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ASSENG/2015/64205
PAGE 12
Vol. II
Issue 11
Dibrugarh, Wednesday, June 29, 2016
HUBLI'S FARMERS REAP THE BENEFITS OF A PAPAYA REVOLUTION
Tinsukia, June 28. A day after a joint team of 7 Madras Regiment of Indian army and Tinsukia police busted a racket involving three sulfa's carrying extortion activities in the name of Ulfa, security forces on Monday night arrested the fourth member of the group from Bordumsa in Tinsukia district. The arrested youth has been identified as Dharmen Moran, a resident of Ratnipathar village. According to security forces, Dharmen confessed that he was involved in extortion activities and identified the three sulfa. (Spl Correspondent)
Vehicle Stolen Golaghat, June 28: Incidents of growing cases of vehicle theft under Kamarbandha police station area of the district has become a matter of concern for all. Recently two vehicles were stolen from the area. An incident occurred in the house of Jiyauddin Ahmed of Atthabari village last night when his Sumo Gold vehicle number AS-O3 M-6318 was stolen. Another vehicle was stolen few days back. Police have launched an investigation into the matter. (Correspondent)
One killed in road mishap Golaghat, June 28: One person had to lost his life in a road accident at Dhuliagaon in Golaghat last night. According to the report last night a person named Rupam Mahanta was walking by the road at Dhuliagaon under Kamarbandha PS in Golaghat when he was hit by a speedy motor bike. In the accident Rupam Mahanta and the bike rider were seriously injured and they were brought to the hospital but Rupam Mahanta succumbed to his injuries. (Correspondent)
AJYCP Protest in Golaghat Golaghat, June 28: Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP), Golaghat District Unit today staged a three hours sit in demonstration programme near the DC Office in Golaghat. AJYCP protested against government's recent decision of handing over several oil fields of Assam to the private sector and also demanded a correct and proper National Register of Citizens. The protesters sent a memorandum to the Chief Minister through Golaghat DC. (Correspondent)
Governor Summons Assam Assembly on July 18 Guwahati, June 28: The Governor of Assam, Shri. Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, in exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of the Article 174 of the Constitution of India, as amended up-to-date, has summoned the Assam Legislative Assembly to meet at 9.00 A.M on Monday, the 18th of July, 2016 in the Assembly Chamber at Dispur. (Correspondent)
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12-hour TAYPA Assam Naga leader Isak Chisi bandh paralyses normal Swu passes away in Delhi life in Upper Assam Agencies New Delhi, June 28
Factfile – Isak Chishi Swu He was born in 1929 and he is the son of Kushe Chishi Swu who belongs from the village Chishilimi Naga village. Chishilimi Naga village is a Sema (Sumi) village in the Zunheboto district of Nagaland.
Isak Chisi Swu, co-founder of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IsakMuivah (NSCN-IM), died here on Tuesday. Swu, who along with Thuingaleng Muivah headed the NSCN-IM, died at the Fortis Hospital here at 12.40 pm, one of his close associates told IANS. He was in his 80s. Swu was admitted to the Fortis Hospital in south Delhi on July 5 last year following "severe kidney ailments and urinary tract infection". He was undergoing treatment at the prestigious for a “combination of illnesses.” Swu also suffered from “preexisting diabetes and kidney ailment”. Swu, who along with Thuingaleng Muivah and S S
Isak Chishi Swu Khaplang, raised the banner of sovereignty for Greater Nagalim outside of India. This happened on January 31, 1980, after they opposed the Naga faction of Naga National Council for entering into an understanding with the Indian government. Negotiations between Indian and Naga leaders have been going on since a ceasefire was signed in 1997, without a solution in sight, but since then several factions have emerged.
India and creation for a sovereign Naga state after he became the foreign secretary he was later elevated to Vice President NNC.
The 85-year-old NSCN leader Isak Chishi Swu is married to Khulu, and has five He did his early education at sons and one daughter. American Mission School at Chishilimi then studied at Isak Chishi Swu, Government High School, Thuingaleng Muivah and Kohima and graduated with S.S. Khaplang were behind Honours in Political Science the formation of The National from St. Anthony’s College, Socialist Council of Nagaland Shillong (NSCN) on 31 January 1980 opposing the Shillong Accord Joined underground in late signed by the then Naga 1950’s and served as Foreign National Council (NNC) with Secretary The Naga National the Government of India. Council (NNC) which was a Following a disagreement, the political organization of Naga group split into two factions, people, active from the late the NSCN-K led by S S 1940s to the early 1950s. Khaplang, and the NSCNUnder the leadership of IM, led by Isak Chishi Swu Angami Zapu Phizo in the and Thuingaleng 1940s, it unsuccessfully Muivah.Formed NSCN on campaigned for the secession 31st January, 1980 and of the Naga territory from become chairman of NSCN.
Pul assures to release 14 months pending honorarium of contractual employees under Saakshar Bharat Mission A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 28
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul assured to release 14 months pending honorarium of contractual employees under Saakshar Bharat Mission, a National Flagship Programme to literate India, launched by the Govt of India on September 2009.
Bandh supporters burn tyres in Sivasagar and (right) damaged truck. Pic - Parashmoni and Sidharth ET Bureau Dibrugarh, June 28
The 12-hour Assam bandh called by Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad, Assam (TAYPA) to protest the Centre’s decision to hand over 12 minor oil fields of Assam to private investors through auction today evoked near total response in the upper Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat and the two north bank districts Lakhimpur and Dhemaji as well. The impact of the bandh was partial in other parts of the state. In the upper Assam and north bank districts, vehicles were off the roads and mostly private vehicles deployed for school duty was
Late in the monday evening, it was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister that the State Coordinators, District Coordinators, Block Coordinators and the Village Coordinators (Preraks) appointed under SBM Programme on contract basis have not received their honorarioum for the last 14 months.
year. Altogether, SBM employs 3644 coordinators/preraks covering 152 Blocks and 1713 Gram Panchayats with the target of achieving 2,16,325 adult learners by paying honorarium of Rs 6000/- per month to Coordinator and Rs 2000/- per month to Preraks.
ing share for 2013-14 and 2014-15 on time by the state govt. and subsequent non-release of central grants of Rs 1577 lacs for the year 2015-16 by Govt of India under the programme thereby affecting the employees adversely.
It is pertinent to mention here that the SBM Programme was lauched by the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh in the year 2010 under which 6 State Coordinators, 60 District Coordinators, 152 Block Coordinators and 3426 Village Coordinators (Preraks) was appointed on contract basis in the same
All Arunachal Pradesh Saakshar Bharat Mission Employee Association while placing their grievances before the Chief Minister on Monday evening apprised that 14 months honorarium to the employees under SBM Programme were pending due to non-release of state match-
It was only on 28th March 2016 that the state matching share of Rs 21.62 lacs for two years was released by the state govt. After the release of state matching share on March 2016, GOI could only release Rs 426 lacs to the state govt against proposed amount of Rs 1577 lacs towards the recurring expenditure. The released
NSCN (K) cadres nabbed by Asam Rifles
amount would only suffice to clear about 6 months honorarium to the Coordinators/ Preraks. Remaining 8 months honorarium can only be cleared after receiving balance central grants of Rs 1151 lacs from Govt of India, the memorandum cited.
In a major success in Counter Insurgency operations Assam Rifles apprehended two suspected NSCN (K) cadres from a village in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
A couple of incidents of tussle between bandh supporters and security forces have been reported during the bandh. Schools, colleges and educational institutions, banks, commercial and business establishments, financial
institutions remained closed while thin attendance was recorded in government offices. Commuters were seen waiting for autos or other three wheelers at various points in Dibrugarh. A few Assam State Transport Corporation buses were seen plying with police escorts. Rail and air services, however, remained unaffected. “No incidents of violence have been reported from the districts,’’ a police official said. “I’ve to go to Dibrugarh University but there was no autos plying today due to bandh. We have to suffer the most during the Assam bandhs,’’ said Raju Sharma, a resident of Dibrugarh town. Contd. on Page 4
The representatives of AAPSBMEA have requested the Chief Minster to address their grievances and to release their 14 months pending honorarium at the earliest so as to enabling them to tide over the crisis to which the Chief Minister Pul assured to redress their grievances.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, June 28
“A long cherished dream of the people has come true with the handing over of the land to Central Government for setting up of AIIMS, Assam,” said Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a solemn function held at the conference room of the Assam Secretariat here today. The State Government handed over 571 bighas of land to the Central Government.
Contd. on Page 4
The personnel of Assam Rifles acting on intelligence inputs apprehended Mr Prashanta Gogoi,34, s/o Shri Mineshwar Gogoi a resident of Manmao village and Mr. Moni Singh,33, Contd. on Page 4
Assam CM Sonowal (right) during the land handover ceremony. Pic - UB Photo
Royal Arunachal Riders’ Club’s website launched in Itanagar A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jun 28
ET Correspondent Changlang, June 28
seen moving around. “Since, the exams has not been postponed we have to come out”, a guardian carrying his daughter to a private school in Dibrugarh said. TAYPA members had made it clear that it would not obstruct school children or people coming out for medical reasons during the bandh. Bandh supporters burnt tyres in the middle of several roads across the districts to impose the bandh.
"Long cherished dream of the people has come true with the handing over of the land to Central Government for setting up of AIIMS, Assam" - Sonowal
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Itanagar municipal council’s deputy chief Councillor and former MLA Kipa Babu today launched the website of the Royal Arunachal Riders club at Classic restaurant here amid a gathering of motorcycle riders. The website, www.royalarunachalriders.in provides information about Royal Enfield clubs and riders of the state.
In his address, Babu, who is also the proprietor of Bucho Motors, said it is an achievement to be able
to ride to different parts of the state and the Northeast region, besides to neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bhutan.
“It used to be a difficult task for us earlier for want of service and spare parts for Royal Enfield motorcycles in the state; but it was through the persuasion of riders like Pige Ligu, Apang Welly, Vijay Sonam and others that we now have three service stations - two in Itanagar, and at Bucho Motors in Naharlagun,” he said. These days, even retired army officers and other ex-servicemen are contributing to the growth of riders’ clubs in
Arunachal through their experience and exposure, Babu said, adding that bikers’ clubs “should seek to create a pan-Arunachal identity.” Arunachal Riders’ Meet organising chairman Tanu Kamsar said the meet, aimed at promoting ‘unity in diversity’ and tourism in the state, is being held from mid-September at Kessang in East Kameng district, and that the process of registration is available on the event’s website.
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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are in high spirits today. This is a good time to do all those things that you have been procrastinating for a long time. You may do all the things you dislike doing, like arranging your wardrobe. If you are planning to introduce a new strategy, go ahead. Taurus In all probability, you will challenge all conventions and traditions with innovation in a successful manner. In the afternoon, you may manage to step on the toes of your boss, so beware. The evening promises an ambiance that will change your weaknesses into your strengths. Gemini You will keep others under the spell of your magnetic personality. Your long-term goals will start taking shape by the end of the day. You may also expect some good news, generally related to a wedding. You will succeed in all your romantic endeavors. Cancer Today, you will accomplish most of your short-term goals and may shift your focus to long-term plans. Now that you have achieved some of your goals, you may spare some time for leisure activities. Family will get its due place in your scheme of things in the evening. Leo You will be bound closer to your near and dear ones. They will be able to understand your feelings and expressions. Your day will be spent in pleasurable company. If you have been desirous of something for quite some time, you will attain it now. New relationships begun today will last for a long time. Virgo Your focus levels will reach their highest point today. Working will be fun and you shall finish your jobs quickly and efficiently. A twist of tale may crop up its head; worry not, as physical intimacy will take your love affair to the next level. Libra It's like a finishing job for you today as you complete pending jobs. It was about time things got wrapped up, anyway. But with your high level of energy and vigor, you may also have an inclination to begin a new business. Keep at it, and you may find some satisfaction in business dealings towards the evening. Scorpio Your spouse will shower you with love and warmth today. The afternoon sun may bring good news from distant relatives. On the home front, family members will get special attention. Sagittarius Spirituality may overwhelm every other state of your being today. Unavoidable expenses may also be on the cards where you must ensure you get the value for your money. Besides an odd shopping spree or some light socializing with friends and family, you are inclined to visit a holy shrine today in quest of spiritual peace. Capricorn Faced with an unrelenting boss? Give him that million-dollar smile you flash to woo others, it might just work today. The first half of the day will be good for those looking to start a new venture. But don't expect miracles to happen; you will not achieve success overnight and certainly not if you don't have your actions well planned. Exhausted by the day's work, you are likely to spend an exciting evening with your sweetheart. Aquarius Your family will dote on you today and God knows you deserve it. Just go along with their plans for once, and you'll be surprised by how blessed and cheerful you feel. In business dealings, your forthrightness and charm will win people over. Pisces A day of hectic socializing awaits you, not that you mind it. But you may also catch yourself wishing for some time alone for yourself. The evening will probably see you deck up and head for a happening party, with lots of members of the opposite sex to woo.
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 29-6-16 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 7-35 P.M-Ujjwal Bhabishyat 9-30 P.M- Kramasha (Serial Novel Reading)-"Theng Phakhri Tahsiladaror Taamor Tarowaal", Written by Mamoni Roysam Goswami,Read by Tribeni Das Gogoi, Music-Hiren Gohain, Direction-Lohit Deka, Production-Jayantajit Das (Part-1) Sd-/H.O.P
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AASU stages dharna in Dibrugarh against price rise Subham Chakraborty Dibrugarh, June 28: The All Dibrugarh District Students' Union of the AASU today staged a two hour long dharna programme at the students' union Swahid Nyas building here to protest spiraling prices of essential commodities in the market. The students body also protested the Centre's recent decision to hand over 12 oil fields of the state to private investors through international bidding. Monoranjan Sonowal, President of the student's union Dibrugarh town committee came down heavily upon the state government for its alleged failure in controlling price rise. "Before the elections, the BJP promised before the people of Assam that it will control price rise. However, even after one month of formation of government under
Activists of All Assam Stundets Union (AASU),Dibrugarh unit staging a protest dharna against price hike in essential commodities in Dibrugarh.Pic - UB PHOTOS
Noted Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah passes away ET Correspondent Margherita, June 28: Noted Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah breathed his last today at his residence Margherita. He was suffering from age old ailments.Green Mohang Baruah passed at the age of 91.A senior citizen of Margherita noted Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah was associated with many organisations of Margherita and wrote 6 books about Tai Culture and Tai People of Assam.Noted Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah was also closely associated with Thailand thinkers and philosophers where many research works of Tai culture were done by them. Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah was also the Former President of Purvanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha and
also the executive member of Mohung Deodhai Bailung Sanmihloni. Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma today went to the house of Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah and condole the death and conveyed deep condolence to the bereaved family members of Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah. Meanwhile different organisations of Margherita including All Tai Ahom Students Association Central Committee Secretary Chao Debakanta Gogoi and Assistant Secretary Chao Jayanto Neog have condole the death of noted Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah and conveyed deep condolence to the bereaved family members of Noted Tai Pandit Green Mohung Baruah.
DC Office condoles demise of employee ET Correspondent Sivasagar, June 28: Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Sivasagar condoled the death of one of its employee - junior assistant Rajani Borpatra at the Sukafa Conference Hall here today. A condolence meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, i/ c Abhijit Baruah, this afternoon in presence of assistant commissioners Priyanku Jyoti Sharma and Shantanu Sharma.
All the employees of the DC's Office including its adjacent offices participated in the condolence meeting. The employees condoled the death of Borpatra, who died due to AES on Monday morning. Borpatra had been undergoing treatment at Pragati Nursing Home & Research Centre in Sivasagar for nearly one week where he breathed his last today morning. Late Borpatra is survived by his wife only.
Dist Admn. along with Malaria dept taken up series of measures to check JE N. Patnaik Nagaon, June 28: Nagaon district health department and District Malaria department along with district administration have taken recently a series of measures like awareness meetings among common people, spray of DDT, fogging etc. to make people aware of the cause of Japanese Encephalitis so as to bring down the cases of this dreaded fever. According to the health department, till last week 22 people have been affected by this fever among which 2 have died including a 5 year old child named
Sonakshi Hajong in Hajong Longjamp under Barpujia Primary Health Centre. The source maintained that the department collected 94,548 units of blood samples from different parts of the district. It further disclosed that 1023 awareness meetings were conducted and at 30 places street dramas were performed to make people aware about how to prevent the spread of this fever. In the mean time, 10922 mosquito nets have been medicated. Allying the fear that the fever has taken a menacing form the health department maintained that rumour was
agog about the spread of this fever in rural areas. Denying the claim of unofficial sources that 5 people died of the fever so far, the department disclosed only two have died while another two dies of viral encephalitis. In the district 39 persons have been affected by malaria, among whom 24 have been by dreaded PF malaria and another 15 by PV malaria. The source also maintained that a concerted effort had been taken in areas under Jakhalabandha, Cimalabasti, Kathiatoli, Burahgohain, Samaguri, Barapujia PHCs which are prone to malaria.
Local Organising Committee formed for 24th State level National Children’s Science Congress to be held at Dibrugarh University A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, June 28: 24th Sate level National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) a program for budding child scientists will be organized by District organizing committee of NCSC, Dibrugarh in association with Dibrugarh University with local support from Dibrugarh District Administration during 13-16 of October this year. In this connection a general meeting was held amongst the officials of State and District organizing Committee, University fraternity and District Administration on 21st of June at Dibrugarh University to form the local organizing committee for smooth organization of such an important and mega event. The committee includes Honorable Chief Minister as Chief Patron, Honorable Vice Chancellor, DU as Chief Advisor, M. S.
Manivannan as President, Prof Jiten Hazarika, Dean Students’ Affairs, DU as Working President, Dr. Jitu Ranjan Chetia as Organising Secretary and Dr. Surajit Borkotokey & Dr. Binud Ch. Bora of DU and Tanvi Ahmed, Asst Commissioner, Dibrugarh as Joint Secretary unanimously in the meeting presided over by M. S. Manivannan, DC, Dibrugarh. Mr. Manivannan and Dr. M.N. Dutta, Registrar, DU also urge to extend full support and plead for all to join hand to host the child scientists, escort teachers, coordinators and scientists to be participated in the event. The selected child scientist from all the districts of Assam will present their project work based on the focal theme Science Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development and on other seven sub themes in the
four day long program. Apart from this, interactive sessions with scientist of national and international repute, Science exhibition, Demonstration of Science Activity, Sky Observation, Quiz, Exposure of research environment in University, Book-fair, visit to important place etc. will be arranged in parallel. This program is catalyzed by DST, Govt. of India nationwide and by ASTEC at state level to build scientific temperament and to motivate the budding children towards issue based basic research in every year. Dr. Pradip Baruah, Vice Chancellor, i/c, DU, Dr. Joydeep Baruah, Working President, Romen Gogoi, State Coordinator and Sandip Bhattacharjee, Asst Coordinator, SOC was also present in the meeting and discussed various aspects of the programs to be covered in the Convention.
Rail communication between Lumding- Silchar from July 10 ET Correspondent Haflong, June 28 : Promising running of a special train from Lumding to Mahur as fill-gap arrangement considering the untold sufferings of the people of Dima Hasao and Barak valley, the General Manager N F Rly assured on Tuesday that the train communication between Lumding - Silchar would start from July 10.
Members of All Assam trained Home Guard Association today conducted a cleanliness drive at Tinsukia SP office premises under Swach Bharat Abhijaan. Pic - Sidharth Singh
chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal the party has totally failed to keep its promise", he said. AASU District President Modhu Kumar Gogoi in his address blamed the government as well as its officials for non performance due to which prices of almost each and every commodity has risen. "If this is the situation how will the poor and the needy survive. The government will have to initiate strong steps to control price rise", he said. Hundreds of students from all over the district took part in today's protest programme. Gogoi also appealed towards the Centre to review its decision to hand over the oil fields to private players. AASU district general secretary Sarat Konwar also criticized the government for allegedly taking a U-turn on the oil fields issue.
The train services between Lumding - Silchar was disrupted due to swelling of track foundation following heavy landslide near Migrengdisa since May 16. The Railway authority put its best efforts to restore the communication at the ear-
liest but due to some geological problems, the track foundation began to swell forcing the railway authority to divert the present alignment by 220 meters to give time to stabilise the main track foundation.
A high level team of N F Railway comprising G M, S. K. Jaggi along with Chief Administrative Officer Ajit Pandit, Principal Chief Engineer, Lalit Kapur, Chief Engineer, R P Jingar and others inspected
the site on Tuesday to take the stock of the situation and the work progress. G M Jaggi interacted with all the officials' working day and night at the site right from May 16 and appreciated for their untiring efforts saying that we the Railway officials always maintain a culture where we all take part in such crisis as a family. We know nothing other than running of trains with safety and security of the people. Therefore whenever train services disrupted it becomes our top priority to restore the services at the earliest. Barun Adhikari, a geologist from Geo- Consultant disclosed that we have sug-
gested the rail authority for piling by the side of the main track and waiting for the stabilisation of the foundation of main track. We have adopted so many precautionary measures but due to inclement weather sometimes we feel helpless in the hand of nature. The people of Dima Hasao in particular and of Barak valley in general appreciated GM and his team wholeheartedly for introducing a special train in between New Haflong Silchar from June 23 and his promise to introduce another train from between Lumding and New Haflong has become a boon to the people of Dima Hasao as well as Barak valley.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
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Arunachal DCM Kameng Dolo urges Centre to accord top priority for setting up of Gram Panchayat infrastructure and internet connectivity New Delhi, June 28 : Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo has urged the Centre Government to accord top priority for setting up of Gram Panchayat infrastructure and internet connectivity in the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking at one-day National Level Conference of State Panchayat Ministers and Principal Secretaries here toady at Vigyan Bhawan, Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister Panchayat, Dolo said, in order to ease the financial burden on the state government, the central government should continue to contribute towards the establishment expenditure of Panchayat manpower under the new Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). Informing the Union Minister of Panachayati Raj of delaying the 3rd Installment of funds to the state government despite passing of three months, Dolo urged the central government to consider for allocate of development funds to those PRIs that have been left out from the Fourteenth Fi-
nance Commission Grants. Justifying his demands, Dolo opined that central government should extend support to the state government for strengthening PRIs, which co-exist in harmony with the traditional councils of Arunachal Pradesh. Dolo further appealed the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj to ensure timely release of the FFC Annual Basic Grants for Gram Panchayats to enable
the state to fully utilize the funds, which would also facilitate the timely submission of UCs to the Ministry. Highlighting the various initiatives taken by the State Government to strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions, Deputy Chief Minister, Dolo informed that the state government is facing challenges in providing basic infrastructures, digital connectivity, own revenue generation and capacity building of the PRIs
functionaries. On providing dedicated internet access to all Gram Panchayat segments, Dolo said that the state government will be requiring large scale investment for lying Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) network to reach every Gram Panchayat with a view to link them difgitally with rest of the nation. However, he informed that, as on today, dedicated Internet services are available only upto the District
Headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh. Dwelling on the need of Human Resource support to function panchayat effectively, Dolo said after delinking of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), the state government, out of its meager financial resources is carrying the burden of the contractual panchayat employee, which in future fall burden on the state exchequer. Therefore, the Central Government should continue to bear the establishment expenditure of man power under the new Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), he advocated. Appreciating the initiatives taken under the RGSA to link the panchayat through Digital India Programme and the financial inclusion to establish bank networks through ATMs in all Gram Panchayats, Deputy Chief Minister, Dolo expressed his hope that such measures would surely facilitate the rural people in the country to take advantage of Modi led Central Government's policies and programmes.
Namsai launches oil palm plantation ET Correspondent Namsai, June 28: In a bid to create awareness about the scope and prospects of Oil Palm in Namsai district an interaction-cum-demonstration programme was conducted by the department of Agriculture, Namsai in collaboration with Shiva Sai Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad on 27.06.16.Selected beneficiaries of oil palm from in and around Namsai circle including farmers from Deomali circle of Tirap dist. ZPC Namsai Chow Kiyasing Munglong,ZPM Namsai Chow Mahajani Chowpoo,ZPM Upper Lekang Shri Jogesh Tai and other Panchayat attended the programme. Addressing the farmers and officials D.D.A.Namsai Sri.P.Khoisia emphasized the need for diversification of agriculture in today’s situation and urged the farmers to take acue from Mizoram where a new agriculture revolution has set in pushing the rural economy to a new height by growing oil palm in the abandoned
traditional jhum fields.Joining the discussion Mr.Ranga CEO Shiva Sai Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad exhaustively explained the brief history of Oil Palm in India, scope and prospects of Oil Palm in NE region especially in Arunachal Pradesh, MoU with Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and future plan of establishing oil extraction plant in Namsai District .Several apprehensions/ doubts of the farmers were cleared by the CEO. After the interactive session a live demonstration on lay-
out of field in triangle system, pit-digging, manuring and planting of seedling was carried out in transit nursery marking the official launching of Oil Palm. It may be noted that Shiva Sai Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad is out of the private companies who had signed a MoU with the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and has been assigned the eastern districts also called as Zone-1 comprising of Tirap, Longding, Changlang, Namsai and Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
AdiSU seeks invention over ab- Arunachal BJP organised sence of circle officer and other interactive session with heads of the banks admn officers in remote districts A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 28: Expressing concern over absence of circle officer and other administrative officers in remote border areas of Upper Siang and West Siang districts, the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) sought intervention of the state chief secretary and demanded immediate posting of adequate administrative officer in the said areas. Speaking to reporters at the press club today, AdiSU general secretary Buteng Tayeng opined that the remote areas of Upper Siang
close to China border still do not have adequate administrative officers like CO in its various circles. For the past several years, no administrative officer has been posted in various circles of the district, leaving the people and office abandoned, added Tayeng. He also asserted that the public and students of those areas are facing unspeakable problems due to absence of circle officer. Citing the example of Katan circle, Tayeng informed that people of the area have to cover a distance of at least
85 kilometers to reach Mariyang for every minor official work. “Absence of administrative officers is not only affecting official work, but also depriving citizens off various centrally sponsored schemes and state run projects like BADP and MsDP”, lamented the general secretary. He further disclosed that Upper Siang have only six circle officers against the 16 circles, and at the moment, the district requires 10 more COs for smooth functioning. Articulating the grievances
of Pidi circle of West Siang district, Jeni Bunyi , who is a native of Pidi village and the auditor of AdiSU, informed that people are migrating from their respective villages to other areas due to absence of administrative officers and other basic facilities in the area. “We have to cover almost 80 Km, besides a two-hour walk from Pidi to reach ADC Headquarter, Mechukha even for petty official works”, he rued, while informing that there was a CO office, but has remained defunct for the past three years.
Adi students Union urge chief secretary to look into electric pole issue A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 28 :Taking strong exception on the lackadaisical attitude of the Department of Power Namsai Division, the Adi Students’ Union has urged the chief secretary to initiate proper action against erring officials for allegedly using a live tree as electric pole to connect electricity in some villages under Namsai district.
AdiSU general secretary Buteng Tayeng alleged that the concerned department has used at least 96 live trees as electric poles to connect electricity in more than 200 households in four villages, namely New Jengthu, Donekona, Mengkeng I and Mengkeng II under Namsai district. He also informed that proper complaint had been
submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Namsai, but no action has been initiated to rectify the fault since the past month. Instead, the department has reportedly disconnected the connection of electricity against the said villages. Further, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who is also from Namsai district, has physically visited the places and had
assured to take corrective measures. However, even after a month’s time, no action has been taken. We appeal to the CS to take immediate action against erring officials and to issue order for re-connection of electricity in all the affected villages, as the villagers, especially students are facing immense problems, added Tayeng.
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, June 28 : With reports of bankers not cooperating with the vast majority of the people intending to take benefits of several of PM Modi's flagship initiatives, state BJP president along with several BJP legislators held an interaction with the heads of the banks at its party headquarters today. 'In the last two years, the Modi-led Government has launched 52 schemes that have been well received across the country but in Arunachal, I have witnessed that commoners are complaining of noncooperation from bankers,' said BJP president Gao, while adding that the data provided by state Planning Department shows how poorly the implementing agencies are handling the ground breaking initiatives of the prime minister.
At the end of fiscal 201516, only 1, 27,767 PM Jan Dan Yojna accounts were opened in Arunachal Pradesh but just about 5,812 accounts were seeded with Aadhar card. Further, Gao informed that just 31,368 and 51, 676 have been enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana respectively. And PM Atal Pension Yojana had just 1200 subscribers. Terming the penetration as a ‘poor show’, Gao sought to know the reasons for such dismal penetration. “First is the inability to put up physical infrastructure; secondly, lack of manpower and third is, lack of awareness”, said a banker while disclosing that awareness
generation is at full swing.
BJP MLA from Tezu, Dr Mohesh Chai exhorted the bankers to push for PM Mudra Yojana, which till date has witnessed just about 2343 (Shishu), 539 (Kishore) and 261 (Tarun) accounts opened across the state that accounted for fund disbursement of little over Rs 42 Crores. Talking of good practices, BJP legislator from Raga, Tamar Murtem urged the district administrators to emulate Deputy Commissioner Upper Subansiri in implementing such social welfare schemes. “Deploy government officials at the banks to encourage opening of accounts as was done for Jan Dan Yojana at Daporijo State Bank of India”, Murtem said.
In the meeting attended by state vice presidents – Techi Necha, Kenyir Ringu, general secretaries –Dominic Tadar, Ramesh Kadaganchi, legislators –Laisam Simai, Olom Panyang, former minister Tsering Gyurmey urged private bankers to establish a branch at Dirang, while MLA Tesam Pongte made the same appeal for Changlang. Gao suggested for regular dialogue between the bankers and the party. “Those who were absent today should make it a point next time to engage with us, so that we are aware of the challenges that are hindering the implementation”, said Gao, while adding that, if needed the state BJP would write to the PMO and Finance Ministry.
Women Welfare Society of Arunachal Pradesh and College Students conduct Drug Awareness Campaign at Newman School Neotan ET Bureau Changlang, June 28: The Inter-Collegiate Youth Association (ICYA) of Miao in collaboration with the Women Welfare Society of Arunachal Pradesh conducted a drug awareness campaign at Newman School, Neotan in Changlang District on 28 June 2016. Responding to the rising menace of drug abuse in and around Miao area, a college students' association based in Miao, ICYA under the leadership of Kenli, its President, has arranged a series of events from 26 June to 9 July 2016 to raise awareness on drug abuse among the students in all the schools
in this area. Speaking to the students in Newman School, Neotan, the President of ICYA stressed the impor-
tance of being aware of the rising number of cases of drug abuse in Miao area. "The sharp rise in the number among the
students is very disturbing. They not only destroy themselves but their families and their society at large. You must not only
be aware but also spread awareness among others. The society needs you", he said. Fr. Felix Anthony, the
Principal of the school, appreciated the Students' movement for taking on a social cause during their summer holidays. "We
hope the young student in our school follow your example to work for the social concerns such as drug abuse", he said. Mrs. Mossang, the President of the Women Welfare Society of Arunachal Pradesh, who was present for the occasion too appreciated the college students and exhorted the students in the school to focus on their education and become great leaders of the society. "When I was a student, there was no one to guide any one. You must listen to the advice of your seniors today for a better tomorrow", she said. The students of the school took active part in the sessions and listened to the speakers with rapt atten-
tion. "We have had drug awareness campaign in our school before. But this one is very special and it had greater impact on us as it is being organized by our seniors who were with us in our school here before", said Ralpung Mossang, a ninth grader. The campain at Neman School came to conclude with the students taking a pledge never to indulge in drug abuse and to do their bit to stop its spread. The two-week long Drug Awareness campaign kick started with the Awareness Marathon on 26 June at Miao. The campaign will conclude with Inter-school cultural competitions and Motivational Rally on 9 July 2016.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
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Urban Development Department issues fresh Centre's decision to auction oil fields is aimed to benefit "some instruction to all civic bodies across the state private industrialists" : Congress to make compliance of tobacco advertisement A Staff Reporter Guwahati, June 28: The Urban Development Department, Government of Assam has issued fresh instruction to all municipal boards and town committees across the state to make compliance of tobacco advertisement norms a mandatory criterion for obtaining and renewing trade license/ No Objection Certificate (NOC) of shops selling tobacco products. The instruction in this regard was passed by the Director Municipal Administration, Assam through a letter issued this month to the Chairpersons and Executive Officer of all the 96 municipal boards and town
committees of the state. Instruction to the Director to issue the same was given by the Joint Secretary, Urban Development Department, Govt. of Assam. The order was issued following an official request from the Voluntary Health Association of Assam, an NGO, to the Urban Development Department to sustain compliance of tobacco advertisement norms in Assam through intervention of municipal bodies. The VHAA requested the Urban Development Department to make it mandatory for all shops selling tobacco products to comply with Section 5 and
Section 6-a (mandatory display of boards stating sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited with pictorial warnings) of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA), 2003 while obtaining and renewing trade licences. Violation of COTPA, 2003 section 5 can result in a penalty of up to Rs 1,000 or two years in jail for a first-time violation and fine of Rs 5,000 and five years in jail for a repeat offence. Assam police had earlier intervened to stop all forms of direct tobacco advertisements at the points of sale (shops where tobacco products are sold) in
Assam and was successful in removing most of the hoardings that violated Section 5 (rule 4) of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. It is to be mentioned that Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Commissioner has already issued a instruction to the concern officials of the corporation on December last year directing them to take action against shops violating tobacco advertisement norms at the time of issuing trade licences and no-objection certificates. The order issued by the Direc-
tor Municipal Administration further requested the Chairpersons and Executive Officers of the municipal boards and the town committees to issue necessary order in similar line with the GMC order. According to Section 5 of COTPA, tobacco products can be advertised in the package containing tobacco products, on the entrance and inside warehouse storing tobacco products and at the point of sale or distribution only. But hoardings at the point of sale that are larger than the prescribed (60cmx45cm) size and the presence of more than two boards at one point of sale are regarded as violations.
"Long cherished dream of the people NSCN (K) cadres has come true with the handing over of nabbed by Asam Rifles the land to Central Government for possession. They were from Page 1 involved in supporting setting up of AIIMS, Assam" - Sonowal s/oContd. Shri Ibomcha Si GJ a NSCN (K) by abetting and Contd. from Page 1 Chief Minister Sonowal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to set up AIIMS, Assam in deference to the wishes of the people. “The people of Assam are elated that a world class health institute is coming up which will provide quality health care to them at affordable price. People no longer have to go outside the State for treatment once the health institute comes up, thanks to the laudable initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said. Sonowal said that the coming up of AIIMS, Assam would not only ensure quality healthcare but also herald a new dawn in medical education. “The students of our State will get to know the latest in health care,” he said. Reacting to the agitations taking place in different parts of the State for AIIMS institute, Sonowal said, “Our Government cannot do anything on this as a special Central team decides on selection of places.” Sonowal said everyone has to work in tandem if AIIMS, Assam has to grow into a fullfledged institution. “The people have to extend all support and cooperation to the Government in the construction of the premier institution. A sea change will take place in the medical scene in the State with the coming up of AIIMS. Assam will figure prominently in the medical map of the country,” he added. The Chief Minister said the Government will initiate steps
to set up good health institutions in the Barak valley as well as in the Hills district. “Our Government will work wholeheartedly for setting up good health institutions in the Barak as well as in the Hills district of the State,” he added. Sonowal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a slew of measures to take Assam and the entire North East region to the path of development. “To accelerate the pace of development in the region, the Prime Minister has directed his ministerial colleagues to visit the region every fortnight to take stock of the situation and to take measures accordingly,” he added. \ Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the State Government handed over seven plots of land to the Central Government for setting up of AIIMS, Assam and it selected the plot at Jalah near Changsari. Dr Sarma disclosed that the Centre has asked the State Government to provide electricity connection, water supply and construction of road. He said that the State Government took 100 days to complete the entire process of acquiring the land and today it has been successfully handed over to the Central Government. Dr. Sarma said besides handing over the land, the State Government has released Rs 8.80 crore to APDCL, Rs 10.79 crore to PWD and Rs 29 crore to PHED. The Health Minister pointed out that the institute to
be set up involving Rs 1,000 crore will house 500 beds, 18 super speciality departments. It will provide medical education to 100 students, he added. The Health Minister disclosed that the Central Government has released Rs 22 crore to the State Government. Dr. Sarma said that an AIIMS institute on the lines of All India Institute of Ayurveda would be set up at Raha. Dr. Sarma revealed that construction work could not begin for new medical colleges at Lakhimpur, Dhubri and Kokrajhar because of lack of requisite land for the purpose. He exuded optimism that the land acquisition process would be completed within 15th August and construction would commence from January next year. In this context, Dr. Sarma said the functioning of the three new medical colleges would begin in 2019. He also revealed that the Diphu Medical College would be operationised in 2017. Dr. Sarma announced that five more medical colleges would be set up by the present Government.
resident of Changlang village from Changlang town in the wee hours on 28th June. Two pistols, six live rounds and incriminating documents to include extortion notes of GPRN - NSCN (K) were recovered from their
The exercise commenced with the Opening Address delivered by Lt Gen D Anbu, AVSM,YSM, SM, GOC GAJRAJ Corps who stressed upon the need for integrating the key facets of the NDMP2016 guidelines to include understanding and strengthening disaster risks, governance to manage disaster risks, investing in disaster risk reduction and enhancing disaster preparedness. Thereafter, the Chief Secretary, Shri VK Pipersenia commended the ASDMA and the Armed Forces for taking the unique initiative, first of its kind to spread awareness amongst various stakeholders
energy security”.
In a letter addressed to the state’s chief minister, leader of the opposition of Assam assembly and also Congress party member, Debabrata Saikia, said though a draft policy was prepared under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and Veerappa Moily as the then petroleum minister to transfer small and marginal oil fields under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) bids, the UPA government however kept the decision in abeyance keeping in view the “sensitivity on the Assamese people and
The move to auction these fields is aimed at monetising the vast resources lying untapped in these fields and partly meet the country’s energy demand. These fields altogether hold in-place oil and oil equivalent gas volumes of 86 MMT, which amounts to around Rs. 70,000 crore of reserves.
The Centre has identified 67 small oil and gas fields across the country, including 12 from Assam, to put on auction from next month onwards through competitive global bidding. All these 67 fields were discovered some 2030 years back and had been lying undeveloped with either the Oil India Limited (OIL) or Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said exploiting these small fields required micro-level management and specific technologies, making it unattractive for the two
Contd. from Page 1
The bandh had affected normal life in Teok in Jorhat district. All government offices, banks, education institutions remained closed during the 12-hour bandh. The bandh paralyzed normal life in business town Tinsukia and the business establishments were affected mostly. AJYCP took out a protest rally against the centre decision to auction twelve Oil and Gas fields to private investors. “Privatisation of the oilfields will take away the people’s right over the state’s resources. Therefore, we demand to the BJP to The meeting was attended, stop such practices,’’ said a AJYCP among others, by Minister for member. On the other hand, the Commerce and Industry, bandh passed off peaceful in Chandra Mohan Patowary, Sivasagar. Police arrested six Minister for Agriculture, Atul picketers involved in road blockade. Bora, Minister for Revenue & However, they were released later. It Disaster Management, Pallab might be mentioned that recently, Lochan Das, Minister for Union Petroleum Minister Water Resources, Keshab Mahanta, Chief Secretary, VK Dharmendra Pradhan announced the Pipersenia, Additional Chief NDA government’s decision to Secretary, Ministry of Health auction 12 small oilfields of Assam; and Family Welfare Arun the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) – an Kumar Panda and senior State ally of the BJP in the state – has opposed the decision and asked the Government officials. Centre to reconsider the move. On the other hand, the 12-hr long bandh affected normal life in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts. Comprehensive affect of the Bandh was witnessed all over the two districts. Most of the commercial complex, institutions, plying of vehicles remained closed during the bandh. However, activities in the educational institutions, essential
services were seen to be regular. The government offices too remained open. In Jorhat, ferry services between Neematighat to Majuli remained suspended for the day. Few small and private vehicles mostly carrying students were seen plying during the first half of the day as most of the schools were holding halfyearly examination which was relaxed from the bandh. “The handing over of the oil fields to private parties is a big threat for Assam and we cannot let this happen”, Putul Dutta, AJYCP Central committee adviser said. Most of the office both public and private wore a deserted look. Picketers burnt tyres and even pelted stones at several vehicles on NH-37 near Chenijan, Ladoigarh, Pukhuria, Dhekiajuli, NH-37 bypass where at least seven vehicles were reported to be partially damaged. Police rounded up 22 picketers from several areas of the district but was released later. On the otherhand, no untoward incident was reported from Powai to Jagun which falls under Margherita Sub Division. All business establishment, banks and offices remained closed. The half yearly examinations in the schools were held as per schedule. Chao Mintu Deodhai Phukan, General Secretary of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom Central Committee said that the organisation will continue its agitation till the Central Government rolls back it's decision. (With inputs from our correspondents in Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Margherita, Teok, Jorhat)
torious.
Proceedings thereafter followed a series of presentations and brain storming sessions with Syndicates co-opting different agencies responsible for disaster management. Healthy discussion pursued with syndicates deliberating upon issues ranging from Preparation, Planning, Early Warning and Immediate Response to Relief and Rehabilitation measures. The keen interest and participation of the stake holders adequately displayed that
It is pertinent to mention that in addition to Exercise Jalrahat based on Flood Relief in an urban setting, Indian Navy will be carrying out Exercise Prakampana based on relief and assistance in case of a super cyclone at Vizag, Andhra Pradesh in August 2016 and Indian Air Force will be undertaking Exercise Sahayta based on relief and assistance in case of a major earthquake at Bhuj, Gujrat. All these will be joint exercises like Exercise Jalrahat.
this exercise is heading on to become an epitome in the field of planning and preparation for taking on the menace of Urban Flooding head on with the firm resolve to build resilience in the society to stand up to such a calamity and come out vic-
The First Day of Exercise ended on a positive note. The Exercise spread over three days will witness the outdoor display and demonstration on 29 Jun 16 before terminating with Lessons Learnt on 30th of Jun 16.
“In case the government thinks that OIL and ONGC cannot operate these small fields profitably, some other public sector companies like GAIL India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petrleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), who are new entrants in the exploration business may form joint venture companies with stake of state level public sector companies (PSUs) already formed by the Assam government like Assam Gas Company, Assam Hydrocarbon Limited etc.,” said Saikia. The Congress party said the Assam government must ask the Centre to reconsider its decision of the Centre to hand-over small oil fields to “private operators through NELP”.
Empty road during 12 hours Assam Bandh called by Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Assam (TAYPA) in Lakhimpur. Pic - UB PHOTOS
Empty road during 12 hours Assam Bandh called by Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Assam (TAYPA) in Dibrugarh. Pic - UB PHOTOS
Meet on 'Linking local level network for women peace and security meeting about each other’s role, tasks and capabilities.
public sector oil giants to invest in. Hence, these fields had been lying unexploited over the years. The estimated capital expenditure required to fully exploit these fields would be around Rs 4,000 crore.
12-hour TAYPA Assam bandh paralyses normal life in Upper Assam
Exercise jalrahat a joint initiative by state govt and armed forces for flood relief in Assam commences Tapas Samaddar Rangia, June 28: The much awaited event, Exercise JALRAHAT commenced today at NarangiCantt. Taking the leaf from the latest National Disaster Management Policy – 2016 and the call given by the Prime Minister urging the enhanced cooperation and involvement by Armed Forces in mitigating disasters, the Exercise JALRAHAT is a joint initiative taken by the Assam State Govt and the Armed Forces that is being led by GAJRAJ Corps with full support from HQ Eastern Command.
aiding extortion and intelligence against security force personnel. The arrested cadres have been handed over to the Changlang police station and a case has been registered against them.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, June 28: The Congress has taken the BJP led Assam government heads on, and has said that it is totally opposed to the Centre’s decision to auction 12 of the state’s small oil fields; starting July 15. The party has also cast doubt on the intention of the Centre and said such move might be aimed at benefiting “some private industrialists” having good relation with the central government.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, June 28: A consultation session on ‘Linking local level network for women peace and security meeting & awareness and capacity building programme to address the issue of gender based violence and racial discrimination and legal mechanisms in Assam' was held at Bodoland Guest House in Kokrajhar with a day long programme on Monday. It was organised by the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Control Arms foundation of India and Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace in collaboration with North East Research & Social Work Networking (NERSWN), with support from European Union and Welthungerhilfe, India. Reena Mutum,Coordinator
of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and Control Arms foundation of India said the aim of the programme was to address and link local level networks in BTC region to discuss issues of women peace and security, gender based violence, racial discrimination and legal mechanism in Assam, steps to end gender based violence & racial discrimination to have a common understanding and to strategies steps to bring peace in the much conflict affected BTAD and Northeast India. She said the programme also aims to help the local authorities understand existing gaps in accessing justice cases as well as to sensitize local authorities and state departments towards the concept of relevant laws, human rights and their duties in relation to dealing with the survivors of violence, racial
discrimination and protection mechanisms.She said that network has been working to the issues and uplift of women across the region as well world.She also said that women among society have been facing severe situations in their living that is why the linking local level networking trying to bring awareness among society. Madhav Prasad Sarma,Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner inaugurating the programme said that it was an important consultation to discuss on various issues of women and social values in the region. He has urged the networking group to keep up this kid of programme in the region to highlight women related issues. The proagramme was attended by various stakeholders from Manipur, New Delhi and BTAD. Among those who attended and spoke on the consulta-
tion programme includes Project Coordinator of Welthungerhilfe India Neha Naqvi, lawyer & human right activist Saito Basumatary, chairperson of Child Welfare Committee Kokrajhar Malaya Deka, president of the women wing of Bodoland People’s Front(BPF) Supriya Rani Brahma, vice president of United People’s Party-Liberal (UPPL) Pratibha Brahma, President of Char and Rural Development society Shaheen Hussain Nongbri, ABSU secretary Kwrwmdao Wary, Executive director of NERSWN Raju Narzary, journalist Preetam Brahma Choudhury, Chairperson of NEDAN Foundation Digambar Narzary, Programme Officer Tdh Foundation Padmini Brahma, Bhumika Rai of Wings, ABSU assisatnt education secretary Rangina Borgoyari.
Dulom-nima wins volleyball championship ET Correspondent Dhemaji, June 28: The 2nd late Dumbro Bayor memorial inter district volleyball championship, organised by District volleyball association in with District olympic association Daporijo, Upper Subansiri district, headquarter, held at Sippi. Hon'ble MLA Dikto yekar and SP Taru Gusar, Daporijo, graced the closing ceremony as a Chief Guest and Guest of honour respectively . Altogether, 15 teams participated in the tournament. In the final match between Dulom-nima and Abo-Tamin team, where Dulom-nima took away the winning trophy with a cash prize of 30000. The organising Committee thanked the team participated and all those enjoyed the game and raised the morale of players in last eight days of tournament.
REGION
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
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Centre ensures early repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura Tripura, June 28: Bru refugees from Mizoram have been streaming into refugee camps in north Tripura since 1997. Recently, a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs visited Tripura to ensure early repatriation of the Bru refugees to Mizoram. The repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura to Mizoram has become a major concern for the government. Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary at North East division of the MHA, met Tripura's Chief Secretary Y.P. Singh and Director General of Police ( DGP) K. Nagaraj to discuss repatriation of the displaced Brus, who are currently sheltered in seven camps in North Tripura district. Garg also visited the refugee camps at Kanchanpur where more than 30,000 Bru refugees have lived since they fled
Mizoram in 1997 following communal violence over a land dispute with the Mizos. Garg said the effort at present is to restart the repatriation process as per the new revised plan submitted by the Mizoram Government. "As per schedule, repatriation was supposed to take place in the month of August, but for some reason it could not take place. So now, our effort is that we want to ensure that repatriation takes place as per the new plans," he said. Garg also held meeting with the leaders of Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) in Kanchanpur. He discussed the revised road map finalized by the Mizoram Government and urged the refugees to return to their home state accordingly. It is worth mentioning
CJ effects major shuffle of judges
Gorkhas from body to meet new drafting committee on ILP Bill
Shillong, Jun 28: In a judicial reshuffle, the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court has effected transfer and posting of many judicial officers. As per the notification issued on June 25, the District and Sessions Judge, East Khasi Hills A.M Ripnar was appointed in the same post in West Garo Hills, while E. Kharumnuid (District and Sessions Judge, Ri Bhoi) was posted in the same post in East Khasi Hills. Additional District and Sessions Judge (probationer) West Gato Hills N. A Khan was appointed as District and Sessions Judge, Ri Bhoi. Chief Judicial Magistrate, West Garo Hills district B Joshi was appointed in the same post at Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, while Chief Judicial Magistrate West Jaintia Hills I. Rymbui was appointed in the same post in West Garo Hills. Chief Judicial Magistrate West Khasi Hills FS Sangma has been posted in West Jaintia Hills, while OSD, Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority Hills K J Lyngdoh was appointed as Magistrate First Class, Sohra sub division. Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills DS Marbaniang will hold the same post in Amlarem, while Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills R M Kharsyntiew will hold the same post at Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi. Judicial Magistrate First Class, Ri Bhoi AM Pariat will assume the charge in East Khasi Hills, while Judicial Magistrate First Class Sohra sub division L. Kharshiing has been transferred to East Khasi Hills Judicial Magistrate First Class Amlaren Sub Division D. Sohtun has been posted in East Khasi Hills.(Agencies)
Kangpokpi, Jun 28: The Gorkhas of Manipur today formed a new organization to be the apex body of the Gorkha community in the State to address the grievances and issues related to the Gorkhas and represent the Gorkha community in sharing views and opinions with the new drafting committee on Inner Line Permit System [ILPS]. The newly formed Gorkha organization christened United Gorkha Committee, Manipur was formed during a meeting today at
Bru refugees from Mizoram have been streaming into refugee camps in north Tripura since 1997 that the government plans to start the next phase of repatriation of more than 30,000 Brus from November. The Centre has also promised a repatriation package to the inmates. "We have basically come to understand the problems. Government of Mizoram has submitted a final repatriation plan and we have shared some of the movement plans featured here. Government of Mizoram is represented here at very
Rose English High School, Kanglatongbi. Various Gorkha civil bodies including Gorkha women leaders, social workers, politicians, bureaucrats, intellectuals, well-wishers, etc attended the meeting. The joint meeting of the Gorkhas unanimously resolved to form a coordinating committee to address the grievances and issues of Gorkha community in the State and to follow up the current burning issue of the State. While it resolved to name the committee as
high level. Basically, the idea was that all three governments involved in the repatriation have interaction with the people who are to be repatriated, understand their point of view and make this repatriation plan work in time stick," Garg said. MBDPF president Bruno Mesha said dubbed it to be a legitimate and humanitarian demand. "In the meantime, we have presented our difficulties of why we are unable to repatriate. We
"United Gorkha Committee Manipur" which was reportedly constituted by various Gorkha civil bodies leaders, it also nominated some prominent Gorkha leaders and subsequently elected the office bearers of the newly formed committee. Hari Prasad Nepal, Bhumi Prasad Vikas and Shiva Kumar Basnet were elected as president, vice president and general secretary respectively while LB Adhikari, Karan Rai, Dillip Bhurtel and Rajen Rai were elected as the
also submitted the certain point which is prepared by the people from here itself to be fulfilled. It is very much legitimate and humanitarian and not a difficult demand so unless and until this demand has been properly address, it will be little bit difficult to go back," he said. Concerned over the attacks on security forces by insurgents, Garg said the Centre has decided to increase security in the unfenced bordering areas to check cross-border insurgency. He also expressed concern over Arunachal Pradesh being used as a corridor and a haven by Naga militants. "Arunachal has got spread over insurgency and is next to Nagaland. Certain areas of Arunachal are next to Nagaland and there is real insurgency situation there, but corridors or
joint secretaries. Another seven persons were nominated as members in the meeting and it was also resolved to nominate members and advisory boards from other places of Gorkha inhabited areas. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Hari Prasad Nepal said that the Gorkhas in Manipur have various civil bodies but there is no organization to represent the entire Gorkha community as a whole on any issue so far in the State. Therefore, UGCM is
insurgents moving for hideouts, shelter or crossover, those concerns are there. However, we are addressing them," he said. Garg also said the government is ready to hold talks with northeast based insurgent outfits if they are ready to shun violence. "To bring long-lasting peace in the region, the Government of India has taken an initiative to continue peace talks with various insurgent groups in the region. If the insurgents give up the violent means and accept the Constitution, the Government of India of course will talk, but then there should be a congenial atmosphere," he said. The government is giving special emphasis on the development of northeast region by encouraging investment in various sectors. (ANI)
formed as the apex body of the Gorkhas of Manipur to tackle any issue of the Gorkha community, he added. Nepal further said that UGCM will also represent the Gorkha community of Manipur in sharing views and opinions with the new drafting committee on ILPS and other current issues of the State while adding that it [UGCM] will address the grievances of the Gorkhas and work for the welfare of the community in the State.(Agencies)
Pressure groups in State stalling development Shillong, Jun 28: In a veiled attack on 'pressure groups' of the State, Lok Sabha member from Shillong, Vincent H. Pala, accused them of sabotaging all development activities in the State with the excuse of uranium mining and influx and called for debates to understand the pros and cons of such projects. "Be it airport, national highways or railways, people here often look at these project with suspicion of either bringing influx or to mine uranium. But these are mere excuses. People
need to debate on the matter," said Pala said while speaking to media persons after inaugurating a community hall here on Monday. According to Pala, with the growing problem of unemployment and traffic mismanagement, Shillong definitely requires an airport, railways and national highways even as he added that developmental project should not be confined to Shillong only but should be extended to rural areas of the State. He pointed out that many parts of the State have rich uranium and lime-
stone deposits and it is wrong to create suspicion in the minds of people that projects are being taken up for facilitating uranium mining or to promote influx. "I feel it should be the other way round. If there is uranium mining in any place, more roads and national highways should be constructed," Pala said. He also asserted that dev e l o p m e n t a l programmes in the State cannot be implemented until and unless there is cooperation from the public.
Stating that the government and its developmental projects are often criticized, the MP said the delay in taking up the projects often forces the government to divert such developmental projects to other areas and it is only the State and its people which suffer in the long run. He admitted that all projects had their own merits and demerits and people should look at the pros and cons of the project before taking a final opinion on any project. "If certain groups are
objecting to a project why should we look at them? We should look for the benefit of the entire population," Pala said. Pala also slammed the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council alleging that the council has not issued NOC for some projects for a long time now. He stated that GHADC has already issued N OC f o r t w o r o a d projects to link Khasi Hills with Garo Hills but the KHADC has not issued the NOC for the important road projects. (Agencies)
HSPDP for panregional alliance
Nurse recruitment anomalies: Govt awaits probe report
Shillong, Jun 28: While the major non- Congress parties in the state, UDP and NPP joined the BJPled North East Democratic Alliance, the oldest regional party HSPDP stressed the need of forming a pan-regional alliance in the Northeast minus the Congress and the BJP. HSPDP president Ardent Basaiawmoit said on Monday that at the moment, the party is not in favour of joining NEDA. He also said that no invitation was sent to the party to attend the meeting of NEDA or join the group. "We would like to have a pan- regional forum in the Northeast minus Congress and BJP to ensure that there is resur-
Shillong, Jun 28: Three years after the anomalies were detected regarding the recruitment of General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), the inquiry committee is yet to submit the findings to the state government.
gence of regional parties", Basaiawmoit said. To a question on the 2018 Assembly polls, the HSPDP leader said that at the moment, the party is not in favour of any pre-poll alliance, while adding that it is in favour of post-poll alliance. "At the moment, considering the upcoming 2018 Assembly polls, our focus is to strengthen the support-base of the party across the state", the HSPDP leader said. He is also not in favour of merger of all the regional parties since he feels that even after the unification of the regional parties, there will be formation of new regional parties as it happened in past.(Agencies)
The State Health Minister ALK Hek told reporters on Monday that it was a fact that the Directorate of Health Services without the permission of the government directly created 360 posts (180 each for bonded and non-bonded nurses). Hek claimed that the government could not take action against those who were responsible for the anomalies into the re-
cruitment since the report was yet to be submitted. It was in 2013 that the inquiry committee was formed to examine the anomalies in the recruitment of GNM by the Directorate of Health Services (MI) since the recruitment was carried out by the Directorate without the approval of the government. The director of the Health Services (MI), however, had retired recently. Asked about the delay in taking action, Hek said,"We are still waiting for the inquiry to be completed before taking any future course of action."
Stating there was no direction from the state government to the Directorate of Health Services to create the posts, Hek said the health department could not fill up all the 180 posts for bonded nurses though many were appointed. As far as non bonded category is concerned, since they could not fulfill certain criteria, they could not be appointed. The Health Minister, however, assured that necessary action would be taken once the findings of the inquiry committee are placed before the government. (Agencies)
Tripura CPI-M leader suspended for grabbing bidi workers' land
Tripura CPI-M leader suspended for grabbing bidi workers' land Agartala, Jun 28: Veteran Tripura CPI-M leader and former deputy speaker of the assembly Subal Rudra was suspended from the party for allegedly grabbing land, a party leader said here on Tuesday. "After an internal inquiry of the party about allegation of grabbing land against Rudra, he was suspended from the party for a year," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Tripura state secretary Bijan Dhar told . Dhar, also a CPI-M central committee member, said that party probe found that the accusation of land grabbing against Rudra was correct. The 66-year-old leader refused to comment on his suspension. "I have received the sus-
pension letter. I have not yet made up my mind about my future course of action. I would not make any comment at this moment," Rudra, a CPI-M Tripura state committee member, told over phone. The Tripura government had allotted 3.2 hectares to the bidi workers in 1993 in Melaghar in Sipahijala district. Half of the land was allowed for housing 45 families while rest was kept for construction of a school and other civic amenities. Rudra is alleged to have grabbed a portion of this land. Rudra was elected to the assembly five times since 1978, when the CPI-M led Left Front government first came to power in Tripura.
Roll back wanted tag stir to continue Imphal, Jun 28: The JAC against the declaration of wanted tag on former JCILPS convener Khomdram Ratan and for implementation of ILPS has warned of sustaining its agitation if the Govt fails to withdraw the wanted tag on Kh Ratan and the FIR filed against him at the earliest. Addressing reporters today at Khongman Mangjil, convener of the JAC, Kh Subhaschandra expressed gratitude to the public for extending cooperation towards the success of the 48 hours bandh from June 22 midnight. The success of the bandh was an indication that the genuine demands got the support of the mass, he said. Saying that the JAC and JCILPS are not different, Subhaschandra said the JAC will continue to support the JCILPS in whatever steps it takes. The press meet was organised after a sit-in and other forms of demonstration like forming of human chain from Moirangkhom to Khongman Bashikhong under the aegis of JCILPS. To demand withdrawal of wanted tag on Kh Ratan, different Govt offices in Imphal East including Bashikhong SDC office, Sericulture office, Sangaipat were locked by protesters, Subhaschandra said. He further affirmed that the stir will continue until the withdrawal of the wanted tag on Kh Ratan. Meanwhile, Uripok Sorbon Thingel Apunba Meira Paibi, Langol Ningthou Leikai Meira Paibi and Warok Leikai
Langol Meira Paibi jointly staged a protest demonstration at Uripok Sorbon Thingel Leikai demanding the release of Tourangbam (O) Tarini, withdrawal of wanted tag on former JCILPS convener Khomdram Ratan and implementation of ILPS. Tarini began her indefinite hunger strike on May 9 following an assault by police personnel on May 8 at Uripok Sorbon Thingel. She was arrested on the third day of fasting and was kept at JNIMS security ward on charge of attempting to commit suicide. Tarini's hearing on June 8 was deferred till June 22 as the Judge was not present. On June 22, again, the hearing was deferred citing lack of security escorts, Langol Ningthou Ningol Meira Paibi member Thokchom Keinahanbi said. Demanding stern action against the police personnel involved in the assault and immediate release of Tarini, she said more protests will be launched in case the State Government fails to address their demands. The protesters also demanded withdrawal of wanted tag on Ratan and implementation of ILPS. Sit-in protests demanding implementation of ILPS were staged at different places along the Bamon Leikai to Okram Chuthek stretch of the road. The protesters later formed a human chain along the road stretch and shouted slogans demanding implementation of ILPS in Manipur.(Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
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Any declaration under the Income Declaration Scheme is 'confidential': Jaitley New Delhi, June 28 : With Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling on the nation to declare their undisclosed income by September 30, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday assured that declaration under the 'Income Declaration Scheme' is confidential and will not be shared with any other authorities. Speaking to the media here, Jaitley said that in this scheme from June 1 to September 30, the compliance window will remain open. "Those people who have the income that has not been assessed, they will have to disclose it and pay 30 percent tax and 15
% penalty and legitimise it. There is no other investigation or action taken once this procedure is carried out. This is the last chance for people to declare the incomes after which they can be in peace," Jaitley said. Asserting that the Income Declaration Scheme is being taken by the government as a mission, the Finance Minister said that any declaration under this law is protected and is not shared with any other authority, as per the provision of the scheme. "Ministers of the government will be going to different states in order to educate on the scheme so that maximum number of
PM Modi pays tribute to Narasimha Rao on his 95th birth anniversary
Narendra Modi New Delhi, June 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on his 95th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to extend his greetings. "Tributes to Shri PV Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary. He led India at a crucial time & his leadership was both notable & vital," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Narasimha Rao served as the prime minister from 1991 to 1996. His ascendancy to the prime ministership was politically significant as he was the first
holder of this office from non-Hindi-speaking south India. Rao's term as prime minister was an eventful one in the nation's history. Besides marking a paradigm shift from the industrialising, mixed economic model of first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru to a market driven one, his years as the prime minister also saw the emergence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as an alternative to the Indian National Congress (INC) which had been governing India for most of its post-independence history. (ANI)
Rajnath reviews security situation in Jammu & Kashmir
Home Minister Rajnath Singh PTI New Delhi, Jun 28 : Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which witnessed a deadly attack on a CRPF convoy that left eight personnel dead, and directed security forces to intensify vigil in the state. During the hour-long meeting, the Home Minister was briefed about the internal security situation in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the rest of the country and the steps taken to ensure peace. The meeting, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, chiefs of intelligence agencies and other senior officials, analysed the inputs, including on infiltration from across the border, received from various agencies and steps taken on them, official
sources said. While voicing concern over the killing of the eight CRPF men by militants in Pulwama on Saturday, Singh directed the officials to strengthen the security arrangement and intensify vigil across Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said. The Home Minister has already set up a three-member team which will look into lapses, if any, in the Pulwama incident so that corrective steps could be taken. The team would also look into the possible increase of cross border infiltration and practices being followed during the movement of paramilitary forces convoy in Jammu and Kashmir. Eight CRPF personnel were killed and at least 25 others injured when two militants attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district on Saturday.
Arun Jaitley people can avail this scheme," Jaitley added. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi in his 21st edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' on
Sunday, asked people to declare their undisclosed income by September 30, making it clear that this is the last chance to avoid
problems that will follow after the window of opportunity closes. "In a country of 1.25 billion there are only 1.5 lakh people whose taxable income is more than 50 lakh. The government has come out with a scheme to declare undisclosed income before September 30. By paying a penalty, we can free ourselves of several burdens," he said. Prime Minister Modi appealed to the people to take this opportunity and become a part of this transparent scheme, which is available only till September 30. "Consider this as one last chance," he said. The Income Tax Depart-
ment announced the Income Declaration Scheme 2016, which gives the opportunity to citizens to declare their undisclosed assets before the said date. The Income Declaration Scheme 2016, which came into effect from June 1, 2016, is an opportunity for those who didn't disclose income or pay taxes thereon in the past. The BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre has declared September 30 as the last date for making a declaration and November 30 as the date by which the tax, surcharge and penalty may be paid. (ANI)
Rashtriya Muslim Manch withdraws Iftar invitation to Pak envoy New Delhi, June 28 : The Rashtriya Muslim Manch on Tuesday announced that it is withdrawing its Iftar party invitation to Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit. The party is to be held at the Parliament Annexe on July 2. With Pakistani Lashkare-Taiba operatives being responsible for the death of as many as eight Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit had earlier shrugged off questions related to the attack, saying that media would be better off focusing on the Iftaar party hosted by the Pakistan High Commis-
sion. "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," Basit said The Shiv Sena had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of losing the 'Hindutva Agenda' after the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an affiliate of the Sangh, announced plans to host a
New Delhi, June 28 : Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday expressed his frustration over missing an important appointment after his Air India flight was delayed. "I had to travel to Hyderabad by Air India AI544 which is to depart at 1315 Hrs... was told on time.. reached airport by 1230 Hrs. Was informed at 1315hrs that flight was delayed as d pilot had not
yet come. Waited up to 1345 Hrs, boarding didn't start. returned 2 home," Naidu said in a series of tweets. Asserting that Air India should explain how such things are happening, he added that transparency and accountability are the need of the hour. He further stated that the airline must take note that this is the age of competition and such mistakes could not be made. (ANI)
Abdul Basit grand Iftar on July 2, saying it is 'pure hypocrisy' on the part of the saffron party. Kayande also questioned the criticism by the BJP and the RSS of the Congress when it had earlier tried to do the same.
D.V. Sadananda Gowda bers of such cases through arbitration," he added. On the question of shortages of judges, the Law Minister said, "We have cleared 51 appointment of judges and 87 ad-hoc judges had been made permanent within a short period of 4 months only. We have cleared names of 4 judges within a short period
M. Venkaiah Naidu
EgyptAir black boxes may provide clues after repair
Her comments came after the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), invited ambassadors from nearly 140 countries earlier to attend an international Roza Iftar party at the Parliament House Annexe on July 2. (ANI)
SC to decide Centre's stand on Section 377: Sadananda Gowda New Delhi, June 28 : Responding to the fresh PIL seeking decriminalisation of Section 377, Union Minister for Law and Justice D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday said the decision in this regard will be taken by the Supreme Court on what stand the Central Government needs to take as the matter is subjudice. "Government has already discussed the issue of 377 with Attorney General. We will place our arguments in front of the Supreme Court and the decision will be taken today on what stand the Central Government needs to take. Cannot say more on the issue as the matter is subjudice," he told media here. When asked on filing of a fresh PIL seeking decriminalisation of Section 377 of IPC, he said the Government is working on to reduce the interdepartmental litigation. "It is said that government is the biggest litigant and therefore we must reduce the num-
Venkaiah Naidu fumes over Air India flight delay, demands explanation from airline
of 6 days which were sent by the Supreme Court collegiums." On February 3, the Supreme Court had referred a batch of petitions against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial-era provision criminalising consensual sexual acts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) adults
in private, to a five-judge Constitution Bench for a possible back-to-roots, indepth hearing. Admitting appeals filed by Naz Foundation against recriminalising of homosexual acts by a two judge bench of the apex court in December 2013, a threejudge Bench of Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur and Justices Anil R. Dave and J.S. Khehar gave credence to arguments that the threat imposed by the provision amounts to denial of the rights to privacy and dignity and results in gross miscarriage of justice. Chief Justice Thakur said the petitions pose several questions with "constitutional dimensions of importance" while dictating the order of reference to a Constitution Bench he would be setting up shortly. This Bench neither admitted the petitions nor issued notice to the government, leaving it to the future Constitution Bench to do so, if found necessary. (ANI)
EgyptAir black boxes may provide clues after repair
Washington, June 28 : The black boxes of EgyptAir Flight 804 are being repaired and authorities now hope to solve the mystery of what caused the plane to crash into the Mediterranean Sea last month. The boxes were badly damaged when they were recovered in the Mediterranean Sea. The Egyptian investigators sent the mangled memory chips of the black boxes to a technical team in France last week and the French aircraft investigation bureau was able to fix the electronic board of the data recorder, Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry announced on Monday. Final repairs on the cockpit voice recorder are expected to be complete as early as Tuesday,reports CNN. Both devices were damaged by the crash impact and sea water. Amid speculations that either mechanical failure or terrorist attack caused the
crash, investigators are looking to extract any bytes of the data to find the critical evidence needed to reveal the cause of the crash. The cockpit voice recorder captures sounds from the flight deck, including flight crew conversation and alarms and background noise that can help investigate what the flight crew was doing at the time of a crash. The flight data recorder gathers 25 hours of technical data from the airplane's sensors, recording several thousand distinct pieces of information, including air speed, altitude, engine performance and wing positions. The Airbus A320 was had 66 people aboard when it lost contact above the Mediterranean, shortly before the aircraft entered Egyptian airspace. The plane suddenly vanished from the radar as it soared over the Mediterranean from Paris to Cairo on May 19. (ANI)
Uyghur leader Dolkun Issa questions Pakistan's silence banning Muslims from observing Ramzan in Xinjiang Hong Kong, June 28 : Uyghur leader Dolkun Issa has questioned Pakistan's silence on the Beijing imposed ban on Xinjian's Muslim population from observing Ramzan. In a statement which has been widely circulated across East Asia, Issa said Pakistan which professes to be a soul mate of the World's Muslims, is turning a blind eye to the terrible ban imposed on the majority Muslim popula-
tion of Xinjiang, stopping them from observing any of the rituals associated with Ramzan. Questioning Pakistan's silence on the issue, Issa wondered as to why the South Asian nation is silent about making any observation on this matter as it has been vocal for the rights of Muslims elsewhere. Issa added that " Nothing stops Pakistan from talking about the plight of Muslims anywhere in the world
but when it comes to Xinjiang there is complete silence even though the people there are suffering harsh religious prosecution." Issa said there is no religious freedom for the Muslims in Xinjiang as the government's strict rules forbid anyone under the age of 18 from following a religion. The parents face stiff fines if their children are found studying the Quran or fast-
ing during Ramadan. The senior Uyghur leader pointed out that security staff is deployed inside mosques 24 hours every day to monitor the muslims, and the sermons of imams must be preapproved by censors. No Imam is allowed to deliver a sermon unless the text is cleared by a Beijing approved sensor. Such draconian measure said Issa is the norm in Xinjiang during Ramzan.
He pointed out that Halal meat is banned. Head scarves and religious caps cannot be worn. Workers are not given time out for prayers. In fact workers are given special financial incentives by employers if they skip prayers and do not fast. For Muslims who do not fast there is appreciation by the Xinjiang Government. Issa added that the system is designed to ethnically cleanse the region
of those who follow the Islamic faith. In this situation, it is strange that the friend of Muslims - Pakistan - is totally oblivious to the happenings. The Uyghur activist's assertion assumes significance in wake of Beijing's growing proximity to Islamabad. Dolkun Issa said this was Pakistan's payback to China for support at the NSG meet in Seoul and for many other favours. (ANI)
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
Task force meeting to resolve impasse in Nepal parliament ends inconclusively
Task force meeting to resolve impasse in Nepal parliament ends inconclusively Kathmandu, June 28 : A meeting of the task force formed by Nepal's ruling and opposition parties to end the House disruption ended inconclusively today. Held at Singha Durbar, the meeting was to discuss the issue of who should claim credit for providing relief money to earthquake victims which has been creating a rift between the ruling parties and the main opposition party Nepali Congress (NC), reports the Himalayan Times. Following the dispute, Nepali Congress and the ruling parties yesterday had formed the task force to settle the issue at the earliest. Nepali Congress leaders Krishna Prasad Sitaula,
Prakash Sharan Mahat and Chin Kaji Shrestha, Subas Chandra Nembang and Bhim Rawal of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified MarxistLeninist(CPN-UML), Krishna Bahadur Mahara of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre and Dilnath Giri of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal are in the task force. Nepali Congress, the largest political force in the legislative body for the past few days has been obstructing the Parliament meeting demanding that Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli led-government provide a lump sum of Rs .200, 000 to earthquake victims to rebuild their houses. (ANI)
Pak SC to pronounce judgment on need for military tribunals
Pak SC to pronounce judgment on need for military tribunals Islamabad, June 28 : The Supreme Court of Pakistan is expected to soon pronounce its judgment on whether secret military tribunals set up to try civilians accused of terrorism have violated the constitutional rights or not. The military tribunals were established last year after the December 2014 massacre at an army-run school in Peshawar killing 134 students. According to the military's press wing, so far, these courts have
convicted 81 people, 77 of whom were sentenced to death, reports Dawn. According to media reports, at least 27 convicts have filed appeals with civilian courts, alleging coercion of confessions and denial of access to lawyers. The army-run courts has drawn flak from the International Commission of Jurists, a non-governmental organisation that promotes human rights through the rule of law. (ANI)
Hundreds of families displaced in Nangarhar clash Kabul, June 28 : Locals officials today said that more than 400 families have been displaced after a five-day clash between security forces and Daesh rebels in Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. The battle between the two groups started on Friday after a group of Daesh fighters attacked security forces' outposts in Kot district, reports . Following the attack, the security forces launched a military operation in the area in which over 160 of the fighters were
killed. Meanwhile, Nangarhar governor Salim Kunduzi said the insurgents torched 90 houses in the attack and added that the displaced will be provided with facilities and assistance. Nearly 161 Daesh militants, seven security force members and five civilians were killed in the Nangarhar clash, reports suggest. The Daesh fighters are reportedly active in parts of Nangarhar, particularly in Kot and Achin districts. (ANI)
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NEIGHBOURS
Chinese Government's mouthpiece Global Times slams India for NSG bid Beijing, June 28: The mouthpiece of the Chinese Government, " Global Times " has strongly criticized India for attempting to seek admission to the 48member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) without being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Reacting to New Delhi's failed bid to seek NSG membership at a plenary meeting of the grouping in Seoul, South Korea, last week, an editorial in the staterun Global Times described some Indians as too self-centered, selfrighteous, and added that "nationalists in India should learn how to behave themselves" rather than criticizing Beijing for blocking the bid on what it termed justifiable grounds.
"Some Indians are too self-centered and selfrighteous. On the contrary, the Indian government behaves decently and is willing to communicate. Throwing a tantrum won't be an option for New Delhi," the Global Times editorial reads. The article pointed that, "India's nationalists should learn how to behave themselves. Now that they wish their country could be a major power, they should know how major powers play their games." Justifying China's role, the editorial pointed that that "India is not a signatory to the NPT, but is the most active applicant to join the NSG." The article said the Indian media played up the prospects of New Delhi's bid and some even claimed that among the 48-mem-
for a boycott of Chinesemade products and a withdrawal from the BRICS group. In a veiled attack, the article read that the U.S. role in backing India's admission to the NSG actually serves to contain Beijing. "U.S. backing adds the biggest impetus to India's ambition. By cozying up to India, Washington's India policy actually serves the purpose of containing China," the article read. "The US is not the whole world. Its endorsement does not mean India has won the backing of the world. This basic fact, however, has been ignored by India," it added. Asserting that the Western world has been giving too many thumbs up to India and thumbs down to China, New
Delhi is spoiled today. "Although the South Asian country's GDP accounts for only 20 percent of that of China, it is still a golden boy in the eyes of the West, having a competitive edge and more potential compared to China. The international "adulation" of India makes the country a bit smug in international affairs," it read. Highlighting India's absorption in the Missile Technology Control Regime on Monday and denial to China's access in the 34-nation MTC now 35th, the article read that New Delhi's news of admission didn't even make a ripple among the Chinese public and added that Chinese have become more mature in dealing with these setbacks caused by international relations. (ANI)
Ex-Pak PM Gilani's son breaks silence on captivity under Al Qaeda
Four-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday announced by Pak govt.
Lahore, June 28: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's son, Ali Haider Gilani, on Tuesday broke his silence about his three years in captivity with Al Qaeda. Gilani who was running for a provincial assembly seat from Multan was abducted in May 2013 and could only be recovered in May this year through a joint operation carried out by Afghan and US forces from an Al Qaeda compound in Afghanistan's Paktika province. Gilani said the abductors told him: "Operations were conducted against Osama bin Laden in Abottabad and Swat and Waziristan during your father's term. You are our enemy." He revealed that although he had not received any threats prior to his abduction, he was told that he was being "followed" and during his time in captivity, an
Chinese Government's mouthpiece Global Times slams India for NSG bid bers of the NSG, 47 have given it a green light, except China. It added, "Since its foundation in 1975, all NSG members shall be NPT signatories. This has become the primary principle of the organization. Now India wants to be the first exception to join the NSG without signing
Ex-Pak PM Gilani's son breaks silence on captivity under Al Qaeda important member of the militant group who went by the name of Zia stayed with him, reports the Dawn. Recalling the moments of his abduction, Gilani said he was leaving a rally with supporters and two security guards when someone took him by the neck and pushed him hard, landing him on the ground. He
then heard shots being fired and saw his two guards dropping near him. He was then hit on the head with a gun and he started to bleed. "I then thought they had come to kill me," he said. The abductors then shoved him inside a car and stripped him fearing he could be wearing some spy device on his
the NPT. It is morally legitimate for China and other members to upset India's proposal in defense of principles." The article highlighted that due to Beijing's role in stopping New Delhi's bid a few Indian media outlets started vilifying China's position and some Indians even called
body. "Their first question to me was, are you Sunni or Shia," said Gilani, adding that the abductors, "who were all speaking in Punjabi" told him to keep mum. Gilani said he was first taken from Multan to Khanewal, and then to Faisalabad and Waziristan, and added that the car they were travelling in was covered with election posters and flags. The abductors introduced themselves as Al Qaeda men and told Gilani he had been abducted because he is "the son of Yousuf Raza Gilani" Gilani said they were not stopped for checking during the travel from Multan to Faisalabad, where he said he was kept chained for two and a half months. "They told me they were taking me to Waziristan for two months, where I would be released since they had struck a deal
with my family. Perhaps they wanted to ensure that I don't resist during the journey," said Gilani. His family is one of the most powerful in the central town of Multan and a key clan in the PPP, whose campaign for re-election had been dramatically curtailed by Tehrik-i-Taliban threats at the time. Gilani's interview comes after Advocate Awais Ali Shah, the son of the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC), Sajjad Ali Shah, went missing from outside a super store on June 21. Police has registered a case against "unknown suspects" for kidnapping Shah but the motive of the kidnapping remains unclear as no ransom calls have been received. Police suspects that Awais, may be used as a 'bargaining chip' to ensure release of some captured militants. (ANI)
Pakistan skeptical on talks with India Islamabad, June 28: Sounding skeptical about progress towards normalisation of relations with India, Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz called for managing the situation better so that tensions don't grow. "Their narrative has remained unchanged. They (India) do not want to give us credit [for our actions against terrorism] and keep an excuse for not starting dialogue," the Dawn quoted him, as saying at a foreign policy briefing session held for journalists yesterday. Aziz asserted that the problem was that New Delhi wanted normalisation on its terms which was not acceptable for Islamabad. Stating that his country will not back from its principled stance on talks with India, he said
that Pakistan has been insisting that talks should be held on a whole range of eight issues identified for bilateral dialogue but, India wants an exclusive focus on terrorism. "If no major improvement takes place, we should manage the situation and our minimum objective should be to prevent tensions from growing," he added. Aziz wasn't very hopeful about progress in the Afghan reconciliation process. "Prospects of the [Afghan] peace process are not good. It would all now depend on the ground situation in Afghanistan," Aziz said. He was of the view that elimination of Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a U.S. drone attack last month sabotaged the peace dialogue. "How can his successor now be asked to join the peace process?" he questioned adding that there
had been no signal from the Taliban as yet to suggest that they were preparing to move in this direction. Aziz noted that there were divisions within Afghanistan about engaging a peace process with the Taliban and lack of clarity about how Kabul wanted to take the initiative forward. He said that Islamabad could not take full responsibility for bringing the Taliban to the table, but could use "whatsoever influence" it had to facilitate the process. Regarding the repeated allegation by Kabul and Washington of not adequately acting against the Afghan Haqqani network's alleged sanctuaries in Pakistan, Aziz pressed that there was no difference of objective and it was rather a matter of sequencing and timing. Regarding the border issue with Afghanistan he
Pakistan skeptical on talks with India said, "Border management is an immediate need . that is our priority. Moreover, border is not an issue for us, which we would like to negotiate," he emphasised. Talking about the U.S. he said that Pakistan was moving in the right direction despite recent setbacks, which led to cancellation of an F-16 deal. The advisor said that working groups of the bilateral 'strategic dialogue' would be meeting
shortly. He was of the view that the U.S. government had concerns about the nuclear programme, but after realising that Islamabad would not budge on that, it started agitating the Haqqani network issue. "Even there we do not have any difference of objective, we only hold divergent views on timing and sequencing of how we proceed," he added. (ANI)
Islamabad, June 28: Pakistan's Interior Ministry today announced a four-day holiday on the occasion of Eid-ulFitr for government organisations, semigovernment organisa tions, banks and educational institutions. According to the notification, the holidays will run from July 5 until July 8, reports the Dawn. On July 5, a meeting of the Central Ruet-iHilal Committee would take place to sight the Shawwal crescent, which would be attended by religious scholars and experts of Pakistan Meteorological Department. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be on July 6. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the month of Ramazan in which Muslims fast for 30 days.(ANI)
37 ISIS militants killed in Afghanistan's military operation Kabul, June 28 : At least 37 ISIS militants were killed and 44 others were wounded during the ongoing operations in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) in a statement today said the operations are being conducted as part of Shaheen-18 in Kot district, reports Khaama Press. The statement added that the militants were killed or wounded during the airstrikes and artillery raids. The operations in Kot district was conducted after the loyalists of the terror group launched a major attack on police check posts on Friday. Following the attack, the Afghan and U.S. forces in the region have stepped up raids against the terror group in Nangarhar province. (ANI)
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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
Illegal sand mining around the world: islands disappear; livelihoods at stake Lionel Messi quit The most shocking retirement announcements ever
(Photo: static.dnaindia) Lionel Messi, the five-time FIFA World Player of the Year, had announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost the second Copa America title to Chile in two years. Chile beat Argentina in the final for the second straight year, 4-2 in the penalty shootout following a 0-0 tie that ended an expanded 16-nation edition in the US to mark the championship's 100th anniversary. It was the third consecutive defeat at a major international tournament for Messi and his teammates after losing out to Germany in the World Cup in 2014, and the two Copa America defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016. Messi, winner of four Champions League titles and eight Spanish La Liga crowns with Barcelona, was also a member of Argentina's Copa America team that lost to Brazil in 2007. There is this great generation of players - including Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, so many wonderful players - yet they are unable to win a major tournament. They are reaching the finals but they just don't seem to have what it takes to be able to get their hands on those trophies. And there's a great deal of soul-searching, a great deal of questioning now about to take place in Argentina. Argentina have not won a major senior title since the 1993 Copa America. In the penalty shootout, Chile's players aimed better, and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo got to lift the trophy in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. His teammate Sergio Aguero also said that after missing his penalty, he was a "broken man." For someone whose career has been full of milestones and impressive accomplishments, he still doesn't have an international trophy to his name, and this loss was just one in a string of three straight dating back to 2014. This is by far one of the most shocking retirement announcements ever considering who the player is, and at what age he has retired. While Messi retires from Argentina without a trophy to his name, he still goes down as their leading scorer, after he broke the record in the Copa America with a dazzling free kick. Just another example of his brilliance, and certainly someone we're not ready to see leave the national team yet.
Man-Elephant Conflict The price of conflict According to latest official figures, 50 wild tuskers and 78 humans were killed due to man-animal conflict in Udalgiri district between 2005 and June 2015. In Sonitpur district, 146 wild elephants died and 245 humans were killed by elephants, mainly in tea estate areas. From 2001 to 2014, 225 wild elephants were killed by poaching, poisoning, electrocution and speeding trains, according to official figures, adding, around 733 humans were killed by wild jumbos in the state in between 2003 to 2014. Wildlife and forest officials said the current situation is so grave that even domesticated elephants are straying into human settlements in search of food. India is home to nearly half the estimated number of wild Asian elephants across the world. Out of 10,000 Asian elephants found in the country, the northeastern region boasts half this number, with 50 per cent found in Assam. Disturbingly, the pachyderm population is dwindling in the region. According to the elephant census in 2012, there were a total of 5,620 elephants in the State. The major factor for tuskers losing their natural habitat is the expansion of human settlement, which resulted in large-scale destruction of forest cover in the state. The 'India State of Forest Report 2013' revealed that 627 sq km of forest cover has decreased in the northeastern states from 2011 to 2013 and Assam has lost 2 sq km of forest cover from 2011 to 2013. However, the country has witnessed an increase of 5,871 sq km of forest cover from 2011 to 2013. According to the Forest Survey of India, Assam lost 65 per cent of its lowland semievergreen forests since 1972. In the adjacent state of Meghalaya, forest cover declined from 33.1 per cent in 1980-1982 to 18 per cent in 1995. All included, the northeastern states lost 1,802 sq. km. of elephant range habitat between 1991 and 1999. Other parts of the elephant's range are no exception. In northern Karnataka, Orissa and Jharkhand, elephants have lost large chunks of habitat to mining and encroachments. Just as in Assam, pachyderms in these states have dramatically expanded their range into neighbouring areas which had no history of elephant presence for several decades or even, centuries. But Elephants and their habitat also pay the price of conflict; while forty to fifty are killed a year while crop-raiding, forests are destroyed in the belief that it will prevent them from using the area. Discontented local farmers will frequently aid poachers in killing problem wildlife. Many elephants are caught in the pincer grip of habitat loss/ fragmentation and retaliation caused by increasing conflict.
While the world continues to fret about scarcity of food and clean water, sand has slowly joined the league of scarce resources. In fact, shortage of sand has prompted the birth of black market gangs who are stealing large amounts of sand from rivers and beaches leading to disappearance of small islands, as pointed out by writer and journalist Vince Beiser. So, have we really started to run out of sand? Beiser says yes and he cites reasons: "The number and size of cities is exploding, especially in the developing world. Every year there are more people on the planet, and every year more of them move to cities. Since 1950, the world's urban population has ballooned to over 3.9 billion from 746 million." He shared a fact to put things into perspective, "From 2011 to 2013, China used more cement than the United States used in the entire 20th century." Sand, as we all know, is not only used with cement in buildings but also used to make glass. Scramble for usable sand People use about 40 billion tonnes of sand and gravel every year. The demand for sand has surged to a point where riverbeds and beaches around the world are being stripped bare. It's not the
desert sand but the 'usable' sand that's scarce. "Usable sand is a finite resource ‌ To get the sand we need, we are stripping riverbeds, floodplains and beaches," remarked Beiser in an article. Desert sand, which is too round and non-sticky, isn't suitable for use in construction purposes. It lacks silicon dioxide compounds and contains too much clay, iron oxides and lime. Extraction of sand, according to Beiser, is an estimated US$ 70bn industry if both the dredging activity of multinational companies and shoveling by villagers are considered. In desperation to keep the supply of sand uninterrupted, sand miners are turning to seas when onshore sources get exhausted. The UN has also started raising concern over illegal mining. Pascal Peduzzi, head of the Global Change & Vulnerability Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme, had remarked earlier this year, "In some places, sand is not abundant anymore, so we need to reconsider the way we are dealing with sand." Impact on environment Excessive sand mining inflicts terrible costs on environment. This war over sand has changed the map of Indonesia significantly as two dozen small islands are esti-
mated to have disappeared since 2005. Eight of these islands used to be part of the Seribu Islands archipelago in Jakarta Bay. At least 2,000 small islands across Indonesia are at risk of disappearing sooner or later if excessive mining activities continue uncurbed. The sand from these Indonesian islands mostly ended up in Singapore, a city-state that has witnessed a phenomenal infrastructural growth. It has been adding territory by reclaiming land from the sea. In the past four decades, Singapore has created an extra 130 sq km. It has earned the distinction of being the world's largest sand importer. The collateral damage to environment has been so extreme that Indonesia banned exports of sand to Singapore. Countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam also restricted exports to the city-state. From Southeast Asia to Africa If miners have torn up hundreds of acres of forest in Vietnam to get at the sandy soil below, indiscriminate sand mining in mangroverich estuaries of Cambodia's Koh Kong province have robbed the place of crabs and fishsource of livelihood for locals. The dredging also threatens endangered native
River sand mining is a threat to fields and plantation along the river as the latter gets widened (Photo: Flicker) dolphins, otters and turtles. Sand miners have damaged coral reefs in Kenya. Apart from the Kaluku River, illegal sand mining is on full swing along Masaani, Kiungwani, Mbitini and Kwa Nditi rivers. They are robbing residents and their livestock of water sources. In Nigeria, unbridled growth of illegal sand mining in Akwa Ibom State is threatening the foundation of critical infrastructure, including Mkpok Bridge and Calabar-Itu Bridge.
India bears the brunt Sand mafias are turning violent. In India, attacks on journalists by sand mafias are not unknown. The government started making slow and steady progress in ensuring sustainable sand mining, after it was alarmed by the attack on an IAS officer in Karnataka in 2015. Goa is also one of the worst-hit states when it comes to illegal sand mining. On June 17, a major raid against illegal sand extraction along the River
Tiracol in Pernem led to the seizure of 14 canoes and about 300 cubic metres of sand in Torsem. It was the second biggest raid against illegal sand extraction after the October 2015 raid where 21 canoes were seized in Pernem. Locals allege that river sand mining is a threat to fields and plantations along the river as the latter gets widened. It is also killing countless fish and birds. Courtesy: Down to earth
Killing spree by Islamic militants poses threat to Bangladesh's polity Part II Killings took place mainly in northern and western districts Bangladesh's northern and western regions are particularly witnessing an increase in violent attacks targeting places of worship and members of religious minority groups. A Hindu trader was killed in May this year, days after a homeopathic doctor w a s slaughtered along with a Buddhist monk. Barring a few cases, including the murder of the aged monk, which occurred in the southeastern Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) areas, rest of the killing took place in the northern and western districts of the country. On May 14 this year, assailants slit the throat of 70 year-old Mawng Shoi Wuu, head of a remote Buddhist monastery in Bandarban hill district. The police arrested three persons, including two Rohingyas in connection with this murder even though the IS claimed responsibility for the killing of the monk. The Bangladeshi jihadi groups owing allegiance to ultra-orthodox Wahabi and Salafi schools of thought have also stepped up attacks on Sufis, Shias and other minority sects. On May 21, Mir Sanaur Rahman, a 55 year-old homeopath, who had been preaching syncretic Baul culture, was butchered in western Kushtia district. The IS claimed the killing. Earlier on May 8, a 65 year-old Sufi saint named Shahidullah, who had a number of following, was hacked to death in Rajshahi district by unidentified machete-wielding
assailants, two weeks after 57 year-old Rezaul Karim Siddique, a professor of English literature, was killed in a barbaric manner in the same district for which the IS claimed the responsibility. In the early part of this year, suspected radical Islamists killed two persons belonging to minority Hindu community in an identical manner in the northern districts. A Hindu tailor was murdered in Tangail district. The IS later claimed responsibility for this killing. On February 21, Jogeshwar Roy, 50 year-old head priest of a Hindu temple, was beheaded in northern Panchagarh district. After the arrest of a few people over the murder of Roy, police suspected that JMB militants were behind it. In another incident in January 2016, homeopathic doctor Samir Ali, who had converted to Christianity, was hacked to death inside his chamber in Jhenaidah district. The local Christian community claimed that Ali had preached Christianity after his conversion and the religious extremists killed him primarily for this reason. The IS reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing. Again on March 22 this year, Hossain Ali, a Liberation War veteran who had converted to Christianity, was hacked to death in the northern district of Kurigram. The Islamic militants' attacks targeting the minority groups continued unabated in the last year too. On November 18, 2015, Piero Parolari, an Italian-born Catholic priest was shot and critically injured by the unknown
Rupak Bhattacharjee
gunmen in northern Dinajpur district. Earlier on October 15, Father Luke Sarkar, a Bangladeshi national, was stabbed in his church in Pabna district by three youths. The alleged Islamic militants also tried to slit the throat of a pastor in another northwestern town. Again on December 10, assailants having links with extremist groups attacked a religious meeting at an ISKON temple in Dinajpur district, leaving two people injured. Moreover, the JMB militants attacked a Shiite mosque in Bogra district. Threat of more jihadi attacks looms large over Bangladesh The killing of minorities assume significance against the backdrop of the IS' recent declaration of the outfit's plans to extend its operations in Bangladesh and beyond. In the latest edition of its mouthpiece "Dabiq" magazine, released online on April 13, 2016, the IS announced the new "amir" (chief) of Bangladesh and its long-term goal of establishing Shariah rule in the country. Sheikh Abu Ibrahim al Hanafi, who was appointed as commander of the soldiers of "Khilafat" in Bangladesh, has vowed to eliminate the deviant sects of Islam and other minority groups in order to bring the country under the ambit of IS' version of puritanical Islam. The local IS chief has blamed the Bengali Muslims for distancing themselves from the "understanding of the Salaf" (the original followers of the Prophet). The international jihadi groups' efforts to radicalise the
polity in Bangladesh poses direct threat to the country's peace, democracy, stability and security. It is a matter of concern that the IS seeks to impose rigid religious codes and practices on the people of Bangladesh, who follow the Sufi variant of Islam, through violent means. The United States (US) based intelligence firm Statfor in its April 26, 2016 report said the IS is likely to stage more sensational attacks on minority groups and foreigners in Bangladesh in its bids to gain the support of local religious extremists as part of the outfit's global expansion plans. As per the Statfor report, the IS' list of potential targets includes Christian missionaries, Shias and foreigners. The seemingly unending Islamist violence in Bangladesh has drawn the attention of the international community. Expressing concern over the sudden rise in killings in Bangladesh, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on June 14 called for investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crimes in Bangladesh. The recent US report points to the growing terror activities in Bangladesh The recently-released US Country Report on Terrorism 2015 says the number of terrorist attacks and deaths went up significantly in several Asian countries, including Bangladesh, while the number of such incidents fell by 13% across the world. The report clearly stated that in 2015, "Bangladesh experienced an increase in terrorist attacks against religious minorities and government installations". The US
State Department's report noted that despite the government's "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism and commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation, the country saw the rise in violent extremist activities in 2015 compared to 2014. It pointed out the involvement of transnational groups like IS and AQIS in the Islamist violence. Are the killings politically motivated? The brutal killing of innocent people by the religious bigots and Islamic terrorists has added a new twist to the volatile nature of Bangladesh's politics. The penetration of the international jihadi networks into the country and the growing radicalisation of a section of Bangladeshi youth constitute direct threat to the present secular-democratic dispensation. Given the sharply polarised nature of the Bangladesh polity, the possibility of radical Islamists picking up soft targets to score political points can not be ruled out. The ruling AL accuses the political rivals, including the largest Islamist party Jamaat of destabilising the country. Many in Bangladesh believe that the AL government's relentless crackdown on opponents and efforts to enforce a ban on the fundamentalist Jamaat, after a protracted political turmoil; have pushed scores of opposition activists towards militancy. Reacting to the non-stop killings, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said these are being staged to tarnish the image of Bangladesh. She underscored the need for strong public
Super Specialty Hospital of ONGCL
Image for representational purpose (Photo: tripathihospital)
Sir, Much ado about nothing, the saying goes. This is what exactly is manifested in respect of Oil and Natural Gas commission limited's (ONGCL) half-hearted attitude in setting up the much hyped Sivasagar Super specialty Hospital. It is worth mentioning that ONGCL incurs crores of rupees by way of imparting medical treatment to its employees the cases of most of whom have to be referred to the Nursing Homes of Dibrugarh/Guwahati or sometimes to Mumbai/Chennai etc. for quite sometime past, there has been a consistent demand from all sections of the people to set up a Hospital at Sivasagar with all the modern amenities. At last the ONGCL accepted the demand and decided to set up an Ultra-modern Hospital way back in 2010 and simultaneously ONGCL decided to release Rs. 100 crore as an initial cost towards erecting the building. But for reasons best known to the ONGCL authority, it did not see the light of day. Again people of all walks started mounting pressure on it and the then Petroleum minister Birappa Moily, Assam's
then Chief minister Tarun Gogoi along with some high ups of ONGCL laid the foundation stone of the long-cherished super speciality Hospital at Rajabari in 2013. Again, an anti Assam lobby in liaison with authorities of some eminent Nursing Home became desperate in thwarting the attempt of constructing the Hospital. Further, it is alleged that some Doctors receive hefty commission from the Nursing Homes for referring the cases of ONGCL patients. Proffering this excuse or that ONGCL is delaying the construction of the Hospital. People now start smelling a rat in the sincerity of the ONGCL authority putting a question mark, will the much-hyped Hospital at all come into being.
Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
awareness to stop killing spree by militants and vowed to bring the perpetrators of mindless violence to justice. The challenges of governance However, the Bangladesh premier's call for creating mass awareness against the jihadi groups' attempts to radicalise the society seems difficult to materialise in the context of the country's nascent democratic institutions. The media plays a big role in generating people's consciousness in a functioning democracy which is lacking in the case of Bangladesh. The freedom of press has been restricted in the country even after the restoration of civilian rule in 1991. Besides, the law enforcement agencies have not achieved any major breakthrough in detecting the real assassins of the recent killings except the Rajib Haider murder case. The Parliament is another important forum where the key national issues are discussed and debated. But the current Jatiya Sangsad has lost its vitality in the absence of the participation of the major opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which boycotted the January 2014 general elections over the issue of neutral caretaker administration overseeing the parliamentary polls. The question of containing violent religious extremism and terrorism is to be seen in the realm of democratic governance that still remains an area of concern for the South Asian nation. Concluded
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Called 'Mini-Pakistan', What Life Is Like For Residents Of A Muslim-Majority Area In Delhi Since 1997, I have been overwhelming presence living in Batla House, of students, intellectuals Jamia Nagar. Jamia and educated middleNagar in the 1990s was class Muslims render this very different from what area particularly vulnerI see today. For starters, able to biased and disit was not as congested. criminatory police action. The decades of discrimi- Illegal detention of edun a t i o n cated youth a g a i n s t Nafees Ahmad under suspiMuslims in cion has India and unwillingness been rampant and Jamia on the part of localites to Nagar has unofficially rent out their apartments been earmarked as a to Muslims have resulted 'red' zone where the Muin multitudes seeking to nicipal Corporation of live in Muslim dominated Delhi (MCD) refuses to areas. carry out its civic duties Another factor which and entities such as pubcontributes to the conges- lic banks are allegedly tion of Jamia Nagar is its reluctant to open their proximity with Jamia branches or extend any Millia Islamia University loan or credit facility to its (JMI) which makes it an inhabitants. That is why appealing abode for mi- we see the presence of grant students who find few banks in the area as this area remarkably in- majority of the banks tend expensive. The spiraling to open only their ATM network of coaching in- outlets in the area and not stitutes further leads to their branches. the vitality of this area for The Hindustan Times students. once carried out a report In my observation, the titled, "Jamia Nagar living
in the shadow of encounter; Batla House verdict today" which quotes one resident, Firoz Bakht Ahmed on the same: "The moment you take the name of Jamia Nagar, there is a certain uneasiness among people. No bank or shop is ready to extend loans to the people of the locality. They have all been blacklisted, painted with one brush for no fault of theirs." This is not enough. Jamia Nagar is also referred to as 'mini-Pakistan' as most people here will tell you. It has often been dubbed as a hotbed and nursery of terrorists and extremists. The area is so notorious that many auto drivers often refuse to offer a ride to it at night. Dr. Nida Kirmani, who teaches Sociology at Lahore University, spent a year in Zakir Nagar, and interviewed around 60 to 70 women for her
research paper, remarked, "There are Muslim ghettos or mohallas in the city, and most Muslim-majority areas in India are called 'mini Pakistan', which are popping up all over India." She further adds, "The question is whether Muslims have chosen or enforced to live in the areas that they live in? If they've chosen it, the areas could be called enclaves; if enforced, they could be known as ghettos." The area is further beset with more pressing problems such as a poor drainage system. Although the recent work of the Jal Board in modernizing the drainage system has reduced the overflowing of water, there still is a lot to be done. You can spot harrowing traffic jams at any time of the day near Batla House Qabristan, Tikona Park Stand, Okhla Head near Jamia Nagar
Police Station and Thokar No. 8, near Shaheen Bagh and Kalindi Kunj Park. Another problem is the non-availability and scarcity of water for more than half of the population of Jamia Nagar, leading to a mushrooming network of water purifier plants which sell water. Many residents complain of how the ground water is contaminated and leads to hair fall, itching, burning of skin and clothes turning yellow. Apart from water, many residents have complaints against the frequent power cuts at various places such as Jogabai Extension and Pahalwan Chowk area near Hari Masjid, to name a few. One thing for which none but residents themselves are to be blamed, is their tendency to throw garbage on the roads and streets in the middle of the night.
Image for representational purpose (Photo: i.ytimg) Though Jamia Nagar is plagued by many woes andseveral stereotypes, it is astonishingly exceptional for many of its amazing attributes. Its proximity to JMI has made it a hub of academics. Moreover, the Batla House encounter in September 2008 has, in my view, contributed a lot towards an awakening of its residents towards education. The residents, who accorded business more priority than education, started taking it more seriously, convinced that
only quality education and further integration in the mainstream society will enhance their safety and reduce their vulnerability. Knowing your rights when authorities come to 'pick-up suspects' is something only a sound education can guarantee, and hence the big shift, as I observed it. Consequently, when I step out in the morning, I see buses ferrying students to schools in as far as Faridabad. Prior to Batla House, the residents knew only few schools like Jamia
Hamdard and some nearby ones. Post encounter, parents have broadened their search for schools which are reputed and known for quality education. The future of Jamia Nagar lies in the further awakening of its inhabitants; their undeterred dedication towards imparting and promoting quality education, raising awareness about the rights of its residents and forming strong and robust Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs). Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
Over 5000 Indians Were Pushed To 'Modern Shopping apps gaining Slavery' Daily In 2 Years, Report Reveals popularity Shreya Mittal & S u k a n y a Bhattacharyya, IndiaSpend.com "No one can imagine such a painful life. There is much torture on me and I am punished even at my minor mistakes like a child. My family is always living under threats. There is also physical violence against me and my family members." - A survey respondent, India State Survey, Global Slavery Index, 2016 As many as 18.3 million Indians live in conditions listed as 'modern slavery' in 2016, equivalent to the population of Netherlands, a rise of 4.1 mil-
est proportion of people living under enslaved conditions, after North Korea, Uzbekistan and Cambodia. India was at fifth position in modern slavery in 2014, changing place with Qatar, the report said. "The term modern slavery refers to situations where one person has taken away another person's freedom - to control their body, their freedom to choose, to refuse certain work or to stop working - so that they can be exploited. Freedom is taken away by threats, violence, coercion, abuse of power and deception," the Global Slavery Index 2016 report
Sexual slavery has risen in concert with economic prosperity in India, IndiaSpend reported in April 2016. The informal nature of the Indian economy has an effect on vulnerability, and accounts, in large part, for modern slavery, which is related to economic, gender and caste inequalities, as this Economic Times report said. In states hit by Maoist violence, such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha, boys and girls between the ages of six and 12 were recruited in children's units, the ET report said. These are the ways in which Indians find them-
Image for representational purpose (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz.) lion since 2014, according to a new global report. In other words, 5,616 Indians were enslaved every day over these two years. On an average, 51 out of every 100 people are vulnerable to modern slavery - bonded labour, forced begging, forced marriage, domestic services and commercial sex work - in India, according to the Global Slavery Index 2016 compiled by the Walk Free Foundation, an advocacy based in Australia. India has the fourth-high-
said. The Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of people living under conditions of modern slavery; almost 46% of human trafficking is reported from the region. While 83% victims are male, around 17% are female. Forced and child marriage are high in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Indonesia. A sex-ratio imbalance, resulting in absence of brides in India, has fuelled the trafficking of women and forced marriage.
selves in modern-day slavery: Bonded labour: This practice persists in India, mainly because of debt, and the entire family is exposed to the risks of physical violence. People are forced to work under unhealthy conditions, and physical violence is meted out, if they refuse to work. More than 300,000 people were identified as bonded labour, with the largest official number in Uttar Pradesh (896,301), followed by Maharashtra (496,916), according to thisanswer
given to the Lok Sabha in December 2015. Domestic services: As many as 4.2 million people, including men, women and children, work as gardeners, cleaners, drivers, cooks and caregivers across the entire country. This kind of human slavery is prone to overtime working hours, withholding wages, insufficient remuneration and sometimes even physical and sexual violence, according to 2004 data published by USbased Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO). Forced begging: Many Indian beggars are under criminal pressure. Primary survey conducted by Walk Free Foundation suggests that beggars are deprived of basic needs of survival and continuously threatened by their employers. The leading source of income for children living on streets is rag-picking, practiced by 16% of homeless children, according to a fivecity study by Save the Children, an advocacy. Begging is a leading occupation for 8% boys and 14% girls, but most girls are also involved in taking care of their siblings and other household work, IndiaSpend reported in April 2016. Commercial sexual exploitation: Women are beaten or forced to work under threat of violence and their families are threatened with legal action if they do not capitulate once enslaved by prostitution. Theestim ated number of sex workers in India is three million, of whom 1.2 million are below 18 years of age, according to this 2013 report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Forced marriage: About half of women are forced to marry in India before the legal age of 18 and then made to work as unpaid labourers. More than 9,000 married women were bought
from the states of Assam and West Bengal to Haryana, according to this May 2013 study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The study involving more than 10,000 households - said people who buy brides usually deny having done so, IndiaSpend reported in December 2014. Human Trafficking Cases Up 92% In Six Years About 5,500 cases were registered across India under existing human slavery laws in 2014, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. Human trafficking rose 92% over six years to 2014, IndiaSpend reported in August 2015. Over the past five years, 23% of human-trafficking cases led to a conviction. As many as 45,375 people were arrested and 10,134 persons were convicted. Punishments range from fines to imprisonment. Over the past five years, Andhra Pradesh reported the most arrests (7,450), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. What The Government Is Trying To Do The government has drafted a 'National Policy for Domestic Workers', which is currently awaiting Cabinet approval. If enacted, the policy would ensure a minimum salary of Rs 9,000 to skilled domestic help, paid- and maternityleaves, social security, and the right to bargain collectively. It will also include provisions against sexual harassment and bonded labour for domestic workers. More than 20,000 police personnel have been trained in victim identification, implementation of the new legal framework and victim-centred investigations. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
India is moving towards digitalization. Indian youths are getting more engrossed in smartphones and the various application (apps) they can access through it. Smartphones have become a part of the life of the youngsters today, be it connecting through social media, watching movies, playing games or even shopping online. Online shopping apps have also become a huge part of the youths today for casual window shopping along with buying stuffs of their requirement hassle free. As it is believed that now people do not have enough time to roam
homes and offices. In most of the developed cities of these country people even shop their groceries online. The country is developing in a rapid pace and the youths are becoming more and more techno-savyy. They now craze for gadgets with new advance technology. Shopping apps are such technology that has facilitated the experience of shopping easy and accessible within few clicks on the mobile phone. One can sit at home and choose from thousand of products available online. There are friendly offers of cash on delivery, product if damaged
Shabnam Shahin
Image for representational purpose (Photo: topapps) around in the market the whole day and buy what they want. They now just shop online by ordering goods, sitting at their
or not satisfactory can be returned and refunded within a period of one month. Some shopping apps also provide fa-
cilities for virtual trial rooms. The online shopping organizations are putting their best to make the experience of shopping by shopping apps, a good and reliable one. As the idea of shopping apps is still new, people do hesitate to buy costly products online. One may find cases of unsatisfactory delivery too. Cases of damaged products, non delivery, delayed delivery, wrong delivery are some of such instances of unsatisfactory delivery. Even the customers sometimes have to suffer for the unprofessional work attitude shown by the delivery persons. This idea of online shopping or shopping apps is a new thing for the people of India as well as Assam, but still it has been able to attract a huge number of users. The online shopping organizations are trying their best to attract the audiences with their innovative advertising, special offers, customer credits and what not. Online shopping has added a new horizon to the world of shopping. One can find anything and everything online with just a click on their smartphones. Quoting one of the shopping site," From ding to dong,get everything on shopclues.com". (Shabnam Shahin is a Masters final year student of Gauhati University) Courtesy: thethumbprintmag
Is It True: That A Pet Can Help You Cope With Depression? Depression is a disorder long as she can remember, which affects as many as 350 having an adorable little million people, throughout furball ram into me at the end the world. Though easily mis- of a hard day is probably the understood (and as easily best thing I could ever ask dismissed), depression is a for. fairly serious disorder with up And it's not just regular pets to 15% of its sufferers com- that are helpful in your time mitting suicide. And despite of need. Service animals these statistics, the ways to (such as service dogs) are oftreat depression remain few ten instrumental in a person's and far recovery between. process Saswati Chatterjee T h e y by giving r a n g e them a from medicinal (such as the purpose to which they may use of anti-depressants) to anchor their lives. People who the therapeutic. suffer from depression, espeSpeaking of therapeutic, one cially the likes of clinical deof the most commonly sug- pression, may find themgested methods is getting a selves without the will or the pet. 'Pet therapy 'is said to energy to do day-to-day ackeep people 'less lonely' and tivities. Having a service ani'distract us from our negative mal around, entails looking and anxious thoughts'. The after the animal, which might point we're led to ask is: how be extremely helpful. More successful is such therapy? importantly, pets connect Of course, speaking from a with their owners and will be purely personal perspective, able to recognise danger signs those among us who are pet (such as a panic attack) and owners can understand this calm them down. And somepoint of view. Pets can often times when you just want life give exactly that kind of un- to chill and don't want to talk conditional love and support to anyone while burrowing in that a struggling person may your blankets, I bet you'd let need in that time of their lives, your pet join you. I know I without the pesky questions would. a human might ask. As some- Animal-assisted therapy is one who's owned dogs for as lauded by pretty much every-
one, for everything from autism to brain injuries. In a set of clinical trials by Maggie O'Haire of Purdue University, she found favorable responses to animal assisted therapy in case of children suffering from autism and Friedmann and Son also reported encouraging responses for animal therapy for diseasing ranging from Alzheimer's Disease to Down Syndrome. The problem? The same sizes of the studies done in this field are too small. While it is heartening to see the positive responses we've gotten so far, there is (for now) no way to tell how effective animal assisted therapy really is. Of course, this doesn't mean that having a pet doesn't help people deal with depression. Considering the diverse range of responses to pet therapy, it is clear that many people agree that it does. As noted above, pets can give people a sense of purpose in their lives or, more importantly, just to be there in times of need. People can be lonely or having a bad day or going through a hard time in general and having a wet nose prod you along in life is sometimes all we need. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
BUSINESS
Production of new Twin-Turbo V12 Engine began by Aston Martin Mumbai, Jun 28: It's official, the sound of a new V12 will soon grace the ears of enthusiasts around the world. Aston Martin revealed the DB11 at this year's Geneva Motor Show and has now put the supercar's 5.2-litre, twinturbo V12 engine into production. The new motor is being manufactured at the Aston Martin Engine Plant (AMEP) in Cologne, Germany and, while it makes its debut in the DB11, it will be used in future models as well. Aston has developed the power plant in-
1-year extension might be bestowed upon SBI's Arundhati Bhattacharya Kolkata, Jun 28: The government is considering a proposal to extend A r u n d h a t i Bhattacharya's term as chairman of State Bank of India by at least a year, senior officials said. The finance ministry wants continuity in leadership as state-run SBI absorbs five associate units and Bhartiya Mahila Bank while cleaning up its books of bad loans, they said, adding that the government may fix SBI chairman's tenure at five years, up from three now. An extension would rule her out as a contender to succeed Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, who completes his term in September. Bhattacharya's threeyear term at SBI, India's biggest bank, also ends in September though she reached retirement age in March. She couldn't be reached for comment. Earlier this month, the cabinet cleared the plan that will see SBI increase in size and possibly become one of the top 50 banks in the world. The bank expects to complete the process by March 2017. Bhattacharya has said the process will be beneficial for all concerned. "While the network of SBI would stand to increase, its reach would multiply. One can expect efficiencies to be created from rationalization of branches, common treasury pooling and proper deployment of a large skilled resource base," she had said. The other three contenders for the top post at SBI are managing directors B Sriram, PK Gupta and Rajnish Kumar. "It was earlier decided that the chairman of SBI should have a fixed tenure and that was why Bhattacharya was given a three-year term," said one of those cited above. "If need be, that can be extended." RBI had also suggested a longer tenure for the chairman of SBI, he said. In 2015, while selecting private sector candidates for five large public sector banks, the government had offered a fixed, threeyear tenure subject to the normal superannuation age of 60 years. That same year saw management reforms being initiated at staterun lenders and the post of chairman and managing director-cumCEO was split, except for SBI. Going forward, the recently appointed Banks Board Bureau led by Chairman Vinod Rai will oversee selection process at state-run banks. (Agencies)
PRODUCING THE LATEST Aston Martin revealed the DB11 at this year's Geneva Motor Show and has now put the supercar's 5.2-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine into production.
Aston has developed the power plant in-house and this new engine produces a smile-inducing 608PS of power and 700Nm of torque. This makes the DB11 the most powerful production 'DB' model ever.
It's also the fastest, with a top speed of 322kmph, and the quickest off-the-line with a claimed 0100kmph time of 3.9sec.
It takes a total of 8 hours to build one V12 engine and the AMEP has a production capacity of 8,000 engines a year.
house and this new en- ducing 608PS of power gine produces a smile-in- and 700Nm of torque.
tion 'DB' model ever. It's also the fastest, with a top speed of 322kmph, The DB11 is all about and the quickest off-theexclusivity and it begins before the car is even line with a claimed 0made. To ensure the 100kmph time of 3.9sec. highest levels of qual- Humorously, the brand's ity and consistency, boffins have inserted a each engine is built needle of 'green tech' in from start to finish by this horsepower stack just ONE technician! with a cylinder-bank activation system and enThe DB11 is priced at gine stop-start technolÂŁ154,900 (approximately ogy. Rs 1.44 crore) in the UK The DB11 is all about and customer deliveries exclusivity and it begins will begin towards the before the car is even end of this year. made. To ensure the highest levels of quality This makes the DB11 the and consistency, each most powerful produc- engine is built from start
to finish by just ONE technician! It takes a total of 8 hours to build one V12 engine and the AMEP has a production capacity of 8,000 engines a year. Once the engines are made they're put through stringent temperature tests before being approved and shipped to the company's headquarters in Gaydon, England. The DB11 is priced at ÂŁ154,900 (approximately Rs 1.44 crore) in the UK and customer deliveries will begin towards the end of this year. (Agencies)
LeEco Le Max 2: Aiming to outshine rivals with powerful hardware, CDLA technology Mumbai, Jun 28: In just five months of its entry into the Indian market, Chinese internet and technology conglomerate LeEco has practically dominated the mid-range Rs 8,000-Rs 15,000 segment. Now, with Le Max 2, the company is set to create ripples in the slightly high-end price band too. Le Max2 that is in direct competition with Rs 24,999 Xiaomi`s Mi5 and Rs 27,999 OnePlus 3 comes in two varients: 32GB and 4GB RAM for Rs 22,999 and 6GB RAM and 64GB variant for Rs 29,999. The company is playing its card on CDLA (Continuous Digital Lossless Audio) technology -- a first for the Indian con-
sumers -- which has kissed the traditional 3.5 mm headphone jack goodbye. You do not need to insert headphone into a 3.5 mm rounded socket as before. You can hear your favourite music with the USB Type-C port which is used to charge the device. The phone comes with a LeEco proprietary headphone set. The company has also provided a small adapter to connect other headphones. The metal unibody device has a 5.7inch Quad-HD display with 1440x2560 pixels resolution and a pixel density of 515ppi -- it ran 4K videos smoothly -- and runs on EUI 5.6 based on Android Marshmallow. While Le Max 2 has a
Logo of LeEco. (Photo: i2.wp) single slot for two nanoSIM cards at left, it has volume and power buttons at right. The device does not have slot for microSD card. On top of the device, one could find an infra-red blaster (meaning it can work as a universal remote for your home). The back panel has a centrallyaligned protruded camera and a fingerprint sensor just below it. Le Max 2 uses Qualcomm`s
"Sense ID" ultrasonic fingerprint technology to identify its owner. No question of lag with multitasking thanks to the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor clocked at 2.15 Ghz with 6GB of RAM and 64GB storage. For me, nearly 4GB RAM was free even after I used it extensively. No heating problems as such -- not even during gaming. Similar to the curated
news items on Samsung Galaxy S7, a right swipe took me to LeView -an online video gallery where you can select the genre by a simple drop-down menu. A "Live" onscreen button took me to LeLive service that lets users stream popular TV channels while "LeVidi" app lets user stream movies. Both are LeEco`s "supert ainment" ecosystem services and the content worth Rs 4,900 is free for a year. The 21MP rear camera works fine under ample light conditions. The phone features a 3,100mAh battery which lasted nearly 10 hours in video loop test. (Agencies)
PAGE 10
Non-performing govt employees to not get annual increment
Image for representational purpose (Photo: media.licdn) New Delhi, Jun 28: The implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendation seems to be like an endless wait for the central government employees. However, an important point made by the Pay Commission's recommendation might not go down well with many. As per reports in the media, the Pay Commission has recommended that non-performing central government employees should not given annual increments. The Commission has recommended to upgrade performance benchmark to "very good" from "good". It has also recommended introduction of the Performance Related Pay (PRP) for ascertaining the performance of the central gov-
ernment employees. In other reports, the central government employees and pensioners are likely to get their 6 months of arrears in October. Reports further say that increased salary of July will be credited to the 47 lakh central government employees and 52 lakh pensioners' accounts on August 1, 2016. But the arrears of last 6 months will be credited in one installment in October. As per sources, the Empowered Committee of Secretaries headed by the Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has recommended a 30 percent increase in minimum and maximum basic pay structures along with doubling of existing rates of allowances and advances. (Agencies)
Gold price rise up Rs 232 on global cues
Chances of appointing an economist to succeed Raghuram Rajan as RBI Governor New Delhi, Jun 28: The government is likely to appoint an economist to succeed Raghuram Rajan as governor of the Reserve Bank of India rather than a bureaucrat. Former Reserve Bank deputy governors Rakesh Mohan and Subir Gokarn, and current deputy governor Urjit Patel are under consideration as candidates for the post. Others in the reckoning are World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu and former chief economic adviser Ashok Lahiri. "The government is more keen on appointing an economist as the RBI governor," said a senior official aware of initial discussions. "Bureaucrats are not under active consideration." Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian, too, could be a possible candidate, but as of now the
Raghuram Rajan, RBI Governor. (Photo: economictimes.indiatimes.) thinking is that he should remain in the finance ministry. The government feels appointing an economist will send a strong signal to the international community and address concerns over the RBI's monetary policy independence. There had been speculation that several bureaucrats were in the running
for the post. A successor to Rajan is expected to be announced next month to end speculation and also give the person time to prepare for the new job. The decision will be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in consultation with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The RBI governor's role in setting interest rates is in
any case set to get diluted with a monetary policy committee taking over the role. The six-member committee will have three members appointed by the government and three by the RBI. It will be headed by the RBI governor. Rajan had said earlier this month that he will be returning to academia once his term ends in September. Mohan is an old RBI and policy hand, having served as deputy governor in two different stints. He also knows the government well from the inside, having been secretary at the department of economic affairs and chief economic adviser. He was India's executive director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three year term beginning November 2012. Gokarn is executive director on the
IMF board, having replaced Mohan. He was earlier chief Asia-Pacific economist at Standard and Poor's. Basu is on leave from Cornell University where he is professor of economics. He was chief economic advisor to the previous United Progressive Alliance government. Patel is responsible at the RBI for monetary policy and related issues. Lahiri is currently chairman of Bandhan Bank. The immediate job of the new RBI governor would be to see through the bad-loan cleanup at state-run banks. The government had some differences with Rajan over the pace of monetary easing, but what possibly went against him, according to the official cited above, were his comments on non-economic issues as a public intellectual. (Agencies)
$25 million invested by Nilekani in KKR realty unit Pune, Jun 28: Billionaire and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has put in about $25 million in a real estate non-banking finance company (NBFC) unit of KKR India, one of the local arms of private equity giant KKR & Co, according to people familiar with the matter. The Infosys cofounder made the investment through his family office Entrust some months ago. KKR's real estate unit has been actively providing structured credit solutions to stressed but fundamentally strong companies in the past 18 months. Nilekani and KKR didn't respond to
emailed queries at the time of going to press. With Nilekani's participation, the equity corpus of the NBFC unit has gone up to $250 million. It had earlier received bigger equity infusions from GIC of Singapore($110 million) and US-based Townsend Group ($75 million). These NBFCs have gathered momentum in the last few years as property developers find it difficult to borrow from banks due to a prolonged slump in the sector. Nilekani, who is credited with building the world's largest identity database in record time, has also invested in startups
Billionaire and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. (Photo: cdn.deccanchronicle) such as Mubble, a company that helps smartphone users track their spending on calls, re-
search company Tracxn, and Drishti, an eyecare chain to provide affordable treatment in underserved
markets, among others. Recently, the KKR unit invested Rs 300 crore in two residential projects of developer Puranik Builders in Pune and also put in Rs 145 crore in Mantri Developers in Bengaluru. The NBFC is KKR's second lending arm in India. The first one, engaged in conventional lending business, was started with an equity capital base of Rs 1,500 crore. Since 2009, KKR has extended more than $2 billion of structured financing to 21 business groups in the country through its credit and capital markets business. (Agencies)
Image for representational purpose. (Photo: thebigsecretsofmoney) Chennai, Jun 28: Continuing its winning run, gold prices rose by another Rs 232 to Rs 31,922 per 10 gram in futures trade on Monday amid a firm global trend At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in far-month October was trading higher by Rs 232 or 0.73 per cent to trade at Rs 31,922 per 10 gram in a business turnover 18 lots. On similar lines, the yellow metal for delivery in August gathered another Rs 224 or 0.71% to Rs 31,625 per 10 gm in 863 lots. Analysts attributed persistent rise in gold prices at futures trade to a firming trend overseas where gold surged for a second day as shock waves continued to rever-
berate through financial markets following the Britain's vote to exit the European Union, boosting demand for safe haven assets. In a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc, Britain on Friday voted to leave the EU, forcing Prime Minister David Cameron to announce resignation in the wake of defeat in the referendum whose result triggered a panic reaction in world markets. Meanwhile, gold climbed 1.5% to $1,335.55 an ounce in Singapore. The metal was propelled as high as $1,358.54 on Friday to a level not seen since March 2014, and the 8.1% gain was the biggest intraday jump since 2008. (Agencies)
CLIMBING STEPS Continuing its winning run, gold prices rose by another Rs 232 to Rs 31,922 per 10 gram in futures trade on Monday amid a firm global trend. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in far-month October was trading higher by Rs 232 or 0.73 per cent to trade at Rs 31,922 per 10 gram in a business turnover 18 lots. On similar lines, the yellow metal for delivery in August gathered another Rs 224 or 0.71% to Rs 31,625 per 10 gm in 863 lots. Meanwhile, gold climbed 1.5% to $1,335.55 an ounce in Singapore. The metal was propelled as high as $1,358.54 on Friday to a level not seen since March 2014, and the 8.1% gain was the biggest intraday jump since 2008.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
Features
PAGE 11
HORTICULTURE Farm Ops initiative opens new fields to veterans New York agriculture The program allows faces a looming employ- earned military benefits to ment crisis, but not the be deployed in agriculture kind that normally leaves training, opening the way job seekers skittish. for young, hardworking A rise in job capacity in men and women with the the agriculture industry skills to be successful in is not being a technologimet with Matt Hayes cally advanced e n o u g h field to beskilled people ready to come the farmers of tofill the expected surge in morrow. high-paying, productive "After leaving the milicareers. An innovative tary, our veterans enter the Cornell project is betting workforce with the dedithat military veterans are cation, grit and work ethic the answer. to succeed in whatever Farm Ops, an initiative they wish to do," said Anu from the Cornell Small Rangarajan, director of Farms Program, is the the Cornell Small Farm first of its kind in the Program and senior excountry to give returning tension associate in the veterans the opportunity Horticulture Section of to learn agriculture via the School of Integrative their G.I. Bill benefits. Plant Sciences. "Until
now, the job-training benefits they earned have not been applied to agriculture. Our program offers pathways, information and support to enter the agricultural workforce. "It's a win for our veterans and a win for the New York agricultural industry that desperately needs these talented people," she said. Funding for the program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and a recent $115,000 appropriation from the New York State Enacted Budget as part of the Planting Seeds Initiative
spearheaded by State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R48th District, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Through the program, veterans receive on-thejob training experience at pilot farm sites across the state. Once a farm is approved by the Division of Veterans' Affairs, veterans can work at that farm for six to 24 months to learn all aspects of a particular farm enterprise, such as dairy or orchard management. For the first time, veterans can use their military housing allowances to support their on-the-job training in agriculture. For those looking for short-term educational
opportunities, the Small Farm Program and the National Center for Appropriate Technology offer "Armed to Farm," a five-day intensive farm and business training program teaching the fundamentals of farming. Online courses from the Small Farm Program help veterans (and others) remotely learn the details of farm start-up. Equipping young veterans to be successful is a natural fit for an aging workforce that has been growing grayer just as the job outlook has become a whole lot greener. Since 2002, the number of farmers in New York over the age of 65 has grown while those under the age
Representational image (Photo: hort.cals) of 45 has declined by 30 percent. The past decade has seen a rise in beginning farmers joining the workforce, but a majority of those are over the age of 45. That disconnect leaves farms vulnerable in the coming decades. "We need more young farmers to keep land in farming long term," said Rangarajan. "At stake is
1.7 million acres of New York farmland that has resources in abundance - the water and fertile soil to be the breadbasket of the Northeast and the country - but lacks the human capacity to optimize our advantages." The Cornell Small Farm Program is already working with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE)on educational programming
opportunities to make it easier for veterans to enter agribusiness. Partners in CCE facilitate networking among farmers and provide expertise and other in-field exposure to all forms of agricultural know-how. This new program takes it a step further by giving formal job training paid for by earned military benefits. Courtesy: cornell
Hubli's farmers reap the benefits The Fruit of the Season: Mango of a papaya revolution Farmers in Hubli are partnering with Deshpande Foundation to protect themselves against the vagaries of the monsoon by growing papaya. Water wise choices In what was a successful implementation of its farm pond model, the Deshpande Foundation witnessed that many pond owners had a significant supply of water left over in the on-site storage tank even after they had irrigated their fields. "Since the crops grown here (jowar, maize, chilli, and cotton) are hardy ones requiring less water, farmers often shared stories of stored water they could not effectively use", says
2014, unseasonal rains and water-logging meant that acres of chilli, onion, and cotton crops were lost. Commercial crops like papaya offer a certain measure of protection against the weather. The trees yield fruit once a fortnight all year round beginning in the eighth month after sowing, and continue to be productive for up to 2 years. Though delicate and prone to virus attacks, with adequate care, papaya can prove to be a profitable choice for farmers who have access to a reliable irrigation source like the farm pond for the long, dry summer months. Known for its nutritive value as a vegetable and fruit, and as the primary source of pa-
Given the proven success of the cost-sharing model of implementation of the farm pond programme, the Foundation built the papaya cultivation initiative along the same lines. "We act merely as facilitators", says Khan. Farmers purchase papaya saplings from the Foundation which also provides technical guidance across the supply chain from planting to procurement. A farmer visit in Navalgund seems convinced of the crop's potential based on the quick returns it has brought him. "I incurred a total cost of about Rs. 22,000 on the crop (cost of saplings, labour, maintenance, and fertilizer).
A papaya farm (Photo: presscdn) Mohammed Innus Khan, Program Manager (Agriculture) at the Foundation. That got the team thinking of alternative crops that could provide farmers a consistent source of income and allow them to make optimum use of the water they were harvesting while continuing to grow staple food crops like millets and maize. Says Naveen Jha, CEO of D e s h p a n d e Foundation,"The idea for the papaya cultivation project was born out of the farm pond project. Once farmers had a dependable water source on their own farms, they could begin thinking of diversifying their crops and adding to their sources of income. Thus, the two projects are closely linked." The vagaries of weather have impacted farmers in the region negatively. In
pain in other foodstuff, papaya yields more income per unit area. The pilot began in 2013 with 27 farmers in the region who each dedicated 1 acre of their farm land, allowing a total of 27,000 saplings to be planted. "The first of the harvests took place in August of 2014, with farmers harvesting about 6 tonnes per acre and earning about Rs. 10,000 per tonne of fruit", says Sandeep Naik, Project Manager at Deshpande Foundation. Many of the farmers abstain from synthetic fertilizers, finding it more economical to use homemade bio-fertilizers and pesticides made of natural ingredients like cowdung and neem. A harvest of naturally grown fruit earns farmers a marginally higher profit than one to which chemicals were applied.
But, this is my insurance against droughts", he tells me, "and I made an earning of Rs. 60,000 with my first harvest", he says. He expects his one thousand trees to continue yielding for the next 16 months, assuring him of an income of between 6-9 lakhs for a total harvest of 100 tonnes of fruit. When combined with the income from his regular crop of cotton, chilli, and maize, he says, "I am in a more stable financial position now." Changing mindsets, changing lives While he does tell a tale of success, such farmers are a rarity. "Farmers here are a conservative lot whose traditional beliefs about the agricultural practices to be followed are very hard to transform", says Naik. The Foundation visits
farmers in their villages, organising meetings to create awareness of the benefits of dedicating just one acre of land to papaya cultivation. Farmers are also taken on exposure visits so they can witness the benefits firsthand. Since there were many instances of farmers expressing doubts about the market for an untested crop like papaya, Deshpande Foundation helped the first 27 farmers with linkages to a papaya processing plant in Hubli, guaranteeing sale and income. For farmers, going against the grain and experimenting with something hitherto unheard of in the region can be a challenging task. However, a shift in mindsets is slowly taking place. He says, "As more of my neighbours see the benefits papaya is bringing me, I hope they too become motivated to start cultivating it." A direct outcome has been an increased demand for farm ponds which allow farmers to irrigate the papaya crop in the summer. Naik's team is busy this year, processing requests for papaya plantations from over 100 farmers, many of whom have seen the success it has brought to their friends and neighbours. Encouraged by the response it has received from farmers, the Deshpande Foundation team is constantly at work, discovering new ways for farmers to benefit at an optimal cost. With the inauguration of its new campus in Hulgur, the Foundation now nurtures papaya seedlings, bringing down the cost for farmers. Efforts are also underway to empower farmers to independently manage the entire process across the supply chain with the establishment of a farmer-governed producer organisation thereby making the farmers a self-sufficient lot and making room for the Foundation to scale its programmes. Courtesy: thealt ernative
Mango trees are deeprooted, symmetrical evergreens that attain heights of 90 feet and widths of 80 feet. Mango trees have simple alternate lanceolate leaves that are 12 to 16 inches in length and yellow-green, purple, or copper in color when young. Mature leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green in color. New leaves arise in terminal growth flushes that occur several times a year. Mature terminal branches bear pyramidal flower panicles that have several hundred white flowers that are about a 1/ 4 inch wide when open. Most of the flowers function as males by providing pollen, but some is bisexual and set fruit. Pollination is by flies, wasps, and bees. VARIETIES Alphonso (Hapus) Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh Alphonso or Hapus is the most famous mango grown in India. The Alphonso has a perfect golden colour with perfect sweet taste. This mango is named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese soldier who established Portuguese colonies in Goa, India. Banganapalli Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu Began Phali, also known as Banganapalli, is one of the most common types of mango grown in the India. It is named after Banganapalle town in Andhra Pradesh, India. Banganapalli has a obliquely oval shape, with yellow flesh and a thin skin. The pup has of a meaty texture without fibers. Chausa Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh The chausa is one the sweetest mangoes grown in North India. Chausas has a bright yellow skin and sweet pulp. It is available towards the end of the mango season, during JulyAugust. Dussehri (Malihabadi) Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab Malihabadi mango, the famous Dussehri mango is sweet and aromatic. It is a medium-sized mango known for its shape and taste. Dussehri is a fibreless mango with long shape, greenish-yellow colour and sweet taste. Kesar Gujarat If you know about "Aamras," you must know
about Kesar. It is a golden colour variety of mango with juicy mango pulp. It is also known for its "saffron" fragrance. Langra Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Punjab The most popular North Indian variety of mango is the Langra. It is believed to derive its name from the Hindi word "Langra" (meaning lame), as it first appeared in the orchard of a lame man in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a ovalshaped mango with greenish-yellow colour. Totapuri Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka,
der for amchoor, a traditional Indian preparation used for cooking. In India, flour is made from mango seeds. Seeds are also eaten during periods of food shortages. The timber is used for boats, flooring, furniture and other applications. Raw mango consists of about 81.7% water, 17% carbohydrate, 0.5% protein, 0.3% fat, and 0.5% ash. A 100 g (3.5 oz) serving of raw mango has 65 calories and about half the vitamin C found in oranges. Mango contains more vitamin A than most fruits. SOIL TYPES and LOCATION Mangos can be grown on
winds, but windbreaks that shade or compete with them should be avoided. HARVEST and POSTHARVEST Mango trees may remain in production for 40 years or more. Fruits are usually picked after they develop some red, orange, or yellow color. Mangos will ripen and may be picked when the flesh inside has turned yellow, regardless of exterior color. The harvest season is usually between June and September in Hawaii, depending on variety. Fruit matures three to five months after flowering. Mangos should be picked before they are fully ripe, at which time they soften
This mango is named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese soldier who established Portuguese colonies in Goa, India. (Photo: hangouts)
and Tamil Nadu The Totapuri is the most easily recognised mango in India. It gets its name from the fruit's hooked tip, resembling parrot's beak. It isn't very sweet, but it's great for salads, pickles, drinks. Himsagar West Bengal and Bihar Himsagar is accepted to be the best kind of mango for desserts and drinks. It is a yellow skin mango with creamy, fleshy fiber-free body. Kishan Bhog West Bengal West Bengal's Murshidabad district is famous for Kishan Bhog. It is round in shape, with sweet taste and fleshy tissue. USES Mango can be eaten raw as a dessert fruit or processed to various products. Ripe fruits can be sliced and canned or processed to juice, jams, jellies, nectars and preserves. Eastern and Asian cultures use unripe mangos for pickles, chutney and relishes. In India, unripe mangos are sliced, dried, and made into pow-
a wide range of soil types, from light sandy loams to red clay soils. Soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is preferred. Deep rich soils give the best production and fruit quality. Well drained soils are recommended. Moderately sloping sites are also recommended to prevent water logging. Deep soils without impermeable layers permit the development of deep taproots that aids in drought tolerance and wind resistance. Mangos will grow from sea level to an elevation of about 1,500 feet in Hawaii, but mangos are most productive below 1,200 feet. Mango is best adapted to hot, dry leeward areas that receive less than 60 inches of rainfall annually, but supplemental irrigation is desirable for highest yields in those areas. Anthracnose disease often destroys both flowers and developing fruits in humid, high-rainfall areas. Dry weather during the flowering period is best for fruit production. Wind can damage flowers and reduce yields. Mango trees should be protected from strong
and fall. The fruit bruises easily and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. They are ripened at room temperature and then refrigerated. Mature mangos keep fairly well under refrigeration for two to three weeks at 50 to 55°F PRODUCTION India is the world's largest producer of mangoes. It has been estimated that there are over 1000 commercial varieties in India, where mangos are often called the "king of fruits". According to FAO estimates, world mango production was 33.1 billion lb in 1989. India produced 63% of the total production. Other major producers were Mexico, Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Brazil and the Philippines. Mangos are available year-round in various import markets. Countries such as Brazil, Peru and Venezuela are major suppliers during winter while Mexico, Haiti, India and the Philippines are major suppliers during the spring and summer seasons. Courtesy: extento
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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
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Vijender Singh eager to knockout Kerry Hope in maiden title bout ANI New Delhi, June 28 : Indian sensation Vijender Singh is gearing up for his much-awaited first title fight at home, where he takes on former European middleweight champion Kerry Hope for WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Championship title here at Thyagaraj Sports Complex here on July 16. Undefeated in his six fights so far, Vijender is currently training hard in Manchester under globally acclaimed renowned trainer Lee Beard. Reflecting on the same, Vijender said that his confidence level is extremely high at the moment and that he is eager
to knockout Hope. "With less than three weeks to go for my maiden title fight, I am really excited to compete in front of my home crowd. Competing in front of my own people will be a very big moment for me and I don't want to lose this chance. I have started high intensity training two weeks ago to compete in the first ten rounder fight for Asia Pacific title and working hard to win this. I have seen videos of Kerry, he is a good opponent but I am training really hard to be ready for what my opponent has," the Indian knockout king said. While Hope is openly challenging Vijender before the title fight, the In-
English media blasts Hodgson's men post humiliating Euro 2016 exit
England Football team ANI Wellington, June 28 : England's humiliating exit from the European Championship at the hands of minnows Iceland invited a flurry of criticism from the English media and former players with the defeat being described as `the ultimate humiliation` for the country. Roy Hodgson's side, which headed into the round of 16 hoping to secure a quarterfinal berth, ended up suffering a 2-1 defeat against Iceland at Allianz Riviera in Nice on Tuesday. The shocking defeat has been compared to England's 1-0 loss against the United States during the 1950 World Cup. Martin Samuel, who writes for the Daily Mail, believes the recent defeat is much worse because the 1950 World Cup was the national team's first tournament and that they were unfamiliar with the circumstances. Insisting that getting Iceland as a last-16 opponent felt like a let-off, the Guardian
said that the underdogs had proven to be another opponent who England should but could not overcome at a major event. Following the defeat, manager Roy Hodgson stepped down from the post, informing that he would be leaving the team on the expiry of his contract this month. Launching a scathing attack on Hodgson, the Sun's Duncan Wright said that the England manager headed into the Euro 2016 clueless about his team and techniques to play the game, Stuff.co.nz reported. Describing Hodgson as a `hapless boss`, Wright said that the 68-year-old has been disaster as a national team manager. Besides English media, former striker Gary Lineker, ITV pundit and former Three Lions defender Lee Dixon and Ian Wright were among the former England footballers who took aim at Hodgson and his players following the defeat.
`Gutted` Rooney quashes England retirement talks ANI London, June 28 : Following England's humiliating defeat at the hands of minnows Iceland in the European Championship, skipper Wayne Rooney has dismissed suggestions that he is considering retirement from the national team. Expressing his desire to continue playing for England, Rooney insisted that he felt extremely proud to be a part of the national side. The Manchester United striker netted the lone goal for England before they were knocked out of the Euro 2016 by underdogs islanders 1-2 at Allianz Riviera in Nice on Tuesday. Rooney said that it was quite disappointing to lose the game despite having some really good chances to score. "I feel disappointed, gutted, it's a hard one to take. We had a good chance of going through and after such a good start, conceding two sloppy goals, we're disappointed," he said in the mixed zone after the final whistle," the 30-year-old was quoted as saying by goal.com. Following the defeat, manager Roy Hodgson stepped down from the post, informing that
Vijender Singh dian hotshot seems to be calm about the whole situation. "If Kerry comes forward and throws shots then anyone who has done that in the past has got knocked out so if he leaves himself open my natural strength
will play a big part. Every fight I go into I believe I will win. Doubt is the enemy. I believe he's not as strong as me and he's not training like I'm training," Vijender said. Commenting on Kerry Hope's recent statement
where he mentioned that Vijender is still an `amateur`, not in his league, the 30-year-old said, "I have read his statement but don't want to react on this. All I can say is that I am preparing for 16 July and my punches will reply to overconfident Kerry Hope. I am confident of winning this game and making my countrymen proud. The boxing sensation said he wants to win this championship title not only for himself but also for his fans. "The audience will be sitting there and rooting for me, I want to play for them, I love the feeling of your own people cheering for you, it gives you a different kind of a boost
and motivates you to keep hitting those punches," he added. Although Kerry Hope is more experienced than Vijender with an impressive record of 23 wins from 30 fights but the Indian boxer said, "I don't think fighting Kerry is a problem, sure he might be more experienced but it all depends on the punches and the strength you show in the ring at the time of the fight. The title is mine and I will make sure that everyone is proud of that moment." Vijender is unbeaten in six fights with six knockouts in only seventeen rounds of action since his pro debut last October.
Bodousa SC tame Dibrugarh University by 7-0 Sports Reporter scored the fifth and sixth Dibrugarh, June 28: In one goals in 84th and 85th sided affair Bodousa Sports minute. The final goal was Club, Tinsukia trashed scored by Vivek Gurung in Dibrugarh University by 7-0 the 89th minute. Vivek in the 8th Bodousa Cup Foot- Gurung was adjudged man ball tournaof the match. m e n t ibrugarh Bodousa Club DUniversity organised by got Bodousa Sports Club in as- some chances but failed to sociation with Assam Foot- score. ball Association at TDSA sta- D. Bora of Dibrugarh Unidium in Tinsukia today. versity and Bhaskarjoy Vivek Gurung opened the Saikia of Bodousa SC was floodgates for Bodousa SC booked with yellow cards. in the 11th minute while Tomorrow, Oil India FC, Bishal Hojai found the back Duliajan will lock horn with of the net in the 47th minute. Makum United FC. Ashish Langtsha fired the In another match played at third salvo for his team in the Nehru stadium in Guwahati 72nd minute. where ASEB beat Barekuri Himanta Gaur scored the FC by 2-0. fourth goal in the 81st minute In Kokrajhar, Global FC dewhile teammate Hunchim feated Namrup XI by 2-0.
Pro Kabaddi League: Bengal Warriors Argentina president, Maradona urge Messi to reconsider international retirement hammer Dabang Delhi to register first victory ANI Mumbai, June 28 : The Bengal Warriors produced a spirited fight back as they thumped Dabang Delhi 31-23 to record their first win of the fourth season of Pro Kabaddi League on Monday. Led by Nilesh Shinde, it was the Warriors defence who produced a gritty performance to overcome the challenge from Delhi. With the win, the Warriors leapfrog U Mumba in the league table to sit in the third spot with six points. The first half was a closely fought affair but Meraj Sheykh came up with two brilliant plays to give the Dabang Delhi a slender lead 14-13. With the danger of an all-out looming, Meraj Sheykh scored two points with a brilliant raid and revived two players for Dabang Delhi in 14th minute. Just five minutes later, Sheykh repeated his feat of averting another all-out. The Warriors, still reeling from their loss to Bulls, looked at their raider Jang Kun Lee for inspiration. The Warriors started brightly and after the first 10 minutes, led 6-3. Jang Kun Lee scored his first point
Pro Kabaddi League with a fine raid in the 12th minute. Sheykh started the second half in sublime form and averted another all out in third minute of second half. He then combined with Prashant Chavan to inflict a super tackle and earned two more points in the 15th minute. Sheykh ended up with seven points but it wasn't enough for his team. The Bengal Warriors made a few tactical errors and missed two glorious opportunities to inflict an all out in the first half. Nitin Madane, raider for Warriors, looked out of sorts all night and yet was sent on for one raid too many. However,
another raider for Warriors, Ravi Dalal scored two points with successive raids to tie the game at 18-18. The first all out came in the 10th minute of second half to get a three-point lead. Dabang looked to their captain Kashiling Adake for inspiration but he had a quiet night and scored only two raid points. Ravi Dalal inflicted a super raid in the 17th minute of the second half to score three more points for the Warriors to extend their lead by seven points. In the last minute, the Warriors inflicted an all-out to record a comfortable victory.
India to host Kiwis for three Tests, five ODIs
India is all set to host New Zealand for a three-match Test
ANI New Delhi, June 28 : India is all set to host New Zealand for a three-match
Test series and five-match ODI series later this year. The first Test match will be played at the Green
Park stadium in Kanpur from September 22 while the last ODI will be held in Visakhapatnam on October 29. The tour will also see Indore host its first ever Test, which will be the second match of the series beginning from September 30,ESPNcricinfo reported. New Zealand's last tour to India came four years ago, when the two sides played two Tests and two T20Is. India went on to win the Test series 2-0 before suffering a 0-1 defeat in the shortest-format of the game.
ANI Buenos Aires (Argentina),June 28 : Argentina president Mauricio Macri has personally contacted star striker Lionel Messi and urged him not to call it quits to the national team. 29-year-old Messi announced his retirement from the international football after missing his spotkick in the decisive shootout as Argentina once again lost to Chile for a second straight year in the Copa America final at Met Life Stadium, the United States on Sunday. According to the goal.com, Macri said that he was really proud of the national team's performance and requested the Barcelona star not to listen to the criticism. The Argentina president also took to micro blogging website Twitter,asking Messi not to leave the team. "I never feel greater pride in our team. I hope the joy of seeing the best in the world will continue for many years more. #NoTeVayasLio," he tweeted. Meanwhile, Legendary Argentina footballer Diego Maradona also appealed the Barcelona talisman to reconsider his retire-
Lionel Messi ment plans for the national team's benefit. "He has to rely more on boys who can help take the team forward and less on those who say they have to go. Those who are saying he should quit are doing it so that we won't see what a disaster Argentine football has become," Maradona said. Following the 4-2 loss on penalties, a visibly distraught Messi said that it hurts not to be a champion despite reach-
ing four finals before adding that "The national team is over for me." Despite winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Barcelona, Messi's only major international honour is Olympic gold at the 2008 Games. In addition to losing three Copa America finals (2007, 2015, 2016), Messi's Argentina were beaten by Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.
Djokovic kicks off Wimbledon defence with thumping win
Novak Djokovic ANI Johannesburg, June.28 : World number one Novak Djokovic kicked off his
Wimbledon defence with a comfortable win over James Ward in the opening round at the All En-
gland Club on Monday. The Serbian recorded 6-0, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 victory over Britain's Ward and will next face France's Adrian Mannarino in the second round, Sport24 reported. If he succeeds in lifting Wimbledon crown for a third successive time, the 12-time Grand Slam champion will reach three-quarters of his way to become the first since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the calendar Grand Slam. Djokovic completed the career Grand Slam after his clinching the elusive French Open title earlier this month.
India beaten 4-0 by Germany in Six Nations tourney opener Wayne Rooney he would be leaving the team on the expiry of his contract this month. Hodgson has won 33 out of 56 games in his four-year tenure as England boss . Reflecting on the same, Rooney said that Hodgson should be appreciated for the work he has put in for the team, pointing out that the latter had given opportunity to several youngsters. The England skipper, however, added that he is extremely excited to see how the new manager would lead the national side. Iceland will now lock horns with France for a place in the semi-finals at Stade de France on July 4.
ANI Valencia, 28 June : Indian men's hockey team failed to replicate the spirited performance displayed during the recently-concluded Champions Trophy as they lost 4-0 to Germany in the opening game of the ongoing 6-Nations Invitational tournament here on Monday. In a first quarter blitz, Germany took the lead in the fifth minute via Mats Grambusch. Grambusch scored his second minutes later before Moritz Furste scored a third in the 14th minute to take a 3-0 lead into the first
break. India came back stronger in the second quarter and jolted by their slow start soon started making inroads into the German defence. They soon started playing tactically compact hockey, denying Germany the ball in scoring areas. The two teams went into the half time break with Germany leading 3-0. The third quarter was a tough fought period, as India looking to get back into the game, started pushing forward in numbers. Germany, defending deep and working on the counter, soon lost players
Indian hockey to fouls-first Martin Zwicker and then Christopher Wesley penalised
for fouls. India couldn't capitalise on their advantage though and the
scores were unchanged in the final break. India came out in the fi-
nal quarter going for broke, and Germany, capitalised on their numbers up front, scoring their fourth goal in the 57th minute via a PC conversion by Lukas Windfeder. Speaking after the match, Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans said, "We're not looking too hard at the result because several members of the team have been rotated. The performance though is something we will look at and analyse and better on in our subsequent games." India will next take on Ireland on Tuesday.
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