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ASSENG/2015/64205

Asia Cup: India enters Final

Vol. 1

Issue 265

Price -

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, March 2, 2016

5.00

Page 6

Pages- 12

GOI consults the representatives of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts on the Indo-Naga Peace Talks The common question was, what is the place of three districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding in the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks Indrajit Tingwa Dibrugarh Mar 1

The Chairman of Joint Intelligence Committee, Govt. of India cum Interlocutor of Naga Peace Talks R.N.Ravi yesterday met the grassroots leaders of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts at Hotel Little Palace, Dibrugarh. The meeting was convened by Arunachal Naga Students Federation (ANSF). Around fifty delegates comprising community, youth and student leaders from the three insurgency infested districts attended. The meeting was held to facilitate the people of the three districts to express their opinions face to face with the interlocutor.

Ravi patiently heard the apprehensions put forth by the speakers regarding the framework agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on 3 August, 2015 besides the question of integrating the three districts into the proposed Greater Nagalim of the NSCN linger-

ROAD TO PEACE AUG 1947: Naga National

GROUNDING FOR PEACE ACCORD

Council led by Angami Zapu Phizo revolts, NNC subsequently resolves to establish a sovereign Naga state

Indo Naga Peace Accord was signed by the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on 3 August, 2015 Ravi informed it was not the final accord and the talk process has changed after the new government at the centre came to power.

All stake holders are being consulted and taken into confidence now Integration will be done only through democratic means and not forcefully The Chairman of Joint Intelligence Committee, Govt. of India cum Interlocutor of Naga Peace Talks R.N.Ravi along with grassroot workers of Tirap, Changlang & Longding Districts in Dibrugarh

People of Tirap, Changlang and Longding shall be consulted before any accord is signed

MAY 1951: After ‘referendum’ NNC claims 99% of Naga people support independence. NNC boycotts first general election of 1952, launches violent secessionist movement

JUNE 15, 1995: P V Narasimha Rao meets Muivah and Isak in Paris

MAR 22, 1956: Phizo creates underground Naga Federal Government (NFG) and a Naga Federal Army (NFA)

JULY 25, 1997:

APR 1956: New Delhi sends Army to crush insurgency in the (then) Naga Hills District of Assam; Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act enacted for Naga Hills District

SEP 30, 1998: Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Brajesh Mishra meet NSCN (IM) leaders in Paris

DEC 1, 1963: Nagaland ing for quite some time now.

The leaders who spoke presented their perspectives visa-vis the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement 2015. The common question raised was, what was the place of the three districts of Tirap,Changlang

and Longding in the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks. The interlocutor was surprised to learn about speakers who pointed out to the fact that there was no 'Surrender Policy ' for insurgents in Arunachal Pradesh. The absence of a sur-

render policy in the state was seen by many as a stumbling block in bringing back the misguided youths to the mainstream.

Contd. on Page 3

What did the NSCN (IM) want? A “Greater Nagalim” comprising “all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas”, along with Nagaland. That included several districts of Assam, Arunachal and Manipur, as also a large tract of Myanmar. The map of “Greater Nagalim” has about 1,20,000 sq km, while the state of Nagaland consists of 16,527 sq km. (source: indian express)

and NNC 1980: Thuingaleng Muivah, Isak Chisi Swu, S S Khaplang form NSCN 1988: NSCN splits, Khole Konyak and Khaplang form NSCN (K)

FEB 3, 1997: Deve Gowda meets NSCN (IM) leadership in Zurich India and NSCN (IM) sign ceasefire agreement, which comes into effect on Aug 1

JAN 9-11, 2003: Muivah and Isak hold talks with Vajpayee and Advani in Delhi

attains statehood 1964: Peace Mission to Nagaland, an Agreement for Suspension of Operation is signed with insurgents

DEC 7, 2004: NSCN (IM) leaders meet Manmohan Singh

NOV 11, 1975: Shillong

Ceasefire between NSCN (IM) and Government of India extended indefinitely

Accord signed between Centre

JULY

31,

2007:

CM Pul sets to reform Police, sanctions 43 crores of rupees ET Bureau Itanagar, March 1

While disturbance in law & order is frightening enough for investors to shy away, a peaceful State is an attractive destination for investment. This is a common lesson from the experiences of all successful states, believes Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who is all set to transform Arunachal into a peaceful environment in order to pave way for consistent economic policies and make necessary reforms to take the state to newer heights.

(All India Rank - IIT) CM in a high level meeting of the Police Department represented by DGP, Special Secretary Home and AIGP in presence of Principal Secretary Finance and Secretary Finance.

Funds to be use to purchase sophisticated assault rifles,

posts of police personnel immediately

Security up-gradation in capital complex by constructing sentry post, barrack, boundary wall etc

Installation of a customised technology in entry check gates at Banderdewa, Holongi, Bhalukpong, Sunpura and Dirak

Purchase of 188 different categories of vehicles

PCR Van with the patrolling team should regularly pa-

trol the entire stretch from the entry point of ArunachalAssam boundary to the district headquarters Urgently release 10 lakhs each to DC and SPs under untied fund for meeting exigency cases in their respective districts

Contd. on Page 3

Protest in Furcating College of Golaghat

cmyk

Golaghat, Mar 1: Students of Furcating College in Golaghat today took out a protest programme and stopped all the teachers and students to enter in the college premises.

Students protested against the Principal of the college Dr. Apurba Saikia for his anarchist nature. The principal ordered four non-sanctioned lecturers of the college to leave their job. This sudden step of the principal created difficulty in academic schedule for the college and students itself which created a sharp reaction among the students and made them compel to protest against the principal and demanded to re-appoint the four lecturers immediately. (Correspondent)

JEE-Main

(GENERAL CATEGORY)

ASHMITA MAZUMDAR (GENERAL CATEGORY)

Assam CEE Medical

SAFETY REFORMATION IN ARUNACHAL

Filling up the 2022 vacant

ET CAPSULES

NEIGRIHMS

SAURAV SHAKTI BORAH KAUSHIK R. HAZARIKA SAURAV JYOTI BORAH DEEPANKAR D. BHARALI BHANUJYA SAIKIA

Few JEE-Main QUALIFIERS

AYANJYOTI DUTTA KARANJEET GOHAIN (T.MARK:182) (T.MARK:176)

CM Gogoi lain Integrated Directorate Complex in Guwahati with an aim to bring administration closer to the people A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 1

“Our aim is to bring the administration closer to the people and to usher in speedier development,” said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while laying the foundation stone of an Integrated Directorate Complex at Betkuchi on the outskirts of Guwahati today.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gogoi said that the new Integrated Directorate Complex would ease the problems of the people who come to Guwahati for official purposes. “As the directorate offices lie scattered in different

places of Guwahati, people find much difficulty in moving around. With the coming up of the five-star integrated directorate complex, people can get their work done without any hassles and that too under one roof,” he said.

Gogoi said the Integrated Directorate Complex, the first of its kind in the country, conceived and designed on the lines of Green Building concept would speed up the process of development work.

“The Secretariat frames policies but the directorates execute the work. The integrated complex will hasten the pro-

cess of development,” he said.

Harking back to the dark days when Government employees did not get salaries for months together, Gogoi said, “There was a time when development activities had come to a grinding halt. Employees had to go without salaries. Roads and bridges were in dilapidated conditions.

The seat of power functioned from an Assam type building which resembled like an old tea warehouse.

Contd. on Page 4

KUNAL ROY (T.MARK:162)

SAURAV S.BORAH (T.MARK:169)

PINGLE NATH (T.MARK:117)

SAGAR RAKSHIT (T.MARK:115)

Total JEE-Main Qualifiers : 55 Nons.

NITUPAN DIHINGIA (T.MARK:161)

SHRYA BORUAH (T.MARK:143)

ANMUN CHETRY (T.MARK:134)

AMLAN JYOTI DUTTA PORITUSH BAILUNG SHUBHAM DUTTA (T.MARK:124) (T.MARK:87) (T.MARK:127)

KAUSHIK HAZARIKA (T.MARK:118)

SANDEEP SONOWAL (T.MARK:82)

Few STAR PERFORMERS IN MEDICAL Total Selection in Medical, 2015 : 12 Nons.

NEIGRIHMS Rank - 8th Assam CEE Med. SR-51

NAMRATA CHAKRABORTY

UPASANA BORKOTOKY (ASSAM CEE Med. SR-181 Sikkim Manipal Medical: 21)

SAURAV S. BORAH ANSHUMAN GOGOI (Assam CEE Med. SR-125) (Assam CEE Medical State Rank-608)

DIBRUGARH OFFICE : Amolapatty, A. T. Road, Near Natya Mandir, Dibrugarh-1, Assam JORHAT CENTRE : Baruah Chariali, Near UBI Bank Building, 2nd Floor, Jorhat-1, Assam

Phone : 0373- 2320231, 9435031699, 8811003000 cmyk

Standing to his commitments, Pul sanctioned a whopping Rs. 43, 58, 91,615 funds to the police department under various heads to upkeep law and order in the state, a communiqué from the CM cell informed. The funds have been segregated for purchase of arms and ammunitions including sophisticated assault rifles, security up-gradation in capital complex by constructing sentry post, barrack, boundary wall etc., purchase of 188 different categories of vehicles etc.

(All India Rank - JEE Main)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

PAGE 2

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are very sensitive, and some people will disturb your peace of mind today. However, getting irritated will only make matters worse. Reflect in isolation what may be at the root of the problem.

Taurus There is a strong likelihood of some dispute or misunderstanding cropping up between you and your parents. You will be clear, coherent and persuasive in your communications. Your ideas and intentions will be easily understood and accepted by others. The day will turn out to be a bright and a pleasant one.

Gemini Today, you are likely to focus on self-improvement. Self-employed people may expect huge profits in their businesses. You may end up spending more time at work and less time with family. You need to strike a balance between work and family.

Cancer New positive turn in life of lovers. It may lead to marriage. You will play role in bonding all members of the joint family and will meet with success. You will respect tradition and custom.

Leo Call it the momentary re-ignition of the spark of brilliance and energy, this day finds you at the peak of your dynamism. A fantastic day for all, especially those in the freelancing business, as your imagination and inspiration reach new heights and motivate others to excel.

Virgo Today is the day when you’ll be like the Iron Man: heart of gold, nerves of steel – minus the shiny body armour, though. Tolerance, optimism and exceedingly artistic talents will rule the roost. Pursue academics in the arts.

Libra You will put everything aside to pay more attention to your outward appearance and your beauty as you will be more aware about it. People will get attracted to your beauty today. You will be able to share your own ideas and thoughts with people, at the same time you will learn about their views and from their experiences.

Scorpio You shall have a long, dreary day today. Though not completely at a loss, you may feel lost and desire to spend some time alone with yourself. The empty nest syndrome is likely to invade and hold your mental peace at ransom.

Sagittarius A balanced day is in store today. Find yourself as much at home as at your desk. You may engage in a time of fun and games with your buddies. But when it comes to family, something more practical, like re-arranging your house, is on the cards.

Capricorn A good day always begins with a good start. It will be a good day for you today as you will start the day with a positive attitude to life. Your unremitting dedication and determination will not only put you ahead of others, but will also help you get an edge over them.

Aquarius Money matters are very important, and your family will demand your presence in all financial dealings. At work, things will be more comfortable. You may also get new projects.

Pisces Do not let your emotions influence your strategies in any way. Mixing business with sentiments is only for super spies. Keep a close check on your emotions and do not get carried away. Travel for business purposes is indicated.

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

AGP seems unhappy with the budget presented by Arun Jaitley ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 1: Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Senior Leader of Margherita town Dr. Om Prakash Sahu have criticized the General Budget of 2016 - 2017 which Union Finance Minister of India Arun Jaitley have presented on Monday.

“The earlier UPA Government and Present NDA Government General Budget have no difference where only Industrialists,

Indo Myanmar Car Rally from Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 27: For the first time in the history of Golaghat an international level car rally is going to be hosted by Golaghat . In a press release the president of National Adventure Sports Association Suvansu Bora stated that for the first time the Indo Asian Car Rally will start from Golaghat on June 12 .

The main aim to organise the rally is the development of tourism, road safety , to uplift friendship between India and South Asian nations and to make people aware of the role of National Highway 39 which starts from Numaligarh in Golaghat and which was made by the military force during Second World War .

He also added that the NH

2-3-16 (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 6-50 A.M-Naam 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) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 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 Raaijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 9-30 P.M-Kramasha (Serial Novel Reading) 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

39 has been playing a significant role in the pre independent as well as post independent India .

This highway has 115 km in Assam , 100 km in Nagaland and 221 km in Manipur. Presently it is renamed as Asian Highway 1 which ends in Myanmar Border . Now a days when the modern four lane or six lane highways are constructed the importance of this NH 39 is declining but it is the only road through which one can travel to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam , Thailand and Singapore.

For the past couple of times several car rallies were held via this road of total 436 km length. Interested participants can contact on 09706283801 or mail id: indomyanmarfriendship@ gmail.com

Morigaon DC received Award for Excellence in Public Administration ET Correspondent Morigaon, March 1: An award for Excellence in public administration was awarded to Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Morigaon under Chief Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration in a programme held at Guwahati on February 29.

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

Corporate Houses and those Brokers who hanker after UPA and NDA were only profited while general Public, Farmers and Workers suffers a lot. If we compare the farmers, workers and general Public are the Pillars of our Country but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is only benefitting Industrialists and Corporate Houses only” alleged Om Prakash Sahu.

Sahu also further added that,

The head of the Morigaon district administration gave the award to DC Rakesh Kumar for his performance in implementing several Panchayat and Rural Development department in Morigaon district.

Under the proper guidance of DC Rakesh Kumar, a total of 183 Km rural road was constructed by Cement Concrete (CC) block which is connecting more than 500 remote villages.

“The Morigaon Zila Parishad and DRDA of Morigaon together established the CC factory at Bhurbandha, which has reduced the cost of material to half of the market price.

The malpractices and corruption in construction of

rural roads was curved under the proper guidance of DC, Morigaon” said sources.

The people of Morigaon said that, even after the completion of 67 years of independence, there was no connectivity to four villages in Mayong revenue circle of Morigaon district. But due to the relentless efforts of Rakesh Kumar, DC of Morigaon the major achievement took place.

One LP schools and primary health centre were also established in Chanaka village, which is a remote area of Morigaon district and provided all primary facilities to poor rural people just because of the relentless efforts of DC. The major project of Irrigation department was installed at Barunguri under Bhurbandha Block which provides irrigated water to more than 2200 hectares of land for double cropping.

The Morigaon district also received National Award for best implementation of MGNREGA last year from Central government.

Effigy of PM Modi, Sonowal and Oram brunt by AKRASU

MLA Rana Goswami lays the foundation stone of Sinamara - Titabor road reconstruction in Jorhat. Pic - Nekib Ahmed

ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 1: All Assam Koch Rajbongsi Students union (AKRASU) of Kumarikata, Nagrijuli and kamrup district unit with the help of Koch Rajbongshi Mahila samity brunt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal and Union tribal affairs Minister, Jwel Oram at different places of Kamrup and Bagsa district alleging to politicalize the tribal issues.

The agitators also blocked the Indo-Bhutan connected road. As a result all the vehicular traffic disrupt. They also shouted slogans in against of Central Government alleging to have antitribal attitudes. The central Publicity Secretary, Chilaraya Sena, Anil Barman along with Rukmini Barman, Bhupen Roy, Puspa Roy, Das, Upen Roy and hundreds of members and supporters attended the protest program.

that PM Narendra Modi before Lok Sabha polls told the public that within 100 days after the formation of BJP Government the black money deposited in foreign countries bank will be brought back and all the citizens of our country will get Rs 15 Lacs rupees in their bank accounts and today after 2 years of BJP Government formation, no black money has been brought and the issue have just be-

come a farce now.

“Only Regionalism can think better for Assam and its greater assamese society People while All India National Parties are only betraying our people and exploiting our natural resources” said Dr. Om Prakash Sahu.

Sahu also appealed to all regional leaders of Assam to come forward so that all can think for the betterment of Assam.

AGP Margherita Constituency Committee held meeting ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 1: A General meeting of Asom Gana Parishad {AGP} Margherita Constituency Committee was held today at Margherita block Conference hall . The meeting was presided by Biren Chowrak President of AGP Margherita Constituency Committee. Diganta Saikia General Secretary of AGP Central Committee, Nareswar Hazarika President of AGP Margherita District Committee,Puran Chetry General Secretary of AGP Margherita District Committee, Partha Sarathi Saikia General Secretary of AGP Margherita Committee and more than 100 AGP workers from 19 Regional Committee of 124 No Margherita LAC were present.

The meeting was held for the forthcoming Assembly election in Assam where there are possibility of an Alliance with AGP and BJP. Partha Sarathi Saikia General Secretary of AGP

Margherita Constituency Committee said that today AGP have lost its Confidence that is why AGP Central leaders are in Trauma.

If AGP do alliance with BJP than it will be a great shame for the entire Greater Assamese Society people and will resigned from the Party said Partha Sarathi Saikia.

Diganta Saikia General Secretary of AGP Central Committee said that at today’s General meeting AGP Margherita District Committee and AGP Margherita Constituency Committee have taken a resolution that if AGP do alliance with BJP than 124 No. Margherita LAC Candidate should be given to AGP Candidate. If AGP Central leaders do not take it seriously than all AGP party workers of Margherita Constituency shoiuldl formally resigned from its general membership said Diganta Saikia General Secretary of AGP Central Committee.

Ulfa linkman arrested in Tinsukia district Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 1: Indian army arrested one person under the charges of helping banned militant outfit Ulfa (I) for extortion.

The accused, identified as Debojit Moran and booked under section 387 IPC read with section 10/13 UA(P) Act and section 25 (I)(a) of arms act. According to sources, three persons had gone to one Rathindra Kumar Dey, resident of Balijan village of Duamara area and demanded rupees six lakhs on gun point.

Army sources said that, on 1st week of October the victim even received extortion note from Ulfa (I) signed by Ulfa cadre, Rongmon Gogoi alias Mekuri. Army sources further added that, accordingly a search operation was launched in the areas of Duamara and Nalini and arrested Debojit Moran and handed him to Pengri police. Police has registered a case no. Pengree PS 13/16.

Dead body found near river of Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 1: Rahul Upadhaya (40), living at Thermal area of Margherita who was missing from the last five days was found dead in the river of 6 no.

Margherita today.

The deceased family members have lodged a complaint after missing and today only Margherita Police have found the dead body of Rahul Upadhaya. However, Margherita Police have sent the dead body for Post mortem.

ITI inaugurated in Rangia ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 1: Newly constructed building of Industrial Training Institution, Rangia was inaugurated today by MP Bhubaneswar Kalita in presence of Ghanashyam Kalita the Parliamentary secretary and MLA of Rangia at Tulsibari Mahtali near Rangia.

Sen, SDO civil, Kailash Kartik, ADC, Bimal ch Deka were also present in the inaugural function. In his inaugural speech Bhubaneswar Kalita told that the construction of this ITI will fulfill the hopes and needs of the people of entire Rangia sub-division.

Director of ITI, Alok Kr Sahria accompanied by Joint director, Mausumi

The Director informed that the classes will start from August next. He also requested the student to con-

tact the authority before August. The inaugural function was presided by the SDO civil, Kailash Kartik.

“The institution was constructed under CM's special package and the certificates of this institution will be universally recognized.

Both long term and short term courses will be introduce here” said Director Alok Kr Sahria.

Graft charge against forest department by USUKA ET Correspondent Diphu, Mar 1: United Students Union of Karbi Anglong (USUKA) has made a graft charge of Rs. 35, 48,000 against the departmental officers of Northern Afforestation Division Forest, functioning under Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

vision of swindling the huge amount of government fund from the year 2014-15 and 2015- 16 budgetary allocation which was released by the KAAC for routine schematic development work of the division which chiefly consists of intensive plantation and conservation.

The USUKA has charged the Ranger officers and Divisional Forest Officer of Northern Afforestation Di-

The student’s body has claimed that fund was allocated to Range Officers for mixed plantation, mono

plantation, advance work, seed collection, maintenance, repairing of departmental quarters but the officials have simply gobble up the government fund without utilizing it for development.

USUKA has demanded stringent action against the corrupt officials and has assured public that they will expose more such financial scam of this forest division in coming days.

Newly-constituted NarayanpurBihpuria Sub-Division of Lakhimpur District inaugurated ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Mar 1: The newly-constituted Narayanpur-Bihpuria Sub-Division of Lakhimpur District was formally inaugurated yesterday in a program held in befitting manner in the auditorium of BishnuJyoti Shilpi Samaj at Chaidhyapunia.

Lakhimpur DC, Debeswar Malakar presided over the program. Bupen Borah, MLA of Bihpuria LAC appealed the Government to declare BihpuriaNarayanpur as district like Biswanath for the interest of development. SP Brajenjit

Singha, ADC Mauchumi Baruah, Bihpuria CO Geetali Duarah, TKAC Vice Chairman, Prafulla Hazarika, DAC Chairman, Amrit prabha Deury, Chairman of Bihpuria Municipal Board, Dipak Sarkar were among those who were present in the program.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

PAGE 3

CM assures full support to CM Kalikho Pul says China border area inhabitants' knowledge to serve Army operations Municipal Council in converting PTI Itanagar, Mar 1: Calling the border inhabitants as vanguards in securing the international borders, Arunachal Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has said a series of measures will be taken to improve the standard of life in the border areas.

"Border people have the knowledge of local terrain and their knowledge serves as an important information source for the Army to se-

cure the border," Pul said while addressing a group of delegates from Mechuka constituency recently in his office here, an official release today said.

"Mere rhetoric is not enough. We have to reassure the border people of our commitment towards their development to make the border area habitable," he said.

"Border areas of Arunachal have always remained neglected. Arunachal comes in the national headlines only during floods and when Chinese troops make incursions," the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the priorities for the border people, Pul said the state government was committed in providing all basic public services such as quality drinking water, health services, good road network and proper education.

To buttress his point, he said "Hawai is today a well planned town with 24 hours uninterrupted water and power supply. It has well laid out shopping complex, good quality infrastructure such as government offices and government quarters and has a well connected two-lane road within the township."

"We have rich natural resources, hydropower, mines and minerals. These sectors

will be given top priority to revive the economy of the state," he said adding, the government would also boost horticulture and agriculture development in border areas.

"We will provide all necessary financial and technical support to the farmers. Special measures will be taken to make the local economy self-sustainable," Pul said.

The Chief Minister also emphasised on developing tourism in the border areas, the release added.

APCSU concerns over exorbitant rate of Ferry Crossing, submits petition to ADC, Miao ET Bureau Miao, March 1: The Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union (APCSU) in a petition submitted to the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Miao, Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on 1 March 2016 urged him to issue an order to install sign boards displaying rate of ferry crossing at various Ghats over Nao-Dehing River under Miao Sub-Division and strict compliance of official fare over each Ghat.

The APCSU in its petition has specifically drawn the attention of the ADC, Miao over the exorbitant rate of ferry crossing charged by the ferryman/boatman at Miao, M-Pen, Shantipur, Gautampur, Jyotipur and Udaipur Ghats over NoaDihing River under Miao Sub-Division.

The Union in a communiqué stated that the public in gen-

ing the lives of people in order to earn money”, alleged the AP Chakma Students Union.

Among others, the APCSU requested the ADC, Miao to issue an order directing the bidders to instruct the ferrymen to strictly obey the order with respect to the Rate of Ferry Crossing at various ghats over Noa-Dihing River under Miao Sub-Division and to issue an order to install Sign Boards displaying the Rate of Ferry Crossing at the entry point of each of Ghat or at a place where the same is easily visible to the public.

A ferryman with his boat on Nao Dihing River in Miao eral and students in particular have to pay exorbitant amount over each crossing of the Noa Dihing River charged by the ferrymen.

Saying that the bill receipt are required to be given over each crossing as per the government tender issued the ferrymen do not comply to this

rule too. “As no records are maintained, the ferrymen charged higher rate and ferry the passengers even during the grim flood situation risk-

CM Pul sets to reform Police, sanctions 43 crores of rupees Contd. from Page 1

CM had been from day one, advocating for strengthening the police to make it capable to uphold the law and order while respecting the rights of individuals at the same time. As the main task of police is to prevent crimes and preserve the peace, CM maintained that it must secure the active cooperation of the community. He hoped that with the funds and welfare measures of police being looked after, the components of effective policing like preventive patrol, rapid response, criminal investigation, community policing etc. would see a major boost.

He had called a high level meeting of the Police Department represented by DGP, Special Secretary Home and AIGP in presence of Principal Secretary Finance and Secretary Finance.

Discussing on the modernisation of the entry check gates, the Chief Minister approved for installation of a customised technology in entry check gates which would scan the vehicle, register the number plates and also record weights of loaded trucks to ensure that it is not over loaded. On an experimental basis, he approved for installation of the technology at Banderdewa, Holongi, Bhalukpong, Sunpura and Dirag check gates in the first phase.

Reiterating his opinion of a complex which would incorporate all necessary check gates like the police, forest, mines and minerals, tax and excise, horty/agri/vety checkings at one location, he asked the department to work out its modalities. He also opined that such complex should also facilitate washrooms, hotels, motels, parking lots, shopping complex

and such other amenities for the commuters and drivers.

Good news for police personnel which have not got uniforms for the last 3-4 years. After hearing their plights, CM sanctioned 4 crores for procurement of Uniforms for police personnel which shall be credited in their individual accounts. He however said that the cloth of the uniform should be of good quality and of the same brand and of same company.

He further directed the DGP to issue advertisements for filling up the 2022 vacant posts of police personnel immediately.

CM reminded the DGP to keep a ready team for rapid response at every entry check points, beat posts and such other vital points apart from conducting rounds by PCR vehicles 24x7 to instil sense of security amongst the denizens. He also directed that a

PCR Van with the patrolling team should regularly patrol the entire stretch from the entry point of ArunachalAssam boundary to the district headquarters. And it should be continuous.

He asked to place a fire brigade at Banderdewa PTC immediately to tackle fire accidents in and around that area as requested by the local public there.

In order to ensure a comprehensive development plan for the police department, Pul directed DGP to prepare department’s Annual Development Agenda incorporating the issues pertaining to districts, blocks and the remote police outposts.

CM directed the Finance department to urgently release 10 lakhs each to DC and SPs under untied fund for meeting exigency cases in their respective districts.

Arunachal as the cleanest state

Itanagar, Mar 1: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul assured full support to Itanagar Municipal council but requested them to take up the clean Arunachal mission on a holistic manner. A team of Itanagar Municipal council led by chief municipal councillor Kipa Kaku was called by CM at his office this evening.

While enquiring on the availability of manpower and machineries, the team informed CM that they have 179 sanitary assistants, 18 small ace vehicles to lift the waste from colonies and 9 trucks to lift the rest till the dumping ground or upto the waste solid waste management and treatment plant at

Contd. from Page 1 Ravi was also informed about the women widowed during more than two decades of the conflict in these districts and appealed that the Government of India look into the matter and evolve a policy to rehabilitate them.

Explaining about the ongoing peace process and the agreement, Ravi informed that it was only a framework agreement containing certain principles which was signed on 3 August, 2015; it was not the final accord. That the talk process was a little changed after

the new government at the centre came to power. Now the people were being involved in it. He said that the Naga political issue cannot be seen in a socio-political isolation and all stake holders are to be consulted and taken into confidence.

On having the other groups other than the NSCN (IM) also join the peace process the interlocutor said that it was the government's desire to bring all the groups for peace talks and that the government will not wait indefinitely for them to agree to talk. Alongside the Nagas, there are also their neighbors’.

Any decision on the Nagas will also affect their neighbors’; therefore the neighbors’ should also be taken into confidence. And it was in this belief that the people are being consulted.

On the issue of integration he said that it can be done only through democratic means and not forcefully. Before any finalisation for the accord the Nagas and their neighbours will be consulted and taken into confidence. He assured that people of Tirap,Changlang and Longding shall be consulted before any accord is signed and that more such meetings were on the cards to take the opinion of the people

of these districts. Issues regarding development in the area were also discussed. Ravi also exuded hope that the Naga political solution will be reached early as things were moving fast.

Ravi also asserted that there shall be one talk and one agreement referring to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.

Likewise, one interlocutor, one process for one comprehensive solution, but by involving all stakeholders. The meeting concluded on a positive note and also with the decision to hold the next meeting at a venue within the three affected districts.

Pul suggested to rationalise the existing manpower and concentrate more on the busy city markets and the main roads which are littered more. Advising to adopt the Brazil model of night cleanliness, CM on being complained about non availability of street lights, immediately called Chief Engineer Power and directed him to fix the problems. He motivated the team to have a positive approach and will power to get the things done. He asked all to shoulder the responsibility of converting Arunachal as the cleanest state in the country.

“When it comes to public interest, we should deliver our best with the limited available resources” CM assertively said and assured to address the wants of Municipal Councils. He advised the team to organise sensitisation camps on cleanliness and hygiene at various locations to garner support and cooperation of the common denizens.

“There will be problems initially because of accumulated waste. But continuous process of cleaning will give a different picture besides creating a sense of responsibility in our residents” Pul said while asking them to immediately start the work.

Arunachal Governor on three-day tour to East Siang A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 1: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa, who is on a threeday maiden official visit to East Siang District, visited the General Hospital, Pasighat and Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and abreast himself of the Pasighat Smart City Project on the first day of the district tour today.

Immediately after reaching Pasighat by road, the Governor visited the General Hospital, which started as a small health unit by Britishers in 1911. The General Hospital which is also Health Training and Research Centre is a 150 bedded Hospital with GNM School, ANM and HA training centre.

Accompanied by the First Lady Smt Rita Rajkhowa, the Governor went around the complex, visiting various facilities including blood bank, Sick Natal Care Unit and Opioid Substitute Therapy etc.

He also distributed fruits to the indoor patients and interacted with them.

The Governor was very impressed by the cleanliness of the hospital and appreciated the Hospital management for the initiative. He suggested involvement of departments of Horticulture and Environment and Forests to add aesthetic values to the Hospital Campus.

The Governor said that the Hospital requires overhauling and complete maintenance. As one of the oldest Health Centre, it must have an impressive look.

desktop monitors for the digitalization programme of the College Library.

The Governor advised the college fraternity to strive for transforming it to a deemed University or University in the future. He added that with its huge campus, it must start other streams such as management courses. He wished that the college continue to provide quality education.

Arunachal Governor in Pasighat.

Apprised of the problems of the Hospital, the Governor emphasised that adequate and uninterrupted power and water supplies must be provided in the hospital. He suggested for installation of a high power generator for lifesaving facilities and Operation Theatres.

The Governor said that APEDA must be involved for providing Solar lighting system in the complex. He advised the Hospital authority to install incinetor and ensure annual maintenance checkups. He also stressed on use of more dustbins and ensure cleanliness of toilets, washrooms and water points.

The Governor called for setting up of separate units for cardiologist and neurologist as such facilities are not available in the nearby places.

While interacting with the trainee GNMs and ANMs, the Governor said that students must get their stipends in time and regularly.

Free Medical camp conducted by GOI consults the representatives of Tirap, Changlang Bomdila Battalion

and Longding Districts on the Indo-Naga Peace Talks

Chimpu.

ET Correspondent Bomdila, Mar 1: A medical camp was organized

by Bomdila Battalion under the aegis of Ball of Fire division in remote Salari village under Nafra circle. The camp was organized keeping in mind the location of the village and the very limited medical facility available for the villagers.

Three Medical Officers of Army as well as one civil doctor along with 18 Nursing assistants attended the patients from Salari, Rahung, Jerigaon and Saddle villages. Inter-

estingly, apart from the free medical checkups and distribution of free medicines, refreshments for patients and their escorts were also arranged. Patriotic movies were also screened for the kids.

Commander 351 Infantry Brigade Brigadier Shailender Singh, SM, also assured to organize such events and camps at strategic places in the district to counter the diseases that might affect the villagers during the monsoon season. He was accompanied by Col. APS Somal, CO 28 MADRAS, RR Hills. (DIPRO)

The Governor asked the Deputy Commissioner to provide fund for renovation of the hospital from her untied fund.

The Governor also visited The Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat. He was shocked and aghast to see the dilapidated condition of one of the premier institute of higher education of the State. He said that it is sad that such an important college of the State is in such a bad condition. The Governor, who had earmarked Rs. 1 (One) crore for the college during the Revised Estimate planning meeting, advised the College management to take up the issue of inadequate boy’s hostel and classrooms of the college at the earliest. He suggested for involvement of good architects, structure engineers and departments of Horticulture and Environment and Forests for beautification of the college campus.

At the request of the college management, the Governor announced to donate eight

Later, Amit Bose, Director of Design and Development Forum (DDF) Consultants, the consultant for the Pasighat Smart City Project gave a PowerPoint presentation.

Deputy Commissioner Ms Isha Khosla and Chief Councillor, Pasighat Dennong Tamuk briefed the Governor of the Project and preliminary works.

The Governor said that project is pride for the State and fund must be properly utilized. No diversion should be there and implemented in time bound manner. He expressed dismay that State Government did not release the allocated fund for the preliminary work of the project.

ADC, Pasighat Rahul Singh also spoke on the occasion.

While stressing on active people participation, he underscored that traditional lifestyle, customs and prejudice must not be effected by the project.

He wished that Government of India selects Pasighat in the next turn. Let us work hard so that we don’t miss the bus next, he added.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

PAGE 4 Election Preparation Meeting held at DC office ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 1: To hold the upcoming assembly elections peacefully in Golaghat a meeting for better preparation was held today at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Golaghat where DC Anarul Haque presided over the meeting and discussed several topics related to elections.

In the meeting, matters like code of conduct, review of election expenditure, training of polling official and personnels, EVM and transport cell creation and giving charge to concerned officials were discussed. The Deputy Commissioner ordered all the departments to give lists of officials for election duty and also appealed all for their cooperation to conduct smooth and peaceful elections in Golaghat.

4 member of ragtag group busted ET Correspondent Diphu Mar 1: Diphu police busted a 4 member ragtag militant group today including arrest of the kingpin of the extortion racket. According to police they have seized one revolver and 4 bullets from the gang leader who was inducing one Bimol Rongpi of Chokihola of Bokajan subdivision for a sum of rupees ten lakhs since last week.

According to information, police arrested Rahul Timung the gang leader from Diphu town yesterday and arrested rest of the group through Rahul.

Amar Rongphar, Jayanta Tisso and Kamson Ronghang of Matipung locality situated at the vicinity of Diphu town were the members of the group.

The police official also added that, all the members of the group are in custody now.

CM Tarun Gogoi launched electric metering installaton in 100 tea gardens of the State A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 1: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today launched the second phase of individual electric metering installation in 100 tea gardens of the State at a function at his official Koinadhara residence.

have been already completed in 100 tea gardens in the first phase and in the second phase 100 more would be covered for which the State Government has released Rs 34 crore. Under the scheme, altogether 788 tea gardens would be covered.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gogoi said the individual electric metering in the tea gardens initiated by the present State Government has benefited scores of tea garden workers.

“Earlier, there was cluster system for which there was resentment among the tea garden workers. But now due to individual metering tea garden workers have to pay electricity bill as per consumption,” he said.

Hussain pointed out that there would be no hike in tariff as the State Government has earmarked Rs 300 crore for this purpose. “The tea garden workers need have to worry for hike in tariff as the State Government will bear the expenses,” he said.

Gogoi said the present Government has initiated a number of reforms to augment the power sector. “The unbundling of the ASEB and creation of three companies have had led to rise in power.

Today we have an installed capacity to meet the power requirements. The transmission and distribution losses have been minimised to a great extent leading to improvement in the power sector,” he added.

The Chief Minister said the

The state-of-the art auditorium has the seating capacity of 1250. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gogoi lauded Srimanta Sankaradeva Society for achieving the feat of con-

improvement in the power scenario has drawn applause from the Government of India. “Assam is among the four States in the country to have been recognised for remarkable success in the power sector. Minister of State for Power Piyush Goyal has appreciated the good work done by the State towards electrification of villages,” he said, adding that the State would continue to step up the work for total electrification of the 12,000 partially electrified villages.

Attributing the rural electrification transformation to the Rajiv Gandhi Vidyutikaran Yojana initiated by the previous UPA Government, Gogoi said, “The scheme initiated by the then UPA Government now given a new label by the present BJP-led NDA Government has brought many villages under electrification. Our aim is to go in for total electrification of all the villages.”

Gogoi said that there has been a new surge in the development process in the last

six to eight months. “The momentum of development has picked up in the power as well as in other sectors in the past six to eight months.

This augurs well for the State and its people. I want to thank all the officers and employees, past and present, for the achievements made by the State on different fronts,” he said.

Addressing the inaugural function, Minister for Power Rakibul Hussain said individual metering in households of tea garden workers

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 1: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Tuesday launched the inauguration of changing the street lights to LED when he switched on the LED Street lighting at VIP road in the city.

areas. The identity cards will enable the street vendors to pursue their livelihood activities seamlessly and the identity cards were given under (Street Vendor Protection of Livelihood and Regularisation of Street Vending) Act 2014.

The inaugural function was attended, among others, by Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia.

As an outcome of the LED Street light Scheme approximately Rs 64 lakh will be saved as electricity bill.

In Guwahati altogether 7182 surveyed street vendors were identified and they will be given identity cards in phases.

In sync with the programme Chief Minister Gogoi also distributed identity cards to 115 street vendors of Six Mile, Bhangagarh and Panbazar

Former Minister Akon Bora, Mayor of GMC Abir Patra along with other dignitaries were present at the programme.

structing state-of-the-art auditorium. He also said that with the inauguration of the auditorium socio-cultural activities can be staged on a broader platform with the participation of more patronage. Chief Minsiter Gogoi also stressed on the need of spreading the philosophy of Sankaradeva at the international forum and ensure its international exposure.

Cultural Affairs Minister Bismita Gogoi also spoke on the occasion.

CM Tarun Gogoi launched the inauguration of changing the street lights to LED at VIP road in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

Panic at Panitola Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, March 1: Panic prevailed early morning on Tuesday after foot - steps of a leopard was seen in the lawn of residence of one Pramod Kasera in the centre of Panitola town.

Speaking to ET correspondent owner of the residence Pramod Kasera said, his security guard saw a leopard alongwith his baby early morning. Immediately, we informed the Panitola police, Kasera added He said, since their house is situated in a vast area with

a huge lawn the leopard disappeared.

We are in a panic state of mind as their are children in the house who often play in the compound, said Kasera and added that the forest department have only increased our panic by saying they cannot do much and asked to remain alert and keep the entire area lighted in the night.

He said leopard foot-steps can be seen all across and even in an under construction building within our residential compound and

asked is it really possible to keep such a huge area lit-up entire night?

Another person of the locality asked who will be responsible if the leopard attacks human being, as forest department and police have suggested they are helpless as they cannot do much.

Immediately upon the news of leopard seen in Pramod Kasera, owner of the alone petrol pump in Panitola panic spread among the residence of the same town.

Activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) take out mass protest rally in the support of htier various demands in Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos zenship and total autonomy were discussed by the leaders of the organization.

“The ST status to the six communities should be conferred without further delay.

The central government is

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 1: The indefinite sit-in protest by the Khyotigrosto Suraksha Samiti Joutho Mancha (KSSJM) demanding fair and adequate compensation for the affected families in the NH-52 (B) land acquisition process entered its tenth day today. Since the year 2013 when the KSSJM was formed it was raising their voice against land acquisition.

Around 2,000 families of Dibrugarh district under the banner of KSSJM have been on an indefinite strike on the under-construction 2-lane national highway at Na-Hazar village in Barbaruah area since February 21.

The families hailing from 52 villages in the 64-km stretch from Bogibeel to Kanubari had to give up their land measuring nearly 2,000 bighas for the ongoing NH-52 (B) also known as the Trans-Arunachal Highway project. Around 100 km of the 1,850-km long highway comes under Assam. The highway passes through Dibrugarh, Sivasagar and Dhemaji districts in Assam.

The KSSJM has alleged

now seeking a three-month time frame which is just a ploy before the election. We won't allow them to play with the sentiments of the people,’’ Talukdar added.

called for the implementation of the Inner Line permits (ILP) system in the state and an early solution to the D-Voter issue.

The AJYCP president also

“We heartily welcome the Centre's decision but they

should be serious about granting ST status to the six ethnic communities. They should not play politics with the issue,’’ said Homen Borgohain, AJYCP general secretary of Dibrugarh district.

that different yardsticks were used while providing compensation to the affected families.

“Land owners in Sivasagar district were given compensation at the rate of Rs 2 lakh to 8 lakh per bigha. In Dibrugarh district the rate was between Rs 17,000 to Rs 2 lakh per bigha.

We are demanding a proper valuation and the affected families should be compensated accordingly,” said Balindra Saikia, a member of the KSSJM steering committee. He also threatened to continue with the indefinite protest until a solution was found to the issue.

He further added the Dibrugarh district administration has been following the 1894 Act which was formed by the then British government. The organization demanded to scrap the old act and through National High Act 1956 the compensation would be given. “Now the people are getting Rs 17,000 to 2 lakh which is not enough for the people if the District administration should follow the National High Act 1956,’’ said KSSJM.

Coconut Development Board launches ‘Coconut Lassi’ A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 1: Coconut Development Board (CDB) in association with Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore has developed a new product called “Tender Coconut Beverage (Coconut Lassi)”.

AJYCP protest rally in Dibrugarh demanding ST Status for 6 communities A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar.1: Around three thousand activists of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) holding placards and banners took out a rally from the Old Government Boys’ High School field here today in support of their various demands. The rally led by AJYCP president Biraj Kumar Talukdar passed through the main through fares of the town resulting in heavy traffic congestion.

AJYCP members from Sivasagar, Charaideo and Tinsukia also participated in the rally.

The protestors later converged at the Jeoti Moral Sangha playground. A meeting was held where several prominent demands ranging from ILP, dual citi-

The Power Minister said there has been improvement in the power scenario with the coming up of three substations and augmentation of transmission lines. “From 600 MW the State has an installed capacity of 1450 MW. The number of consumers has gone up from 6 lakh to 32 lakh. Today we are in a position to provide 24X7 power in all the places of Assam, including Guwahati.

And our work has been appreciated by Government of India,” he said.

Streets of Guwahati set to reform

CM Tarun Gogoi inaugurates Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium in Guwahati A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 1: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Tuesday inaugurated Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra premises in the city.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi laying the foundation stone of an Integrated Directorate Complex at Betkhuchi in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

KSSJM demands proper compensation for land

Tender Coconut Beverage is prepared by mixing tender coconut endosperm with tender coconut water along with permissible additives and sweeteners followed by thermal treatment.

The product has a shelf life

of 6 months at ambient temperature. This is a very refreshing drink retaining all the natural flavour and nutrients of tender coconut water. It is the most ideal drink to quench one’s thirst during summer season.

The technology for “Tender Coconut Beverage (Coconut Lassi) is available with Coconut Development Board (CDB), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India, Kochi. For detailed information, Contact to Technology Section, CDB to 04842376265/2377266

CM Gogoi lain Integrated Directorate Complex in Guwahati with an aim to bring administration closer to the people Contd. from Page 1

A sea change has taken place in the past 15 years.

Today the State can boast of a state-of-the-art Secretariat. New roads and bridges have come up, ushering in development in different spheres.”

Thanking the people for the support and cooperation extended to the Government in the past 15 years, Gogoi said, “The tryst with development would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the people. The economic transformation brought out by financial discipline and management has enabled the State to carry out a number of pro-poor and development oriented schemes and projects.” In the same breathe, the Chief Minister pointed out that no one could have imagined that the State Government could take up the Metro Rail Project, 6lane bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Narengi-Kuruwa involving staggering amounts.

Gogoi said while Prime Minister Modi criticises the State Government for doing nothing in the past 15 years on the one hand, he acknowledges the work it has done in different sectors on the other.

“Assam has bagged the No.1 spot in infrastructure

development. It has done exceedingly well in the power and other sectors.

People of Assam know what work we have done in the past 15 years. And this acknowledgement counts more than anything else,” he added.

The Chief Minister castigated the Modi-led Government for going out with foundation stone laying spree without preparing the Detailed Project Reports. “Unlike the BJP-led NDA Government, we stick to our commitments.

There is no difference between our words and our actions.”

Gogoi said the State Government would continue with the pro-poor schemes like blankets, mosquito nets and yarn despite criticism from some quarters. “Our Government will continue with the pro-poor schemes despite criticism from some quarters. Serving the poor and needy is our mantra,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the large gathering.

Addressing the gathering, Minister for PWD, Ajanta Neog said that the Rs 471 crore project would help to redress the problems of the people by toning the capability and efficiency of the administration for effective delivery of services. “With the coming up of the inte-

grated directorate complex people need not have to move from one directorate to the other to get their work done. They will avail everything under one roof,” she added.

The PWD Minister exuded optimism that the project to be executed by PWD would be completed in the stipulated 5 years period.

Earlier, Chief Secretary, VK Pipersenia, in his address, said that the new integrated directorate complex funded by the Assam Infrastructure Financing Authority and General Administration Department is a major step towards catapulting Guwahati to a Smart City.

The Chief Secretary said the new complex to be built on the lines of Green Building concept with a sprawling area of 15 lakh sq.ft would have air ducts for natural air to flow in and ventilation for natural light.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended, among others, by Parliamentary Secretary, Hementa Talukdar, Commissioner & Special Secretary, PWD, Mohon Boro, CEO, Assam Infrastructure Financing Authority, J. Balaji and Secretary, PWD (Building), Bani Kanta Das.

PAGE 5

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

The wounded wild elephant in the Rangia Reserve Forest of Lakhimpur District lost the struggle with death finally ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Mar 1: Barely exposing the condemnable failure of the State Forest Department with regard to protect forest resources the bullet wounded wild elephant in the Rangia Reserve Forest of Lakhimpur District lost the struggle with death finally.

Tragic death took away the life of the elephant who was one of the victim of the brutality of the most superior living being in the world that is human being in shape. This incident proves that the innocent wild animals are not quite safe in the hand of some dishonest human beings and the officials of Forest Department of Assam are not dedicated and devotional to their duties apart from drawing their salaries from the Government. For this reason, perhaps the elephant had to make the supreme sacrifice in the long run. It is alleged so because the animal had been suffering in the agony of death for more than fifteen days after it was shot with bullet and arrow.

His tail was taken away like the horn of rhino that happens in the Kaziranga National Park (KNP). It is suspected that the misdeed was done by some armed miscreants facilitated with arms

coming from Arunachal Pradesh.

Lakhimpur District Forest Department was quite ignorant of this incident till the neighboring people of Kachajuli informed it to them. The Department was even unable to take necessary steps to provide adequate medical services till the news was published in media. In this regard a detailed report was published in the yesterday’s issue of 'The Eastern Today' daily newspaper.

However, the forest officials and the Ranger of Harmoti Range provided treatment to the severely wounded elephant after tranquilizing it yesterday.

Senior Veterinary Officer of Guwahati State Zoo, Dr. Bhaben Kakoty rendered his medical service to the animal camping at Gamari Bagan of Kachajuli.

The medical treatment had come of no-effect on the elephant and he was found dead today in the morning.

Several bullets were taken out from the carcass of the elephant today and it was cremated there. It is noteworthy that, though a wild animal, the elephant was christened with love as 'Pleasure' by neighboring people.

Two killed, five injured in Nagaland accident Dimapur, Mar 1: At least two persons, including a woman, were killed and five others sustained injuries as the vehicle in which they were travelling, plunged into a deep gorge on NH-61 near Botsa under Kohima district, a police official said. The vehicle heading to Suruhoto from Dimapur in Zunheboto district with 10 persons, including the driver, yesterday rolled down about 150 feet into a gorge killing two persons on the spot, the official said.

The dead have been identified as Vikheto and Hanjila Yimchungru.

A female student identified as Leena was rushed to Kohima hospital with serious injuries while four others were discharged after being provided with first aid at Botsa Health Centre. Two other passengers escaped unhurt, the official said. The official said that the accident occurred due to drunk driving and the driver has been arrested.(Agencies)

Teacher succumbs to injuries after assault

Teacher succumbs to injuries after assault Imphal, Mar 1: A teacher died on Tuesday after allegedly being physically assault by suspected NSCN (IM) cadre at Aimol Satu, triggering mob violence, police said. TS Hegin Haokip (48) of Molnam village, was apprehended by suspected NSCN (IM) militants last night around 7 PM and was severely assaulted, a senior police officer said.

He succumbed to his injuries this morning, triggering tension among

ethnic Kuki population of the area. The body of the deceased was taken by a crowd from his village towards the residence of a suspected killer at Aimol Saitu village. They were stopped due to random firing by suspected NSCN (IM) men, the officer said.

Later, the crowd regrouped and blocked Imphal-Moreh route and prevented vehicular traffic. It also torched a few shops, he said, adding the situation is under control.(PTI)

Tezu ZPM urges people of Arunachal to respect and educate the girl child ET Bureau Tezu: Mar 1: In the tribal society particular in Arunachal Pradesh there are no such case to see about the female foeticide and infanticide but some emotional discrimination of girl child are still having in our society too, so now time came that we have to aware about sex discrimination and honour, educate and protect the every girl for betterment of society and country as a hole, said Smti Haweli Kri, ZPM Tezu.

She was speaking as special guest in the Special Outreach Programme (SOP) Phase-II organized by Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Govt. of India, Ministry of I & B, Tezu unit at Loiliang village of Lohit district on 28th February last. The ZPM further said that the scheme Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao is very significant and essential for present scenario of the society, which honourable Prime Minister Shri

Narendra Modi had started from Panipat of Haryana last year where the sex ratio is rather poor.

Speaking as resource person during the programme Smti. Lata Lingi, Supervisor, CDPO Tezu expressing concern over violence and crime against girl child and women, said that polygamy is also a part of discrimination of female, so every person of the society has to give equal right to the girl child and women.

Smti. Lingi also brief the gathering about Skill India Mission and said that if we all got training as well as skilled on any one like tailoring, basic computer course, flower making, knitting etc. then we could earn money easily at home also for survival of family and saving too.

Attaining as resource person C. W. Gohain, Senior Assistant SBI, Tezu said that a head of the family can

Officials including the ZPM at the Special Outreach Programme (SOP) Phase-II organized by Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Govt. of India, Ministry of I & B, Tezu unit at Loiliang village of Lohit district be open a account in the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) with easy KYC norm and on zero balance in any bank, which fall under RBI and then they obtain a ATM card called Rupay Debit Card. While describing about the objective and importance of the PMJDY, he pointed out that PMJDY account holder

gets an accidental insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh, but the insurance will be given only if Rupay Debit Card is active, so PMJDY account holder must be operate (swiped) the Rupay Debit Card in any ATM within the stipulated time limit of every 45 days to active the card.

He also briefed the gather-

Hayuliang starts “Mera Anjaw Clean Anjaw” movement Spl Correspondent Hayuliang, Mar 1: With an intent to make the Market area clean and attractive, a Clean & Green Hayuliang Program has been initiated by Sohan Krong ASM supported by the district administration, the entire Marketers lead by Sothailum Manyu Bazar Secretary, commitment of ZPM Abray Manyu and every resident of Hayuliang.

A resolve was taken to keep the neighborhood Clean & Green, creation of waste pits for Dry & Wet waste in every house hold / Institution/Shops along with soak pits for soaking the water from the Kitchen/bathrooms into it. Dr. Tajum Ete Circle officer Hayuliang Circle encouraged the Endeavour of the project and offered his full support.

Hayuliang is the centre for commercial activity for the Anjaw district. The Hayuliang Market which is located at entrance of the town is unique and picturesquely surrounded by lush green mountains and is at a gradient from where the entire market is visible.

The program was kick started on 29th Feb 2016

ing about Atal Pension Yojan (APY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Suraksha Bima Yojan (PMJSBY) and provides a chart to the audience on APY that shows as per age depositing amount and he informed that any Indian citizen can open APY un-

Bharti Airtel announces launch of Platinum 3G in Arunachal PTI Itangar, Mar 1: India's third largest mobile services provider Bharti Airteltoday announced the launch of its Platinum 3G network for customers here under 'Project Leap.'

Hayuliang Market, Anjaw District of Arunachal Pradesh after a clean up campaign

evening with entire market gathering to discuss, deliberate and chalk out the action plan the route to “Mera Anjaw Clean Anjaw”.

Speaking to the forum Dr K K Singh Sr Medical Officer Anjaw, emphasized that over 70% of the diseases/ health issues crop up due to improper hygiene and cleanliness. He stressed every one must work to achieve the goal and make Hayuliang Clean, colorful and Green. Chinmay Panth Social Entrepreneur from Wakro helped the Marketers in identifying critical points; preparing the

project plan and gradual upgradation of techniques/ Skills to achieve the goal.

The entire market agreed to work step by step and achieve the goal with whole hearted participation of District Administration, Elected representatives, Marketers, all school children and every resident of Hayuliang. Sohan Krong appreciated the whole hearted participation of the marketers and every stake holder contributing to the cause.

The Marketers enthusiastically taking forward the initiative “Mera Anjaw Clean

Anjaw” took to hands on cleaning on 1st March 2016 as early as 0700 hrs.

Chinmay Panth while offering his guidance and support appreciated Sohan Krong for the initiative and further lauded the general administration, community leaders and members of the Bazar for their spirited involvement. He further emphasized that the people should not be discouraged by initial slow success & diverse challenges and expressed hope that people will respond well to the “Mera Anjaw Clean Anjaw” movement.

Airtel's Platinum 3G would deliver faster Internet speed, enhance voice clarity and offer a superior network experience for customers in the circle.

Additionally, Platinum 3G would help optimise the back end engagement between the network and mobile devices, allowing customers to enjoy extended battery life on their phones, CEO Airtel North East and Assam, Sameer Anjaria said.

Airtel has recently commenced the implementation of its network transformation program 'Project Leap' in the North East and Assam.

With an investment of Rs 60,000 crore over the

Nominated MDC: KHADC move to amend rule Shillong, Mar 1: In the wake of tussle between the State Government and the KHADC, the Council has proposed a sub-committee to amend the district council rule for the inclusion of a nominated member in the House instead of state government recommending the name.

The contentious issue of nominated MDC was discussed in the House on the second day of the budget session of KHADC.

A motion in this regard was moved by Mylliem MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew (HSPDP) suggesting the Executive Committee to amend the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 as amended with regard to the post of the nominated MDC. "The issue of nominated MDC is still pending and has warranted passing a resolution to amend the rules to avoid

conflict of power between the State Government and District Council. At the same time to maintain the sanctity of the House," Thangkhiew reminded.

She maintained that the nomination of an MDC is the task of the District Council.

Similarly, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, another HSPDP MDC from Sohryngkham said, the KHADC has to find ways and means to come

out of the predicament it is facing with regards to the nominated MDC issue. Replying to the motion, KHADC chief PN Syiem said a proposed amendment sub-committee will be constituted to examine the matter.

It may be mentioned that the KHADC had unanimously nominated retired KHADC Judge J. Reenbohn as member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council through a

resolution passed during the special session of the Council last December.

On the other hand, the State Government has forwarded Irene Lyngdoh's name to the State Governor for his approval as a nominated MDC In view of this development, the Governor had sent back both the proposals to the state government to decide who should be nominated to fill up the lone vacancy.(Agencies)

Sharmila resumes fast demanding repeal of AFSPA Imphal, Mar 1: Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who was acquitted by a court of the charge of attempt to suicide, resumed her 15-year-long indefinite fast at the histroic Sahid Minar here on Tuesday demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the state.

Sharmila resumes fast demanding repeal of AFSPA

Sharmila, who was released from judicial custody by the chief judicial magistrate of Imphal West on Monday, came out of the special ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital here and headed for Sahid Minar with a large number of supporters.

After reaching the site, she resumed her fast to

der the age between 18 to 40 years.

Mihir Kumar Jha, unit incharge, DFP Tezu unit also spoke during the programme and elaborated the audience about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

He appealed that everybody makes ensure that they expend their only two hours in a weak to clean their home and surroundings for fulfil the dream of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clean India Mission.

More than 200 people attainted the programme and participants are also shared their opinion about selected themes. Photo Exhibition, Feedback Collection, Quiz Competition were the other activities during the programme. The programmes was highly appreciated by the villagers and panchayat leaders they requested to the DFP, Tezu unit to organize more such awareness programme in their village

press her demand.

She also told media that she would continue her non-violent protest and added that violent means are not the proper way to solve the unrest in the state.

Sharmila had started her fast in 2002 demanding the repeal of the Act which she termed "draconian".

(Agencies)

next three years, Airtel's 'Project Leap' is a strategic company initiative aimed at perceptibly improving its network quality and delivering the best customer experience, he said.

"Today we are pleased to offer Platinum 3G services to our customers in Itanagar. In line with our long term growth strategy for North East and Assam, we will be investing heavily in upgrading our network and providing seamless customer experience across various technologies under Project Leap," Anjaria added.

In July last year, Airtel had introduced 4G services in the North East.

With both Airtel 4G and Platinum 3G available in the circle now, Airtel is uniquely positioned to become the only network in North East to leverage these technologies towards delivering a better experience for its customers.

IAF to induct Tejas, Rafale fighters Shillong, Mar 1: Air Force (IAF) will induct indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas and Rafale fighter aircraft shortly. This was revealed Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal C Hari Kumar. Speaking to media persons at Eastern Air Command on Monday, he said that all the bases of Indian Air Force were being strengthened.

When asked about the Pathankot attack, he said that security in and around the bases of the Indian Air Force need to be tightened further.

"Procedures are in place and we can handle them better," he said. Referring to restrictions on entry of visitors to the Shillong Peak, Air Marshal Kumar said that he would review the matter soon.

He said that the restriction on the entry of people in the area is temporary even as he said that he had asked his officials to reopen the place for people.

Post the Pathankot base attack, the Indian Air Force in Shilong had restricted the entry of people into its area from where Shillong peak is reached as a precautionary measure. Since Shillong Peak is a favourite tourist destination, the move of the Indian Air Force to restrict the entry of people affected the tourist flow to the place.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

PAGE 6

Ishrat case: SC to hear plea on action against cops New Delhi, March 1: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea seeking quashing of criminal prosecution, suspension and other actions taken against Gujarat cops in the 2004 alleged fake encounter killing of Ishrat Jahan in view of recent testimony of jailed LET operative David Headley.

Headley, the PakistaniAmerican terrorist, had told to a Mumbai court that Jahan was a Lashkare-Taiba (LeT) operative.

"Let it be listed. We will see it then," a bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice U U Lalit said when advocate ML Sharma mentioned the matter for its urgent hearing. Sharma said that the

statement of Headley is significant as it conclusively establishes the fact that Jahan was an LeT operative.

Gujarat Police personnel, including the then DIG D G Vanzara, are facing trial in a Mumbai court for their alleged role in the encounter. The plea, which cited the recent statements before a special court recorded by Headley, who allegedly conspired with LeT in plotting the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, said the facts are now undisputed that all four persons killed by Gujarat Police, including Ishrat Jahan, were terrorists.

"The judicial proceeding and statement of David Headley, who conspired

Railways to augment amenities for differently abled

Manoj Sinha New Delhi, Mar. 1: Indian Railways has said that it plans to introduce several facilities in 'A-1', 'A' and 'B' category stations to provide better amenities for patients and differently abled passengers.

Information in this regard was given out by MoS Railways Manoj Sinha in the Rajya Sabha on Saturday. The Railways would introduce a standard ramp to ensure barrier free entry for the differently abled. It would also identify at least at least two parking lots specially reserved for them.

A non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building has also been proposed along with the use of signage with appropriate visibility. The Railways proposes to have at least one dedicated toilet

on the ground floor and at least one drinking water tap suitable for use by differently-abled persons. A 'may I help you' booth is also going to be introduced at the stations for their convenience.

In addition to these initiatives, a provision for inter-platform transfer and engravings on edges of platform are also likely to be introduced shortly. Meanwhile, there are provisions of providing wheel chairs at stations currently. This facility is provided, duly escorted by porters (on payment) as per present practice.

Moreover, zonal railways have been authorized to introduce 'battery operated vehicles' at major railway stations for disabled, old aged and sick passengers on first come first served basis. (ANI)

Zika virus: Govt. issues travel advisory for pregnant women

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued travel an advisory

New Delhi, March. 1: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued travel an advisory saying that pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant should defer or cancel their travel to the affected areas.

"All pregnant women travelling to the affected countries/ areas have been advised to strictly follow personal protective measures, especially during day time, to prevent mosquito bites and if they fall sick within two weeks of return from an affected country, they should report to the nearest health facility," the advisory states.

The advisory also mentions that pregnant women who have travelled to areas with Zika virus transmission, should mention about their travel during pregnancy check-up visits in order to be assessed and monitored appropriately at the health facility.

Guidelines for integrated vector management to prevent transmission by Aedes mosquito have been issued to all the States. These guidelines include vector surveillance, both for larva and adults; effective vector control through environmental management methods, personnel protection, biological control such as using larvivorous fish and using chemicals that kill adult and larval form of this mosquito.

Vector surveillance and capacity building have also been done at International Airports and ports. Health Minister J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here on Tuesday. (ANI)

Police personnel and others, saying it was unconstitutional within the judicial facts and evidences of Headley.

SC to hear plea on action against cops with LeT in plotting the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, stated via video conference and recorded in the special court at Mumbai that four persons, including Ishrat Jahan who were killed in June 2004

by Gujarat Police, were a part of LeT terrorist organisation belonging to

Pakistan and they were assigned to kill then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi," it said.

The plea sought a direction to close criminal proceedings and action taken in FIRs lodged by CBI against the Gujarat

It also sought a direction from the court declaring that killing of a terrorist is not an offence under Indian law and proper compensation be paid to the state police personnel in the interest of justice.

It also wanted initiation of suo motu perjury/contempt proceedings against the then Home Minister and CBI Director for concealing true facts before the Supreme Court and the Gujarat High Court and for filing a false affidavit pertaining to facts about Ishrat Jahan case. (PTI)

"The judicial proceeding and statement of David Headley, who conspired with LeT in plotting the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, stated via video conference and recorded in the special court at Mumbai that four persons, including Ishrat Jahan who were killed in June 2004 by Gujarat Police, were a part of LeT terrorist organisation belonging to Pakistan and they were assigned to kill then Chief Minister of Gujarat"- Says PM Modi

'Never mentioned Rohith's name' in letter to HRD: Dattatreya New Delhi, March.1: Union Minister of State for Labour (independent charge) Bandaru Dattatreya on Tuesday accused Congress's Jyotiraditya Scindia for 'tarnishing his image', and said that he never mentioned Hyderabad PhD scholar Rohith Vemula's name in the letter sent to the HRD ministry.

"I never mentioned Rohith's name (in the letter to the HRD Ministry).

I never mentioned any student's name or any organisation of the university as casteist or antisocial or anti-national el-

ement. Jyotiraditya has tarnished my image," Dattatreya told the reporters here.

"But, I have mentioned the petition which came for me through a BJP vice-president which I forwarded to the HRD Minister because whatever were the activities prevailing in the university, I wanted to make it correct. I don't want any punishment for anybody but my intention was only to see that these activities when Yakub Memon incident was glorified, I thought that I should mention that

one," he added.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on February 24 accused the BJP-led government of creating an atmosphere of intolerance in the country and alleged that efforts were on to crush any opposing point of view.

suicide in Hyderabad Central University, along with four other Dalit students was allegedly expelled from hostel following a tussle with students affiliated with the student wing of the BJP, Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Scindia demanded action against Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani and Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya over Rohith's suicide.

Rohith, who committed

He belonged to Guntur district of Amravati and was doing his PhD in science technology and society studies for the past two years, before the scholar allegedly got involved in a tiff between two student groups in August last year. (ANI)

Congress gives privilege motion against Smriti Irani in Lok Sabha New Delhi, March. 1: Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Ranjeet Ranjan on Tuesday gave the privilege motion against Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha as party vice president Rahul Gandhi is expected to address the House on Tuesday.

The Congress gave notice for a privilege motion against Irani yesterday and created a ruckus in the Lok Sabha for a short while before Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stood to present the General Budget 2016-17.

The grand old party claimed earlier that Irani's arrogance and blatant lies in Parliament during the discussion on Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula forced them to move the privilege motion

Congress gives privilege motion against Smriti Irani in Lok Sabha against her.

"What Smriti Irani said in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were blatant lies and this hasn't been claimed by the Opposition, but by the people who knew Rohith; his family members and his University colleagues.

Why does she have so much arrogance? Irani could have accepted that

she got the facts wrong and the matter would have been over. But just because they are in power, they have arrogance and this arrogance will let them down," Congress leader PL Punia told .

Irani in her speech in Parliament had said there was no question of an apology from her. She

pointed out that according to a report submitted to the Telangana High Court, the police had reached Rohith's hostel at 7:20 pm when they found the body.

"The police said that when they reached the hostel, they found the room open and the dead body was on the table. A hand written suicide note was found. The suicide note that was left behind does not blame anyone," she said.

"This is not my submission. This is what the police said. No one allowed a doctor near this child, to revive this child. Instead, his body was used as a political tool. No police was allowed till 6:30 am the following morning.

Who tried to help this child?" she asked. (ANI)

Jat stir: to see whether officers discharged their legal responsibilities, says Prakash Singh

Retired IPS officer, Prakash Singh Noida (Haryana), Mar. 1: Retired IPS officer, Prakash Singh on Tuesday said that his efforts would be to see whether the officers discharged their constitutional and legal responsibilities in Haryana

during the Jat stir for reservation. " Haryana government wants enquiry into the acts of omission and commission on part of all officers and officials. I have been asked to conduct enquiry.

My efforts would be to see whether the officers discharged their constitutional and legal responsibilities," Singh told here.

The retired IPS officer said that he will start the enquiry tomorrow with two serving officers of the state assisting him. "Will look into aspects, whether extensive damage to public property was preventable or not and if it was, why was it not prevented? I will also visit districts affected by the Jat Reservation violence, I will examine the role of officers there," he added.

Haryana Government has constituted a one-man commission to probe into the alleged failure and in-

action of civil and police officials during the Jat agitation which turned violent resulting in losses of hundreds of crores in the State.

The Commission will submit the report within 45 days. The State Government has appointed Singh, a recipient of Padma Shri, to inquire into the acts of omission and commission on part of all officers and officials of both Police and Civil Administration during the Jat Reservation agitation resulted in blockades of roads including national highways, violence and extensive damage to public and private properties in many districts, said a spokesman of State Government. (ANI)

Kejriwal takes swipe at BJP over 'deshbhakt' Katheria

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal New Delhi, Mar. 1: Taking a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over an alleged hate speech by Minister of State for Human Resource Development ( HRD) Ram Shankar Katheria at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Agra, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday sarcastically said such people were 'deshbhakts' (patriots) for the saffron party.

Kejriwal took to Twitter to train guns at the BJP. "According to BJP, people like Katheria are deshbhakts," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Katheria, on his part, rubbished the reports published in a leading daily.

"The article that is pub-

lished in the Indian Express is completely untrue. Therefore, it is a matter of concern that Ram Gopal Yadav, without even seeing the CD, has made such statement.

I would like to appeal to him to get the complete CD from his administration and listen to the whole address," Katheria told.

Katheria and BJP MP from Fatehpur Sikri, Babu Lal, had drawn major flak after a leading daily reported that they had witnessed a VHP event, in which Muslims were described as 'Rakshasas' and were warned of a 'final battle'.

The article published in the daily yesterday, also accuses them of making hate speeches. (ANI)

Ex-Balasore inspector held Balasore, March 1: The crime branch on Monday arrested former inspector in-charge of Balasore Town police station in connection with the death SK Sabir, 30 and SK Sadiq, 26, of Machhuasahi here.

The accused was produced before the sub-divisional judicial magistrate, Balasore on Tuesday and sent to judicial custody for 14 days after rejection of his bail petition. The crime branch had initiated investigation about a week ago after the family members of the deceased met the DGP and demanded a probe. They had alleged the involvement of the town inspector -in-charge Tariq Ahmed and other staff of the police station in the incident which had occurred in November. A police team led by the IIC Tariq Ahmed had raided their house at about 3.30 am on the fateful day.

The father of the victims ,SK Gaffar, had alleged that the errant cops had torched the house. The victims Sabir and Sadiq were in the business of interior decoration and gift items and owned a shop in the town. Ahmed had claimed that the two were wanted in connection with an attack on one Rahim, another shopkeeper over some business rivalry.

Ahmed's version of the incident is that duo had committed suicide. "We called them from outside as the gate was locked . They were threatening us to commit the immolation if we didn't go back but suddenly they poured kerosene and set themselves on fire,". Case then caused a lot of commotion among residents of Balasore.Amrita Dash,then SP of Balasore had assured proper investigation. (Agencies)

IFS probationer in trouble Dhenkanal, March 1: A team of forest officials headed by an IFS probationer Y Pati faced the ire of a truck owner who was attacked and abused at Gohirakhal under Sadar police station.

A FIR has been lodged against the forest officials as they allegedly attacked the trucker. The SP Nikhil Kumar Kanodia has informed DFO PK Sahoo in this connection.

According to FIR , one Batakrushna Senapati alleged he was carrying laterite stones on his truck from Lochapalli mines and heading towards Badamba when the forest team detained his truck and abused him demanding money.

There was a heated exchange and he fled as crude bombs were hurled at him and his vehicle was damaged. Another trucker and local people rescued him, said Senapati. After

IFS probationer in trouble

the incident he found that cash (Rs.3000), torch light and other instruments were stolen from the truck.

He was brought by locals to his home . Sadar police station IIC Sasmita Barik told she has received complaint and looking into the matter. Senapati urged police to conduct inquiry and take action against culprits. Divisional Forest office sources said a IFS probationer Y Pati was leading the team last night . DFO PK Sahoo said he was informed by SP and is inquiring in to the matter. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

U.N. Security Council to vote to widen its sanctions on North Korea New York, Mar 01:The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) today plans to vote on a resolution that would expand existing UN sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear test on January 6, said US mission to the UN. According to reports, the vote is expected to happen during the meeting today evening. The United States, had last week presented a draft resolution it negotiation with China that would significantly tighten restrictions after North Korea's nuclear test and rocket launch, and create what it touted as toughest UN sanctions regime

in two decades to the 15nation council.

Washington had originally hoped to put the resolution to a vote last week but cancelled the move after Russia demanded time to study the text. China in an unusual move agreed to United States against its ally and neighbour Pyongyang.

The draft would require UN members to conduct mandatory inspections to look for illicit goods of all the cargo passing through their territory to and from North Korea.

Earlier, the members were only required to do the same if they had reasonable ground to believe there was illicit

Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The proposal would secure a gap in the UN arms embargo by banning all weapons import and export on North Korea.

U.N. Security Council to vote to widen its sanctions on North Korea cargo. Rumors are that there minor changes have been made to the text.

The United States had lobbied bilateral negotiations for nearly two months with China to

win Beijing's support for tough measure intended to pursue Pyongyang to abandon its atomic weapons programs that at one point it also involved U.S. president Barack

It could further ban transfer of any item to North Korea that could directly contribute to its operational capabilities of its armed forces, such as trucks that could be modified for military purposes. The proposal measures also includes banning on supplies of aviation and rocket fuel to North Korea, a initiative for the member countries to expel North

Korean diplomats engaging in illicit activities, blacklisting 17 North Korean individuals and 12 entities, including the National Aerospace Development Agency (NADA), the body responsible for February's rocket launch.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told media that if the new measure were approved, it would be the strongest sanctions imposed by the Security Council in more than two decades. North Korea has been under UN sanctions due of its multiple nuclear tests and rocket launches since 2006. (ANI)

Canada gives $1.2 mn for reconstruction to Nepal

U.S. must not supply F-16 fighter aircraft to Pak, says think tank Gateway House

New Delhi, Mar 1: Canada has announced a $1.2 million initiative to help in reconstruction in Nepal following the devastation caused by last year's 7.8 magnitude quake.

Nadir Patel, Canada's envoy to Nepal, and Jean Lebel, president of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), announced the initiative on Monday.

The $1.2 million investment is to help restore housing, public buildings, and infrastructure, as well as promote better mitigation and management for future natural disasters. This initiative contributes to wider Government of Canada reconstruction efforts in Nepal, said a IDRC statement.

The initiative, in collaboration with a local partner, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), will support rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Dhungentar ward in Nepal.

the collapse of the Pakistan state and weakening of the will and striking capacity of its armed forces.

The Gateway House article goes so far as to describe Pakistan as an "unworthy ally" that uses Washington's generous assistance to "foster a sense of insecurity concerning its nuclear arsenal and expanding ranks of jihadists".

Fair and Ganguly further state that Pakistan has a strategic compulsion to use militants on its soil and non-state actors of a similar ilk in the neighbourhood to work against India and Afghanistan, suggest that its goals go beyond its acknowledged Islamist ideological objectives.

A careful assessment of statistics appears to back their view. Professor Fair, in another article, reveals that since 2002, the U.S. has provided Pakistan 7.6 billion dollars in securityrelated assistance; 13 billion dollars in lucrative reimbursements under "dubiously named" Coalition Support Program (CSP) and another 10.5 billion dollars in economic assistance.

What Pakistan has done in return for this largesse is that it has persistently supported the Afghan Taliban which has been responsible for the deaths

The initiative will strengthen the capacities of communities and institutions for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, and assist in building eco-friendly, climate and earthquake resilient homes.

Canada has so far provided $23 million in humanitarian assistance funding in response to the Nepal crisis, which has been directed to experienced humanitarian partners, including UN humanitarian agencies, Canadian NGOs and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

"Canada remains committed to work with Nepal in supporting the most vulnerable people affected by this tragedy.

The ICIMOD project supported by IDRC will help in the long term rehabilitation of the affected people,' said Patel.

"This initiative will support mountain communities in their rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts following the earthquake of 2015," Lebel said. The $1.2 million initiative will build earthquake resilient houses for 100 families.(Agencies)

U.S. must not supply F-16 fighter aircraft to Pak, says think tank Gateway House Pak, Mar. 1: The United States of America must not go ahead with the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, nor should it continue with or justify the need to extend armsrelated or non-security assistance to the latter due to its irrefutable history of supporting terrorist groups on its soil and in the neighbourhood, says the Mumbai-based prominent foreign policy think tank Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations.

In a recent article jointly authored by well-known academics Christine Fair and Sumit Ganguly, which has been published

by Gateway House, both maintain that Washington's justification for this generous transfer of weapons, security and non-security

assistance (USD 30 to 31 billion since 2002 alone) is fundamentally and logically flawed, and they opine that time has come for the United States to reassess its relationship with Pakistan and seriously consider changing course.

This view assumes greater significance in the wake of a stubborn and determined the Obama administration insisting that it will go ahead with its decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, which it sees as critical in assisting Pakistan's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

Historically also, the argument put forward by Washington has been that if it does not deliver this security and non-security support, it could lead to

of 2,356 American and 677 other NATO military personnel, the deaths of thousands of civilian contractors, more than 21,000 Afghan civilians and more than 20,000 Afghan police and army personnel.

The article also trashes Islamabad's contention that Washington has been a "perfidious ally" in that it has never come to its assistance despite there being a bilateral defence pact in place between the two nations for the last 62 years. Pakistan has always believed that the U.S. should have provided help to it during its wars with India in 1965 and 1971, and should not have withheld supply of F-16 combat aircraft because of sanctions imposed in 1990.

The Gateway House article, however, turns this argument on its head, and accuses Pakistan of practicing "distortion of reality" and even goes to the extent of describing it as "outright fiction". It maintains that Washington was never legally obliged to help Islamabad in 1965, as the premise of the 1954 defence pact was that it would come to the latter's assistance if it was under threat or attacked. In the case of the 1971 conflict, then President Richard Nixon bent U.S. law to authorize

military aid even as it was well known that Islamabad was carrying out a genocidal mission in its eastern Bengalidominant half.

The cases relating to the last minute non-supply of F-16 aircraft and Islamabad's claim that the United States drew it into the fight against jihadists in Afghanistan also has a disputable history of its own, and according to the article, is equally flawed in terms of contention.

Both Fair and Ganguly are of the view that it is a given that Pakistan has little reason to change its behaviour or its strategies, and therefore, Washington should, as a best and realistic option, initiate a strategy of containment while continuing to maintain its diplomatic ties; it should stop supplying strategic weapons systems and prevent Pakistan from going in for replacements and repair of equipment already in its possession; it should interact, support and engage with that part of Pakistan civil society that is most aligned to its interests and should effectively work towards acquiring improved social intelligence on Pakistan, as the strategic dynamics of South Asia has undergone a marked change since the Cold War era. (ANI)

Pakistan postpones population, housing census amid security issue Islamabad, March 01: The Council of Common Interests (CCI) of Pakistan has decided to postpone its population and housing census.

The decision was made unanimously by a meeting presided by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and four Chief Ministers. Sharif's secretariat issued a statement which said a fresh date for conducting the census would be announced after consultations with the stakeholders.

According to reports, the provinces had objected to the presence of refugees and illegal immigrants in the country. Traditionally, Sindh and Balochistan provinces don't welcome migration of Pakhtuns to these provinces, but Chief Ministers Qaim Ali Shah and Sanaullah Khan Zehri used the word Afghans, and not Pakhtuns, during the meeting.

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervez Khattak called for repatriation of Afghan refugees living in the province. Reports say that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif remained silent despite the fact that his province had a sizable presence of both Pakhtuns and Afghans.

Statistics Division Secretary, Shahid Hussain Asad said the country had been divided into 166,819 blocks for which staff of 210,239 heads was required reported. Since Pakistan's armed forces were already engaged in the Zarb-i-Azb operation, the deployment of army for conducting the census throughout the country in March or April was not possible the meeting informed.

The CCI according has asked the Bureau of Statistics to propose a new date and consult the armed

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif forces about availability of the required human resource.

According to an official, the bureau proposed to conduct the census on province-wise bases or on the pattern of local body elections, but the proposal was not supported. It also said that the number of soldiers required for data collection was not a problem, but ensuring security of the soldiers was an issue.

The official also said that the army has suggested holding of the census in phases. In the meeting, the CCI had also approved setting up of an inquiry commission to fix responsibility for alleged illegalities in the Kacchi Canal Project.

The inquiry commission will be headed by a retired judge of Supreme or High Court and secretaries of water and power, planning and finance ministries will

be its members. In the meeting, it was informed that the project was initially approved by Ecnec at a cost of Rs27.5 billion in 2003 and later the PC-I cost was revised to Rs57.7bn.

The project had started prior to the approval of feasibility study and PC-I. Sharif had asked for a fresh feasibility study, along with implementation plan to be prepared immediately.

CCI will hold next meeting on March 25 and would discuss one-item agenda of the National Flood Protection Plan-IV (2015-25). The committee comprising of ministers of water and power and climate change and the four chief ministers will present the plan. The CCI also approved the draft of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2016. (ANI)

Balochistan Home Minister survives second assassination attempt

Balochistan Home Minister survives second assassination attempt Quetta, March 1:Balochistan Home Minister, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti had a narrow escape on Monday when unknown gunmenopened fire on his convoy near the Dera Bugti area of the country's southwestern province.

Bugti was travelling to the Sui area when he was attacked. Dera Bugti's Assistant Commissioner, Javed Naveed Khosa, as saying that Home minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti and members of his convoy remained unhurt and had reached Sui safely.

According to sources, Bugti was returning to

Sui after distributing appointment letters to 70 Levies personnel in Dera Bugti when he was targeted. The armed men opened fire on the convoy carrying the Bugti to Sui, in Pash-Bogi area between Sui and Dera Bugti and escaped after security personnel counter fire them.

Soon after the incident the security personnel cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. The attack on Bugti was the second one over a month. Bugti survived a landmine explosion on January 22, while returning to his hometown, Baker, after a hunting trip. (ANI)

Buddhist luminaries to deliberate on global sustainable development goals Bangkok, Mar.1: Buddhist luminaries from across the world will gather in Thailand on Tuesday evening to deliberate on how faithbased organisations can help the international comity of nations to achieve the globe's sustainable development goals (SDG) The opening ceremony of the three-day meeting (March 1 to 3) will commence at 4.45 p.m. local time at the Wat Maha That, or the "Temple of the Great Relics", in Ayutthaya city.

The event is being jointly organised by three institutions-the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the Thammasat University and the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB). The Governor of Ayutthaya, Prayoon Rattanasenee, will be the guest of honour.

The keynote address will be delivered by the United Nations Representative in Thailand Luc Stevens. Luminaries of the Buddhist world who will be in attendance include Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk, Princess of Bhutan, Rev. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists, His Holiness S a n g h a n a y a k a Suddhananda Mahathero, Supreme Patriarch of Buddhists in Bangladesh, Ven. Banagala Upathissa, President, Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Japan, Ambassador Lalit Mansingh, former Foreign Secretary of India, His Eminence Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Shadjin Lama, Kalmyk Republic, Russian Federation and Ven. Banagala Upathissa, President, Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka.

Apart from high ranking Buddhist monks from

around the world, scholars, opinion-makers, special invitees (from 24 countries) and members of various Buddhist organizations will also attend the meeting.

They include Buddhist members from Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, Germany, France, Argentina, Japan, Mongolia, Australia to name a few, besides South Asia, South East Asia and the Far East, with diverse and interesting perspectives on complex global issues.

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is a global umbrella Buddhist body headquartered in New Delhi. Founded in 2012, it has a current membership of over 320 Buddhist organizations, both monastic and lay, spread over 39 countries and representing every Buddhist tradition worldwide.

The Supreme Patriarchs and the highest ranking monks of all Buddhist countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, South Korea and Mongolia are among its Council of Patrons that include His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Other high ranking monks and nuns and leading opinion makers of the Buddhist world are also a part of IBC as members of its Supreme Dhamma Council, Presidium and Governing Council.

The motto of the organization is "Collective Wisdom, United Voice", in other words giving a united voice to the collective wisdom of all Buddhist traditions to ensure that Buddhist values and principles become an important part of the contemporary global social and political discourse on important issues, including conflict and environment.(ANI)

Buddhist luminaries to deliberate on global sustainable development goals

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Universal Health Coverage In India Metro rail Assam cabinet approves for Guwahati A boom in the development of metro rail projects in India is not only helping to ease congested streets - but is also generating lucrative business opportunities as the country ploughs funds Photo: conceptdraw into bringing its deficient public transport system up to speed. Public transport in Indian cities has not been able to cope with rapidly increasing demand so far. In terms of metro development, the Assam cabinet has approved the project report for a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for Guwahati, and the setting up of the Guwahati Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRCL).

And Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi laid the foundation stone of a much anticipated metro rail project in Guwahati on February 29. Assam government approved the formation of special purpose vehicle namely Guwahati metro rail corporation limited for implementing the project. The 203 kilometre Metro Corridor is expected to be completed in three phases forecasts traffic demand up to the year 2045. The detailed project report for Phase-I has been prepared for a total length 61.4 kilometres. There will be four corridors- - Dharapur-Narangi (elevated), M.G. Road to Khanapara (underground), Jalukbari to Khanapara (elevated) 19.4 km and ISBT to Paltanbazar (elevated) and total of 54 stations in Phase-1. The trains will have a carrying capacity of up to 975 passengers each. Government also accepted the project report for a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for Guwahati, and the setting up of the Guwahati Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRCL). The company will be later converted into joint ownership (50:50) of the state and central governments. The projected cost including land is estimated to be around at Rs.18,020crore.

While the Assam government and central government will share 20 percent each of the total cost, local bodies will contribute Rs.350 crore, while the remaining Rs.10,074 crore will be funded through soft loans from funding agencies with guarantees from the central government. Narendra Modi, the country's prime minister, has earlier said that the aim is to have metros in at least 50 cities across India eventually as such development, with each project costing tens of billions of rupees, is generating huge opportunities for foreign and Indian companies. Between 2014 and 2050, there are expected to be an additional population 404 million Indians in the country's urban areas, as large numbers of the population move from rural areas to cities, according to the United Nations. So these kinds of developments are necessary and have gained momentum due to key government initiatives.

Incomparably more visible It is a home to one-third of poor people The spectacular growth of cities has made poverty in India incomparably more visible and palpable through its famous slums. As there are less urban poor nowadays, their sheer number has been increasing. They spend 80% of their income on food and the waning of public services creates new unbearable costs that in the end lead to extreme situations where Indians are denied basic services they once were able to access easily.

At present, 29.8% of the Indian population lives below the poverty line. In the category of poor falls the people whose daily income is less than 28.65 rupees (56 cents/35p) a day in cities and 22.42 rupees (44 cents/33p) a day in villages. This means, the actual number of people living below the poverty line is much higher, as according to the statistical data, anyone earning 30 rupees won't be considered as poor but must be facing the same difficulties in life. But in spite of all the efforts, overall number of poor in India is increasing and becoming a hurdle.

Poverty is just like a disease to which many other problems such as crime, low-paced development, etc are associated. There are number of people in India who still live on the streets and beg for the whole day to eat a meal. Poor children are unable to attend school and, if they do attend, they tend to leave the school after a year or so. People below poverty line live in unhygienic conditions and are so prone to many health problems. With this, the vicious cycle of poor health, lack of education and more poverty keeps on increasing.

According to the Global Hunger Index Report 2012 by the International Food Research Institute, India ranks 65 in Global Hunger Index. Though there is no shortage of food production in India, our nation still has the highest percentage of underweight children under five. India is working hard to become a superpower in 2020, but what about these poor in India as our nation still lags behind in improving GHI. India at present has a greater share of the poor around the world. Thirty years ago, India was home to onefifth of world's poor but now it is a home to onethird of poor people. This means we now have more poor in India as compared to thirty years ago. International poverty line stands at $ 1.25 per day and in 2010, 32.7% of the total population in India was below this line. India's government is well aware that poverty is a giant barrier to overcome if it is to fully develop the nation. A wide range of anti-poverty policies have been introduced since the 1950s, which nonetheless took effect after 20 years of implementation.

The right to health and in 2010, World Health Remedical service, without port on 'Health Systems Fidistinction of race, religion, nancing: the Path to Univerpolitical belief, economic sal Coverage' further delved and social conditions, con- into the UHC and sustained stitute vital articles of Uni- the focus. versal Declaration of Hu- UHC continued to receive m a n attention rights, at global adopted a and Pranjal Bezborah for by the was well general suppleassembly of the UNO, and mented by additional resothe preamble to the consti- lution on UHC by WHA in tution of the World Health 2011 and then United NaOrganization (WHO). In tions General Assembly 1948, WHO defined health (UNGA) discussed about as a state of complete physi- UHC and passed a resolucal, mental and social well- tion on December 12, 2012. being, and not merely an The UNGA resolution was absence of disease or infir- a landmark step as it broadmity. To this three dimen- ened the scope of UHC sional state of positive agenda from the ambit of health, India has added a health ministers to the fourth dimension of our heads of state and ministers spiritual well-being, to make of foreign affairs. Since Deit a comprehensive concept cember 12, 2014, to comof health. memorate UNGA resolution, International community of is used as a Universal 178 member countries in- Health Coverage Day. The cluding India in 1978 had a advocacy and momentum utopian dream at Alma-Ata on UHC in the last 10 years to provide "health for all by has been sustained, sup2000 AD". As we have en- ported by advocacy, distered into the new millen- courses and resolutions at nium, international commu- various for a, which possinity has realized that how bly reflects an emerging near or far we are from our consensus regarding the cherished goal of "health need and importance of for all by 2000 AD", what are UHC. The WHO Director the challenges and prob- General has said that "Unilems tormenting the fulfill- versal Health Coverage is ment of our dream. Now, the single most powerful Universal Health Coverage concept that public health (UHC) has received global has to offer." attention as an idea and aspiration with the World UHC has three dimensions Health Assembly (WHA) - population coverage, 2005 resolution urging mem- health services coverage ber countries to develop and financial protection their health financing sys- coverage. UHC is considtems for UHC. UHC aims ered as a journey rather than that 'all people have access a destination. UHC is dyto needed promotive, pre- namic process and the idea ventive, curative and reha- is to make an attempt to fill bilitative health services, of the universal health coversufficient quality to be ef- age as much as possible. Exfective, while also ensuring perience from the countries that people do not suffer fi- has shown that it takes 10nancial hardship when pay- 15 years to make reasonable ing for these services'. In progress in this direction 2008, World Health Report and UHC is not possible in titled 'Primary Health Care: a year or two. While UHC is More Than Ever', and then the aim, the health system

Image for representational purpose (Photo: clipartion) reforms and strengthening are foundations and tools, on which progress in the direction of UHC could be made.

India was part of the resolution on UHC at the 2005 WHA as a member state.

Though, the UHC was not being discussed in the country at that time, India had launched the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in April 2005, to improve health systems in India and improve health status of the people.

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, which intends to provide financial coverage to below poverty line population for the cost of secondary level hospitalization and a few other financial protection schemes were launched in India in the year

2007-08. Soon after the launch of the World Health Report of 2010, the Planning Commission of India constituted the High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage in India.

The High Level Expert Group submitted its report in October 2011, which was used for drafting of 12th Five Year Plan of India. The 12th Plan had proposed UHC pilots in 2 districts of each state of India and work had also started for launch of these pilots to derive learning for full scale UHC in the country. In May 2013, to provide health services in urban areas, the National Urban health Mission (NUHM) was launched and two sub-missions (NRHM and NHM) were merged as the National Health Mission

(NHM).

The NHM vision of "Attainment of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care services, accountable and responsive to people's needs, with effective inter-sectoral convergent action to address the wider social determinant of health" is very much in alignment with the concept of UHC. Since mid2014, there has been a lot of ground work on providing universal health assurance with components and intentions of UHC. A blueprint was prepared to implement universal health assurance through launch of National health Assurance Mission (NHAM) in India. Broadly speaking, the initial ground work for advancing UHC in India has been done; however, it awaits approval and

accelerated implementation.

The UN sustainable Development summit on September 25, 2015 endorsed sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to carry forward the work done under Millennium Development Goals and to guide global development over the next 15 years. The UN General Assembly formally adopted the universal, integrated and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development along with a set of 17 sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets. The 17 SDGs focus upon poverty, hunger, health education, gender equality, water and sanitation, energy, work and economic growth, industry and infrastructure, inequalities, cities, responsible consumption, climate, life below water, life on land, peace and strong institution and the partnership.

The final text of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development in its preamble states: "To promote physical and mental health and well-being, and to extend life expectancy for all, we must achieve universal health coverage and access to quality health care. No one must be left behind." That signifies the relevance of health in overall development agenda. One of the goals in SDGs, the goal 3 addresses health challenges and aims to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all in all ages."

Health is at the center of development discourse and looked at as a cornerstone for economic growth of any nation. It can contribute to alleviate poverty and lead a nation to a more productive and financially secure status and SDGs and UHC well interwoven in the fabrics of social and economic development. UHC is a new unifying force for health sector, with linkage to overall development agenda.

Government tries to harvest success with farmer-friendly Budget Union finance minister The Budget plans to resArun Jaitley devoted a cue farmers from the major part of his third agrarian crisis through budget speech to "trans- three things. Firstly, imform India" and of the prove the irrigation system nine pillars to achieve the and, as a result, push crop goal, three were on productivity. Secondly, strengthsupport e n i n g Richard Mahapatra f a r m e r s the ruthrough ral sector. Altogether, the crop insurance. And firural sector (including ir- nally, strengthen the Marigation and agriculture) hatma Gandhi National received close to Rs Rural Employment Guar200,000 crore this Bud- antee Act (MGNREGA) to get, which makes one regenerate village point clear: the govern- economy. ment believes that rural The Budget has allocated economy is critical for Rs 35,984 crore for agrinational growth. culture and farmers' welThis is the reason Jaitley fare. It announced that first dealt with the agri- over 2.85 million hectares culture sector and farm- (ha) of rainfed farms will ers' welfare in his be covered under the speech. "We need to Centre's flagship irrigation think beyond 'food secu- scheme Pradhan Mantri rity' and give back to our Krishi Sinchai Yojana. It farmers a sense of 'in- announced another Rs come security'," he said. 103,000 crore for fast

tracking 89 irrigation projects stuck under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme for the next five years. This will bring another nine million ha under irrigation.

Similar emphasis has been given to MGNREGA and to the rural assets that will be created under the scheme. MGNREGA has received Rs 38,500 crore under the Budget. However, Jaitley's claims that the allocation is the highest ever spent under the scheme is not correct. According to the Ministry of Rural Development data, the scheme received Rs 39,552 crore in 2010-11 and Rs 38,552 crore in 2013-14. What is also worrying is that the current allocation will reduce to Rs 30,000 crore as the government has a wage liability of Rs 6,000 crore to

settle. The bill might go up further as the fiscal year comes to a close in March.

The biggest promise that the Union Finance Minster made this Budget is to double the income of farmers by 2022. The idea is big, but the task to achieve it is bigger. In 2013, India had 90 million agricultural households with an average annual earning of Rs 36,696 through crop production. The average farm income today might be lesser because of the two consecutive droughts the country witnessed in 2015 and 2016. To achieve the target of doubling farm income in the next six years, incomes need to increase by 14-15 per cent every year. This seems ambitious because the farm sector is today growing at an annual rate of 1 per cent. The annual average growth in a year is 2-3 per cent. The

The Budget has allocated Rs 35,984 crore for agriculture and farmers' welfare (Photo: Vikas Choudhary) Budget also crashed the expectations of many of providing assured income to farmers.

Another big announcement this Budget was the 0.5 per cent Krishi Kalyan Cess that will be levied on all services from June 1, 2016. It will be

Mr. Chief Minister please sanction a hospital for Deban

A tourist Hut in Deban. Inspite of having tourist potential and located at the feet of Namdapha National Park the Deban villages comprising mostly Chakma tribal inhibitants has no hospital around. Arunachal Govt or precisely the local MLA, Kamlung Mossang should see to it that the people are provided with medical care.

Pic - Kaushil Shil (xploreunxplored.com)

Sir, Through the coloumns of your esteemed daily I wish to draw the attention of the Government to the sad plight of the inhabitants of Deban, under Miao circle, Dist.

Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh. The Deban area, comprises of 9 villages is situated more than 25 Km away from Miao, the nearest town. But there is not a single hospital in Deban, the free Government Hospital of Miao is over 25 Km away from the villages.

For practical purposes it may be said that the inhabitants of Deban area, under Miao circle, have no medical facilities at their disposal. In serious case they have to make their way to Miao by crossing the majestic Dihing River or they have to go Diyun which is over 55 Km away from the villages of Deban area, case which need, immediate and prompt medical attention have to run for 25Km or 55 Km. In so doing they either succumb to the seriousness of the ailment or undergo untold sufferings. Availability of the Medical facilities at such a great dis-

tance has no meaning. In the absence of the facilities people in most cases depend upon the treatment suggested by quacks who feel no qualms of consciousness in cheating the poor and in aggravating the diseases if they are not adequately paid.

Will the authorities look to this sad state of the affairs and arrange for the opening of free government Hospital at Deban, under Miao circle?

I hope that the suggestion would be accorded a sympathetic consideration and the hardship faced by the poor people of the area would find solution.

Yours Sincerely (Sunil Kumar Chakma) Vill. Anandapur II, Deban P.O. - Miao, P.S. - Miao - 792122 Dist. Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh

a huge resource and has the potential to pay for major schemes. The Budget document is not clear on whether the cess money will used to fund the new targets or will be given additionally to strengthen the sector. Courtesy:DTE

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

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Why is the Modi govt. keen on hiding vital information revealed by the caste census?

In 2011, while commis- with the required inforsioning the Socio-Eco- mation on the socio-economic and Caste Census nomic status of individual (SECC), the United Pro- social groups, with the gressive Alliance govern- data purely being arment had claimed that it ranged into the categories would ensure that every of 'Scheduled Caste', state government would 'Scheduled Tribes' and be able 'Othto use Gayatri Raghunandan e r s ' . c u s W h o t o m commade indicators that prise the category of would serve the purpose 'Others' is a grey area for of identifying caste research and analysis. groups in need of affir- While Scheduled Castes mative action. However, and Tribes were already this remains a distant defined, the category of dream with the current the largest minority, Modi government hiding 'Muslims' became imporvital information derived tant as a distinct sociofrom the caste census economic category with behind a veil of ambigu- the release of the Sachar ity.

Committee report. The Many posit that doing so, report clearly showed while working on their predominant social schemes of affirmative and economic backwardaction for the benefit of ness. Since the Muslims deprived groups, can are not part of the 'othprove to be a strong force ers', one can only assume against parties seeking that the remaining domicaste based political le- nant groups, that is the verage. However, the Hindu upper castes, question of what the gov- Jains, Sikhs, Christians, ernment chooses to do Zoroastrians and a few with this data continues others would comprise to remain unclear. The that category. It is, thereSECC does not provide us fore, a source of ambigu-

ity and uncertainty.

However, an argument for the reassessment of this system of analysis receives its strongest backing from the nature of the seven indicators for rural areas that were used during the census to assess deprivation: 1. Households with only one room, kuchha walls and kuchha roof.

2. No adult member between the ages of 16 and 59.

3. Female-headed households with no adult male member between 16 and 59.

4. Households with disabled member(s) and no able bodied adult member.

5. SC/ST households.

6. Households with no literate adult above 25 years.

7. Landless households deriving a major part of their income from manual casual labour.

In urban areas, it is a similar three-stage process to identify the urban poor automatic exclusion, automatic inclusion and a scoring index. A family

Image for representational purpose only. (Photolivemint:) stands to be automatically excluded if it has either a four room house or possesses any one of these assets: a four wheeler, an air-conditioning set, or a laptop. They can also be excluded for owning any three of the following assets: fridge, a landline phone, a washing machine or a two-wheeler.

Indicator 3, showing female-headed households as under deprivation is a rather questionable point that is being made by the SECC. It may be noted that the work done by a

woman involves longer hours than that of a man in rural areas and, therefore, cannot be disregarded owing to patriarchal mindsets.

Indicator 6 puts a low threshold for the appraisal of deprivation with the requirement merely of 'literacy'. Data shows that 36% of the rural population is illiterate and almost 14% has received less than primary levels of education. Therefore, literacy cannot be seen as a proper indicator in a context where it is seen

as a bare minimum that cannot guarantee occupational mobility and flexibility.

Indicator 7 brings up the question of self-employment and its importance to a rural household.

While 38% of the landless are casually employed, one cannot deduce that they engage in casual work. The SECC fails to recognise self-employment as a source of casual labour which provides remuneration.

While more than half of rural households own

land, 40% was seen to be non-irrigated land. Only 4% own some kind of mechanised equipment while many more do not possess kisan credit cards. Possession of land, therefore, does not necessarily divorce one from the deprivation faced by the rural poor.

The SECC 2011 data released last year was labelled by many analysts as incomplete and raw.

With final data of over half the districts still shrouded in mystery, most of the handwritten information remains illegible and hence, lost. The lack of information on consumption expenditure has also remained a major setback for the utilisation of this data. So what does the future hold for the outdated SECC? In a recent interview, Backward Classes Commission Chairman K.L. Manjunath said, "I don't want to say anything on the demand to consider the SECC data. We will make our own assessment. It requires a lot of study and scientific re-

search to confirm the socio-economic backwardness of a community. The Commission will tour all the districts in the State to gather information." This was in reference to the questionable Kapu reservation demand in Andhra Pradesh.

A national census purely based on income slabs of groups as opposed to a consumption expenditure assessment is seen, therefore, as a considerable waste of time and effort.

The data produced by the SECC 2011 has not been perused by the government, leaving analysts perplexed about the use of such irrelevant data. One foresees tumultuous times ahead as opportunistic political giants who cannot be trusted with cattle fodder, now claim their right to make the caste census data public.

While this data has been unsuccessful in delineating the rural and the urban poor, it is surely bound to cause a violent upheaval if bequeathed to avaricious hands that only seek power.

Women's colleges in India - spaces where Every time I step out of the house at 'voices are silenced and snatched away' night,I am constantly haunted by this fear While reading the prospec- on Safety of Students off an atmosphere of emer- have for to eat, eat, eat? tus of my college, Govern- and on Campuses of gency will be created, Will the flame you're so ment College for Girls, Higher Educational Institu- where women will be side- rich in, light a fire in the Patiala, I came across a tions (HEI), whose sixth lined to the category of kitchen?'. The poem point under hostel rules point reads, 'Setting up a weak and silent students. speaks in a highly sexist which said, 'Those who university police station The processes through tone where the maid is repparticipate in any strike, within the premises of which women are social- resented as the one dependirectly or indirectly, can HEIs, wherever feasible, ized to accept themselves dent on the man for their be expelled can go a long as weak and dependent survival, and this is what from the hosway in instill- are varied across the atmo- children read when they are tel', which Nikita Arora ing a sense of sphere of the locality they in school, a complete igsimply res e c u r i t y live in, to the school, to the norance of the value dominded me of a Hitler-like amongst students and college, to the workplaces, mestic work and the role fascist regime where op- scare amongst nuisance with the foundational work women have played in the position is suppressed se- makers and petty crimi- done by school education. evolution of society. The verely. Educational cam- nals.' What is interesting is Since the development of next case is of a lesson, puses, exclusively girls' the category of students a professional education, it which students are taught educational campuses, who will be and are named remains as one of the most in B.A I Semester, Punjabi have these kind of rules for day scholars as well as hostel residents. Although it is a recognized and acknowledged fact that our educational institutions have gender-discriminatory practices, ranging from the timings of hostels to research facilities, I still feel that this particular rule is the most dangerous and derogatory one.

Schools, colleges and universities which were set up to promote the agenda of women empowerment in an age when women were restrained from receiving an education, following the revolutionary beginning of Savitribai Phule's school, today have the most suppressive and male-chauvinist rules and Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: thehindu) regulations, under the name of 'exclusivity'.

Women's institutions also as 'nuisance-makers' by influencing factors in de- University, Patiala and its authority. ciding the consciousness affiliated colleges, named, follow the Constitution in the a unique manner; they pose Subramaniam Swamy, and thought processes of 'The Nose-Jewel' by T. their institutions as a de- member of the BJP com- the individual. Education is Rajagopalchari. The introtached island, meant for mented on the students of a process of theorizing duction of the chapter making women 'wise', 'ex- JNU, a campus known for knowledge which human speaks in a threatening and cellent' in all fields. How- its politicisation, as an in- society has acquired, and of threatened tone, simultaever, this wisdom and ex- stitution of 'Naxalites', setting up new challenges neously, commenting that cellence is consciously in- which is the exact mani- for the next generation. But, the chapter is likely to be terpreted in a manner suit- festation of the point high- the academic syllabus disliked by 'present-day able to the authority and lighted by UGC, purpose which was supposed to en- feminists'. The fable deals government. If you are a being the depoliticisation of lighten students through it, with a pair of sparrows student in a women's in- campuses. In an atmo- is actually preaching the who take shelter in a home stitution, you have to sphere where the partici- idealistic and metaphysical where a couple lives. One maintain the 'reputation' of pation of women in public notions about society, in- fine day, the male sparrow the institution, by not mak- spaces, meetings, organi- cluding subjugating women finds a diamond noseing boyfriends, not going zations is next to minimum, as a second sex; it starts jewel lying on the floor out too often, no night- such guidelines will push from the nursery rhymes and brings it to his wife, outs, and of course no women inside the four and continues till the death but she says that it is of 'union-baazi', a name used walls of hostels and of a woman, in one or the no use to her, to which by the authority as an in- homes, away from aca- other from. the male sparrow discards sult towards student poli- demic as well as political Let us take an example to it. The lady of the house tics. All 'isms', and mecha- activities. The implications support the case. I once sees it and wears it. Her nisms which are 'taught' in of these guidelines, when read a poem as a child, husband comes home and closed classrooms seem implemented in colleges titled, 'A Man and A Maid', asks her from where she bogus in front of the at- like the one stated will in- in which a man asks a maid had gotten it, and asks her mosphere provided to fe- crease the intensity of gen- to marry her, but she re- to report it to the police. der discriminatory rules, fuses because he does not She refuses and in a few male students.

Recently, the UGC has such as women's reluc- have sufficient resources days she falls ill. On seerecommended certain tance to participate in pro- and money to start a family ing this, the male sparrow guidelines for higher edu- tests in front of police of- with her. She comments, remarks that she fell ill cational institutions, under ficials. Also, the voices of 'Should I be your little because she did not obey the name UGC Guidelines dissent will be crushed and bride, pray what must we her husband, and the fe-

male sparrow smiles and agrees. This misogynist lesson instils in the mind of women the belief that they are the ones to be protected and saved from the 'monsters', and can be safe and happy only if they listen and obey their male counterparts.

In such times as these, when voices of women are silenced and the space where such voices can be heard are snatched from them, such as democratic educational campuses, it is very important that women start resisting such attempts and put up a fight to reclaim all spaces of society, in texts prescribed by the authorities as well as in campuses. A campaign named 'Pinjra Tod: Break the cages' has been started in Delhi and other parts of India, questioning the locks of hostels which restrict the movement of women.

Last month, a school going girl of 8 years was gang-raped in a town near Amritsar, Punjab, and now she does not want to go to school because everyone looks down on her, and her mother is worried about her marriage! We must fight to such patriarchal mindsets and their basis which seize the childhood, teenage years and youth from women; challenge the sexist academic and material atmosphere; altogether giving a call for women's freedom and equality in educational campuses and society, at large. The communal attempts that are being hurled up in education, such as teaching the Bhagwad Gita in classes, changing the third language option to Sanskrit, recruiting Gajendra Chauhan as the head of FTII, naming Kanya Maha Vidyalayas as a Heritage site, descientifying science etc., must be met with consistent resistance from women. The position of women must be retraced throughout history as one who plays an essentially important role in society.

She shouldn't be locked up, or taught that she should be locked up.

That's not a solution, and never will be.

Last year I got to know of our 'civilised' cities, es- the crimes of someone about a corporate fest. pecially after dark. You else for her entire life.

That made me excited. I have to be careful about When somebody steals was living under the im- not getting hunted down your money and gets pression that the fest I had by, well, literally anybody. caught, who is more emattended two years back That reminds me of a barrassed, you or the at college was the last one, colleague's stance during thief? But rape is by far until of course, I decided a women's safety session the only crime where the to go for a post-gradua- in the office that year. 'victim' is made to feel "Whenever I shameful. The reason? tion and had a gala time Navanita Das am out in the Well, the ever pervading evening, I tell notion that 'purity' is the there. This fest was to begin on a Fri- myself I am in constant most precious asset of a day evening and end on danger and can be at- woman.

Sunday. I was especially tacked so I'm always on I have a problem with the fact that it is the survivor keen on going on Friday guard." as the first round of a Is this normal? No matter who loses her 'izzat' (resinging competition was how much we advocate spect) when this crime is to be held and I wanted to the right to dress accord- committed rather than the evaluate my position ing to our will, we would criminal losing his. Inamong similar dilettantes. still advise our dear ones creasing the deployment Unfortunately, my friends to dress 'modestly' if of forces might help sigalready had other plans. alone, although being fully nificantly in reducing the Now, that was a problem.

I have always been an 'Ekla Cholo Re' person so, it's not the lack of company that troubled me.

Rather, the thought of travelling alone at night.

But I decided I'd go and see the fest, chanting Shri Ram's name on the way.

Reaching the venue wasn't as much of a problem since it was not too late in the evening. But I still had my GPS on as a precaution and the auto driver sarcastically commented that "with the GPS most passengers now know where they are going." I felt a little uncomfortable and was relieved only after I reached the venue.

I thought I'd call a cab around 9:30 p.m. and sat Image for representational purpose only. down for the perfor(Photo: revelwallpapers) mances. After half an hour I was struck by another covered is still no guaran- frequency of this crime disturbing thought. I re- tee of being spared. We are but until the society, as a membered the Uber inci- advised by family mem- whole, begins to respect dent that had happened bers not to go out in the the independence of recently. "No, I must leave night but for people who women and stops measurby 9 and I'll take an auto," work even on weekends ing their virtue with I thought. After another at times, do we really skewed notions of moral30 minutes, I remembered have an option? Or even ity, we shall keep on deanother scary experience if we go out for fun, do priving our women of I had had on a monsoon we not deserve even that their basic fundamental evening that year when I little amount of pleasure in rights. had left the office at 8:45 lieu of all the hard work p.m. "You might not get we put in each day?

This adulterated freedom lucky every time; even a A woman is expected to suffocates us. We are cat's got only nine lives," dress in a certain manner, forced to change our I thought and got up im- talk in a certain manner needs, behaviour and attimediately, hired an auto and must be approved by tude, and we even have to and felt relaxed when I her family, friends, rela- force our brains into reached the bustling fa- tives. Everybody actually thinking that this is the way miliar chowk. and, God forbid, if some- by which we can live This incident, among thing wrong were to hap- peacefully and with acmany others, brings back pen to her, she's done for ceptance. We do want acthe recurring thought of life. Even if everybody ceptance of the people living in a 'civilised jungle'. sympathises with her, around us, of the ones that A woman can possibly she's always going to be we love but we want our survive longer in the Ama- treated as a 'victim'. She share of freedom too. So, zon rainforest or the Sa- becomes somebody who let us take a little breath of hara desert than the lanes will carry on her shoulders fresh air. Is that too much?

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

BlackBerry, Nokia platforms no more Debt tribunal to be to be supported by Whatsapp moved by KFA lenders Mumbai, Mar 1: Messaging service WhatsApp will end its support by the end of this year to BlackBerry phones and those powered by Nokia's Symbian operating system. The Facebookowned company has over a billion users globally. A major chunk of these users are from emerging markets like India. "When we started WhatsApp in 2009, people's use of mobile devices looked very different from today.

The Apple App Store was only a few months old.

About 70 per cent of smartphones sold at the time had operating systems offered by BlackBerry and Nokia,"

Barcelona, Real Madrid apparels now available in India Sydney, Mar 1: BSE listed company Suditi Industries Ltd. has bagged the official apparel licensing right of legendary football clubs Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Manchester City, representing it in India. This partnership has taken place under the direction of Viacom18 for FC Barcelona and Bradford License India for Manchester City FC. With this deal, Suditi Industries Ltd. acquired the rights to manufacture and market the fashion apparel that will surely be favoured by the football fans as well as casual-wear lovers across the country and encourage them to celebrate their passion for the game. As a part of this deal, Suditi Industries Ltd will design and manufacture licensed clothing line that will include categories like tshirt, sweatshirts, polo's, jackets, track pants, boxers for men.

For FC Barcelona, an exclusive line with digitalised signatures of Barca players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez will be presented and a special FCB kids line. Pawan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Suditi Industries Ltd said, "It's pleasing to have acquired the apparel licensing rights for world renowned clubs like Real Madrid C.F., FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC. Our partnership with these clubs' represents a great opportunity for us as well as strengthens our commercial connections and our position in sports merchandising segment.

And we believe that the collection presented will definitely attract the club supporters like never before."

Animesh Maheshwari, Retail head at Suditi Industries Ltd stated, "We are glad and honored to be associated with top ranking football clubs and we look forward to build a strong relationship with them and their fans in India. We are confident that this partnership will prove to be successful for us as well as the clubs." These football merchandises and apparels will be available at the major departmental stores, large format stores, MBO's, Riot stores along with leading e-commerce portals.

(Agencies)

WhatsApp said in a blogpost. It further said mobile operating systems offered by Google, Apple and Microsoft, which account for 99.5 per cent of sales today, were less than 25 per cent of mobile devices sold at the time. "As we look ahead to our next seven years, we want to focus our efforts on the mobile platforms the vast majority of people use. So, by the end of 2016, we will be ending support for WhatsApp Messenger on BlackBerry (including BlackBerry 10), Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1, Android 2.2 and Windows Phone 7.1," it said. The company said this is a "tough decision" but the "right one" in or-

END TO ALL THE SUPPORTS Messaging service WhatsApp will end its support by the end of this year to BlackBerry phones and those powered by Nokia's Symbian operating system.

When WhatsApp was started in 2009, people's use of mobile devices looked very different from today. The Apple App Store was only a few months old. About 70 per cent of smartphones sold at the time had operating systems offered by BlackBerry and Nokia.

The Facebook-owned company has over a billion users globally. A major chunk of these users are from emerging markets like India.

The company said this is a "tough decision" but the "right one" in order to give people better ways to keep in touch.

As Whatsapp look ahead to their next seven years, they want to focus their efforts on the mobile platforms the vast majority of people use. So, by the end of 2016, Whatsapp will be ending support for WhatsApp Messenger on BlackBerry (including BlackBerry 10), Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1, Android 2.2 and Windows Phone 7.1.

In February 2014, WhatsApp was acquired by social networking giant Facebook, its biggest buyout till date, for a whopping USD 19 billion. The platform witnesses 42 billion messages, 1.6 billion photos and 250 million videos being shared everyday.

Also, there are one billion groups on WhatsApp.

der to give people better ways to keep in touch. In February 2014, WhatsApp was acquired by social networking giant Facebook, its biggest buyout till date, for a whopping USD 19 billion.

The platform witnesses 42 billion messages, 1.6 billion photos and 250 million videos being shared everyday. Also, there are one billion groups on WhatsApp. Earlier, WhatsApp had said its service has seen a strong uptake, especially across developing nations such as Brazil, India and Russia. WhatsApp competes with messaging apps like LINE, Viber and Hike in India. (Agencies)

Jaypee group's cement assets acquired

by UltraTech for Rs. 16,500 crore New Delhi, Mar 1: UltraTech Limited has agreed to acquire Jaypee Group's 22.4 million tonnes of cement capacity assets for Rs.16,500 crore, making it the largest deal in the Indian cement sector. Kumar Mangalam Birla's cement flagship firm entered into a binding agreement with Jaiprakash Associates Ltd., for the acquisition of its identified cement plants having a total cement capacity of 22.4 mtpa and situated in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. As per the agreement these plants have been valued at Rs.16, 500 crore, according to a BSE filing. A number of foreign and Indian companies were in the race to acquire these plants. The deal will also include a four mpta plant under implementation at a cost of Rs.470 crore, ac-

Manoj Gaur, Executive Chairman, JAL. (Photo: livemint) cording to the filing. The acquired assets will give UltraTech access to the newer markets in Satna, UP East, Himachal Pradesh and Coastal Andhra. The acquisition, which is subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals as may be required, will augment UltraTech's cement capacity to 90.7 mtpa from the current 68.3 mtpa, according to the filing. The move comes

two days after UltraTech called off a Rs.5400-crore deal to buy Jaiprakash Associates' (JAL) 2.1 mtpa cement plant in Madhya Pradesh as new MMDR Act 2015 barred transfer of mines not allocated through auctions. "On a proactive basis, we had taken concrete steps to divest two cement plants in MP in January 2015 but for reasons not attributable to the company, this di-

vestment could not take place which is a matter of great concern, as this affects even groups like us which are proactively pursuing the process of de-leveraging through disinvestment," said Manoj Gaur, Executive Chairman, JAL, said in a BSE statement. He said that in the given situation, it has now been considered appropriate to divest a significant portion of the total cement capacity in favour of a company which is not only India's largest cement player but would also be the first cement company in India to achieve the coveted 100million-tonne mark in the cement segment. On Friday, UltraTech was forced to call off the deal after the Bombay High Court refused to approve the scheme of arrangement entered between UltraTech Cements and JAL, for acquisition of entire cement business along

with mining rights situated at Bela and Siddhi in Madhya Pradesh. Jaypee Group, India's third largest cement maker with cement capacity of 28 mtpa, will be left with capacity of 6 mtpa. The Jaypee Group has taken the decision to sell its cement assets "to effectively address the subject of debt reduction," according to the BSE filing by the company.

Jaypee Group is determined to leverage its expertise in the fields of engineering & construction, real estate and project execution, in a committed manner and such steps would further 'cement' its credentials of being a trustworthy organisation in the long run, Mr. Gaur said. Investment advisor S P Tulsian believes that the acquisition will propel Ultratech to the coveted 100-mtpa club, and ahead of its competitors. (Agencies)

Cars to become more costly after FM proposes infra cess of upto 4% New Delhi, Mar 1: Car prices, including those of mass market small ones, are set to go up as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today proposed to levy an infrastructure cess of up to 4 percent on various kinds of vehicles.

Diesel vehicles would see the highest increase in prices.

The Finance Minister proposed a cess of 1 percent on small petrol, LPG and CNG cars, 2.5 percent on diesel cars of certain capacity and 4 percent on other high-powered vehicles and SUVs. Jaitley also proposed "to collect tax at source at the rate of 1 percent on purchase of luxury cars exceeding value of Rs ten lakh and purchase of goods and services in cash exceeding Rs 2 lakh." "The pollution and traffic situation in Indian cities is a matter of concern. I propose to levy an infrastructure cess of 1 percent on small petrol, LPG and CNG cars, 2.5 percent on

diesel cars of certain capacity and 4 percent on other high engine capacity vehicles and SUVs," Jaitley said while unveiling the Budget 2016-17 in Lok Sabha. Providing details, he said petrol/ LPG/CNG driven motor vehicles of length not exceeding 4 meter and engine capacity not exceeding 1200cc would attract a cess of 1 percent. He proposed to levy a cess of 2.5 percent on diesel driven motor vehicles of length not exceeding 4 meter and engine capacity not exceeding 1500cc. Other higher engine capacity and SUVs and bigger sedans would, however, attract a cess of 4 percent, Jaitley added.

"Three-wheeled vehicles, electrically operated vehicles, hybrid vehicles, hydrogen vehicles based on fuel cell technology, vehicles which after clearance have been registered for use solely as taxi, cars for physically

Image for representational purpose only.

(Photo: sulekhalive) handicapped persons and vehicles cleared as ambulances or registered for use solely as ambulance will be exempt from this cess," Jaitley said.

No credit of this cess will be allowed, and credit of no other duty can be allowed to

pay this cess, he added.

Jaitley, however, gave some relief to the environment friendly vehicles. "The exemption rate of duties which existed on parts of environment friendly vehicles with expiry on March 31 this year

I am planning to continue that," Jaitley said. Last year the government had introduced FAME-India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles) scheme in the country as part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. The scheme, which was launched in April last year, envisages Rs 795 crore support in the first two fiscals starting with the current year.

As far as excise duties are concerned, currently, small cars that are less than four meters in length attract excise duty of 12.5 percent, while cars with more than four meters length but with engine of less than 1,500 cc capacity attract a duty of 24 percent.

Further, vehicles with engine capacity of more than 1,500 cc are charged an excise duty of 27 percent and while those with ground clearance of more than 170 mm attract an excise duty of 30 percent. (Agencies)

4-inch iPhone SE to be launched by Apple on March 22: Report Washington, Mar 1: Apple's much-speculated 4-inch iPhone is reportedly launching on March 22. Reports previously had claimed the Big date to be March 15. According to a report in Apple Insider, quoting South Korean website UnderKG, "Apple employees have been asked to keep the days around March 22 free, presumably for an upcoming event." The UderKG website doesn't have a track record of breaking Apple-related stories, however, in 2014

SMALL POWER BOMB Apple's much-speculated 4-inch iPhone is reportedly launching on March 22. Reports previously had claimed the Big date to be March 15.

The SE is said to stand for 'Special Edition'.

Other rumoured features of iPhone SE include a similar design as iPhone 5S with a slightly curved front glass panel.

The phone also claims to have an 8MP camera, A9 processor, Apple Pay and Live Photos.

Rumored specs of the upcoming 9.7-inch iPad model include A9X processor and magnetic Smart Connector.

it did get its hands on both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus prior to their public release. The Cupertino giant is said to be working on a 4-inch iPhone.

According to a report in 9to5Mac by Mark Gurman, the next iPhone will be called iPhone 'SE' not iPhone 5se as previously rumoured. The SE is said to stand for 'Special Edition'. Other rumoured features of iPhone SE include a similar design as iPhone 5S with a slightly curved front glass panel.

It's also claimed to have an

8MP camera, A9 processor, Apple Pay and Live Photos. The Apple's March 22 event is also likely to see unveiling of a revamped iPad and some tweaks to the company's Watch lineup. Apple Insider report also claims that Apple may rebrand the upcoming iPad with the iPad Pro moniker similar to the 12.9-inch model. Rumored specs of the upcoming 9.7inch iPad model include A9X processor and magnetic Smart Connector.

(Agencies)

Kingfisher Airlines airline's chairman Vijay Mallya. (Photo:bravejournal) Mumbai, Mar 1: The consortium of 17 lenders to the long grounded Kingfisher Airlines has decided to move the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) against the airline's chairman Vijay Mallya. The plan is to stake claim on the $75million (Rs 515 -crore) severance package he will be getting for quitting United Spirits (USL) from Diageo. "Since Mallya had given personal guarantees for the loans given to Kingfisher, this money (which he will receive from Diageo) belongs to us. We have decided to move to the DRT to claim that money," said a senior official from a public sector bank. Another state-run bank official said, "We are making all out efforts to get our money back. We will use all opportunities." Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines

owed Rs 7,800 crore to the consortium of 17 lenders led by SBI which had an exposure of over Rs 1,600 crore to the now defunct airline. Other lenders include PNB, BoB, Canara Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank, Federal Bank, Uco Bank and Dena Bank. Over 2 lakh investors stuck in KFA: In an irony of sorts, over two lakh investors are estimated to be stuck with shares of the longgrounded Kingfisher Airlines even as its lenders are now eyeing the Rs 515-crore bounty sealed by main promoter Mallya.

According to the last shareholding data disclosure till September 2014, the airline had over 2.33 lakh small retail investors, over 6,200 HNIs, 13 banks and other domestic financial institutions, as also five promoter entities.

(Agencies)

Import tariff value on gold, silver hiked

by Govt.

Chennai, Mar 1: Dhuunseri Petrochem Ltd. (Dhunseri) and Thailand's Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) have agreed to enter into an equal joint venture to manufacture and sell PET resins for Indian domestic markets and for exports.

Dhunseri will purchase a 50% stake in the 216,000 tonnes Micro Polypet Pvt. Ltd. (MicroPet), a company owned by Indorama Ventures in the North Indian State, Haryana. IVL in turn will acquire a 50% stake in a carved out entity of Dhunseri, with an effective capacity of 480,000 tonnes PET manufacturing located in Haldia, West Bengal.

Dhunseri's PET manufacturing site in Egypt is not included in the deal. The joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to complete in H2 2016. An official pointed out that PET usage is just 0.6 KG per annum in India compared to 2.6 KG per annum in China and 10.9 KG per annum in USA. This joint venture is a win-win for both producers with 700,000 tonne/annum of combined capacity in the strongest growth market having a population in excess of a billion people as well as having favorable trade agreements with logistically advantaged countries in

the region. The JV will gain significant synergy benefits being the sole producer of PET Resin in North and East India and with both sites being effectively integrated with its raw material suppliers, which will bring savings in SG & A and procurement. IVL's global market reach and high utilization rates are expected to supplement Haldia's location benefit at Eastern India's largest port while MicroPet enjoys strong location advantage in the high demand territory of North India. C.K. Dhanuka, Chairman of Dhunseri said, "Dhunseri believes that coming years will bring opportunities for expansion in the Petrochem sector and this joint venture will bring scale benefits to all stakeholders. The Indian JV between both the organizations will benefit from IVL's global presence and technological leadership."

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO and Founder of IVL, said, "This joint venture will allow us to gain the highest benefits by covering a larger geographical area of the fast-growing India market with a complementary and experienced partner. India has a well-educated and booming middle class that will embrace the modern, hygienic lifestyle offered by PET packaging." (Agencies)

C.K. Dhanuka, Chairman of Dhunseri.

(Photo: thehindubusinessline)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Features

PAGE 11

HORTICULTURE Sticking to the broom Many villagers along the Meghalaya border in Assam are taking to broom grass farming It has brought luck to Arvind Kejriwal's Aam A a d m i Party; it's the symbol Kishore of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission. Now, people in Assam are hoping it will make a sweeping difference to their economy too.

And, it's tiny Meghalaya, that's showing the way to its big neighbour. In areas bordering Meghalaya, particularly in Goalpara and Kamrup district, fields after fields are now growing Thysanolaena maxima.

The grand sounding plant is the very ordinary

broom grass found in every home in India. In Assam, its economic potential is just being discovered.

Growing broom stick has double benefits, Talukdar people are realising.

Besides it being a revenue earner, it takes the pressure off forest-based products like sand and timber. In Longshai, Kamrup locals tell this reporter how it all began.

When they visited Meghalaya, they saw how growers were getting huge returns from this non-timber forest produce. In Kamrup, where unemployment is high, this could be the game-changer. With the demand for brooms never going to end, what

could be better for forest dwellers than switching to cultivation of this grass?

Narayan Rabha of Batabari has four large patches taken on lease in Meghalaya.

Aditya Rabha explains why growing broom grass is so attractive.

From 1 bigha he plans to extend his broom cultivation to three bighas.

All you need to do, he says, is fence your fields and clean it. No other costs required. Fence, too, is only required to keep away cattle as broom grass is a delicacy for cattle. Being confined to paddy farming has its own ups and downs for farmers. Even those reluctant to switch over from paddy are now giving broom grass a second thought, Manik Chandra Rabha, a teacher in Kamrup, says.

He has a booming business supplying brooms to Shillong. The move to grow broom grass has a big ecological angle to it.

In Meghalaya, Rabha says he has seen people abandoning slash-andburn farming for broom cultivation. Then, it takes away the anthropogenic pressure alarmingly mounting on the rivers for sand. "It is high time all of us spare a thought to find out substitute sources of livelihood. If we could achieve commercial success in broom cultivation, the strain on the river, including other forest resources, will whittle down," Debojit

Nafa, a student leader says. Not the least, broom grass cultivation stops soil erosion on hilly slopes.

Climatic conditions favour the Northeast which roughly grows more than 125,000 tonnes of broom grass a year. The non-perishable and perennial plant panicle is harvested once in a year between January and March. From plucking, sun drying and packaging, all it requires is two weeks of labour.

Yes, sunlight is the soul of harvested broom and cold weather or rain is the curse. Quality takes a plunge if harvested brooms are exposed to fog or water. "The first two hours after harvesting is crucial because if

Grass broom (Photo: img1.tradeget) the plucked brooms are not dried within two hours the quality suffers," Idrish Ali, a trader of Dhupdhara in Goalpara says. The life span of quality broom is up to 15 months. Ali's group supplies about 50 tonnes every year to retailers in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Low maintenance, high

yield and rich dividends -- in these times of farmer suicides in parts of the country, what more could somebody living off the land want.

And, the bonus is the important environmental protection role played by the farmer. Any more proof? The lowly broom is linked to Lakshmi the goddess of wealth. The

popular belief being that Lakshmi visits only if the house is clean! ( Kishore Talukdar is an independent journalist based in Guwahati. His areas of interest include Development journalism and Environment journalism. He can be contacted at tdrkishore@gmail.com ).

Courtesy: Nezine.

FLORICULTURE

ART AND CULTURE

Hibiscus Cultivation Guide

Nyokum: A major festival of Arunachal

Introduction of Hibiscus Cultivation:- Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae and one of the beautiful flower plants that can reach up to 15 feet height and 6 feet wide.

The flowers of hibiscus plant up to 6? in diameter and occur in many colors.

This plant has mediumsized glossy green leaves with large flowers of a tropical appearance. Hibiscus flower colours range from yellow to peach to red. There are many improved varieties of hibiscus available in multi-colours. These flower plants can be grown in pots, containers, open fields even in greenhouse and polyhouse. For proper growth and quality of flowers, it requires constant moisture presence.

Hibiscus flowers can be grown in all seasons where abundant water and sun shine is available. The scientific name of the hibiscus is "rosa-sinensis" meaning "Chinese Rose".

Hibiscus has good uses and benefits. The tea made out of hibiscus flowers is very famous throughout the world. Hibiscus is also used in herbal medicines and cosmetics. With proper plant care, management and good marketing strategies, it can be a profitable commercial cultivation. Most of the people in India grow these flowers in pots or containers for decorative purpose.

Hibiscus Varieties:There are many improved hybrid varieties of hibiscus are available with different colours. Contact your local nurseries for suitable varieties for the particular region.

Common Names of Hibiscus:- China Rose, Chinese hibiscus. Local Names of Hibiscus in India:- Gurhal / Japapushp ( Hindi), Juba kusum athonba (Manipuri), Mandara (Telugu), Dasavala (Kannada), C m b a r u t t i ( Ta m i l ) C h e m p a r a t i (Malayalam), Jaswand (Marathi), Dosni Phool (Konkani), Joba (Bengali), Jasud (Gujarati), Mandara (Oriya).

Hibiscus Uses and Benefits:- The extract from hibiscus flowers and leaves have many uses and benefits. *Hibiscus fights cancer. * Hibiscus cures cold. *Hibiscus slows ageing due anti-ageing properties. *Hibiscus calms down hot flashes. *Hibiscus boosts energy. *Hibiscus cures acne on the body. *Hibiscus maintains fluid balance in the body. *Hibiscus boosts body immunity. *Hibiscus speeds up metabolism. *Hibiscus prevents hair fall Hibiscus lowers the

containers, regular quality potting soil with added garden compost is an ideal base. To make this, composed cow manure, compost bark, and coarse peat should be mixed. Make sure the soil has welldrainage as these plants cannot tolerate water logging conditions. Make sure to have the soil in coarse stage rather than fine tilt. Hibiscus prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. These plants thrive best in the soils with pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.

If this crop is taken up as commercial on large scale, it is advised to go for soil testing. Any micro-nutrient deficiencies

cuttings. It takes 8 to 10 weeks for cuttings to get roots. In case of seed propagation, make small nick in seeds using utility knives and soak the seeds in water overnight and then plant into the prepared pot or container.

When buying hibiscus in nurseries, select disease free plants that have lots of new buds and healthy leaves.

Irrigation in Hibiscus Cultivation:- As Hibiscus plants are tropical, they prefer constant moisture and sunlight for good blooming. Irrigating / watering depend on the soil type and season. In case of hot and dry seasons, it re-

Beautiful hibiscus (Photo: cdn.images) cholesterol level. *Hibiscus darkens hair colour. *Hibiscus is helpful in treating dandruff, hemorrhoids and blood pressure irregularities.

Climate Required for Hibiscus Cultivation:Hibiscus requires 4-8 months with nighttime temperatures not below 20째C. In addition, it requires 12-13 hours of sunlight during the first 5 months of growth to prevent premature flowering.

Hibiscus plants require a monthly rainfall ranging from 5?- 10? during the first 4 months of growth.

Soil Requirement for Hibiscus Cultivation:- Hibiscus plants prefers sandy loam but not heavy soils.

Growers can get many flowers with soil rich in organic matter. If these plants are grown in pots or

should be filled based on the test results.

Season for Hibiscus Cultivation:- Hibiscus can be grown throughout the year provided there is a sufficient irrigation and sun light. Propagation, Seed Treatment and Planting in Hibiscus Cultivation:- Usually, hibiscus is propagated through both cuttings and seeds.

Take a sprig of 5-6 inches length from immature branch leaving only a pair of leaves on the top. For proper formation of roots, wet the bottom end of the cutting with liquid fertilizer. This soft wood can be planted in pots or containers having welldrained soil. After covering the container / pot having cutting with plastic bag and place in a partial shaded area as direct sunlight can dry out the

quires daily watering.

When the top leaves turning to yellow and started dropping indicates that the plant is not getting enough water. In rainy season, make sure there won't be any water stagnating as it causes the root rot.

Manures and Fertilizers in Hibiscus Cultivation:- Hibiscus plant needs lots of nutrients for good blooming. In the summer time, use a high potassium fertilizer. You can either use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a week, a slow release fertilizer once a month or you can add high potassium compost to the soil. Supplementing the soil with garden compost or applying low phosphorous based fertilizer will result in high blooming. In winter, there is no need of fertilizing the plants.

Pruning in Hibiscus

Cultivation:- August to October is the best time for pruning hibiscus plants. Pruning should be carried out to stimulate or encourage the new growth of shoots and buds. To bring out the good shaped plant, remove all the weak and sideways growing branches and try to keep 3 to 4 main upright growing branches. One third of main branches should be cut back. In order to stop a hibiscus plant from getting too big, cut it back in early spring.

Diseases and Insects in Hibiscus Cultivation:Spider mites, Mealy bugs , Aphids , stem and root rot are the common pests and disease found in hibiscus cultivation. Showering the plant with lukewarm water with strong blast once in a week will check these. Cleaning lower sides of leaves are essential as well. Avoid too much of water to prevent from root rot disease and make sure the plants have good soil moisture.

In case of any diseases or pest conditions are getting worse, use appropriate chemical control by contacting local floriculture department.

Note: Contact your local horticulture department center for disease symptoms and their control.

They are the best source of pest and disease solutions in hibiscus cultivation.

Harvest in Hibiscus Cultivation:- Harvest in hibiscus depends on the variety. Once fully bloom flowers can be handpicked.

Yield in Hibiscus Cultivation:- Yield of hibiscus flower depends on many factors like watering, manuring and other disease prevention measures.

Marketing of Hibiscus:If the crop is grown on large scale, contact the herbal, medicinal and ayurvedic companies for bulk sale. For fresh markets, hibiscus flowers can be supplied to local markets on daily basis.

Bottom Line of Hibiscus Cultivation:- Proper plant care, management and marketing strategies will make hibiscus cultivation is a profitable business.

Arunachal Pradesh is a fascinating hilly state located in north east India which shares its border with China. The state allures visitors with its mostly unexplored natural bounty, b e a u t i f u l Arnab wildlife and culture. The tribes residing in the hilly state are deeply attached to their rituals and cus-

pants gather in community grounds wearing bright colored traditional clothes. The place where all activities take place is known as Nyokum Kyagyeng. They also put their tradiGhosh on tional ornaments like cotton robes, hornbill feathered caps and beaded necklaces.

They indulge in activities

to the goddess so that she protects their crops from various hazards.

The tribes believe the earth is inhabited by both good and evil spirits.

They also feel calamities and disasters take place when spirits are disappointed with humans. So, celebrating Nyokum is a way of offering respect to

Nyokum festival of Arunachal Pradesh (Photo: nelive) toms till date. The Nyishi tribe for example, is particular about celebrating traditional festivals. They take part in Nyokum festival every year. This colorful festival is reflective of ethnicity and culture of Nyishi tribe.

Nuances of the Nyokum festival This annual agricultural festival is celebrated by the tribe on 26th February. Over the years, the festival has become synonymous with upholding harmony and unity. The word Nyokum is made up of Nyok- denoting land and kum, representing people.

In Nyokum, the partici-

like singing, dancing and a number of rituals are also performed by both genders. The dance may also include mock fight poses involving short swords.

The head priest usually performs specific rituals meant for bringing harmony, prosperity and peace to the community.

Animal sacrifice is also a part of such rituals.

Beliefs Nyokum

behind

The essence of the festival lies in worshipping the goddess so the harvest is good. The tribe relies mostly on cultivation for living. The pray

the spirits.

Customs of Nyokum In Nyokum, the tribes do not worship any image of idol in particular. They resort to using bamboo pole as a structure.

It is known as Yugang.

Inside Yugang, they keep the sacrificed animals.

Mostly goats, cows or bison are used for sacrifice. The head priest decides how many animals should be used for this purpose. Sometimes, chickens and other birds are sacrificed and hung around the Yugang. Beer made with miler seeds and a rice paste is also served in the event.

Courtesy: nelive.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

PAGE 12

India Enter Asia Cup Finals With 5-wicket Win Over Sri Lanka PTI Mirpur, Mar 1: India tonight stormed into the final of the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament with another comfortable five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, riding on Virat Kohli's unbeaten half-century.

It was their third successive victory, clinching a berth for the summit clash as they now stand on the cusp of their sixth continental championship trophy.

After the bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 138 for nine, the 'Men In Blue' overcame the early hiccups as they reached the target in 19.2 overs. It might look close from the scoreboard but India always had control of the match.

The ever-consistent Virat Kohli once again made a significant contribution with

a 56 not out off 47 balls with seven fours.

But the innings of the match was certainly played by Yuvraj Singh, who showed glimpses of his vintage self during a cameo of 35 from only 18 balls that had three sixes and two boundaries.

Yuvraj once again proved the old adage that class is permanent as he effortlessly shifted gears from the last match, where he just wanted to build a partnership with Kohli.

Tonight, he came in at 70 for 3 with the team still needing another 69 runs. By the time, he was gone trying to hook Thisara Perera, he added 51 runs in 5.4 overs with Kohliand more so ended whatever little chances that Sri Lanka harboured in the match.

He started with a slashed four off Dasun Shanaka, and then hit two sixes off Rangana Herat over long and deep mid-wicket. Another six over cover point and a four effectively closed out the match.

While Hardik Pandya (2) was fooled by an arm ball from Herath, a Mahendra Singh Dhoni straight six and a couple ofboundaries from Kohli finished the proceedings.

India's opening pair of Rohit Sharma (15) and Shikhar Dhawan (1) did not fire as Nuwan Kulasekara bowled an inspired first spell getting the deliveries to move both ways.

One such delivery that moved in after pitching (away going for left-hander) found Dhawan poking at it to give a catch to Chandimal behind the stumps.

Determined Rashford eager to Ronaldo apologises to continue 'crazy' start at Man Utd team-mates for controversial outburst against Arsenal on Sunday.

Jubilant with his perfor-

Marcus Rashford ANI Johannesburg, March.1 : Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who recently made his debut in the Europa League clash against Danish side Midtjylland, has admitted that he is keen to continue his crazy form

which he had shown during his side's 3-2 win over titlechasing Arsenal in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old made a dream debut as he scored twice in United's 5-1 win over Midtjylland before again notching a brace

mance, Rashford said that it was bonus for him to score two goals in his first game of the Premier League, insisting that he hopes to continue with his current form in the upcoming matches as well, Sport24 reported.

Rashford saw his debut after forward Anthony Martial was forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury.

The teenage goal machine believes that playing in midweek had probably benefitted him as he was not thinking too much about the game.

The Louis Van Gaal-led side, which are currently fifth in league standings, will now lock horns with Watford on Thursday.

PCB chief reveals Bangladesh ready to tour Pakistan ANI Karachi, March.1 : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan has revealed that Bangladesh have agreed to play in his country, but he didn't disclose the schedule of the matches.

The 81-year-old said that the Bangladesh cricket team were willing to play in Pakistan, with matches expected to be played in Karachi and Lahore, the Express Tribune reported.

Earlier, the PCB was forced to host all their home series in the United Arab Emirates, including the recently-concluded Pakistan Super League, a lucrative Twenty20 tournament.

Last year, Pakistan hosted Zimbabwe in its first home

Shaharyar Khan international series in six years following a terrorist attack on a Sri Lanka team bus in March 2009 that left six police officers and a driver dead, and several players and officials injured.

Reflecting his views on Pakistan's failure to bring Sir Vivian Richards as a mentor for World T20, Shaharyar

said that the board had put the offer before the former West Indies skipper but he wanted to work with PTV Sports as an expert.

Earlier, Richards had expressed his desire to coach the Pakistan cricket team, saying that he will definitely give it a shot if he would be given an offer by the country' cricket board.

Cricket Club of Dibrugarh beat Jorhat Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar. 1: Cricket Club of Dibrugarh (Blue) beat Jorhat Cricket Coaching Centre by 48 runs in first JKM trophy of excellence All Assam prize money cricket tournament organized by Cricket Club of Dibrugarh at DDSA stadium here today.

Altogether, 10 teams participated in the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo ANI Madrid, March.1 : Real Madrid star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his apology to teammates for his controversial remark that the club would be at the top of La Liga if every player was on his level.

Ronaldo's comments came after Madrid suffered a 01 defeat to local rivals Atletico Madrid in their La Liga clash at the Bernabeu.

Reflecting on his team's performance, the Portuguese international had said, "If we were all at my level, maybe we would be leaders." He subsequently downplayed his comments saying that he was referring to his "physical level".

In an attempt to clarify his comments, Ronaldo said that he expressed himself poorly and added that he did not wish to annoy anyone, goal.com reported.

Despite using the strong words, the 31-year-old also insisted that he had been taken out of context.

Earlier, Ronaldo had also rued the absence of injured first choice players like Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Pepe and Karim Benzema, who trudged back to the pavilion at half-time with a hip problem.

While maintaining that constant injuries to players are adversely affecting the team's chances in the league, the Portuguese stressed that it becomes harder to win games in the absence of the best players.

With the win, Atletico have strengthened their grip on second place in the Spanish league and stretched their lead over Real to four points, which are standing at third spot.

(ANI)

Electing to bat, CCD (Blue) scored 182 for nine in 35 overs. Salim Ahmed scored 38 off 33 balls with two boundaries and one six and Siddharat Doshi contributed

27 off 54 balls with the help of two boundaries. Prashanta Sonowal remained unbeaten on 25 runs. Sandeep paul Mazumdar scored 24 off 32 deliveries while Kalyan Gogoi contributed 23 off 33 balls.

For JCCC, Anshuman Sharma claimed three wickets for 39 runs in 6 overs.

Parthiv Hazarika and Tusenfa Buragohain picked up two wickets each conceding 25 and 28 runs respectively.

In reply, JCCC were bowled out for 134 in 34.4 overs.

Anupam Gogoi scored 24 off

24 balls laced with four fours and Dayal Krishna Dutta contributed 23 off 34 balls with two boundaries.

Jintumoni Mali scored 21 off 42 balls.

For CCD(Blue), Jitumoni Kalita claimed four wickets for 19 runs in 7 overs. Salim Ahmed took three for 28 in 7 overs. Salim Ahmed was adjudged man of the match.

Tomorrow, Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre will play Bud Cricket Club (Guwahati).

Infantino 'bought' votes to become FIFA president ANI Johannesburg, March.1 : Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has sparked a fresh controversy, saying that Gianni Infantino 'bought' votes to get elected as a president of FIFA. Earlier on Friday, Switzerland's Infantino replaced disgraced compatriot Sepp Blatter as the new FIFA president after winning a second-round vote in Zurich.

Infantino secured 115 of the 207 eligible votes in round two to take over the helm of the world football's governing body ahead of Sheikh Salman of Bahrain, who received 88 votes.

Zamparini insisted that Infantino got selected because he simply bought more votes than Sheikh Salman, Sport24 reported.

Following the appointment,

Gianni Infantino Infantino promised to restore the tattered image of FIFA. But Zamparini remained doubtful whether the election process was fully transparent.

Blatter's 18-years charge saw the world's football governing body become embroiled in several cases of vote-buying corruption.

Zamparini, who takes over the Sicily-based Serie A club in 2002, admitted that his comments could bring him suspension, but it would be an honour to receive the same.

Infantino, who will leave his job as the general secretary of UEFA, became the second straight FIFA president from Switzerland.

India, Sri Lanka sweat over injury concerns ahead of clash PTI New Delhi, Mar 1: Injuries and pitch conditions are amongst the primary focus a day ahead of India's match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup on Tuesday (March 1).

Both teams will be hampered with injuries to key players and might feel the sting of not playing their best eleven.

For Sri Lanka, a win will vastly improve their chances position on the table.

Thefitness of regular skipper Lasith Malinga will be their biggest concern ahead of the important clash.

Malinga missed their previous game against Bangladesh due to a niggle in the knee.

The game before that, against

UAE, was his first game in three months and he pulled up sore after picking up a match-winning four-wicket haul. Angelo Mathews, standin skipper, was unsure about Malinga's availability for the rest of the tournament and the Lankans will not rest easy if the pacer does pull out of the game against India.

MS Dhoni and Co. have their own set of worries as well.

The skipper himself is playing through this tournament with a back brace, despite spasms. There is a back-up option of Parthiv Patel but it looks likely that Parthiv might step in for one of the regular openers in this game.

Both Rohit Sharma and

Shikhar Dhawan are nursing injuries.

Rohit suffered a blow on his left toe, which forced him to go for scans. Although the scans did not reveal a crack, Rohit did not take part in the training session ahead of the game against Sri Lanka.

Dhawan, who missed the game against Pakistan due to an injury to his left heel, was seen wearing a bandage but still managed to do a few fitness drills before going out to have a hit. If both of them miss out, then it will force the team to make a few changes right from the top.

A straightforward move could be to draft in Parthiv as an opener but Team India

MS Dhoni will also consider the option of pushing Kohli to open and drafting in Pawan Negi to bolster the batting in the lower-middle order.

The pitches that have been provided so far in Dhaka have all aided the seamers to a large extent. The last time India faced Sri Lanka on a green-top in Pune, their batting crumbled against a young Sri Lankan pace attack. This time around the islanders have a more potent new-ball bowlers in Nuwan Kulasekara and Angelo Mathews but India's batting has also shown a marked improvement in such conditions.

With Kohli and Rohit showing the technical nous to shore up the batting in similar conditions, it does appear that India have that front sorted.

The same cannot be said about Sri Lanka though.

Their batting came a cropper twice in succession. With the exception of Dinesh Chandimal, none of the others have shown an inclination to stick around and milk runs, as Mathews conceded.

Chandimal himself was guilty of throwing away a good start against Bangladesh.

But Sri Lanka still possess a line-up that bats very deep.

They will be banking on the others to come good soon enough. Tillakaratne Dilshan will be under focus. In the absence of experience down the order, the pressure on the senior opener to deliver becomes even more acute. He hasn't found his touch so far and he'd do well to pace his

innings better. Sri Lanka will need him to set up the ideal base for the power-hitters down the order like Thisara Perera and Dasun Sanaka to capitalise.

India need another win to put them in pole position to grab a spot in the final. Form isn't a concern for Dhoni's men but man-management will be critical in the build-up to the World T20. They will tread carefully before taking a call on fielding players with niggles with the big tournament following soon after. It will be interesting to see how they tackle this tricky situation.

Squads (From): India: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit

Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Pawan Negi, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Parthiv Patel Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milinda Siriwardana, Dasun Shanaka, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dushmantha Chameera, Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Jeffrey Vandersay.

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