rebels in the province. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

Britain Exit (BREXIT) - Now reality. What next?

Organic farming Organic minerals the best Sikkim has become India's first fully organic state by implementing organic practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land. As around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land was gradu(Photo: gurumavin) ally converted to certified organic land by implementing organic practices and principles as per guidelines laid down in National Programme for Organic Production. Organic farms act as a refugee for wild plants, offsetting the loss of biodiversity on conventional farms, a study suggests. Fields around organic farms have more types of wild plants, providing benefits for wildlife, say scientists. Studies suggest that organic farming produces lower yields than conventional methods but harbours more wildlife. The new study, by researchers at the University of Swansea and institutes in France, looked at fields sowed with winter wheat in the region of Poitou-Charente.

They found that organic farming led to higher weed diversity on surrounding conventionally farmed fields. Wild plants are important for birds, bees and other farmland species.

Organic farming has advantages in maintaining these, but even a mixture of organic and non-organic farming in an area can help maintain this biodiversity. Even only 25% of fields being organically farmed can make a difference. Supporters of organic farming say the method could be a potential compromise between meeting food security needs and providing habitat for bees, birds and other wildlife.

Keeping all these in mind the Union government implemented a cluster based programme called Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in order to encourage organic farming. An amount of Rs 300 crore has been earmarked for the scheme for the year 2015-16. Under it, 50 or more farmers will form a cluster having 50 acre land to take up organic farming. By three years, 10,000 such clusters will be formed covering 5.0 lakh acre area. There will be no liability on the farmers for expenditure on certification, the Ministry said in a statement. Under this scheme every farmer will be provided Rs 20,000 per acre in three years for seed harvesting of crops and to transport produce to the market.

Organic farming will be promoted by using traditional resources and the organic products will be linked with the market, it said. It will increase domestic production and certification of organic produce by involving farmers. Cultivated area under certified organic farming has grown almost 17 fold in last one decade (42,000 ha in 2003-04 to 7.23 lakh ha in 2013-14). The Centre had implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in the year 2001.

The national programme involves the accreditation schemes for certification agencies, norms for organic production, promotion of organic farming etc. States like Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim have been promoting organic farming. The government is promoting it through various programmes like National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Paramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), Network Project on organic farming of ICAR. Besides Sikkim, the states that are active in organic farming are Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, which are the top three in India in terms of absolute area under organic farming Other states that have also been active in promoting organic farming include Kerala and Mizoram.

Illegal immigration Still a security challenge The situation in Assam as well as other North-eastern States such as Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura etc. is delicate, as religious conversion is going on at a serious pace. There are 15 million illegal Bangladeshis in Assam. Most of them have ration cards now. It is saddening, that inspite of such a grave situation, Hindus are sleeping. The 'Bangladesh factor' is an important issue in north-east India due to illegal migration from Bangladesh. The process to check illegal migration in the north-east, which started during the British Empire, remains unfinished despite various efforts made at the national and state levels. When the British occupied the north-east, it was largely uninhabited due to rivalries amongst the local tribes and massacres. Initially, under the British, the immigrant population from neighbouring regions like Bengal, Bihar and Nepal were welcomed and were considered useful for the development of the region. But soon immigrants were seen as encroachers on their lands and reserve forest that affected demography and ecology of the area. Subsequently, in 1920 the British introduced Inner Line System to restrict immigrants, mostly Bengali Muslims. However, it remained ineffective. In fact, better economic prospects, shortage of local labour and absence of sufficient mechanism have always been the reason for this influx. soon after the signing the Assam Accord, the Bangladeshi Muslims who had initially identified themselves as Assamese speaking started registering themselves as Bengali speaking. It has been alleged over the years that the leadership of various political parties have supported illegal immigration of Bangladeshi nationals because they constitute themselves as committed voters for such leadership. These immigrants were clandestinely provided with ration cards and their names were included in the voters' list. Subsequent election results, that have brought in considerable immigrant Muslim population in the state legislative assembly, have reflected the growing overall clout of the Bangladeshi immigrants.

Coming down heavily against the proposed move by the government to grant Indian citizenship to post 1971 Bangladeshi migrants, The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) vehemently opposed the move of the Central government and issued a stern warning against taking any decision which may jeopardize the interest of Assam. The students' body reiterated its demand for resolving the illegal migrants issue permanently on the basis of the 1985 Assam Accord. "Assam will not bear any load of post-1971 illegal Bangla migrants, irrespective of their religious allegiance. The state government, led by Sarbananda Sonowal, must take bold steps to protect the interest of Assam. The statement also asked the central government to raise the number of the detention camps to detain the post-1971 illegal migrants, instead of raising the number of refugee camps to shelter such migrants. The Central Government should respect the sentiment of the indigenous people of Assam and refrain from taking any decision that may harm Assam's interest, the statement added. Illegal migration will remain a security challenge for India if no concrete actions are taken, including deporting and checking illegal immigration. Border security and border management on India's eastern border needs to be looked upon as an important national security issue.

formed citizens to protect themselves as they could foresee a possible turmoil of much bigger magnitude in future.

Coming to India, I am of the firm opinion that this world event will prove to be blessing in disguise eventually for emerging powerhouse like This event Pranjal Kumar Phukan us. cannot be EU was group of 28 coun- equated or related even retries which was formed motely with past situation obviously for their self- wherein a big company benefit so that they benefit gone bust or a country in collectively. BREXIT huge debts as was in the may be the beginning of case of Lehman Brothers, complete collapse of EU. Middle East Crisis, or EuThis could mean big tur- ropean crisis of Greece / moil in the group coun- Spain etc. India has positries of EU wherein some tioned itself as a strong and countries may suffer the happening country which most whereas some may has the cushion to absorb actually benefit in me- knee jerk reactions and exdium to long term. No- ploit any opportunity that body should have doubt may ultimately come up over the intellect of Brit- when EU is fully shaken ish people if they have and stirred. Our companies decided in favor of are waiting for the opporBREXIT as to what is tunity which will surely beneficial for them.The come up as a result of are not one who votes on weakening of bargaining the basis of caste etc. as power and also because in India but they are liter- countries which are part of ate and hence I see this EU today will be free to do event as a proactive step business with any other being taken by well-in- country which can give

them better deal. It may also let the capital flow towards us as our market provide better opportunity as they will not be bound by Union rules to first explore possibilities within EU. Furthermore, Consider a situation of normal monsoon, GST bill getting passed in monsoon session, heavy infrastructure expenditure push by the Govt, continued FDI in manufacturing sector due to make in India push etc.etc. which will not only offset small ripple effect which might be affecting us due to BREXIT but on the contrary take our economy to next level.

Then why is the panic in currency and stock market? We are not an isolated market so any situation which impacts the world will also impact us.

But, when reaction to a big event happens, all sanity is lost and only panic remains. Whenever there is turmoil, not every creature on earth is equally affected but stock market especially in panic situation paints ev-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: masterinvestor) erything in black as we have seen this in past.

When stock market fell close to 7% in 2009 when Satyam scandal broke. It proves that stock market during high voltage action moves on the basis of prevailing sentiment and not on the basis of inherent strength or individual merit. In my opinion, today's fall in stock market is very good buying opportunity.

Juxtapose theses 28 countries which are part of EU today with 47 countries (Except China) who stood for us at NSG meet at Seoul. (As for TOI front page news today, China Isolated). This

definitely shows the growing stature of India under the dynamic and vibrant leadership of our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For me, irrespective of the fact whether we ultimately get NSG membership or not, India is clear winner and i loud and appreciate once again the effort of our Prime Minister to have even thought of this NSG membership making whole hearted effort. Thinking big, planning and execution with full might is much more important than the end result. Not only our high voltage diplomacy isolated china and 5 other

countries (Considering today's TOI report wrong with regard to other 5 Countries opposing our NSG membership) but it was much greater achievement that US and Japan openly with their full might was lobbying for India.

We have very dynamic, proactive and intelligent Govt which is in ready mode to grab any opportunity that mat be thrown open by this situation.

(Author is Regional General Secretary, CaSI Global US, Executive Council Member, Gerson Lehrman Council USA and Research Scholar of IIT Guwahati)

Seeking Status: Will India Learn the Lessons of Bismarck's Germany?

What kind of power will India become?

In 19th century Europe, still instructive to note the the old concert of great similarities in order to unpowers, states which had derstand India's current been dominant since the geopolitical position. Inend of the Napoleonic dia is a great power today Wars, was shaken by the that has come in late to an rise of two new powers: international system that Germany and Italy, both has in many ways exof which had recently cluded it, as is evident by been unified. As was to its exclusion from the be expected, the rise of Nuclear Suppliers Group t w o and the n e w amount powers Akhilesh Pillalamarri of effort p u t it must pressure on old geopoliti- put in to gain admission to cal understandings-for such a group that it should example, France being naturally be a part of. the dominant land power India: the world's seventh in Europe, and Austria largest country by area, being the most important with the second largest state in both Central Eu- population in the world, rope and the Italian pen- nuclear weapons, and insula. considered the fourth Yet, despite the increase strongest power by miliof German and Italian tary strength in the world. strength due to the unifi- By most accounts, it will cation of those states, soon have the third largthey had much work to est economy in the world. do in order to catch up Yet its nuclear weapons with other powers, which program is not considered had a head start in a sys- fully legitimate and it tem that had developed lacks a permanent seat on long before. Other states the United Nations Secuin Europe already had a rity Council. head start in industrial- Like Germany and Italy in ization, domestic coher- 19th century Europe, it is ence, and the acquisition a power that has come late of colonies. But, in many to the table, as it was not ways, Germany and Italy yet an independent counadapted differently to try in 1945 when the table their circumstances, with was set. India could not one becoming a truly have hit the ground rungreat power, and the ning then in any case, beother remaining a mid- cause it too had long been level power. divided and under foreign Although it is not pos- domination. sible to draw exact analo- Both Italy and Germany gies between Indian and had large populations and European history, it is economies, and vibrant

cultures. But Germany ultimately was able to act and be accepted as a great power, equal to, or perhaps even superior to existing powers in a manner that Italy was not. Much of this had to do with the quality of its military industrial base,

(Germany and AustriaHungary), then its allies in World War I after 1915 (France, Britain, and Russia). In the meantime, Germany acted like and was treated as a major power and a broker of international disputes in the Balkans (1878) and Af-

otto von bismarck (Photo: German Federal Archives via Wikimedia Commons) the experience and grand strategy of its leadership and military command, and the way it carried itself in international relations. Italy was often considered a junior partner, weak and sidelined, both by its initial allies in the Triple Alliance

rica (1885). On the other hand, Italy had to make do with grabbing what it could in the disappointing aftermath of these conferences.

For good or for ill, Germany thus presented itself as an intermediary and a power worthy of reckon-

ing, a lesson soon followed by the United States, when Theodore Roosevelt brokered a peace between Japan and Russia after the RussoJapanese War in 1905. India should take note: it was not a major player in Iranian nuclear talks or the Syrian Civil War, nor has it been asked to play a major role as a mediator in international disputes yet. India often has to play second fiddle to China when seeking economic and infrastructure deals with other countries in Asia or Africa.

Additionally, India should understand the importance of achieving clarity with its foreign policy and choice of partners. There is much to be said about the benefits of not formally entering into alliances with any one bloc of states or maintaining friendly relations with opposing states (such as both Russia and the United States or Iran and Saudi Arabia). However, India should be wary of trying to ally with everyone and then becoming an essentially superfluous member of multiple opposing partnerships; for example, India will soon join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in which China plays a major role, while also recently strengthening its partnership with the United States. India can hardly

'Blockade'

Image for representational purpose (Photo: sginhaokip.files)

Sir, Of late, very often we come across the term 'Blockade'. This is a term that gives rise to a fear psychosis among all sections of people. As people's lives are thrown out of gear. Sometimes there is road blockade, while on an other occasion there is rail blockade.

Aggrieved people resorting to the blockade are under the impression that, 'Blockade', be it road or rail is the only solution, only panacea to their grievances. No specific time-frame is required for ventilating grievances of a group of people that find manifestation in the form of 'Blockade". Let a patient in a moribund state die on his/her way to the hospital or nursing home, let there be food or fuel crisis in the localities affected by such blockade. Students cannot appear in the examination, candidates fail to attend their interviews for jobs, one cannot attend any ceremony, rituals of death, marriage of their near and dear ones. This happened

be geopolitically aligned, in the long run, with what are essentially opposing blocs.

In Germany, Bismarck temporarily aligned with different powers for a concrete goal, namely the union of his country, but otherwise knew what he wanted and doubled down on a foreign policy that was in the best interests of his country-keeping France and Russia apart.

Even after Bismark, Germany was still the major partner of a relatively stable alliance of central European powers and its goal remained to keep France down-this was clear. On the other hand, Italy drifted from being a junior partner in one alliance to being a junior partner in another alliance and, despite its economic potential and population, it failed to strategically convert this into military efficiency, due to its often corrupt and messy politics.

India needs to decide, then, as a rising power.

Does it want to be like Germany, a respected pole which gained influence and power on the world stage soon after its rise? Or remain a secondary power whose alliances and strategy are fluid to the point of superfluity, like Italy?

Best Letter The best letter

of the month in

in the last year during the Jat agitation the Letter to the Editor section for reservation when they took to blockade of all trains to and fro will be awarded Haryana. As a result of this blockade, an amount of Indian Railways had to lose revenues Rs 200. So worth several hundred crore, besides please keep disrupting the lives of the people of writing.

Haryana and Delhi. We, through your esteemed daily appeal the power that Letters to the be to frame appropriate law to address this problem confronting the innocent editor and articles people for no fault of their own. should be sent to :

The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc.

Email :

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

Page 9

d e 32 Years On, Memories Fresh But Justice Still Not

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

In Sight: Conclave On '84 Sikh Massacre "It is a total farce," H. S. then Prime Minister Phoolka, human rights Indira Gandhi by her Sikh activist and Aam Admi bodyguards. As the threeParty member who has member SIT's term ends been working with the in August and it is likely legal cases of the 1984 to file a report then, and Sikh massacre, said about it is being hoped that the Special Investigation more accused will be Team (SIT) formed in charged and convicted.

February last year by the As per an RTI reply Ministry of Home Affairs dated 29th December, (MHA) for investigation 2015, the MHA had of the massacre. He was stated that the SIT is speaking at the Justice/ looking into 18 cancelled cases and 34 Insaaf 84 C o n c l a v e Abhishek Jha files of the J a i n organised by Amnesty International Agarwal Committee.

India at the India Habitat Amnesty's report on the Centre on June 23. The SIT also adds that the event included several organisation has learnt panel discussions be- that no charges have tween jurists, activists, been filed in any case so academics, and journal- far as per an RTI appliists. cation that the The human rights advo- organisation had filed in cacy organisation had December last year. organised the conclave to The harrowing narratives bring back attention to the of the massacre were massacre, in which about again recounted at the 3,000 to 8,000 Sikh men, conclave even as journalNilanjan women, and children ist were killed (according to Mukhopadhyay moderatvarious estimates) after ing the event insisted that the assassination of the the conversation be taken

forward to delivering justice to the victims. Justice Markandey Katju, speaking on a panel with Justice Rajinder Sachar and Justice Anil Dev Singh, said that the judiciary had failed to deliver justice to the victims and that they should form people's tribunals to file PILs. Justice Singh retorted that the judiciary cannot find evidence on its own when the police have failed to investigate cases in 31 years and that the judiciary could not be blamed if the police "were in connivance". "Who were the people behind the police?

The police did not unearth that," he said. "Where we (the judiciary) have failed is at the top," Justice Sachar said, taking a middle-path in what was a heated discussion.

Amod Kanth, who was the Deputy Commissioner of the Central district in 1984, later claimed that where the police had acted, there were fewer deaths and that he had

been able to contain the massacre with a pro-active approach in the Central district.

Regretting the fact that the judicial commissions and committees constituted to investigate the massacre and compensate the victims had failed to do so, journalist and activist Kuldeep Nayar said, "Till today Hindus haven't paid the penance." "This is something on the conscience of the Hindus and they will have to make amends," he added. Tarlochan Singh, former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities who has also been a member of the NHRC, said that while former Auschwitz guards were being convicted even today, alleged accused government and police officials of the '84 massacre were dying natural deaths.

Phoolka, however, was of the opinion that the '84 massacre wasn't a communal clash but was

organised by all supporters of Congress against the Sikhs. He said that the model of rousing the feelings of the electorate to win elections has since been replicated in '93 in Mumbai, in '02 in Gujarat. Adding that the"model is being attempted everywhere" now, he said that if the trend is not checked "anybody can be a target". Academic Dilip Simeon offered similarly that there was "genocidal complicity" within most people of the country. He said that the civil society should acknowledge and work on the fact that most people did not consider that there was anything wrong with the massacre. "Kitne maare (How many did you kill)?"was a common refrain during the time, Simeon added.

A "political panel" also saw brickbats hurled between AAP's H.S. Phoolka and SAD's Delhi President Manjit

Image for representational purpose (Photo: punjabfactsheet.files) Singh. Phoolka countered Singh's claim that the victims were beginning to lose their memory after 32 years and said that Singh's stand has changed since the BJPSAD government came to power in Punjab. Singh replied that he was only suggesting that justice be served to the victims soon. He also questioned Phoolka's association with AAP, which had formed an alliance with the Congress during its 49-day government.

Drawing on the lack of

accountability in the Muzaffarnagar riots and the ongoing rumours of an exodus in Shamli's Kairana, former AAP member Yogendra Yadav said, "We have failed to give the message that 'if your hands are bloodied, your political career will be destroyed'." "To stop something which has the tacit support of the majority, we have no instrument," he added. He suggested the formation of a body like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed in South Af-

rica after the abolition of apartheid. He also suggested that "we must work for institutions to educate" the coming generations on the massacres and riots that have taken place in India.

Also speaking at the conclave were lawyer and activist Vrinda Grover, journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Hartosh Bal, Seema Mustafa, and Harminder Kaur, actor Savita Bhatti, and Prof.

A. S. Narang.

Courtesy: Youth kiawaaz

Meet Deka, The BJP MLA From Assam Who Faced Indian Women Earn Only 65% Of What Men Earn And Merit Has Nothing To Do With It Shocking Sexism On Her Electoral Victory From Thatcher to Hina Rabbani Khar, women in politics have had to face the brunt of serious sexism, often victimised and discussed on parameters like beauty, sense of fashion, etc which their male counterparts hardly ever experience.

Several studies point out the misogyny and sexism women in politics have faced over time. Sam Bennett, CEO of Women's Campaign Forum Foundation had once said, "Politics remains one of the most rampant breeding grounds for misogyny."

In North East India, A Similar Story In a lesser known part of the world, in Assam, a young BJP MLA Angoorlata Deka, who won from Batadroba constituency in the latest Assembly Elections, was not spared from the same. From sleazy, allegedly morphed photographs that went viral, to sexist tweets (from Ram Gopal Varma to several others), this young MLA has had to face it from the minute she was elected. Voyeuristic news pieces and blatant objectification with many calling her 'the hottest woman MLA' continue alongside online trolling, while her political worth and victory are sidelined. Out of the six female candidates who were given tickets to contest for elections, Deka is one of the two female candidates (the other being Suman Haripriya, daughter of Bijoya Chakraborty, sitting MP from BJP) to have won the Assembly Elections.

When I spoke to Deka and asked her about the sexist onslaught, she expressed how disturbing it had all been for her, but that she was undeterred by it: "Whatever has happened is really unfortunate and I am sure this must have been equally disturbing for the other woman, whose pictures were used and passed on as mine. It is sad that women have always been compared to 'ideal' standards of beauty.

Since this unfortunate episode has caught national attention, I have urged our party to take action, instead of me taking individual action, although, I too, have raised my voice against it. I also urge the other woman whose pictures have been used to raise her voice."

Deka, The Theatre Artist In Assam, the months from September to March are abuzz with the excitement of the mobile theatre that has had a long heritage and given a unique identity to the state.

Theatre artists move across different corners of the state and perform acts that are widely watched by a diverse audience, from the intellectual to the least educated. Villages

host theatre groups and artists in locations that are remote and sometimes, these stays extend up to several months. The plays cover a wide range of issues from religion and political satires to social practices and other matters of micro and macro societal concerns.

Angoorlata was widely applauded across Assam for her role as Benazir Bhutto in one of the mobile theatre productions.

And this is where it all began for now-MLA Angoorlata Deka from Batadroba Constituency in Assam.

Having travelled extensively across Assam through the medium of mobile theatre, more commonly known as Bhramyomaan in Assam, Deka was exposed to the grassroot

Minakshi Bujarbaruah

join politics, "I, along with my husband Akashdeep, who also hails from the same professional background as mine, discussed with a few of our likeminded friends, the possibilities of committing ourselves to working for people through the medium of politics. This, we felt, would be possible only through the larger vision of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and thus in December 2015, I joined the party."

Deka's Political Win The win by Deka has come as a surprise for many, given the fact that Batadroba is a Muslim-dominated constituency which was expected to support the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), founded by perfume baron Badaruddin Ajmal. Nevertheless, Deka's win, clearly suggests a change in perception among the

BJP MLA Angoorlata Deka, who won from Batadroba (Photo: 3.bp.blogspot) realities of rural Assam where many villages still continue to be deprived of basic amenities, livelihood options, education, electricity and water. Until a couple of years back, only 16% of rural households were electrified, which has now increased to about 50%. As per the 2011 Census, the literacy rate of the state stands below the national average at 72.19% with certain districts like Dhubri, Darrang and Chirang remain somewhere between 58-64 %.

Born in Nalbari in Lower Assam, Angoorlata Deka recalls, "Ours was a typical Assamese family leading a simple life and we would have our dinner and be in bed by 9pm, like most families in rural Assam. There was no one in the family who had a cultural background nor anyone in politics. I had some training in dance and then in 2001, I did a cameo in the film 'Prem Bhora Sokulu', by Lt. Chakradhar Deka. Gradually people started appreciating me in films and then later, having joined Bhramyomaan, I got the opportunity to extensively travel across Assam and witness the hardships of common people.

It also dawned on me at this point that the glorified idea of a 'Xoonor Axom' (Golden Assam) is largely a myth and there is a lot to be done in order to make that a reality."

This is when Deka decided to

people and perhaps even an acceptance of a fresh face from popular culture that has jolted the traditional hegemony of parties like the Congress and AIUDF. Some like Pramod Kalita, a senior journalist at Bismoi and regular contributor to a number of Assamese dailies and zines, who has closely been associated with Deka for years now, says that it is her,"commitment and hardwork" that have earned her this victory, as opposed to someone like Suman Haripriya, who he feels has an advantage of having a family history in politics.

This view is echoed by many others like Abhijit Bhattacharjee, noted drama director/playwright, Tapan Lahkar, producer, and others who have closely worked with Deka. Interestingly, it was originally her husband Akashdeep who was struggling for a ticket for the elections from this constituency, but it was Deka who not only managed to win a ticket but also came out victorious. Jatin Bora, celebrated actor of the Assam film industry who has worked with Deka in films like Hiya Diba Kaak, recalls from the experiences of working with her that she always had a "rebellious nature" and would want things to be done in the "best possible manner." Bora, while happy for Deka's win, also ex-

pects her to raise issues of the Assamese film industry which is almost on the verge of fading away.

Deka, herself, recalls that the urge to bring about change in small and big ways has been in her since her school and college days. "In my school days, I did not have many friends and would mostly stay alone. On most occasions, I would observe the ones who were in leadership positions and make note of things that could be done for the school.

Later, after joining Mahendra Narayan Choudhury Girls College in Nalbari, I contested in the college elections and was elected as the Cultural Secretary, Vice President and General Secretary respectively for three consecutive years," she shares.

Deka Will Need To Prove Herself Among other things, Deka has to deal with a fairly popular perception in the region that refuses to take actors seriously in politics.

In the case of Assam, not many from a cultural background have been too successful in politics. Although some like Jatin Bora express that Deka's win has altered this mass perception, many others like Abhijeet Bhattacharjee, a known playwriter, feel Deka has a long journey to traverse given her nascent and novice juncture in the field of politics.

Bhattacharjee feels that there are several factors that influenced this win for Deka which has come as a surprise. He suggests that the entire trajectory of this year's Assam Assembly elections has been very different, more so, the influence of the Modi wave nationally, the despise of the common Assamese over the then-reigning Congress and the crave for 'change' or 'development/poriborton' which perhaps could have influenced the shift in decision making.

Hence, according to Bhattacharjee the prime focus for Deka now should be to focus solely on her constituency and usher in developmental work in the region. It is through her work that she has to prove and alter the larger perception that cultural figures too, can bring in change and excel in the domain of politics.

For Deka too, the development of Batadroba is her primary focus and agenda at the moment as she says to me.

And while only time will tell how successful she proves to be as a politician, her story is yet another example of what a woman is subject to, if she enters traditionally male bastions; sexism being the most obvious one. Courtesy:Youth kiawaaz

We're all victims of patriar- to proper education join the be in the best interest of of the requirements of the chy. In India, sexist trends are rat-race for jobs in fast-de- companies to have more worker and his family, there evident in all spheres- veloping industries and get than one woman director. is every justification for ratwhether you're in your own severely trampled on by their While the FLO's attempt at ing the standard family at a house or working a 9 to 5 job. male counterparts. New making women more lower number of consumpBut it would be wrong to say analysis of data from the "board-ready" may be a tion units in the case of a there hasn't been any devel- 2011 census shows only half laudable effort to bring more woman worker than in the opment in our country. The as many urban women work women on company case of a man, for she will International Labour Organi- as their rural counterparts. boards, it is questionable not be expected to support zation noted that female em- Half the population of India how progressive this initia- at any rate her husband even ployment in India grew by 9 is involved in the agricultural tive really is. Why do ac- though she may have other million between 1994-2010. 9 sector. Now that the agricul- complished women need to dependants and encummillion! Now, who dare say tural sector is falling, you be made board-ready when brances. According to this there isn't any development would expect that participa- no such training is given to line of reasoning, the wages and empowertion of women their male counterparts? It of a woman worker should ment in this in the urban is as if women are being be based on two consumpSuhasini Patni country? w o r k f o r c e taught how to act and be- tion units if those of a male However, the ILO also ac- would increase, but no. Per- have in what has clearly worker are calculated on knowledges that this num- haps this is because women been demarcated as a "male three." ber would have been twice from better-off homes who space." It is possible that if Another law that comes into as large if women has access internalize the values of pa- more time and effort is put question is the Maternity to employment in "male- triarchy, think that if they into making the workplace Benefit Act of 1961. This law dominated" industries too. can afford to stay at home, better for women rather has been manipulated to The problem at hand is not they should do so and fulfill than giving them training such an extent that most just patriarchy anymore, but their primary duties of a wife they'd already learn on the women are not eligible for also waste of precious human resource.

There exists a gender segregation in the workplace in terms of benefits, hours, leave, wages, opportunities, promotions, etc. This disparity doesn't just exist because people are not used to seeing women work. While the traditional idea of women being designated as homemakers does say a lot about the labour force disparities, it doesn't answer the question of segregation within the workplace. Think about itthere is a reason you rarely see female Uber drivers, and why women who work in malls are allowed to leave after 8 p.m. due to safety issues.

Statistics show that only Image for representational purpose (Photo: livemint) 39% of all Indian women get access to primary school education. Therefore, when and/or mother. Perhaps, ru- job, that the idea of a woman the benefits. For instance, as most women go out to look ral women only work be- being employed as a direc- this law applies only to regufor jobs they only get cause they have to. Accord- tor may not be so eye-pop- lar and temporary workers, manual and undesirable jobs ing to India's National ping after all. women are employed inin the agricultural sector or Sample Survey, the propor- One of the things that can stead as casual or daily workin handicrafts. In fact, the tion of working women in be looked over is the mini- ers, to exclude them from the data from the employment urban areas has increased mum wage law. While the benefits. According to the and unemployment surveys from 11.9% in 2001 to 15.4% minimum wage has in- NCEUS (2009), the Maternity of the National Sample Sur- in 2011. But even in this, the creased, it benefits women Benefit Act was able to cover vey also indicates that a ma- fastest growing proportion marginally. Data from 2011- only 16% of eligible workers jority of female workers, is that of domestic house- 12 indicates that women still as of 1999-2000. Sometimes, about 63%, were engaged in work. In The Distribution of earn only 65% of what men the women who do get mathe agricultural sector in Worker by Occupations and earn. Of course, it would be ternity leave, do not get any contrast to male workers of Gender in India 2011-12 sur- incorrect to completely at- monetary benefits. whom 56% were in second- vey, it was noticed that while tribute this to discrimination, While the ILO suggests ary or tertiary sector. The in- 9.15% men were working in as a variety of factors are at that strengthening anti-disdustries they work for are on the positions of directors play here such as education, crimination legislation in the decline; handicrafts are and chief executives, only type of job, experience, etc. employment across all ocdying, the mills are all clos- 5.08% women were in- In fact, Rashmi Patni, a former cupations will be essential ing, and large environmen- volved in the same. Perhaps professor in the History de- for expanding employment tal problems are leading to this is why FICCI Ladies Or- partment of Rajasthan Uni- opportunities for women, less productivity in agricul- ganization, Hyderabad versity, observed that there discrimination will never ture. While 44% women are Chapter, is "exploring the was no wage difference be- end if it is only perceived at employed in the agricultural possibility of offering a spe- tween men and women in her a policy level. It is essential sector, only 27% men share cialized training module for workplace. to reduce gaps in wages, the same occupation. This members to become inde- Nonetheless, we are still a improve working condioccupational segregation is pendent directors in listed long way from gender-neu- tions, and remove ambigudefinitely a large reason for companies." tral wages. The Government ity from the already existing overall gender segregation The Companies Act 2013 of India in 1954 declared that laws; but this is not enough prescribes that there should "(I)f minimum wages and to help end segregation in in the workplace.

The women who are fortu- be at least one woman di- consequently fair wages are the workplace. nate enough to find access rector in a Board, but it may to be calculated on the basis Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

Indian market aimed by Oman Air for growth Abu Dhabi, Jun 26: Oman Air, the flagship carrier of Sultanate of Oman, expects to get operational break-even by end of 2017 and it is eyeing the Indian market to sustain the growth momentum. The airline at present operates to 11 destinations in India, which is among the fastest growing market in the world. The carrier, which has been running on government funds since its inception in 1993, will soon cease to get subsidises as the oil producing countries in the Middle East region are cutting their expen-

Gains for India predicted by industry leaders Pune, Jun 26: Veterans and leaders from the IT and manufacturing industry in the city said Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) may lead to uncertainty now, but open up opportunities later.

"The uncertainty would moderate over a period of time," said V S Parthasarathy, group chief finance officer of Mahindra Group. Regional exports to the EU were 30% of its total exports outside, of which almost 50% was to the UK, said Sanjay Gupta, director of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Maharashtra & Goa. "With Brexit, fresh agreements would have to be made to continue doing business with the UK. The pound's devaluation will also affect business," he added. Most industry captains said it would be prudent to wait. Vinni Mehta, director-general of Automotive Components Manufacturing Association, said, "It is too early to comment on the impact on Indian businesses in the UK." Migration concerns have been over-egged, Vandana Saxena Poria OBE, said. "I am personally saddened that the people of the UK have chosen to exit from the EU. Staying within the EU gives far more intrinsic benefits than leaving does, in terms of access to countries and firms that British companies would never have had the opportunity to explore," she said.

Poria is the chairperson of the British Business Group and non-executive director of the UK India Business Council.

As for the impact on the numerous businesses operating out of Pune, and Maharashtra, Poria said, "It will take over two years for the UK to fully extricate itself from the EU. Indian companies have the time to see what impact the decision will have."

Poria said the exit could actually help trade as the UK will not have to follow EU guidelines on incentives, subsidies and movement of labour. It may give Indians greater opportunities in previously restricted sectors, she added. (Agencies)

TARGETTING INDIA Oman Air, the flagship carrier of Sultanate of Oman, expects to get operational breakeven by end of 2017 and it is eyeing the Indian market to sustain the growth momentum.

Four more Boeing Dreamliners will be joining the fleet soon with total fleet expected to be around 70 aircraft by 2020 from 57 currently. diture after the glut-induced crash in the oil

The airline currently has a fleet consisting of four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200S, five Boeing 737-900S, 18 Boeing 737-800, one Boeing 737-700 and four Embraer 175s.

The airline at present operates to 11 destinations in India, which is among the fastest growing market in the world. market. "Due to the change in the oil market,

the dynamics are changing. We (Oman Air) will completely become a non-subsidised airline by 2018" said Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, during an event to celebrate the airline's 23rd anniversary in India. "Indian economy is going great as well as its aviation market is among the fastest growing. With the new aviation policy being released by the Indian regime, we do not want to exclude ourselves from financial participation in any opportunity offered. It's not like we will put a blind

cheque on the table, but will invest if we find the opportunity sustainable," Gregorowitsch added.

According to the industry insiders, as the oil prices continue to slide since around last couple of years, the fossil oil exporting nations have been forced to drive their economies towards other alternative sectors and prepare themselves for a future without oil economy. At present more than 7,00,000 Indian nationals live in Oman. The two nations share a long history of trade in spices, which Oman has been import-

ing since centuries. India also provided a large number of shipping vessels to the Oman which has a thriving fishing industry. The airline currently has a fleet consisting of four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200S, five Boeing 737-900S, 18 Boeing 737-800, one Boeing 737-700 and four Embraer 175s. Four more Boeing Dreamliners will be joining the fleet soon with total fleet expected to be around 70 aircraft by 2020 from 57 currently.

(Agencies)

Govt hopes markets to stabilize soon New Delhi, Jun 26: The government expects the domestic markets to stabilize from the impact of Brexit in a matter of weeks or months and will continuously monitor the situation along with the RBI to ensure that volatility is tackled, the finance ministry said. Finance minister Arun Jaitley, who is in Beijing to attend the annual meeting of the board of governors of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), said India is well prepared to deal with the short- and medium-term consequences of Brexit. "Our macroeconomic fundamentals are sound with a very comfortable external po-

sition, a rock-solid commitment to fiscal discipline and declining inflation. Our immediate and medium-term firewalls are solid too in the form of a healthy reserve position," Jaitley said in a statement. He said the government and the RBI as well as other regulators are all prepared and working closely together, to deal with any shortterm volatility. Our aim will be to smoothen this volatility and minimize its impact on the economy in the short term. "At the same time, for the medium term, we will steadfastly pursue our ambitious reform agenda - including early passage of the GST- that will help us

Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley. (Photo: static.dnaindia) realize our medium-term in these turbulent times, growth potential of 8-9% India stands out both in and help achieve our ob- terms of stability and jective of development," growth. Economic afsaid Jaitley. The FM said fairs secretary as investors look around Shaktikanta Das said the world for safe havens the markets would be

able to deal with the situation. "In the medium term, things will stabilize and by medium term I don't mean two to three years. Going forward, in a matter of months or weeks, things should stabilize so far as India is concerned. Indian markets will be able to deal with it and the real economy of India will be able to face this challenge," said Das. "Over the weekend, we will analyse the situation and whatever measures are needed to be taken, we will take," he said. Das also said he doesn't see any major impact on the country's exports as a result of Brexit. (Agencies)

4G on RJio network to be provided by Reliance Communication, Rs 93 for 10 gb data Pune, Jun 26: Telecom operator Reliance Communications from next week onwards will start offering 4G service using Reliance Jio network to its CDMA customers in select circles at a starting price of Rs 93 per 10 gigabytes. "RCom has written to the Department of Telecom, informing (the department) that it will be using Reliance Jio Infocomm 4G network to provide 4G data service to its CDMA customers from next week. Only those CDMA customers who opted for the upgrade will get the service," an official source told PTI. Of the 8 million RCom's CDMA custom-

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: prameyanews7) ers, over 90 per cent have opted for the offered upgrade to 4G services, the data shared by the company with DoT showed. RCom will provide 10 GB of 4G data at the starting price of Rs

Dawn convertible unveiled in India by Rolls-Royce at Rs 6.25 crore Mumbai, Jun 26: Super luxury British carmaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars launched the new version of its convertible Dawn here with an asking price of Rs 6.25 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Dawn comes with a 6.6-liter engine and downs the roof in flat 20 seconds while cruising at 50 kmph, and is the quietest convertible car in the world today, said Sven Ritter, RollsRoyce's Sales Manager for South Asia. He said the new four-seater Dawn is the first super-luxury convertible in the country and will be launched in Delhi and Chennai soon. The firm's Asia Pacific Regional Director Paul Harris said Dawn is the pinnacle of luxury and therefore meant for only a select few. "With the progressive economy, growing appetite for luxury goods and increasing number of successful entrepreneurs, Rolls-Royce has targeted India for future growth," he added. While refusing to share sales expectation, he said globally the company sold over 4,000 units last year and "with the already

strong heritage that the brand has here, we are optimistic about the demand for Dawn." He added that the company is not looking at expanding its dealerships here in the near future, which stands at just three now. It has showrooms in Ahmedabad and Mumbai (Navnit Motors), Hyderabad (Kun Exclusive), New Delhi (Select Cars), and Chandigarh.

Sharad Kachalia, who owns Navnit Motors that has exclusive marketing and sales rights for Rolls-Royce in the country, said that since the company became the authorised dealer in 2005, it has sold over 250 units here. Refusing to offer any break-up, he said the Ghost, priced at Rs 5 crore, is the largest selling model, followed by the Wraith at Rs 5.5 crore and the Phantom, which is priced at a whopping Rs 8.5 crore. Kachalia said onroad price of the Dawn will be close to Rs 7.5 crore considering customisation and the 20 per cent road tax, apart from the 183 per cent customs duty.

(Agencies)

93, which is sharply lower by about 94 per cent than that of its competitors offering 4G service. In most circles, the rates will vary between Rs 93 and Rs 97 per 10 GB, as per the rate pub-

lished on the RCom website. According to the letter to DoT, RCom will launch 4G data service in 12 circles -- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, UP East and West, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. By mid-July, the company will expand service to six more circles -- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan -- but only after DoT's approval.

The company has plans to offer 4G service using Reliance Jio data network on a pan-India basis by mid-August. RCom has liberalised its 850 MHz band spectrum in 20 circles by paying over

Rs 6,600 crore and put in place spectrum trading and sharing agreements with Reliance Jio in most telecom circles.

In the other two circles, RCom had purchased liberalised spectrum in the 850 MHz band through auction in March 2015. A company holding liberalised spectrum can go for any kind of technology to offer mobile service to its customers. Older CDMA handsets of RCom customers will not work on the new network as it is being upgraded to 4G. RCom will phase out CDMA technology over the next couple of months, the source said.

(Agencies)

AstraZeneca land for Rs 290 crore to be bought by embassy

Billionaire, Jitu Virwani. (Photo: hospibuz) Bengaluru, Jun 26: Realty major Embassy Group, owners of the biggest business parks in the city, is in advanced discussions to buy a 12 acre land parcel near Hebbal from drug maker AstraZeneca for 290 crore, people directly familiar with the matter said. Billionaire Jitu Virwani led developer is expected to pay Rs 24 per acre to acquire the land from the British company, which is unlocking real estate after shutting down the R&D centre there. AstraZeneca was involved in the development and drug discovery research of tropical diseases but closed

down the centre as part of a realignment in its global research functions. IT services giant Cognizant Technology Services had entered into a preliminary agreement to acquire the land sometime back, but dropped the plan after its board of directors decided against it.

Cognizant's original offer was slightly higher at around Rs 25 crore per acre. The deal is almost done though formal signing has not yet happened, said a source mentioned earlier who did not wish to be named. We are in the process of finding a suitable buyer for the site.

However, nothing has been

confirmed yet." AstraZeneca spokesperson said in a statement. Embassy, which has an equal joint venture with private equity giant Blackstone, to own and operate large business parks in the country, is likely to use the latest acquisition to bolster its office space portfolio. Embassy CMD Jitu Virwani did not respond to calls and text messages on the matter.

Embassy has premium residential apartments and villas around the area such as Embassy Lake Terrace and Embassy Springs. Hebbal, which is located in the northern fringes of the city, has seen commercial property prices shoot up in the last few years as more office parks and premium residential apartments come up, due to its proximity to the international airport. Singapore based Ascendas recently signed a deal to develop a 2 million sqft office park near Hebbal even as RMZ Corp and Brigade Developers too have been commercial space portfolios coming up in the area. iPhone maker Apple recently signed an office space with RMZ Corp as part of its new initiatives in India. (Agencies)

PAGE 10 Adda52.com steps forward with ticket to World Poker Tour Rozvadoz

Anuj Gupta, Founder & CEO of Adda52.com. (Photo: pokerguru) ANI Kolkata (West Bengal), Jun 26: Adda52.com, India's largest poker site, is stepping forward with "Your Ticket to World Poker Tour®" - Rozvadoz edition after the grand success of WPT® - UK and Aria Edition. Adda52.com is providing yet another opportunity to Indian poker players to fulfill their dream of playing a World Poker Tour event.

This exclusive tournament kicked off in April 2016 with an inaugural 'satellite' promotion - 'Your Gateway to World Poker Tour - UK' giving six poker players an opportunity to play the $1,000,000 guaranteed WPT - UK National Main Event.

After successful culmination of World Poker Tour UK edition, Adda52.com launched 'Your Ticket to World Poker Tour' Aria edition in the month of May. The members of Adda52 Pro LIVE Team - Kunal Patni and Madan Kumar will fly to Aria with nine qualifying winners. And now, the poker site is back with "Your Ticket to World Poker Tour" - Rozvadoz edition offering package of 1.5 Lacs which will include Entry Ticket to WPT National Rozvadov

with to and fro Flight Tickets upto Rs. 45,000 and hotel accommodation upto Rs. 20,000. Poker players can win a ticket to finale event by participating in step satellites from June 27 to July 15 by paying a buy-in of Rs. 250. Players will have three shots to win a ticket to WPT- Rozvadoz on July 2, 9, 16 respectively, and can also join deadline satellites scheduled on same dates with a buy-in of Rs. 750.

They can further opt for a direct entry to finale event at a buy-in of Rs. 7,500.

WPT National Rozvadov is scheduled to take place at King's Casino Rozvadov from August 5 - 8. This â‚1,100 No-Limit Hold'em is a big guarantee event presenting a guaranteed prize pool of â‚ 2,00,000. Anuj Gupta, Founder & CEO of Adda52.com. "With this revolutionary business association with the World Poker Tour, Adda52.com is looking forward to build a longstanding business relation by hosting more satellite promotions for Indian poker players giving them an opportunity to compete in hand-picked World Poker Tour events set to take place across the globe."

Coke aims to make Maaza a $1bn brand by 2023 Chitoor, Jun 26: Coca-Cola said it aims to make Maaza a $1 billion juice brand from India by 2023, while celebrating 40 years of Maaza. "We currently buy 1 lakh metric tonne of mango pulp worth 650 crore from more than 1,000 farmers. We plan to increase procurement to 2 lakh metric tonnes worth 1,100 crore by looping in as many as 1 lakh farmers into our supply chain," said Venkatesh Kini, president, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia. For its pulp requirements of Alphonsa and Totagiri brands of mango, Coca-Cola has partnered with Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, which currently has three food processing units. "We have two units in Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh and one in Maharashtra. We will opening two more facilities in Kannur, Andhra Pradesh and in Udhumalpet, Tamil Nadu," said Anil R Jain, managing director, Jain Irrigation.

Anticipating Maaza's growth, Jain irrigation launched project Unnati, which uses drip irrigation, target fertiization and pruned trees (about 1-1.5 metres) to increase productivity, five years ago. "Normally a field of one acre will yield about 1.5-2 tonnes. At best 3 tonnes. With Unnati's scientific, eco-friendly approach and minimal use of water, we have increased yield to as

much as 7-10 tonnes per acre, a three-four fold rise," said Jain, adding that the company was currently in talks with farmers in Tamil Nadu for implementation of Unnati. "We need a longterm plan as mango trees start yielding only after the third or fourth year. So for our 2023 target, we need to tie-up with farmers and start implementing by 2019-2020.

Project Unnati alone is expected to deliver 240 metric tonnes of fruit by 2023-24," said Coca-Cola's Keni. "We are currently buying mango pulp from Jain Irrigation for Coca-Cola plants in 20 countries globally. The pulp is used mostly in our Minute Maid brand," he added.

Coca-Cola India is also planning to home-grow its orange pulp requirements. "We currently outsource pulp from Brazil and Florida. After five years of R&D we have hit on a few hybrids after selective grafting that are both suitable for the Indian climate, soil, terrain and withstand processing without losing flavour. The first batch of oranges we are now growing in Vidharbha in Maharashtra for Minute Maid," said Jain. CocaCola also hoped it's measures to increase income levels and source locally will improve the lives of farmers in suicide belt Vidharbha. (Agencies)

MISSION $1BILLION Coca-Cola said it aims to make Maaza a $1 billion juice brand from India by 2023, while celebrating 40 years of Maaza.

Coca-cola currently buy 1 lakh metric tonne of mango pulp worth 650 crore from more than 1,000 farmers.

Coca-cola plans to increase procurement to 2 lakh metric tonnes worth 1,100 crore by looping in as many as 1 lakh farmers into our supply chain.

For its pulp requirements of Alphonsa and Totagiri brands of mango, Coca-Cola has partnered with Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, which currently has three food processing units.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

Features

PAGE 11

ENVIRONMENT Who is responsible for the Environment?

Litter consists of trash and household toxic substances that are improperly disposed of on land or in water. Whether the litter is intentional or unintentional, large or small, it can drastically affect the environment for years to come. Before carelessly tossing another item out the window or looking the other way when someone else does, consider the impact you can make on the environment by recycling, reusing and disposing of waste properly.

Marine Litter Litter that is tossed into the ocean can travel long distances with the currents and winds. Not only does this litter directly affect marine life and birds, but it also washes onto beaches, is caught in fishing nets, damages boat motors, is an eyesore and smells bad. Plastic bags and plastic wrap can asphyxiate marine animals and fish, and birds can easily entangle themselves in plastic six-pack rings and strings. Animals also get sick or die from swallowing trash, such as cigarettes and silicon packets. Metal scraps and broken glass can cut the flesh of birds and other animals.

Land Litter Land litter is not hard to spot and comes in all types -- cigarette butts, plastic bags, old tires, fast food wrappers and plastic and glass bottles. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, seven major sources contribute to land litter: home trash cans, business trash collection areas, loading docks, construction and demolition sites, uncovered trucks, motorists and pedes-

trians. Litter isn't just unsightly: It can cause vehicle accidents and injuries, smother plants, start fires and harm or kill animals. It also attracts rats and harmful bacteria.

Contaminated Groundwater Litter, chemical runoff, illegal dumping and tobacco products can seep into groundwater and affect the water quality of people, especially people who rely on wells for their drinking water. Humans, animals and plants all need unpolluted water to survive. Litter can also clog storm-water drains and cause flooding. Food scraps and other organic items that are disposed of improperly can increase algal blooms in water, which reduces the amount of available oxygen for other aquatic life, such as fish.

Monetary Cost It costs residents and local, state and federal governments millions of dollars to pick up litter, reverse the effects of littering and prevent litter. The monetary cost for these efforts could be drastically reduced and used for other environmental projects if people would dispose of garbage properly, recycle and reuse. For instance, the Virginia Department of Transportation spends more than $6 million every year cleaning up roadway trash, and that doesn't include the time and energy that Adopta-Highway volunteers contribute. Millions spent like this could be allocated instead to environmental education programs such as New York's Environmental Education and Grow to Learn NYC, hazardous waste and cleanup programs like the

Environment Protection Agency's Superfund program or grant programs such as the Community Action for a Renewed Environment.

Mr George Freeman, the Agona West Environmental and Sanitation Health Officer, has appealed to Ghanaians to stop throwing rubbish on the streets because Zoomlion workers would sweep. He said throwing drinking ice water and fan ice sachets at the public places must be stopped to ensure sound environmental cleanliness.

Environmental sanitation issues should be a concern of all and must not be left on the government alone to solve.

He expressed concern about open defecation by some residents of Agona West, adding that this had become major problem facing the Assembly. Mr Freeman said the Assembly had made a policy that all new buildings should include toilets before permits and plans are approved.

This, he said was to encourage the residents to embrace the households toilets policy introduced by the Assembly to ease pressure on public toilet. He said the Assembly has introduced door-to door refuse collection programme in the Municipality as part of the efforts to ensure sound environmental cleanliness.

In the meantime, in India, the Centre has directed states to start levying fines for littering, open defecation and public urination

by April 30 as the NDA government's flagship Swachh Bharat Mission

has failed to have the desired effect in urban areas.

Littering or urinating in public places could invite penalties ranging between Rs 200 and Rs 5,000. In a communication to all chief secretaries, the urban development ministry has asked states to impose penalties in at least one ward in each city by April 30, all wards in 10-15 cities by the end of the year and all wards in all cities by September 30, 2018.

The ministry has set a strict time frame for states to provide an adequate number of public toilets and ensure facilities for garbage collection. States have been told to ensure there are public toilets, door-to-door garbage collection facilities and adequate dustbins at public places in wards where the fines kick in.

Sanitation experts said fines should have been preceded by adequate sanitation facilities.

"Ideally, the government should have provided adequate sanitation facilities before imposing fines. But the problem of open defecation has become so pervasive in our cities that a beginning has to be made somewhere," Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of public toilet chain Sulabh International, said.

According to norms set by the ministry's central public health and environmental engineering organisation, there should be one toilet serving each kilometre stretch of road in cities and an equal number of facilities should cater to women and men. "But, the norm is hardly adhered to. In any metro city, you have to

Keeping surrounding clean is a practice that comes from within for the villagers of Mawlynnong (Photo: purvidiscovery) travel for kilometers to come across a public toilet.

Those for women are even rarer," a government official said. Since last year, Rajasthan has been levying fines for littering and incorrect garbage disposal - Rs 200 for urinating at a public place, Rs 5,000 for improperly disposing cow dung, Rs 2,000 per day for restaurants disposing waste in the open and Rs 2,000 for littering. The ministry wants the Rajasthan model replicated nationwide.

On the contrary, located 90 km to the south of state capital Shillong, Mawlynnong has been anointed the cleanest village in the continent. The recognition first came from National Geographic in 2004. UNESCO endorsed it in 2006. The twin honours have dramatically altered the lives of 90 families inhabiting the village. The elders in the village have witnessed more change in the past six years than they have in the previous 60.

All because generations of grannies, moms and teachers in the village have handed down a clear dic-

tum: 'Keep the village clean'. So much so that cleanliness seems to have become a genetic trait among Mawlynnong's residents. They don't litter or spit.

The village has several other distinctions. Use of plastic was banned here before the Meghalaya government imposed a curb. All houses in the village have toilets. Earlier this year, the village added another feather to its cap by becoming a 'smoking free' zone.

Incidentally, all 500-plus residents of Mawlynnong are literate.

The exercise to keep the village spic and span begins at 5 o'clock in the morning when six women march out with brooms and begin sweeping the metalled road that links the remote village within touching distance of Bangladesh to the rest of the world. This was a voluntary activity before the village became famous. Now the village committee pays salary to the team that sweeps visitors off their feet.

The cleaning was a voluntary action of villagers before the word spread. Now, the vil-

lage committee makes a tidy sum in voluntary donations from tourists that not only meets the sweepers' salary but also allows the community to undertake infrastructure development.

Plastic bags are banned in the village. Since most of the waste is organic, they are dumped in a pit at the end of the day to make compost.

The primarily agrarian economy of the village is dependent on hill broom (makes the domestic broom used to clean homes), beetle nut and fruits like orange, pineapple, litchi and jackfruit.

The habits and prosperity of Mawlynnong have rubbed off on adjoining villages Riwai and Nohwet. They, too, have become litter-conscious and put up waste baskets. Riwai has also managed to wean some tourists to view its Live Roots Bridge, a natural bridge across a stream made of inter-twining roots of two trees.

Marathi couple Nitin and Shraddha , who had come to see Meghalaya from Mumbai and chanced upon Mawlynnong after learning about it from the hotel they

were staying in, were stumped at the end of the visit. "We've seen a lot of villages in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala and elsewhere. But none like this one.

Mawlynnong is awesome. It does not look like an Indian village at all. Yet, this is how all villages should look like.

People here have used the distinction to such good effect by creating amenities for tourists. It is a model in village tourism worth emulating," Shraddha gushed.

Meghalaya governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary believes if residents of Shillong learn a lesson or two from Mawlynnong, Shillong can become the country's cleanest city. Tourism minister Ampareen Lyngdoh says Mawlynnong is Meghalaya's 'crown jewel'. "There are many lessons to be learnt from a nondescript and almost isolated hamlet," she said. Community and rural development minister FW Momin, too, is all praise. "I hope everyone draws inspiration from the 'dirt-free, plastic-free and smoke-free' Mawlynnong," the minister added.

Courtesy: education

Researchers offer new theory on Female blue tits sing in the face of danger how climate affects violence Researchers have long struggled to explain why some violent crime rates are higher near the equator than other parts of the world. Now, a team of researchers have developed a model that could help explain why.

The researchers believe

can help explain the impact of climate on rates of violence in different parts of the world."

The researchers, which included Maria I. Rinderu of VU, call the new model CLASH (CLimate Aggression, and Selfcontrol in Humans). They

(Routine Activity Theory) is that people are outdoors and interacting more with others when the weather is warm, which leads to more opportunities for conflict. But that doesn't explain why there's more violence when the

and cold weather. The result is a faster life strategy that isn't as concerned about the future and leads to less need for self-control.

"Strong seasonal variation in temperature affects culture in powerful ways. Planning in agriculture, hoarding, or simply preparing for cold winters shapes the culture in many ways, often with people not even noticing it. But it does shape how much a culture values time and self-control," Van Lange said.

"If there is less variation, you're freer to do what you want now, because you're not preparing foods or chopping Climate impacts life strategies, time orientation, self-control (Photo: nasa) firewood or making winter clothes to get you that hot climates and less describe the CLASH temperature is 95 de- through the winter. You variation in seasonal tem- model in an online article grees F (35 °C) than also may be more conperatures leads to a faster in the journal Behavioral when it is 75 degrees F cerned with the immedi(24 °C) -- even though ate stress that comes life strategy, less focus on and Brain Sciences. the future, and less self- Many studies have shown people might be outside along with parasites and control -- all of which that levels of violence and under both circum- other risks of hot climates, such as venomcontribute to more ag- aggression are higher in stances. gression and violence. hot climates, according to The CLASH model ous animals." states that it is not just People living in these "Climate shapes how the researchers. people live, it affects the "But the two leading ex- hotter temperatures that climates are oriented to culture in ways that we planations of why that is lead to more violence -- the present rather than don't think about in our so aren't satisfactory," it is also climates that the future and have a have less seasonal fast life strategy -- they daily lives," said Brad Bushman said.

Bushman, co-author of The General Aggression variation in tempera- do things now.

"We see evidence of a the study and professor Model (which Bushman ture. of communication and helped develop) suggests "Less variation in tem- faster life strategy in psychology at The Ohio hot temperatures make perature, combined hotter climates with less State University. people uncomfortable and with heat, brings some temperature variation -Paul van Lange, lead au- irritated, which makes measure of consistency they are less strict about thor of the study and a them more aggressive. to daily life," Rinderu time, they have less use of birth control, they professor of psychology "But that doesn't explain said. at the Vrije Universiteit more extreme acts, such That means there is less have children earlier need to plan for large and more often," BushAmsterdam (VU) added, as murder," he said.

"We believe our model Another explanation swings between warm man said.

With a faster life strategy and an orientation toward the present, people have to practice less self-control, he said. That can lead people to react more quickly with aggression and sometimes violence.

The theory is not deterministic and isn't meant to suggest that people in hotter, consistent climates can't help themselves when it comes to violence and aggression.

"How people approach life is a part of culture and culture is strongly affected by climate," Van Lange said. "Climate doesn't make a person, but it is one part of what influences each of us. We believe it shapes the culture in important ways," he said.

Since CLASH is a new theory, studies have to be done to prove it is correct. But Bushman said a lot of evidence already suggests that the theory may be on to something.

"We believe CLASH can help account for differences in aggression and violence both within and between countries around the world," he said. "We think it provides a strong framework for understanding the violence differences we see around the world."

Courtesy: sciencedaily.

These assumptions had also been applied to one of the most prominent local songbirds, namely, the blue tit.

But female blue tits, like males, also display a variety of vocal patterns. This suggests that vocalization is not limited exclusively to courtship or competition. Herbert Hoi and Katharina Mahr of

danger The team from Vetmeduni Vienna, together with Carlo Seifert of the University of South Bohemia, for the first time documented vocalizations of female songbirds in danger situations. Their song strongly resembled that of the males also present in the simulated predation

The presence of a predator is very stressful. The singing behaviour could therefore simply be an endocrinological response of the body or, to quote Konrad Lorenz, a "displacement activity."

The researchers were able to exclude the possibility that the females were send-

Approaching predators cause the female blue tit to sing and not to fall quiet.

(Photo: telegraph)

the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology at Vetmeduni Vienna have demonstrated for the first time that female blue tits sing in the presence of a predator.

Vocalization did not serve as an alarm, however, nor was it limited to females. The researchers used stuffed dummies of two predatory types in order to provoke a reaction from the birds. "We presented the nest of blue tits either with a stuffed sparrow hawk, a bird of prey, or an Aesculapian snake and analysed the reactions mainly of female blue tits.

We already knew that songbird males sometimes respond to threats by singing," said Hoi. Blue tits sing for themselves when their life is in

event. Both sexes, however, reacted only to the threat from the bird of prey and not the snake. The sparrow hawk is considered to be a danger to adults, while the snake is a threat to nestlings that can be more easily driven from the nest.

It is interesting that the blue tits react to the threat by singing. One would assume that singing attracts more attention. "The animals may be indicating a heightened ability to escape. They show the predator that they have seen it and can flee at any time," Hoi says.

Song could also be a sign of physiological stress or encouragement Hoi believes there could be another, for people easily understandable, explanation.

ing a distress call. In several cases, the male was present during the event. And both would then sing together.

The researchers see the joint singing as a way for the pair to encourage each other and to strengthen the pair bond.

Need for more research into singing behavior The scientists still see the need for future research in order to better understand the singing behaviour of songbirds. "Our work confirms the assumption that females use their singing in more ways than just choosing their partner or defending their territory. But more studies will be needed in order to better interpret the different vocalization patterns," Hoi believes.

Courtesy: sciencedaily

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JUNE 27

PAGE 12

Kerry Hope dares `unbeaten` Vijender Was advised to retire after Beijing Olympics: Sushil ahead of WBO Asia title bout ANI New Delhi, June 26 : Former European middleweight champion Kerry Hope has dared Indian sensation Vijender Singh ahead of their WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight championship title being held at Thyagaraj Sports Complex here on July 16.

The Australian boxer, who is currently training hard in Wales, Wales comes into the title fight against Vijender with an impressive record of 23 wins from 30 fights.

The 34- year old southpaw has an edge in experience over Vijender with 183 rounds under his belt and has promised to put the Indian knockout king in

trouble.

"I'm leaving no stone unturned in my preparation. Make no mistake, Vijender Singh is in trouble. He knows it and I know it. I saw the fear in his eyes at the press conference. He knows that he's not in my league. He's been fighting trash and still seems like an amateur fighter so I am going to show him what professional boxing is all about.

He's not used to going long rounds and having to dig deep and find a second wind. I'm going to bring the pressure and he's going to wilt. On 16 July there will be 1.25 billion disappointed fans of Vijender Singh," said Hope.

Indian sensation Vijender Singh Knowing the fact about huge following of Vijender, the WBC Asian Boxing Council champion feels that in any sport, athlete needs expe-

rience not support of crowd.

"I know there will be an army of support for Singh, but they can't help him or fight for him. It'll be just

Vijender, the referee and me in the ring when the bell goes" added Hope.

Hope further said, "Vijender has fought absolutely nobody so far and he's out of his depth facing me so early in his career. I'm not quite sure what his team were thinking accepting the fight, but I believe he's been overmatched. India is one of the greatest sporting nations on earth but the country will be in a state of mourning when Singh is knocked out by me."

Vijender remains unbeaten in six fights with six knockouts in only seventeen rounds of action since his pro debut last October. He is currently training in Manchester.

PTI New Delhi, Jun 26 : In a country where winning an Olympic medal is a rarity and bagging two in a row a distant dream, India's lone doubleOlympic medallist Sushil Kumar has revealed that he was advised to "bow out on a high" after his bronze-medal feat at the 2008 Beijing Games.

In a book titled 'My Olympic Journey', Sushil recalled that despite suggestions of calling it quits after the Beijing Olympics, he chose to stay on as he felt "it was the start, not the end", and eventually managed to better the colour of his medal four years later at the London Games in 2012.

"I returned to India (after Beijing Games) and was told by my well-wishers to bow out on a high and retire. I was flabbergasted. After all these years, I had finally realized what it meant to be an Olympic medallist and what was needed to achieve that goal. It

was only after winning the Olympic bronze that I grasped the finer points of wrestling, such as how to hold an opponent, various techniques and strategies for different fights.

It was the start, not the end.

"I began to build up my game with even more rigour and passion, and the results soon followed," Sushil revealed in a book co-authored by journalists Digvijay Singh Deo and Amit Bose.

The 33-year-old legendary wrestler disclosed that initially he could not understand the magnitude of winning an Olympic medal when he had first bagged it at Beijing.

"I frankly did not understand the magnitude of what I had just achieved. "...I wasn't aware till then that a 52-year jinx on Indian wrestling had been ended with my medal. I learnt that KD Jadhav had previously won a medal in Helsinki in 1952. I was happy being an Olympic medallist,

but the true worth of the medal would be realized only when I came home.

"In Beijing, a lot of my fellow athletes, officials and coaches congratulated me, but I was used to seeing so many medallists walk around the Village that I did not truly comprehend the weight of my achievement."

Although Sushil lost out on a gold at London, he feels fortunate to have climbed the podium at the Olympics twice.

"I could not perform to my expectations in the final and was comprehensively beaten.

I was disappointed at losing out on the gold, but I knew that on that day, it was the best I could do. As I stood on the Olympic podium again, I was satisfied. "...The medal was a gift from the Gods, and that day, despite my body being weakened by frequent vomiting and loose motions, the Gods had once again smiled on me." .

Djokovic eyes next step `Under pressure' Domingo not to towards Golden Slam blame for tri-series exit: De Villiers `Out-of-favour` Umar Gul irked ANI at being ignored for England tour at Wimbledon Johannesburg, June 26

Novak Djokovic ANI Johannesburg, June 26 : World number one Novak Djokovic is all set to move one step closer to the calendar Grand Slam as he is aiming to clinch his third successive major title of the year at Wimbledon.

The 29-year-old defending champion will also be chasing his third consecutive and fourth overall Wimbledon title, having earlier won the prestigious tournament in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

Djokovic, who currently holds all four majors following his victory at French Open, is bidding to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the Golden Slam, a feat achieved only three times in the sport's history.

With Rafael Nadal missing this year's Wimbledon due to a wrist injury and Roger

Federer struggling for a major in last four years, second-ranked Andy Murray remains Djokovic's only serious contender for the upcoming tournament.

The Serbian, however, has won 13 out of his previous 15 encounters against Murray and has not been beaten by the Briton at a grand slam since the Wimbledon final in 2013, Sport24 reported.

Djokovic insisted that everything is achievable in life and, therefore, there is still a possibility of him reaching the first calendar Grand Slam since 1969.

Meanwhile, Murray, who has reunited with his former coach Ivan Lendl, will be aiming for his third overall major title after the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon title.

The Wimbledon is slated to be held from June 27 to July 10.

Anju, Gopichand drafted as members of Khelo India PTI New Delhi, Jun 26 : India's lone athletics World Championship medal winner Anju Bobby George and chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand have been drafted as members of Khelo India, a national programme for the development of sports in the country, an initiative by the Government.

Khelo India is a sevenmember committee, in which Anju and Gopichand are the two sportspersons.

The committee will be headed by Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav.

Known for her feats as a long jumper, Anju has recently quit as the president of the Kerala Sports Council along with 13 other members in protest against the "insulting behaviour" of

: South African skipper AB de Villiers has backed embattled coach Russell Domingo, saying he has put the side through their paces 'like never before'.

Domingo has come under huge pressure following South Africa's exit from the ongoing Caribbean trination series.

The De Villiers-led side were bundled out for 185 against hosts West Indies to lose the crucial ninth match by 100 runs and surrender their hopes of making it to the tournament final.

Following the defeat, the swashbuckling batsman insisted that Domingo had played a major role in transforming the career of many Proteas players in the last four years.

Admitting that Domingo has been doing a fantastic job for the side, De

South African skipper AB de Villiers Villiers said that he felt extremely sad to see his coach under pressure, Sport24 reported.

The 32-year-old captain further said that his players were responsible for their poor performances and not the coaching staff, who are the best in the world.

De Villiers believes that it

was the players, who let the coaching staff down in this series and, therefore, they should take their share of responsibility for poor performances in West Indies.

The final match of the Caribbean tri-series will be played between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday.

Long jumper Ankit Sharma secures Rio Olympics berth

Ankit Sharma ANI Almaty (Kazakhstan), June 26 : Indian long

jumper Ankit Sharma has qualified for the upcoming Rio Olympics after

meeting the qualification mark in men's long jump event of the ongoing Polish Athletics Championships in Kazakhstan on Sunday.

Ankit, who is from Madhya Pradesh, recorded a jump of 8.17 metres to surpass the Olympic qualification mark by 0.02.

With this result, national record holder Ankit becomes the 24th long jumper overall to confirm his place for the Rio games.

The Rio Olympics is slated to be held from August 5 to August 21.

ANI Karachi, June 26 : Out-offavour Pakistan seamer Umar Gul took a dig at the PCB after being overlooked for the upcoming tour to England, which starts from July 14.

The 32-year-old, whose career has been plagued by several injuries, expressed his indignation at the country's cricket board for continuously ignoring his desire to make an international return.

Insisting that injuries are part of cricket, the righthanded pacer said he is not asking the board to play him, but to provide him with a fair chance to make a comeback.

Lashing out at the double standard policy of the PCB , Umar said he was shocked to see him being dropped for the World T20 despite meeting the fitness criteria,

Umar Gul the Dawn reported.

Umar believes the selectors are not willing to trust him despite proving his fitness.

The pace bowler's last ODI appearance came in the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka back in March while he played his

last T20 international against New Zealand in January.

Umar has appeared in 47 Test matches and claimed 163 wickets, while he has featured in 126 ODIs and bagged 173 wickets for Pakistan.

Bacca's winner hands Colombia with third-place finish in Copa America Sunday.

Bacca's goal in the 31st minute of the third-place playoff match was enough to hand his side with the victory and ensure USA finish their Copa America campaign on the fourth place.

Carlos Bacca ANI Phoenix, June 26 : Striker Carlos Bacca struck a first-half goal as Colombia subdued USA

1-0 to finish their Copa America Centenario campaign on the third spot at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona on

Although USA had a great chance to level the score in the 51st minute of the match, Clint Dempsey's well-taken free kick was saved by Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina.

With this result, USA stand settled at fourth place for the second consecutive summer in this competition.

Gagan Narang finishes seventh in 50m rifle prone at Baku World Cup

Anju Bobby George Kerala Sports Minister E P Jayarajan.

Gopichand, a former all-England badminton champion, has been the coach of the Indian national badminton team since 2006 and is responsible for the likes of Sania Nehwal, P V Sindhu, K Srikanth and others doing well at the international level.

ANI Baku (Azerbaijan), June 26 : London Olympics Bronze medalist Gagan Narang, who reached his second World Cup Final in four days,finished seventh in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone event on day five of the sixth and final International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/ Shotgun) here on Sunday.

It was Gagan's fifth final in the event in the last two years and he has collected one medal from it, a Bronze which he won in Fort Benning last year.

He had also reached the finals of the event in the Granada World Championships in 2014.

On Thursday, the Indian ace shooter had also reached the finals of the Men's 10m Air Rifle event and ended sixth- an event in which he had won the Olympic Bronze.

Gagan's score of 621.1 in the qualifying round, which enabled him to become the seventh place shooter out of eight to make it to the finals, was below his best, but enough to get him another world cup final match-up before Rio. The highest score registered in quali-

after the first series of three shots. He was in fourth place till the eighth shot but a 9.9 in his ninth shot meant despite a 10.4 in the 10th, he had to bow out in seventh position.

Gagan Narang fying was 624.7.

Gagan started the finals

on a positive note, shooting into the second place

The Gold in the event went to Denmark's Torben Grimmel, who picked up his third World Cup Gold of the year in the tournament.

Kenneth Parr of Germany won the Silver and Petar Gorsa of Croatia won the Bronze.

Sanjeev Rajput, the second Indian in the Men's 50m Prone, finished

14th with an overall qualifying score of 617.6.

In the day's other medal event, India's Gurpreet Singh shot a score of 569 in the qualifying round of the Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol to end in 26th spot.

Indian shooters have reached six finals in the Baku World Cup so far, with Jitu Rai giving India its only medal so far in the Men's 10m Air Pistol on Saturday.

There are two more competition days left in the tournament with four sets of medals yet to be decided in them.

Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.