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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 12

Vol. 1

Issue 344

Dibrugarh, Monday, May 23, 2016

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Pages- 12

PAGE 6

Drunken 7 IAF personnel from Chabua air base assaults Governor P. B. Acharya invites waiter in Tinsukia bar; flees scene without paying bill BJP, AGP and BPF to form the In a major embarrassment for the Indian Air Force, which is considered to be one of the disciplined force, globally, a restaurant and bar owner here on Sunday leveled severe allegations of physically assaulting the bar staff and fleeing without making payment against their food and alcohol bill worth rupees 4720.

Speaking to The Eastern Today, Siddharth Singh, owner of Jain Hind restaurant and bar at Thana Charali in the centre of Tinsukia town said, around 2.30 in the noon seven youths entered the restaurant and bar premises and ordered food and alcohol.

One of the waiter, namely, Akash Buragohain served the guest until 5.00 pm when he noticed 4 youths out of the 7 had left the

The IAF personnel flees in a motorcycle after the drunken brawl. Pic - ET Photo

place, he added.

He said, Akash went to the table with the bill and requested the remaining 3 youths to make the payment. In the meantime, another guest tried to leave the place upon which the restaurant and bar staff tried to stop him requesting to make payment, added Singh and said, the youths from Chabua station of Indian Air Force physically assaulted the waiter and all the 3 left the place without making any payment.

The incident has been captured in the CCTV. In the meantime the manger of the bar Deb Chetry followed them downstairs and requested them to make the payment of the bill or else the owner will deduct it from their salary. But, the youths simply pushed him and fled on a motorcycle bearing no (PY 01 BR 8812), that too, all

three on one motorcycle, Singh added.

Akash Buragohain told ET that two out of the three youths used to come every Sunday, hence, he was aware that they are from air force, Chabua. He said, during the physical assault he also sustained injuries.

The youths while fleeing neither paid the bill of rupees 4720 nor took their helmet, Buragohain said.

As per latest inputs received during the time of filing of this report, Siddharth Singh, owner of Jai Hind restaurant and bar has gone to Tinsukia police station to lodge an FIR. Singh, also added that senior IAF officials have been constantly calling him after the incident and had asked him not to go to the media with details of the incident.

Chief Minister announces ex-gratia relief for the Kalaktang Accident Victims Governor expresses deep condolence over the incident A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 22

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has expressed deep shocked and mourned the deaths of 14 persons at Kalaktang road Accident. It is reported that 14 persons including 11 women were death and one woman critically injured when a Bolero Pickup consisting of 15 people including Driver fell down a deep gorge around 8:30 AM today at Betchiling Village on its way to Boha Village under Kalaktang SubDivision of West Kameng District, informed in a press

ET CAPSULES

Six Assam Rifles personnel killed in Manipur ambush Imphal, May 22 A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and five jawans of the 29 Assam Rifles were killed in an ambush reportedly by CorCom (Coordination Committee) militants at Hangshi, around 15 km from its battalion headquarter at Joupi village, in Chandel district of Manipur on Sunday.

The ambush took place between Hengshi and Tuiyang villages around 12.30 p.m. when the JCO and other jawans were returning after inspecting a landslide scene in the locality.

Four AK rifles, one INSAS Rifle and one LMG rifle have been taken away by the militants.

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CorCom, which is responsible for many bombings, is an umbrella group in Manipur comprising the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Progressive faction ( P R E PA K - P r o ) , Revolutionary People's Front (RPF – the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army – PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and United Peoples Party of Kangleipak (UPPK). (ANI)

forces to assist the victims’ family in every possible way.

He also instructed for immediate evacuation of the injured person to Guwahati for treatment.

Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakhs to the critically injured person.

release issued from CM office.

Soon after getting the news

of incident, Chief Minister mobilized the district administration, medical teams and the paramilitary

Terming the accident very unfortunate, he condoled the deaths and pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls. He prays to almighty god to bestow enough strength to the bereaved

families to cope up with the irreparable losses and also pray for early recovery of the critically injured person.

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa and the First Lady of the State Rita Rajkhowa have also expressed shock and grieved the loss of lives in the motor vehicle mishap. Conveying their sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Governor and the First Lady offered prayer for eternal peace of the departed souls.

They also prayed for early recovery of the injured person.

Mishmi organisation alleges intrusion of Chakmas in Wakro Circle in spite of several evictions ET Bureau Itanagar, May 22

Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM) in a letter to the Chief Minister of Arunachal has alleged that in spite of several evictions drives by the Mishmi Students Union aided by the District Administration encroachment of land by the Chakmas in the Wakro circle still prevail intermittently. The Society

while claiming that the Chakmas settled in Changlang District often intrude into the Mishmi territory urge the state govt. to look into the matter seriously and find a concrete solution to the vexed issue to avert law and order problem between the indigenous population and Chakma in near future.

The Society alleged that the recent Supreme Court Judgement to grant citizenship to the Chakmas have

encouraged the Chakmas to intrude into the Mishmi territory by keeping at bay the law of the land.

CALSOM also demanded proper demarcation of the boundaries of Lohit, Changlang and Namsai Districts. With the recent bifurcation of Namsai District from Lohit District, it’s imperative to demarcate the boundaries of Lohit and Namsai Districts for the

convenience of the people of two neighbouring Districts.

Likewise, the demarcation lines of Lohit and Changlang needs to be make known to the people of both the districts, said the letter.

The Society have urged the state govt. to involve CALSOM and other community based organisation along with the district administration during demarcation process.

next government in Assam

Sarbananda Sonowal with leaders of the alliance parties visit His Excellency PB Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam hand over proposal letter of formation of new State Government at Raj Bhawan in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos A Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 22

Assam Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya today invited BJP, AGP and BPF to form the next government in Assam after the three partners staked their claim. BJP legislature party leader Sarbananda Sonowal, AGP president Atul Bora, and BPF Chief Hagrama Mohilary led a delegation of legislators to meet Mr. Acharya to stake their claim to form the next

A first ever Tri-Nation (India-Myanmar-Thailand) friendship car rally 2016 for mapping connectivity, promotion of trade & investment and re-establish cultural & historical linkages was flagged-off by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul in a small yet impressive function here at Banquet Hall Itanagar, today. The International Car Rally will also mark the 25th commemorative year of the India-ASEAN friendship.

A fleet of 7 cars out of total

The party president of all the three alliance partners—the BJP, AGP and BPF are also slated to be changed soon.

Meanwhile, today leaders of all the three parties go into a huddle with BJP national general secretary Ram Madhab, and had a detailed discussion regarding the ministerial berths to the AGP and BPF. Though both the parties have sought 3-4 berths each, according to sources, the AGP is likely to be given 3 and the BPF 2 or 3.

Chief Minister Gogoi greeted Chief Minister-designate Sonowal A Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 22

Assam Chief Ministerdesignate Sarbananda Sonowal called on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the latter’s official residence at Koinadhara in Guwahati in the evening today.

Chief Minister Gogoi greeted Chief Minister-designate Sonowal with a bouquet of flowers and a gamocha. Chief Minister-designate Sonowal also greeted Chief Minister Gogoi with a gamocha and exchanged pleasantries with him. Chief Minister-designate Sonowal extended invitation to Chief Minister Gogoi to attend the oath-taking ceremony on May 24 at Khanapara Veterinary Field in Guwahati.

Chief Minister Gogoi while extending his best wishes to Chief Minister-designate Sonowal told him that he would attend the swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Union Ministers are going to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Chief Minister-

First Ever tri nation (India-MyanmarThailand) friendship car rally flagged-off Chow Bilaseng Namchoom Itanagar, May 22

government in the state, a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said.

The Governor afterwards invited the BJP-led alliance to form the next government in the state. Earlier during the day, Mr. Sonowal was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party, at a meeting of all the newly elected MLAs, where BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma had proposed his name. Meanwhile, the AGP today elected party president Atul Bora as the leader of the AGP party in the house with Keshab Mahanta as the deputy.

12 cars were flagged-off from Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh to Bangkok in Thailand that will cover and explore a distance of 7000 kms over a period of 19 days from May 22 to June 9 traversing through some of the important cities of Yangon, Mandalay in Myanmar and Chiang Mai, Bangkok in Thailand. Rest of the cars in the rally will join the fleet in Karbi Anglong (Assam), Dimapur (Nagaland) and Imphal (Manipur).

Contd. on Page 3

Sonowal and Gogoi during their meeting at Koinadhara today. Pic - UB Photos designate Sonowal was accompanied by BJP’s National General Secretary Ram Madhav and MP, Rameswar Teli. Meanwhile, Sonowal has resigned from his position to take over as the new Chief Minister of Assam.

A press communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan said the President, as advised by the

Prime Minister, had accepted the resignation of Mr. Sonowal from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect.

"Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, shall be assigned the Independent charge of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in addition to his existing portfolios," it said.

5 arrested for fooling villagers by superstitious act A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, May 22

Krishna Lohar and his family use aged old superstitious technique to fool people in the name of God to earn their livelihood. Last night at 12.30 am Dev Lohar , 18 proclaimed himself God and told people of the village to bury him and after 72 hours he will come out alive from the burial. The incident happened at Pathartoli Village in Maijan,

25 km from Dibrugarh town.

Police today recovered him alive from the site at 12 pm.

For twelve hours he was buried inside the 2 ft hole.

Police today picked up five people in this connection and they were identified as- Dev Lohar, 18, Jit Nayak, 17, Ajay Munda, 22, Jogmoni Nayak, 20 and Krishna Lohar, 50. Dev Lohar told the reporters that Devi Mansha came in his dream and told him to do such act.

Contd. on Page 4

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Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, May 22

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are to look before you leap. One hasty decision may undo a lot of hard work accomplished over a long period of time. After a tense morning, you may simply want an evening with kids, helping them grow the Dahlias.

Taurus You are likely to get extra passionate and fervent today. If your logic prevails over your heart, things will probably change for better during the course of the day. It is high time that you set into motion the poignant side of your character.

Gemini You will be filled with concern and sensitivity towards others, and will bestow your blessings upon many. However, being too emotional is not advisable. Your emotions could get in the way of your progress at the work-front. You need to listen to your head over your heart when it comes to professional matters.

Cancer You may be in one of your more frivolous moods today. Gossip, fun, laughter and some harmless flirting shall make your day interesting, yet these are not the pastimes you usually enjoy. Hence, as the day rolls on, you shall find yourself to your reserved, reticent self concentrating hard on getting the work done to make way for the early evening gym/ driving class. Good going, after all finding balance is just the right thing to do.

Leo You will give importance to your work and your style of functioning to get a promotion in the office. You will also increase the amount of work you put in. While the fruits of your labour may not be immediately available to you, in a very short time you can expect to make more gains than you expected to. Nothing worthy of note is likely to occur in your personal relationships today.

Virgo You are renowned for your leadership qualities and today they will be much appreciated for the way you manage your team. You will get a long-due promotion, and will come in for some extra cash. You received all this by wisely balancing work and home, so be careful not to slip up on this front.

Libra You never let a favour go unacknowledged or let ridicule pass by unanswered. So, it's time to settle those old accounts that are so important to you.. This will increase chances of interesting developments that will continue to surprise you throughout the day.

Scorpio Socially, you enjoy being in limelight as all the eyes are focused on you. However, beware of evil eyes that may not have good intentions towards you. You are a good soul and never hurt anyone. But, at times, it's important to know your foe's weakness to be on the safer side.

Sagittarius Brace yourselves; the day has a lot of uncertainties today. You may have to shell out money for unexpected expenses. But, this may also teach you to be economically independent.

Always look at the brighter side.

Capricorn The day calls for making amends and undoing the damage done to relationships, so you will most likely focus on improving rapport with relatives and peers. But despite your affable approach, family feud may occur. Keeping obnoxious neighbors at bay will save you some trouble.

Aquarius You are an excellent team player and your performance reaches a new high when you are a part of a group. Be an active member of your group, express your opinions, share your knowledge and see how your team becomes the winning team. Wind up your day by hanging out with friends and family.

Pisces You will be treading new ground at work. Exciting as that sounds, it merely means you will have to do a lot of travelling today. You will also find yourself swamped with drafting new business proposals, holding meetings, or otherwise networking over the phone. On the brighter side, your travels are unlikely to involve the cramps of flying economy class.

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 23-5-16 (MONDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaagaa Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anushthan 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Drama-Khirikiyedi,Written by Ali Haidar 9-30 P.M-Mandakini Sd-/H.O.P

The birth anniversary of Mahapurush Madhob Dev observed

of Mahapurus Shree Shree Madhob Dev was also observed at the famous Auni Ati Satra’s Teok Kaliapani Branch. The birth anniver-

ET Correspondent Dhemaji, May 22 : BJP Tsunami which changed the scenario of Assam assembly by bringing BJP to power for first time, it didn't became any factor for 114 Jonai (ST) LAC Keeping up with usual trend said Debo Pegu, chairman of Silapathar chamber of commerce today talking with the Eastern Today.

Pegu said we have voted for Bhuban Pegu as we have faith on him, last time he lost in the hand of Congress candidate

Pradhan Baruah who this time fought on BJP ticket from Dhemaji LAC he added this time it was not possible for Baruah to win the seat if he would have contested.

Since last twenty year i.e. four assembly elections Pradan Baruah served three tenure once as AGP MLA and twice as Congress MLA and once he lost in the hand of Bhuban Pegu, as independent candidate in 2006 election.

Public have great expectation from lone independent candidate in present

Assam assembly, Jonai LAC under Dhemaji District have erosion, siltation, Education, health, flood and unemployment problem, above the major problems mentioned many more problems are there.

of Baruah to Dhemaji Pegu have good time now, if he remain on expectation of people the seat will be reserved for him in future said Bhaskar Bhuyan of Sissiborgaon today talking to the Eastern Today.

Above all people’s faith on independent candidate Bhuban Pegu is remarkable at the time of BJP Tsunami. Among nine candidates in fray in which BJP, Congress and six other candidates, electing Pegu is major achievement, with moving away

We have faith on Pegu being an energetic youth he will work for the betterment of the area as earlier he got a lesson from the public of Jonai LAC, for his fault and he was hopeful that Pegu will not repeat it.

Landslides damage dseveral houses at Haflong ET Correspondent Haflong, May 22: Following heavy landslides due to incessant rain several roads and houses of the villages like Muolhoi, Khonsai, Disgao Raji, Upper Bagetar, Gilgal, Lower Haflong etc were damaged leaving the people to pass sleepless nights.

and public properties but due to absence of communications and remoteness of the locality the assessment was yet to made. But the people of the district are of the opinion that the district has suffered a huge loss due to recent rainfall in two installments. The public and government infrastructures are the prime it is reported that as many as 250 families were affected and 10 numbers of school building, PHE schemes, Irrigation schemes were also damaged. Agricultural land measuring 400 hecteres were also damaged,

The Residence of Mr Lamhao Gamlhou, village secretary of Khongsai village, Haflong was completely damaged by landslide last night. Luckily there was no loss of life as the occupants had moved out and slept at their neighbor’s place fearing for their life.

In the morning the villagers helped in moving out few of their precious belongings which could be saved from the debris.

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

ET correspondent Teok, May 22: The 527th birth anniversary of Mahapurus Shri Shri Madhob Dev was observed at various holy places within greater Teok as all around the state. There were more than five thousands of devotees present at the Dhekia Khuwa Bor NamGhar, one of the important holy place of upper Assam, which was established by Shree Shree Madhob Dev. The main agenda of the programme were cultural rally, reading of holy book the Namgosha, Diha naam competition and Namprosonga etc. On the other hand the birth anniversary

BJP Tsunami not changed the trend of Jonai (ST) LAC, under Dhemaji District by electing lone independent candidate Bhuban Pegu

sary of Mahapurus Shree Shree Madhob Dev was observed at Mainapuria namghar, Teok public Namghar and other various places also.

It was found that their whole plot of land measuring 1 bighas has totally slided causing trenches of 15 metres high and the villagers are fearing for the worst if rain continues for some more days.

At Muolhoi more than eighty houses including RCC buildings were damaged, but 27 buildings out of these were totally damaged render-

ing the people homeless.

Among others buildings of Khuplun,L Pangamte, Z. Thangkhum, Romoi Tuolor, Hmuoki Tulor, L Zarthang. L Sandam, Mary Sangrem, Ngirte, Rokhom, Khuma Zate, Traning, Vankal, Vana Thiek, Thakhum Thatkham, Chunga, Hnuna, Bieka, L

IIT Guwahati gives a chance to win guided tour to NASA A Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 22: Recognizing the dire need of technical exposure and true inspiration for the present day school students, the student fraternity of IIT Guwahati organizes TECHNOTHLON - the International School Championship as a part of their Annual Techno-Management Festival Techniche. Technothlon has now become an event which serves as an able platform to expose the innovation and creativity of a student in all its rawness.

This year Technothlon offers the mega prize of a guided tour to NASA’s AMES Research Centre in California, USA to the champions.

The competition would be held in two phases - Prelims and Mains. The prelims phase would be conducted over 350 centers all over India and is scheduled for 17th July wherein the students will be divided into Junior Squad (Classes 9-10) and the Hauts Squad (Classes 11-12). Being

based on logic, analytical ability and practical observations, the prelims will be totally different from that of any other competitive examination. It will be attempted jointly by a team of two students where sheer spontaneity and out-of-thebox thinking capability of the candidates will be tested. The top 50 teams from each squad will be invited for the final round – Mains, to be held at IIT Guwahati campus during Techniche from 1st September to 4th September 2016.

To provide a thorough analysis on the strengths and weakness of the student with respect to the topics, Technothlon introduced a new initiative “Tech Analysis Report” which will help the students to know about themselves and enabling them to do better in future examination.

To know more about Technothlon '16, visit technothlon.techniche.org or contact at (+91)7896893021 or (+91)7896878196.

Siemthang, H L kama, L LLukhum, Ronhak, Saithanglur, Sarmon, Dr Francis, ICI women building and Haute Faihriem were totally damaged during recent rainfall.

It is learnt that there has been efforts to assess the losses of the government

Though most of the reports of such damages due to rainfall from remote areas are yet to reach Haflong but it was assumed that damaged caused by recent rainfall in various places of Dima Hasao could be of serious concern. People remained landlocked due to landsides and floods in some remote areas.

People alleged that till noon time there was no sign of relief support from the district administration and disaster management team in spite of being informed early in the morning.

Pegu being born and brought up in a forest officer house started his Education in Silapathar Don Bosco High School, and did his Higher Education from Cotton College Guwahati, where he was also general secretary.

Pegu leads simple life and people of every community have believe on him, for which he was able to get 88379 vote from total casting 206068, and won with huge margin of 49273 defeating BJP candidate Ashwini Pait.

Five more gold won ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 22: Five players from Kickboxing Association, BTC earned five more gold and two silver in the ongoing National Martial Games, 2016 held at SRPF ground, Mumbai in Maharastra on Sunday.

Gold winners-Bodosha Boro, Jaidev Rabha, Tularam Basumatary, Mangal Kisku, Nipa Roy while Jayanta Boro and Dhananjay Basumatary won bronze. Participants from Kickboxing Association, BTC are presenting excellent sporting in the games and earned seven gold, silver and two bronze so far, informed Nripendra Chandra Roy, president of the association.

Science exhibition to be held at Dhemaji ET Correspondent Dhemaji, May 22: Aryabhatta Science Centre, Sissiborgaon Block in Dhemaji district will organise Block level exhibition of science model, drawing and extempore speech competition among the High School students of area on 6th June, stated Dr. Anup Doley district coordinator. The programme is sponsored by Assam Science Technology& Environment Council, in this regard a Block level Committee was constituted today for success of programme in Silapathar Jr. science College.

Anti-terrorism day observed

Photo of anti-terrorism day observed by the Sasastra Seema Bal(SSB) 16th Battalion(Bn) Ranighuli in Kokrajhar on Saturday.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 22: The Sasastra Seema Bal(SSB) 16th Battalion(Bn) Ranighuli, along with its border posts deployed under bordering area of Kokrajhar and Chirang districts for manning open and porous border with Bhutan was observed anti-terrorism day on Saturday with daylong programme scheduled.

A debate competition & motivational lectures was

organised on the occasion, where officers /officials of battalion were given opportunity to speak and express their thoughts on threats of terrorism and how we can completely curb out the problem of terrorism. AKC Singh, Commandant of the battalion initiated the programme by giving tribute to those all innocent people who became the victims of such heinous acts of terrorist in the past all over the world. He paid tribute

to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, also who passed away on this day.

Pledged was also taken by the personnel of 16th Bn SSB to fight & unite against terrorism. ‘Terrorism has become the global problem and biggest threat for the humanity. Immediate solution is required for it, the problem of terrorism could be solved if all the countries raise their voice together against terrorism and stand for humanity’, Singh said.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

PAGE 3

Meditation is quintessence to transform one’s life – Pul Bishnu Rana Tezu, May 22: While emphasizing quintessence of Rajyoga Meditation in transforming one’s life, Kalikho Pul Chief Minister said the organization of this reputation is prerequisite in the society which is embedded with addiction. “The youth being alarmingly affected in drugs and are poorly performed in study must practices daily Rajyoga Meditation to get rid of these evils and excel better in life. The organization needs to work in order to disseminate the message among the public to get optimum benefit of its existence”, the CM exhorts in his short message to the sisters and brethren of this institute.

While citing his personnel inclination towards medita-

tion and its benefit in his life, the CM said if one practices Rajyoga Medita-

tion his or her life will find radical transformation and change in their personality.

He further urged the Youngster to follow this practice to give true meaning of one’s life. “The organization is non-religion and can practices meditation by all faiths. I will support to promote its tentacle in this drug affected region and after my retirement from active politic I also will concentrate to promote meditation for the cause of our people”, he vows.

Home, Laisam Simai MLA Nampong, Pasang Dorjee Sona MLA Mechukha, Zarkar Gamlin MLA Alo East and Rajyogini Satyavati Didi Directorate of Brahmakumaris Upper Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Besides, Danish Ashraf DC Isaac Pertin SP Lohit all HoDs, general public also participated in the ceremony. Rajyogini Satyavati also presented the CM godly gift.

Earlier, The CM unveiled ‘Angel House’ here at Brahmakumaris Rajyoga Meditation Centre in the presence of TN Thongdok Power Minister, Kamlung Mosang Minister WRD, Pema Khandu MLA Mukto, Paknga Bage PS

The unveiling ceremony was held during his maiden visit at Tezu on 20 May last after taking the reign of Chief Minister where he and his entourage were accorded red carpet welcome.

CM announces ex-gratia relief for Seppa Fire victims ET Bureau Itanagar, May 22: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 1, 01,900/-(one lakh one thousand nine hundred) per household through the District Administration for fire victims at Seppa whose houses have been completed gutted down in the fire accident in the district headquarter of East Kameng District on May 20 evening . It is reported that 27 houses including ALC Barrack have been reduced to ashes at Seppa township.

Concerned with the repeated massive fire accidents over the last few months at Payum, Pasighat and now at Seppa, Chief Minister instructed the district administration to take up fire precautionary measures seriously.

He said that the govt is planning to provide fire fighting equipments, Fire Brigade to all the district headquarters.

To meet up the man power

shortages in fire stations across the state, Fire man/fire fighter posts will be created by the govt to deal with fire incidence. He also said that govt is planning to open Fire Stations (fire brigade office) in all district headquarters and also proposes to install over head water tank and fire hydrants in schools, colleges and in market areas where the population are densely located.

Chief Minister called upon the citizens of the state to take extra precautions while handling fire. He appeals the people to adopt fire safety and precautionary measures to avert recurrence of such massive fire incidence.

He further advised the people not to build houses too congested but to maintain minimum distance between the houses in order to check spread of fires to multiple houses, in case of fire incidence.

CM Kalikho Pul takes aerial survey Namsai celebrated Buddha Jayanti of Lohit-Lower Dibang Valley stretch A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 22: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today made an aerial survey of the foothills of the area stretching from Sissiri River bordering East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley to Chipu River bordering Lohit and Lower Dibang Valley.

In his aerial survey, he took survey of the vegetation cover in the foothill areas. The Chief Minister wanted to see for himself the extent of forest cover in these areas, as the state government proposes to denotify reserved areas to make way for development in the foothill areas,

then Itanagar, and Chipu Bridge would connect Roing and Tezu.

The Chief Minister also inspected the extent flood damage in Dambuk administrative division as during summer it gets cut off from all corners due to overflowing Dibang and Sissiri rivers.

informed in a press release issued from CM Office.

He also took note of the erosion being caused by rivers Chipu, Deopani, Dibang and Sissiri River.

The CM made aerial

First Ever tri nation (IndiaMyanmar-Thailand) friendship car rally flagged-off Contd. from Page 1 The travel route of the fleet originating from Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) will travel through Dimapur (Nagaland) Kohima (Nagaland) - Imphal (Manipur) - Kalemiyo (Myanmar) - Mandalay (Myanmar) - Taunggi (Myanmar) - Keng Tung (Myanmar) - Chiang Mai (Thailand) – Phitsanulok (Thailand) will culminate at Bangkok (Thailand). Along with the car rally, business marker events will be organized in countries en-route to connect with the industry and the common man.

The Department of Tourism and Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) are the two teams from Arunachal Pradesh participating in the tri-nation car rally. The rally is being led by officers from Department of Tourism that includes Karma Leki Director Tourism, Tsering Norbu, Hilot Mugli and Takom Kena and the team from APTOA includes Duyu Tamo, General Secretary APTOA, Tadar Robin and Pem Tsering both members of APTOA. The first ever rally in the State is being organized by the North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) in association with Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI) of Myanmar, Federation of Thai industries Bangkok Thailand with support and cooperation of Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Speaking to the media person, Minister Counselor Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi, Tharadol Thongruang expressed hope that the event could foster friendship, strategic partnerships and bilateral relationship and

bridge the gap of trades policy and overland trading, develop tourism potentiality and enhance the scope of economic prosperity of these countries.

Overwhelm by the hospitality of the State, Tharadol said that it is like to be at home when he is in Arunachal and informed that his people from Thailand will love to visit Arunachal Pradesh as this place is gifted with nature’s bounty unlike Thailand which had to develop artificial attractions and people of Thailand loves mountain, nature and snow.

General Secretary NEFIT, Mrinal Hatkhowa informed that the car rally is organize moving along with the India’s Look East Policy and aims to connect the state of Arunachal Pradesh and other NE states with ASEAN neighbours for showcasing the unique tourism potential, trade & business promotion and exploration expedition. It will be our endevour to break the mental and psychological barrier towards North East India and to make it a part of International trade by land connectivity via IndoMyanmar Corridor linking South East Asia and East Asia with the West Asia, he added.

The function was also attended by Secretary Tourism & IPR etc Joram Beda, Secretary Art & Culture etc Dani Sulu, Tharadol Thongruang Minister Counselor Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi, Chanyuth Sawetsuwan Assistant Director Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi, Shangreiso Shimray Secretary Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi, Director Tourism Karma Leki, Ravi Agarwal Racing driver & Car Rally Official, Mrinal Hatkhowa General Secretary North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT), participants of the car rally and officers from Department of Tourism.

inspection of Chipu Bridge being constructed by BRO, and also of Sissiri Bridge.

These two bridges when completed will prove to be of great relief as Sissiri Bridge would connect Dambuk with Pasighat and

Earlier, the CM took aerial survey of the area stretching from Tezu to Lower Dibang Valley forest division. He noted the extent of forest cover in these areas. The CM also surveyed the extent of flood damage by rivers Digaru and Sukha nallah.

Chow Washina Manchey Namsai, May 22 : Namsai town observed the auspicious occasion of 2560th sacred Buddha Jayanti organized by Management of Mahaboddhi Lord Buddha College collaboration with All Tai Khampti Singpho Students' Union (ATKSSU), All Namsai Areas Youth Association (ANAYA) District Students' Union Namsai today in the Mahabodhi Lord Buddha college campus.

The celebration with the hoisting of world Buddhist flag by Ven. Bhante Veradhamma Mahathero (Guju Bhante) followed by peace rally with el-

ephant through out the township which was attended by the people from all walks of life.

The highlighted the programme was the ceremony chatting of

dhamma and discussion.

The ceremony was attended by Shri.R.K Sharma DC Namsai as Chief Guest accompanied

by H.N Doubey EAC Lekang and others dignitaries. DC on his short

Stolen Vehicle Recovered from A unique initiative by Golaghat Foundation Nagaland by Golaghat Police ET Correspondent Golaghat , May 22: Generally it has been seen that if a vehicle is stolen from Assam and reaches Nagaland it is almost impossible to recover and return the vehicle back to Assam .

But this time the quick and timely action of Golaghat police made it possible . According to the report a new Dumper vehicle bearing no.

AS 05 C-5495 was stolen

from Arengapara in Golaghat last night . When the owner Dipak Bora came to know about the incident he and his friends made a search for the stolen Dumper and at last they saw the vehicle at a remote place in Nagaland.

Meanwhile the owner had already informed Golaghat police and receiving the information of the stolen ve-

hicle seen to be in Nagaland a team of Golaghat police led by the Officer in Charge Garga Narayan Bora reached the remote area in Nagaland and with the help of Nagaland police the stolen vehicle was recovered which was parked in the premises of a local villager. But no one could be arrested in this connection . The stolen vehicle was returned back to Golaghat .

ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 22: Golaghat Foundation, a body recently organised a unique event for senior male - female providing good opportunity for them to express their inner feelings . On this occasion, more than 20 men and women were awarded . The coordinator of the Program was Papuri Saikia Bora. On this occasion the senior people performed by sing-

ing songs or presenting dance and showing hidden talents. Jyoti Prasad Ladia also recited a poem .

Secretary Parag Lahkar and Babul Lahkar and their colleagues contributed in organising the event .

Nandita Bhuiya from England came and attended the program was felicitated.

Mrs Bhuiya willingly gave financial donation to the organisation.

speech he wish to all for peace and prosperity on the sacred occasion of 2560th Buddha Jayanti and he urged that everyone should follow the paths 'Ahinsa' for prevailing peace and prosporaties as teaching of Goutom Buddha.The programme was followed by distribution of previous year blood donation certificate

by Chief guest and inauguration of Blood Donation Camp which was organised by ATKSSU, ANAYA & DSU, of Namsai District collaboration with Civil Hospital, Tinsukia (Assam).

The day ended with world peace prayer and lighting of thousand candles.

Road accident at Dibrugarh: 6 Jawans of 19 APBn injured ET Bureau Tinsukia, May 22: 6 Jawans of 19 APBn injured in a road accident on the Godapani Bridge, Dibrugarh. 14 Jawans of the battalion were coming from Rajgarh to Dibrugarh by a Traveller vehicle no. AS 06AC 9434.

The traveller hit by a truck no. AS 01 DC 8451 coming from opposite direction. All 6 sustained minor injuries sent to Barbaruah Civil hospital. Movement of vehicles through the route affected because of the accident on NH-37.

A bridge over Pachin River to be named after Tarh Peeju Tarh Peeju, a 9 years old girl died while saving two friends in flood water ET Bureau Itanagar, May 22: Tarh Peeju will be forever immortalised as Chief Minister Kalikho Pul announced to name a bridge after her, which would be built over Pachin River near Jullang village.

A student of Alphabet Public School in Nirjuli, 9-year-old Tarh Peeju died on Thursday after she was washed away by flood waters having saved two friends from drowning in the Pachin river.

The Chief Minister praised her as “an inspiration” and “a guardian angel” for saving the life of her two friends, 9-yearold Tarh Charu and 10-yearold Phassang Mary The CM had gone to visit to her house to offer his floral tribute on Saturday. He condoled her death and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and wished that she continue to be as generous in other world too.

Recounting the fateful day,

Peeju’s father told the CM that “Peeju with her friends were on their way to mother’s farming field situated across the river.

from his personal source.

The CM who is known for going above and beyond the call of duty to help people in distress, assured to sponsor a child’s education from the family till the completion and also offered a government job to one of the family member. The names to receive the benefits would be decided by Peeju’s mother.

She didn't knew her mother had returned from the field, and in their attempt to cross the river met with tragedy.”

“She cried for help moments before she drowned tired and exhausted saving her two friends. Her body was found 30 metres away from the accident site,” recalled the father with teary eyes.

Praying for strength to the family members to bear the loss, the Chief Minister said that “I have come here not as CM but as another human being to share your sorrow.”

Assuring every possible measures to help, the CM said, “We cannot bring her back, but I assure you that she will live in memory of all us forever” and announced that “her name will be recommended for national

The Chief Minister assured the grieving family members of Rs 4 lakhs from the disaster relief fund and another Rs 4 lakhs from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. bravery award in recognition of her brave act.”

The Chief Minister also as-

sured the grieving family members of Rs 4 lakhs from the disaster relief fund and an-

other Rs 4 lakhs from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He further donated a token amount

An excellent dancer, singer and sportsperson, Peeju had achieved numerous feats including eight gold and three silver medals for her achievements.

Lauding her achievements, the Chief Minister said: “God had given her extraordinary talent and her death would never go in vain. It’s god’s work and I pray that she continues with her good work in other world.

The CM also urged for precautions to be maintained by the school authority. He asked them not to leave children alone and advised them to monitor their movement during school hours.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

PAGE 4

Brain drain is a major problem in Assam. Prof. Mihir Kanti Chowdhury Shambhu Boro Tezpur, May 22 : “One of the many shortcomings of Assam which no one seems to care about is the perennial brain drain witnessed over the last many decades that is seemingly increasing its pace now-a-days. Before playing the blame card let us take a moment to consider the state of affairs these days.” It was observed

by Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University Prof.

(Dr.) Mihir Kanti Chowdhury while taking part in an interaction programme among the students, intellectuals and the media fraternity here and the noted academician today. The noted academician with a nation and international repute in the academic field who was invited to historic ban theatre here

by various social organizations for a special felicitation programme, after receiving warm felicitation further observed that for better education, the student community needs a better educational environment.

Bandh, strikes etc. hamper the education. If we devote our more times in these acts, we will loss our valuable properties of our life.

“Health, education and employment are the three major mantras of HRD Ministry, Government of India, taking which as a base, institutions like Tezpur University and other premier universities across the country have been working for the nation’s development.

However, this was informed for many a time to Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, but it remained a fruitless effort

for us.” He said expecting the new state government will give priority to these issues. Speaking about the connectivity problem in the region he also said that due to the poor connectivity, like lack of air and rail way services, despite having better exposure in Tezpur University students from outside do not want to come for their education. “This is a great challenge for us, but we will have to turn it into an expectation.” He said.

Criticizing the education system and defected curriculum that have been prevalent in Assam over the years he further said that students must be given quality syllabus, otherwise we can never expect any good feedback from them and we will not have any right to blame them for their poor

performances in every spheres. Rather it will be like cheating them. “And as a result of all this, we are now facing a brain-drain of Assam and of Assamese society. Our language and culture, education system, economy and many more are the first to be affected by this. About Rs. 180 to 200 crore money go out from Assam as thousands of brilliant students go out for their higher and quality education. If we could absorb these students in our own land by giving an atmosphere of quality education, then the way of employment generation could be emerged here.” He said and added that institution like Manipal University is becoming better than other institutions like JNU, IIT etc. in the field of technical edu-

cation. Stressing on quality education he also said in his long discourse that until and unless the students are educated with quality education dream of overall development of a nation can never be fulfilled. Moreover, giving example of the education system of advanced countries like USA, Japan and Germany he also said that only 25 pc education is looked after by the government while 75 pc is maintained by private sector institutions in these countries.

“Therefore, these countries are always advance in education thereby being able to able grab a worldwide network.” He said adding India too re-think in this regard.

In his speech referring to the governance of West

'Foundation for BJP's Assam win was laid a generation ago' New Delhi, May 22: Now that the BJP has captured power in Assam and credit is being given to meticulous campaigning and projection of the new leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma, oldtimers say the ground work had started almost a generation back.

"It was the likes of late Kushabhau Thakre and late Bansilal Soni who laid the foundation of making forays into Assam. Even thinking about BJP was discouraged in Assam in those days," said Angad Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Karbi Anglong region of Assam.

"I still remember meeting Thakre at a circuit house in Diphu in 1993. I told him BJP has no future because Assam power politics will be always divided between Congress and Asom Gana Parishad," he says.

"But Thakreji said in every disgruntled Congress supporter and leader we have a potential BJP worker. His words have turned prophetic."

Togadia had visited rural Assam half a dozen times in the last two years.

Dipankar Dowarah, a local BJP leader in Guwahati, told IANS: "Both Thakreji and Soniji traveled across Assam, including rural areas like Naharkatia, Sorupathar, Borpathar, Hojai and Mariani."

Senior state BJP leaders Rajen Gohain and Ramen Deka, both members of the Lok Sabha , say it was once deemed wishful a thinking that the party would have an electoral base in Assam.

Agree other BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders in the state. Some of them point out that even the likes of Vishwa Hindu Parishand (VHP) leader Pravin

"When we spoke about forming government in Assam, even in the Central Hall of parliament, Congress and other leaders would say it is a case of building up a saffron castle

in Assam sky. Today, we have proved them wrong," says Gohain, who represents Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in the state.

Deka, who represents Mangoldoi, says: "But we had hopes. People were sincerely for BJP ideology and for a clean administration.

Years of non-performance under successive Congress and AGP regimes left a space that our party could fit into well."

Agreeing with him, Prafulla Ketkar, editor of the RSSrun newspaper The Organiser says, "Assam has been longing for a strong and ideologically sound opposition party. After the students-turned-netas' outfit AGP failed the people and the Congress in last 15 years

did not deliver much, the BJP had a chance."

But a winning team of party cadres and booth level management could not have been gathered in a few months' time, Ketkar said.

"It is a long process and besides former stalwarts like Soniji and Thakreji, the VHP and RSS also worked overtime."

D. Tirthankar, a medico in Guwahati who had joined the RSS in 2000, bears out Ketkar.

"It was a solemn pledge by many of us from professional streams -- doctors, educationists and engineers -- who joined RSS to help BJP grow. The contribution of Sangh outfits in this record-breaking victory in Assam cannot be ignored," says Tirthankar.

Madhav, who joined the BJP only in June 2014, and the likes of Nitin Gadkari , another RSS favourite, have in last two years held number of meetings with BJP MPs, state unit leaders and RSS shakha-pramukhs in the northeast.

About 25,000 RSS and VHP workers played their part rather actively in these elections, say sources in BJP's Assam unit.

"The BJP had already established a toehold in Assam in the 1970s though Bengalidominated Barak Valley.

Despite that neither of the Barak Valley parliamentary seats, Karimganj and Silchar, came to BJP in 2014."

Something did change since 2014.

A good team work, in the ultimate analysis, on a good foundation laid two decades ago helped the saffron party steal the show in 2016.

(IANS)

"RSS created four zones internally and deputed their men in Barak Valley, upper Assam, few tribal pockets, and central Assam to help BJP cover ethnically distinct regions," says local leader Dowarah.

"Ultimately the result was rewarding."

Former RSS leader Ram

Specific working formulae were arrived at for smooth coordination and all disgruntled elements were cautioned against attempting any kind of sabotage.

"The defeat of party veteran Kabindra Purkayastha in the Lok Sabha polls of 2014 did not go down well with the RSS and BJP leadership," a party leader had told Assam leaders while warning against sabotage attempts.

Book on Chino-India Conflict “SinoIndian Conflict-Perspective” released ET Correspondent Tezpur, May 22: A book written on Chino-India Conflict a compilation of various incidents happened during the Chines aggression during 1962 in and around the then Tezpur town that were always in dark was released today at a brief function held at the Asomyia Club here. The book published by Asomiya Club and edited by noted journalist Manoj Bora and social worker Hemanta Lahkar was formally released by HoD, Department of Cultural studies, Tezpur Universities, Prof.

Pradipjyoti Mahanta.

It should be mentioned here that the book with 232 pages have been able to throw light on many social ups and down witnessed by the defense wing of the government of India and the common civil society in the region during the period of Chines aggression. Welcoming the gathering of the event Associate Editor of the book Hemanta

Saikia, Hiren Chowdhury among others. Meanwhile, editor of the book Manuj Bora said that the editorial board was honestly assisted in publishing the book by retired Director, Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defense`, Government of India, Col. B.D. Maitra, Defense, PRO, NN Joshi, noted columnist, Sanjay Hazarika, journalist Atanu Phukan, Prof.

Chandan Sharma, Tezpur University and the then SP, Sonitpur, Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta.

Lahkar said that nobody can throw the incident of ChinoIndia conflict to the dustbin terming it as an unfortunate incident.

The wreckage of the war, it’s bitter experience, historical impact of it and it’s political reason, role played during that moment by Indian and Chinese government became a subject of recapitulation after fifty years of the 1962 Chino-India war. Under the aegis of

dedicated social workers like Bijit Saikia and Hiren Chowdury the Youth emergency organization (YEO) that later became today’s SSB was created to help the war affected people.

“Delving depth in to this forgotten indents we the Asomyia club took an initiative to publish a book on the subject in 2012. During that moment ministry of defense, government of India

also assisted us by providing several photographs and data about the war.” Lahkar said adding the book is a collection of various incidents including an unruly situation, war and the historic treaty between the two countries witnessed during the pre and post war moment by various noted personalities of Tezpur like Kolaguru Bishnu Prashad Rabha, Dr. Purna Narayan Sinha, Ex-Minister, Bijit

Releasing the book formally, Prof. Pradipjyoti Mahanta said that the book is a database one and from this, the common readers will be able to avail a lot of information regarding the Indo-China war. The occasion conducted and presided over by Jatindra Nath Koch and Bhupen Sarma respectively was attended

by Ex-Minister, Bijit Saikia, Nailini Baruah, Pankaj Barah, Tezpur University among others.

Bengal, he alleged that people of West Bengal have no bitter experience of loadshading of electricity even for a period of 10 minutes while states like Assam despite having large scale potentiality in this venture people have to suffer from hour after hour load shading. “Yet I am hopeful that the new government will address these issues for the greater interest of the common people thereby leading the state into a developed stage. The cooperation between the state and the centre will give more mileage in this case.” He maintained. The occasion was conducted by Tezpur Sahitya Sabha Secretary, Pankaj Baruah and presided over by the president of the literary body, Hemanta Baruah.

Who will become minister from the hills of Assam?

Sushanta Roy Diphu May 22: After the spectacular victory of 4 BJP nominees out of the 5 assembly seats spread in both the autonomous hill districts of Assam it has become a crisis for the leaders to choose one from among all the competent.

Joy Ram Engleng who is now called the giant killer is exerting his credence for ministerial birth.

He is called so because he has defeated Khorsing Engti from Howraghat constituency of Karbi Anglong district; the person who from the position of Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and as Hill Areas Development minister of Gogoi ruled Congress cabinet allegedly unlashed the reign of tyranny , unbridle corruption and dynastic politics for long 18 years. The same person who persistently kept both Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council destabilized and dappled. Joy Ram Engleng is also the person who served as CEM of KAAC and was the MP candidate of BJP in

last general election and conceived defeat for little margin.

The other three claimant of the ministerial position are MLA of Haflong Bir Bhadra Haczer who retired from administrative service of Assam government and possess a clean image in entire Dima Hasao. Dr.Numal Momin elected from Bokajan seat is fresh from medical service and known for his jovial nature as an academic.

Sum Ronghang who has claimed Diphu seat for BJP with huge difference by marginalizing Congress; he too served as CEM of KAAC and is known for his excellent organizing capacity.

Ronghang lucratively ensured Congress victory in number of legislative assembly and autonomous Council elections from the position of Karbi Anglong District Congress President. The high-ups of the BJP will also have to bear in mind that both KAAC and DHAC are heading for election within few months and a person like Sum Ronghang is considered necessary to take care of BJP’s organization from grass root to apex level.

E-rickshaw operators arbitrary in Golaghat silent police and administration

ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 22: These days Golaghat town is flooded with e-rickshaw operators at the same time their arbitrariness is also staggering. According to the sources multiple e-rickshaws are running without registration. Even the operators do not switch on their light at evening and

Greetings to newly elected members ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 22: All BTAD Disabled Adhika Suraksa Mansa and BTAD Disabled Persons Association extended best wishes and greetings to all newly elected members to Assam assembly, including BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, AGP president Atul Bora, BJP Chief Ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal for their grand victory in the recent election. The Mansa and association express their hope that the new government led by BJP will fulfill peoples’ hopes and aspiration in near future by adopting people’s welfare agenda in the state. It was stated in a press release issued by Agwma Basumatary, president of the Mansa.

some who switches on the light uses light of different quality which is not at all soothing for the eyes of opponent vehicle driver. In the last two days a pattern has been seen observing by the E Rickshaw operators who do not have front glass in their vehicle. They are seen using Umbrellas at that place. The most surprising

100% Students passed in the commerce stream of 12th class examination ET Correspondent Margherita, May 22: Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Baragolai NEC students brought laurel to the Margherita region as 100% students passed in the commerce stream of 12th class examination.

The CBSE result was declared on 21 May of class 12 students. Bishal Gupta of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Baragolai NEC secured 93.3% marks which is the highest marks among all the students.

Bishal Gupta got in English 98 marks, Math-

5 arrested for fooling villagers by superstitious act Contd. from Page 1

Dev is a daily wage earner. He said that his uncle Krishna Lohar instructed him to do such act.

“My uncle performed all the rituals for the puja and some of the villagers helped him in this practice,’’ Dev told the Correspondent.

C.K. Boro, officer in charge of Dibrugarh

of all is that the distance between pointed rod of umbrella and E Rickshaw operators eye is about size of one finger.

This practice is dangerous and open invitation is given by e-rickshaw operators.

Yet the thing has not caught the attention of police administration which is surprising.

police station informed that the medical examination was done and his health is fine.

A police sources said that Krisha Lohar and his family planned this thing and fooled the village people by branding Dev, as God so that they can earn scare the villagers and in return earn money.

“They have planned the whole thing and poured little amount of mud by which Dev can breathe.’’ said a police source.

ematics 95 marks, Physics 80 marks, Chemistry 95 marks and in Computer Subject 98 marks. At commerce stream total 26 students appeared where 25 secured first division and 1 student secured second division market. At science stream 29 students appeared where 21 students secured first division and 1 student secured second division mark. At arts stream 29 students appeared where 26 students secured first division and 2 students secured second division marks.

Power interruption ET Correspondent Tinsukia, May 22: As informed by the SDO, ASEB the power will be interrupted from 7am to 11am on Monday 23rd May due to some construction work at porbotia Sub Station.

All consumers receiving power from 33/11KV Porbotia Sub-Station will be affected including surrounding areas of GNB road, AT road, porbotia, Chaliha nagar, Bordoloi Nagar, Tamulbari area, Borpather, Hijuguri, Naupukhuri area and Chirapatty.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

One killed as Manipur shutdown affects normal life

One killed as Manipur shutdown affects normal life

Agencies Imphal, May 22: A motorist was killed even as a 38-hour shutdown paralysed normal life across Manipur for the second day on Saturday.

The shutdown that began at 4 am on Friday and ended at 6 pm on Saturday was called by activists pressing for presidential assent to three anti-migrant bills already passed by the Manipur assembly.

Oinam Balendra, 38, was killed when he was chased by shutdown supporters after he failed to heed their order to halt.

While fleeing the agitationists, he met with an accident and was killed.

Earlier, hundreds of shutdown supporters burned tyres and dumped logs and boulders on roads to prevent movement of vehicles. They also shouted slogans in support of their demands and held sit-ins at several places.

All shops, markets, business centres, government offices and educational institutes were closed.

The roads wore a deserted look.

The latest shutdown comes shortly after the 48-hour general strike the hill districts of the state observed in protest against the three bills they have termed as "anti-tribal" legislation.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said on Saturday that he was awaiting an appointment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a crucial meeting on the three contentious antimigrants bills.

"I have sought appointment with both to discuss the three bills that have been passed by the Manipur assembly on August 31, 2015. There is no response from their offices so far," the chief minister said.

Syiem bats for Marriage Act rules Agencies Shillong, May 22: Marriage certificates will become mandatory for all official purposes in the state once the government completes the framing of rules on the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2012.

Stating this here on Saturday, the Mait Shaprang Movement (MSM) convener Michael Syiem said that the Act would be applicable in the whole state.

According to Syiem, who has been pursuing the matter, the Act to a

great extent would address the issues like broken marriages, bigamy.

Syiem recently staged protest in the main secretariat here against the state government’s delay in framing rules on the Act. It may be reminded that the State Government, through the Information and Public Relation (IPR) on March 14 has informed that the rules for Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2012 were being framed.

PAGE 5

Rains cause landslides, river swelling in Manipur Agencies Imphal, May 22: Torrential rains in the past few days triggered landslides, swelling of rivers and inundated low lying areas in Manipur's hill districts.

Tamenglong district has been cut off since road communication has been disrupted, officials said on Sunday.

Many residence are facing scarcity of rice and other consumer items.

Vehicles are stranded as multiple landslides have blocked the roads.

The Border Road Organisation and Public Works Department are yet to clear the debris in the national and state highways.

Officials warned of more landslides as heavy rains continued. Various items cannot be transported from Assam as the NH 37 is blocked.

Legalised border trade at

following heavy rains in Tengnoupal sub division.

The tract was damaged in earthquake and heavy downpour in January.

Rains cause landslides, river swelling in Manipur

Moreh is suspended as the Trans Asian highway

is breached and depressed at many places

Flash floods have overflowed a number of fish farms in Bishunupur district incurring heavy losses to farmers.

The rivers in Thoubal district overflowed and flooded several residential areas. The Thoubal river is also running

NPP throws fresh poll challenge to CM Agencies Shillong, May 22: NPP has asserted that the party is ready to accept the challenge of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who recently had said that the NPP would be wiped out in 2018 Assembly elections, even as it dared the Chief Minister to dissolve the Assembly and go for fresh elections.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, the state president of the party WR Kharlukhi said, “Why the Chief Minister has to wait till 2018, he can dissolve the Assembly now and go for fresh elections.”

Thanking the people of Garo Hills for ensuring a landslide victory for NPP candidate Conrad Sangma in Tura by-poll, he said that the people of Garo Hills have voted for

the NPP despite the Congress using money power to win the battle of ballot.

Sangma had said in an election rally that the NPP would be wiped out from Garo Hills by 2018.

“Currently there are two NPP legislators in the state. In the next two years, I will work across the state to ensure that the NPP is buried,” he had said in Dagal Apal village under Songsak constituency in East Garo Hills.

Downplaying the allegation of the Chief Minister that EVMs used for Tura by-poll were tampered, Kharlukhi said, “In a football match when one team loses it blames the referee and the situation is same in this case”.

Kharlukhi stressed on the need for all regional po-

litical parties to unite together to take on the Congress in the 2018 elections.

“If we join hands, I am sure the Congress will be wiped out in 2018,” he said adding that the party would sit and discuss on the options of forming an alliance with the regional parties and the BJP to take on the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

Frankenstein questions Mukul’s leadership Echoing a similar view, the former Congress Minister and critic of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Frankenstein Momin has predicted the defeat of the Congress in the 2018 Assembly polls.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Momin, who joined NPP just before the Tura by-election, said that Sangma is longer the undisputed leader of Meghalaya, though

NPP many think otherwise and the by-election result is rather an indication of what is going to happen in the 2018 Assembly election.

As Congress could not win in all the 23 Assembly segments except in Ampati, Mukul’s threat to vanquish the NPP has proved to be an empty rhetoric; he said adding “Now there is a danger of Congress being van-

quished”.

He said that the result in this by-election proves that Mukul’s leadership is under question.

Momin also pointed out that the voters were mature enough to resist money and muscle power.

He also questioned the candidature of Dikkanchi D. Shira by saying that the Congress party should have chosen a better candidate.

Voter expels anger over negative campaign, shifting allegiances Agencies Tura, May 22: The Congress has no one but itself to blame for the disastrous outcome in the Tura Lok Sabha by-election where despite having 22 MLAs and as many as 13 MDCs on their side they were decimated by the NPP. Voters’ anger against the Congress’s negative campaign is said to have done it in.

Many voters had reacted with shock and disappointment over the Congress campaign in which they had allegedly tried to create apprehension about the BJP, a supporting ally of the NPP. At several Congress election rallies unsubstantiated reports of attacks on minorities was highlighted by its leaders.

But what took the Congress to its lowest ebb was the personal attack on Late P A Sangma by none other than Chief

Minister Mukul Sangma who was directing the campaign of Dikkanchi Shira single handedly.

At an election rally in Dalu on May 13 night, Mukul Sangma had questioned the work of P A Sangma until his final hour.

“What was the MP doing all this while? He was alive till March 4,” the Chief Minister allegedly said in his public speech at Chaipani which was captured on video by many who had come to hear him speak.

Dalu replied by giving the NPP 10551 votes and the Congress just 2923 votes.

Same was to be the case with another Congress legislator who ridiculed the opposition candidate only to face the wrath of his voters.

Kharkutta MLA Cherak W Momin had allegedly accused Conrad K Sangma of stalling MGNREGA fund re-

lease prompting NPP leaders led by Rupert Momin to issue a caution notice against the Congress parliamentary secretary.

Despite being one of the most vociferous in the campaign trail, the Kharkutta MLA could muster just 5735 votes for Dikkanchi Shira. It was a political slap on the face of Cherak Momin when voters of his own constituency gave P A Sangma’s son the record breaking figure of 18,907 votes, the highest among all 24 assembly segments of the Tura seat.

A similar fate awaited Rongjeng MLA and parliamentary secretary Sengnam Marak who polled the lowest number of votes for the Congress- 2285 against the NPP’s 17,045.

It was a double whammy for the Rongjeng MLA who was punished by his electorate for failing to

get them a new civil subdivision.

However, the political battle was unforgiving for even those who got their side of the bargain.

Despite Chokpot constituency being made into a sub division the Congress lost to the NPP by a margin of 4872 votes.

A similar fate was in store for two legislators who switched sides for this election.

South Tura MLA John Leslee K Sangma and Gambegre MLA Saleng Sangma were at the receiving end of their voters’ anger.

Both Independent legislators had campaigned for P A Sangma in the 2014 elections and were known for taking on the government as opposition members in the state assembly.

Their sudden turnabout and entry into the Congress camp appeared to have disappointed a large

section of the voters.

Saleng was able to garner only 2842 votes for Congress while the NPP polled 14917 votes.

The picture was similar for John Leslee Sangma who managed to win over only 3520 voters for the Congress. A whooping 15,765 voters gave their endorsement for the NPP candidate.

It was only Rajabala MLA Ashahel D Shira and power minister and Selsella legislator Clement Marak who gave a decent score to the result sheet despite losing in their respective constituencies.

Rajabala gave the Congress 8102 and Selsella 9377 votes.

A campaign devoid of personal attacks on individuals with focus being on the government’s developmental plank is believed to have deflected much of the voters’ ire against the Congress in both constituencies.

Jethmalani lashes out at NDA for false promises An Indian man throws fishing net into the waters of a flood affected village at Srilanka Basti in Agartala, the capital of northeastern state of Tripura. Rivers are swelling and the water is on the rise after the torrential rainfall in the hills of the state.

Pic - UB Photos

Road workers try to remove the vehicles stocked on the damaged National highway 44, due to the heavy landslides in Tripura. Pic -UB Photos

Agencies Shillong, May 22: Rajya Sabha member and senior Supreme Court lawyer Ram Jethmalani has criticized the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for not fulfilling its promise of bringing back black money stashed away in foreign bank accounts.

Addressing the valedictory session of the national seminar on current challenges before the legal profession and judiciary organised by the Bar Association of India and Shillong High Court Bar Association here on Saturday, Jethmalani , without naming anyone from BJP, said that certain leaders from the party had promised to give Rs 15 lakh to each and everyone in the country if

they are voted to power in 2014, but after the election, it turned out to be a “political jumla” Jethmalani, who was expelled from BJP for six years in 2013 for being critical on BJP leadership, had taken up the issue of black money with the Supreme Court in 2009.

Recalling an incident, Jethamalani , the former Union Minister, said that he was following up the issue of black money with German authorities and they had asked him to bring back signatures of four Opposition members to release the names of the people who have Swiss bank accounts.

According to Jethmalani, he had approached BJP leader LK Advani in this

regard and after few days, when he inquired about the signature, Advani told him that he forgot to sign and same was the response from others whom he had approached for signature to get the details of the Swiss bank account holders.

The senior lawyer said that he had filed a case in the Supreme Court and later the Court in its order observed that no effort was made by anybody to bring back the black money.

The Rajya Sabha member also slammed the top politicians of India like Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, former Home Minister P Chidambaram and BJP leader Advani over

the long pending issue of bringing back black money. The Rajya Sabha has also lambasted the corrupt political and executive class of the country for creating problems in judiciary even as he advocated that those who are corrupt should be hanged till death.

He said that it is the dishonest politicians and executives who create biggest problem for judges.

According Jethmalani, several commission reports had clearly stated that India requires 16 times more number of judges than the present strength.

He also added that there is a need to ensure more number of judges in Assam where the BJP will form the new Gov-

ernment.

Jethmalani who completed his 75 years of legal practice last month, said that if there is a next life, he would like to be a teacher of law rather than practitioner of law.

Later, Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan asked the legal fraternity to understand the pain of people and try to relieve their agonies.

Stating that North East has its own unique characteristics, the Governor said that a lot of service oriented initiatives are being taken in the North region to empower the people.

Earlier, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh also spoke on the occasion and a souvenir was released.

above the warning level.

Schools, market places and other low lying areas in and around Imphal are flooded.

Officials fear that if the rains continue, there will be multiple landslides along the NH 2 that runs through Nagaland. In such an eventuality, Manipur will be cut off and essential commodities including consumer items and fuel cannot be brought to the state.

Manipur: Police Commandos apprehends two notorious militants Agencies Imphal, May 22: According to reports given, a team of Manipur Police Commandos apprehended two active members of the militant group Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) at North AOC area in State capital.

Accordign to a statement release, the duo identified as Lalboy Kholhou (42) and Zangkholam Haokip (32) had come to the state capital from Senapati district to collect extortion money from government officials.

On May 19, Manipur police commandos also nabbed a PREPAK (VC) cadre identified as N Shyam from Sawombung area in Imphal East district.

Domestic LPG cylinders seized Agencies Shillong, May 22: Four domestic cylinders were seized following a raid on commercial establishments at Police Bazar on Saturday.

Despite the ban on use of domestic cylinders for commercial purposes, the Naga Rice Stall at Keatinge road, Mukta Jewellery in Jail Road and a gas stove repairing centre were found violating the restriction.

While two domestic LPG cylinders were seized from Naga Rice Stall, one each was seized from the other two commercial establishments.

Meanwhile, authorities informed that checks will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that domestic cylinders are not used in commercial establishments.

Female UTP gives police the slip Agencies Shillong, May 22: In a shocking incident, a female under trial prisoner (UTP) escaped from the Civil Hospital, here on Thursday, a delayed report said on Saturday.

The UTP Jesika Kharkongor, who was arrested in connection with a cheating case, was undergoing treatment in the Civil Hospital, Shillong.

When contacted, police said that an enquiry has already been ordered in this connection.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

PAGE 6

Centre should not try oblique methods to topple Rawat: Congress New Delhi, May 22 : With the CBI asking Harish Rawat to appear before it on May 24 over a probe into an alleged "sting" video, the Congress Party on Sunday said the BJP-led NDA Government should not try oblique and indirect methods to topple a sitting chief minister after having failed to do so during President's rule in Uttarakhand.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said Rawat has been always ready and willing to participate in the legal valid proceedings, add-

ing he has nothing to worry about.

"However, the Central Government should not try oblique and indirect methods to topple after having failed to do so in President's rule. There is a very important legal issue also as to whether once a state government has already instituted a SIT at the state level and has not given consent for CBI to proceed further.

Whether the CBI can do so in our federal structure and under provisions of the CBI Special Establishment Act," Singhvi told ANI.

Braveheart succumbs to injuries sustained in Kupwara encounter

Army 2205 Udhampur, May 22 : Naik Gawade Pandurang Mahadev, who was critically injured in a fierce encounter with five heavily armed terrorists yesterday, attained martyrdom today.

The brave soldier was part of the column, which initially located and engaged the hiding terrorists leading to successful elimination of all five terrorists.

Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command, expressed deep

condolences to the family of this brave soldier.

He said, "The nation owes deep gratitude to the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers like him in the fight against terror.

We are committed to provide all necessary support to his family in this hour of grief."

The mortal remains of the brave martyr would be flown to his village in Sindudurg district of Maharashtra after necessary formalities.

Three army jawans were also injured in the encounter. (ANI)

PM Modi lauds Sonowal's efforts for motivating athletes gearing for Rio

Narendra Modi and Assam chief minister designate Sarbanand Sonowal New Delhi, May 22 : Prime The Prime Minister, who Minister Narendra Modi on was addressing the nation in Sunday applauded the ef- the 20th edition of his 'Mann forts by Assam chief minis- Ki Baat' programme, also ter designate Sarbanand praised Sonowal for headSonowal aimed at motivat- ing to the Netaji Subhash ing and inspiring the Indian National Institute in athletes gearing up for the Chandigarh where the athRio Olympics 2016 and letes were training despite called on the nation to do the the tension of the poll results same instead of focusing in Assam. solely on India's medal tally He said that he was extremely at the global sports event. pleased with the efforts by the "Whenever the Olympic chief minister designate to season descends in the na- ensure that all facilities and tion, everyone keeps talking training of the athletes was up about how our medal tally to mark. will be. Everyone right now, "He took stock of the situain their own way, is motivat- tion, of how the athletes are ing our athletes, who are being treated, their diet, traingearing for Rio. We should ers and training machines. He be prepared for both victory went into the minute details and loss and in no way while making the assessment. should that affect our deter- I was very pleased with his mination to motivate our efforts as the Union Sports athletes," he said.

Minister," he said.. (ANI)

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi "However, all that will be sorted out in legal terms.

The basic point is that

there is no need for the Central Government with or without, through

or otherwise of the CBI to threaten, intimidate the sitting chief minister of the state which they have unsuccessfully tried to topple by unconstitutional means," he added.

Earlier on May 20, the Congress government in Uttarakhand decided to constitute a judicial committee to look into various issues, including incidents unfolding after March 17-18 such as horse trading, misuse of agencies and sting operation among others.

Justifying the Cabinet's decision, Rawat then said that it was in the wider

PM Modi embarks on two-day visit to Iran

interest of the state that this matter is handed over to a judicial commission.

The video shows Rawat indulging in horse trading a day before President's rule was imposed in Uttarakhand on March 27.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had alleged that the sting was proof of unfair means used by the Rawat regime to stay in power.

Rawat has maintained his innocence in the matPrime Minister Narendra Modi ter and termed the entire episode as a "conspiracy" to tarnish his New Delhi, May 22 : ship with Tehran and Prime Minister Narendra boosting bilateral trade. image. (ANI) Modi on Sunday left on It will help in promoting a two-day official visit to regular consultations on Iran at the invitation of peace and stability, parPresident Hassan ticularly in the region and Rouhani. e x t e n d e d Prime Minister Modi ear- neighbourhood. lier today said that he India, Iran and Afghaniwas looking forward to stan will sign an agreenity in Florida, the conclusion of the tri- ment on developing Zimmerman fatally shot lateral Chabahar agree- Chabahar port on May high school student Martin ment, a deal which opens 23. as he was walking home up a route to land-locked The port will be a game with iced tea and candy in Afghanistan with which changer for regional conFebruary 2012.

New Delhi has devel- nectivity, especially for Zimmerman insisted he oped close security and Afghanistan, which can had been following the economic ties. find an assured and reliteenager on suspicion he Stating that his meeting able alternative access to was involved in robbery, with President Rouhani India via sea. and that he shot him in an and Supreme Leader of The route will also sigact of self-defense.

Iran Ayatollah Ali nificantly enhance prosHe was acquitted of sec- Khamenei would provide pects for India's connecond-degree murder the fol- an opportunity to ad- tivity with Afghanistan, lowing year, setting off pro- vance the strategic part- Central Asia and beyond tests nationwide over nership between the two through synergies with Florida's "stand your nations, he asserted that other initiatives touching ground" gun laws. enhancing connectivity, the region such as NorthIn announcing the sale, trade, investments, en- South transport corridor.

Zimmerman had said that ergy partnership, culture Prime Minister Modi's a portion of the proceeds and people to people first tour to Iran will feawould serve to "fight BLM contacts would be his pri- ture discussions on ter(Black Lives Matter) vio- ority. rorism in the region as lence against law enforce- Prime Minister Modi's well as on India's desire ment officers. (AFP) visit will mainly focus on to secure energy assets connectivity and infra- for a fast growing structure, energy partner- economy. (ANI)

US killer's gun sells for USD 250,000: auctioneers New York, May 22 : A Florida neighbourhood watchman has sold for USD 250,000 the gun he used to kill unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, auctioneers said.

United Gun Group, which hosted the auction on its website, confirmed yesterday the amount of the sale of the Kel-Tec PF-9, a 9mm pistol.

The price, also reported by television stations in Nevada and Florida a day earlier, far exceeded the market value of a secondhand weapon.

The very fact that the weapon was even being auctioned off had triggered a major backlash due to the nature of 17-

year-old Martin's 2012 shooting.

Watchman George Zimmerman claims he acted in self-defense but the teen's family and friends claimed it was a murder driven by racism.

Zimmerman's trial and subsequent acquittal exposed deep racial divides in US society, and nationwide protests erupted over the shooting.

The TMZ celebrity news website said the winning bid was a last-minute one, denying a Florida bar owner to own for USD 150,000 what Zimmerman has called an "opportunity to own a piece of American his-

tory."

The sale ends 10 days of a drawn-out process that first saw Zimmerman try to auction off the weapon on GunBroker.com, which promptly removed the post, before turning to United Gun Group.

Hoax buyers then managed to temporarily curtail the sale by posting fake bids of more than USD 65 million, including some by a bidder using the screen name "Racist McShootface."

After filtering out fake buyers, United Gun Group opened a second auction that led to the final sale.

While serving as a neighbourhood watch volunteer in a gated commu-

NEET is a Centre initiative, why Sikh councilman would we oppose it: Nadda New Delhi, May 22 : Severely condemning the 'politics' being played over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Sunday asserted that anyone purporting that the Centre was against the examination was grossly mistaken.

"NEET is an extremely sensitive matter and it is unfortunate that politics is being played over it. In the allparty meeting, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised three concerns of language, syllabus and the ongoing examinations of various subjects and the Centre is working on addressing those very issues itself," Nadda told ANI here.

Stressing that politics must not be played on the sensitive matter, as it is a purely academic and administrative issue, he added that the Centre had taken everyone on board in the decision making process, including state ministers and political parties.

Talking about the incoming allegations of how the Centre does not want the NEET exam to be applied which is why an ordinance was being brought in, Nadda stated that the government could not be against the exams as it was their very own initiative in the first place.

"NEET was implemented by the Centre and we remain committed to it. The 1st

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda phase of NEET has already been implemented and the second phase examinations will be taking place on July 24. NEET is our initiative, so saying that we against it is nothing but plain politics," he said.

Talking about his meeting with President Mukherjee regarding the matter tomorrow, the Union Minister added that he will try to answer every query the former had on his mind and would also put forth his own views.

President Mukherjee earlier sought legal advice on the ordinance to keep state boards out of the ambit of uniform medical entrance examination for this year.

The ordinance, cleared by the Union Cabinet on Friday,

is aimed at partially overturning a Supreme Court verdict which said that all government colleges, deemed universities and private medical colleges would be covered under NEET. Earlier today, the Delhi government decided that the examination will be applied in all medical colleges in the national capital.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called on the President earlier today to not to sign the ordinance.

Kejriwal had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him not to bring any order against the Supreme Court ruling on NEET, saying the students had welcomed the decision as it discouraged well en-

dowed parents from making 'donations' to get their children admitted into reputed private medical colleges.

However the Centre cleared the ordinance to postpone the exam by a year so that the students have enough time to prepare.

Even the Congress Party has slammed the government's decision to postpone the implementation of the exam alleging that private medical colleges were being favoured over the students.

The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the students will have to appear for NEET starting this academic session to seek admission to any medical or dental colleges in the country.

More than 15 states were opposed to NEET and had raised issues like different syllabus and languages during the recent state health ministers' meeting.

The next phase of the exam is scheduled for July 24.

Nearly 6.5 lakh students have already taken the medical entrance test in the first phase of NEET held on May 1.

Once the ordinance is issued, students of state government boards will not have to sit for NEET on July 24. (ANI)

Kiran Bedi appointed Lt Gov. of Puducherry New Delhi, May 22 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday appointed former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Kiran Bedi as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

Bedi will succeed Lieutenant General (Retd.)

Ajay Kumar Singh, who

was appointed in July 2013. He was given additional responsibility of the administration of Puducherry in July 2014.

In the recently concluded assembly elections in Puducherry the Congress won 15 and its

ally DMK won two out of 30 seats.

Bedi, who became the first woman to join the IPS in 1972, remained in service for 35 years before taking voluntary retirement in 2007 as Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development.

The former IPS officer was also the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the 2014 Delhi Assembly polls.

Bedi contested from the Krishna Nagar seat in east Delhi, considered a BJP stronghold, but failed to win the elections (ANI).

called 'terrorist' in US; hits back

New York, May 22 : A Sikh-American councilman was called a "terrorist" on Twitter by a Donald Trump supporter but the Indian-origin politician hit back at the troll, saying "you clearly don't know what it means to be an American".

Ravinder Bhalla, city council member at large and council president of Hoboken, New Jersey, posted a message on Twitter about the Hoboken City Council approving a waterfront multi- use pathway.

After Bhalla sent out the tweet, Robert Dubenezic - an open supporter of Republican presidential nominee Trump -- expressed shock that Bhalla was a councilman.

"How the hell did Hoboken allow the guys to be councilman? Shouldn't even be allowed in the US #terrorist, Dubenezic tweeted on Thursday.

Bhalla, was quick to answer, exclaiming, "Sir, I am born and raised in America. You clearly don't know what it means to be an American...#ignorant."

Dubenezic's Twitter page contains several posts expressing his support for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Trump.

"With a lot of the rhetoric we're hearing from people like Donald Trump about Muslim Americans and people who are perceived to be from a Muslim background, I think the spread of Islamophobia from our national leaders sends the

wrong message," Bhalla told NBC News.

"I hope this episode shows people that words can be hurtful and that discriminating based on how someone looks shouldn't just be ignored. People should be educated on different faiths and backgrounds so that diversity is celebrated," Bhalla said.

"America is, after all, a nation of immigrants. And if we work together instead of against each other, we'll accomplish so much more," he said.

Many voiced their support of Bhalla, including elected officials US Representative Bonnie Watson-Coleman and Hoboken mayor Dawn Zimmer, members of the Sikh-American community, and his constituents.

"At the end of the day, I don't hold any malice toward this person. I forgive him for what he said and hope he will educate himself about how his comments can be hurtful and divisive," Bhalla said.

Bhalla is also an attorney and a founding member of the national Sikh Bar Association.

He earned national recognition for leading a successful challenge to the New York Police Department for restricting the religious practice of a Sikh officer, and he successfully challenged the search policy of the Federal Bureau of Prisons after he was asked to remove his turban in order to see a client. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

24 killed as Cyclone Roanu hits Bangla Dhaka, May 22 : At least 24 people have been killed and over 100 others injured as cyclone Roanu battered Bangladesh's southern coast, triggering landslides, prompting authorities to evacuate about five lakh people.

With a wind speed of up to 88 kilometres per hour, the cyclone hit the Barisal-Chittagong region, sending impacts across the country. Most places witnessed rain and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty and squally wind yesterday morning.

"The death toll now stands at 24 with four more casualties reported overnight," Bangladesh's Disaster Management

department's Director General Reaz Ahmed told PTI. 11 people including minor children were killed in the northwestern port city of Chittagong, which appeared to have suffered the worst in the cyclone, Ahmed said.

The southwestern Bhola, northwestern Noakhali and Cox's Bazar coastal districts witnessed three deaths while the storm damaged 85,000 homesteads and business structures along the coastlines, he said.

Several of the victims drowned in inflated waters caused by surges while landslides, collapse of houses and uprooted trees killed others, officials said.

Sindh Police acquires six drones to strengthen surveillance system

Human rights abuse: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not behind any other Pakistani provinces

Karachi, May 22 : In a move aimed at strengtheningsurveillance system, the Sindh Police have acquired six drones equipped with 25-megapixel high-definition cameras.

The drones will mainly be used in those areas where human movement is tough due to dangerous terrain or higher risk to its personnel.

The six drones would be handed over to different ranges of the Sindh Police each to Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Sukkur, reports Dawn.

It is for the first time in Pakistan that such technological support for policing has been obtained.

The Sindh Police have already initiated a project to install around 4,000 hightech 12-megapixel closedcircuit TV (CCTV) cameras across Karachi as the existing 2,200 equipment in the city.

Each drone has an advanced GPS technology, which can also help the operators on ground track its location and activity even if it's not in sight.

This machine is called third generation of Skycam, which is primarily designed for surveillance and intelligence job.

The idea to acquire such technology emerged after the police, mainly in rural parts of Sindh, found it hard to track terrorists and armed bandits due to terrain of their strongholds and high risk to lives of the personnel. (ANI)

Pak officials recover millions during antigraft probe Karachi, May 22 : Pakistan's top anti-graft officials have recovered a fresh haul of 57 million rupees from a bakery in Baluchistan region during an ongoing investigation into a mega corruption scandal involving bureaucrats from the restive province.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials recovered the money from inside a bakery in the Satellite Town area of Quetta yesterday after information was provided by a key facilitator, a NAB spokesman said.

On May 6 NAB officials had recovered around 730 million rupees in local and foreign currency during a raid at the residence of Baluchistan's Finance Secretary Mushtaq Ahmed Raisani.

Since that raid the anti-corruption investigations have uncovered a web of deception and corruption by government bureaucrats and officials who have siphoned off billions of rupees from development and other funds.

Five to six well-placed officers in the finance department were also suspected of involvement in the mega-corruption case and would be arrested soon, NAB officials said.

Director General NAB Baluchistan Tariq Mehmood Malik told a news channel that currently 150 cases of corruption were being investigated in the province amounting to billions.

Provincial finance adviser Khalid Langove had offered his resignation soon after the recovery of the cash from Raisani's residence and has since then gone underground.

He has also failed to appear before NAB despite prior notices served to him on two occasions. (PTI)

Islamabad, May 22 : Khyber Pakhtunkhwa meaning the "Khyber side of the land of Pakhtuns" is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, and located in the north western region of the country. This frontier province that borders Afghanistan is divided into seven divisions - Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Hazara, Kohat, Malakand, Mardan and Peshawar (the last being its capital) and is further subdivided into 26 districts, comprising of 21 Settled Area Districts (SAD) and five Provincially Administered Tribal Area (PATA) Districts.

For years and decades, this region has served as a home base for insurgents, militants and terrorist outfits such as the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and particularly after the 9/11 terror strikes in the United States, been in the news for a range of human rights violations and abuse.

Terrorism and abuse in all of its forms has manifested itself here, and it can be said with certainty that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa isn't behind any other province of Pakistan when it comes to perpetration of human rights abuse, killings, promotion of child labour, the denial of a right to education, internal displacement, disappearances and a soft targeting of minorities.

Most of these acts of abuse appear to have the clandestine backing of the Pakistan armed forces and the dreaded Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Not even the constitutionallyelected government of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party has been able to make a dent in the influence wielded by both the Taliban and Al Qaeda in this tribal-dominant remote region. Imran Khan's warning in November 2013 to shut all NATO supply routes in the province following a U.S.

clone shelters though preparations have done to secure some 21,00,000 people.

Meteorologists said the cyclone first hit the southwestern coast and then proceeded towards the southeast turning the sea very rough.

The Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong suspended all of its flight operations due to Roanu.

Victims of recent cyclone hit at Bangladesh "The officer in charge of Banskhali (of Chittagong) police station reported that seven people were killed there alone... they were victims of drowning or land-

drone strike on a madrassa in Hangu that claimed the lives six suspected Haqqani terrorists (including three commanders) and injured eight others, failed to have the retributive and retaliatory impact on the terrorist sway.

The frequency of the drone attacks in KPK's SAD has only shown that the Taliban is continuing to spread its wings and tightening its grip across the geographical expanse that is Pakistan today, and according to observers, experts and analysts, this has only been possible because of what they call a behind-the- scenes tacit understanding and back-

slides," a police officer stationed in the port city said.

A disaster management ministry spokesman said some 500,000 people were evacuated to cy-

workers out of 91 were attacked, 20 of whom were killed and 17 injured.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is on record as saying that polio workers are often attacked in the key cities of the province because what they do is seen as un-Islamic by a largely conservative and religiously indoctrinated society.

Tribals are most reluctant to get their children vaccinated and often the work by immunisation teams is severely hampered.

When it comes to the issue of child labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has

Human rights abuse: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not behind any other Pakistani provinces

ing of the federal government.

PTI leader Imran Khan has been a conscientious objector of these government-backed tactics of terror and abuse. Speaking of the drone attacks in KPK in 2013, he said, "Because we have our government in the province, we can't go to the U.N. Security Council (UNSC). We cannot bring down the drones, but we can stop NATO supply, and we will stop it."

According to a report prepared by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to be the most dangerous and unsafe place for aid workers. For example, in 2013, 37 aid

put out data in the public domain that suggests that little has been done by Pakistan to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. All four of provinces of the country, KPK included, have failed to enact laws to ban the employment of children below the age of 14. This dismal picture exists despite Pakistan being a signatory to all ILO conventions. It is no surprise that the draft Prohibition of the Employment of Children Bill 2012 is still pending for conversion into law.

The denial of a right to education in KPK must also be seen as another form of human rights abuse. Hundreds of schools have been razed to the ground by militants

Experts said the casualty figures appeared less than it hit the coastlines in day time while the government ordered a massive evacuation campaign after the MeT office yesterday turned its "local warning signals" to "danger signals" for all

in Swat, Buner, Swabi, Charsadda and other parts of the province, denying and depriving children of the right to be educated.

Apart from Hangu, the other places that have suffered from terror and abuse are Charsadda and Peshawar.

Students and their parents are yet to recover from the December 16, 2014 terror strike on the Army School in Peshawar. Nawab Khan, a student, says, "These terrorist threats against schools should not happen. It is having an adverse effect on the education of children."

But he is also determined that he will not be dissuaded from getting an education because of such threats.

The PTI government has built security walls at some of the schools while majority of the schools, particularly in rural areas are still prone to similar attacks.

In 2012, the annual report of the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) said that a fourth of Pakistan's 19.75 million children in the age group of five to nine were out of school.

Out of these, seven million children (aged three to five) were yet to receive even primary schooling.

Till two years ago, about 51 percent children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were enrolled in schools Internal displacement remains widespread in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where militant extremists, mainly comprising of the Pakistan Taliban, and military operations against them, have led to a large exodus of local residents.

FATA has seven tribal districts - Khyber, Bajaur, Kurram, Mohmand, Aurakzai, South Waziristan and North Waziristan, and a majority of residents are yet to return.

Cases of persons who

its four seaports, covering the entire coastlines.

The main port of Chittagong, earlier, internally issued a "red alert" ordering ships to immediately leave the port and anchor in the outer anchorage for the safety of the facility and asked the lighterages to take shelter in river banks inside the mainland.

Bangladesh is vulnerable to cyclones because of its location at the triangular shaped head of the Bay of Bengal, the sea-level geography of its coastal area and its high population density while two deadliest cyclones occurred in 1970 and 1991 claimed some 500,000 and almost 14,0000 lives respectively. (PTI)

have gone missing in the province are also quite high. Dead bodies in gunny bags have been found in Peshawar in the last couple of years.

Places like Buner district, Aurakzai and Kurram have reported people who have gone missing Where do minorities stand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

By and large, they are soft target for militants. There are reports of them facing frequent intimidation, and becoming victims of abduction. These actions are justified in the name of Islam. Militants demand and are known to receive jizya (protection money for non-Muslims in a Muslim state) from Sikhs in FATA with impunity.

Domestic violence against women in Khyber Pakhtunkkwa is common, but usually goes unnoticed because of a lack of monitoring and reporting.

Women going public about the abuses that they face at the hands of males in their families is viewed as bringing dishonour and shame, and deemed as being against Pakhtun culture and traditions.

The government often turns a blind eye to such incidents.

A rare positive is that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was Pakistan's first province to have a right to information measure as law.

There are many bills and ordinances in the pipeline that seek to safeguard the rights of the individual in KPK, but it is a fact that in Pakistan, political and military interests have a greater priority than humanitarian considerations.

The international community's assistance is marginal. International h u m a n i t a r i a n organisations have focused on camp-based populations and this limited interaction has hampered their attempts to analyse the full complexity of the situation and the environment. (ANI)

Nepal Govt. to spend over Rs 1,000 billion in fiscal budget Kathmandu, May 22 : The Nepal Government has been preparing a budget worth more than Rs 1,000 billion for the upcoming fiscal with major focus on road connectivity and energy.

The budget will be allocated to kick-start road projects in the five-year strategic plan of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, reports The Himalayan Times.

The Kathmandu-Nijgadh fast track project will also be accorded priority.

Another major focus of the budget will be energy sector, some hydropower projects and transmission line projects.

The government will allocate funds to clear land compensation for the 1,200MW Budhigandaki hydro project.

Two other projects namely the 300MW Dudhkoshi storage hydro project and the 700MW West Seti hydroproject - will be initiated in the coming fiscal.

Similarly, the government will do the needful through the upcoming budget to ensure early completion of under-construction hydropower projects such as Upper Tamakoshi, Chameliya, and Upper Trishuli-A. After successful implementation of the Dhalkebar-

Nepal Govt. to spend over Rs 1,000 billion in fiscal budget

Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line project, the government will announce another cross-border transmission line project in Bhairahawa to boost bilateral energy cooperation with India.

The fiscal budget will announce upgradation of transmission lines, sub-stations to make them suitable for crossborder energy trade through installation of high-capacity transformers.

The government had allocated Rs 2.40 billion in the present budget and each electoral constituency had received Rs 10 million this fiscal. (ANI)

Nepal: Two arrested from TIA for possessing gold-like metal

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu, May 22 : Two Nepali migrant workers, who returned from Gulf countries in possession of 18 tolas of gold-like metal from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), have been arrested in Kathmandu.

The police said that Tilok Singh Yakkha of Khuwafoka-2 of Dhankuta was nabbed in possession of eight tolas

of gold-like metal, reports The Himalayan Times.

Yakkha had landed at the TIA from Qatar.

The police said that he was arrested from the parking area of TIA. Reports suggest that the metal was send by Nepali Congress leader Ramchandra Paudel's son from Dubai. (ANI)

WHO extends international travel restriction on Pak for three months

WHO extends international travel restriction on Pakistan

Islamabad, May 22 : TheWorld Health Organisation(WHO) has extended for three months the international travel restriction on Pakistan for its failure to eradicate poliovirus.

For the first time, all countries having embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan have been asked to demand polio vaccination certificates from the visa seekers, reports Dawn.

The WHO stated that a large population movement across the Middle East and from Pakistan and Afghanistan increased the risk of international spread of the poliovirus.

Pakistan has been suggested to provide a monthly report on the number of residents whose travel was restricted and those who were vaccinated at the point of the departure.

According to the WHO statement posted on its website, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Guinea, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Nigeria submitted their performance

reports at the ninth meeting of the committee held on May 12.

The committee noted that since May 2014 there had been a decline in occurrence of international spread of the wild poliovirus with no international spread in 2015 or thus far in 2016 except between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The committee noted that two new reports of exportation from Pakistan into Afghanistan had occurred.

Pakistan and Afghanistan were suggested to declare the interruption of poliovirus transmission as the highest level emergency.

The committee stated that though the poliovirus had not travelled from Afghanistan to Pakistan, the security situation in Afghanistan increased the risk of the virus getting transferred to other countries.

Moreover, it was recommended that any national or foreign national who stays in Pakistan for over four weeks should be vaccinated before they leave the country. (ANI)

Taliban chief targeted by drones threatened US troops: Kerry Naypyidaw (Myanmar), May 22 : Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was targeted by US drone strikes because he posed an "threat" to US troops, Afghan civilians and peace talks, Secretary of State John Kerry said today on a visit to Myanmar.

The US said Saturday's strikes hit a vehicle carrying Mansour and a second passenger in Pakistan's remote southwestern province of Balochistan bordering Afghanistan.

Speaking to reporters in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw Kerry outlined the reasons for the strikes.

"Mansour posed... an imminent threat to US personnel, Afghan civilians and Afghan security forces," he told reporters,

adding "he was also directly opposed to peace negotiations."

The US "has long maintained that an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned reconciliation process is the surest way to ensure peace... peace is what we want, Mansour was a threat to that," Kerry added.

The Taliban have so far not commented on the American strike or confirmed Mansour's death. He had been appointed leader last July.

The drone attack came just days after US, Chinese, Pakistani and Afghan officials held a fresh round of talks in Islamabad aimed at restarting the stalled peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban. (AFP)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

India: Violence Against Dalits on the Rise ISIS May Target A challenging task for the government Islamic State (IS), the Syria-based banned terror group which carried out the deadly Paris attacks may target major installations in India. It has once again spat fire against India as the ter(Photo: rorist organization ISIS texasconstructionlawblog) has warned India and said that it could attack India The notification issued by the Home Ministry while accepting that IS threat is looming large on India said the terror group is expanding its arc beyond its core areas of Iraq and Syria. Five states and four cities are said to be on the IS radar in India. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam are said to be on IS radar.

What is more worrisome, according to the advisory, is that the IS has been successful in radicalising youth and attracting local population in India and Indian diaspora to physically participate in its activities. The report further says that IS has been piggy backing on terrorist groups operating in India and that there is a high possibility of IS sponsored terror attack in the country. The Home Ministry has also asked the stated to indentify neutralise threat posed by IS. For this the government has asked embassies of France, US, UK, Germany, Russia, Australia, Turkey and Israel to take immediate steps to beef up security in and around their installations. In India, in 2014, a youth from Kalyan in Thane district had returned home after spending about six-months with Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. He was arrested upon arrival in Mumbai.

Among the six Indians, who fought alongside IS and got killed were three Indian Mujahideen terrorists, two from Maharashtra and one from Telangana.Also on September 15, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deported four Indians suspected to have links with the IS. The UAE had also sent back Afsha Jabeen alias Nicky Joseph. The 37-yearold woman was allegedly involved in recruiting men for the IS. Whereas earlier in January, a man Salman Mohiuddin was arrested at Hyderabad airport when he was preparing to board a flight to Dubai on way to Syria via Turkey. According to reports, at least 17 men, mostly from Telangana, have been prevented from travelling to Syria, ostensibly to join the IS. This is just the propaganda of Islamic State.

ISIS is doing so to motivate India Muslims to join ISIS but intelligence reports suggest that they would not succeed in doing so.

Swearing-in Ceremony Sarbananda Sonowal as Assam CM The BJP is a planning a show of strength for the swearing-in ceremony of Sarbananda Sonowal as Assam CM, who will lead the party's first elected government in a Northeastern state. The gala function in Guwahati is scheduled for May 24 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The oath-taking ceremony will also be attended by BJP national president Amit Shah besides Chief Ministers from various BJP-ruled States and other senior leaders of the party. Also Chief Ministers of all the northeastern States, besides a number of senior diplomats, will also be seen in the ceremony.

The ceremony will be followed by a NDA public meeting which will be addressed by the Prime Minister.

The saffron party considers the Assam victory as its first firm footing in the Northeast, a region that has mostly been out of the party's reach. The Guwahati show is tipped to be similar to the one that the party held when B S Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Karnataka's first BJP CM in 2007. His government was supported by H D Deve Gowda's JDS, but failed to complete its full tenure as the allies pulled out midway. But experts are of the view that the Bengaluru show was BJP's first show of strength in the south India, where the party still has a long way to go to make gains beyond Karnataka. Both in Assam and Karnataka RSS has worked hard and their presence was considerable, yet it took years for the BJP to get into the mainstream of politics. The difference between the first BJP governments in the two states is that the southern success came when BJP was in the Opposition at the Centre. It is to be noted that the BJP and its allies grabbed 86 of the 126 seats, thereby ending the Congress's 15-year rule in the state. It was also learnt that the Sonowal ministry would have 10 members from the BJP and four each from the AGP and the BPF. While the three-time Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi too tendered his resignation to Governor P B Acharya following Congress' defeat in the just-concluded Assembly polls. And Listing two priorities for the new government in Assam, Chief Minister-to-be Sarbananda Sonowal said sealing of the borders with Bangladesh in two years and completion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be done to put an end to infiltration. The total length of the Indo-Bangladesh border is 4,096 km of which 263 km falls in Assam.

In the Assam stretch, 224 km has already been fenced while around 40 km is riverine.

Despite robust laws, violence against India's most oppressed people continues to rise.

Early in the morning of Rights (CDR) in Jaipur, pot of their teachers. AfFebruary 29 this year, the only organization in ter beating them bruRaju Bairwa was awak- Rajasthan monitoring tally, the school disened by a phone call. A these atrocities. It missed 11 children from wedding was taking that should be noted that school, but just two had day in his small village, these numbers are the drunk from the pot. We which lies tip of the took this case to the naHanne CouderĂŠ i c e b e r g . tional level, but the poon the outskirts A m o n g lice investigation was of the Dausa district in them, 161 cases related closed down."

Rajasthan, and some- to land disputes, 127 In recent years, because body was calling him to cases included violence of affirmative action ask for help with the against women and policies, some Dalits preparations. Three rape; and 97 were physi- have managed to escape hours after Raju left the cal assaults. In 2014- the vicious circle of house, his wife Gita re- 2015, 566 cases had poverty and discrimination. A growing number ceived another phone been reported. call. Her husband had "Our feudal history, can buy land, although been beaten up, a voice high poverty rate, and this often meets with reinformed her. the important role reli- sistance from the comHalf an hour later she gion has in society, are munity. found him by the river- among the reasons why "Half of all atrocities against side severely wounded. Rajasthan is at the top," committed The perpetrators had CDR Director P.L. Dalits are related to land says put sand in his mouth, Mimroth told The Dip- disputes," Mimroth, "The overall so he wouldn't be able lomat. to scream. After Gita While modern Indian number is rising behad cleaned his mouth, law has officially abol- cause Dalits have instarted Raju asked her how she ished the caste hierar- creasingly would survive, knowing chy, untouchability is in claiming their rights. that if he died, he would many ways still a prac- On the one hand, cases leave a jobless wife and tice. In most villages in are more likely to be rethree young boys.

Rajasthan Dalits are not ported now. On the Raju did die, a couple of allowed to take water other hand, the fact that hours later, on his way from the public well or Dalits tend to speak out to the hospital. He was to enter the temple. In more results in more just 28 years old. His public schools, Dalits violent confrontations. death was hardly a sur- are not allowed to serve In Rajasthan, every day prise: The family had meals to superior two or three Dalits are been harassed and castes; they often have raped or killed." threatened for 25 years to sit outside the class- Raped and Poisoned over a piece of land they room; and are made to On March 28, 2016, Delta Meghnal, a 17had acquired in the vil- clean the toilets. lage. Raju's family is "Recently a Rajasthani year-old Dalit girl was Dalit, a scheduled caste teacher asked a Dalit raped in her school in formerly considered student to dispose of the Bikaner, a city in "untouchable" and landRecent figures for Rajasthan, less in the ancient Hindu caste order. Althe state with the highest rate though the Bairwas leof atrocities committed against gally own the land, their Dalits, indicate that this vioownership is disputed by the upper caste villence continues to rise. Between lagers, who still control April 2015 and March 2016, the plot.

Dead Dogs 617 severe incidents were regisIn India, national crime tered by the Centre for Dalit statistics show that violence against Dalits is Rights (CDR) in Jaipur, the on the rise. According to only organization in Rajasthan the National Crime Records Bureau monitoring these atrocities. It (NCRB), crime against should be noted that these Dalits - ranging from numbers are the tip of the icerape, murder, beatings, and violence related to berg. Among them, 161 cases land matters - increased related to land disputes, 127 by 29 percent from 2012 to 2014. In 2014, 47,064 cases included violence against cases of crimes against women and rape; and 97 were Dalits were registered, up from 39,408 in 2013 physical assaults. In 2014-2015, and 33,655 in 2012.

566 cases had been reported.

Recent figures for Rajasthan, the state with dead body of a street Rajasthan. Her physical the highest rate of dog," Grijesh Dinker, trainer allegedly atatrocities committed the state coordinator of tacked her when she against Dalits, indicate the National Dalit was cleaning his room, that this violence con- Movement for Justice, a task she had to fulfill tinues to rise. Between recalls. "When he re- every day. Later that April 2015 and March fused to do so, he was night, Delta called her 2016, 617 severe inci- beaten. Last year, two 8- father to explain him dents were registered by year-old Dalit children what had happened. He the Centre for Dalit drank water from the promised to pick her up

Image for representational purpose (Photo: thenewsminute) the next morning. But when he arrived, he found that Delta had been poisoned, and her body was thrown into a water tank.

The post-mortem established both the rape and the murder. The teacher, the principal and the warden, the latter two suspected of being accessories to the murder, were arrested. But neither Delta's family nor the Dalit community carry high hopes for justice. According to Grijesh, "The warden's husband is associated with the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the other accused are affiliated with the BJP ruling political party. Because of their powerful ties, I don't think a charge sheet will be filed in court within 60 days, and thus the investigation will be dropped. Even the recently recommended Central Bureau of Investigation probe into Delta's death will not change this."

In Rajasthan, 60 percent of rape cases are closed during the investigation; 20 percent of cases are lost after filing them in court. Of the 20 percent that result in a guilty verdict, only 4 percent receive a punishment. The overall conviction rate for crimes against Dalits in Rajasthan is 7 percent compared to a 28.8 percent conviction rate for crimes against Dalits for the whole of India.

This relative impunity persists despite India's strong laws. The 2014 amendment of the Prevention of Atrocities Act introduces offences such as garlanding with foot-

wear, compelling to dispose of or carry human or animal carcasses, or undertake manual scavenging, and abusing Dalits (Scheduled Castes) and Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes) in public. The law even seeks the establishment of a special court at the district level to try the offences it defines.

But enforcement appears to be very weak. In Rajasthan, Mimroth blames law enforcement: "Police, the revenue department, and judiciary they all belong to the superior castes and have biased attitudes towards Dalits."

Also in Gujrat, a state bordering Rajasthan, which has the highest rate of sexual violence against Dalit women, weak enforcement of the law due to a lack of political will is a major issue according to Manjula Pradeep, a well-known activist. "In this state, atrocities committed against Dalits are on the rise as well. Apart from increasing violence against Dalit women, lots of Dalits are killed over land issues. They increasingly stand up for their rights, but the state is not ready to listen to them.

Registering a complaint doesn't mean you will get justice. Gujrat does not have special courts or police stations, such as obliged by the Prevention of Atrocities Act." Three years ago three young Dalit boys were killed by police fire in Thangadh, a town in Gujrat. So far, there has been no trial. "We have been raising this issue since September 2012," Pradeep says, "We presented the case to the United Nations, and launched a petition in the Gujrat High Court.

RBI's Governor

Subramoniun Swamy is an Indian politician and economist who serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha, (Photo: indileak)

Sir, He is always in the thick of controversy by his insensible comments on certain sensitive issues. We remember, how his controversial comments in Assam were about to snap the brittle communal thread. He invited certain unwanted troubles by his irresponsible comments that prompted one to file an FIR and he had to come to Assam to defend his views. Two persons have always been amidst controversies. What Digvijay Singh is to the congress, Subramoniun Swamy is to the BJP. Both Mr. Singh and Mr. Swamy are known for their Sarcastic and provocative statements.

We believe, the comments passed against Raghuram Rajan, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India by Dr. Swamy is of poor taste. Being an M.P. of the BJP of Rajya Sabha, it would do well for Swamy to discuss the matter with the Finance minister or other high

dignitaries of the BJP including the Prime-minister. Certain sensitive issues are to be decided by the high ups of the BJP should be left to them to finalize.

Mr. Swamy should shoulder the responsibilities entrusted to him to discharge his duties as a Rajya-Sabha M.P. instead of poking his nose into the affairs about retention or removal of the Governor of Reserve Bank of India. It is plausible for one to refrain from doing anything that is one's ultra vires.

But we don't expect any result. Whenever police are involved in killings we are not able to get justice for the Dalit family."

No Justice In his last statement to the police, just before he died on the way to hospital, Raju Bairwa identified the nine men who had attacked him. He knew them well, as they were the same men who had been harassing his family for 25 years. In one incident, 500 people gathered around the Bairwa family's house.

When they started shooting, three family members were wounded, Raju among them. Some years later, Raju's elder brother was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The case remains unresolved.

Three years ago, these same nine men were sentenced to three years imprisonment for multiple instances of harassment of the Bairwa family.

But as they belong to upper caste families with powerful political ties, they were able to bail themselves out.

At the time of writing, only six of the nine accused have been arrested for Raju's death. Three remain free due to "insufficient evidence." Meanwhile, the upper caste community continues to occupy the Bairwa's land, and is holding meetings to have the case settled.

"We were wrong to believe that education would eradicate untouchability," sighs Mimroth, "The dominant mindset in Rajasthan is still guided by the caste system. It will take more than 100 years to change that." Courtesy: The Diplomat

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200.

So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc.

Email : Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

Page 9

d e All You Need To Know About The Syrian War

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

And Why Europe Is Refusing To Help Refugees In the summer of 2015, gious extremists. They Europe witnessed the lost all hopes of a stable largest influx of refugees regime in their home since World War II. Mil- country and resorted to lions of Syrian refugees, their sole chance of havto escape the brutalising ing a normal life, escapcivil war ing to the regime, w e s t . fled their Shivani Chimnani T h e y country to were in find peace and harmony. search of a safe home The inception of the prob- and hearth, basic employlem dates back to 2011. ment opportunities and Owing to the Arab most importantly, peace.

Spring, the totalitarian re- It was a time when hugimes in several parts of mans were to unite to the Arab region were help humans live peacechallenged and attempts fully away from the were made in different scourge of war but were regions of the Middle instead abandoned and East and Northern Africa treated in the most slavto topple such a regime. ish and horrifying manner.

The Al-Assad family in They expected a smidgen Syria refused to step of welcome and sympadown. In the midst of this thy after escaping the insurgency, ISIS, a horrors of war and terror jihadist militant group took but were instead perseadvantage of such war- cuted, starved, kicked at torn conditions and and treated in dreadfully. headed towards the bel- The West comprising of ligerent occupation of the the apparently civilised Syrian territory with the nations with strong objective of establishing economies and resources an Islamic caliphate in to support such migrant Syria. Today, the ISIS is population remained deemed to be the most averse to them. savage, destructive ex- The Migrant- Asylum tremist organisation on Seeker Exchange Deal Earth.

Europe reaching an imThe Syrian civilian popu- passe regarding the refulation was trapped amidst gee problem resorted to ceaseless violent feuds trading refugee lives. between the government, The European Union enthe rebel groups and reli- tered a deal with Turkey

so that "irregular migrants" from Greece would be relocated back to Turkey in return of a one-for-one basis for Syrian refugees being sent back the European Union member states.

This meant that a Syrian refugee on the Greek Islands would be returned to Turkey in exchange for a Syrian asylum seeker would, in turn, be accepted by Europe. The European United assured to give Turkey significant financial aid, visa-free travel of several Turkish citizens around the Schengen region and accelerate talks of Turkey's admission into the European Union. In March 2016, stomping over all moral obligations and despite severe criticism, the deal was implemented.

Wide Scale Criticism Human rights groups have strongly criticised the deal, with Amnesty International accusing the EU of turning"its back on a global refugee crisis, and willfully ignoring its international obligations."

Several rights groups, as well as the UN refugee agency, noted that the concept was illegal.

When the deal was first announced, the campaigners were outraged

because it would involve the "blanket return" of all asylum seekers without assessing their individual claims, something that Europe had promised to uphold under the terms of the UN's 1951 Refugee Convention and its own legislation. Several doubts had also been raised concerning Turkey not being a safe place for Syrian refugees as it did not guarantee the refugees adequate protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Moreover, Turkey did not easily grant Syrians the right to work. In several cases, it had even illegally forced Syrians to return to Syria.

There is evidence already suggesting maltreatment of Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The Ethics Of The Deal The subject of deliberation and controversy is that of commodifying human lives. Paying Turkey a sizeable sum for taking in refugees defies the entire concept of a country's moral obligations of helping those seeking refuge. It seems to be a way of buying out of the problem. It further stifles human hopes and aspirations of those who escape their countries

and risk their lives in hope of a better future. A wholesale return of refugees from one country to another is prima facie inhuman and immoral.

A counter argument presented against this is that of the burden being placed solely on Europe to address the mammoth refugee crisis, which is rather lopsided. The European Union cannot be expected to be responsible for over 4 million refugees and the aspect of shared moral responsibility ought to be considered globally. Moreover, it is argued that having open borders or allowing refugees to choose their nation of settlement would not be pragmatic and give rise to further problems.

The philosophical dilemma which dominates this entire situation is whether it is morally permissible to treat and regard refugees as tradable or is this morally incorrect. On one hand, it corrupts the meaning of a refugee by treating it as a commodity which can be traded with.

On the contrary, it is argued to be a pragmatic and realist solution to the problem. Does the concept of trading refugees abide by the virtues of interna-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: upload.wikimedia) tional morality or is it grossly unacceptable and loathsome? The question still lingers.

The most favoured opinion has been against the deal. In reality, we are practically trading human lives, which is a reprehensible thing for a civilised and progressed world to undertake. A human life is not an object. Moreover, the refugees had faced many obstacles of reaching the escape destination.

Several died in the process and for what? To be sent back?

The Bitter Truth The Refugee Crisis is undoubtedly a great challenge for the world at large but a nation's sensitization towards the entire situation could be the first step to-

wards resolving it. Nations ought to be generous in accepting refugees especially if they have the land and resources to support them. A majority of Western countries besides Europe have agreed to accept only a minuscule of the refugee population despite having adequateresources to support more rendering several refugees helpless.

Abdicating religious prejudices could perhaps be the second. Several Western countries have been unwilling to accept refugees on the basis of social and religious prejudices. We need to understand that refugees are normal people like us except the fact that they are not entitled to half the privileges

we are and that they have escaped a war which most of us haven't even encountered. The last and perhaps the most compelling reason for helping refugees is that for the sake of humanity.

If we perceive them as being ordinary humans who are children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters of someone, perhaps that would knock some empathy into our heads. They ought to be saved, taken care of and not maltreated and traded for the simple cause of humanity and rescuing our fellow humans. After all, we were all humans until race disconnected us, religion separated us, politics divides us and wealth classified us.

Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

How Regional Politics Can Change The All you need to know about Buddha Purnima Game In India (Wait, It Already Has) I think universities should can be the issues that BJP Sharda Chit Fund scam gold to girls; laptops, noteadd a new course to their raised: infiltration from and the recent Narada books and geometry boxes existing curriculum, Bangladesh being one of Sting allegedly showed the to students - were quite which is - India. I bet it the most important ones. top leaders of her party her plus point. taking hefty bribes just be- Kerala will be the toughest sub- West Bengal ject because no one will In West Bengal, BJP has fore elections; the TMC The only place where the ever understand what In- faced massive humilia- still won and did so with communist party was able to save itself was Kerala. dia is, why India is, and tion. Though, their vote almost no competition. how India is. India is the percentage and seats in- Tamil Nadu It looks like the alleged c r e a s e d It was explicit that Amma Oommen Chandy solar biggest Saurabh Verma (10.2% and (Jayalalithaa) would return panel scam really did act wonder. It's 3 respec- to serve a second time. up against Congress. very difficult to analyse and interpret the tively) as compared to Though the opinion polls Puducherry masses of this nation. A the previous assembly did create some confusion Congress and their allies myriad festival of democ- elections (4.4% and 0). professing that her party AIDMK won with a maracy was recently cel- But that proved quite will be the runners-up in jority of 17 seats from the ebrated here. The results meaningless for them. of the elections held in five states are finally out. Every political analyst, in the country, is analysing and interpreting these elections in their own manner. And, I am one of them.

Assam Starting with the Assam elections, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has had a tremendous win in the state.

I was watching various news channels as the results were declared, I saw most of them giving credits to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the victory.

News channel experts claimed that the RSS had built the foundation for the BJP win. This could be a factor but there are many others as well. The role of Sabarabanand Sonwal who is likely to be the Chief Jaya Lalitha would return to serve a second time and Mamta Banerjee Minister (CM) of Assam might serve as the CM of West Bengal (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz) can't be neglected. He has been active in the politics Mamata Di will now con- this elections. But the total of 30. of Assam for several years tinue to serve as the CM people of Tamil Nadu sim- The results show a new now starting with the of West Bengal. It looks ply love Amma. She was trend of regional parties in President of a student like the janta loved the able to win, even without the national politics. It is union. The story of his efforts she put in. Al- doing enough rallies. evident that they will play success is a remarkable though, she was charged Looks like her policies for a crucial role in next Lok one. Among other factors with corruption in the the poor - Amma canteen; Sabha elections in 2019.

Nitish Kumar's plan to create a new front against the BJP to tackle them seems to be working as is evident with the two victories - that of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Relations between the West Bengal CM and Bihar CM are quite good. And so is Nitish's bond with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

They can all together try to woo the confidence of Jayalalithaa from the south. But, like in the past, it's hard to convince the ambitions of leaders because of that one 'apple of discord' amongst them: that of the post of Prime Minister.

The second point, I noted, are the populistic policies of parties to gain more seats. It worked for Mamata, Jayalalithaa as well as Samajwadi Party in the Uttar Pradesh with laptop scheme, unemployment allowances, etc.

These policies help maintain some placating relationship between the government and the people.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) played the same card in Delhi and see, they won so well. This might make other parties follow suit by making pro-poor policies for collective development to gain more votes. However, I feel that these policies will not help in the long run in the development of India. Where are we are heading? Just wait! And watch out for the next elections of the biggest state of the country - Uttar Pradesh.

Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

The festival is also known as Buddha Jayanti and was being celebrated this year on May 21.

The festival of Buddha Purnima is traditionally celebrated to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha and went on to become the founder of Buddhism.

On this day, people celebrate Siddhartha's choice

month of the Buddhist calendar.

Neighbouring Southeast Asian countries too, celebrate this day during the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist and Hindu calendar, which is usually the month of April or May according to the Western Gregorian calendar.

Celebrations worldwide Countries all over the world celebrate the es-

ferent ethnicities and cultures.

How India celebrates People who have embraced Buddhism usually pay a visit to common Viharas to begin their celebration. There they observe a full-length Buddhist sutra which is very similar to a service.

Non-vegetarian food is renounced for the day, and followers choose to dress

Statue of Buddha (Photo: 1.bp.blogspot) to embrace a spiritual quest wherein he renounced all worldly pleasures to become a holy man. He chose this life when he witnessed the suffering of common people.

He was hence inspired to let go of his royal life.

Buddha's birth country is considered as Nepal, and there this day is celebrated in accordance to the full moon day of the Vaisakha

sence of Buddhism on this day, and it is not limited only to Southeast Asia.

The day is a public holiday in many countries, including China, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and South Vietnam; Canada, Australia and United States (US), too, celebrate this festival by commemorating dif-

in white. Consumption and distribution of popular Indian dish 'Kheer' is undertaken, because according to legend, a woman named Sujata offered a bowl of milk to Gautama Buddha.

Buddha Purnima celebration is all about praying with the purest of feelings, and adopting what Buddhism stand for- peace, non-violence and harmony. Courtesy:Dnaindia

Love For Science Took Me To MIT, Now I'm Trying To Remind School Kids How Fun It Can Be India is a fascinating ground for education in today's world. With increased awareness about the value of education across the country, more and more people are dedicated to getting the best education and attending the best colleges in the country. However, their dedication is not supported by a system of equal opportunity.

Secondly, majority of students enter college with little to no exposure to the plethora of interesting academic fields that lie beyond school. In the pursuit of

high exam scores, there is rarely any opportunity for students to explore beyond the given school curriculum, resulting in high-school students graduating without any intellectual passion or drive.

I myself am a product of this system, and wrote about my own struggles and the limited exposure that comes with studying in a small town in India. Lucky for me, I was able to turn things around and secure admission on a full schol-

Ayush Sharma

arship to MIT, the best technology school in the world.

To address this disparity, I propose to travel to India in the summer of 2016 to implement a challenging and fast-paced seven-week long science programme for students from underserved backgrounds in Kanpur, Delhi and Mumbai.

Through this initiative, which has been developed in collaboration with Avanti Learning Centres, I hope to be able to expose at least 100 such students to a wide variety of exciting, cutting-edge scientific ideas,

especially in Physics and Computer Science.

I want students to perceive science as a meaningful intellectual pursuit rather than a difficult subject that they are merely tested on. I want to be able to inspire them to think analytically, systematically, and forge critical thinking and problemsolving skills. I would also like to enhance a student's ability in scientific communication - both in written and verbal expression, an aspect often ignored.

My first stop is Kanpur, the town of my birth where start-

ing June, students will experience a month-long immersive, challenging and fast-paced summer programme. We will kick it off with a variety of foundational ideas/topics in Physics, Math and Computer Science, including game theory and its applications to real world and Quantum Mechanics and its counterintuitive nature.

Then we move on to explore computer programs and algorithms. The focus will not be as much on syntax of a particular programming language but instead on systematic, algorith-

mic thinking. I'd integrate content from my class 6.S04 (Fundamentals of programming) and present students with challenging puzzles and problems such as of finding all possible paths in a maze.

The third and fourth week, will further advance us into more complex problems both in Physics and Computer Science. In addition to presenting more advanced topics, I'd incorporate sessions about the recent discovery of gravitational waves. A final project to create an Arduino compatible

robot rover from a pre-packaged kit, would conclude the Kanpur session, which will be conducted at Avanti Learning Center.

Though I would like to have replicated this model in other cities, I will be taking condensed versions at Delhi, Mumbai and one other yet-tobe-finalised city. The purpose of these week-long sessions across various cities is to reach out to as many students as possible. They will be intense as I aim to condense everything in my original month-long

programme into them. To know more about the workshop, all students are welcome toapply.

I'd like to end by saying that these workshops are a labour of love, and alongside my course work at MIT, I have been dedicating five hours every week to prepare for them.

The idea is to revolutionise how students in this country view science and I hope to inspire others to join me in this journey of transforming education in India.

Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

Mercedes-Benz GLC to be launched in India Noida, May 22: Mercedes-Benz has always had a rather large gap in its SUV portfolio in India. While the GLA is too small, the GLE is almost a full-sized SUV, Mercedes-Benz has never had a vehicle to go up against the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC will be launched on June 2 and will bridge that gap and take the fight straight to its fellow German competition. The new GLC is essentially the SUV version of the CClass and will come with styling inspired heavily from the latter, such as the headlamps and the sporty front grille. Buyers will also get a wide front bumper to give it a

Non-veg meals no more included on private biz charters' menu New Delhi, May 22: Non vegetarian meals are a strict no-no on private jets of top Indian corporate houses promoted by Hindu business families.

Almost all big Indian corporates acquire business jets under the licence of non schedule operator permit (NSOP), which basically means they can fly these jets as charters without any fixed timetable or schedule, and also helps them pay lower taxes than buying them as private jets. Since these planes spend a lot of time on ground or flying "empty legs" -meaning flying with just the crew after dropping owners somewhere or to pick them up -the big companies are increasingly offering these planes for hire to cut expenses or even make some money .

"We approached some leading Indian corporates and were told very clearly that no non-veg food can be served on their planes even when rented out to third parties. Companies like Reliance, Jindal Steel, India Cements and a few more were very strict about this issue," said a senior official of a start-up that offers online booking for NSOP charters. The official did not want to be identified and also did not want to disclose name of the start-up, given sensitivities involved. As a result, even when these planes are hired, their guests get vegetarian delicacies on board. In fact, a rising number of Indian corporates are now looking at cutting expenses on corporate jets. They are doing so by either renting out the jets in spare time or completely getting rid of them. Instead, such corporates are hiring jets when needed.

(Agencies)

COMFORT ON WHEELS The all-new MercedesBenz GLC will be launched on June 2 and will bridge that gap and take the fight straight to its fellow German competition.

The new GLC is essentially the SUV version of the C-Class and will come with styling inspired heavily from the latter, such as the headlamps and the sporty front grille. You also get a wide front bumper to give it a SUV stance and large wheels that accentuate the side of the car.

SUV stance and large wheels that accentuate the side of the car. The

Around the rear, the GLC adopts a set of horizontally placed LED tail lamps and the signature MercedesBenz bumper design with two exhaust tips and a diffuser. The GLC gets the same stylish interior that you get on the C-Class.

All engines will be mated to a dual-clutch 9-speed gearbox, while a select few variants will also get 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

The SUV will get a large central screen with Apple Car Play as standard along with ambient lighting.

The GLC will have many takers in India as it will be priced between Rs 35-45 lakh making it MercedesBenz's first SUV in that range.

GLC also has plastic cladding and fender accentuation that runs all

around the SUV to give it a tougher look and feel. Around the rear, the

to be the GLC 200 or the GLC 250, and the diesel to be offered in two variants, the GLC 220d and the GLC 250d. All engines will be mated to a dual-clutch 9-speed gearbox, while a select few variants will also get 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

The GLC will also get AirMatic suspension and off road assist on the allwheel-drive variant, which will include different terrain response modes. As we mentioned earlier, the GLC will go up against the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. The GLC will have many takers in India as it will be priced between Rs 35-45 lakh making it Mercedes-Benz's first SUV in that range.

(Agencies)

My Trade Box, India's First assisted bulkbuying hybrid e-commerce start-up ANI New Delhi, May 22: My Trade Box, India's first assisted bulk buying hybrid E-commerce start-up, will soon have a physical presence in local markets to give an ease of accessibility to local retailers as well as local buyers. With a brand motto of -'Happy sellers, Happy buyers', it will give the e-commerce industry a facelift. MTB works with a select group of sellers chosen for quality products and de-

livering quality service, to procure products of regular needs at very competitive rates under its arm, Trade Link. The company has a specific vision of developing Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets and SME's to reach out to local buyers through MyTradeBox local kiosks. The online hybrid e-commerce model helps them make better purchase decisions by giving them access to more listings across more product categories.

Jayant

Mehrotra, Co-Founder, My Trade Box, explains, "We are the first startup in India to truly focus on 'Assisted Buying' in the true sense of its term.

Our local representatives and kiosks act as the bridge between local sellers and local buyers in all major business sectors.

We are currently expanding in the Northern region of India, with a vision to have at least 10,000 small manufacturers signed up, doing business with 100,000 re-

tailers across six major business clusters across India. Our focus centre is to give the SME sectors a major facelift, get customers access to everything that a business or a household may require. Our hybrid model serves both the B2B and the B2C sector and our aim is to bring in a harmony between SME's, Manufacturers, Retailers and Buyers." The company has numerous quality touch-points to change how the e-com-

merce industry is progressing. A special feature called the 'ESCROW' account has also been activated with a leading bank 'Kotak Mahindra', where the seller/buyer can deposit any sum/large sum of money without having trust issues on either; the bank releases the money once a successful and satisfactory transaction of product is completed.

MyTradeBox is a unique combination of B2C & B2B platform.

2:1 bonus shares offered by ITC, Q4 net up 6% Kolkata, May 22: Tobacco-to-FMCG-to-hotel conglomerate ITC has declared a 2:1 bonus share issue on Friday. So after almost six years, shareholders will get one share for every two they own. The board of directors of ITC also recommended a dividend of Rs 8.50 per share. The diversified conglomerate had last declared a bonus during its centenary in 2010. The ITC scrip was up by 1.6% and closed at Rs 330 following the announcement. The total cash outflow owing to dividend will be Rs 8,232 crore. The company witnessed a 5.7% rise in net profit at Rs 2,495 crore in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2016,

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: pixabay) compared to Rs 2,361 crore in the year-ago period. The revenue during the quarter grew to Rs 10,062 crore from Rs 9,292 crore in the yearago period. Excluding exports of agri-com-

modities, gross revenue for the year grew by 6.4%. Profit before tax (PBT) registered a growth of 6.9% to Rs 14,958 crore, while net profit at Rs 9,845 crore increased by 2.5%. ITC

has stated that the muted growth in revenue during the quarter reflects the continuing impact of higher taxes and regulatory pressures on the legal cigarette industry, weak demand conditions in the FMCG industry and synchronization of trade pipeline in the notebooks category. PBT for the quarter jumped 14.4% aided by favourable base effect, benign input costs and gross margin expansion in the FMCG-others segment. Executives said FMCG-cigarettes segment continues to be hit by severe pressure on the legal cigarette industry volumes even as illegal trade grows unabated. The new

FMCG-segment registered revenue growth of 7.7% amid sluggish demand conditions and price deflationary environment. Most categories record improvement in market standing. The new FMCG segment has also witnessed a surge in profit from Rs 48.5 crore in the Q4 of 2015-16 to Rs 70.8 crore in the last quarter. The hotels segment revenue was up by 8.4%, aided by healthy growth in occupancy and food & beverage revenue. This segment results include the impact of gestation costs of ITC Grand Bharat and business disruption caused by heavy rain in Chennai during November-December 2015. (Agencies)

Price of Maruti Ciaz, Ertiga get cheaper in Delhi Bumchums launches a

Doubling of bad loans brings in great loss of IDBI Bank Pune, May 22: Public sector lender IDBI Bank reported Rs.1,736 crore loss for the quarter ended March 31 as gross nonperforming assets doubled to Rs.24,875 crore or 10.98 per cent of its gross advances.

The bank reported a profit of Rs.546 crore in the year-earlier period.

This is the second consecutive quarter it posted a loss resulting in the bank reporting a loss of Rs.3,665 crore for FY 2015-16 compared to a profit of Rs.873 crore in the year earlier. The net NPA of the bank jumped to 6.78 per cent (Rs.14,643 crore) as on 31 March from 2.88 per cent (Rs. 5,993 crore).

(Agencies)

The GLC will also get a beige interior package in India, but we also expect an optional sportier black interior package to be offered. Quality levels will be top notch as expected from modern Mercedes-Benz cars. In terms of engines, the Mercedes-Benz GLC will get both a petrol and a diesel engine.

GLC adopts a set of horizontally placed LED tail lamps and the signature Mercedes-Benz bumper design with two exhaust tips and a diffuser. The GLC gets the same stylish interior that you get on the C-Class. The SUV will get a large central screen with Apple Car Play as standard along with ambient lighting.

The GLC will also get a beige interior package in India, but there are expectations for an optional sportier black interior package to be offered.

Quality levels will be top notch as expected from modern Mercedes-Benz cars. In terms of engines, the Mercedes-Benz GLC will get both a petrol and a diesel engine. The petrol motor is expected

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: cliparts)

New Delhi, May 22: Good news for the residents of the national capital as the Government has reduced the VAT on electric and hybrid cars from twenty four per cent to 12.5 per cent. As a result, both the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Ertiga, with the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) tech have become cheaper. All the diesel variants of these cars come with the SHVS tech and hence, have seen a dip in prices upto INR 69,000. Also, these cars are exempted from the odd-even

rule. The Ertiga's price has been reduced by INR 51,000 to 62,000 whereas the Ciaz has witnessed a drop of INR 55,000 to 69,000, depending on their respective variants. The Ertiga's base variant which was earlier priced at INR 7.59 lakhs now costs 7.08 lakhs and the top variant which was priced at INR 9.28 lakhs is now available for INR 8.66 lakhs. The Ciaz VDi variant which used to cost INR 8.23 lakhs is now priced at INR 7.68 lakhs and the top RS variant which used to cost

INR 10.18 lakhs is now priced at 9.49 lakhs. The Ciaz and the Ertiga feature the same engine lineup.

The petrol mill is a 1.4-litre unit which generates 92PS of power alongside 130Nm of torque. The diesel mill is a 1.3-litre unit which produces 90PS power with 200Nm of torque. Both the cars have the option of a four-speed automatic transmission in the petrol variants. The diesel mill is mated to the SHVS technology which enables the car to have the idle stop-start feature and brake energy regeneration. This qualifies the car as a hybrid. As a result of the SHVS tech, the Ciaz and the Ertiga diesel variants have a claimed fuel efficiency of 28.09 and 24.52 kmpl, respectively.

This is a good move by the Government as it will encourage the carmakers to introduce similar technologies in cars. Not only do these systems increase fuel efficiency, but also add to the torque and performance of the cars. (Agencies)

whole new range of Casual Wear for Women

ANI Kolkata, May 22: Bumchums, the casual wear brand from the House of Rupa, launched a new range of casual wear for women. Labelled as Bumchums Women, the collection takes a fresh leap forward towards endorsing women who lead an active life. The collection presents an exclusive range of active wear, leisure wear, lounge wear and relax wear available in multiple colours and styles. "The designs are chic and classy, quite akin to the taste of young modern women who are independent, stylish, bold, fearless, and always on the go. We've blended superior cotton and spandex fabric so that women can stay comfortable yet stylish all day long." said Mr Rajnish Agarwal, Brand President, Rupa and Com-

pany Ltd. Furthering adding to this, he said, "Inspired by celebrity looks and the latest catwalk trends, Bumchums Women bridges the gap between functional streetclothing and futuristic fashion. Each piece is crafted aesthetically and cut to perfection for that second look." Bumchums Women debuts with VNeck and Round-Neck Tees, Lounge Pants and Capris. The next in line of production are printed tops and bottoms with attractive pipings. Bumchums is a casual wear brand owned

by Rupa & Co. Ltd., which provides cool casuals and trendy Tshirts, Bermudas, Loungers and Capris for young men and kids. The brand also offers dedicated products like baba suits and frocks for toddlers under the brand name 'Tots'.

PAGE 10

Edutainment centre KidZania set to debut in Delhi-NCR on May 26

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: timlovesjesus.files) ANI New Delhi, May 22: If your kid ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, a fire fighter, a RJ, chef, journalist, dentist, television host, fashion designer, artist, camera person or a surgeon then edutainment centre KidZania is the place where kids should head this summer.

KidZania, the first of its kind indoor family education and entertainment centre marks its second edition with the launch in Delhi NCR on May 26, 2016. Just in time for the holiday season, the destination is set to bring entertainment and learning in a safe environment. Targeted at kids aged 4 to 16, KidZania is a global indoor

theme park for families with more than 90 role playing adventures in a weather conducive environment. This summers, kids can enjoy the fun filled activities and one of a kind experience at the theme park. The city has its own functioning economy and currency and replicas of real world industries, services and factories such as a bank, a fire station, a hospital, factories, a theatre, RJ station and much more.

KidZania, a globally successful entertainment theme park, provides an environment where kids foster their autonomy, creativity, decision making skills, problem solving and social values.

CEO of Microsoft to visit India this month Hyderabad, May 22: Close on the heels of Apple chief Tim Cook's visit to India, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will be in India later this month. In his third visit to the country in just seven months, Hyderabad-born Nadella is expected to meet entrepreneurs and developers as part of the trip. Microsoft will also host an event with Nadella on May 30. According to invites, the head of the US-based software giant will talk about "how technology is fostering a culture of innovation to solve real-world problems and driving India transformation". Nadella was in India last December. He

had met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and visited the campus of startup incubator T-hub and Microsoft development centre in Hyderabad.

In November, he had delivered a keynote address at Microsoft's 'Future Unleashed' event in Mumbai and met industry leaders like Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra and Axis Bank managing director Shikha Sharma. These visits and increasing engagements by global leaders highlight India's rise as a huge technology consumer and not just as an outsourcing destination.

(Agencies)

Coolpad Max unveiled in India at 24,999 Bengaluru, May 22: Coolpad unveiled its flagship product 'Coolpad Max' - world's first phone with Dual In One technology. Coolpad Max comes with a unique dual-system, an external open system as well as an internal security system which allows for encryption of the phone user's calls and texts. The secure internal system can be used to download 'fully secure' apps in a way that the users' privacy and security aren't compromised. The device, priced at Rs 24,999 will be avail-

able exclusively on Amazon. It will come in two color variations -Royal Gold and Rose Gold. The smartphone features a full metal body with a fingerprint scanner. The 5.5 inch smartphone with FHD Sharp display is powered by a 2,800 mAh battery along with Quick Charge 3.0 feature. IT has a 13MP rear ISO Cell camera with a dual tone LED flash along with a 5MP front shooter. The Coolpad Max comes in Snapdragon 617 64-bit octa-core processor. (Agencies)

A COOL MATTER Coolpad unveiled its flagship product 'Coolpad Max' - world's first phone with Dual In One technology. Coolpad Max comes with a unique dualsystem, an external open system as well as an internal security system which allows for encryption of the phone user's calls and texts.

The secure internal system can be used to download 'fully secure' apps in a way that the users' privacy and security aren't compromised.

The device, priced at Rs 24,999 will be available exclusively on Amazon. It will come in two color variations -Royal Gold and Rose Gold.

The smartphone features a full metal body with a fingerprint scanner. The 5.5 inch smartphone with FHD Sharp display is powered by a 2,800 mAh battery along with Quick Charge 3.0 feature.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

Features

PAGE 11

ENVIRONMENT Shape of cities, shapes the weather The features that make cities unique are important to understanding how cities affect weather and disperse air pollutants, researchers highlight in a new study.

Compared to their surroundings, cities can be hot -- hot enough to influence the weather. Industrial, domestic, and transportation-related activities constantly release heat, and after a warm day, concrete surfaces radiate stored heat long into the night. These phenomena can be strong enough to drive thunderstorms off course. But it isn't only about the heat cities release; it's also about their spatial layout.

By channeling winds and generating turbulence hundreds of meters into the atmosphere, the presence and organization of buildings also affect weather and air quality.

In an EPFL-led study published in the Journal

of Boundary Layer Meteorology, researchers have shown that the way cities are represented in today's weather and air quality models fails to capture the true magnitude of some important features, such as the transfer of energy and heat in the lower atmosphere. What's more, they found that processes that atmospheric sensors are unable to sense are essential to more accurately represent cities in weather models.

Stirring up the air When wind blows over a city, buildings interact with the moving air mass, generating turbulence, much like sticking your fingertips into a stream forms visible vortices on the water surface. This turbulence spreads up into the atmosphere and down into the streets. As a result, more heat, humidity, and pollutants are transported

upwards from the ground. At the same time, more of the wind's turbulent energy dissipates between streets, in gardens, or in other open spaces.

"What we showed in our work is the importance of taking into account the spatial variability of cities -- the unique features that make Paris Paris and London London," says Marco Giometto, the first author of the study.

"Most city representations used in weather models are based on data obtained from tower measurements made at a particular location within the city, which current models approximate as a rough patch of land. The transport of heat, humidity, or pollutants is then computed using mathematical relationships.

These relationships implicitly assume that the city is geometrically regular, which is a strin-

gent assumption," he says.

Giometto and his colleagues performed a series of detailed simulations of the wind flow over and within a neighborhood of the city of Basel and compared results against wind tower measurements collected within the same area. By accounting for the spatial variability of streets and buildings in the same Basel neighborhood they were able to show that, for certain parameters that play a role in the local weather and the dispersal of smoke, smog, or other pollutants, approximating the city as an uniform patch of land can lead to errors up 200 percent.

Going beyond the status quo "Weather models obviously can't include detailed representations of all large cities," says Giometto. High-resolution simulations require

time and resources that are not available to weather forecasters. Instead, he argues, going beyond the status quo of likening cities to rough patches of land will require developing new, more accurate ways to translate specific urban settings to minimalist representations that can then be integrated into a computer model.

In particular, Giometto's findings highlight the importance of accounting for dispersive terms that arise due to the spatial heterogeneity of cities. In the mathematical equations that govern the movement of the air, they do just what their name indicates: they disperse pollutants, heat, humidity, or even energy. "You can picture them as mini air-circulations, locked in between buildings that transport warm and polluted air up from groundlevel on one side and

The features that make cities unique are important to understanding how cities affect weather and disperse air pollutants, researchers highlight in a new study. Credit: Š Boris Stroujko / Fotolia (Photo: images.sciencedaily) draw down cleaner and cooler air on the other," says Andreas Christen, a coauthor of the study. But unlike the wind speed or direction, a single weather station is unable to measure these dispersive terms directly, which is where the computer simulations come in.

"We need accurate computer simulations of the

wind over cities to estimate dispersive terms for the prevailing wind directions," says Giometto.

Ultimately, this information will allow to develop accurate models, that will benefit urban residents. A better understanding of how cities affect the air within and above them, and better tools to account for these

effects, would not only contribute to improving urban weather forecasts and the evaluation of the spread of pollutant plumes and smog in urban settings. In the future, they could also contribute to making cities more energy efficient and, maybe one day, a little bit less hot. Courtesy: Sciencedaily

When all becomes one Indians at Risk from Hargila Army is leading the way for conservation of the endangered greater adjutant stork in Assam's Kamrup district Rapid industrialisation, tardy implementation of law, lack of public awareness and a thriving illegal market for animal body parts have led to a surge in wildlife-related crimes like never before across the country. The most vulner- Abdul able to these crimes are the rare species of birds and animals.

In Assam too, such crimes are rising. Every other day, news of rhino poaching emerges from the Kaziranga National Park. Many times, the poachers are reportedly led by some miscreants among the locals.

in wildlife conservation for the people of the State to emulate.

Since 2015, these women have taken it upon themselves to conserve the greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos Dubius), declared endangered by Gani the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Half the global population of the stork variety, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is said to found in that area of the district.

"We have realized the value of this bird species.

It is very important to our eco-system. So we are

According to the latest survey of IUCN, there are less than 1,200 greater adjutant storks in the world out of which around 800 birds are found in Assam and at least 156 in Bihar besides around 200 spotted in Cambodia.

Das says villagers used to cut the trees where the birds' made their nests to shelter their chicks due to lack of awareness and superstitions. As a result, many new-born chicks died.

"Earlier, the villagers did not realize the importance of the bird. Many thought that it brought ill luck. But now, we are

These village women are engaged in a play to create awareness on Greater Adjutant Stork conservation in Dadara in Kamrup district. (Photo: Abdul Gani)

And yet, there is succour, that not all is lost. That there still are people who feel they should save the wildlife of their area.

Meet this bunch of women - most of them unlettered - from Dadara, Pachoria and Singimari village in the State's Kamrup district who have set up an example

working to increase its population. We now regard them as our family members," Pratibha Das, the president of the conservation group tells a leading magazine.

The group consists of 70 women and it calls itself Hargila Army. Greater adjutant stork is locally known as Hargila.

more aware and everybody in the village is working for the conservation of not just the greater adjutant storks but for other birds and animals as well," she adds.

The credit for this transformation in the villagers goes to Purnima Devi Barman, a conservation-

ist biologist. She visited the village as a student to do her PhD on the species in 2008.

Barman was taken aback on seeing the plight of the bird and decided to work for its conservation. "The scenario was pathetic in 2008. The villagers did not want to see the birds in their area.

They thought of it as a carnivorous bird, and would bring carcass and other rotten stuff. This led them to cut the trees where they used to build nests," relates Barman.

It was a tough mission for Barman to make the villagers understand the importance of the greater adjutant storks. "The villagers initially reacted angrily when I suggested their conservation to them. I then decided to take the women folk into confidence. I gathered the village women and shared my views with them. I also conducted several games and competitions like cooking among the girls and women to win their confidence. I wanted to make them feel that these birds are their own," says Barman, associated with a well-known wildlife conservation organization, Aranyak.

Barman points out that though the bird is protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, its breeding areas are not protected.

The greater adjutant stork only breeds in private land. She claims, from 2010 onwards, not a single tree has been cut in that locality.

"In 2006-07, we found that there were only 15 nests but in 2015, when we did a survey, we

found 171 nests. This itself tells the dedication of the villagers and I'm extremely happy with the result," she says.

Now, the village women also organize various programmes around the bird's conservation needs and sing community songs to make people aware of nature.

"We have made it a habit to make the greater adjutant stork a part of our festivals and celebrations. I have also composed a song which describes the story of storks and also the mission initiated by Purnima baideo. We sing community songs at naam ghar (the community prayer hall) during festivals," says Charu Das, another member of the Hargila Army.

The local women have also crafted special gamochas (traditional Assamese hand woven towel) that feature the stork as a motif. "This is also a means of creating awareness among the people and also the visitors who come to our village. We feel proud to be a part of this noble mission. We also want the people of other parts of the State to also do something for the wildlife and the environment before it is too late," adds Das. Proud of the feeling of ownership that the villagers now have for the bird, Barman thanks the Kamrup district administration and the forest department for their help in her mission. Courtesy: Nezine (Abdul Gani is a Guwahati-based journalist and can be reached at ganighy@gmail.com)

Rising Sea Levels

Nearly 40 million Indians will be at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, with people in Mumbai and Kolkata having the maximum exposure to coastal flooding in future due to rapid urbanisation and economic growth, according to a UN environment report.

The Global Environmental Outlook (GEO6): Regional Assessments said that the worst impacts of climate change are projected to occur in the Pacific and South and Southeast

vulnerability and exposure to climate extremes.

The report said that in many coastal areas, growing urban settlements have also affected the ability of natural coastal systems to respond effectively to extreme climate events, rendering them more vulnerable. "Some countries, such as China, India and Thailand, are projected to face increased future exposure to extremes, especially in highly urbanised areas, as a result of rapid

port, published ahead of the UN Environment Assembly taking place in Nairobi next week, said the worst impacts of climate change are projected to occur in the Pacific and South and Southeast Asia.

In 2011, six of the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change worldwide were in Asia and the Pacific. The report said livelihoods can be impacted negatively by natural disasters, economic crises and climate change. On coastal

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: jpl.nasa) Asia. It said focusing on the population at risk from sea level rise by 2050, seven of the 10 most vulnerable countries worldwide are in the Asia Pacific region.

India tops the chart with nearly 40 million people in the country projected to be at risk from rising sea levels, followed by more than 25 million in Bangladesh, over 20 million in China and nearly 15 million in the Philippines. It said that changes in settlement patterns, urbanisation and socio-economic status in Asia have influenced observed trends in

urbanisation and economic growth," it said.

It listed Mumbai and Kolkata in India, Guangzhou and Shanghai in China, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, Bangkok in Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong in Vietnam as projected to have the largest population exposure to coastal flooding in 2070.

"Many of these cities are already exposed to coastal flooding, but have limited capacity to adapt due to their fixed location," it said. The re-

areas highly exposed to cyclones and typhoons the poor tend to be more exposed to natural disasters because they live on hazardous land.

Evidence suggests that climate change and climate variability and sealevel rise will exacerbate multi- dimensional poverty in most developing countries. By 2050, areas of storm surge zones are expected for Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with a combined total of over 58 million people at risk.

Courtesy-PTI

cmyk

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, MAY 23

PAGE 12

Mathews rues batting failure after `embarrassing` loss to England ANI Leeds, May.22 : Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews was left to rue the failure of his inexperienced batting line-up to adjust to swing condition after crashing to a massive innings and 88-run defeat to England inside three days in the opening Test match inside at Headingley.

Chasing England's first innings total of 298, Sri Lanka collapsed to 91 before bundling out for 119 following on. The tourists lost 13 wickets behind the stumps on the off side.

England paceman James Anderson bagged 10 wickets overall in the match, while wicketkeeper-batsman

Angelo Mathews Jonathan Bairstow was named man-of-the-match for making 140 besides taking nine catches in the game.

"We were not decisive in

leaving the ball," Mathews was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"They bowled in good areas and we just kept putting our bats out of line of

the stumps, and it kept nicking our bats all the time. We have to be decisive and play the correct one."

"It was quite an embarrassing defeat. It was pure poor batting and the execution. You have to be really skillful to bat against these guys, especially in these conditions.

Anderson once again showed his class. Stuart Broad was brilliant as well. One or two of our guys needed to raise our hands and put up a good score, particularly in the first innings. We failed to do that in the first innings, and once again in the second innings, so that's a pretty obvious reason for our defeat."

The captain, however, believes that his side have the ability to bounce back despite enduring a nightmarish start to the series.

"We have done it in the past. We have a couple of days to regroup, think about our strategy, train really hard and come back hard. All we've got to do is change our mindset. If you believe you can do it.

Yes, it was a humiliating defeat. It was embarrassing. But if you stick to our plans in the second game we could turn the tables around," Mathews said.

With the win, England lead the three-match series 1-0 and will next take on Sri Lanka at Chesterle-Street in the second Test.

Rooney delighted after ending long wait for FA Cup ANI Johannesburg, May.22 : Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has described the FA Cup victory as a 'special moment' after ending his long wait for the prestigious silverware.

United produced a resilient performance as they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley last evening.

Rooney, who had been on the losing side in both of his previous FA Cup final appearances for United, said that he was delighted to have won the elusive title while pointing out that he grew up watching this competition as a fan, Sport24 reported.

Wayne Rooney The England international also admitted the victory would lift the morale of the team, who endured an otherwise troubled season with coach Louis van Gaal coming under constant

criticism amid their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

This was the Old Trafford club's first major trophy since legendary boss Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Jose Mourinho poised to take Mauresmo reveals Murray's abrasive on-court behaviour led to split over as Man Utd manager coming few days after reportedly agreeing a deal with the Old Trafford club.

Jose Mourinho ANI London, May.22 : Jose Mourinho is on course

to replace Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager in the

Mourinho, who was sacked by Chelsea in December last year, was widely seen as the favourite to replace the embattled Dutchman, who came under constant criticism amid their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

However, United ended their troubled season on high with a FA Cup victory, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the final at Wembley last evening.

According to the Guardian, Mourinho had al-

ready agreed a salary and discussed possible transfer targets with the club.

The formal announcement will be made once Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, finalises the finer details of the contract.

However, van Gaal remained defiant while placing the FA Cup on the table in front of him during the press conference. He said he didn't want to talk about leaving the club, adding that he was proud of becoming the first United manager after Sir Alex Ferguson to win a trophy.

ANI Melbourne, May.22 : Amelie Mauresmo, who parted ways with Andy Murray after working together for two years, has disclosed that the twotime Grand Slam champion's on-court swearing was one of the reasons behind the pair's sudden split.

Murray is known for screaming out in the middle of his matches as well as for berating those who sit in his support box when tension rises.

The Frenchwoman said her inability to help Murray contain his oncourt behaviour led her to conclude that 'it would be difficult to continue' the partnership.

Amelie Mauresmo She further insisted the Scot's harsh on-court nature was in stark contrast to his otherwise convivial off-court persona, news.com.au reported.

Mauresmo, who gave

birth to her first child in August and took six months off from coaching, had earlier admitted that dedicating enough time along with the travel was a challenge for her.

Under the tutelage of Mauresmo, Murray climbed to world number two in the rankings and had clinched his first clay-court titles last year in Munich and Madrid.

Anurag Thakur replaces Shashank Manohar as BCCI chief

Anurag Thakur ANI Mumbai, May.22 : Anurag Thakur has been unanimously elected as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President for the remaining term 2014-17 at its special general meeting in Mumbai on Sunday.

The 41-year-old, who filed his nomination yesterday for the post after resigning as BCCI Secretary, had received the backing of all six units of the east zone- Cricket Association of Bengal, National Cricket Club, Odisha Cricket Association, Tripura Cricket Association, Assam Cricket Association and

Jharkhand Cricket Association.

The post of BCCI President had been lying vacant since Shashank Manohar stepped down earlier this month to become the International Cricket Council Chairman.

As per the BCCI's byelection laws, its president is elected by a rotational system where each of the five zones is given the chance to put a candidate forward at the SGM. Ajay Shirke, an industrialist who is currently the Maharashtra Association president, is likely to become the BCCI secretary.

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