Monday 12 dec 2016

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SUICIDE BOMBING 'KILLS 16' IN SOMALI CAPITAL

ET CAPSULES

Suicide bombing 'kills 16' in Somali capital MOGADISHU: More than 20 people were killed Sunday in a suicide truck bombing in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said, in a fresh strike claimed by the Al-Qaedalinked Shabaab group.

P10 NCP hails Khandu led Government’s decision to implement 7th Central Pay Commission ITANAGAR: The state Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appreciated the noble decision of Pema Khandu led Government in Arunachal Pradesh to implement the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendation w.e.f January 2016.

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FIPRESCI approves membership of an Assamese critic JORHAT: The Annual General Meeting of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) has approved the membership young film critic of Assam, Dr. Minakshi Dutta, assistant professor of Assam Women University.

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Vol. II

Issue 144

India needs to invest more in public healthcare: WHO Kolkata, Dec 11 : India needs to invest more in public healthcare and build a robust health delivery system in all aspects, including infrastructure and human resources,with special focus on rural areas, the WHO said.

"We know that nations need a healthy population to prosper.

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Indo-Bangla border haats in Tripura a boon for locals Agartala : Two border ‘haats’ in Tripura along the Indo-Bangla border are benefiting local people through the business transactions besides becoming a meeting place for relatives who stay across the border, a state minister said here on Saturday.

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Individualist Gandhi versus statist Nehru

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Price -

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“People, who fear that their selfish works (as opposed to the greater national interests) would be hampered if the Sangh grows, are the ones spreading malicious rumours about RSS,” said Dr Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghachalak (Chief) of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), today. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS Chief who is on a three day visit to the state capital was speaking at the Arun Chetana Sammelan, a RSS orchestrated

Ashok : 9706289816

Pages- 12

The reason rich people keep on working

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Laxman Sharma Digboi, Dec 11

The hospital which the Health Minister himself dreamt of making it a model hospital equipped with all possible modern technologies lacks even the basic requirements including TT injection and syringe which was to be purchased by the patients themselves from the open market.

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s much talked Community Health Center in Digboi seems to be falling short of expectation on various fronts and clearly lack of efficiency has become a cause of resentment among the people of Digboi here in Tinsukia District.

During a visit to the hospital and its premises by media group here recently, multiple allegations were made by the people and the patients waiting to see the doctors. The hospital which the Health Minister himself dreamt of making it a model hospital equipped with all possible modern technologies lacks even the basic requirements including TT injection and syringe which was to be purchased by the patients themselves from the open market. “Since we did not receive the syringes and TT Injections we have put a notice on the outside of the dispensary,” told a senior nurse. Adding much to the woes of the patients under

The carelessness and unscientific way of disposing the medical waste within the premises of Digboi Civil Hopsital causing nuisance to the visitors and patients. maternity treatment, the basic and necessary pathological tests are also not conducted in

the hospital for the reason best known to Gautam Saikia, the In-Charge of the hospital.

A hospital source informed that the patients are referred to Agarwal Nursing Home at

Paklu Taipodia to represent Arunachal at National Bodybuilding Championship The Arunachal Bodybuilding Association (ABBA) has selected Paklu Taipodia to represent Arunachal Pradesh at the 9th Satish Sugar Classic Senior Women National Championship, scheduled to be held at Belgovi, Karnataka from December 16 to 18 next.

A mother of three, Taipodia won the Women's Sports Physique-2016, which was held alongside the 4th Mr. Arunachal at Nirjuli recently.

A former national level weightlifter, Taipodia is the first state lifter to take part in the National Weightlifting Championship and also to win gold medal from her maiden participation at the Eastern

public meeting at IG Park, Itanagar, which apart from the huge crowd was also attended

by CM Pema Khandu, DyCM Chowna Mein, the state Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary and her sub-ordinates among others.

“The Sangh is not a secret organisation; any individual can join, verify its ideology and leave the organisation freely if not satisfied,” Dr Bhagwat asserted in his bid to challenge the idea that RSS is a Hindutva spreading religious organisation. Stressing on the

The patients are referred to Agarwal Nursing Home at Digboi town for x-ray and other tests for the sake of earning commissions which ranges from Rs 200 to 350.

Digboi town for x-ray and other tests for the sake of earning commissions which ranges

from Rs 200 to 350.

Meanwhile, when asked about the reasons for the presence of several visiting Medical representatives during the morning working hour, Dr. Saikia told that the Medical representatives keep visiting the hospital but he did not meet anyone during the office hours. Clearly the recent Health Minister’s reminder regarding restriction of the visit of MRs in the hospitals to check promotion of private business of vested groups has not been taken seriously.

However, what was shocking about the hospital and its management committee is the maintenance of hospital surrounding and cleanliness within the campus which was marked by dampening of huge garbage behind the hospital within its premises. Several complaints were also made by the residents of Puja Field sharing a common boundary with that of the hospital being severely hit by the nuisance caused by the unchecked and careless dampening of medical waste. According to a confidential in-house source belonging to medicine

department, certain medicines did not reach Digboi Hospital in spite of receiving the same from the district. Citing an example, the source informed that six thousand Calcium capsules meant for the month of October- November sent from Tinsukia store did not reach Digboi hospital.

Ironically, being perplexed Dr. Saikia signed on the receipt voucher and asked the dispensary people to somehow manage with the last previous month remaining medicines, added the sources on the condition of anonymity.

Dr. Saikia, an expert at Ayurvedic stream presently serving in other stream of the science including the surgical earlier told that he has nothing to do with the existing alleged anomalies. According to him, he keeps updating his superior hierarchy about the status of the hospital and its problem.

Is this what the Health Minister in Assam meant by basic and quality health services with zero tolerance to malpractices and anomalies?

Well, time will only reveal if the answer to this question be answered or not.

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India Weightlifting Championship in 1997. After her marriage, she did not give up the sport entirely, but chose

bodybuilding as an alternative.

Recruited under meritorious sports quota as clerk in the Department of Forest and

Environment, she manages her time for training, along with her household responsibilities and office duties.

RSS Chief, Bhagwat lauds Arunachalees for their love towards India A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 11

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Himanta’s model hospital in Digboi falling short of expectations, sans basic requirements

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Golaghat GOLAGHAT : Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Scheme launched by the central government Golaghat District Administration in association with the police , CRPF and Golaghat Municipal Board .

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Dibrugarh, Monday, December 12, 2016

‘transparency’ of the organisation and therein, claiming ‘Patriotism’ and ‘National interest’ as the primary ideologies of the RSS, the Sangh chief also asserted that, “the organisation can only be understood while working from within it and not by simply observing it from the outside.” Also quoting the Vedas and the description of India as a diverse nation therein, the RSS Sarsanghachalak further asserted that, “RSS by way of adopting the Hindu philosophy has always

advocated for universal brotherhood and service towards humanity.”

“We, the RSS, don’t ask for funds from the government but rather we go back to the society and engage in social service with funds generated by means of voluntary donations to boost the nation’s strength.”

This, Bhagwat added was because; “RSS is a social welfare organisation with patriotism as the basic principle.” Herein, the RSS Chief also lauded the Arunachalees in general for

their love towards India saying, “To the Arunachalees, I am grateful because your love for the country is amazing.

Despite Chinese claiming you as theirs, you have also retorted the claims by calling yourself Indians.” Earlier, Engineer Taba Tedir, Organising Chairman of Arun Chetana Sammelan extended a warm welcome to the guest while Secretary, Tumge Lollen expressed his gratitude for the large turnouts and the help rendered by the state government in making the meeting a success.

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PAGE 12

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

P2 Aries Let your sensual, nurturing instincts shine through, Aries. Rely on your sixth sense. If things start to get rough, remember that you have the ability to keep your cool. Not only is this an extremely important tool but it's also essential to maintaining any sort of stability in the situation. Keep your footing at all times. Your sanity depends on it.

Taurus A solid grounding is apt to be extremely important to you today, Taurus. Hearts may be broken or won, depending on how well you play your cards. Keep in mind that the slow and steady contender is most likely going to win this race. All the talk in the world will get you nowhere. Today is about quality and action. Shoddy efforts will yield shoddy results.

Gemini Regardless of how much the storm seems to be raging out of control, you will be able to handle it, Gemini. Have confidence in your grounded nature.

There's a reason why you take the time to address the details and carefully plan your moves. Today is one day when you will see the rewards of your diligent actions, especially in love, beauty, and your deepest emotions.

Cancer Hold on to your hat, Cancer, and be ready for some action.

You're coming to a critical point in your emotional cycle when your heart feels heavy. You may feel pinned down by a huge weight, like you're being sucked into quicksand. Grab a branch and pull yourself out. Rise above the current situation with the help of a lofty perspective.

International Human Rights Day observed at Margherita Mithun Baruah Margherita, 11 DEC: International Human Rights Day was observed at Margherita Sub division on 9 and 10 December by Legal Awareness Network Centre in association with Vijji Child Help Centre. The primary agenda of International Human Rights Day programme was to advocate the rights socio and educational Rights of the children. “Through the programme our main agenda is to spearhead our movement against the menace of child labour and along with we want to bring the basic Educational Rights of children to the centrestage,� said one of the organisers of the daylong programme. The awareness campaign against Child labour was observed in Margherita Town, Ledo,Namdang Colliery, Longtong Sema Village,Udaipur and other places. Campaign Legal Awareness

BAN???

Leo

Virgo There's a great deal of grounding energy in your world today, Virgo, which might work to smother your fire. Whatever happens, don't let the embers burn out. One of the assets you bring to the group is a strong dynamism that gives people the courage to change. Be a fighter in the ring. Remember that at the end of the day, you need only be satisfied with the performance of one person - you.

Despite a ban, smokeless tobacco products such as Sikhar and Gutkha being sold openly in some shops and kiosks in Dibrugarh. Photo by Manoj Pandey

Take pressing matters to the hilt today, Libra, especially when it comes to romantic issues and emotional needs. You have all the data you need to make a valid point. You have a whole battalion of facts to back you up, so fire at will. Your feelings are strong and intense. Don't ignored them under any circumstances. Go with your gut instincts before you trust anything else.

Scorpio As you try to express your opinions today, you may have the feeling that someone is kicking sand in your face, Scorpio.

Like a kid on the beach, you have nothing but the raw elements to use to defend yourself.

Use one of your greatest gifts - the power of your mind - to combat the opposing force.

Your ability to outsmart others will be your most powerful tool.

Sagittarius Your boat is likely to be rocked today, Sagittarius, to the point where you and all of your belongings could go overboard. Be prepared to swim ashore.

Grounding and stability are the keys to maintaining a healthy attitude, especially when it comes to ever-fluctuating emotions. Issues regarding the home and people's possessions are likely to surface in a dramatic manner.

Listen to your heart for the answers.

Capricorn Calm down and get centered, Capricorn. This is an extremely sensual day that's likely to pique your emotions.

You're apt to receive input from each one of your senses, so keep these channels open and available for new information that's trying to break through. Don't be hasty. You're better off taking a reserved, receptive approach today.

FIPRESCI approves membership of an Assamese critic ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 11: The Annual General Meeting of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) has approved the membership young film critic of Assam, Dr. Minakshi Dutta, assistant professor of Assam Women University.

In a string of intense emotional dramas, the last thing you need is one more, Leo. Unfortunately, it looks like you're going to get just that. Once again, an incredible romantic scenario is coming to a head, and your emotions are in turmoil.

Hold still, wait for the hit, and then proceed. If you have the feeling that you're going to blow up at someone, simply walk away from the situation.

Libra

Network Centre Margherita, President Papu Sah;Vijji Child help Centre President, Dwarraj Simon;Margherita College Associate Professors, Chura Giri from Department of Sociology and Dr. Mrinali Konwar, Department of Hindi; Namdang Colliery Mahila Samiti members; Margherita College Students, Ankit Sharma and Shabnam Chetry were present at the Awareness Campaign against Child Labour. Associate Professor of Margherita College Chura Giri spoke about the menace of Child labour and suggested measures to eradicate it from our society and country. It may be mentioned that International Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The daylong event was also supported by Labour Office,Tinsukia.

The other three selected are Siraj Sayed, Narendra Bandabe and Meghachandra Kongbam of Manipur for the prestigious 63rd National film critic awarded 2015.In a press release Dr. Minakshi Dutta mentioned that in an emailed message communicated by film critic MK Raghavendra, the secre-

tary of FIPRESCI on 7th December 2016, the president and the executive committee of FIPRESCI India welcomed Dr. Minakshi Dutta as a member of the National section of FIPRESCI international.

Currently, Dr. Minakshi Dutta is a teaching film studies in the Department of Cultural Studies of Assam Women University.

She did her PhD on the films of Assamese film director Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia from the department of cultural studies. It is to be mentioned that Dr. Dutta has been nominated as a member of the FIPRESCI after a long time from this state.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Golaghat Amit Nagori Golaghat , Dec 11: Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Scheme launched by the central government Golaghat District Administration in association with the police , CRPF and Golaghat Municipal Board . The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has been going on since December 1 as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Fortnight . Today cleanliness drive was conducted at the market place and streets in Golaghat town . Also awareness programmes were also organised to make aware the common people about cleanliness and hygiene .

Special Immunization Programme in Golaghat Amit Nagori Golaghat , Dec11: For the children below two years of age and pregnant women who were left from regular vaccination in Golaghat a special immunization programme will be held in Golaghat from December 12 to December 17 under the third phase of vaccination drive. A meeting of the Task Force was held on December 9 in this regard where Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat Gaurav Bothra and Additional Medical and Health Officer Dr. SM Sharma and District Immunization Officer Jyoti Deori were present . In the meeting the DC appealed all the doctors and medical staff associated with this mission to work hard and make it a successful one .

Free Homeopathy Health Camp Held Amit Nagori Golaghat , Dec11: A free homeopathy health care camp held today at East Ghiladhari Kala Bhawan in Golaghat . The camp was organised by Dr. JK Saikia Homeopathy College Jorhat in collaboration with Purnima Phukan ,Moina Phukan , Jogeswar Borgohain Charitable Homeo Clinic, Sri Satya Sai Sewa Samiti Golaghat and Golaghat District Homeopathy Doctors Association.

The free homeopathy health care camp was organised in fond memory of Julie Borgohain, former principal of Satya Vidya Vihar School Golaghat . A large number of local people attended the same .

Earlier a lamp lightining was done by Apurba Borgohain and Dr Giridhar Phukan . Many people undergone the free treatment

and also praised the felicitation ceremony of senior citizen which were 80 in numbers . The programme was highly appreciated .

NEWS IN PIC

Aquarius Today is your day to shine in every way, Aquarius. There's a concentration of energy in your favor, so act boldly and without hesitation. Your emotions are leading the way, and your heart is barely a half a step behind. Follow these forces like the Pied Piper. Let this be the start of a wild ride on a whole new roller coaster of adventures. The time is right for you to lead.

Pisces Your heart and emotions are on the same page, Pisces, but they may not be on the page you want them to be. It could be that you're reminiscing about an event from the past. What was once a happy set of encounters now leaves you feeling like there are thorns in your side. Focus on the present and let the past become history.

Cultivators back to home with their paddy at Sivasagar Saraideow today.

Photo by Firuz Ahmed

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

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NCP hails Khandu led Government’s decision to implement 7th Central Pay Commission ET Bureau Itanagar, 11 Dec: The state Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appreciated the noble decision of Pema Khandu led Government in Arunachal Pradesh to implement the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendation w.e.f January 2016. “It is a bold decision of State Government despite facing a financial crunch to

implement 7th Central Pay Commission,” the press statement of NCP added. The State NCP termed it as a New Year’s gift to the State Government employees. The State Government employee should devote themselves to work hard with sincerity and dedication to take the state development to new heights.

The State NCP also welcomed

the decision of State Government to confer State Gold Medal with cash award and plot of land allotment in Itanagar to Nabam Rungkhi in recognition of his instrumental in establishing state capital in Itanagar. While praising the state Government’s decision for awarding rank of Deputy SP to Moni Kamdak Basar, wife of late Bomto Kamdak

Deputy SP who sacrificed his valuable life while performing duty, Vice- President of NCP Nima Sange said that NCP hopes to see more such noble work for the people of Arunachal Pradesh by the Pema Khandu led State Government. NCP also welcomed the decision to enhance the cash awards to the gallantry awardees.

BJYM Namsai Unit conducts workshop to sensitize people on electronic transaction

Youth arrested for relationship with a minor girl from Arunachal Pradesh ET Bureau NAVI MUMBAI, Dec 11 : The New Panvel police have arrested a 22-year-old man on charges of rape for having a relationship with a minor 17-yearold girl originally hailing from Arunachal Pradesh.

The Panvel-based accused had befriended the minor girl on Facebook recently.

"After their online friendship, the girl met the accused in Panvel and started staying with him there. When the minor's parents got to know about it in Arunachal Pradesh, they lodged a complaint there. The accused was arrested from Panvel,'' informed an official.

The accused person is originally from Assam and works in a private company in Panvel.

A Staff Reporter NAMSAI, 11 DEC: The district Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) of Namsai recently held a workshop cum sensitization programme on ‘Digital Paisa Campaign, under the chair of its president Chow Bramadutt Namchoom. Media in-charge, Anil Burman, who is currently running a Common

Services Center (CSC) under Digital India at Namsai, sentisized the gathering on ‘Digital Paisa Campaign. He informed of the digital payment options available at Namsai, which included online banking, Paytm e-Buddy, cards payment through PoS, USSD transaction and Aadhar Enabled Payment System

(AEPS), which is yet to be set up in the district. Burman also enlightened the youths on how to proceed with each digital payment option step wise. He also suggested installing the Narendra Modi android application to those who own smart phones so that he/she can remain updated with the activities and policies of

Modi. Also, Namchoom informed that the programme was held to sensitize Yuva members about the cashless payment options and to prepare them for the upcoming mega awareness workshop programme on cashless payment option scheduled to be held on December 15 next at Namsai Town Club.

My sister is dead: A heartbreaking tale of migration from North-East India October 24, 2009. That is one date Atim will never forget all her life.She had returned to work at Q’BA after her Goa trip. On that afternoon, the staff had had their tea and she had gone back to the lounge downstairs. There were a few guests at the bar. Suddenly, her mobile rang. She answered. It was Yaokhalek. His voice was shaking. He just said, “Come home fast” and put the phone down. He was living in Vasant Kunj Extension with a group of Tangkhul boys engaged in making special black pots.

Then she burst into tears.

Atim wondered what could possibly have happened. Once again her mobile rang. “Something has happened to Ramchanphy. She is not feeling well.”

Atim looked for the Rs 500 note she had left under her pillow. She also tried to find the mobile phone she had given Ramchanphy, but both were missing. Atim could not make herself go into the kitchen where she knew her sister’s body would be lying.

Ramchanphy was their younger sister. She had just turned nineteen. She had come to Delhi barely a month ago and was perfectly well when Atim had left in the morning.

Yaokhalek must have come to meet Ramchanphy. The phone rang once more. It was Yaokhalek again. He said, “The gas cylinder has exploded.”

Atim told the manager she had to go home. He asked what had happened and she replied, “My sister has died.”

Atim had no money in her purse.

She had left Rs 500 with Ramchanphy. She had expected to be dropped home after work, but now she needed to take an auto. Srilata, a coworker, gave her some money and she quickly got into an auto. Yaokhalek phoned again and she told him she was in an auto on her way home. Atim asked whether there was anyone around to help him. He said Ester and her mother had gone to Sarojini Nagar, but there was a man listening to music standing just outside the room.

Atim phoned Yaronsho and asked him to be with Yaokhalek. She had kept in touch with him ever since they had met at Mayori’s. Atim’s mobile rang again. This time it was Ramchanphy’s boyfriend calling from Ukhrul to say that she was not answering his calls.

Atim blurted out, “She is dead.”

By now Atim was howling out loud. When the auto stopped at the traffic lights she was aware that people were staring, but she was beyond caring. She was stuck in the evening traffic. She called her friend Rose, who assured her that she would go to Atim’s flat immediately. It took fifty minutes for Atim to reach Munirka and climb up to her room. By then, many Tangkhuls had already arrived. They were sitting in her room.

Yaronsho called the police and they came and took the body away. There were perhaps five hundred Tangkhuls gathered together. They were singing hymns and keeping vigil.

Atim went into Ester’s room next door and lay down.

Ramchanphy had arrived in September full of excitement.

Atim had picked her up from the airport. The moment they reached the flat, Atim had asked her sister what she had brought from home.

Then the two sisters had taken out the goodies from Ramchanphy’s bag: there was thangching or lotus fruit, sakao or dried beef with smoked chilli powder, fresh umrok, the hottest chillies in the world, and, of course, the delectable ngari or fermented fish without which a chutney did not have the kick; and lots of snails.

Atim felt a pang of guilt.

She had not been able to take her younger sister sightseeing.

Work had kept her busy and she returned late every night.

Atim had promised to take her out on her next day off.

Ramchanphy was the most beautiful of the four sisters and many boys were interested in her. Atim’s mother had been complaining to Atim that al-

most every evening young men dropped in and Ramchanphy and her sister Chonsomi would make cups of black tea; this was the traditional courting or the meisum kapam. Atim could imagine the singing and the light-hearted banter and mild flirtation.

Later, when the man and woman were more certain of their feelings, they could go out alone together. Ramchanphy had already decided on the man, but her mother did not approve of him and so she had encouraged her daughter to visit Delhi.

The previous night Atim and Ramchanphy had lain side-by-side and chatted the whole night. It was mostly Ramchanphy telling her elder sister stories. Atim felt she could not share her experiences because her sister would not understand the world she lived in, but she was very pleased when Ramchanphy told her that ever since Atim had started sending money they did not have to go begging for rice anymore.

Ramchanphy had spent some time in Nagaland and she had many anecdotes to share.

She had gone there with a woman who was a distant relative and who was married to a man from the Pochury Naga tribe; earlier they had lived in Greenland, the locality where Atim’s family was living. When the couple shifted to Kohima they took Ramchanphy with them to help with the housework. After living in Kohima for some time the family had moved to a Pochury village in Phek District.

Ramchanphy told Atim that the family had pork to eat for lunch and dinner every single day! And their barn was full of smoked pork. She used to go to the paddy field and there she saw a lot of fruit trees growing, especially bananas. The Pochury man’s mother was very kind to Ramchanphy and had presented her with a chamthei, a valuable bead used in the kongsang, the traditional Tangkhul necklace. While there, she had also picked up the Pochury language.

Then Ramchanphy had re-

galed Atim with ghost stories.

One was about parents who came to pick up their daughter from school after it had closed for the vacations. The girl was in the toilet and the chowkidar had locked it from the outside.

The parents went away, thinking their daughter had left without them. When the school reopened, they found her body in the toilet; she haunts the school.

Atim smiled through her tears. She could hear Ramchanphy’s voice. How they had laughed together over silly jokes and shared life experiences. Atim had come away to Delhi and so had missed seeing her sister grow up; Ramchanphy was much closer to Chonsomi, but here in Delhi they had become closer.

Atim remembered how Ramchanphy had cooked the peacock meat Yaokhalek’s friends had brought for the younger sister. Ever since she had come to Delhi, Ramchanphy would cook for Atim. It had been so nice to come home every evening to a warm meal and a sister to chat with instead of an empty room.

Again Atim felt a pang of guilt.

She had not taken a single photo of Ramchanphy in Delhi.

In the morning, Atim forced herself to go to the kitchen; she saw the broken tube and two boiled eggs and rice. She must have been cooking when the gas cylinder burst. She had taken out the old rice and must have been about to cook it for Atim.

The tears just flowed down her cheeks.

Yaokhalek took her hand and they went to Safdarjung Hospital. Ramchanphy’s body had been taken there and the family members were requested to remove her clothes so that a post mortem could be conducted. Atim saw how badly her sister’s stomach had been burnt, and her tongue and neck and hair were also burnt.

What a terrible death.

Excerpt from The Exodus Is Not Over: Migrations From The Ruptured Homelands Of NorthEast India, Nandita Haksar, Speaking Tiger Books.

AWAKENING THE SANCTITY OF LIFE

The accused has been charged for rape (IPC section 376) and under sections of POCSO (protection of children from sexual o ff e n c e s A c t ) . A l though the girl had willingly met the accused and became intimate, police said that they had to register the rape case as she is still a minor.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama preaching on awakening the "SANCTITY OF LIFE; HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY" at New Delhi. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju attended the event. The programme ‘Awakening the sanctity of life: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body’- marked the celebration of 50th Anniversary of Tibet House and Centenary of Men-TseeKhang.

Tibet House is the Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi and Men-Tsee-Khang is Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute (TMAI), Dharamshala.

His Holiness Dalai Lama delivered a public lecture on – Meaning of life and secular ethics. He said that compassion should be the virtue of mankind.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

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Assam Governor: ‘clean environment is a gift to new generation’ ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Dec 11: "We must present a clean environment as a gift to our new generation. It is our noble duty to keep it clean for ever,'' said Banuwari Lal Puruhit, the Governor of Assam taking part in a cleanliness drive organised

by North Lakhimpur Municipal Board today. It is to be noted that the Governor of the state arrived at Lakhimpur today taking a two-day long program in hand. He inspired the people of the district taking part in the cleanliness drive initiated under Swacch Bharat Abhiyan program near Lakhimpur Girls' Higher Secondary School at 11.

Lakhimpur DC

Cops scrutinize scam papers ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 11: Assam Police personnel, who are probing the alleged siphoning of Rs 2,250 crore from the social welfare department to 'ghost' child beneficiaries and non-existent anganwadi centres during the last 15 years of the previous Congress goverment, are facing a Herculean task of analysing docouments before starting the field investigation.

Last month, the vigilance and anti-corruption cell started probing the alleged scam relating to goverment funds for supplying nutritious food to about nine lakh children and anganwadi centres which never existed.

Assam Police DGP Mukesh Sahay said, "Police have seized hundreds of files and documents from the Directorate of Social Welfare (DSW) and the investigating officers are scrutinizing the files at present."

Debeswar Malakar and other officials of the district accompanied him in the program. "I have known that the people of Lakhimpur District are very conscious citizens who are always enthusiastic to do the best. It is my good fortune that I could come in contact with these enthusiastic people today,''he said before participating in the drive.

Then he took part in a meeting with the DC, SP and all Heads of the Departments of the district at the Conference Hall of the DC Office.

Discussion upon various topics such as 'Raijor Chora', Madhavdeva Sanskritik Prakalpa, Clean School Mission, Eradica-

tion of Open Defecation Problem etc was held in the meeting and the Governor expressed his satisfaction over the initiatives taken by the District Administration on these issues. He also reviewed the progress of the various schemes executed in the district under 'Power Point'. He appealed that the Government Officials to be punctual and to ensure their dedicated service to the mass.

He interacted with the representatives of various NonGovernmental Organizations, Lakhimpur Municipal Boards, Chairman of Dhakuakhona Town Committee, Senior Citizens.Then he went to

Dhemaji and took the Guard of honour at Dhemaji Circuit House.

He took part in a Swacch Bharat Abhiyan Program in Dhemaji College organised

by PHE Department. Moreover, he took part in a review meeting there too, with the DC, SP and Heads of the various Department of the District. Finally, he interacted with the representatives of the Non-Governmental Organisations and the Media Persons of the district. Then he returned to Lakhimpur at 7pm and would spend the night in Lakhimpur Circuit House.

He will return to Guwahati at 8am tomorrow.

Ajmal slams triple talaq verdict, says Jamiat will move SC ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 11: Though a majority of Muslims in Assam have welcomed the Allahabad high court's recent verdict calling the Islamic practice of triple talaq unconstitutional, president of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) Badruddin Ajmal termed it 'unfortunate'.

Ajmal, who is a leading Muslim politician of the state and president of the state Jamiat Ulama, said the central unit of the organization had already decided to move the Supreme Court against the Allahabad court's verdict.

"It's against the constitutional rights of the people

of this country. Besides the Jamiat Ulama, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has also decided to move the Supreme Court against the high court's verdict. We will fight it," Ajmal said in a statement on Saturday.

Allahabad high court had called the Islamic practice of divorcing a woman by saying the word 'talaq' three successive times 'unconstitutional' and called it a violation of the rights of Muslim women on Thursday.

The verdict, however, has been welcomed by many in the state, especially organizations working for the uplift of Muslim women.

Assam has one of the high-

est population of Muslims in the country.

"As a progressive Muslim who believes in equality for all, I strongly think clerics need to stress more on modern scientific education for children and youngsters rather than cling on to an archaic system which goes against the very essence of a beautiful religion.

I welcome the observation made by the Allahabad high court on triple talaq and I feel this is a major step towards preserving the sanctity of marriage," said Tinat Atifa Masood, vice-chairperson of the minority department of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

River festival celebrates Ukiam UKIAM, Dec 11: The confluence of the serene Drone, Chree and Dilma rivers at Ukiam was abuzz with passionate tourists on Saturday as VIPs joined hands with tribal villagers to celebrate the beauty of the area and project it as a tourism hotspot.

Located along the AssamMeghalaya border in Kamrup district, Ukiam, about 75 km south-west of Guwahati, has always been an important transit route for members of the Garo and Khasi tribes who come down from the hills of the neighbouring state to sell their produce. This is the first time, however, that a concerted effort has been undertaken by tribesmen to celebrate the scenic beauty of Ukiam

through the three-day Drone, Chree and Dilma river festival which began on Saturday.

Attending the event as its chief guest was general secretary of the pro-talks faction of Ulfa, Anup Chetia, who arrived with his family early in the day to sample ethnic dishes and enjoy performances by the Garos, Rabhas, Bodos and Khasis.

"I am really enjoying myself here. The natural beauty is priceless. If the government takes steps to develop scenic places like Ukiam, it can go a long way in bringing socioeconomic development to the state. When development touches neglected youths, it douses the fire of armed struggle," Chetia

said.

His wife, Monika, who is closely associated with the river festival, was seen mingling with tribal women on the river bank and enquiring about their lifestyle.

While the more adventurous tourists spent time boating and fishing, others partook of the delicious fare served on leaves. The organizers had banned plastic to maintain cleanliness in the area.

Tribal villagers, who don't have an avenue to sell their pineapples, oranges and rice, earned good money on Saturday but said a lot more needed to be done to ensure basic amenities, proper healthcare and quality

education in Ukiam.

Leading organizer of the fest, Chandan Keshav, said his team had started working towards developing the area as a sericulture hub.

"Sericulture can change the lives of the people of Ukiam. There is immense possibility of producing the priceless Mezankari silk here which has always been in high demand in Assam. We are hopeful that tourists will throng Ukiam in the coming days to help tribals make their home a treasure," Keshav said.

Chhaygaon MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed said he would extend full cooperation to making Ukiam a prime destination for tourists.

Farmers forced to sell potato at 1 per kilo ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 11: Farmers of Jinjia in Biswanath district of northern Assam are throwing away their potatoes on the streets as huge stocks of potatoes remain unsold in cold storage.

Local farmers said the decline in potato sales to wholesale buyers from Jinjia is a result of demonetisation as people are buying lesser

KK HANDIQUE NATIONAL AWARD

amounts of potato due to the shortage of lower denomination currency notes in the last one month. Farmers are being forced to sell potato at Re 1 per kg. "In Jinjia, farmers preserve potatoes in cold storage. But unlike previous years, huge stock of potatoes remains unsold this time," said peasant activist Pallab Hazarika. Consequently, he said, farmers are in a hurry to sell last year's potato stocks. tnn

Assam Chief Minister presented KK Handiqui National Award, 2016 to eminent thinker Prof Mrinal Miri, organised by KK Handiqui State Open University in Guwahati.

Our education must equip us with values and spirit of co-existence amongst all forms of life, plants, animals and humans, for true development, said Sonowal.

With the spirit of co-existence, human society has to take the lead in maintaining the ecological balance of our planet and ensure sustainable development. Our universities have to play a huge role in this by imparting right knowledge and values to the students, the CM said.

Also, our universities should consider submitting regular performance reports to the people of Assam, thus becoming agents of social progress and development, Sonowal added.

Aasu pays homage to 855 martyrs ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 11: Even as the state government honoured the families of the martyrs' of Assam Agitation on Saturday, the All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) cautioned the government over the Centre's move to grant citizenship to religious minorities from Bangladesh by violating the provisions of the Assam Accord.

Aasu, which led the agitation, paid homage to the 855 martyrs of the movement by observing the day as Martyrs' Day. Leaders of the students' body paid tribute to them at the Martyrs' Column in Nehru Park of the city and vowed to make the state free from illegal immigrants.

"The dream of the martyrs of Assam Agitation is yet to be realized. We will not stop unless the state becomes free from illegal migrants.

The Centre and the state government must take urgent steps to deport illegal infiltrators if they really want to pay due respect to the martyrs. The government should settle the foreigners' issue by imple-

menting the clauses of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit," said Aasu chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya.

A day-long programme was held at the Swahid Udyan in Paltan Bazar to observe Martyrs' Day. The All Guwahati Students' Union paid homage to the martyrs by lighting up 855 earthen lamps in their memory.

Assam Movement leaders observe Protest Day in Delhi ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 11: Prominent Assam Movement leaders, including former chief minister and AGP founder president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, observed Martyrs' Day as 'Protest Day' in New Delhi on Saturday in protest against the Centre's move to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from neighbouring countries.

state from illegal migrants.

"It's a tragedy that we have to observe Protest Day in New Delhi. It's extremely unfortunate that the government now wants to accommodate illegal foreigners. It hurts the Assam Accord," Mahanta told TOI. According to the Accord, anyone who has come after March 25, 1971 is illegal, irrespective of religion, caste and creed.

and staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Rajnath Singh over the issue.

The bill, which was tabled in Parliament in August, seeks to give citizenship to religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan in India. The bill, however, was referred to the joint select committee of Parliament, following the opposition.

Mahanta and his team met Left leaders in New Delhi and got their support. On Saturday, CPM MP Tapan Kumar Sen from West Bengal also joined the protest at Jantar Mantar.

Martyrs' Day is observed to pay homage to 855 martyrs of Assam Movement which took place in the state from 1979 to 1985 to free the

Assam Movement veterans, under the banner of Asom Andolan Sangrami Mancha (AASM), also paid tribute to the martyrs in New Delhi

The representatives of AASM met Vice-President Hamid Ansari and are also supposed to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime

Search on for Sankari tapestry

AGP observed the day at the party headquarters to pay homage to the martyrs.

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Sankaradeva play likely to be staged this month ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 11: GUWAHATI: After witnessing a performance of 'Parijat Haran' - one of Sankardeva's ankiya naats (one-act plays) - in French last year, the city is gearing up for a similar experience this December.

Gaurav Das Guwahati, Dec 11: Sankari and Vaishnavite culture experts recently asked the state government to look for the other pieces of the elusive Vrindavani Vastra at international museums besides the one at the British Museum before embarking on a mission to bring the piece for an interim display in Assam.

vastra in the possession of the British Museum.

Pieces of the vastra are preserved at the Victoria/ Albert Museum in London, the Chepstow Museum in Wales, the Newark Museum in New Jersey, the Musee GuimetEtude et la documentation des textiles d' Asie (AEDTA) in Paris and other noted international cultural institutes.

Experts told TOI that the state government should, instead, adopt a researchoriented approach and not just concentrate on the

For decades, there has been a dispute over the origins of the vastra.

Vice chairman of the Srimanta Sankaradeva

Kalakshetra and Padmashree awardee Surjya Hazarikasaid the display board at the British Museum says the vastra is from the 17th century CE. Experts say the original vastra was woven by Sankaradeva under the tutelage of a Koch king.

"Sankaradeva lived between 1449 and 1568 CE. There is no way that the piece at the British Museum was woven under the watchful eyes of Sankaradeva," said Hazarika.

A group comprising Danish, Spanish and Mexican theatre artists is likely to visit the city at the end of this year to put up a performance of 'Ram Bijoy'.

On Saturday, a source from the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra told TOI that talks were on to determine the performance schedule.

An English translation of 'Ram Bijoy' by Sankari exponent and translator Dayananda Pathak had been dispatched to the team which would translate it into one of the three languages, the source said.

"This is great news for Sankari culture. The world will get to know Sankardeva's legacy," said the source.

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REST OF

NORTHEAST P5 Tribals need not worry Indo-Bangla border haats about demonetisation: BJP in Tripura a boon for locals

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Agartala, Dec 11 : Two border ‘haats’ in Tripura along the Indo-Bangla border are benefiting local people through the business transactions besides becoming a meeting place for relatives who stay across the border, a state minister said here on Saturday.

“Two border haats (markets) at Kamalasagar in Sipahijala district and Srinagar in South Tripura district are now popular among local residents,” State Industries and Commerce minister Tapan Chakraborty told reporters.

“The markets are selling local products also to the people of neighbouring Bangladesh. Locals are now demanding expansion of the markets,” the minister said.

Indo-Bangla border

Locals demanded that the markets open twice a week instead of once a week now, besides seeking more items listed for selling, Chakraborty added.

The decision of opening

markets and increasing listed items are prerogatives of the central government, he said.

He added that the state government would soon send a proposal regarding this to the Ministry of

All’s not well between NPP, BJP in GH Shillong, Dec 11 :The NPP-led Executive Committee of the GHADC is on a shaky ground with the coalition partner BJP aspiring for a larger share in the Executive Committee.

With some MDCs of GHADC joining the BJP, its strength has risen to five in the 29-member House. Sources said on Saturday that there is a rift between the BJP and the NPP over the demand of the saffron party to induct more members in EC. According to sources, the Tura district BJP president and former ANVC (B) Chairman, Bernard Marak had written a letter to GHADC CEM Denang Sangma to reshuffle the EC within December 13 or else the BJP will

withdraw its support from the NPP-led Council.

Sources added that the decision was taken in the office chamber of Bhupendra Hajong, the lone BJP Executive Member in the GHADC headed by Denang Sangma.

The meeting was also attended by other BJP MDCs and some selected members of the party including Bernard Marak.

Sources added that the matter was verbally conveyed to BJP’s state president Shibun Lyngdoh and he had given consent to the decision.

Besides Hajong, two independents, Kurosh Marak and Sofiur Rahman, NCP member Rightious Sangma and

Now Baichung aide surrenders Tura, Dec 11: Another senior GNLA militant, who earlier operated under former commander Baichung Momin in the Chokpot region, has followed in his leader’s footsteps and surrendered here late on Friday night.

Lingdho N. Sangma (25), senior cadre of the GNLA’s sixth batch of recruits who passed out of arms training in 2014, was assigned as a personal security officer of GNLA chief Sohan D. Shira for three months.

He is from Mandalgre village, close to the Durama Hills that had been a bastion of the GNLA for many years.

Lingdho was later dispatched with an AK rifle to join the southern command of Baichung Momin at Chokpot but following the mass desertion led by commander Hedeo Momin alias Cello-pa, Lingdho was recalled to the general camp and his weapon taken back.

Those affected observed that the Prime Minister, the Union Finance Minister and most of the government and semi-government agencies are

By-poll campaigning ends today Shillong, Dec 11 :The campaigning for byelection to the KHADC and the JHADC will end on Sunday.According to a District Council official, the campaign should end 48 hours before the polling closes.

The Council elections will be held on December 13 and candidates have already stepped up canvassing to reach out to the electorate.

As the news of Baichung’s surrender reached him, Lingdho contacted West Garo Hills police expressing his willingness to come forward and surrender.

He came to Rongram late on Friday night and was brought to Tura where he officially Shillong, Dec 11 : gave himself up.

Meghalaya’s information

crore were sold to Bangladeshis and Bangladeshi goods worth Rs 4.4 lakh were sold to the Indians in the six months beginning April 1, said Shyamal Dev, General Manager of Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC).

Indian goods worth Rs 3.265 crore were sold to Bangladeshis while the latter sold goods worth Rs 1.8 crore in the Srinagar haat during the same period, he said.

Business in a haat takes place among the people living within 5-km radius of the border who sell and buy locally produced goods and crops.

No local taxes are imposed on the items sold in the haats and currencies of both the countries prevail. (PTI)

State BJP to celebrate Good Governance Day on Dec 23 Shillong, Dec 11 :The State BJP will celebrate Good Governance Day on December 23 instead of December 25 in Meghalaya.

Informing this here on Saturday, BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said the party high command has approved the request of the state unit of the BJP to change the date to Decem-

ber 23. “We respect all religious feelings,” Agarwal said. Replying to a query on the opposition by Church leaders to the National Education Policy reportedly including Sanskrit in school curriculum, he said Sanskrit would be an optional subject and not binding on the pupils. He also said the policy has been put into public domain for suggestions.

Tripura Governor terms 'Muslim Women' biggest victim of human right violation

Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy Agencies, Agartala, Dec 11: Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy triggered controversy while addressing a gathering here yesterday on the celebration of World Human Rights Day.He appealed to raise their voices against the human right violation of Muslim women, as they are the worst affected in the country.

Roy criticised Muslim's law of Talak and described this to be a highest deprivation to the human right. He thanked the Allahabad High Court for banning Triple Talak and said everywhere

such initiatives need to be taken. He praised the functioning of Tripura Human Right commission (THRC) and asserted that different active commissions in Tripura have now become a instances for other states of the country.

Since 1993, the country has formed the human rights law and now its active in the country, said Governor Roy adding that He also appealed to the police authorities to become more cautious to maintain the human rights.UNI BB RN1533.

BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal (C) addresses a press conference in the city on Saturday. (ST) Shillong, Dec 11 : The BJP on Saturday played the tribal card by saying the demonetisation move should not be a cause for concern for the indigenous population as it is exempted from paying income tax.

However, tribals will be subjected to investigation in case an unaccounted source of money is reported as the NDA government is determined to check black money, said BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal here on Saturday.

Agarwal said

demonetisation would not only tame corruption and black money but will put a leash on inflation and ensure tax compliance.

“With demonetisation, there will be low-cost deposit in banks and it will help in lowering interest rates. It will also help in larger tax compliance by people,” said Agarwal.

Reacting to a query that a large population of the country is still not acquainted with cashless system that may lead to manipulations, he said

the Centre would not force cashless system and that necessary awareness is being created in this regard.

“But those who delink themselves from cash transactions would be encouraged,” he added.

Slamming the previous UPA government for creating havoc in the country by indulging in large scams worth crores, he also alleged that there is large-scale corruption in the State’s mining system under the Congress government.

Shillong woman held in Delhi twin-murder case Shillong, Dec 11 :Two persons, one of whom is a resident of Shillong, were arrested in connection with the twin murders in South Delhi’s Munirka.

Mini Sangma, a resident of Shillong and a spa worker, was arrested on Saturday morning from a guest house in the Capital, Delhi police said. The woman also led police, who are looking for two more accused in the case, to the murder weapons, a khukhri and a chopper.

The police claimed to have cracked the cases of the brutal murder of two women roommates in Munirka and rejected the reports that a ‘serial killer’ was on the prowl. Of the four accused, one is the husband of one of the victims and is still absconding.

The bodies of the two women were found in Vasant Vihar and Munirka areas of Delhi on November 18 and 25, respectively.

One of the bodies, wrapped in a polythene sheet, was found outside a temple in Vasant Vihar on November 18 while a headless body was found in a sewer in Munirka village on November 25.

Besides these two bodies, some more bodies were found with similar injury marks during the same

time that hinted towards the possibility of a serial killer. However, R.P Upadhyay, Joint Commissioner of Police (Southeast), rejected the serial killer theory. On November 26, the headless body was identified as that of Sushma Rai, a resident of Assam, by her former boyfriend.

The victims were in touch with a group of persons, identified as Jeevan, Govind and Arjun, who provided logistical and financial support to the duo. Jeevan, who was arrested on Friday, told police that Mini was in a livein relationship with Arjun and taking care of his kids, from an earlier marriage.

However, Arjun, who used to look after Rai’s savings, knew the victim had a liking for him. “A day after Karwa Chauth, he clandestinely married Rai at Kalkaji Mandir and convinced her that from now on, their assets and liabilities were common and she shouldn’t be asking for her dues which came to around Rs 2.5-3 lakh,” the officer said.

Later Rai sent wedding pictures to Mini on WhatsApp to make her jealous and that enraged Mini to the extent that she hatched a plan to get Rai

killed. Mini instigated the trio and also put a condition before Arjun asking him to choose between her and Rai. A plan was hatched in East Delhi and Arjun murdered Rai on the intervening night of November 16 and 17, beheaded her and dumped one of the parts in a sewer.

They also decided to eliminate the other woman Nayesha, who hailed from Nepal, since she knew about Arjun and Rai’s marriage and had also been asking the latter to have a court marriage. Both the women were freelance beauticians.

“The trio thought that she might spill the beans. After the murders, it was decided that Arjun and Govind would leave for Nepal while Jeevan would stay back to monitor the situation.

“The trio had plans to shift to a southern city. Since Mini was not present at the spot of the murders, she also stayed back in Delhi and had plans to go to the southern city in a few days’ time,” said Upadhyay.

Police are trying to arrest Arjun and Govind, who are suspected to be in Nepal and also recover the missing head, the officer added. (PTI)

Ampareen promotes state information policy

MPDCL’s ‘antidigital move’ irks consumers Shillong, Dec 11 : At a time when the Centre is taking steps to encourage digital transactions by giving various sops to those using the mode to make payments, Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (MPDCL) is charging extra for online payments.

Congress member Ismail Marak had joined the BJP recently raising the party tally to five.

According to sources, the BJP is also trying to get more MDCs from the Congress to topple the NPP-led EC in GHADC. Interestingly, NPP is part of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre and is also in the newly constituted North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) spearheaded by BJP. Political observers say that if the BJP is successful in toppling the NPP-led Council, then a pre-poll alliance between the two may not materialise in the 2018 Assembly polls.

If there is no pre-poll alliance by likeminded parties the situation will prove advantageous to the Congress, sources said.

Commerce.

Both the border haats were inaugurated last year and the central government spent slightly less than Rs five crore to set them up, besides giving the nod to set up two more such markets at Kamalpur in Dhalai and at Raghna in Dharmanagar but that did not materialise since no money was sanctioned.

The Tripura minister said border haats have also become a meeting place for relatives who stay across the border.

“Due to visa problems people could not meet their relatives earlier but the haats have become a common meeting place for them (as no visa is required to visit the haats),” Chakraborty said.

In Kamalasagar haat, Indian goods worth Rs 2.78

trying their best to motivate customers to use digital channels for all payments.

Moreover, the Centre has instructed all agencies to waive all usage charges like Merchant Discount Rate, convenience fee etc., on use of net banking. However, MPDCL’s move to charge additional amount for all digital payments has irked many who feel that the Centre should intervene in the matter.

and communications policy has evolved over the years to become effective and people-friendly that is suited to the changing times, said Minister for Information and Public Relations Ampareen Lyngdoh on Saturday.

“While formulating this policy and reviewing it over a period of time, the State has taken care of its demographic, cultural and geographical profile,” Lyngdoh said at the conference of state ministers organised by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in New Delhi on Saturday.

Inaugurating the conference, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu said the broad objective should be to enhance access to information and communications infrastructure and new technologies, especially in rural

areas. “The policy should promote national dialogue on developmental issues by all citizens and facilitate informed participation of people in setting development agenda and its execution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lyngdoh added that “the Meghalaya Government continuously endeavours to improve its service by putting in place necessary infrastructure to ensure that people from every nook and corner of the State have access to timely information. By doing so, the government is giving a huge fillip to the growth and development of the State”.

“The Hill State has its own advertisement policy and as far as Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the State Government has notified the constitution of the State Monitoring Committees,” Lyngdoh said and added that over the years, Meghalaya’s pan-

Image for representational purpose oramic landscape has been attracting filmmakers, both from within the country and abroad. She added that the government’s measures to promote Meghalaya as a coveted destination for filmmakers are on the lines of the NFDC’s endeavour to project filmmaking in India.

A film policy is also on the anvil.

“The Government of Meghalaya has been in communication with the Film facilitation Office (FFO), East and North Eastern region Kolkata, on issues pertaining to guidelines for shooting of films in the State,” she added.

The Department of Information and Public Relations, in collaboration with the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Informa-

tion and Broadcasting has been organising the Indian Panorama Festival in Shillong for the last four years.

Poor community radio stations in Williamnagar, Nongstoin The minister, meanwhile, said at present coverage of the community radio station in Williamnagar is very poor. “Therefore, for wider coverage, there is a need to upgrade the community radio station in Williamnagar and even Nongstoin to local radio stations so that they can serve the community more effectively,” she said.

90% subsidy for starting community radio stations in NE Meanwhile, aiming to give a boost to the community radio sector, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced that 90 per cent subsidy will be provided for starting such stations in

the northeastern states and 75 per cent in other states.

The community Radio Station is an extraordinary medium which disseminates information in localised content.

In his concluding remarks, Naidu also announced that a new dedicated Doordarshan channel for the northeastern states will come up in the first half of January. This channel will show the richness, variety and diversity of the local culture and seamlessly integrate these states with the rest of the country, he said.

Speaking about the Most Film Friendly State Award incorporated last year in the National Film Awards, Naidu said that states should focus on this new initiative as it would not only enhance revenue but also boost tourism. He also announced a cash component of Rs. 1 crore for the Most Film Friendly State Award.

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Today's quote

“

The weak can never forgive.

Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

– Mahatma Gandhi

Govt, RBI fail to arrest note ban fallout The fact that the Reserve Bank of India has defied the all-round expectation of at least 25 basis points cut in the policy interest rate in the face of ample liquidity in the banking system is not as much of a dampener as its indifference to the pain and cost being imposed on the people and the economy because of the ill-conceived and the most unscientific way of unearthing black money through demonetisation of 86% of the currency in circulation. Just because people have been forced to return cash into the low cost current accounts and saving accounts (CASA), leading to a huge pile of deposits in the banks, does not mean the RBI can go around slashing interest rates even though its own estimates of lower Gross Domestic Product or Gross Value Addition, as it is now called, might have justified a rate cut. But then, as was pointed out in the latest credit policy statement, several key factors which could lead to inflation rising again, weighed on the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to apply brakes on lowering the lending rates. The principal factors, as enumerated in the policy document, relate to risks emanating from the US interest rates trajectory and base advantage on inflation disappearing in the next few months.

The RBI document has conceded that “upturn” in the prices of several items has been “masked by the easing of inflation on base effects.” In any case, prices of wheat, gram and sugar have been firming up, something the government can ill-afford ahead of Assembly elections in important states, including the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. Insofar as a cautious stance on the rate cut is concerned, the RBI cannot be faulted; after all, it is a question of assessment and it is better for a central bank to be conservative despite conflicting pressures, even at times from the government.

But one had wished the same sort of conservative approach and steadfastness was shown by RBI Governor Urjit Patel, who seems to have toed the line for scrapping the notes of high value from November 9. Both the RBI governor and the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley cannot just get away by saying the disruption to the economy and pain to people was factored in before announcement of demonetisation. Even if they had factored in the disruptions, the government and the RBI have gone terribly wrong in assessing the gravity of the situation which is evident in the lives of ordinary citizens. Central banks are not meant to be cheer leaders of the government in all cases; they must be watchdogs instead!

SCRAP THIS TRIPLE TALAQ The Allahabad High Court's ‘observations’ on triple talaq, terming the practice as “unfair”, must bring cheer to women activists and petitioners, who have for long been battling for equality and gender justice. Hopefully, the Supreme Court, which has a number of petitions before it, challenging the validity of practices related to triple talaq, nikah, halala and polygamy, will show the same progressiveness. Coming down heavily on the practice, the Allahabad High Court held that this form of “instant divorce” is “most demeaning”, and it “impedes and drags India from becoming a nation”.

Refusing to comment on the legality of the practice, the court upheld constitutional supremacy and said that no personal law board was above the Constitution. In fact, the Union Government, which had maintained silence over this issue, made it clear in an affidavit submitted to the apex court in October this year, that the validity of these practices required “reconsideration” by the top court “in light of the principle of gender justice and overriding principle of non-discrimination, dignity and equality” as well as “evolution of women”.

Triple talaq, as practised in the country, is unilateral and one-sided. It gives men the power to dissolve a marriage. Women, on the other hand, are not even given a chance to respond or object to the husband's pronouncement, and are often left vulnerable after suddenly being abandoned and shunned by the family.

What is even more surprising is the ways and means adopted by Muslim men to seek ‘instant divorce'. The mere pronouncement of the word talaq, either by word or in writing, through placard or SMS, is enough to get divorce. Many women have also filed petitions, alleging divorce through social media and email. Clearly, tripletalaq has taken ridiculous forms.

There was a need for the courts to intervene when the custodians from the Muslim community, particularly the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, failed to safeguard women’s interest and address the issues faced by the latter. Contrarily, the clerics took the onus onto themselves, citing absurd reasons, to decide their fate, often leaving them helpless. Women have continued to suffer bias — they have been denied constitutional rights and protection, and remained at the mercy of patriarchal set-up, controlled by Muslim clerics.

Thankfully, they are increasingly getting aware of their rights and have started fighting for their cause by taking the matter to the courts. Many petitions are lined up with the apex court. That such a practice, which is banned in more than 20 Muslim countries, including neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh, still exists in a secular, democratic country like India, is disgraceful.

This must all the more propel the courts to take a decision sooner than later. The Allahabad High Court's observation is, of course, a progressive stand, but not a ruling — which means there’s no legality associated to it. Still, it will strengthen women’s resolve to claim their fundamental right to equality. The court, while using strong words, has made it clear that it will no longer tolerate the whims of Muslim clerics. Each such pronouncement will come as a victory for all pro-rights petitioners and boost their resolve. Ultimately, it is the Supreme Court which has to take a final call.

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Individualist Gandhi versus statist Nehru his Western education exposed him to—greater role of the state in production and planning. Gandhi had different spiritual masters in his dharma, and responsibility and ahimsa were its driving forces. There could have been no meeting point.

Laveesh Bhandari Indian economic liberals may find both M.K. Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru wanting vis-à-vis the ideology of economic liberalism. But their story highlights a rich dialogue of ethics and dharma, responsibilities and rights, and the roles of individual, community and the state. There is a deep layer of disagreement between the two which reflects a clash of two civilizations— an Indian ethic reflected in Gandhi’s thought versus a Western one that India’s first prime minister had embraced.

Socialism was a global fashion in the first half of the 20th century and was even stronger in the British Commonwealth than in other parts of the world.

Much of India’s leadership was already sold on to some variant by the 1930s, more so its intellectual leaders, be they Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Abul Kalam Azad or even Subhas Chandra Bose.

This large-scale embrace by the Congress leadership was not a post-independence phenomenon when Nehru had unbridled leadership. And so India must stop blaming him for the socio-economic losses sustained due to state control of the economy for much of post-independence years. We must stop blaming Nehru because they would have occurred

anyway, with or without him.

Newly independent India needed to be delivered from its tattered past marked by colonial and feudalistic exploitation and humiliation.

In Nehru’s modernity, India saw an ability to negotiate confidently with both, the regressive forces internally and oppressive forces externally. Whether it was reservations, large industry, planning or the Non Aligned Movement, both modernity and state intervention went hand-in hand.

So a socialist state is not Nehru’s gift to India, but what is, is the notion that socialism and the state are unsurpassed tools of making a tired, exploited and humiliated people into a modern, self-confident, progressive nation. That notion has unfortunately not gone away whatever economic policies governments of today may profess.

Gandhi was without doubt a resolute figure less taken in by the intellectual fashions of the day. His instincts derived his own sense of the self and an inherent dislike of use of force by the state. It was not socialism that Gandhi disliked, but the use of force by the state that socialism demanded. Others such as Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari and Rajendra Prasad were also

less taken in by socialist ideals prevalent then, being more steeped in realities of India than untested intellectualism. But they did not have the wrapping of modernity nor the ability to counter Nehru.

With Gandhi’s death, India lost its strongest voice for intellectual autonomy and a deep faith in individualism. But his sense of individualism was not the same as understood in Western traditions of economic thought. For him, individual ethics and morality were a key precondition. In Gandhi’s missives to Nehru, and the latter’s silent response, we can decipher a deep silent dialogue between the two.

The core of this silent de-

bate has to do with the importance of personal morality and the creation of a social milieu that supports such behaviour. Today, it may be considered to be an impossible objective but Gandhi’s vision was predominantly that. All other elements—swadeshi, swaraj, Khadi, panchayati raj, enlightened anarchy, etc.—were rooted in this element. A key element of his thought rested around swadharma or individual responsibility.

While Gandhi was dreaming of a utopia where the individual was so responsible that there was little need for a strong state, Nehru was imagining another where the state would create a fair and prosperous world for all. While Gandhi

wrote about self-realized individual responsibility when he held forth on redistribution through trusteeship, Nehru created a mechanism forcing the individuals and businesses to conform to a state determined planning process.

While we can attempt to categorize the two as either left or right of centre, this could not have been an important issue to either. For Nehru, India needed to be rebuilt as fast as possible, only then could the least privileged expect to be free.

Development or vikaas would have been far more important to make India free. For Gandhi, freedom came from within and therefore his inherent distrust of the state action.

Nehru used whatever tools

Is either of the two leaders relevant to 21st century India? I would argue in the affirmative. Gandhi was an independent thinker trying to evolve a radically different political economic logic, but one that was rooted in the society and economy of the country.

Nehru was a persuasive leader who stood for modernity unlike any other during his time. Each was partially successful.

Gandhi had chosen an end that seemed impossibly far away. And Nehru was more effective in creating the tools of change than change itself. And both failed in what they set out to do. Finally, where might India look for inspiration?

Not in the past, nor outside India, but perhaps within.

Published as part of a series on the book Liberalism In India: Past, Present And Future published recently by Centre for Civil Society. The book is a collection of essays written in honour of the late S.V. Raju.

Laveesh Bhandari is an economist and heads Indicus Foundation.

India and Bangladesh need to bring the Teesta out of muddled waters Joyeeta Bhattacharjee The uncertainty surrounding the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given rise to much speculation and conjecture. One of the main reasons, it appears, is that India and Bangladesh have failed to arrive at an agreement over sharing of waters of the river Teesta.

Even in 2011, during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh, the two nations were set to sign a water-sharing pact, but at that time West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee objected to the formula agreed upon. In the draft, the two sides had agreed on a 50-50 water sharing ratio during lean season. To Mamata Banerjee, this was against the interests of her state.

Since the Teesta originates in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, the consent of the state government is essential. Even the Constitution places water under the state list. When negotiations couldn’t break the

impasse, the issue remained pending.

In spite of the steady growth in India-Bangladesh ties in the past few years, the non-resolution of Teesta waters has been a sore point. The trade and economic relationship is booming. India has given duty-free access to all products made in Bangladesh and provided $3 billion as economic aid to its neighbour for development of infrastructure.

During Sheikh Hasina’s visit, the two countries were expected to sign a raft of agreements on a wide range of issues including infrastructure-development, trade and investment and military cooperation. All these positives couldn’t move forward as the nonresolution of the Teesta issue continues to attract attention in the popular discourse and is a cause for much heart-burn in Bangladesh.

Water is an emotive issue in Bangladesh as the people’s lives revolves

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. During Hasina’s visit, the non-resolution of the Teesta issue could continue to attract attention in the popular discourse.

around rivers. The Teesta is a major source of sustenance for India and Bangladesh as agriculture has evolved in the catchment areas of the river in both the countries. To support agriculture, the two nations have constructed barrages: In India at Gozaldoba and in Bangladesh at Dalia.

Bangladesh has been

complaining that it doesn’t get enough water during lean season as the barrage upstream in Gozaldoba draws water unilaterally leaving very little for Bangladesh. Besides, riparian concerns (relating to the natural course of a river) have also made Bangladesh pitch for a viable agreement, since dams are being constructed upstream in Sikkim.

They fear that this might alter the Teesta’s flow further.

In the context of IndiaBangaldesh ties, the issue becomes even more sensitive. There are many historical reasons for this. To begin with, Bangladesh perceives India to be harbouring a Big Brother syndrome. Secondly, its experience with the Farraka barrage (which allegedly

caused water shortage downstream, a charge India denies) further deepens Bangladesh’s apprehensions. Finally, its relationship with India has been fodder for much political chest-beating in that country.

The Opposition accuses Sheikh Hasina of being proIndia and often overlooking the interests of Bangladesh. The non-signing of the Teesta is considered her failure. In Bangladesh, every bilateral visit with India is measured on a strict barometer of gains and losses, and the signing of the Teesta pact has itself become a benchmark. Besides, Hasina has been facing criticism for the growing radicalisation in the country. With the elections likely to be held in 2019, the resolution of the Teesta issue is crucial for her to thwart further criticism.

One hopes the two countries recognise each other’s limitations and work for a win-win solution.

Joyeeta Bhattacharjee is fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. The views expressed are personal

Jayalalithaa was an icon for a feminised culture variety of photographs, she was always smiling enigmatically, managing to radiate charisma. Physically she embodied what must be a virtue for a politician: her beauty never announcing itself, but working unconsciously. Clearly there was a shrewd capacity to reinvent.

Nilofer Kaul Not for the first time, Tamil Nadu has had a meltdown. This state is no stranger to explosive emotional responses.

Whether it is the death of a beloved politician or a milestone in the life of a movie star, we have witnessed the most extreme responses when a wellloved public figure dies. Indeed this is quite unique to the state.

While Jayalalithaa was on her death-bed, people gathered together and frenziedly prayed for her. What accounts for such mass frenzy? Was Amma really so caring and loving? Or is this a state that is still unashamed about its emotionality? While women predominated, it is not exclusive to women. This open display of

J Jayalalithaa was always smiling enigmatically, managing to radiate charisma (PTI) abundant and excessive emotion is culturally linked with the feminine and has been frowned upon in masculinist cultures, yet Tamil Nadu seems to have escaped from this cultural dominance of suppressed emotions.

Jayalalithaa is not the first

one to elicit this robust response - MGR posthumously and Rajinikanth to mention just two - have evoked similar hysteria. There was undoubtedly a certain something about her that allowed her to become a powerful symbol in the collective mind of the state. While media does not reveal a great

After a successful stint as a movie star, her mentor MG Ramachandran (MGR) made her appropriately enough, minister for propaganda. Obviously she learnt the ropes with dexterity. Looking back, there was a complete inaccessibility of her personal life. Despite all the gossip about and the rivalry with MGR’s wife, after his death, she quietly took control.

In a conservative state, she won against MGR’s wife. For all

who were watching, here was a woman who is in-charge of her emotions and her life. She was never reviled for the apparently unconventional personal choices.

In fact, a little like Queen Elizabeth, she went about ruthlessly fortifying her stranglehold: Never letting slip an unplanned word. She could be aloof and high-handed and unreliable, and for all that, she was trounced. But she fought her way back. This time round she cultivated compassion. This was a larger-than-life mother, one who provided food and basic care to her children. And this is where she got it right.

She seemed to get the unconscious fantasy of millions of Tamils: to have a mother who would provide selflessly for her

children. The fact that Jayalalithaa had no family of her own, helped fuel this fantasy.

Her voters were mostly women. If we add this up, we see a feminised culture. It might even be possible to argue that while mainstream politics leaves little room for this fantasy of someone who cares selflessly, it is something most of us keep hungering for, even as we repudiate this by professing cynicism. It seems that cynicism has not eroded this fantasy in Tamil Nadu where it is still possible to dream of a munificent mother who is laid to rest next to father.

Nilofer Kaul is a Delhi based psychoanalyst. The views are personal.

OP-ED

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

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The reason rich people keep on working When Keith, a Silicon Val- denly rich would be the ultiley entrepreneur, worked at a mate ticket to freedom. Withtechnology company that went out money worries, the world public, he became rich over- would be your oyster. Perhaps night. He was sure he’d never you’d champion a worthy need to work again. cause, or indulge a sporting His pay-out from the initial passion, but work? Surely not. public offering was well into However, remaining gainfully the “tens of millions” of dol- employed after sudden wealth lars, he says, a life-changing is more common than you’d amount. It gave him the type think. After all, there are nuof financial security that most merous high-profile billionaires of us can only who haven’t dream of. called it quits Alina Dizik (BBC) He stayed despite poson at first, but sessing the soon stopped working. He luxury to retire, including some spent a year travelling and of the world’s top chief execuspending money on “frivolous tives, such as Amazon’s Jeff things” but found it difficult to Bezos and Facebook’s Mark enjoy his life, he says.

Zuckerberg.

Like most people, Keith (who asked that his last name Money and job satisfacand identifying details not be tion used due to the personal naBut it turns out, the sudture of his story) had long be- denly rich who aren’t running lieved he worked simply to companies are also loathe to make money. He was wrong. quit, even though they have And so even with savings that plenty of money. That could would last a lifetime, Keith be, in part, because the link started another job search. between salary and job satis“I just felt unhappy at the faction is very weak. lack of structure and not knowAccording to a meta-analying what my purpose in life sis by University of Florida was. My skills were deterio- business school professor rating and I was finding it diffi- Timothy Judge and other recult to interact with other searchers, there’s less than a 2% people intellectually,” says overlap between the two facKeith, now in his mid-thirties. tors. In the long run, we derive “There’s a higher reason why job satisfaction from nonwe all go to work.” monetary sources, which inNow, he's back at work — clude positive peer relationand significantly happier than ships, the ability to work on he was not working. meaningful projects and even You’d think striking it sud- leadership opportunities.

Money is a much smaller driver of happiness at work than we think. (Credit: Alamy)

But, most of us take our jobs and the nonmaterial things they bring us for granted. We don’t realise that, though, until we’re faced with a situation of extreme wealth, says Jamie Traeger-Muney, an Israelbased therapist and founder of the Wealth Legacy Group who works with clients all over the world.

About 98% of her patients

continue working in some way after they are financially secure, she adds. For some, it’s about a sense of purpose; for others it’s a way to keep a muchneeded routine.

“Money is a much smaller driver of happiness and fulfilment from work than we anticipate,” she says. “There’s a difference between what they fantasise about and what actu-

ally feels meaningful, motivating and fulfilling.”

When social status disappears There’s another, more egotistical reason why some of us can’t stand not being in the game: status.

Imagine the embarrassment of being so highly-accomplished, so associated with

your work successes and then, as time passes, you can’t answer the question of “What do you do?” so easily, says Brooke Harrington professor at the Copenhagen Business School.

Going back to work — or never quitting — helps maintain an identity that’s derived from our professional achievements, especially if that iden-

tity has long been tied to our work, says Harrington.

“We lose status when we’re not employed in a job that can help others place us in the social hierarchy, and help us place ourselves [in the hierarchy],” she says. In short, it’s hard to know where you fit in when you’re not at least on the ladder.

As a serial entrepreneur, Karen Gordon, the founder of an employee engagement firm that she launched more than a decade after starting a telecommunications firm, decided that starting something new — and staying at work — was more important than spending her profits over the years.

“People enjoy accomplishment and enjoy [being] able to be competitive — and to win,” says Gordon, who is based in Austin, Texas in the US. She also craved the daily challenges that come with working as team, she adds.

A sense of loss Then there are the surprising negative emotions that sudden wealth can yield. Quit your job and you might find yourself depressed within a few months.

In those cases, that increase in leisure time didn’t bring happiness or contentment and you’ll need to quickly reassess your goals, says Dr TraegerMuney. Those who are very young when they reached financial independence are espe-

cially prone to the downsides of quitting, she adds.

If you happen to get rich quickly, she suggests taking a year to come up with a new set of social and work-related goals that can bring out the same type of drive that made you a success in the first place.

“There’s a sense of loss that they didn’t anticipate,” she says. “You have to have a really strong ‘Third Act’,” she adds.

For Keith, continuing to work provides structure and meaning in his life. Staying on a career path can make you accountable in a way that volunteering, travelling or simply spending time with friends cannot, he says.

Of course, he has been tempted to quit a job when big challenges come up — after all, he’s got the money to walk away — and he feels he is less eager for a promotion than colleagues. But, Keith says he’s learning to treat his work in a way that’s more fulfilling. He now recognises that the little details of work he used to find annoying can be useful.

“When you have a real job there’s meetings and there’s presentations and there’s deadlines and there’s performance reviews and water cooler talk,” he says. “It pushes you to do a lot of the challenging tasks that you don’t want to do, but are necessary for you to actually achieve.”

'Democracy was hijacked. It got a bad name': the death of the post-Soviet dream Shaun Walker ( The guardian) The road out of Kommunizm, a small town in southern Tajikistan, is badly paved and bumpy. Like most things here it was built long ago, when the ruling ideology that gave the settlement its name was still thriving.

Home to just 7,000 inhabitants, Kommunizm was at the very edge of the Russian empire, first tsarist then Soviet; a mere 50 miles from Kunduz in northern Afghanistan.

All around the former collective farm is the once splendid iconography of the Bolshevik order. Busts of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin look on to what used to be the main square, while a trio of heroically poised Soviet archetypes have been cast to one side in a car park.

On the stage at the Palace of Youth, a building with wide white columns and a grand central hall with gilded chandeliers, a portrait of Lenin has been replaced by the gently smiling visage of Emomali Rahmon, president of Tajikistan. But apart for the omnipresent Rahmon, there is not much new in Kommunizm. Things have merely decayed.

Like the rest of Tajikistan and the four other former Soviet “Stans” – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan – Kommunizm is marking 25 years of independence, thanks to the slow-motion collapse of the Soviet Union in the autumn of 1991.

But for all the overblown rhetoric and parades across the region, the celebrations had a bittersweet tinge.

While efforts at nation building in the newly independent countries have had some success, the collapse of the planned economy and its replacement with kleptocratic regimes has meant the standard of living for most people in the region has sharply declined over the past quarter of a century.

In Kommunizm’s Palace of Youth, the paint peels from the walls, and visitors have to zigzag to avoid falling through rotten sections of the flooring. It is hard to avoid the weight of the metaphor.

The “Stans” occupy a chunk of land that has always been at the crossroads of empires: China to the east, Russia to the north, Turkey to the west, Afghanistan and India to the south.

In the 19th century, London and St Petersburg jostled over the territory in what was known as the Great Game, with the Russian and British empires just a few miles apart at points in the Pamir mountains.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the “war on terror” saw many people speak of a “new great game”, as the US moved airbases into the region to sup-

port the Afghan war effort.

But even as global powers jostled over central Asia, the region remained little known and mainly ignored, except for satire of its dictatorships and apparent backwardness – Sacha Baron Cohen’s hapless Kazakh reporter Borat, or the recent British comedy The Ambassadors, following British diplomats in (fictional) Tazbekistan. Last year, a New York Times typo saw the accidental invention of a brand new state: Kyrzbekistan.

Local intellectuals bristle at these caricatures, and point out that the region is home to many great civilisations; the ornate 10th- and 11th-century manuscripts on display at Tajikistan’s national museum are a reminder of the sophisticated societies that previously flourished here.

But it is the legacy of the Soviet Union, the most recent empire to control the lands, which is most in evidence today, from the steppe of northern Kazakhstan to the cotton fields on Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan.

Across the region, once-dazzling mosaics depicting happy nomads embracing socialism and strapping athletes bringing glory to the joint motherland are surrounded by decaying infrastructure.

In Kommunizm, as across the region, the socialist art is less about any real Soviet past, and more about the memory of an imagined happy future, now gone forever.

Advertisement “We knew things were difficult then, but the party told us that tomorrow everything would be better. We knew there was a plan and in five years or 10 years it would all be better.

But now we don’t know what will happen tomorrow; we’ve lost that hope,” said Medetkhan Sherimkulov, who was the Kyrgyz Soviet republic’s head of ideology in the 1980s and now teaches political science at a Bishkek university.

As a bright young communist cadre, Sherimkulov earned a philosophy PhD at Moscow State University in the 1970s, specialising in transitional societies. He planned to put his knowledge to use in the continuing mission to Sovietise central Asia, but he ended up managing a shift in the opposite direction. As speaker of the first Kyrgyz parliament, it is his signature on Kyrgyzstan’s declaration of independence, ushering into existence a country he neither wanted nor expected.

“We lived for 70 years with the Soviet Union; you can’t expect us to transition to a democracy overnight. If you try to make the transition too quickly, chaos ensues,” said

Sherimkulov over tea and plov (pilaf) in a Bishkek teahouse.

“You are used to your own system, and then it changes overnight. Imagine if in England they turned it into a dictatorship overnight. You can’t transition that quickly. Democracy was hijacked by demagogues.

It was spoiled, and got a bad reputation.”

In the early 1990s, Communist party bosses in the region reincarnated themselves as national leaders, stepping into the ideological vacuum with new legends and heroes, often with scant attention to historical fact. In Astana and Ashgabat, the Kazakh and Turkmen leaderships built gaudy, fantastical cities from scratch, projections of the golden ages to which their nations were purportedly headed. Lenins were replaced by billboards of smiling presidents, just as omnipresent as the Soviet leaders once were, and equally hagiographic.

In Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, it is nearly impossible to find a point in the city from which a portrait of Rahmon is not in the sightline.

Here he cradles sheaves of wheat pensively, there he sips a cup of tea or wags a finger in a meeting. Most often, in the full-body shots that cover the facades of whole buildings, he strides purposefully, into a glorious Tajik future that is remarkably absent from any reality existing outside the world of the billboards.

The Turkmen president, G u r b a n g u l y Berdymukhammedov, went even further and had a gold statue of himself erected. He has been officially styled as Arkadag, “the protector”; Rahmon is the “founder of peace and national unity”, while Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Nazarbayev is merely Elbasy, “leader of the nation”. There is talk of renaming the capital, Astana, in his honour.

The laws anointing the men with these titles typically also provide them and their families with immunity from prosecution, and indeed, behind the personality cults and nationalism is something more basic and venal. In all five countries, family members and close associates of the rulers have enriched themselves. Central Asia is one of the world’s most corrupt regions, but foreign businessmen and politicians have had few qualms about coddling the region’s autocrats, keen to access resources and use airbases, as foreign adventurers on the silk route once courted emirs for trading rights.

Moral clarity has been in short supply. The then British ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray, was fired in 2004 after speaking out against human rights abuses in the country, perhaps the most repressive autocracy of them all.

A decade later, and Karimov was still being courted by

western politicians.

“Uzbekistan is an important partner in bringing peace, prosperity to central Asia. Good discussion w/ President Karimov,” secretary of state John Kerry wrote on Twitter in 2015 about a man who was accused of boiling his opponents alive. Kerry accompanied the tweet with a photograph of the two men shaking hands and smiling.

Karimov, who was the first secretary of the Uzbek Soviet republic and then Uzbekistan’s first president, died a few days short of his country’s 25th birthday. He left a legacy of poverty, forced labour and strict censorship. His death, rather than ushering in a period of openness, has merely seen one of his associates take over the reins.

Of the five countries, only in Kyrgyzstan has there been an enforced change of leadership; revolutions twice rising up to wash away corrupt rulers, one of whom fled to Moscow and another, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, to Belarus. His son Maxim made a dash to London in his private jet, with what Kyrgyz authorities allege is hundreds of millions of dollars of pilfered public money.

“I pleaded with the Americans to go after him. Putting him in an orange suit would be the best thing imaginable to happen to US-Kyrgyz relations,” said Edil Baisalov, briefly chief of staff to the interim president after the Bakiyev family was deposed in a 2010 revolution. Instead, the Americans dropped the case against him, and Bakiyev Jr is rumoured to be living comfortably in Surrey.

Kyrgyzstan’s current president, Almazbek Atambayev, has gained a reputation as an impulsive and erratic leader, and International Crisis Group’s Deirdre Tynan described the country’s politics as “perpetual low-grade chaos”. The revolution that deposed the Bakiyev clan was followed by terrible ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan, where there is a large ethnic Uzbek population. More than 400 people were killed.

The country’s violent recent past has led many to wonder whether a stable autocracy might be better than a relatively liberal state with revolutionary energy and freedom of speech.

But while applying western standards of democracy to central Asia may be naive, there is no doubt that the dictatorships have not, on the whole, brought Singapore-style prosperity. For the vast majority of citizens in the five countries, everyday life is hard work, and most are significantly worse off than during the Soviet period.

The societies are still recovering from what they lost in the Soviet collapse.

“In any central Asian country, if there was a referendum on some kind of integration

project that would basically be a new Soviet Union, at least two-thirds of people would vote for it,” said Parviz Mullojanov, a political analyst in Dushanbe.

In the 1970s, the city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan was around 50% Russian. Arsen Ambaryan, an ethnic Armenian lawyer who has lived in Osh most of his life, recalled that of the 30 children in his 1977 high-school class, about 20 were Russians. Only one of them still lives in Osh. The rest all left during the early post-Soviet period. The Russians tended to be professionals: doctors, teachers, engineers, and their departure took a huge toll on the societies they left behind. Many professional Uzbeks, Kyrgyz and Tajiks also left for Russia, taking advantage of easy citizenship programmes in the 1990s. They left behind societies with poor healthcare and broken education systems.

Grandparents tend to be better educated than their grandchildren across much of the region.

As well as lost intellectual capital, much of the industrial infrastructure also fell into decay in the years after the Soviet collapse, as it did elsewhere in the former Soviet lands, from Siberia to east Ukraine, leaving social devastation in its wake.

“Our factories were well developed and were high class by [Soviet] Union standards, but of course they couldn’t compete with European and Chinese factories. So as soon as the union collapsed, and we lost that integration and that planned economy market, everything was in trouble,” said Sherimkulov, the former party boss.

With jobs in central Asia in short supply, young men have had to migrate, usually to Russia, to do unskilled labour to send money home to sustain their families. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have natural resources that swell the state coffers, but in the other three countries, remittances from migrant workers are what keeps the economies afloat. In Tajikistan, they account for around half of GDP. In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, it is hard to find a man in his 20s or 30s who has not been to Russia to work.

Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, is plastered with advertisements for buses making the gruelling three-day journey across the steppe to the Russian capital. Across the region, thousands of men depart each day to Moscow and other cities across Russia, where they work in grim conditions with few labour rights, for poor salaries that are nevertheless much better than they could expect at home.

National borders wind their way through communities, frequently with no apparent logic.

They are another difficult legacy from the Soviet period, designed to mark not international boundaries but internal administrative jurisdictions.

In a situation where the new nations are creating new nationalisms, minority populations excluded from national mythmaking enhance the potential for unrest. In northern Kazakhstan, large communities of ethnic Russians make Kazakh authorities nervous about a potential “Crimea scenario”.

Further south, in the densely populated Fergana Valley, the wavy, overlapping borders of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are hangovers from the Soviet borders, and often appear as if drawn at random by a drunkard holding a pencil.

Particularly tricky is the presence of several exclaves – towns belonging to one country placed well inside the borders of another. The town of Sokh, for example, is part of Uzbekistan, but fully surrounded by Kyrgyzstan, and its 20,000 population are almost entirely ethnic Tajiks.

Shepherds are frequently shot by border guards, while people trying to go to the next village for shopping or visiting relatives are subject to border checks and corrupt officials trying to extort bribes to allow them to cross.

But the most alarming menace lurking at the door is radical Islam. Over the centuries, central Asian societies were traditionally Islamic, though religion was repressed in the Soviet period. In the newly independent states, Islam is back, but the paranoid regimes frown on any kind of conservative Islam, even non-radical forms.

In Turkmenistan, beards have been banned and attendance at mosques discouraged; while in Tajikistan, police keep a watchlist of veiled women and men with long beards. Even in relatively liberal Kyrgyzstan, giant billboards have appeared in recent months across the country, showing women in traditional Kyrgyz dress on one side, and wearing black veils on the other, with the question posed, “Where are we headed?”

With non-violent conservative Islam frowned upon in the region, a trickle of people are moving across to violent extremism.

An Islamic State video released in 2015 purported to show dozens of young Kazakh boys receiving training and instruction at a terrorist training camp, presumably in Syria.

Kazakhstan has seen two purported Isis inspired attacks this summer, including a July incident in which four police officers and one civilian were killed by gunfire in the financial capital, Almaty.

Most dramatically, the chief of Tajikistan’s Omon riot po-

lice Gulmurod Khalimov, rumoured to be a hot-shot sniper and favourite of the president, disappeared last year and resurfaced in an Isis propaganda video promising to hunt down and kill Americans.

While it is clear that there is a radicalism problem, rights activists say the governments have used the fight against extremism to go after moderates and dissenters. In Tajikistan, the Islamic Renaissance party, a moderate Islamic force calling for a secular state with religious freedoms, has been hounded into exile. Hundreds of its supporters have been rounded up and jailed.

Shabnam Khudodoydova, a Tajik woman living in Russia, also reported persecution under the guise of a crackdown on extremism. After she began to post in opposition political forums and writing that the Rahmon regime had “made slaves and sheep” out of the Tajik people, she noticed she was being followed in St Petersburg, and fled to Belarus.

There she was arrested, beaten up in custody by men she believes were Tajik security agents, and held in jail for several months, before being released and fleeing to Poland.

She later discovered she had been put on the Interpol watchlist, accused of being a recruiter for Isis. “I am not a terrorist, I’m not an Islamist, I’m actually an atheist. I’ve never even believed in God,” she said by Skype from Poland.

There is now a chicken and egg situation: the governments of the region claim their repressive policies are a response to the very real threat posed by Isis and other Islamist movements.

Cynics suggest that the suffocating stranglehold on political and religious life leaves no middle ground: for those who want an escape from the confines of the regime, extremism can be the only option. “When you push out the moderate Islamic alternatives you leave more potential for people to get radicalised,” said one western diplomat based in the region.

In Kara-Suu, a town not far from Osh on the border with Uzbekistan, the imam of the local mosque, Rashot Kamalov, has been jailed for calling for an Islamic caliphate.

In a grimy teahouse not far from the town’s teeming market, Dilyar Jumabayev, a supporter of Kamalov, said the imam had not called for people to go to Syria, but merely preached about current injustices. The region, mainly made up of ethnic Uzbeks, is poor; on the road from Osh the carcasses of Soviet industrial plants lie derelict and abandoned.

Police keep a close eye on Jumabayev, and during one search of his house, he was

beaten and had his front teeth kicked out. He was later sentenced to 10 months in prison for resisting arrest. “What has democracy brought us in 25 years? I was never a fan of the Soviet Union but at least people worked then. Now there is no work, the factories have closed. I am selling everything in my house including the refrigerator so that I can afford medicine,” he said.

In Osh, lawyer Khusanbay Saliyev is dealing with hundreds of cases for possession of extremist literature, and said he believed about 90% of them to be fabricated by paranoid and avaricious authorities.

“There is torture and repression, and it has the opposite effect, pushing people into the arms of the radicals,” he said.

The dictatorships of central Asia are now at a crossroads.

Outwardly, they appear more or less stable. Deaths of dictators, in Turkmenistan a decade ago, and this year in Uzbekistan, have led not to political change but simply to a new autocrat taking over, in what at least to outside eyes were relatively smooth processes.

All the leaders remain adept at playing off major powers for maximum benefit. “Of course, when he’s speaking to me he’ll say everything he knows I want to hear, and if he’s speaking to the Russians he’ll say everything they want to hear,” said a western diplomat about the president of the country in which he is based.

But across the region, growing populations remain in poverty, and the Russian economic crisis of the past two years has put a huge dent in remittances.

Standards of healthcare and education show little sign of improving, and the systems are too stubborn and entrenched to allow for real reform.

“Even in the best case scenario, central Asia has very problematic and difficult times ahead. The economics are not working any more,” said Mullojanov, the Dushanbebased analyst.

Seventy years of Soviet rule followed by a quarter century of autocracy have beaten out the impulse to protest from most central Asians. When revolt has erupted, it has either led to new governments following the status quo, as in Kyrgyzstan, or to violent, ruthless crackdown, as in Uzbekistan’s Andijan in 2005.

Even moderate criticism can lead to jail sentences or worse.

In Kara-Suu, Jumabayev chose his words carefully, but said the direction of movement was clear: “If a civilisational form doesn’t carry out its obligations to the people, then other forms of civilisation will inevitably develop. We saw it happen with communism, which was overtaken by democracy. Now, we are seeing the same thing happen to democracy.”

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

NATION India needs to invest more in public healthcare: WHO

Kolkata, Dec 11 : India needs to invest more in public healthcare and build a robust health delivery system in all aspects, including infrastructure and human resources,with special focus on rural areas, the WHO said. "We know that nations need a healthy population to prosper. Stepping up investment in public healthcare is pivotal to sustaining India's economic growth.

Investing in health is investing in India's growth story," Dr Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India, told PTI. "We, therefore, need to and swiftly advance and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the health goal," he suggested.

According to Bekedam, though India has made enormous progress in the healthcare sector in recent past, still "60 million people are in poverty through paying healthcare bills mainly because of the country's low investment in health, inadequate financial protection and high out-of-pocket expenditure".

He said many more abstain from health services or delay seeking healthcare due to financial difficulties.

Photo for representational purpose In this context, the WHO proposed a few steps of working with the government to position health higher on the agenda, both at the national and state levels.

Besides investment, strengthening the systems to detect and respond to outbreaks and new emerging diseases, accelerating effective financial protection to ensure no one goes into poverty as a result of using health services and finally, ensuring that there is a strong monitoring and evaluation system in place are also required, Bekedam said.

He also praised India for combating HIV, TB and malaria as as well as the avertable maternal and child mortality, saying the country's major challenge is "safeguarding the population from slipping into poverty due to healthcare

bills".

"All these require increased investments, as has been demonstrated from global experiences with SARS, pandemic A/H1N1, H5N1, Nepal earthquake and Ebola. Strengthening the surveillance capacity is a key step forward. We still have a high burden of communicable diseases.

"Adding to this is increased noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and we need to invest more in creating awareness about prevention of NCDs," Bekedam said.

On whether India is ready to face the emerging threat of lifestyle diseases, he said, "The NCD agenda is complex, requires a call for a coordinated multi sectoral response through a 'whole of government' and 'whole of society' approach." In the absence of UHC - the promotive, pre-

BJP educates workers on cashless transaction

BJP Logo PTI Kolkata, Dec 11: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to move towards a cashless economy, and also to counter TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee's opposition to demonetisation, West Bengal BJP unit has started a statewide drive to educate its workers on ebanking and cashless transactions.

The party unit has set up teams of trained workers from the party's IT unit that will go around the state and conduct workshops on e-banking.

"Some members of our IT department has come back after a training on how to use mobile banking and other cashless transactions. Now we have prepared a few teams of two or three experienced IT guys. They are

touring districts and conducting workshops and training sessions both for our party workers and locals," state BJP President Dilip Ghosh told PTI. The aim of these workshops and training sessions is to help rural people gain knowledge about ebanking and educate BJP workers in districts, who in turn could educate people in their area, Ghosh said.

"Mamata Banerjee is constantly trying to provoke people against Modiji's call for cashless transactions.

So we decided that by imparting training, we can counter her allegations that rural people are not comfortable with it," a state BJP leader, who is part of the training programme, said.

"If you can train them properly, there would be no question of not being

comfortable with it," he said.

Equipped with laptops, demo swipe machines and smart phones, BJP teams have already completed training of their cadres in two or three districts and have now gone to other parts of the state.

On November 25, a video conference was held between state leaders and union minister Piyush Goyal and BJP National General Secretary (organisation) Ramlal, where the benefits of cashless transactions were presented for state leaders.

"It was then decided that we will also launch a training programme for our people. Cashless transactions will be taught first to our district leaders, then block level leaders and then our workers at Mondal level. Then it will be passed on to the locals.

We are receiving a huge response from the people," a state BJP leader said.

A section of BJP leaders, however accepted that there is still a section of workers who are not aware of e-banking.

"Yes, there is a section of our own party workers in rural areas, who are still not aware of e-banking and cashless transaction.

But we are confident that after this training programme, they would be able to cope with the new system," the BJP leader added.

ventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services people need - in general and financial protection in particular, treatment of NCDs could mean catastrophic out of pocket expenditure for many.

India's initiative of National Multisectoral Action Plan provides an excellent framework to support and strengthen integration of NCD prevention strategies and programmes of the non-health sector.

Elaborating on WHO's role in implementing the UHC in India, Bekedam said, "We are working closely with the government in this area and will continue to share global best practices and lessons learnt from other countries."

The Dutch national who is a doctor took up his role in India in November 2015. Earlier, he was the WHO Representative to Egypt where and his team had focused on scaling-up treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C, strengthening the response to the largest outbreak of Avian Flu and maintaining Egypt's polio-free status.

Emphasising on the three fundamental aspects to achieve UHC which were to invest in public health; strengthen health service delivery and quality, and improve fi-

nancial protection Bekedam said, "For progressing towards UHC, we know from experiences of other countries that you do not have to be rich for getting started on the journey.

"It means the development of a national framework and roadmap that defines the roles of the Centre and the states, besides that of both public and private sectors. It is important, therefore, to define and agree on the vision and goals for 2030."

Bekedam welcomed the Centre's proposed move to increase the expenditure on health to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2020 and went on to praise the 'Draft National Health Policy 2016' when asked whether India needs to rethink on its health policies.

"The government must also be commended for implementing the National Health Mission that has strengthened the government public health delivery systems. On the policy front, the 2016-17 health budget suggests positive developments. But a national framework is needed to ensure convergence and portability etc and there are many opportunities at the state-level to develop this further."

P8 Vijayan hits out at police over inaction against RSS

Pinarayi Vijayan, CM of Kerala.

PTI Kochi, Dec 11: A day after he was advised by Madhya Pradesh Police not to attend an event in Bhopal in view of Sangh Parivar protest, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today hit out at the BJP-ruled state saying police did not take action against the protesters as it was organised by RSS. Vijayan, who is a senior member of the CPI(M) politburo, said the experience he underwent in Bhopal is a reflection of the culture of the Sangh Parivar and the government supported by them.

"It (protest) was organised by the RSS. When a Chief Minister of a state is going to attend a programme,

a protest is organised without any reasons. And police is not taking any action as the protest is being organised by the RSS, then asking the Chief Minister not to attend the function.

"We should see a cultural issue in it," Vijayan told reporters here.

CPI(M) had alleged the chief minister was supposed to attend a felicitation programme organised

by Kerala Samaj in Bhopal yesterday but when he was about to leave for attending it, Madhya Pradesh Police told him not to go there as RSS and other organisations were protesting against it.

Following the protest, the programme was cancelled

PM slams 'discarded' Pak conspiring to divide India on religious lines: Rajnath oppn for stalling Parl PTI over note ban Kathua (J&K), Dec 11 :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi PTI Bahraich (UP), Dec 11 : Expressing concern over virtual washout of the Winter Session of Parliament amidst continued opposition protest on demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said parties "discarded" by the people have stalled proceedings in both the Houses.

"Parliament has not been allowed to function for 20 days.

We are ready for a debate (on demonetisation) but we are not being allowed to present our view point by those very parties that have been discarded by the electorate," he said.

Modi was addressing BJP's Parivartan Yatra through mobile phone from Lucknow after the IAF chopper carrying him

failed to land in Bahraich due to poor visibility.

"They (opposition) come to the Well of the House...throw paper at the Speaker. We want to put forth the government's view point...but they are not allowing us to do so," he said.

On demonetisation, he said, "You must have seen that the government is after people who have stashed black money. The government is committed to empowering the poor.

The people are also taking pain to ensure the country moves on the path of development."

Attacking Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, Modi said both the parties are talking in the "same tone". He said both the parties are facing "hardship" due to note ban.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today accused Pakistan of "conspiring" to divide India on religious lines but said it will not succeed.

"Pakistan is conspiring to divide India on religious lines but it will not succeed. We were divided in 1947 on religious basis.

We have not been able to forget that... All Indians are brothers, whether they are born from the womb of a Hindu mother or a Muslim mother," he said addressing a Martyrs' Day function in Kathua district.

Singh said nowhere in the world other than India 72 sects of Islam live together peacefully.

He said that as the Home Minister of the country, he wanted to make it clear that India is committed to taking along everybody and moving ahead on the path of development.

He also offered India's cooperation to Pakistan to eradicate the menace of terrorism from its soil.

Home Minister Rajnath "If Pakistan is serious about eradicating terrorism but is incapable of doing that and wants cooperation, we are ready to help it eradicate terrorism from there," the minister said.

He said, "We want to live in peace with Pakistan but it has indulged in sponsoring a proxy war against India.

"Every Prime Minister of India wanted to mend relations with Pakistan but it did not understand the language of peace and at-

470 died of shock over Jaya's demise: AIADMK

Govt enjoying majority gained by Atal-Advani efforts: Digvijay PTI New Delhi, Dec 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading a majority government in Lok Sabha is the result of the efforts of BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, Congress leader Digvijay Singh today said.

Citing Advanis rare outburst in the House on repeated disruption of parliamentary proceedings over demonetisation, he said the BJP veteran is "hurt" by Modis way of working -- "not consulting others".

The Congress general secretary said Advanis contribution in Jan Sangha, Janata Party and BJP is comprehensive and cannot be ignored.

"It is the result of the AtalAdvani team that Modi

The Congress general secretary said Advani's contribution in Jan Sangha, Janata Party and BJP is comprehensive and cannot be ignored. has been able to become the Prime Minister of a majority government," Singh told PTI. He said the kind of treat-

ment meted out to Advani is known to everybody.

"The way Modi ji is having his way on everything and taking decisions with-

and the Kerala Chief Minister went back.

Leaders of some Hindu outfits had organised a protest before the BSSS college gate, where Pinarayi was supposed to be felicitated in the evening. Police later took nearly 20 protesters into custody from the spot.

Bhopal Malyali Community Association Programme Convenor O D Joseph had said the programme was organised without the presence of Vijayan, whose scheduled visit to the venue was "cancelled due to security reasons".

DIG of Bhopal Raman Singh Sikarwar had clarified that in view of the protest by Hindu outfits, police requested the Kerala Chief Minister to delay his visit to the venue for security reasons.

"We have never said that we won't provide security to him. We were ready to take him to the venue but in order to avoid unpleasant situation, we had just asked him to delay the visit," he had said yesterday.

"However, Vijayan decided not to visit the venue and therefore it was cancelled," he had claimed.

out consulting others has left Advani ji pained."

Advani on Wednesday blamed both the ruling and Opposition benches for the continued deadlock in parliamentary proceedings and even pulled up the Speaker and Parliamentary Affairs Minister for "not running the House".

When asked about President Pranab Mukherjee expressing anguish over paralysis in Parliament, Singh said, It (the government) does not want any discussion on demonetisation in the House. There is so much chaos due to the move and the government is caught in its own plan.

That is why it is shying away from discussion and indulging in rhetorics to obstruct the course of the discussion."

In a stinging attack on the Opposition, Mukherjee had on Thursday remarked that Parliament is not a place for dharna and disruption which amounts to "gagging of majority" by the minority.

"The Modi government is finding itself caught in its own demonetisation decision and is therefore trying to create situations in which discussions cannot be held," Singh claimed.

Suggesting that a discussion under Rule 184 (which entails voting) is the only way to break the deadlock, he added, "Once voting is done, everything will be clear."

When BJP has a majority in Lok Sabha why is it shying away from voting under Rule 184, he wondered.

The funeral procession of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa on December 6, 2016.

PTI Chennai, Dec 11: The ruling AIADMK today said 470 persons had died of "shock" after the demise of party supremo and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on December 5, and announced a relief of Rs 3 lakhs each to the families.

The party released a list of 190 persons, who had died of shock, and said the toll of such persons stood at 470.

Condoling their death, the party announced a welfare fund of Rs three lakh each to the families of the deceased.

Further, a total of six persons had attempted suicide so far, it

said, releasing the details of four such persons.

The party had already named one person who had allegedly attempted suicide and another who had severed his finger after coming to know of Jayalalithaa's death, and announced Rs 50,000 for them.

The party also announced Rs 50,000 today for the four persons towards their medical treatment.

Having had hospitalised since September 22, 68-yearold Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest on December 4, and passed away the next day.

tacked India four times.

But our brave soldiers gave them a befitting reply."

After repeated defeats, Pakistan has understood that it cannot defeat India in wars so it has resorted to sponsoring proxy war, he said, adding that "terrorism is the weapon of weak and not the brave".

Singh said that while the entire world was concerned about the spread of ISIS, the terrorist organisation has failed to spread its roots in India.

India condemns terror bombings in Istanbul PTI New Delhi, Dec 11 : India today condemned terror bombings in Istanbul and said the heinous attack again highlights the urgent need for a collective resolve on part of the world community against the scourge of terrorism.

The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said terrorism in any form and manifestation was "completely unacceptable".

"We offer deep condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured.

"Terrorism in any form and manifestation is completely unacceptable. The heinous attack in Istanbul again highlights the urgent need for collective resolve on the part of the world community against the scourge of terrorism," the MEA said.

Two bombs exploded outside a major soccer stadium in Istanbul yesterday after fans had gone home, killing 29 people and wounding 166.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

SBI Cards to launch Rs 25,000 limit cards soon PTI New Delhi, Dec 11: To tap opportunities arising out of limited cash supply, SBI Cards will soon launch a credit card with a cap of Rs 25,000 for those at the lower strata of the society, who have the capacity to pay but don't have cards, a top company official said.

"For the lower strata of society who do not have credit worthiness to get card, what we understand today is that each bank account has some money. So, we can give them secured card, even if they don't have any credit history. So, card with a limit of Rs 25,000 against the security of bank deposit can be given to anyone," SBI Cards & Payment Services (SBI Cards) Chief Executive Vijay Jasuja told PTI in an interview.

The problem is not that these people don't have money to spend, but they don't have cards to use, Jasuja said, adding SBI Cards will offer them secured cards in about twothree months.

After government's decision to ban old banknotes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, SBI Cards has been witnessing a surge in card usage and expects to add 20-25 per cent more customers.

"Since this move (demonetisation), there is

SBI Cards to launch Rs 25,000 limit cards soon surge in the usage of cards both in terms of number of transactions and volume.

Our plan was to grow by 900,000 to 100,000 cards in one year but with this change, it will be extra by at least 20-25 per cent new set of customers," he said.

He also said that the company has simplified card acquisition process and is planning to reduce the income cut-off criteria for giving credit cards to potential customers.

Jasuja said that even JanDhan account holders can be potential customers.

SBI Cards is also in the process of speeding up customer acquisition process by reducing the delivery period so that more and more people are added to the network.

"Today, the delivery time is 9-11 days, what we are doing is that we are trying to reduce it to 2-3 days,

that is the minimum," said the official.

The company will also deploy more people on the field who will be present in all prominent markets and malls so that if anyone wants a card, the team can talk to such people, accept their application, document and quicken the period of processing and delivery.

With less encouragement for cash transaction post demonetisation, Jasuja is of the view that there will be major shift in consumers' spending behaviour.

"The kind of people who use credit cards are already using cards, but may be, they spend 20 per cent by card and 80 per cent by cash. That component will shift. Now, they will spend 90 per cent on card and 10 per cent in cash," he said further.

Incedo to hire 3,500 people in India, US in 2 yrs

Incedo to hire 3,500 people in India, US in 2 yrs PTI New Delhi, Dec 11 : IT services and consulting firm Incedo is looking at ramping up its employee strength to 5,000 by adding 3,500 people in India and the US as it sees greater demand for data and analytics services across sectors.

"We are looking at getting a 5,000 headcount by 2018-end...and we are working on it. A substantial number will be in the US, about 1,000 either as full-time or contractors because we feel that working with customers requires agility and more engagement and thats the differentiator for us," he said," Incedo CEO Tejinderpal Singh Miglani

told PTI. Incedo is now looking at adding about 3,500 people to its teams in the US and India over the next two years, he said.

The Bay Area-headquartered firm has operations across North America, South Africa and India.

Incedo was spun out as an independent entity from the technology unit of Indiabulls in 2011.

"Incedo is totally focussed on the digital space. We have been achieving growth of 60-70 per cent year-onyear for the last many years and this year too, we are on track to do about 70 per cent. So, obviously the headcount will grow with that," Miglani said.

While he declined to dis-

close revenue numbers, Miglani said about 80 per cent of the company's revenues come from the US and the remaining from India.

"We have achieved 6X growth in the last 4 years, in terms of revenue. About 60-70 per cent of the work we do is around data and analytics...India is about 1,200 people spread between Gurgaon, Bangalore and Chennai and the US is about 300 people," he said.

The enterprise data management market size is expected to grow from USD 64.7 billion in 2015 to over USD 105 billion by 2020. While North America is expected to remain as the biggest market, the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience increased market traction.

Miglani said the company started with working in multiple areas, including voice BPO but "very soon we realised that we want to stay focussed on our areas of speciality".

Incedo works with one of the top three global banks of the world and with some of the top 10 pharma/lifesciences companies globally.

BUSINESS P9 J&K govt forms panel to look into GST-related issues PTI Srinagar, Dec 11 : Jammu and Kashmir government has formed a high-level committee to look into the issues, including the drafting of legislation, pertaining to joining the Centre's proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) and asked the panel to submit its report in three months.

"In supercession of all previous orders on the subject, sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a High Powered Committee... for drafting the legislation with regard to joining the proposed Goods and Services Tax in India and its extension to Jammu and Kashmir state (proposed Constitu-

tional Amendment Bill)," an order, issued by the government earlier this week, reads.

The Committee, which shall be serviced by Finance Department, has been asked to submit its report with a period of three months.

The committee was formed on December 7, 2016 and has up to March 6, 2017 to submit its report.

"The committee shall draft the legislation with regard to proposed GST in the state while paramounting the measures which can protect the special Consitution(al) position and taxation powers of the state being enjoyed by it," the order said.

The State Legislature is likely to meet in first week of January next year for annual budget session.

As the session is expected to be one-month long, the government will either have to take the ordinance route or call a special session of the Legislature for passing the GST Bill if the committee submits report within the stipulated time.

It will be a difficult situation for the PDP-BJP coalition government to join, or avoid, the GST regime.

Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, who is from PDP, has in the past said the state of Jammu and

Kashmir should retain the autonomy in taxation as is being enjoyed by the state at present.

On the other hand, BJP would like the Constitutional Amendment pushed through as early as possible.

The central government is pinning hopes on quick resolution of the "difficult issue" of tax jurisdiction with states and expecting the GST regime will be rolled out from April next year.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the GST implementation is bounded by a calendar deadline as the Constitutional Amendment provides that the existing indirect tax regime

can continue only till September 16, 2017.

Financial Commissioner Planning, Development and Monitoring department will be chairman of the committee which will include Commissioner-Secretary Finance Department, Secretary Law Department and Commissioner Commercial Taxes Department as members, the state government order said.

"The committee shall invite Advocate General Jammu and Kashmir as a special invitee as and when required.

The committee may coopt any other officer as member as it may deem fit," it added.

BSE allows 20 fund Indian manufacturing may houses to offer MF improve in Oct-Dec: Ficci units to RIAs

Image for representational purpose

PTI Mumbai, Dec 11: Leading stock exchange BSE has authorised as many as 20 asset management companies to offer mutual fund units to registered investment advisors (RIA).

The 20 fund houses enabled by the exchange for RIAs include Axis Mutual Fund, Birla Sun Life AMC, DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund, Edelweiss AMC, HDFC Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential AMC and IDBI Asset Management.

The other AMCs are part of IDFC, Indiabulls, India Infoline, Invesco, Kotak Mahindra, L&T, LIC MF, Motilal Oswal, Peerless, PPFAS, Reliance Nippon, Tata and UTI. As per latest Sebi data, there are 46 registered mutual funds in the country.

In order to broaden the reach of the mutual fund platform, RIAs have been recently allowed to use infrastructure of the

recognised stock exchanges to purchase and redeem mutual fund units directly from mutual fund/ assets management companies on behalf of their clients, including direct plans.

The facility, on the BSE's platform for mutual funds, had become operational from November 4.

The exchange will not charge either membership or one-time processing and annual fee.

Sebi, in October 2013, had allowed MF distributors to deal using the stock exchange mechanism.

Prior to that, only brokers were allowed to utilise the exchange mechanism for redeeming and purchasing of mutual fund units.

Star MF is the largest MF distributor platform in India with more than 4 lakh SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) per month.

On many occasions, the platform has exceeded 1 lakh orders per day.

PTI New Delhi, Dec 11 : India's manufacturing sector may show growth improvement in the October-December quarter with a slightly better outlook for production, driven by better export prospects, according to a report.

The proportion of respondents positive about growth rose to 63 per cent from 55 per cent in July-September, revealed Ficci's latest quarterly survey on manufacturing.

Those expecting a negative figure seem to be reducing, at just 11 per cent.

However, manufacturing growth in India got dampened in November as the demonetisation move weighed on new work flows, buying activity and production while subdued inflationary pressure may prompt RBI to loosen policy, a monthly survey released earlier showed.

The Nikkei Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) -- a gauge of manufacturing performance -fell to 52.3, down from October's 22-month high of 54.4.

A reading above 50 points to expansion while one below signals contraction.

According to the Ficci survey, outlook on domestic demand remains uncertain as of now.

"The slight improvement in the outlook for manufacturing production in the third quarter of the cur-

Those expecting a negative figure seem to be reducing, at just 11 per cent. rent financial year was attributable primarily to better outlook for exports compared to previous quarters," the survey pointed out.

The proportion of respondents expecting higher exports in the third quarter of 2016-17 went up to 46 per cent as against 41 per cent in the previous quarter. Besides, over 43 per cent reported higher capacity utilisation in the last quarter.

"Despite better capacity utilisation, the future investment outlook is not very optimistic. As for the third quarter of 2016-17, 77 per cent respondents reported that they don't have any plans for capacity additions for the next six months, as against 73 per cent in the previous quarter," the survey noted.

"Increased competition from imports, lack of demand from industrial sectors and original

equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and shortage of credit are some of the major constraints which are affecting the expansion plans of the respondents."

There is also a realisation that current demand is primarily from the government and a decline there will affect manufacturing growth.

In terms of order book, 48 per cent reported higher number for October-December, almost the same as that of the previous quarter.

The survey gauged expectations of manufacturers for the third quarter and mapped 12 major sectors, including auto, capital goods, cement and ceramics, chemicals and electronics and electricals.

Responses were taken from 332 manufacturing units from large and SME segments, with a combined annual turnover of over Rs 4 lakh crore.

Parl Panel to DoP: Work for time-bound HAL revival ONGC to roll out new 'basin' in Agartala by 2017

PTI Guwahati, Dec 11 : Staterun energy behemoth ONGC will set up a new 'basin' in Agartala by the end of next year as it looks to focus more on exploration of oil and gas in the NorthEast region.

"We are discussing about setting up a 'basin' in Agartala.

Director of Exploration and I visited Agartala around five months ago. We checked the facilities. Currently work for creation of workstation is going on," ONGC Director (Onshore) Ved Prakash Mahawar told PTI. Construction work is going on as earlier there was no proper building to start functioning of a 'basin' in Agartala, he added.

"A 'basin' receives huge amount of data, which are processed subsequently. It

will take around a year to prepare the facility. By 2017, we will roll out the Agartala Basin," Mahawar said.

ONGC's North East operations are divided into two areas -Assam Shelf from Jorhat to Duliajan and Assam Fold Belt from Silchar to Agartala.

While exploration is being done only by Assam-Arakan 'basin' based at Jorhat, the production is divided by three 'assets' -- Assam Asset at Nazira, Jorhat Asset at Jorhat and Tripura Asset at Agartala.

Basin's job is to discover or explore oil and gas, but it does not produce anything. On the other hand, an 'asset' exploits or produces and sends products to refineries.

Explaining the rationale behind creating a new 'basin', the senior official said: "The Assam Fold Belt is a complex and a complicated one. Sometimes we get minerals and other things. We want an experi-

While exploration is being done only by AssamArakan 'basin' based at Jorhat, the production is divided by three 'assets' -- Assam Asset at Nazira, Jorhat Asset at Jorhat and Tripura Asset at Agartala. enced person there who knows about it. This will bring in focus to that area.

As it is a difficult area, so we want to treat it differently."

Assam Fold Belt has mainly gas, while there are both oil and gas in Assam Shelf, he

added.

Mahawar said the new 'basin' is being created to focus more on exploration of energy sources in the area.

When asked about the manpower in the upcoming Agartala 'basin', he said: "In

a basin, mostly scientists are there. In Jorhat 'basin', 300 people are there. So usually, around 200- 300 people are there in a 'basin'. But Agartala will house 50 -60 people only as finance, HR and few other departments in Jorhat will be shared with it."

Before creating an 'asset' in Jorhat, it was only a 'basin' with a daily production of 350 tonnes.

"Now we have made an 'asset' in Jorhat to focus on the production. An Executive Director sits there. As soon as it was made an 'asset', production has gone up to 400 tons every day. This will increase to 500 tonnes per day next year," Mahawar said.

In last fiscal, ONGC production in Assam was 0.9 million tonnes and this year, it is targetted to reach the figure of one million tonnes.

PTI New Delhi, Dec 11 : Pressing for a timebound revival of Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd (HAL), a parliamentary panel has asked the Department of Pharmaceuticals to coordinate with all concerned for the same.

The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers in its 29th report pointed out that the process of appointment of a consultant has already been initiated by HAL for the revival.

"Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) should coordinate with all concerned including consultant to prepare the concept paper to expedite the revival of HAL in a time bound manner," the panel recommended.

Cabinet has referred the proposal for revival of HAL to a Committee of Ministers.

DoP has been directed by the committee of ministers to appoint a consultant to develop a concept note and prepare a report/document on the issue of revival.

The panel, however, said DoP has not commented anything about the latest position of the Cabinet decision regarding the revival of Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (IDPL).

"For the revival of IDPL, the committee observe though IDPL has made a turnaround this year, but still a revisit on the functioning of IDPL is expedient," the report added.

On the issue of salary of HAL employees, the committee said it was dismayed to note that the department has not commented on its recommendation to provide some interim relief to the employees of HAL. "The committee therefore reiterate its earlier recommendation and hope that the decision for salary of HAL employees shall be taken at the earliest as it will be a moral booster and succour to loyal staff," the report said.

The committee had asked the department to provide some interim relief to the HAL employees earlier too.

The committee would like to be apprised of the action taken by the department in this regard, the report said.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

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INTERNATIONAL

Vote Donald Trump likely to pick Exxon Romanians for Parliament Mobil CEO as his Secretary of State Amid Concerns WASHINGTON, Dec 11: US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to pick Exxon Mobil Corp CEO Rex Tillerson as his Secretary of State, according to media reports which said his nomination could face intense scrutiny in the Senate due to the oil executive's close ties with Russia.

If nominated, the 64-yearold would be quite an unusual selection of Secretary of State.

Tillerson, is currently on top of the list of Trump's Secretary of State because of his contacts with the world leaders, in particular Russian President Vladimir Putin, media reports said.

"He's more than a business executive; he's a world-class player. He's in charge of I guess the largest company in the world," Trump told Fox News according to the excerpts released yesterday.

"To me, a great advantage is he knows many of the players, and he knows them well. He does massive deals in Russia. He does massive deals for the company -- not for himself, for the company," he added.

The Washington Post warned that Tillerson's nomination could face intense scrutiny in the Senate, considering his years of work in Russia and the Middle East on behalf of the multinational petroleum

company.

Already, two leading Republican hawks, Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, have voiced concerns about Tillerson's serving as the nation's top diplomat because of his ties to Putin, the daily said.

NBC News which first reported about it said that Tillerson would be joined by the former US Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, as the Deputy Secretary of State, who would be responsible for the day to day management of the State Department.

Tillerson met Trump at Trump Tower in New York City yesterday. He emerged

Turkey declares day of mourning after bombing kills 38 and wounds 166

as Trump's leading candidate for Secretary of State over 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and three other people.

elect Trump and now has a close ally with no foreign policy experience serving as America's top diplomat," he said.

In a statement, the Democratic National Committee communications director Adam Hodge said Trump's "outrageous pick" of Tillerson to be Secretary of State demonstrates once again that he lied to the country about draining the swamp, and he's turning the government over to the same Wall Street bankers, Washington insiders and special interests he railed against during the campaign.

Tillerson's Exxon has billions of dollars in business partnerships with Russiancompanies, he said, adding that the Exxon CEO opposed the sanctions that were passed under the Obama Administration to keep Putin in check.

"It's also another victory for Vladimir Putin, who interfered in our election to help

"Nominating Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State would be handing

Democratic Senator Ed Markey said Trump Administration should expect a major battle if Tillerson is nominated as Secretary of State.

over the keys to US foreign policy to Big Oil. Donald Trump would be sending a strong signal to OPEC and the entire global fossil fuel industry that oil will be America's primary foreign policy priority. We cannot allow oil to replace diplomacy as the currency of the US Department of State," Markey said.

"The role of Secretary of State should not be bestowed upon someone whose only notable experience with foreign governments involve multimillion dollar deals with Russia and whose experience with the federal government seems to be limited to campaigns against the effects of climate change," demanded Senator Robert Menendez.

Suicide bombing 'kills 16' in Somali capital

Deputy prime minister says outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ party may be behind attack outside Istanbul football sta Istanbul, Dec 11 : A twin bomb attack outside a football stadium in the Turkish city of Istanbul killed 38 people, mostly police officers, and injured more than 160 others, the country’s interior minister, Süleyman Soylu, has said.

The explosions, triggered by a car and suicide bomb less than one minute apart, struck outside Besiktas’s stadium less than two hours after a match had finished on Saturday evening.

Officials said the attack, which killed more than 30 police officers, was believed to have been orchestrated by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK) and 13 people had been detained overnight.

Fourteen of the 166 wounded remained in intensive care,Soylu said.

In comments broadcast on CNN Türk, Turkey’s deputy prime minister, Numan Kurtulmus, said countries offering messages condemning the bombing should also show solidarity with Turkey’s fight against terrorism.

“The arrows point at the PKK. It is clearly a planned event.

There will be an announcement once the investigations are over.

We cannot say anything definite for now,” he said.

The prime minister, Binali

Yildirim, declared a day of mourning and ordered flags flown at half mast to commemorate the victims, the state-run Anadolu agency said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cancelled a planned trip to Kazakhstan, his office said. Erdogan described the blasts as a terrorist attack on police and civilians. He said the aim of the bombings, two hours after the end of a match attended by thousands of people, had been to cause the maximum number of casualties.

“Nobody should doubt that with God’s will, we as a country and a nation will overcome terror, terrorist organisations … and the forces behind them,” he said in a statement.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Islamic State has been blamed for some bombings in Turkey this year, while others have been claimed

by Kurdish militants. The blasts came less than a week after Isis urged its supporters to target Turkey’s “security, military, economic and media establishment”.

“It was like hell. The flames went all the way up to the sky.

I was drinking tea at the cafe next to the mosque,” said Omer Yilmaz, who works as a cleaner at the nearby Dolmabahçe mosque, directly across the road from the stadium.

“People ducked under the tables, women began crying.

Football fans drinking tea at the cafe sought shelter, it was horrible,” he said.

Turkey is a member of the Nato military alliance and part of the US-led coalition against Isis. It launched a military incursion into Syria in August against the Islamist group. It is also fighting a Kurdish militant insurgency in its own southeast.

All but two of those killed in the blasts were police officers, Soylu told a news conference with other government ministers. He said 17 of the wounded were undergoing surgery and another six were in intensive care.

Broadcaster NTV said one of the explosions had targeted a police vehicle that was leaving the stadium after fans had already dispersed.

Soylu described the blasts outside the Vodafone Arena, home to Istanbul’s Besikta? football team, as a “cruel plot”.

Besiktas’s opponents, Bursaspor, said none of their fans appeared to have been injured. The club and Besiktas both condemned the attacks.

“Those attacking our nation’s unity and solidarity will never win,” sports minister Akif Çagatay Kiliç said on Twitter.

Turkey’s transport minister, Ahmet Arslan, also writing on Twitter, described it as a terrorist attack.

ISIS has no place in Indonesia: President Joko Widodo Widodo's comments came after Singapore Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam's remarks last week that the extremist beliefs of ISIS have spread and taken root in South-East Asia.

PTI Bogor, Dec 11 : Islamic State (ISIS) has no place in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim nation, President Joko Widodo has said, amid growing concern that South-East Asia was becoming a fertile ground for the dreaded terror group. “Indonesia opposes all forms of extremism and violence,” Widodo told PTI ahead of his state visit to India, beginning on Monday.

“The ISIS has no place in Indonesia,” he said adding that his country takes a comprehensive approach in fighting extremisms and terrorism through hard power by law enforcement and legislation; as well as soft power by taking religious and cultural approach. “Indonesia will always cooperate with all countries to fight terrorism,” he said, adding that such cooperation will be through the exchange of information as well as intelligence exchanges and cooperation.

His comments came against the backdrop of Singapore Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam’s remarks last week that the extremist beliefs of terror group ISIS have spread and taken root in SouthEast Asia. Towards the end of last year, Indonesia had detected clear signals of an attack and arrested several individuals. Still, the capital Jakarta was

merely a disaffected minority.

“Islam in Indonesia is on the whole moderate. Diversity is part of who we are. (But) we are dealing with this threat (terrorism and radicalism), not only through security and legal measures but also working with religious groups to tackle extremism,” he said. “We also play an active role in international forums such as the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum,” he said.

The country of about 19 million is one of the poorest in the European Union and perceived as one of the most corrupt.

Romania's biggest party, the Social Democratic Party, is expected to come first and will likely try to form a majority with smaller parties. In all, 504 seats are up for reelection in Romania's bicameral Parliament.

President Klaus Iohannis, who by law is not allowed to belong to any party, urged Romanians to vote.

"I voted for a prosperous and strong Romania," Iohannis said after casting his ballot in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

The country is currently run by a government of technocrats headed by Premier Dacian Ciolos, a former EU agriculture commissioner.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party, Liviu Dragnea, got a two-year suspended prison sentence for voter fraud in April for inflating voter numbers at a July 2012 referendum to impeach former President Traian Basescu.

"I voted so Romanians have more in their pockets, for higher salaries and pensions and lower taxes, to support businesses, and for young people to buy a home," Dragnea said as he voted.

Communications consultant Iuliana Swisher, however, was pessimistic the country would be governed better.

"The system won't be changed," she said. "Even if good people with good intentions come to power, they won't be able to change the system."

Polls close at 9 p.m. First results will come out early Monday.

South Korea vows to keep economy ‘strong and stable’ after Park ouster File picture of the suicide bombing that took place on Nov. 26, 2016. (AP) MOGADISHU: More than 20 people were killed Sunday in a suicide truck bombing in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said, in a fresh strike claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab group.

people to hospital.

"The tally we have made so far indicates that more than 20 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the blast," said Ibrahim Mohamed, a Somali police commander.

Mogadishu residents described hearing a huge blast outside the city's busy seaport, seeing a plume of smoke that rose above the skyline.

He said the toll might rise further as the injured and dead had been taken to different hospitals around the city. It was unclear how many people had been in the vicinity of the blast.

Abdikadir Abdirahman Adem, director of Mogadishu's AMIN ambulance service, said his staff had transported 48 injured

HANOI, Dec 11 : Vietnam has arrested five former bank employees for alleged mismanagement, including an ex-managing director and his deputy, the latest executives to be punished in the scandal-hit sector.

struck by bombs in January, killing eight people.

A top Indonesian military General last week warned that ISIS, which is in retreat in Iraq and Syria, is building its base in Mindanao, a restive island in the Philippines. The attempt

by ISIS to create a fully pledged wilayat, or province, in the southern Philippines poses a serious security threat to Indonesia, the military officer had said. However, Widodo indicated that ISIS sympathisers in Indonesia are

BUCHAREST, Romania, Dec 11 : Romanians began voting Sunday in a parliamentary election a year after a massive anti-corruption drive forced the last Socialist prime minister from power.

Former Prime Minister Victor Ponta resigned after mass protests following a nightclub fire in October 2015 that killed 64 people.

"The bomber targeted a civilian area. There were porters and other small-scale traders in the area when the blast occurred," said Mohamed.

A spokesman for the city adminstration, Abdifatah Omar Halane, said investigations were under way.

The Shabaab group claimed responsibility in a statement distributed on its Telegram messaging account.

It said the target was a military base close to the port and claimed to have killed "nearly 30". The group fre-

quently exaggerates the number killed in its attacks.

The Shabaab is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government of Somalia and regularly stages deadly attacks on government, military and civilian targets in the capital and elsewhere in the wartorn country.

Sunday's attack took place close to the entrance to city port and was large even by Mogadishu's standards.

"I have never witnessed such a blast which caused so much devastation," said local resident Abdukarim Osman.

The attack comes as Somalia is in the process of electing a new government with the much-delayed presidential vote due on December 28.

Vietnam arrests five bankers for 'mismanagement'

President Joko Widodo said that his country takes a comprehensive approach in fighting extremisms and terrorism through law enforcement as well as religious approaches. (Source: File)

Over Graft

Tran Phuong Binh, his deputy Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van and three others were arrested for "violating laws on financial and banking activities", according to a statement from the partially state-owned Dong A Bank on Saturday.

The statement did not elaborate on what crimes the five are accused of, but state-run Thanh Nien newspaper said Binh is suspected of causing major financial losses as a

result of poorly managed loans.

All five were originally dismissed in August 2015, Dong A Bank's statement added, when the bank was put under special supervision for suspected illegal activities, according to reports.

Dong A Bank, one of the country's smaller banks and based in Vietnam's financial hub Ho Chi Minh City, was established in 1992 and lists the city's communist party office as one of its major shareholders.

Vietnam has shown strong economic performance in recent years, with GDP growth hitting 6.4% in the third quarter

of this year.

But soaring debts have contributed to slowing growth.

The communist government has vowed to clean up the country's troubled banking sector, hampered by a series of scandals in recent years, including dodgy lending and embezzlement, which have led to several high-profile arrests.

In September this year, 36 former bank employees from Vietnam Construction Bank, including the chairman, were convicted for stealing more than $400 million, reportedly the largest sum ever pilfered from a bank in Vietnam.

Ms Park Geun-hye. Photo: Yonhap via Reuters SEOUL, Dec 11 : South Korea’s finance minister vowed Sunday (Dec 11) to keep Asia’s fourth-largest economy “strong and stable” after a decision by lawmakers to impeach President Park Geun-Hye threatened to hurt growth.

Mr Yoo Il-Ho’s comments came after parliament voted Friday to impeach Ms Park, stripping away her executive powers over an influence-peddling scandal and opening up a new period of uncertainty for the country.

“The Korean government is mindful of the severity of the current situation,” Mr Yoo told foreign reporters.

“I promise you that we will do everything we can to keep our economy strong and stable.”

South Korea has been struggling with soaring household debt, low birth rates and rising youth unemployment with its economy expanding at the slowest pace in recent years.

Mr Yoo said the latest political crisis was another burden for an economy already hammered by external uncertainties such as falling

oil prices and growing protectionist tendencies by major economies.

“The biggest vulnerability from the political issue is that it will put a dent on our sentiment,” he said, adding the finance ministry aimed to “successfully navigate through these tough times”.

The scandal that has engulfed the president and paralysed her administration has focused on her friendship with long-time confidante Choi Soon-Sil. Choi has been charged with meddling in state affairs and using her presidential Blue House connections to force dozens of conglomerates to donate around US$70 million (S$100.1 million) to two foundations she controlled.

At a parliamentary hearing last week, one of the business leaders that made donations said it was hard for companies to reject any request from the government, calling it “the reality in South Korea”.

Mr Yoo, who acknowledged the unhealthy ties between the state and South Korean firms, denied any “direct involvement” of the finance ministry in the ongoing scandal. AFP

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Junior Hockey World Cup: Confident India look to iron out flaws against South Africa

India are presently leading Pool D with six points but England and South Africa are still in the hunt with three apiece.

Lucknow, Dec 11 : Aiming to make the quarterfinals with an all-win record, favourites India would look to iron out the chinks in their armoury when they take on South Africa in their last Pool D match of the men's Junior Hockey World Cup on Monday.

With two handsome wins over Canada (4-0) and England (5-3), the Indians colts have virtually secured their place in the quarter-finals and would need only a draw to guarantee their spot.

Going by present form and their stature in world hockey, the Indians are favourites to win the fixture against South Africa, which will help the team enter the business end of the tournament with its confidence intact.

India are presently leading Pool D with maximum six points from two games but both England and South Africa are still in the hunt with three apiece.

Even if India lose they are front-runners to qualify for the quarters as they enjoy a goal difference of six compared to their opponents and only a defeat by a huge margin can dash their hopes.

That scenario looks highly unlikely and going by the situation, India and England are expected to qualify for the last-eight round from the pool. England will fancy their chances against minnows Canada in their last

pool match on Tuesday.

As indicated by the team's head coach Harendra Singh, India would be looking to utilise the match against South Africa to iron out their flaws.

Harendra's statement came after India conceded two goals in the last 10 minutes of the match against England, courtesy unnecessary fouls that resulted in two yellow and two green cards.

"We have to accept that they are youngsters who wait four years for a big tournament so excitement will always be there. But the fouls were unnecessary. We need to control our emotions. Better that it has happened here but we can't afford such mistakes in the knockout stage," Harendra had said.

The Indian colts made significant improvements in their game with each passing day, and that was visible in their game against England.

"We scored field goals, tried variations in penalty corners, counter attacked. Day by day improvement is evidently visible," Harendra said.

Captain Harjeet Singh is leading by example and was the most impressive player in the match against England, creating uncountable chances for his strikers.

The drag-flicking duo of Harmanpreet Singh and Varun Kumar too seemed

to be in good form while Armaan Qureshi, Parvinder Singh and Mandeep Singh have been impressive upfront.

But the Junior World Cup is an unpredictable tournament as most of the teams don't know about each other much.

India's coach Harendra, however, is not too much worried about the fact.

"It's good that we didn't play against South Africa because when you don't know the enemy there is nothing to think about.

We just need to concentrate and stick to our game. We should be confident that whoever is our enemy we can defeat them. Our team can deal with any team," a confident Harendra said.

A win tomorrow will help India take a giant stride towards reclaiming the title after 15 long years and that too on its home soil.

A win will propel India to the top of Pool D, which means they will probably play either Spain or New Zealand, who are expected to finish in the second place in Pool C behind six-time champions and title holders Germany.

Meanwhile, in other matches, Australia will play dark horse Austria (Pool A), Argentina will face Korea (Pool A), Netherlands will be up against minnows Egypt (Pool B) and Belgium will square off against Malaysia (Pool B).

Indian Aces end runner-up again, lose IPTL final to Slammers

Sania and Rohan Bopanna

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Hyderabad, Dec 11 : Indian Aces' hopes of regaining the IPTL crown went up in smoke after failing to win a single match as defending champions Singapore Slammers retained the title with a dominating 30-14 win in summit clash on Sunday.

Former world number one, now retired, Carlos Moya was once in spectacular touch as the Spaniard beat Mark

Philippoussis 6-4 to hand the initial advantage to his side.

Kirsten Flipken has turned around matches with her solid game but today she could not do the job and together with Sania Mirza, lost the women's singles 3-6 to Kiki Bertens.

Sania came in as a substitute to Kirsten in the middle of the match.

Sania and Rohan Bopanna came a cropper in the Mixed doubles set,

losing 1-6 to Marcelo Melo and Bertens.

Nick Kyrgios joined Melo and both took over Feliciano Lopez and Ivan Dodig and added on the misery of home team with a clinical 6-2 win.

With that result, Slammers had sealed the title, rendering the men's singles inconsequential.

Marcos Baghdatis completed the win with a 64 win over Feliciano Lopez.

P11 I am happy to continue batting at No. 9, says centurion Jayant Mumbai, Dec 11 : After becoming the first number nine Indian batsman to score a Test hundred, rookie Jayant Yadav said he always had been a handy batsman at the domestic level.

"I have always been a handy batsman, ever since started playing in junior cricket. But as I came up the ranks, I always wanted to build this side of my game and my Ranji Trophy team really helped me do it," said Yadav after making a superb 104 and, more crucially, adding a record 241 runs for the eighth wicket with skipper Virat Kohli who made a magnificent 235, on day four of the fourth Test against England.

The duo's heroics had virtually dashed the visitors' hopes of fighting their way back into the game and the series before the bowlers pushed them to the edge by taking six wickets with only 182 on board in the second innings.

"Even though I was batting down, I had responsibility so taking that responsibility, you really grow as an all-rounder player, I would say a holistic development of a player," said the 26-yearold Delhi-born player who plays for the neighbouring Haryana in the Ranji Trophy.

"I scored my double hundred at No. 9, I scored my first Test hundred at No. 9, I am happy at No. 9,"

Jayant Yadav celebrates after scoring a century during Day 4 of the fourth Test. (AFP Photo) added the three-Test old man in the first hour of do something different or player, referring to his play in which India rattled is he trying to do the same double century against along at a furious pace by thing that he did in the last Karnataka at Hubballi adding 78 runs in 16 over?' We had the odd laugh as well," he explained three seasons ago. overs.

Yadav said his first goal However, he said it was when queried what were when he came on to bat possible as the Englishmen they talking about after today morning with Kohli had kept a defensive field every over during their brilliant stand, eclipsing was to get to his second for his captain. half century in Tests.

"I think we have to take the previous best for the "To be very honest, when into account the context eighth wicket for India Mohd I came out to bat in the of the game. They were courtesy morning, I was just vying attacking me more and Azharuddin and Anil for the fifty because I was they had very defensive Kumble, who had shared just 20 runs short. I just fields against Virat, so that 161 run partnership. went with the flow and gave me an opportunity to "Virat just said 'keep gothings just kept happen- put away the bad balls and ing, don't focus on the runs, just keep playing ball ing," he said. that is what I did.

Yadav, who hit 15 fours "Between overs, we just to ball," he added. in his 244-ball essay, was spoke about what was Unlike teammate Parthiv the more aggressive bats- happening. 'Is he trying to Patel, who said two days

ago that the Indian spinners were far better than their English counterparts, Yadav played it safe when asked to compare.

"I think I am here to talk about our team and our Indian spinners, we bowled in good areas consistently and I am no one to judge how they bowled or they didn't bowl," said Yadav who is the third spinner in the Indian lineup.

The youngster said he wanted to constantly improve on all aspects of his game, and especially in off spin bowling which, currently, is his main job with the Test team.

"It is a journey, I just started the journey. There is always for improvement in all the three facets, whether it is batting, bowling or fielding. Obviously, I would like to improve in all three facets, but more so bowling."

He also sympathised with the umpires who have made quite a few wrong decisions which have been overturned through DRS. "Yes, most definitely the umpires' job is difficult because of the crowd's noise too. It is very difficult to hear the nicks and snicks which go behind the wicket and it is very difficult to see, if they are lunging out, if there is a bat-pad or not a bat-pad. I know it is a very hard job."

Costa gem sends Shami, Saha Chelsea back to the top ruled out of

Diego Costa's 12th league goal gave Chelsea a ninth successive league win for the first time since 2007.

(Reuters Photo) London, Dec 11 : Diego Costa fired Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League as the Spain striker's late winner clinched a hard-fought 10 victory against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's side had been knocked out of first place by Arsenal on Saturday, but they reopened a three point lead over the Gunners thanks to Costa's superb finish in the closing stages at Stamford Bridge.

Costa's 12th league goal in his last 15 appearances gave Chelsea a ninth successive league win for the first time since 2007.

The west Londoners have scored 23 goals and conceded just two in that blistering streak, raising hopes of a Premier League title in Conte's first season in charge.

While this was far from Chelsea's best effort under the Italian, their refusal to be denied by a stubborn opponent suggests they have the required character and class to last the pace in the title race.

Conte made one change from last weekend's impressive win against title rivals Manchester City as

Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic replaced Cesc Fabregas despite the Spaniard's influential performance at Eastlands.

It was 38 years since Albion had left the Bridge with three points, but Tony Pulis's side arrived in confident mood after winning three of their last four matches.

While Chelsea monopolised possession in the early stages, they couldn't break down Albion's well-drilled rearguard and it was the visitors who threatened first when Chris Brunt won a tackle with Marcos Alonso before drilling a powerful strike wide.

Despite his reputation for costly errors, David Luiz has been the model of consistency since returning to Chelsea this season, but the Brazil defender reverted to his old bad habits when he allowed Salomon Rondon to brush him off the ball, presenting the burly Albion striker with a clear path into the penalty area.

Fortunately for Luiz, Rondon was unable to hit the target and the centreback was quick to hold up his hand in contrition.

Caught in Albion's defensive web, it was almost half an

hour before Chelsea untangled themselves long enough to manage their first shot when N'Golo Kante's scuffed effort deflected off team-mate Pedro before drifting just wide.

It didn't help Chelsea's cause that Eden Hazard took a bruising challenge from Gareth McAuley that left the Belgium midfielder nursing his wound before gingerly returning to fray.

Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster was finally called into action in the 41st minute when he plunged to his right to keep out Luiz's freekick.

With Chelsea still labouring to make the breakthrough after half-time, Luiz's freekicks were the only source of menace for Foster, who saved another of the Brazilian's efforts after it deflected off Hazard.

Whether he was affected by the injury or not, Hazard was well below his best, leaving Chelsea short of invention in the final third and hindered by their insistence on playing sideways rather than penetrating behind the Albion defence.

Conte sent on Willian and Fabregas in a bid to spark Chelsea into life and the changes paid dividends in the 76th minute, with a helping hand from Albion defender McAuley.

When Fabregas played a hopeful ball down the right flank, McAuley was in position to snuff out any danger, but he was too casual and Costa showed why Conte dubbed him a "real warrior" this week as he took full advantage.

Muscling McAuley off the ball, Costa was suddenly clean through but there was still work to be down and the Spaniard was up to the task as he curled a fine finish into the far corner to send Chelsea back to the top.

Chennai Test

Mohammed Shami Mohali, Dec 11 : Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha have been ruled out of contention for India's fifth Test against England, which begins on December 16 in Chennai. Both are missing the ongoing Mumbai Test with injuries.

Mumbai Test. On Sunday, the BCCI sent out a release saying he has "soreness in his right knee and has been advised rest and rehabilitation. He will be going to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru to start his recovery programme."

Shami has had trouble with his right leg right through the series, right since he was seen clutching his hamstring while bowling in the first Test in Rajkot. He played the first three Tests, but was forced out of the

Saha suffered a hamstring tendon injury during the second Test in Visakhapatnam, and is undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA. Parthiv Patel has taken over the keeping gloves from Saha since the third Test in Mohali.

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

P12 Belfort’s solitary goal gives Kerala first-leg advantage over Delhi

Spinners put India on verge of victory after 'Kohli Show'

Spinners put India on verge of victory after 'Kohli Show'

Belfort’s solitary goal gives Kerala first-leg advantage over Delhi Kochi, Dec 11 : Kerala Blasters FC beat Delhi Dynamos FC 1-0 in the first leg of the second semi-final of Hero Indian Super League 2016 in front of almost 50,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. Kervens Belfort scored the only goal of the game in the 65th minute to give the Blasters a goal advantage heading into second leg in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The game got off to an electric start with both sides having chances of taking the lead inside the opening two minutes.

Kean Lewis had the first shot of the game in the first minute when he took control of a loose ball near Kerala’s penalty area before forcing Sandip

Nandy into conceding a corner. The hosts hit Delhi on the counter from the subsequent corner as Belfort set up CK Vineeth to finish beyond Antonio Doblas in goal. Vineeth’s shot, however, was off target and went into the side-netting.

Both sides settled down soon after the initial flurry, keeping their defensive shape and making it difficult for the opposition to find an opening.

Delhi were looking more threatening in attack, especially on Kerala’s left hand side with Marcelinho giving the Blasters’ Josu Currais all sorts of problems on the wing.

The Brazilian’s trickery even forced Kerala head coach Steve Coppell into an early change as he

opted to bring on Didier Boris Kadio for Josu in the 31st minute after the Spaniard had already picked up a yellow card and looked to be a tackle away from being sent off.

The substitution didn’t prevent Marcelinho from continuing to wreak havoc on Kerala’s defence though with the Brazilian calling Nandy into action after gliding past Kerala’s backline in nonchalant fashion in the 35th minute. Kerala had the last few opportunities of the half just before the break as Belfort cut the ball back from the left for Duckens Nazon, whose finish was blocked and went behind for a corner.

Nazon headed wide off the target from the re-

sulting corner, while Belfort managed to put the ball into the back of the net shortly after. However, the assistant referee had his flag up for handball as the sides went into the break goalless.

Nazon was at it again in the second half and nearly broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. The Haitian cut in from the right side and tried to finish from an acute angle but couldn’t get the breakthrough for the men in yellow.

They took the lead a minute later though, through Belfort, who went past Ruben Rocha effortlessly coming in from the left before seeing his shot deflect off Delhi centreback Anas Edathodika and go beyond Doblas in goal to make it 1-0 for the hosts.

Florent Malouda registered Delhi’s first shot on target in the second half three minutes later with an attempt from range that Nandy saved comfortably.

The Lions came close to a leveller again in the 75th minute courtesy of a Marcelinho header that had beaten Nandy but was cleared off the goal-line by Cedric Hengbart.

Vineeth tried to extend Kerala’s lead six minutes from full-time with a stinging shot from the right that Doblas got down low to save. Substitute Kim Kima came closest to finding an equaliser for Delhi in stoppage-time but his ambitious volley from distance went wide of the target as Kerala kept their lead intact going into the second leg in the capital city on Wednesday.

PTI Mumbai, Dec 11: India put themseleves on the cusp of completing a comprehensive series victory with England caught in a spin web following skipper Virat Kohli's career-best 235 at the end of the fourth day of the fourth cricket Test.

Records tumbled one after another as Kohli's third double ton in as many Test series was complemented by Jayant Yadav's maiden hundred with India piling up a mammoth 631 tereby taking a lead of 231 runs.

In reply, England were left tottering at 182 for 6 needing another 49 runs to avoid innings defeat as the hosts are now all but assured to regain the Anthony De Mello Trophy that they had lost back in 2012.

Ravichandran Ashwin (2/49), Ravindra Jadeja (2/58) and Jayant Yadav (1/39) shared five of the six wickets. The other wicket-taker was Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/ 11), who removed first innings centurion Keaton Jennings (0).

It was a day of records with Jayant being the first Indian to score a Test hundred at No 9 and 241 runs added for the eighth wicket between Jayant and Kohli literally put England out of the game.

With Indian spinners proving to be much superior in quality than their Indian counterparts, it will be a matter of time before the home team take series clinching lead going into Chennai for the fourth Test.

Jonny Bairstow was the not out batsman for England, on 50, after Jake Ball departed in the final over of the day.

Skipper Kohli yet again proved why he is among the top three batsmen in world cricket. The India captain struck 25 fours and one six in his monumental eight-and-a-half hour innings while he faced 340 deliveries.

With an able ally in Jayant, Kohli dictated terms for the second successive hitting boundaries on both sides of the wicket. He attacked the

loose deliveries, the intennsity didn't drop one bit even after he reached 175 plus as he was still running the second run as hard as ever.

With each run that the duo scored, England players were frustrated a degree more.

The home team were dismissed 48 minutes into the second session and England with only a draw to play plunged into deep trouble to be 49 for three at tea before being revived by a fourth wicket partnership of 92 runs between Joe Root (77) and Bairstow.

The dismissal of Root, who looked in good touch till he was trapped on the backfoot by Jayant, followed by Ben Stokes (18) and Ball (2) in the last session has left the visitors with a very difficult chance to save the penultimate game of the series. Captain Alastair Cook (18) and Moeen Ali (0) were also dismissed cheaply.

Jadeja scalped Cook and Ali after Bhuvneshwar had packed off Jennings with the second ball of the innings.

Cristiano Ronaldo awaits Russia faces ban calls after fourth Ballon 'Or coronation damning doping revelations

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Champions League with Real Madrid and the European Championships with Portugal. (Source: Reuters) Paris, Dec 11 : Come 1900 GMT on Monday, what looks to be a poorly kept secret will officially be out - Cristiano Ronaldo will bag his fourth Ballon d'Or as the world's top footballer. The Real Madrid and Portugal star won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and third time overall after one title with Manchester United in 2008. He then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 - albeit he went off early through injury in the win over France.

As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old's main rival will be Lionel Messi of Barcelona - but the Argen-

tine maestro has had by his own exalted standards a less than stellar year both for club and country with the top prizes eluding him on both fronts.

Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in advance and for his club coach, there can only be one man for the crown this year. "For me there is no debate. The Ballon will be for him," Zinedine Zidane said after his talisman's hattrick saw off Atletico Madrid last month to underpin their domination in La Liga.

"He showed it last season and he shows it again and again. We expect a lot of

him but he stands above everyone."

Despite such effusive praise, Ronaldo, rested at the weekend ahead of the Club World Cup in Japan, has had some negative headlines - not least pertaining to accusations of tax evasion.

Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records on Thursday - showing last year he earned a bumper 227.2 million euros ($240 million). "You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing, fears nothing," Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP. An international consortium of media organisations

has claimed the superstar hid 150 million euros from image rights in the British Virgin Islands.

This year marks the end of six years of joint awards by founders France Football and FIFA, which will revert to bestowing a "Best" accolade of its own on January 9 to both male and female players.

The Ballon d'Or will henceforth be decided by a vote of 173 journalists while national team captains and managers will no longer have a say.

Argentina and Barcelona star Messi landed a record fifth crown last year. A win will lift Ronaldo to within one award of Messi's record haul of five.

Ronaldo first won the award in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United. But it was only in 2013 he added his second and he made it a hattrick the following year.

The first Ballon d'Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.

Up to 1994 only European players were eligible. The first non-European to win it was the following year, AC Milan's Liberian star George Weah.

From 2007 it honoured the world's best player, with FIFA under former president Sepp Blatter entering into a deal with France Football in 2010 to merge the Ballon d'Or with FIFA's best world player honour.

Russia's track and field team was banned from international competition for doping and was barred from Rio Olympics. REUTERS London, Dec 11 : There were growing calls for Russia to be banned from the Winter Olympics and other major international events after the latest startling revelations of state-sponsored doping across Russian sport.

Richard McLaren described on Friday how Russia "hijacked" sport by involving more than 1,000 athletes in an "institutional conspiracy" to win by mass doping at the Sochi 2014 Winter and London 2012 Olympics and other global competitions.

The Canadian lawyer, who detailed in a previous report how Russian security

services were involved in the nefarious scheme, said in a second report for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that at least 30 sports were implicated and that salt and instant coffee were used to manipulate Russian samples.

Russia's sports ministry said to be central to the ruse to cheat its way to success over several years - again denied state backing for doping, saying that it "will continue the fight against doping with zero tolerance".

Russia's track and field team was already banned from international competition for doping and was

barred from the Rio Olympics in August, but there is now growing pressure - not to mention anger - for more sanctions.

The United States, Britain and Germany all swiftly condemned Russia, while the International Paralympic Committee, which banned Russia completely from the Rio Paralympics in September, called the McLaren findings "astonishing".

Liz Nicholl, chief executive of UK Sport, which is tasked with helping Britain to Olympic success, said that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should exclude all Russian com-

petitors from the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018.

"Absolutely. Until there's evidence that Russian athletes are competing clean," The Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

"All the evidence that we've got is that they're not likely to be doing so. So, yes, I think the IOC should be taking a very strong stance and should be excluding Russia until such time as they've put their house in order."

Clemens Prokop, president of the German athletics federation (DLV), called for a total ban on all Russian competitors.

"Russian sport should be excluded from all international competitions, including the Olympic Games, until its credibility is restored," said Prokop.

"This is a fundamental attack against the Olympic movement when the values of the movement are dragged through the mud by a country."

The IOC responded to McLaren's latest damning report by announcing it would reanalyse all 254 urine samples taken from Russian athletes at Sochi.

The report, the IOC declared, showed that there "was a fundamental attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and on sport in general".

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