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PAGE 8 DAY TWO OF ARMY RECRUITMENT RALLY Demonetisation

27 senior bank officials suspended PTI New Delhi, Dec 2: In a major crackdown on bank employees involved in irregularities post demonetisation, as many as 27 senior officials of various public sector banks have been suspended and six others transfered to check corrupt practices.

The suspensions comes amid reports of Income Tax authorities conducting search and seizure places at many places, including one at Bengaluru where Rs 5.7 crore cash in new currency notes was recovered from two businessmen.

Some cases have come to notice of officials involved in carrying out transactions which were irregular and in violation of RBI's instructions, the finance ministry said in a statement.

Vol. II

Issue 135

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Dibrugarh, Saturday, December 3, 2016

Contours of a challenge

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Pages- 12

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Computer science students are in demand and they know it

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Karmapa winds up his visit to the state sans any reaction from China ET Bureau Bomdila, Dec 2

FIRST VISIT OF A KARMAPA IN 900 YEARS

The two-day visit of His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa to the state ended with preaching and long-life empowerment today at Kalaktang - the land of Khandro Drowa Zangmo.

The Karmapa's visit to Arunachal Pradesh began on Monday First visit by a Karmapa to Arunachal in about 900 years

Thousands of devotees, including hundreds from the neighboring Himalayan country Bhutan today thronged the Kalaktang General Ground and paid their reverence.

Among others, Speaker T N Thongdok, Chairman DoKAA Jambey Wangdi, DC Sonal Swaroop, DIG (APP) T Tusar, SP PN Khrimey and Abbots of Gontse Gaden Rabgye Ling Monastery,

Special Coverage

Visit likely to irritate China, as it claims Arunachal as its own territory

His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa preaching at Bomdila. Photo by DIPRO, BOMDILA

Karmapa visits Arunachal 17 years after he fled from China

Thubchog Gatse Ling Monastery and Thupsung Dargye Ling Monastery accompanied the Karmapa to Kalaktang.

Trinley Dorje had dramatically fled to India in 1999 to escape Chinese government restrictions on his religious studies.

It is to be mentioned that the Karmapa’s visit has been enabled by a recent decision by the Cabinet Committee on Security, to lift restrictions on the Karmapa's travel within India.

The last visit to Arunachal Pradesh by a Karmapa was about 900 years ago, by the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, who died in 1339.

The visit may be expected to rile China, which not only claims Arunachal as its own territory but also saw the Karmapa flee from its custody 17 years ago.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as an extension of its claim over Tibet, characterising Arunachal as 'southern Tibet'. Urgyen

The Karmapa's travel within India has been restricted, especially since a 2011 raid by Himachal Pradesh Police on a trust backed by Urgyen Trinley found cash amounting to about Rs 6 crore, in the currencies of 25 countries including China. He had at the time been suspected of being a Chinese government agent, following which the Centre increased restrictions

on his travel.

Religiously and culturally, Urgyen Trinley's visit is significant as he is one of the two major claimants to the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. A majority of the Karma Kagyu monasteries and leaders have already accepted him as the Karmapa. However, a significant minority recognises Trinley Thaye Dorje instead.

The Chinese government broke with its track record of denying reincarnation when it backed Urgyen Trinley's claim to the seat of the Karmapa. It however placed extremely tight restrictions on his activities and studies, prompting him to flee to India at the age of 14.

Poi Pee Mau Tai 2111 comes to a spectacular

end, exceeds all expectation Indrajit Tingwa Namsai : Poi Pee Mau Tai 2111 (2016), the New Year festival of the Tai Khamti community has come to a glittering end here at Namsai.

The festival celebrated to mark the advent of the New Year as per the Tai lunar calendar had commenced on 30th November concluded on 1

marathon race. Thirty four participants including both male and female covered a distance of 12 kilometres starting from Lathao and winding up at the festival ground. The marathon race was organised on the theme of 'Say No To Drugs '.

The Khamtis relived their traditional games and sports and rightly so, people cutting

months under the direct supervision of Chow Jaling Mannau, Executive Engineer WRD and who was the VicePresident of the celebration committee.

Food maniacs had a gala time as the festival had more than hundred food stalls catering to different cuisines.

Many of the exotic cuisines were sold like hot cakes and

The duo is researching on the cuisines of eastern Arunachal and has expressed their desire of opening a food stall in the next edition of Poi Pee Mau Tai festival.Earlier, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju graced the second day of the Tai New Year festival - Poi Pee Mau Tai 2111 as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively. Minister

for Agriculture and DoTCL Wangki Lowang, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism P.D.Sona, Parliamentary Secretary Environment and Forests Chow Tewa Mein,

Kinari Kinara (peacock peahen) dance presented by Tai Khamti Heritage and Literature Society. Photo by Chow Washina Manchey

December 2016, with celebration continuing till the wee hours on 2 December as well. The ninth edition of the fest was organised based on the theme ‘Say No To Drugs', a call for a collective fight to contain the tentacles of drugs menace.

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This year’s edition of Poi Pee Mau has surely lived upto the expectation of conveying message of peace, harmony and unity amongst the Tai people, thus the event has had been able to showcase the rich Tai cultural heritage besides exhibiting the tourism potential of the region. It may be noted that the New Year festival kicked off on 28 November with the consecration of kongmu (pagoda) at the festival venue.

The New Year Festival had plenty to offer, be it language, literature and script, art and culture, games and sports and food habits, beauty contest and DJ nights for young revellers. The final day of the festival began with a

across all age groups participated in bamboo games such as Tho Kaan (Bamboo pole twisting competition between two participants each either end),Mit Kaan (Bamboo pole pushing competition between two participants each on either end) and Matungtang (stilts). During the cultural night star singers from Mumbai Miss Jyotika Tangri and Mr. Sahil Solanki enthralled the night crowd.

Sonam and the Band from Itanagar and Miss Ponung Taki were the other two artists from the state who captivated the audience with their songs.

Later in the night DJ Asad from Bangalore took over the stage and rocked the audience till the wee hours. One striking engineering creation of the festival which had garnered attention was the imposing HOCHAYAN (Cultural Hall), an arch type tubular thrust structure built with quality materials on modern architectural concept. It is a unique architectural design built in a span of eleven

no wonder many of them had to serve overtime. “On rough estimates, the volume of business transaction of the stalls has reached anything around two crore rupees,” said one of the food stall vendors”.

The event witnessed the attendance of foreign tourists as well. “I am extremely delighted to be here. The festival has so much to offer and certainly the state of Arunachal Pradesh is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a hotspot of culture," said, Dr.G.Heller from Germany who is doing research on spiritual healing system and was one of the guests during the festival.

Some foreign tourists are over the moon by the hospitality that has been showered on them. “We are so much blown over by the display of Tai culture to the extent that we have extended our stay by a day,” expressed Kim Martinis and Stefano from Spain and Italy respectively.

dignitaries who witnessed the spectacular exhibition of Tai culture and those showcased by the Thai delegations. Two delegations, one straight from Thailand comprising twenty three members and another eleven member delegation from the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi enthralled the audience with their dance

performances and display of various Tai ethnic wear.

Tharadoul Thongruang, Minister Counsillor,Tiyal Thai Embassy, New Delhi was amongt the high profile guests of the festival. Associate Professor Dr.Achara Phanurat, Ex-President of Surindra Rajabhat University, President of Surin International Folklore

A delegation from Thailand comprising twenty three members

Proposed for declaration of Poi Pee Mau as a state calender event

The grand celebration has kick-starts the cultural exchange between the Tais of Northeast India and those in South East Asia particularly Myanmar and Thailand

Contd. on Page 3 HOST OF PERSONAGE

IMPRESSIVE OUTCOMES

Proposed to include Namsai-Golden Pagoda - Parasuram Kund-Glow Lake Bhismaknagar as a tourist circuit so that the religious and spiritual tourism potential will get boosted

Foundation and President of Ph.D. Program in Regional Development Strategies Foundation, Associate Professor Pocharnee Kongtaln,Thai Classical Drama Expert were notable members of the delegation from Thailand.

An eleven members delegation from Royal Thai Embassy,New Delhi Guests and tourists from Germany, Spain and Italy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu and Union Minister of State Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju Reception of MoS Kiren Rijiju and CM Pema Khandu by DCM Chowna Mein at Namsai Helipad.

Photo by Chow Washina Manchey

MEN BEHIND THE SUCCESS Chow Phatra Longchot, President of the Celebration Committee

Chow Tichanam Singkai, General Secretary of the celebration committee

Chow Siharaja Choutang,President of Tai Khamti Development Society

Minister for DoTCL Wangki Lowang, PS for Tourism P.D.Sona, PS for Environment and Forests Chow Tewa Mein, PS for Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom,Secretary Tourism Dr. Joram Beda, Secretary to Chief Minister Sonam Chombay,OSD to Chief Secretary Ravi Dhawan,DC Lohit Dr.Danish Ashraf,DC Namsai R.K.Sharma and DIG (East) Apur Bitin

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Thai cultural presentations by the delegates of Thailand. Photo by Chow Washina Manchey

Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Secretary Tourism Dr. Joram Beda, Secretary to Chief Minister Sonam Chombay,OSD to Chief Secretary Ravi Dhawan,DC Lohit Dr.Danish Ashraf,DC Namsai R.K.Sharma and DIG (East) Apur Bitin were the other

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

P2 Aries You may find that you're taking a much more daring approach when it comes to love and romance now, Aries. If you aren't, than maybe you should. You will never know the possibilities until you at least give it a try. You may find that there's something spurring you on today. Use that impulse to initiate a new path toward the object of your desire.

Taurus Things should go well for you today, Taurus, especially in the love and romance department. Don't shy away from the obvious attraction that you have toward one special person. Today is the day to amplify that feeling instead of hide from it. Show off your love with the brightest, boldest colors and actions possible. There is magic in the attention that you give and receive.

Gemini There may be too much fiery energy in the day to make you feel comfortable with the situation, Gemini.

Instead of trying to resist this powerful force, it would be better if you embraced it. Use this day to draw out some of your inner flame and let it radiate toward the people you care about the most. This is a day to take action on your feelings instead of swallow them without a word.

Cancer You may find that others are hostile toward you today, Cancer. Try not to take it personally. Realize that there are other people and situations with which you can connect that will help bolster your ego instead of drag it down.

Leo Put your incredible sensitivity to work for you today in a way that inspires action, Leo. There's so much within you that needs expression at this time. Don't hold back any longer.

Mission Suraksha intensified in Lohit District

ET Bureau Tezu, 2 Dec : A threadbare meeting cum awareness programme on Mission Suraksha to combat the issues of unimmunized and drop-out children in Lohit district was conducted under the aegis of district administration in Amik Ringiya Hall on December 2.

Addressing the gathering, DC Danish Ashraf said that immunization is a must in today’s world to ensure children’s safety from many life threatening diseases.

Expressing disappointment over the overall performance of the district, Ashraf urged the attending gaon burrahs and ASHA workers of Tezu circle to coordinate and intensify the execution so that no child from age 0-5 years misses their timely dosage.

He also took stock of the data collection drive for unimmunized and

drop-out children and exhorted everyone present to complete it within the stipulated time.

Stressing on the need for providing immunization and basic level education to children, nodal officer for Mission Suraksha, CO Une Pertin said that timely intervention from concerned participants would go a long way in moulding their future. The data collected will be later tallied with the official census to cover children who have been missed out, she informed.

She also allayed the fears of parents and villagers who strayed away from immunization and explained that most of them were based on misinformation and misconceptions. Opining that “action now was better than problems later”, Pertin exhorted the gaon burrahs and ASHA workers to diligently work towards completing

the data collection.

An action plan was later given by DMO S Chai on immunization and the various diseases its timely dosages protected children from. Chai briefed the attendees on how immunization worked and the procedures one must maintain to ensure that its effects were lifelong. She also explained the importance of taking de-worming medicines on time.

Later, BRCC D Choudhary elucidated the schemes government provided for students who dropped out for various reasons.

He explained that Non Residential Bridge Course and Residential Bridge Course were specially moulded to cater to both out of school and dropped out students.

An interactive session was later held to clarify doubts and queries from gaon burrahs and ASHA workers.

Youth and Junior Championship-2016 in Bhubaneshwar

State lifter Yukar Tachak made Arunachal proud, wins 2 golds and 4 silvers

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 2 : Arunachal lifter Yukar Tachak has made Arunachal proud by winning two gold medals and four silver medals at the 12th Youth National Championship and the 53rd Junior National Championship recently.

Participating under the 62 kg category, Tachak won one gold and two silver medals for the

state at the youth championship and won three more medals at the junior championship.

He lifted a snatch of 112 Kg and clean and jerk of 140 Kg.

other bronze at the junior championship by lifting 100 Kg in snatch.

He could not score higher as he failed to in clear the clean and jerk section.

On the other side, participating in the same bodyweight category of 62Kg, another Arunachal lifter, Dambi Umpai won a bronze medal at the youth championship and an-

Meanwhile, another lifter from the state, Techi Nadam (48 Kg) remained in 5th position and Tadar Agung (56 Kg) remained in the 4th position in the opening day of the competitions.

Education is the most Day two of Army powerful weapon to change the world: Felix Recruitment Rally

When it comes to issues regarding love and romance, feel free to make a move.

You may be attracted to those who tickle your brain cells. Philosophical discussions will be quite rewarding.

Virgo Things should be going well for you today, so don't miss the opportunities that await you, Virgo. There's a sparkle in your eye that's unmistakable, and you will find that issues regarding love and romance are especially potent. Love is on your side.

You should take this opportunity to delve deeply into a love affair. Take a trip with the people you enjoy most.

Libra Don't let other people's insensitive actions dictate your mood today, Libra.

Your state of mind is your responsibility, and you should work to come to a point at which you have full control over what you feel at all times. If something isn't working out, let it go.

Scorpio You should find that you have an extra amount of creative energy now, Scorpio, and you should do what you can to make this force work for you. There's a time and place for everything, and now is the time to work together with your higher self to channel some of the artist within.

Sagittarius You may have been a bit indecisive lately when it comes to love and romance, Sagittarius. Perhaps your mind is drawn to one person while your heart is drawn to another.

Perhaps you're trying to trick your mind into seeing a certain quality in someone while you ignore parts that you don't really like.

Aspirants from seven districts of the state representing Longding , Tirap, Changlang, Anjaw, Lohit, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley Parliamentary Secretary for Education Bamang Felix speaking at the Horticulture College auditorium in Pasighat ET Bureau Pasighat, Dec 2 : Attending a consultative meeting with the teaching community at the Horticulture College auditorium in Pasighat, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Bamang Felix asserted that “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world”.

The consultative meeting was held to gather grievances and suggestions and take stock of the functioning of education department to improve the education scenario of Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the teaching fraternity, Felix sought concerted efforts to ensure favorable and suitable atmosphere for learning environment in schools.

Integrative research plays a critical role in identifying pathways towards sustainability and being the key persons, working at the grass-root level, teachers can share better suggestions to the policy makers to frame the best policies for brighter career of the student community, said the parliamentary

secretary, and called for implementing the policies and programs of the government by all the stakeholders and suggested meeting the expectation of the public.

The parliamentary secretary also said that the present government prefers rationalization of transfer and posting of all categories of teachers to equip all schools, and assured that no political interference would be entertained.

Advising the teaching community to impart quality education, he said “students must be taught how to think, instead of not what to think”.

He cautioned teachers deputed under SSA to give priority to teaching practices, failing which, the government could scrap such posts anytime.

Expressing his dismay, Felix informed that the chief minister and Education minister have taken serious note of the No Detention Policy under RTI and convened a series of meeting at various levels, and would soon be taken up with the union HRD ministry. He opined that the policy has ruined the career of children.

ET Bureau Aalo, 2 Dec : More than Disclosing various achievements 500 aspirants from seven of the government, Felix also said districts of the state reprethat the government has provided senting Longding , Tirap, adequate funds for construction of Changlang, Anjaw, Lohit, boy’ hostel for JNC, Sainik School Dibang Valley and Lower at Niglok and maintenance of school buildings, among other infrastructural developments in the education sector.

Decentralization of school uniforms and enhancement of pay of RMA teachers, etc were praiseworthy initiative of the depart- ET Bureau ment, he claimed.

ZIRO, 2 DEC : A meeting was Local MLA Kaling Moyong asked convened in the office of the parliamentary secretary to pro- Lower Subansiri Superintenvide funds for external electrifica- dent of Police, Tage Habung tion and water supply to Sikshak with all bankers, administraSadan and DDSE office. He ex- tion officers and market welpressed concern over the incom- fare association representaplete school auditorium and urged tives to have a better understanding of e-wallet and efor an inquiry in this regard. banking apps by banking secDirector of Elementary Education T Gao, DDSE J Yirang and ATA (ES) President Tabung Ering also spoke on the occasion.

Dibang Valley took part in the second day of Army Recruitment Rally held at 1 Bihar Regiment Ground today.

Commanding Officer 1

Bihar Regiment, Colonel D K Panwar, Major M K Khati, EAC Kiron Ningo, Medical Superintendent Dr Linya Lollen, medical team, police and teachers were present in the day rally.

E-wallet and e-banking apps sensitization at Ziro

Deputy SPD, SSA Rajya Mission Likha Sampu and PMC Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk were also present in the meeting.

tors.

"In the wake of demonitization the crunch of currency notes has been felt everywhere and using e-payments for day to day transactions will definitely reduce the long queues in the banks and ATMs ,"said Habung while, chairing the meeting.

Bank officials explained about the working of the banking apps and requested the bazaar committee members to sensitize the traders, especially adopt e-banking methods.

After threadbare discussion it was decided to conduct awareness programmes in two phases for the traders and public.

48 BRTF launches 170 ft TSBB at km 1.15 on Meshai-Dichu road in Anjaw district

Capricorn You're apt to be in a romantic mood today, Capricorn.

Your whole being may revolve around love and romance. You will find that your romanticism is heightened. This is a terrific day to snuggle up to a loved one and share intimate moments and passionate kisses.

Pamper yourself with a hot bath and feel free to go out on the town.

Aquarius Feel free to strike out for new territory today, Aquarius, especially when it comes to love and romance. It could be that you're so scared of losing what you have that you refuse to take risks to obtain something better that you want. Realize that you will never get any further than the rut you're in until you take a deep breath, aim high, and shoot for your dreams.

Pisces Things regarding love and romance may be climactic for you now, Pisces, and you may bump heads with someone in a way that makes it difficult for either one of you to be content. More than likely there's an issue of freedom versus control that's making it difficult to find a resolution.

170 feet Bailey Bridge ET Bureau Meshai (Lohit dist) : During Sep 2012, Bailey Suspension Bridge at Km 1.150 over Lohit river on Meshai-Dichu road of Anjaw district got washed away due to flash flood in river.

HQ 48 Border Roads Task Force with its sustained efforts was able to launch a 170 feet Bailey Bridge during Oct 2015 to provide temporary connectivity till necessary efforts are made to provide permanent connectivity to number of villages falling on eastern bank of Lohit. Same bridge was delaunched during April 2016 in anticipation of heavy rains

that may cause damage to the bridge. This led to isolation of public residing on eastern bank of Lohit in the sector.

Troops of Versatile 48 BRTF (P) Udayak/ Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under able command and guidance of its Commander, Col C Rajashekar went into operational mode again and launched 170 ft Bailey Bridge in record time and made it operational by 23 Nov 2016 in spite of extreme difficult working conditions.

Besides providing connectivity which was presently restricted to a foot suspension bridge

with load restriction, the bridge will give renewed impetus to administrative and logistic support to the Army and local population by facilitating movement of traffic and development of ongoing road infrastructure work on the eastern bank of river.

These efforts also speaks high about the professional competence, dynamism, vision and sound leadership within the organization and true to their moto "Creates, Connects & Cares". Project Udayak/48 BRTF has once again lived up to their motto "Achievement through Excellence".

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

P3

Assam Sahitya Sabha row: Jorhat police releases Rajbonshi due to lack of proofs ET CORRESPONDENT, JORHAT, Dec 2: Paramananda Rajbonshi, the chief secretary of Assam Shitya Sabha, who surrendered at Jorhat Police Station, has been released by Jorhat Police on Friday.

NathDutta, on his five- page long suicide note mentioned the names of Paramananda Rajbonshi and Biren Goshwami as the main cause behind his suicide. After 14 hours of interrogation by Jorhat Police, Paramananda

Rajbonshi was released as police failed to find any clear cut proof against him."Till now we did not had any solid proof against him' said Mohammed Hussain, DSP of Jorhat.Earlier on 23rd November, Rajendra Nath Dutta, a retired head assistant of Central office of Assam Sahitya Sabha had committed suicide and had wrote a five page suicide note where he alleged Rajbonshi to compelling him for suicide.

On basis of the suicide

note, his wife Kunjalata Dutta had filed a complaint at Jorhat Police Station on the same day. A case had been registered, c 2553 under section 306.

After the registration of the case, Rajbonshi’s plea for bail had been rejected

by Session Court of Jorhat earlier. On basis of the case Jorhat Police sent a wireless massage to Panbazar Thana of Guwahati, and Rajbonshi voluntarily appeared in Jorhat Police Station. "We had sent a wireless mas-

Chukafa Divas celebrated at Margherita

Mithun Baruah Margherita, Dec 2: Chukafa Divas was today celebrated at Nagapather Public Rangamancha which was organised by All Tai Ahom Students Union Margherita Regional in collaboration with Inthem Nagapather Samanboi Yuba Sangha and all the local residents.The Programme began on 1st December by Cleanliness Drive which was followed by plantation of saplings. After that Sukapha Divas Organising Committee Executive meeting was held which concluded with lightning of lamps at the Statue of Dr Bhupen Hazarika.On 2nd December, the Second Day of the programme began with flag hoisting by Chao Bikash Dehingia President of ATASU Margherita Regional Committee which was followed by garlanding of the portrait of Chaolung Chukafa by Chao Loknath Mohan President of the O r g a n i s i n g Committee.After that Maidam Tarpan was done

by Chao Gulap Phukan Working President of the Committee and Chao Kuldeep Dehingia Secretary of ATASU Margherita Regionalism Committee which was followed by Fura

sage to Panbazar thana " said Mohammed Hussain, DSP of Jorhat. The whole scenario, that whether or not Rajbonshi is guilty or not only could be only proven only after the result of forensic report of the suicide note. "He could be arrested if he is found guilty after police investigation" said Mohammed Hussain. On the other hand, Rajbonshi claims himself as innocent. "I don't have to do anything with his suicide, I am completely innocent,

“said Paramananda Rajbonshi while addressing to journalist at Jorhat Sahitya Sabha, after his released from Jorhat Police. It is also to be mentioned that the other name mentioned on the suicide note was that of Biren Goshwami’s, the current head assistant of Assam Sahitya Sabha had been called by the Jorhat Police a few days earlier.

Biren Goshwami was also released due to lack of enough evidence by the Jorhat Police.

Dibrugarh Inter Church Forum marks decennial celebration of its existence Manoj Pandey Dibrugarh, Dec 2: Dibrugarh Inter Church Forum (DICF), an association of Churches of Dibrugarh celebrated its 10th years of its existence. There was festive look around the campus of Bishop House with balloons and other colourful decorations and music around. The Chief Guest in the program was Mr Prasanta Phukan, but he could not attend the function due to his visit to Guwahati for some urgent works. However the program was well attended by hundreds of Christians from different Churches and denominations. The function was also graced by other religious heads like Acharya Bhikku Karuna Shastry, Head of the Buddhist Monastery, Dibrugarh, Giani

Gurdial Singh Cheema, Head of the Gurudwara, and Maulana, Md.Farman Hussian, who represented the Sadar Kazi, Mr.Zillur Rahaman, Dibrugarh. The inaugural session started with flag hoisting of the DICF by the Bishop of the Dibrugarh Diocese, Rt.Rev.Bishop Aind and was followed by prayer from Fr.Nichollas, the Parish Priest and then the release of balloons by various religious heads that symbolises Peace and Unity. With colourful and beautiful ‘Jhumur’ dance all the honourable guests were escorted to the function hall and prior to that, trees saplings were planted two by two religious heads. The Bishop and Acharya planted one tree sapling together and then Giani and

Maulana together had planted another tree sapling together.

Rev.Kawa, Sr.Superior of St.Marys’ and Sr.Superior of LFS together planted another sapling. “Those trees planted together symbolises as to how we should growth together in unity” said Dr.Lamkholal Doungel, the President of the Dibrugarh Inter Church Forum. Dr Doungel also said that “upholding unity and healthy relationship with other religions being one of our objectives, we invited leaders of different religions in order to strengthen our relationship and understanding”. Following the presidential address by Dr. Doungel, all the noted speakers from Bishop to Acharya all highly appreciated the initiative of the

DICF for bringing different religions together and thereby encouraging unity, peace and understanding which is the need of the hour. They all in unison emphasised on the need for more such meetings. The day being the Asom Divas, the gathering on the occasion also sung the State Anthem “Ami Axomiya Nahawn Dakhiya” and “O Mur Apunar Dehk” led by St. Joseph’s Seminarians and students and teachers of St.Mary’s school respectively.

On the previous day, on the 1st December 2016 a walk for ‘Peace and Harmony’ was also organised by the Forum, walking in the early morning from Cathedral Church of Dibrugarh to Thana Charali and back to the Church.

Rakesh Aggarwal takes charge as new IG of BSF lung Puja. After that different Ethnic Community people performed Dance and other Cultural Exhibition followed by Open Session and Felicitation programme which was inaugurated by Chao Hemanta Buragohain Vice President of ATASU Central Committee and member of Tai Ahom

D e v e l o p m e n t Council.Where many distinguished Tai Ahom Community people were feliciated such as Manchao Panchanan Konwar,Ramakanta Gogoi,Soneswar Dehingia, Umesh Baruah and Pradip Dehingia.Chao Manoranjan Borgohain Noted Social Worker of Margherita said

that Swargadeo Chaolung Chukafa in 1228 AD first came Assam to through the Patkai Hills and by taking all Various Communities people made the Great Assam. At night a cultural programme was held where noted Assamese Singer, Rajib Sadiya and his troupe enthralled the audience.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 2: Rakesh Aggarwal, IPS, assumed the charge of Inspector General of Border Security Force, Shri Rakesh Aggarwal, IPS, assumed the charge of Inspector General of Border Security Force, Guwahati Frontier from predecessor S K Srivastava, IG. He is a seasoned and experienced

police officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre (94 Batch), who has served at various assignments in different organisations.

He had already proved his mettle while serving with National Security Guard (NSG), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) & SVP National Police Academy.

The experience garnered while dealing with Law & Order problems and crimes during his tenure with State Police will immensely facilitate BSF to contain trans -border crimes. Shri Rakesh Aggarwal after assuming charge emphasised upon the necessity of effective Border Management to prevent

trans-border crimes and strengthening of cordial relations between two Border Guarding Forces . He also stressed to focus upon imperative of welfare of troops and will strive towards winning heart & mind of Border populous while accomplishing assigned task impeccably.

Poi Pee Mau Tai 2111 comes to a spectacular end, exceeds all expectation Kund-Glow Lake Bhismaknagar as a tourist circuit so that the religious and spiritual tourism potential will get boosted.

He also emphasised the need for going forward with the Act East Policy by undertaking activities rather than keeping it only in theory. It is notable that under Mein's dynamic leadership cultural exchange between the Tais of North East India and those of South Asia particularly Myanmar and

Contd. from Page 1

Thailand has already kickstarted. Hence, this has become something to emulate at the government level if the policy is to see the light of the day.

Earlier, MoS Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh is a sleeping giant with enormous natural resource and cultural potential. Rijiju while addressing the huge on the second day of the Tai New Year festival – Poi Pee Mau Tai 2111 at Poi Pee Mau

ground here on Wednesday said that Centre is preparing special package for Arunachal, being jointly proposed by the home ministry and rural development ministry. He supported the idea of declaring a tourist circuit by saying that it could be included as a mini circuit if needed.

It is to be mentioned that on 29 November, local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow

Zingnu Namchoom was the Chief Guest for the day. The Chief Guest greeted the Tai brethren on the occasion of the Tai New Year 2111 and reiterated the theme of this year's festival 'Say No To Drugs' as a call of the Tai society to end the drugs menace. He also took the opportunity of the large gathering to candidly urge the youths in particular to prevent HIV/AIDS by following protective sex as sexually transmitted diseases was another factor

Thai cultural presentations. Photo by Chow Washina Manchey This is the second consecutive year that the festival had guests from Thailand. The Tais of India and the Thais have similar cultural affinities and hence the Thai delegates have put it straight that it was like a home coming to be amongst the Tais when asked about their experience. The dignitaries also released

two souvenirs and three Tai audio CDs during the festival. During a brief public meeting with the dignitaries, acknowledging the fact that festival has attained a global stature, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has called for integrating the New Year festival of Tai community “Poi Pee Mau” into as one

of the events in the state calendar and “this can potentially evolve the New Year festival of Tai community “Poi Pee Mau” into a major tourism festival of the state,” according to Chowna Mein.

Mein also called for inclusion of NamsaiGolden Pagoda - Parasuram

Sonam and the Band from Itanagar. Photo by Chow Washina Manchey

killing the youths apart from drugs. In the afternoon the organisers hosted a community feast before inauguration of traditional games and sports events.

Chow Siharaja Choutang,President of Tai Khamti Development Society who had sponsored the laptops to facilitate the toppers in the three streams of Class XII and Class X also exuded his pleasure of witnessing the festival grow and achieve the targets of cultural integration amongst the Tai people. Chow Phatra Longchot and Chow Tichanam Singkai, President and General Secretary of the celebration committee were overwhelmed by the stupendous success of the festival and expressed their gratefulness to all the delegates and visitors besides the leaders who ensured every possible support and encouragement for organising the festival in a befitting manner.

Special note of appreciation and acknowledgement goes to the Tai Khamti Development Society for organising the POI PEE MAU TAI 2111.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

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Lakhimpur District Administration AIUDF seeks PM's all set for DAC and TKAC election help to retain Friday ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 2: "Lakhimpur District Administration is all set for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election for the Deuri Autonomous Council(DAC) and Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council(TKAC) on December 15. All necessary and possible steps will be taken in order to ensure free and fair poll on the day with a view to the betterment and the development of the tribes in future"- thus commented Debeswar Malakar,

the Deputy commissioner of Lakhimpur district in a Press Conference held today in the Conference Hall of his office.

In the Conference, he disclosed the arrangement of the election in front of the media person. It is to be noted that the election for the mentioned Autonomous Councils will be held on December 15 and the counting will commence on December 17.

The poll will be conducted

in Ballot Paper system in 7 constituencies of DAC and 5 constituencies of TKAC in the district. A total of 24 candidates for 7 constituencies of DAC and 21for 5 constituencies of TKAC from different parties are in fighting line. On the other hand, a total of 11,325 voters will cast their votes in DAC election while 7,815 will do the same in TKAC. District Administration, in the meanwhile, constituted 12 cells in order to conduct the election smoothly and peacefully. The DC said that

polling would commence in 46 polling station, 25 for DAC and 21 for TKAC. 204 Presiding and Polling Officers will render their service in polling process.

As per information found from the DC, a contestant of DAC can expend only Rs. 1,85,000 while the contestant of TKAC can 1,30,000. Dhiraj Jyoti Kalita, Director of Food and Civil Supply and Jadav Saikia, CEO of Sonitpur Zila Parishad was appointed as observer of the election. The Circle Offic-

ers of Nowboicha, Kadam, Bihpuriya and Narayanpur Revenue Circles are engaged as the Returning Officers. The Model Code of Conduct will be continue in the respective areas until the election ends. The District Administration appeals the voters to come forward to cast their votes in the election. ADC Bishnu Dutta Sarmah, DIPRO sanjeev Kumar Baruah along with concerned officials were present in the Press conference.

Sonowal pay glowing tribute to Chaolung Sukapha, vows to follow his ideals A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 2: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal paid rich tribute to Swargadeo Sau-Lung-SuiKa-Pha on the occasion of Asom Divas organized centrally by the Government of Assam at Charaideo Moidam Kshetra today.

Stating that Sui-Ka-Pha set the tone for a unified, strong and prosperous Assam, Sonowal vowed to follow his ideals for expediting and strengthening unity and brotherhood amongst all communities of the State and to build a vigorated Assamese identity.

The Chief Minister said that Sui-Ka-Pha followed the motto of compassion for all which was the cornerstone of great Ahom dynasty that lasted for nearly 600 years.

Sonowal asserted that the State Government will march ahead taking all com-

munities into confidence for realizing its development agenda. Terming Sui-KaPha as a great example of human victory against odds, the Chief Minister urged the new generation to read his life and emulate his ideals.

Stating that the significance of Charaideo and its importance to the State polity has not fully been realized, the Chief Minister underlined his Government’s priority for protecting this site which has already been placed in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. “Charaideo will be protected against the ravages of time and the Government will conserve the entire area alongwith a well thought out plan to make this place as one of the most sought after tourist destination,” Sonowal said.

The Chief Minister also mentioned about the Act

East Policy of the Government of India and the Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas motto of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said they carry the shadow of Sui-Ka-Pha’s journey from Yunnan and the rule of polity. Sonowal at the sametime reflected that effective implementation of the Act East Policy will open new avenues and prosperity in the North East as the same will help in setting up trade linkages with the South East Asian nations. He further urged the people for their support and active role in materializing this Policy of the Government.

Eminent Hostorian Dr. Rajen Saikia who delivered the keynote address lauded the Government’s initiative to hold the central celebration at Charadeo and said that it will send a meaningful message to the entire

Assamese community.

Speaking about the unparallel history of Ahom dynasty, Dr. Saikia termed the chronicling of everyday events as one of the greatest contributions of Sui-KaPha which set the foundations of history writings in Assam. He also recalled the contributions of Dr. Surjya Kumar Bhuyan for bringing the Moidams of Charadeo into limelight and advocated for indepth research on the route travelled by Sui-Ka-Pha from Yunan.

Dr. Saikia also urged the Chief Minister to act strongly on the problems created by repeated re-organization of the State since 1905, its influx problem and divisive movements as the same belie Sui-Ka-Pha’s concept of unified and strong Assam.

Coinciding the Asom Divas celebration, the Chief Min-

ister also presented a cheque of Rs. 1 lac to meet the medical expenses of ailing Tai Scholar Junaram Sangbun Phukan. Earlier, the Chief Minister laid a wreath at the statue of SuiKa-Pha at Sui-Ka-Pha Museum premises and offered torpan at the Moidam of Sui-Ka-Pha following the Tai Ahom rituals.

State Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Prashanta Phukan, Topon Gogoi, Jogen Mohan, Kushal Duari, Binod Hazarika, Chakra Gogoi, Rituparna Baruah, Bimal Bora, Anuar Hussain, Sanjay Kishan, Dimbeswar Das, officials of Cultural Affairs Department and District Administration were present among others in the programme.

CSE welcomes SC’s directive to Asom Diwas Observed in Golaghat central government to notify Correspondent of Sukapha. Retired Profesaction plan on Environment issues ET Golaghat, Dec 2: Golaghat sor Dr. Khagen Phukan and A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 2: Centre for Science and Environment welcomes the far reaching decision of the Supreme Court directing the central government to notify the graded response action plan finalised by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change/Central Pollution Control Board and Sunita Narain. This decision will give the measures under the action plan the statutory back up to make them enforceable. The apex court has also entrusted the responsibility of directing action and monitoring to Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority while Central Pollution Control Board will monitor and inform about the air quality. The Supreme Court has also responded firmly to the findings of theEPCA investigation into the qual-

ity of industrial fuel including furnace oil and petroleum coke, which have unacceptably high sulphur content, and are responsible for very high toxic emissions.

The stringent enforcement of these measures is urgently required to save lives and prevent illness by preventing pollution levels from hitting severe and emergency levels in the entire National Capital region of Delhi EPCA’s sampling and testing of furnace oil and pet coke that are now widely used in industrial units has found excessive levels of sulphur. The testing has revealed that Indian pet coke has 74,000 ppm sulphur and imported pet coke has 69,000 ppm. Similarly, furnace oil has as much as 20,000 ppm sulphur.

These are significantly higher than transport diesel with 50 ppm sulphur ppm that is currently

Saptrashi defeat Tinsukia Cricket Club Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec. 2: Saptrashi beat Tinsukia Cricket Club by seven wickets in a match of the A Division Cricket League tournament, organized by the Tinsukia District Sports Association, at its stadium today.

Electing to bat first, Tinsukia Cricket Club were all out for 74 in 22.5 overs.

Ajay Gohain scored 23 off 40 balls with one boundary while Dibakar Das contributed 16 runs.

For Saptrashi, Bikash Cehetri bagged six wickets by giving away 4 runs in 5.5

available in the NCR and, which will be further lowered to 10 ppm by 2020. These bottomof-the-barrel fuels are also rich in heavy metals and therefore responsible for extremely toxic emissions.EPCA investigation has also brought to light the fact that it is not just this bottom of the barrel fuels, but other fuel streams too coming from petro chemical plants, do not have any regulated fuel specifications. These are being widely used as industrial fuels in theNCR region.

These fuels has already been already been banned in Delhi vide a government notification way back in 1996. EPCA has sought an extension of this ban to the entire NCR.Responding to these findings the Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to examine the issue and legally ban these fuels in the NCR.

District Administration joined the entire Assam in the state-wide celebration of Asom Diwas today. Asom Diwas was celebrated at Syu Ka Pha Circle in the Golaghat town in memory of Chaolung Sukapha on December 2 with day long programme. Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat Gaurav Bothra began the programme by lighting the lamp, which was followed by garlanding of the image

Professor of History from Furkating College Dr. Lachit Baruah highlighted role of Sukapha in forming a great Assam under Ahom dynasty.He also spoke on the significance of Sukapha's political maturity and diplomacy in creating a cordial relationship with with other contemporary kings and leaders Several officials of Golaghat district administration and local people were also present.

Asom Divas (Sukapha Divas) observed Correspondent Tezpur, Dec 2: Sonitpur District Administration and in association with Sonitpur District committee of TaiAhom Vikash Committee today observed the Asom Divas (Sukapha Divas) at DolabariSukapha Samonnoi Setra here. The day began with the unfurling of the Asom Divas at Sumdev Temple by the Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur, Manuj Kumar Deka. People gathered at the place on the occasion

offered puja seeking wellbeing of the society. It was followed by a public meeting under the chairmanship of noted writer, Prabin Chandra Gogoi.

Puspa Deka, Chairman of Tezpur Municipality Board, litterateur, Madhab Das were among other dignitaries who made their presence to the ocassion. Madhab Chandra in his speech spoke on the life sketch of Sukapha and his great contribution towards building a greater Assam.

ABMMS in action at Golaghat

overs. Narendra Prasad took two for 22 in 5 overs.

In reply, Saptrashi scored 77 for losing three wickets in 19.3 overs. Taushful Haque scored 43 off 60 balls, hitting three boundaries nad one six while Piyush Bansal contributed 15 off 31 with three boundaries.

Rohit Agarwal nad Anuj Pathak took one wicket a piece conceding 29 nad 21 runs respectively.

Tomorrow, Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club will lock horn with Tinsukia Town Club.

Amit Nagori Golaghat, Dec 2 : Golaghat Ekal Abhiyan is maintaining 270 Ekal Vidyalayas in Golaghat District in three sub divisions, Dhansiri, Bokakhat and Dergaon under the leadership of Ranjit Bora. Marwari Mahila Sammelan Golaghat Unit extended a donation of two

stainless steel water filter of 20 Lt capacity for Ekal Abhiyan central office at Golaghat.

Golaghat branch of ABMM Sammelan conducting social activities on monthly interval through dedicating responsibility to a group of six members.The group in

their monthly activity donated water filters and distributed fruits to 135 students of Mudoigaon Girls Primary School on 29th November last. The members present were Vandana jallan, Vandana Garodia, Chanda poddar, Samta Bawri, Swati Garodia and Aruna Todi .

holiday for madrassas

ET Bureau Guwahati, 2 Dec: The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and MP, Badruddin Ajmal said that government-run madrassas in Assam should also avail holiday on Friday as in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He termed Himanta Biswa Sarma's stand against holiday on Friday for government-run madrassas in the state as "objectionable."

Ajmal recently wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that Sarma has hurt the religious sentiment of Muslims despite knowing that Friday is a significant day from religious

point of view for the community.

"India is a secular democratic country which gives freedom to all the citizens to follow and practice their religion. Indeed, Sunday has religious significance for Christians and not for Hindus. But this is an official holiday and Muslims have no objection to it," Ajmal said.

Ajmal added that madrassas in Assam along with rest of the country have been observing holiday on Friday since Independence.

Sarma on Thursday said that he is resolute on doing away with the Friday holiday for

the government-run madrassas. Sarma recently said that government-run madrassas will only have one-hour break for Jumma instead of full holiday on Friday.

The minister also said that Friday holiday did not have any government sanction and he had come to know that many government-run madrassas especially in Lakhimpur, Nagaon and Morigaon districts have been observing holiday on Friday unofficially.

Ajmal wanted Modi's intervention to resolve the state government's stand against Friday holiday.

ABSU organizes cycle rally ET Correspondent Tezpur, Dec 2: As part of the continued movement, Sonitpur District ABSU today organized a huge cycle rally to put pressure to the central and the state government as well to take a quick decision on creating a separate Boroland besides fulfilment of some other long pending demands. It is to be mentioned here that there are altogether 18 Anchalick Committees under the Sonitpur ABSU. Members of all the Anchalick Committees took part in the Cycle rally and passed through various places of the District. The

rally concluded at Dhekaijuli Ghogra Kochari Bathow Mandir. It was followed by a public meeting which was addressed Vice President, ABSU, Dipen Boro, Public Relation Secretary of the students’ body, Budhiram Boro, District Committee, Vice President, Tapan Boro and all the presidents and secretaries of the Anchalick Committees. Coming down heavily on the government’s indifferent attitude towards the Bodo problems, Dipen Boro in his speech said that the state and the central government have been neglecting the Bodoland is-

sues.

“Both centre and the state has been seen using the Bodos only for their interest, but their issues are not addressed properly till date.” He alleged adding that if the government fails to deliver their commitment the later would go for vigorous movement against the government’s insensible stand against the Bodos.

He also informed that ABSU would register a strong protest in Delhi on December 12, 13 and 14 and on January 26 in protest against Government’s lacklustre attitude towards Bodo problems.

JAA journalist workshop held at Morigaon Dalim Phukan Morigaon, Dec 2: A one day journalist workshop was held here at Morigaon with a day long programme at Pobitoa Conference hall under the aegis of Morigaon district unit of Journalists’ Association of Assam (JAA). Inaugurating the workshop programme, Hemen Das, D C, Morigaon

appealed to the scribes of Morigaon district to follow journalistic ethics in their reporting. In the Workshop, Pratap Bordoloi, former Deputy Director (News), Doordarshan , Guwahati participated as the resource person. Earlier Mono Ranjan Misra, Executive President of the JAA, Morigaon district committe

explained the purpose of the workshop. In the open session, Mileswar Pator , Ex-President of Morigaon Zila Sahitya Sabha, Bubumoni Goswami, Human Right Activist, Ashok Deka, Educationist also spoke. The session was inaugurated by N.N Keot, Retired Principal, Morigaon College.

New Rotary Club in Guwahati City

ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 2: The Charter Presentation ceremony of Rotary Club of Guwahati City was held at the Rotary Multiservice Centre, Latasil in Guwahati Wednesday evening.

members.

The ceremony began with the rendering of national anthem by the Rotarians and guests. Rtn. Anupam Bardaloi from the sponsoring Rotary Club of Guwahati presided over the Charter Presentation ceremony.

Editor-in-Chief of Shillong Times, Rtn. Manas Chaudhari graced the occasion as chief guest. Speaking at the ceremony, the Past District Governor (PDG), who is also a Padma Shri, commended the leadership role played by the sponsoring Rotary Club of Guwahati and expressed confidence that the new club - Rotary Club of Guwahati City- will scale greater heights in years to come.

Rotary International (RI) District 3240 Assistant Governor Rtn. Krishnendu Roy read out the message from the RI President and handed over the Charter certificate to the new club

Rotary Club of Guwahati City adviser Rtn. Rohini Pran Changkakoti urged the club members to take up new challenges the Rotary way.

The ceremony also saw Past District Governor Rtn. Prabhat Kumar Kedia, Past District Governor Rtn. Arijit Kumar Endow and District Governor (Elect) Rtn. Sunil Saraf sharing their vision and dream. Besides, Rotarians from several neighbouring clubs attended the glittering ceremony.

The evening marked the installation of new club with a new set of office bearers with Rtn. Sumitra Goswami as President and Rtn. Abhishek Jitani as Secretary.

Rotary Club of Guwahati City is the 87th club in Rotary International District 3240, comprising the eight North Eastern states and parts of West Bengal.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

REST OF

Martyr Chittaranjan Debbarma laid to rest with full military honours Agartala, Dec 02: The brave heart of Tripura, Indian Army soldier, Chittaranjan Debbarma was laid to rest with full military honour in presence of thousands people at his native village Kairingbari village of Padmabil block under Kalyanpur police station of Khowai district on Friday.

Earlier, on Thursday afternoon the mortal remains of martyred Chittranjan Debbarma was brought back to Agartala airport through a special flight of Army from Bagdogra airport. Senior army and civil officials paid their homage to the martyre at the airport and the body of the martyred Chitta Ranjan was kept in Army hospital in Agartala, which was taken to his native village Kairingbari on Friday morning for last ritu-

als Since, Friday morning thousands of villagers gathered at Kairingbari village to bid a tearful adieu to martyr Chittaranjan Debbarma.

Men, women and children had assembled in huge numbers at the cemetery

when Debbarma's last rites were performed at his native village.

Naik Chittaranjan Debbarma (36), a Christian by faith, was laid to rest with full military honours in the presence of his father Madhusudhan Debbarma (84), mother

Agartala, Dec 02: In order to decrease the cash crunch and smooth transaction, the Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) has taken initiative to ensure cashless transactions in all CNG stations across the state.

The vehicle owners can swipe their Credit or Debit card for payment at all TNGCL run CNG stations with effect from November 29 last. Initially, the facility is currently available only at TRTC CNG station in Agartala and within few days all remaining CNG stations will be equipped with POS machines for swiping of debit and credit cards.

The initiative has been taken considering for a step for cashless transaction and decrease the changes of small currency note shortages af-

ter the Centre's decision of demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes.

It may be recalled here that the TNGCL is the first company in entire Eastern India to introduce cashless transactions at CNG stations. .

However, TNGCL to start online payment facility and user-friendly features through its website for the customers of its domestic gas users.

It may be recalled here that aiming to expand its operation, Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) will set up seven more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations across the state.

As per the decision made by the TNGCL board led by its chairman and MP Jitendra Choudhury, among the seven CNG

stations three boosters stations would be set up Khowai, Teliamura and Bishalgarh and gas would be supplied from the CNG mother station at Khayerpur. Apart from these, existing CNG station in Udaipur would be developed as mother station and four more booster stations at Manubazar, Shantirbazar, Belonia and Melaghar would be set up.

CNG would be supplied from Udaipur mother station. At present Tripura have five CNG stations including TRTC complex in Krishnagar, Khayerpur, AD Nagra, Radhanagar areas of Agartala and another one in Udaipur.

Above 10, 000 auto rickshaws, 70 buses and 500 more light motor vehicles are running through CNG in the streets of Tripura.

(Agencies)

Martyr Chittaranjan Debbarma.

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NORTHEAST Sanchani (79), wife Namita, two children, elder daughter Inlek Debbarma (13) and son Kutlai Debbarma (8) and his elder brother Arun Debbarma who is a retired Armyman and younger brother Amardeep Debbarma along with numerous relatives.

State Forest Minister Naresh Jamatia, local MLAs Padma Debbarma, Biswajit Datta, people's representatives from Autonomous District Council (ADC) and senior civil, army and security officials were present.

Within a week two youths of Tripura were killed by Pakistani militants in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, on November 22 BSF jawan Shambu Satmura (34), was killed in mine blast laid by Pakistan at Jammu and Kashmir along the Indo-Pak bor-

der at Jamia Wali Gali of Sawjian sector in Poonch district and in the early hours of November 29 and another proud son of Tripura Naik Chittranjan Debbarma (36) of 51 Engineering Regiment of Army was also martyred along with six more Army personnel including two officers during an eight-hour long gun battle at a military camp near the army's sensitive 16 Corps headquarters in Nagrota at Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistani militants.

Martyr Chittaranjan Debbarma had joined the army's engineering regiment in the year 1998. A few months ago, he was transferred to Nagrota military base from West Bengal's Kanchrapara.

(Agencies)

Tripura CM stresses on skill development for self-reliance of unemployed youths

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar Agartala, Dec 02: The Chief Minister Manik Sarkar stressed on the importance of imparting skill development training to unemployed youths to ensure their self-reliance and gainful self-employment.

'The basic aim of this programme is to enable unemployed youths to secure self-reliance and gainful self-employment , so

you must all try very hard to ensure this as with the growth of population unemployment has been growing fast in intensity' said the chief minister. He was addressing a meeting of the skill development mission authority operating in Tripura in the conference hall no-1 of the state secretariat yesterday.

'Long before the Centre

had initiated the skill development programme we had done it in Tripura ; we have also conducted field surveys on this programme to ascertain the progress of the programme ; this has served us well' Sarkar said. He also laid stress on skill development training in the agricultural and allied sector so that there is a diversity of choice before unemployed youths.

'In fact all sectors of professional life and career should be brought under the ambit of skill development to minimise the unemployment programme' said the chief minister.He hinted that a part of the government services executed directly by the government authority may be outsourced to unemployed but skill-trained youths to mutual interest of the government and the unemployed youths. (Agencies)

TNGCL initiates for cashless Six arrested for im- Late Tajen Ao road inaugutransaction in CNG stations personation during rated in City Tower Junction police recruitment

GNLA money trail uncovered

Mastermind of GNLA money laundering Solly Ch Sangma (R) and GNLA cash courier Sengchang Ch Momin (L) who were arrested.

Tura, Dec 02: South Garo Hills police have arrested the son of a prominent local musician from Tura along with a lady friend and a courier for channelling extortion money of the GNLA amounting to several lakh rupees and frozen two bank accounts which had a total of Rs 28 lakh on Thursday.

Surprisingly, the deposits of several lakh rupees into the two accounts failed to get noticed by the banking authorities despite the central government and the Reserve Bank of India having already issued guidelines in this regard.

The mastermind involved in channelling the money of the banned outfit was identified by police as Solly Sangma (33), son of Garo musician Lucas Marak. He was picked up from Tura for questioning on Thursday and taken to Baghmara where he was officially placed under arrest the same evening.

South Garo Hills police first got a whiff of the money laundering operation of the GNLA during a recent counter-insurgency operation in the district.

"We came across information which indicated that a lady from Chokpot was handling large sums of money sent by the GNLA and we started an investigation immediately," said district police chief Anand Mishra.

The investigation led police to 26-year-old Probilla

Marak, a rice shop dealer from Chokpot bazaar.

When police arrived at her place on Wednesday to take her for questioning she obliged and later revealed the modus operandi of the outfit's money laundering operation.

She was reportedly contacted frequently by Solly Sangma who managed to influence her to keep in touch with the banned group's senior commander Baichung Ch Momin and use her bank account to channelize the illegal money.

Baichung is currently overseeing the finance wing of the banned GNLA following the surrender of its finance secretary Rikchie who was subsequent killed by the outfit in Williamnagar, this year.

She had opened an account in Tura with the main branch of SBI in 2014 for a college scholarship.

A courier of the GNLA identified as Sengchang Ch Momin (22) soon began to handover large sums of money extorted by the GNLA to Probilla Marak.

According to police, money to the tune of thirty lakh rupees was transacted from Probilla Marak's account in a span of two years.

Despite the huge transactions undertaken through her account she was only paid a sum of two to three thousand rupees each time.

The largest transaction of money from her account to

Solly Sangma's account took place on November 12 when she deposited 25 lakh rupees.

Solly was allegedly using the GNLA money for expansion of his business.

On Thursday the accounts of both Solly and Probilla were frozen by the banking authorities on the orders of the police. It was found that he had already withdrawn several lakhs from the account and only Rs 14 lakh was left.

The account of Probilla which was also frozen had in it a sum of three lakh rupees.

In the meantime, the GNLA cash courier Sengchang Momin was also arrested from Chokpot on Thursday.

It is worth mentioning that Solly Sangma was arrested from Salbari locality of Siliguri town in West Bengal on September 2014 from where he was operating the GNLA social website handle.

This is not the first time Garo Hills police have uncovered large sums of money belonging to insurgent groups operating in the region.

On November 17, East Garo Hills police traced and seized Rs 35 lakh of GNLA money from two individuals, Batsrang and Saljepa of Williamnagar.

Following the demonetization of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency last month, the central government had issued a general alert that outlawed militant groups might park their illgotten money in bank accounts of civilians.

Police had alerted all the banks in the State to be watchful of any suspicious deposits and to inform the police in all such cases.

Police have also alerted the public not to allow their bank accounts to park terror funds belonging to militant groups and to pass on information to the police in case they are forced or compelled by any militant group or anti-social elements. (Agencies)

Shillong, Dec 02: Six persons including three candidates have been arrested for impersonation and cheating during the Physical Efficiency Test during the recruitment to the posts of Unarmed Branch Sub Inspector (UBSI) at 1st MLP Battalion, Mawiong.

Lakador Syiem, the Principal of Police Training School has lodged three separate FIRs following the crime on Thursday.In the first instance, one Walter Jones Nongsiej (27) sent another person identified as Opland K. Jahrin to appear in the Physical Efficiency Test in his place in the recruitment.Another FIR was filed against one Phrancistar Ramsiej (28) for sending another person identified as Marvelous K. Jahrin to appear for the test.

The third FIR was filed against one Bidonshai Syiemlieh for sending an-

other person, Bidorsing Syiemlieh in his place for measurement of height during the recruitment process.After investigation, all the six persons have been arrested by the police. Syiem further said that all the six persons will be debarred from undergoing the recruitment process in future even as he added that the police have a foolproof mechanism to check such instances.

According to Syiem, during recruitment, the admit cards of all the candidates are checked, and moreover, the candidates are also identified through biometric verification.

"Even the photos of the candidates are verified from the admit cards and the persons who appear during the recruitment drive", Syiem added.

(Agencies)

School Students donate money to ease currency problem Agartala, Dec 02: At a time when the stalwarts in the country's opposition are locked in an acrimonious battle with central government over the demonetisation move, a group of students in Kailasahar central school set an example for their elders. The students of Kailasahar central school had saved small amounts of money from their tiffin allowances given daily by parents. They had hit upon the idea of making a donation to help resolve the small currency note problem after an acute shortage of the same had come to the fore following the demonetisation announced on the night of November 8. Shubhrangshu Dey (15) , a student of class IX , had collected the amount from friends for the donation and they could reach the figure of Rs 5 thousand in small donomination notes of Rs 5, 10, 20 and a few 50 rupee notes .

Yesterday the group of students led by Shubhrangshu met the branch manager of state bank of India (SBI), Kailasahar and donated the entire amount so that the small currencies could be distributed among people who need them. Ranjit Debnath, the branch manager of SBI, was pleasantly surprised by the gesture of the students and gratefully accepted the donation. 'It is a great gesture on the part of students , it shows their purity of mind and commitment to the cause of people and the nation ; I wish them all the best' said Debnath . He added that students in other schools and people in general could help banks sort out the problem by depositing small currency notes for distribution among those who need it most. He described the gesture of the students as a 'great example'. (Agencies)

Opposition failed to file candidate in all panchyat by-poll seats Agartala, Dec 02: The Left Front is contesting in all the seats of the three tier panchayat that is going for by-elections on December 21 but none of the opposition political parties could file candidate in all the seats.

It was revealed after the expiry of the last date for withdrawal of nominations that out of 44 seats in the Gram-panchyats CPI(M) is contesting in 42 seats on behalf of the Left Front while another partner CPI in two seats. Among the opposition parties the BJP has filed candidates in maximum 39 seats followed by Trinamool Congress in 29 seats, Congress in 24 seats while two independent candidates are also in the fray.

However, in both the Panchyat

Samity seats all the four major political parties the CPI(M), BJP, Trinamool Congress and Congress has filed candidates. The CPI(M), BJP, Congress and an independent candidate in contesting for the lone Zilla Parishad seat for which by-election is going to be held. Though none of the opposition parties could file candidate in all the seats none of the seats are going uncontested. The political observers feel that this by-election will help in assessing the pulse of the rural electorates. The state recently witnessed byelection for two assembly seats both of which were located in semi-urban areas.

(Agencies)

Dimapur, Dec 02: Late Tajen Ao road from City Tower Junction to ADC Court monolith was inaugurated by president, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) Supu Jamir on Thursday here at City Tower junction.

In a brief speech, Supu Jamir appealed all the business establishments within the area to change their signboards to late Tajen Ao road with immediate effect.

While delivering a brief profile of late Tajen Ao, Dimapur Mangmetong Union (DMU) member, Temsumongba Pongen said that late Tajenyuba Ao was commonly known as Tajen Ao by his contemporaries. He was the third son of teacher, late Manglalepden Imchen and Osemdangla Longchar of Mangmetong village of Mokokchung district.

Jamir also informed the gathering that late Tajen Ao was a bright student since high school who went on to become the first advocate among the Nagas.

He also held various positions such as president Ao Students Conference (AKM) from 195359, president Ongpangkong Range Mungdang (OM) from 1958-64, member Naga delegation to Delhi for peace mission in 1963, principal Mokokchung Law College from 1981-1994, judge, motor accident claims tribunal, government of Nagaland from 1992-1994 and also initiated survey of ADC Court to Hotel Tragopan.

Jamir informed that late Tajen Ao was elected in the first general election of Nagaland from 28 Koridang assembly con-

Supu Jamir along with ASTD officials after inaugurating late Tajen Ao road from City Tower junction to ADC court stituency in the year 1964 from democratic party, where he was also the deputy leader of democratic party from 1964-69. He was offered the post of chief minister which he reportedly refused.

Under the chairmanship of A. Kevichusa, Tajen Ao, Ngurohie Zao, Vizol and Nsemo Ovung, the first regional party named as Democratic Party of Nagaland (DP) was formed in December 1963, the United Front of Nagaland (UFN) in 1968, United Parliamentary Group (UPG) (1972), the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1972, the Naga National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1982, The Naga People Party (NPP) in 1983 and The Naga Peoples Council (NPC) in 1988, stated Jamir.

Late Tajen Ao was also a prominent figure in Naga politics and

a vocal proponent of Naga nationalism. He also authored several books on Naga history and legal literature. Tajen Ao passed away on December 7, 1994 at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. He was laid to rest in his native village Mangmetong.

Jamir said the government of Nagaland acknowledged his selfless services, deeds and contribution to the state, thereby a road between City Tower Junction, Dimapur to ADC Court was named after him.

Earlier the inaugural programme was chaired by T. Lanu Imchen, while dedicatory prayer was pronounced by pastor Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) Rev Moang Ao. The benediction was done by ex-pastor, East Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (EDABA), Rev.Yanglu.

(Agencies)

PWDs to intensify stir over Govt apathy Shillong,Dec 02: Irked by the State government's apathy towards the demands of differently abled persons, the Khasi Disabilities Association (KDA) has threatened to intensify agitation in January next.

Starwin Kharjana, president, KDA during a sit-in demonstration here on Thursday said that if the government remained a mute spectator to the struggles of differently abled people, the association will have no other option than to agitate.

Alleging disparity in disbursement of schemes in rural, urban and sub- urban areas, Kharjana said, "Distribution of schemes is very irregular, and we get them only twice or thrice in a year. Only people residing in urban and sub urban areas are getting the benefits whereas rural people are deprived of initiatives like the CM's social assistance scheme."

Kharjana said that they had waited for one year for the government to act, and hence took the step for sitin demonstration.

"We met the Chief Minister and Minister of Social Welfare, Deborah Marak, Principal Secretary and Director of Social Welfare, besides the Commissioner for persons with disabilities, who said they will take up the matter, but they made only hollow promises," he added.

Kharjana added that the association will not issue any deadline as they had approached the State government several times to address the plight of differently abled people, but in vain.

"Our demands range from employment for differently abled persons, implementation of the order of Supreme Court to employ differently abled persons, to appoint a member at the State Coordination Committee, and help those who are trying to avail loan from National Handicap Finance Development Corporation to implement the IAY scheme," he said.

Kharjana said last year after approaching the officials of the State government with regard to the IAY scheme for 2015-16, the government directed them to send the list of beneficiaries of scheme.

"We received a letter from the BDO Pynursla, stating that the people do not possess job cards under MGNREGS whereas the people are in possession of job cards, which shows that the BDO does not want to release the scheme."

In terms of IAY scheme, most blocks do not release the scheme except the Mylliem Block, he added.

Kharjana also urged the State government to give special allocation to differently abled persons in educational institutions.

"In 2014, a differently

abled person enrolled himself at Government Boys' HS School for class XI but they denied him admission. It showed that the authorities did not adhere to the norms that the students with disabilities have to get the same education as that of the mainstream students. Later, the school admitted him.

Citing another alleged discrimination by the school, he added, "This year we sent two boys to the same school, and the school authorities said that the matter will be examined as to whether the differently abled students will be enrolled or not. This shows that the differently abled people cannot continue their studies."

The association demanded that the State government should allot special seats for training within and outside the state, so that after training, the differently abled persons can start self employment ventures.

"We also urge the state government to release the Chief Minister's wedding assistance scheme for differently abled after verifying the disability certificates. The state government should recognize us from our disability certificates and not looking at the riches of our families," Kharjana asserted.

The state has 43,000 differently abled people.

(Agencies)

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Today's quote In recognizing the humanity of our “fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute. – Thurgood Marshall

Patriotism by diktat Patriotism is a value that most people cherish without being required to demonstrate it in visible ways. Unfortunately, a notion has emerged in the country that it ought to be articulated frequently, demonstrated publicly and enforced in such a manner that it will be an object lesson to the odd dissenter. Given this, it is hard to understand the rationale for the Supreme Court's order that every cinema hall should play the national anthem before the exhibition of a film. India has given itself an anthem easily recognised as a lofty and moving rendering of the country's oneness amidst diversity. It hardly requires judicial promotion. The singing of the national anthem on special occasions, especially in schools and colleges, is sufficient to help citizens identify the anthem with something larger than their daily concerns. There are clear rules on when the anthem should be played. Any misuse of the anthem or any wilful insult to it is legally prohibited, and those aggrieved by any such incident can take recourse to the law. Beyond this, in a mature democracy such as India, there really is no need to make the playing or the singing of the anthem mandatory through a judicial order.

It is not clear why cinema halls were singled out for special treatment by the Supreme Court.

The only possible explanation is that they were required to play the national anthem some decades ago, a practice that has been largely given up. But if the logic for playing the national anthem at places where a sizeable number of people congregate is taken to its logical conclusion, they should be extended, for example, to dance and music recitals as well. To take this line of reasoning even further, why not to every sitting of the legislature, or the court itself? Playing the national anthem in theatres at the end of the film was given up some three decades ago in most parts of the country, largely as a result of the tendency of a section of the audience to walk out. To reintroduce it now gives the impression that cinemas should forever be the main sites for the demonstration of patriotism. Matters such as commercial exploitation and dramatisation of the anthem cannot be the subject of blanket interim orders in a public interest petition. The appeal to a sense of 'constitutional patriotism' is also intriguing, as the only reasonable interpretation of the term is that of having allegiance to the values underlying the Constitution. This is not something that can be enforced by judicial diktat, or by making cinema halls the playground for a misplaced sense of patriotism.

Fantastic, terrific Beyond the fantastic lies the realm of the fantastical, marked on classical maps by the legend, "Here be dragons". But contemporary dragons and unicorns inhabit real maps. Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's amazing, exceptional and fantastic intercontinental call to the US president-elect in Trump Tower traced an arc across half of the real world. It may have consequences for the point of origin, South Asia. Precisely what, remains to be seen. This is where it begins to get scary.

Hillary Clinton may have lost the White House because of a private email server. Trump has a private phone, which he seems to be using as a private citizen for government to government communications. His conversations promise to be loaded with mystery and imagination, since they are not on the record of the US government. They are reported only by those he speaks with. In this case, it was the press wing of the prime minister's office in Islamabad. It was a business to business call, with the boss of Sharif Group dialling the boss of Trump Organisation.

But it was not business as usual.

It appears that the "big fan of Hindu" has crossed the floor and now wants to go to Pakistan, "a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people". This is beyond the bromance that apparently bloomed between Narendra Modi and Barack Obama, and assumes surreal overtones.

This is one long hand-shaking, flesh-pressing session. The president-elect of the US had never met Pakistan's PM, but felt like they were old pals. Naturally, he is a "terrific guy" with "a very good reputation". This is fine entertainment, but then the president-elect says Sharif can just call anytime, even before he assumes office, and he would be excited to play any role he wanted. This is where it gets seriously scary. In truth, here be dragons.

P6

Contours of a challenge Suhrith Parthasarathy The manner of enforcement of demonetisation has visited many consequences upon the people. If it chooses to review them, the judiciary would scarcely be overreaching its authority Today the Supreme Court is slated to commence hearing arguments on a slew of petitions that call into question the correctness, and indeed the constitutional validity, of the Union government's policy of demonetisation. The petitions allege that the primary notification issued on November 8, which illegitimatises currency notes of denominations of Rs.1,000 and Rs.500, and the series of consequential orders passed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lack competency, in that the government cannot demonetise currency through mere executive fiat absent any legislative support. The policy, as a collective whole, the petitioners contend, far from causing what the government has described as mere inconveniences, impinges deeply on several fundamental rights, and it should therefore be declared invalid.

How the Supreme Court treats these challenges will tell us a great deal about the checks and balances that our democracy purports to provide.

Courts and economic policy There is an often-repeated belief that issues of policy - especially those involving the state and nature of a country's economy, such as this - ought to be beyond judicial review.

That is, courts should exhibit restraint in examining what are really matters for executive determination. In-

deed, despite popular opinion that might hold the Supreme Court as excessively interventionist, India's judiciary has historically shown a reticence in interfering in matters of economic policy.

For the most part, the court has been justified in acceding to the executive's expertise. But while there is certainly a kernel of rationality to such a theory of limited judicial review, it is dangerous to see judicial deference as forming part of an immutable doctrine. As the former President of the Israeli Supreme Court Aharon Barak had once observed, separation of powers exists to "strengthen freedom and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one governmental actor in a manner likely to harm the freedom of the individual".

The issues at stake before the Supreme Court are, without doubt, complicated.

They give rise to a dispute which might be described as a "hard case", where differing value judgments can lead to entirely different conclusions. But that need not dissuade the court from applying its mind to the subject, and from ruling upon questions of law that go to the root of the policy's validity. In the present case, despite the sense of most independent economists that the long-term economic benefits of the government's notifications are negligible at best, what the petitioners are questioning is not the policy's financial viability. Rather, what they ask of the court is to judge the government's competency in effecting the policy, and, even more gravely, to decide on whether the means of its enforcement has led to unconstitutional conse-

quences. Regardless of where one might stand on the political spectrum, it is difficult to argue against the magnitude of these questions.

The petitioners' case Were the court to decide that it can, in fact, examine the policy's validity, it would likely find that, on merits, the petitioners' primary argument stands on a weak ground. This is because Section 26(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, expressly states: "On recommendation of the Central Board the Central Government may, by notification in the Gazette of India, declare that‌ any series of bank notes of any denomination shall cease to be legal tender save at such office or agency of the Bank and to such extent as may be specified in the notification." The petitioners assert that under Section 26(2), the government can only withdraw the legal tender of any particular series of a bank note of any denomination.

Therefore, according to them, the government ought to have, at the least, passed an ordinance (as the Morarji Desai-led regime had done in 1978) to implement this policy of demonetisation.

But ordinary rules of statutory interpretation suggest otherwise. The government can argue, quite reasonably, that the executive power vested in it to withdraw any particular series of bank notes would necessarily also include a power to withdraw all the series of bank notes belonging to any particular denomination. What's more, it may be pointed out, the RBI, acting under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, has been unequivocally bestowed with authority to regulate

the means and the manner through which money can be withdrawn, exchanged and deposited. In sum, therefore, it is perhaps difficult to assail the demonetisation policy for the reason that it lacks legislative support.

The shocks of demonetisation But it isn't enough for the government to show that it possessed the basic competency to implement demonetisation through mere executive orders. It must also show that the manner of the policy's enforcement, and the details of the various notifications that have been issued, conform to constitutional standards of fairness.

The immediate reverberations of demonetisation, by any account, have been brutally depressing. Most shocking amongst these consequences has been the death toll. News reports aver that there have been as many as 55 deaths emanating out of its diktats. Consider one of these cases: a suicide committed by Ravi Pradhan, a farmer from Chhattisgarh, who stood in queues for two consecutive days at a bank branch around 2 km away from his home town, to get exchanged Rs.3,000, only to be rebuffed each time as he was unable to reach the front of the queue before bank hours ended. Pradhan intended to send the money to his two sons who were working on daily wages in Tamil Nadu.

These humanitarian costs are graver yet when you study the liquidity crunch in the informal economy, the numerous lay-offs of workers across industries, and the woes of millions of people seeking to access the most essential services. If the ordinary Indian is not complaining, as some would

want us to believe, it's because she has little choice, faced with a denial of her right to be treated as an equal, and of her freedom to move freely and earn her basic livelihood.

Government's pitiless response Quite opposed to taking steps to assuage the deep infractions of rights that the policy has caused, the government has merely indulged in what can only be described as policymaking on the fly. Since the original notification was announced, the rules have been constantly modified (more than 20 times at last count), with some of the classifications that have been made crossing all thresholds of the absurd.

How, for instance, one may easily ask, can it be permissible to withdraw Rs.2.5 lakh in cash for a wedding, when people are forbidden from withdrawing money beyond a minimal limit for other equally, if not more, pressing purposes? To make matters worse, on November 24, the RBI shattered any remaining notion of trust that one had reposed in it by announcing that exchange through banks of the old Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes would be ceased immediately despite the Prime Minister's explicit promise that limits imposed earlier would be enhanced, and that such exchange would be permitted until the end of the year.

Although its transgressions have been flagrant, the state's response has been markedly pitiless, based, as it is, on a warped sense of utilitarianism: the short-term losses (a pathetic euphemism for loss of life, among other things), the government argues, are somehow compensable by the long-term gains that the

policy will usher in.

Here, let's pause to understand what justice really demands. Justice requires not only an adherence to procedural integrity, where democratic institutions collectively determine social and economic policy, but, even more significantly, it also requires that any policy takes into account the potential injustices that might accrue out of its enforcement. To view policy decisions as merely a product of a balancing of short-term pains against supposed long-term pleasures is to ignore the injustices of the present. While many governmental actions make significant trade-offs, should those trade-offs be allowed to impinge on a person's most foundational freedoms in a manner that perpetuates existing inequalities?

The classifications that the demonetisation policy makes, and the manner of its enforcement, suffer from this inherent flaw: they fail to consider the moral abhorrence in treating some lives as more valuable than others. There is no doubt the executive should be allowed great leeway in using the state as a laboratory for democracy, to borrow Justice Louis Brandeis's famous aphorism. But such experiments cannot come at the cost of human lives. By constantly moving its goalposts, by arbitrarily tweaking the rules virtually every day, the government has committed a serious sin on society: it has used the fig leaf of public interest to create a situation of grim distress. Were the Supreme Court to review these terrible consequences of demonetisation, it would scarcely be overreaching its authority. On the contrary, it would merely be performing its rightful role in India's constitutional structure.

How bad economics may become good politics Simantini Krishnan When Parvathi, a domestic help in an affluent Bangalore neighbourhood first became aware of demonetisation, she was worried about meeting expenses for her family of five. After three weeks and a couple of trips to her bank, she is a firm supporter of the prime minister, whose name she is only vaguely familiar with.

One of her employers had paid her the unthinkable sum of Rs 20,000 to simply change old currency for new via her bank account.

Parvathi was also witness to a police operation involving an abandoned bag of cash near where she lives. She does not know if the money was counterfeit or genuine, but she was told that the rich had been badly busted.

She was also told that this powerful man in faraway Delhi will next go after owners of multiple homes, so that the likes of her can have a home of their own.

The stated push against

benami properties may involve no such redistribution, but Parvathi is considering voting for the BJP for the first time in her life.

It was recently reported that cash deposits in Jan Dhan accounts across India had crossed Rs 65,000 crore. The laundering of cash through these accounts involved a wholesale process of redistribution, which probably holds the key to resolving the puzzle of demonetisation.

How did an operation that obviously imperiled the lives of India's poorest citizens, survive three weeks without furore? Why was the Supreme Court's grim prognosis of riots so utterly off the mark? Why did the urban underclass and the rural poor forsake their daily wages to stand in orderly queues without too much ado? Why did the numerous stories of tribulation coexist with palpable support for the move, even among the poor? Why did India not come to a standstill when

the opposition called a Bharat Bandh on November 28?

While polls and surveys may reflect a heavy dose of sampling bias, critics ought not to underestimate the Indian underclass's flair for adaptability. The initial shock and chaos were found to be mitigated by innovative short-term fixes such as informal credit, barter and in many cases continued circulation of the old currency.

Residents of a village in Mizoram even came up with the idea of paper coupons or promissory notes to replace currency until the situation improved.

It is important to keep in mind that collective economic wisdom had demurred in the wake of demonetisation. Economists of various persuasions in India and abroad converged on demonetisation being a less than effective instrument of policy. They explained how the move represented an attack on legal tender rather than on

The obstacle in our path In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.

Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables.

Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down

his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing

and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been.

The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.

The peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

black money, which mostly resides in assets such as real estate and gold. While long term impact on black money may not be entirely known, it would not deter laundering in the short term. More ominous would be the impact on the cash dependent informal economy, where debilitating losses and welfare shocks could massively impact GDP and agricultural productivity.

While some of the prognosis for long term impact on the economy may well pan out in the coming months, economists seem not to have accounted for a society that thrives on dense informal networks of interpersonal trust rather than on formal institutions of the state or the market. The complex workings of this dynamic and resilient system may in fact have mitigated some of the damaging repercussions, and restored a new kind of equilibrium.

This curious political economy of

demonetisation has thwarted the case for a united opposition. Barring Mamata Banerjee, opposition leaders were stunned into silence for several hours after the declaration. Over the next few days, the opposition tried to get its act together, but the sheer force of the political message kept Nitish Kumar away, disabling a unified front.

In the three weeks since demonetisation, the BJP has already secured impressive electoral victories in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The bypoll results in Assam and Madhya Pradesh indicated reduced vote-share for the BJP, but anything short of outright defeat, especially in the immediate aftermath of the move, ought not to be good news for the opposition.

Its failure to deliver a clear and coherent message within the next two years could lead to comfortable victory for Modi in 2019.

From all that we have seen and heard, it appears that Narendra Modi went out on a limb with demonetisation, without solid economic backing.

Suffering loss of faith for failed promises, lack of reforms and disruptive nationalism, the prime minister's intent was to reclaim the narrative and secure the elections of 2019.

To this extent, he held an entire country to ransom to score a political point.

While it sets a worrying precedent for the country's political and economic administration, a complete disaster may well have been averted in this instance due to the dense networks of interpersonal trust in Indian society.

Pitched alongside personal stories and longer term economic consequences, redistributive money laundering may or may not be the sole mover of the BJP's electoral fortunes. However it does appear far from likely that demonetisation will prove to be a stumbling block in a second term for Narendra Modi, come 2019.

Nagrota attack The fact that three terrorists stormed into an Army installation at Nagrota highlights the defencelessness of our defence establishments. The attack shows that no lessons have been learnt from the Pathankot and Uri attacks.

It also indicates that neither Pakistan nor its militants are trying to give peace a chance. India must enhance its security preparedness and infrastructure in vulnerable places and draw up a plan to minimise the loss of lives. Importantly, it must hold an official meeting with the new Pakistani Army chief soon.

Manoj Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Assam

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

P7

These are the 'feared' security features of the Rs 2000 note The all-new Rs 2,000 currency notes hitting the market today are rumoured to be quite hi-tech. Wonder what all technologies they are supposed to be embedded with GPS, nano-chip and camera, so claim the numerous messages doing rounds on WhatsApp. The high-value Rs 2,000 note with GPS nano-chip embedded is supposed to track the notes' location.

The messages claim that the signal reflector in these chips share the precise location of the note. It is said to be so strong that it can be tracked even if the notes are kept 100 meters below the ground.

Here's one of the WhatsApp message circulating:

as a signal reflector. When a Satellite sends a signal requesting location the NGC reflects back the signal from the location, giving precise location coordinates, and the serial number of the currency back to the satellite, this way every NGC embedded currency can be easily tracked & located even if it is kept 120 meters below ground level. The NGC can't be tampered with or removed without damaging the currency note.

For those, still believing in the rumours, here's confirmation from Reserve Bank of India. RBI spokesperson Alpana Killawala told News18 that these rumours

Why RBI is issuing these 2000 Rupees Notes The Rs 2,000 currency is designed keeping in mind to eradicate the black money issues using state of the art indigenous nano technology, every Rs. 2,000 currency note is embedded with a NGC (Nano GPS Chip).

How the embedded NGC Technology Works?

The unique feature of the NGC is it doesn't need any power source. It only acts

are nothing but "figment of imagination". She said that RBI has clearly detailed the security features of the new notes on its website.

As per the salient features given on RBI's website the security features of the Rs 2,000 note include: Windowed security thread with inscriptions 'Bharat' (written in Hindi), RBI and 2000 on banknotes with colour shift. Colour of the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted. The notes are also visually impaired-friendly and include "Intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, bleed

lines and identity mark".

On November 9, just hours after PM Modi announced the demonetisation of highvalue notes, the Reserve Bank issued new series of notes for Rs 500 and Rs 2,000.

The Rs 2,000 note, which is a first under the denomination, will be called the 'Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series' and has the motif of the lowcost mission to Mars, the Mangalayan, on the reverse, the RBI said.

The base colour of the note will be magenta and the size of the note will be 66mm by 166mm.

Apple iPad Pro, iPhone Apple iPhone 7, Samsung 7 available at a discount S7 edge available at Rs 10,000 discount online of up to Rs 28,900 Here's an irresistible offer for Apple fans. The smartphone giant is offering a range of discount on its iPad and latest iPhone models with Citibank cards. The discount is available to customers planning to buy both an iPhone 7 (or iPhone 7 Plus) and iPad. As per the offer, the company is offering a cashback of Rs 23,000 on combo of iPad Pro and any iPhone 7/ 7 Plus model. There's a Rs 18,000 cashback for users purchasing iPad Air 2 with iPhone 7/7 Plus smartphone.

On purchase of iPad Mini 2 and 4 models with iPhone 7/7 Plus smartphone, buyers can avail a discount of Rs 17,000.

The company is also offering in-store discounts of Rs 5900, Rs 2,900 and Rs 2,800 respectively on the above purchases. Customers need to buy both the devices

from the same store on the same day. The offer is valid till December 31, 2016.

ness days from the date of the transaction.

Also, a maximum of four transactions are allowed on every card. Of these, only two can be made in each month.

The Cupertino giant is betting big on the Indian market. At the recent investor's conference, post announcement of its quaterly results, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the company is excited about its India investments.

Cook said that the past year has seen iPhone sales growing at a fast clip in India.

"Our iPhone sales in India were up over 50% in fiscal

Incidentally, the offer is not available for Citibank corporate credit cards. The cashback amount will be credited to customers' accounts in or before 90 busi-

2016 compared to the prior year, and we believe we're just beginning to scratch the surface of this large and growing market opportunity," he said.

The Apple CEO further added that he is confident that he can turn India into as big an opportunity as China is for Apple. He emphasized that India's "very, very young population" holds tremendous advantages for the company.

"The truth is there's going to be a lot of people there and a lot of people in the middle class that will really want a smartphone, and I think we can compete well for some percentage of those. And Given our starting point, even though we've been growing a lot, there's a lot of headroom there in our mind. So, we're working very hard to realize that opportunity," Cook told mediamen and investors.

It seems to be raining discounts for smartphone buyers. The latest to join the discount fray is online payments-cum e-commerce website Paytm. The company is offering huge cashback offers on some top-end smartphones like Apple iPhone 7, iPhone 6S, LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.

The offers are part of the 'Big Cashback Sale' that started on November 22 and will go on till November 24.

Apple iPhone 7's 32GB variant is available at approximately Rs 52,000 post a cashback offer of Rs 8,000.

There's Rs 9,000 cashback available on the smartphone's 128GB variant and Rs 10,000 on 256GB variant. Cashback offers are also available on various variants of Apple iPhone 6S, with minimum of Rs 7,000.

Samsung's flagship smartphone Galaxy S7 Edge is available at a 15 percent discount for Rs 50,900. LG and HTC's flagship devices, LG G5 and HTC 10 have 10% cashback offer.

The website is also giving 12%-plus cashback offer on several other smartphones including Moto G Turbo Edition, Samsung Galaxy A3, Oppo F1s, Lenovo K3 Note, Micromax Canvas Mega, Gionee M5 Lite, Sony Xperia XA and Samsung Galaxy A7.

The website is also providing some attractive cashback and discount offers on smartphones from domestic brands such as Micromax, Lava, Karbonn and Intex.

Paytm is also holding a contest where it is giving Rs 2,000 every 15 minutes to lucky winners.

Cashback offers are also available on TVs, home appliances, kitchen products, clothing, grocery and more.

This offer can be further clubbed with cashback offers of Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000 from Axis Bank and HDFC Bank respectively.

The e-tailer Flipkart too has an attractive offer on Google Pixel smartphones.

The e-tailer is giving an exchange offer of up to Rs 26,000 on the smartphone.

The smartphone is also available at a discount of Rs 7,000 with HDFC Bank's credit cards. This cashback offer is available till November 30.

Rs 500 & Rs 1000 Your debit/credit card can be hacked in less than 6 seconds: Research ban: 'Good news' for phone buyers debit cards and all cash.

About 3040% transactions are done in cash.

Since launching this scheme, "we have got some breather from the horrible sales", Chandra said.

Mobile phoneretailers have started offering zero down payment options to stir sales that have slowed down drastically over the past week, as consumers preserve cash on hand for making basic necessity purchases amid a liquidity crunch caused by demonetisation of large denomination notes.

"Saturday morning onwards, we're asking consumers to pay nothing upfront and take mobile phones, and pay the amount in equal monthly

installments over 12 months," said Subhash Chandra, managing director of Bengaluru based Sangeetha Mobiles, which has 300 stores in several states of South India.

Retailers have typically followed the method of financing, where a part of the cost of the phone is paid upfront while the rest is paid in monthly installments at a certain rate of interest, besides accepting payments through credit cards,

Consumers have put purchase of large appliances and small electronic items such as phones, lower down on their priority lists after the government demonetised the `500 and `1,000 currency notes from Wednesday. The move has led to a drop in demand at retail stores across the country, and analysts expect the trend to continue for a few weeks to a month, or more, till the time the cash crunch subsides.

Retailers, especially of consumer electronics and phones, have started rolling out various schemes to incentivise purchases with the aim of selling as much inventory as possible.

It may take as little as six seconds for hackers to guess your credit or debit card number, expiry date and security code, say scientists who were able to circumvent all security features meant to protect online payments from fraud.

tempts - typically 10 or 20 guesses - on each website," he said.

"Secondly, different websites ask for different variations in the card data fields to validate an online purchase. This means it's quite easy to build up the information and piece it together like a jigsaw," Ali said.

Exposing the flaws in the VISA payment system, researchers from Newcastle University in the UK, found neither the network nor the banks were able to detect attackers making multiple, invalid attempts to get payment card data.

By automatically and systematically generating different variations of the cards security data and firing it at multiple websites, within seconds hackers are able to get a 'hit' and verify all the necessary security data.

Investigators believe this guessing attack method is likely to have been used in the recent Tesco cyberattack which the Newcastle

"The unlimited guesses, when combined with the variations in the payment data fields make it frighteningly easy for attackers to generate all the card details one field at a time," he said.

team describe as "frighteningly easy if you have a laptop and an internet connection."

"This sort of attack exploits two weaknesses that on their own are not too severe but when used together, present a serious risk to the whole payment system," said Mohammed Ali, a PhD student at Newcastle

University.

"Firstly, the current online payment system does not detect multiple invalid payment requests from different websites," said Ali. "This allows unlimited guesses on each card data field, using up to the allowed number of at-

"Each generated card field can be used in succession to generate the next field and so on," Ali said.

"If the hits are spread across enough websites then a positive response to each question can be received within two seconds - just like any online payment," he said.

"So even starting with no details at all other than

the first six digits - which tell you the bank and card type and so are the same for every card from a single provider a hacker can obtain the three essential pieces of information to make an online purchase within as little as six seconds," he said.

To obtain card details, the attack uses online payment websites to guess the data and the reply to the transaction will confirm whether or not the guess was right.

Since the current online system does not detect multiple invalid payment requests on the same card from different websites, unlimited guesses can be made by distributing the guesses over many websites.

However, the team found it was only the VISA network that was vulnerable.

The research was published in the academic journal IEEE Security and Privacy.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

NATION Tarigami demands judicial probe into killing of militant

Srinagar, Dec 2 : Senior CPI(M) leader and legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today called for a judicial probe into the killing of a militant in south Kashmir's Anantnag district yesterday, asking the government to bring the facts about the incident to the fore without delay.

Condemning the killing of Sajad Ahmad Malik, Tarigami, who represents south Kashmir's Kulgam constituency in the state Assembly, called for a judicial probe into the incident to "fix the responsi-

bility and punish the culprits."

"Such incidents are not only inhuman but shameful.

Impunity for such killings must be put to an end or else the consequences can be disastrous," he said.

The CPI(M) leader urged the government to put across a strong message by bringing facts about the incident to the fore without delay.

"Government should come out with all the facts available related to the incident, so that not only the af-

fected family but people in general are relieved from dilemma about the circumstances which lead to the death of the ex-sarpanch," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president G A Mir has also demanded a judicial probe into the killing, saying the deceased was an ex-sarpanch belonging to his party.

"Malik was a young, honest but poor man. He was a sarpanch who was elected constitutionally and served the people for five

PM Modi practising TRP politics, says Rahul Gandhi while chairing 1st CPP meet The Congress Vice-President said if PM Modi would listen to views of democratically elected members, he would not commit the "catastrophic" policy mistakes he is currently making.

New Delhi, Dec 02: Rahul Gandhi on Friday chaired the meeting of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) for the first time and launched an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of practising TRP politics and making the country suffer due to his "vanity and incompetence". Addressing the CPP meeting in the absence of his mother Sonia Gandhi, who is indisposed, the Congress Vice President described the Prime Minister as being "a prisoner of his own image" and alleged that Modi was inflicting "tremendous suffering" on the people to protect his own persona.

Excerpts of his speech in the central hall of Parliament were later aired by television channels though such meetings are generally out of bounds for the media.

With the opposition attacking the Prime Minister for not hearing them out in Parliament over demonetization, the Congress Vice President said if Modi listened to the views of democratically elected members it could potentially prevent him from making the "cata-

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi addressed the CPP meeting in the absence of Sonia Gandhi. strophic" policy mistakes he is currently making.

"We never gave India a Prime Minister who bypassed the experience of those sitting in the institutions. The country has suffered tremendous damage as a result of the vanity and incompetence of our PM," he charged.

"The Congress never gave India a Prime Minister who was a prisoner of his own image. We never gave India a Prime Minister who was ready to inflict such tremendous suffering on the people of India to protect his own persona. We never gave India a Prime Minister who based his

entire policy making strategy on TRPs. "Listening to the voices of the people of this country is the only thing that can free him from the clutches of his own image and make him an effective Prime Minister.

Yet he consistently refuses to do so," he said.

Accusing Modi of single handedly declaring a war on the world's fastest growing economy due to the "catastrophic experiment" of demonetization which is "badly conceived and incompetently implemented", he said its results will soon be revealed to the entire world. (PTI)

Critics should show patience for 50-day period: Rajnath HIGHLIGHTS People who are criticising note ban should show patience for the 50-day period The source of money supply will dry up, choking funding for terrorists and Maoists Demonetisation decision will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor Rajnath Singh Lucknow, Dec 02: In a message to those criticising note ban, Union home minsiter Rajnath Singh on Friday said they should show patience for the 50-day period as the decision has been taken keeping national interest in mind and the situation will normalize after that.

"Those criticizing note ban must exercise patience for at least the 50day period as the step has been taken in national interest to fight black money and corruption," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while announcing the demonetization decision on November 8 had said there will be some inconvenience to people

for the initial 50-day period after which the situation will ease out.

Singh was talking to media persons here on the sidelines of a function where he laid foundation stone of several railway projects.

The home minister said the source of money supply will dry up, choking funding for terrorists and Maoists.

Besides, the demonetisation decision will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, he said.

Opposition parties have locked horns with the government over the issue of demonetisation of high-value currencies with Parliament witnessing a virtual washout

since the Winter Session began on November 16.

Singh, who represents Lucknow constituency in Lok Sabha, said there should be no politics over development projects in the Uttar Pradesh.

Observing that metro services will soon begin in Lucknow, he said whatever work he was doing for development of Lucknow, was dedicated to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was also an MP from the state capital till 2009 before retiring from active politics.

His remarks came a day after chief minister Akhilesh Yadav flaggedoff the trial run of Lucknow Metro in the state capital. (Agencies)

years. He was accused by the state of participating in a protest rally (during the unrest), which may be true and for which there is the law of the land to deal with it.

"According to the law of the land, he was taken into custody but was bailed out. Still, since the last one month, police was delaying his release saying the ruling party (PDP) wanted him in custody. Finally police released him and sent a cop to drop him home," Mir said yesterday.

The Congress leader said Malik was dropped by the

policeman at Agnoo village where "army had already established a cordon."

"After five minutes, there were some gunshots and people said they saw Malik lying dead there," Mir said and termed the killing as "politically motivated custodial murder."

However, police today claimed that the militant was a "history sheeter" and had decamped with a rifle from a police station after which he fired towards an army patrol where he was "killed in the exchange of firing. (PTI)

Omar Abdulla's remark about war-mongering 'accurate reflection': NC Srinagar, Dec 02: Reacting to the BJP's criticism of Omar Abdullah's statement condemning provocative posturing leading to hostility between India and Pakistan, National Conference (NC) today said its working president's remarks were an "accurate reflection" on how jingoism had brought the two countries to the brink of an all-out war. "Growing hostility on the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) was being furthered for political dividends and the costs were being borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir," NC's state spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu said.

He said it was imperative that Union ministers speak with restraint and responsibility and understand the costs of aggression and war-monger-

"Sitting in TV studios and giving platitudes about 'befitting replies' and military proactiveness is not a virtue of the statesman and amounts to little beyond shadow-boxing in the name of nationalism.

"War-mongering is a trait of those who want to hide under the fig-leaf of patriotism to escape accountability and responsibility and it's about time they are exposed and held to account for the martyrdom of soldiers and civilians who bear the costs of their satellite chest-thumping," he said.

Mattu said both New Delhi and Islamabad should resume the comprehensive dialogue process without any further delay and address the outstanding issue of Kashmir so that peace in the region can be sustainable and permanent.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. ing, especially for the people of the state.

"One-liners and chest-thumping defies the basic interests of the people of the entire region and while war-mongering might serve political dividends for certain political parties in the short term, the long-term implications are adverse and would affect the pursuit of peace and prosperity," the NC spokesperson said.

Mattu lauded Omar's assertions and said opposing warmongering was the need of the hour and the party did not require any certificates from BJP or its leaders who are invested in using hostility and chaos as political tactics.

"The people of J & K have been the worst victims of aggression and hostility between India and Pakistan and hence are the primary stakeholders in peace. There should be an immediate restoration of talks on the external front and New Delhi should also talk to stakeholders in J & K. There can be no alternative to dialogue," the NC spokesperson said.

Omar yesterday drew sharp criticism from BJP after he said the spurt in militant attacks in the state was a result of provocative statements by Union ministers after surgical strikes were conducted along the LoC. (PTI)

Mamata Banerjee's 'coup' charge at army the lowest of the low: BJP New Delhi, Dec 02: Lashing out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her "coup" charge at the army, BJP on Friday said making such an allegation is the "lowest of the low" and that she has begun "hallucinating" as demonetisation has rendered illegally acquired crores of rupees of her party worthless. "No sane politician and certainly not a constitutional head has ever levelled such serious charges against the Indian Army. A routine exercise is being made into a controversy. Such behaviour of Mamata Banerjee cannot be attributed to her maverick nature.

"The demonetisation has certainly unnerved and rattled her. The reason is simple - she lost crores of rupees of unaccounted money earned through various chit fund companies and illegal activities of TMC-patronised syndicates as they became worthless," BJP National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said.

It has unnerved her and now she is hallucinating, he said, terming it "unfortunate" that the army had to come up with a proof that they had in-

formed the state administration much ahead of its routine drill.

"BJP condemns outright her accusation that the army was attempting a coup in Bengal.

If Mamata Banerjee wishes to be the cheerleader of the antidemonetisation campaign, holding street protests and theatrics we have no issues, but accusing Indian armed forces is highly deplorable and objectionable," Singh, Bengal co-incharge of the party, said in a statement.

"This is the lowest of the low of Mamata for which she must apologise to the army and her MPs to the nation for stalling Parliament," he said.

Referring to her response so far, including calling demonetisation a financial emergency, demanding its complete rollback, threatening riots and giving 72-hour deadline to the Modi government, he wondered if she needed medical care.

The issue of the army's presence at toll plazas in the state had kicked up a storm with the Chief Minister remaining at the state secretariat overnight in protest, asking was it an "army coup". (Agencies)

P8 Pakistan should introspect why relations are tense: Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

New Delhi, Dec 2: Blaming Pakistan for having uneasy relationship with India, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said it is for Islamabad to introspect as to why there are tensions between the two neighbours.

"It is a serious situation.

Right from the day this government had been

formed and even prior to that, India has taken one step after another honestly trying to improve relations with Pakistan," he said at HT Leadership Summit here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a lot of initiatives including unconventional ones but then the response was Pathankot

or Uri attack, prompted by Pakistan, he said.

"This cannot be normal as far as Indo-Pak relationships are concerned. If there are tensions, it is for Pakistan to introspect really why there are tensions," he said.

Asked about impact of change in regime in the US, Jaitley said the relationship between the two countries is expected to strengthen further.

"I have not the least doubt that India's relations with the United States would continue to be on the same plank as it was, probably growing and maturing almost by the day," he said.

"This was unusual election as far as the US was concerned.

When one of the world's most powerful democracies through a fair electoral process takes a decision, we have to accept the decision," he added.

(PTI)

Cash-starved AP gets Rs 2,420 crore Vijayawada, Dec 2: A sum of Rs 2,420 crore arrived in two special aircraft chartered by the Andhra Pradesh government today even as Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that the currency scarcity in the state would end by this evening.

An official release said the Chief Minister carried out an exercise the whole of last night to ease the cash scarcity and, as a result, the RBI immediately released Rs 2,420 crore.

"The cash was brought to the state on a war footing in two special aircraft to Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. From there, the cash was sent by road to all 13 districts of the state," the release said.

"The government made elaborate arrangements to ensure the cash reached all

districts without any hassles. Fool proof security arrangements were made to shift the cash to the banks without even a third eye knowing it. The Chief Minister constantly monitored the exercise with officials till the cash reached the banks safely," the release added.

"Soon after a videoconference with chief ministers of four states, who were part of a panel constituted by the Centre, Chandrababu spoke to RBI Governor Urjit Patel over phone and explained the situation in the state.

"He expressed serious displeasure over the persisting cash scarcity even after these many days and asked him to immediately send adequate money to meet the requirements in the state," the release said.

The RBI Governor promised to send Rs 2,500 crore to Andhra Pradesh at once.

Accordingly, Rs 2,420 crore reached the state today.

Following the RBI Governor's assurance, the Chief Minister immediately made arrangements for special chartered flights.

Meanwhile, another official release earlier in the day said a sum of Rs 2,500 crore was brought to the state in special aircraft to V i j a y a w a d a , Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati and Kadapa.

From there the money was sent to different banks, it said, quoting the Chief Minister as saying in a teleconference with bankers and state officials. (PTI)

India to step up efforts for Pakistan's isolation at Heart of Asia Top officials of the 14 member countries will meet to discuss key challenges facing the region including from terror groups and explore ways to bring lasting peace and stability to Afghanistan.

Amritsar, Dec 02: Amid heightened tension with Pakistan following yet another brazen terror attack on an Army base, India is likely to step up efforts to corner it diplomatically and mobilize support for concrete action against statesponsored terrorism at the two-day Heart of Asia (HoA) conference beginning in Amritsar on Saturday. Afghanistan, which has also been witnessing increased attacks from terror groups operating from Pakistani soil, is set to push hard for a regional counterterror framework with "binding" commitment at the annual meeting of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, a platform set up in 2011 to assist the war-battered country in its transition.

Top officials of the 14 member countries will meet to discuss key challenges facing the region including from terror groups and explore ways to bring lasting peace and stability to Afghanistan. On Sunday, the main conference will be jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani where both India and Afghanistan are likely to corner Pakistan on terror.

Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will represent Islamabad at the conference and all eyes will be on whether an Indo-Pak bilateral meeting takes place on

Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will represent Islamabad at the conference and all eyes will be on whether an Indo-Pak bilateral meeting takes place on the sidelines.

Photo for representational purpose. the sidelines. Ahead of Aziz's visit, India had on Friday said it will never accept continuing cross border terrorism as the "new normal" in bilateral ties with Pakistan while making it clear that talks cannot take place in an atmosphere of "continued terror".

India had called for isolating Pakistan diplomatically after the Uri attack on an army establishment and it is likely to continue efforts in that direction at the Heart of Asia conference.

At the BRICS summit in Goa in October, India had called Pakistan the "mother ship" of terrorism globally.

Aziz is scheduled to arrive on Sunday and is expected to return the same day. The entire holy city, which is not far from Indo-Pak border, has been decked up, while multiple

layers of security have been put in place. Strong vigil is being kept along the Indo-Pak border in Punjab. It was clear that dealing with terrorism will be a major focus at the conference as both India and Afghanistan earlier this week called terror emanating from Pakistan the "greatest threat" to regional peace and stability.

Afghanistan has been pushing for an effective counter-terror framework and the matter will be discussed at length at the conference being attended by representatives from over 30 countries including China, the US, Russia and Iran. The Indian delegation will be led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the absence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is ill. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

EDUCATION A Career in Computer Science Engineering jects like math, physics and chemistry. If you want to pursue a degree in computer science, then you have to score 50% aggregate in your 12th class and the mandatory subjects are physics, chemistry and math.

Those who want to pursue computer science engineering should focus on these subjects so that they get the best score needed to enroll in colleges of choice.

What is computer science engineering?

The underlying goal of computer science engineering is to develop better computing solutions for practical problems.

You can also earn a master's degree upon completing the degree course. Also, you can take up a degree course after earning a diploma.

Qualification To earn a diploma you have to first pass your 10th class with a 50 % aggregate in compulsory sub-

Academic program The degree course in computer science engineering comprises eight semesters, while the diploma has a total of six semesters.

The syllabus comprises various subjects related to

This can come about either in the form of making new products, or theoretical developments that provide the basis for newer classes of solutions, better hardware, etc.

Almost every computer system falls under the purview of computer science engineering, be it network applications, social media platforms, knowledge management systems, collaboration software, system software, embedded software, etc.

How to become a computer science engineer To be a computer science engineer, you have to ei-

ther choose to earn a diploma certificate or a degree course. While a di-

ploma takes three years, the degree course will take four years. After this you

can earn a B.E./B.Tech. or diploma in computer science.

P9

computer software, hardware and its application.

The main subjects are database systems, computer architecture and organization, electronics, networking, operating systems, Ecommerce and ERP and multimedia applications, foundations of computer systems, programming, and website design.

You can also go for advanced courses with a specialization field.

Scope and career you can work in database management, telecommunication sector, IT field, computer hardware and software implementation and maintenance, gaming, web designing, embedded systems, multimedia, and in various other industries that need computer application. An important fact to note is that now a days, every field and every industry needs computers in their field, which is why computer engineers are always in demand.

Core companies offering jobs Some of the government sectors are ECIL, DRDL, ISRO, BEL, etc.; also, there are plenty of multinational companies and some Indian companies like Infosys, Wipro, Oracle, TCS, HCL Technologies, Oracle, IBM, Facebook, Amazon, Yahoo, Microsoft, Cisco, Google, and many more.

Pay scale Salaries are very attractive in this field. For freshers, the first salary will be

around Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs per annum. But, with experience and knowledge, the salary will drastically

improve. There are plenty of high-paying jobs abroad for those who wish to work abroad.

what tradeoffs they're willing to consider to get a job.

For example: 68% would do an internship after graduation to get a foot in the door, compared to 75% of all respondents.

46% would consider

working in an industry that wasn't their top choice, compared to 52% of all respondents.

line of all is that computer science continues to be a great choice of major of students, and the students know it. As Parcells told me, computer science "is an incredibly in demand major and a high value major for students."

Computer science students are in demand and they know it If you’re a college student trying to pick a major that will maximize your career prospects, it’s no secret that computer science is a good choice. There’s no shortage of data, reports, and surveys which find that people with CS degrees can expect some of the some of the highest starting salaries of any field of study. Now comes a new survey of recent college grads which shows again that students who major in computer science have excellent job and salary prospects.

The survey was conducted by Looksharp, a marketplace for internships and entry-level jobs, which published the results last week in its State of College Hiring Report 2015. Looksharp surveyed 50,000 U.S. college students and recent graduates this past April about their experi-

ences with recruiting for internships and full time jobs. Some of the general findings, across all majors, were that students who had multiple paid internships, took online courses, and had higher GPAs had greater chances of landing full time jobs at graduation.

In addition to the published results, Looksharp was kind enough to share with me some additional data specific to computer science graduates, all of which support the notion that studying CS is a wise career choice.

Here are some of the key CS-related findings.

Computer science majors have some of the best job prospects The survey found that, of all students who had graduated the year before (in 2014), less than half, 45%, had full time jobs at the time of the survey. However, of

those students who studied computer science, 61% had full time jobs, tops among all majors besides military science (62%) and better than the rate of 50% overall for STEM grads in general. Additionally, 31% of CS majors had full time job offers by graduation, which ranked third behind finance majors (38%) and those studying mechanics and repair (33%).

Computer science majors make the most money Of all majors, students studying in CS had the highest average starting salary, $66,161, followed by engineering ($65,000), math and statistics ($60,300), economics ($58,600), and finance ($58,000). In addition, 32% of CS grads had a starting salary of over $75k and 13% started at over $100k.

Computer science majors know their value The survey shows that CS majors are aware that their degrees are valuable; on average, they expected a starting salary of $68,120, slightly above the actual average starting salary of $66,161.

In addition, 73% of them expecting a starting salary over $55K (compared to 70% who actually got that much) and 12% expected a starting salary of over $100k, slightly less than the 13% of them who actually got 6-figure jobs. As Looksharp's CMO Nathan Parcells told me via email, "It shows that students understand how in demand the CS major is and that it can command a 6 figure salary immediately out of school."

In fact, those CS student

at the high end should continue to increase their expectations since, as Parcells explained to me, the practice of capping entry-level salaries is starting to erode as companies vie for new developers. "Some growing tech companies do negotiate and are willing to offer this large salary to top CS talent," he said.

Even non-CS majors see the value of computer science classes The survey found that 53% of all students, regardless of major, had taken computer science classes, "oftentimes with the express purpose of standing out in the job market," Parcells wrote in the survey report.

Among non-CS majors, business students led the way with 69% of them taking CS classes. These results, Parcells told me, show "how pervasive that skill set is becoming for students wanting to make an impact in their career."

CS grads are pickier about the jobs they'll take Given that computer science majors know they're in-demand, it's not surprising that the survey also found that they are a little pickier than other students about

39% would consider taking a job with a less than ideal work-life balance, compared to 52% of all respondents.The bottom

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

P10

INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan says trade regime with Donald Trump pledges to do 'everything' India remains unchanged to keep terrorism out of US Pak govt has put restriction of importing 500,000 cotton bales in a year through Wagah border while there was not any such restriction on Karachi port

"We will do everything in our power to keep the scourge of terrorism out of our country," the US President elect said.

Islamabad, Dec 02: Pakistan has said that trade regime with India remains unchanged despite tensions in the bilateral relationship.

Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir made the remarks at the Senate Standing Committee on Textile Industry in response to a point raised by Committee Chairman Senator Mohsin Aziz, who said a huge quantity of Indian raw cotton had been stopped at Karachi Port, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Responding to the question, Dastgir on Thursday said that the government has not issued any notification in this regard.

However, he said the government has put restriction of importing 500,000 cotton bales in a year through Wagah border while there was not any such restriction on Karachi port.

Aziz said the government should instead ban valueadded products from the neighbouring country in a bid to protect the local tex-

Washington, Dec 02: US President-elect Donald Trump today pledged that his administration "will do everything" to keep the scourge of terrorism out of America, and called for uniting the country by rejecting bigotry and prejudice. Kicking off his first post-election victory rally from the key battle ground State of Ohio, Trump mentioned about the recent car-andknife attack at Ohio State University saying it "fully illustrates" the security problems caused by "stupid politicians" and an immigration system that fails to screen out dangerous, would-be terrorists.

Flags of Pakistan and India. tile industry.

The meeting was informed that the local textile industry was in a dilapidated condition and its exports were on the decline due to a number of issues including high prices of gas and electricity, high tariffs on import of input materials for industries, lack of progress on restructuring of bank loans and failure to revive sick units.

Dastgir said the government was committed to resolve all the genuine issues of the textile indus-

trialists and it had already met a number of their demands including provision of uninterrupted electricity and gas to the industry.

It was decided that a meeting would be held in Karachi to resolve the issue of banking sector with the textile industry in which representatives from the textile industry, the State Bank of Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan and private banks would be invited.

(PTI)

"We will do everything in our power to keep the scourge of terrorism out of our country," Trump said in his address to thousands of his supporters in Cincinnati.

"People are pouring in from regions of the Middle East. We have no idea who they are, where they are, what they are thinking. And we are going to stop that dead cold flat. You just take a good look at what just happened in your state," he said in the rally, wherein he spoke about radical Islamic terrorism.

"You have just experienced a violent atrocity at the great Ohio State University," Trump said.

The attack "fully illus-

Pakistan party invites ex-army chief Raheel Sharif to join politics

Indian researcher break iPhone, iPad activation lock New York, Dec 2 : An Indian security researcher has discovered a bug that could allow someone to bypass Apple's activation lock in its iOS 10.1 version, according to a media report today.

Hemanth Joseph, who works out of Kerala exploited a weakness in the iOS device setup process.

He then tested it on a locked iPad he purchased online.

When asked to choose a WiFi network, he simply chose 'other network' and then proceeded to fill its name and a WPA2-enterprise key in with thousands of characters. His

thought was that enough data in those fields would cause the device to freeze, and he was right, the Forbes reported.

After figuring out how to freeze the iPad, he began to work on a way to make the setup process fail and drop him on the home screen.

Pressing the sleep/wake button merely restarted the wizard, but with a little help from the magnetic catch in Apple's Smart Cover and some practice to perfect the timing, Joseph succeeded. He demonstrated the bypass in a video uploaded to Google Drive, the report said.

Researchers at US-based Vulnerability Lab had earlier discovered another bug, the iOS 10.1.1. Like Joseph, the team began by overloading the WiFi setup fields and employed a smart cover. There's one minor difference: they rotate the device in their video demo to display the home screen.

After figuring out how to freeze the iPad, he began to work on a way to make the setup process fail and drop him on the home screen.

The bug discovered by Joseph was reportedly fixed in an iOS update last month. (PTI)

Current Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif.

Islamabad, Dec 02: Pakistan's right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami has invited former army chief General Raheel Sharif to join the party following his retirement. Jamaat parliamentary in the Punjab Assembly, Waseem Akhtar, yesterday invited the former army chief who retired this week after a three-year tenure to join the party. Akhtar asked the former army chief to help the party change the

face of politics the same way he "altered the fate of the nation" through the Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorism, the Express Tribune reported.

While speaking on a supplementary question during the question hour, he said after mandatory two years for every government servant before joining politics, Sharif should join the Jamaat-eIslami. (PTI)

Indian national Islamic State making 'last stand' pleads guilty to visa fraud in US in Libyan city: Pentagon

Islamic State billboards are seen along a street.

Washington, Dec 02: Islamic State group jihadists are making a "last stand" in their former Libyan stronghold of Sirte, where they now control only around two blocks, the Pentagon has said.

The IS group had held all of the Mediterranean port city as recently as early this summer, establishing a significant foothold in Libya.

The United States started a bombing campaign in

August at the request the UN-supported Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) to help local forces recapture the city more than a year after the IS group seized it.

Although the operation has taken months longer than initially expected, it has pushed back the group's control to around 50 buildings.

The remaining jihadists are few in number "but they are persistent and fighting

to the death," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said yesterday.

"It's a stubborn area."

"This is ISIL's last stand in Sirte and they are fighting hard," he added, using another acronym for the IS group.

The fall of Sirte -- the hometown of the slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi located 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of Tripoli -would represent a significant blow to the jihadists, who have also faced a series of setbacks and major assaults in Syria and Iraq.

US warplanes, drones and helicopters have conducted 467 strikes since the air operation began on August 1.

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp and its contingent of aircraft, which were involved in earlier strikes, left the region in October and continuing strikes are being conducted by drones.

(PTI)

Six family members killed in Austrian house near St Poelten Vienna, Dec 02: Few details are available, but Austrian media say a woman is suspected of having shot her mother, brother and three children aged seven to 10, before turning the gun on herself.

The attack happened in Boeheimkirchen, a small town just outside St Poelten.

The alarm was raised after the children failed to go to school for three days.

A neighbour reported their absence, public broadcaster ORF said.

The woman suspected of the massacre was aged 35, her mother 59 and brother 40, ORF reported.

The shooting is believed to

have happened three days ago.

The family moved into the house, in the Schildberg area, 18 months ago. A neighbour said they had "behaved in a very withdrawn way, mostly going out only in the evening".

He said he had sold the house to the family.

(Agencies)

Washington, Dec 02: An Indian businessman in the US has pleaded guilty to committing a visa fraud by enrolling foreign nationals at a college and illegally obtaining full-time work authorisations for them without attending classes.

45-year-old Tejesh Kodali admitted to recruiting foreign nationals and enrolling them at the New Jersey college to maintain their student-visa status and obtain full-time work authorisations without having to attend classes, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

Kodali, who lives in Edison city of New Jersey, pleaded guilty before the US District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.

He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2017.

According to court papers, Kodali, who was the director of operations of Promatrix Corp and Blue Cloud Techs Corp, purported international student recruiting and consulting companies located in Edison.

In total, Kodali and his conspirators fraudulently maintained and attempted to obtain 37 student visas and work authorisations.

Kodali told his foreign national clients that for a fee, they could enroll at Uni-

versity of Northern New Jersey without having to attend any classes and that their enrollment would enable them to fraudulently maintain their non-immigrant status.

With full knowledge that the recruits were not bona fide students and would not attend any courses, earn credits, or make academic progress toward any legitimate degree at UNNJ, Kodali caused Forms I-20 to be issued to the foreign nationals, federal prosecutors alleged.

As per court papers, Kodali also caused the foreign nationals to be reported in government databases as legitimate foreign students.

In order to deceive immigration officials, Kodali and his foreign clients obtained and created fraudulent student documents, including attendance records and transcripts.

After enabling them to maintain their student visa status, Kodali also conspired to secure fraudulent work authorisations for some of their foreign clients, federal prosecutors alleged.

In his guilty plea Kodali admitted that his intention was to profit from the scheme by outsourcing these foreign individuals through Promatrix and Blue Techs as information technology consultants with various businesses in the United States for commissions. (PTI)

US President-elect Donald Trump. trates" the security problems caused by "stupid politicians" and an immigration system that fails to screen out dangerous, would-be terrorists, Trump said.

On Monday, an 18-yearold Somalia-born student

rammed his car into a crowd at Ohio State University and attacked them with a butcher knife, injuring 11 before police fatally shot him.

The attacker was a Somalian refugee who lived in Pakistan for a few

years before coming to the US. In his speech, Trump called Americans to unite, saying the country had no choice but to come together and reject bigotry.

"We condemn bigotry and prejudice in all of its forms. We denounce all of the hatred and we forcefully reject the language of exclusion and separation. We have no choice. We have to, and it's better," he said.

"We spend too much time focusing on what divides us. Now it's time to embrace the one thing that united us: it's America, because when America is unified, nothing is beyond our reach," he added. (Agencies)

Ashton Carter to visit India next week Washington, Dec 02: Reflecting a new bonhomie of IndoUS defence ties, the Pentagon today announced that outgoing Defence Secretary Ashton Carter would be visiting India next week on his final around the world trip.

Slated to be in India on December 8, Carter would travel to Japan, Bahrain, Israel, Italy and Great Britain before returning to the US on December 16. This is for the first time that an outgoing American Defence Secretary has included India in his itinerary for the final overseas trip.

"He (Carter) will look to build on the strategic handshake between the two nations and to continue the momentum in the relationship over the past decade, including expanded defence cooperation during his time as Secretary," the Pentagon said in a statement.

Carter among others would meet Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Ahead of his visit, informed sources said India has made maritime security a significant priority and in discussion with the US for sale of Predator drones from General Atomics.

The outgoing Obama administration is trying to concretize steps taken with India in the defence domain as they transition the efforts to the Trump administration, sources noted, adding that on Carter's agenda include M777 and Predator Guardian for the Indian Navy.

Early this year, India was able to join the MTCR with support from the US. Subsequently, India was also designated a "a major defence partner" when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US and met President Barack Obama at the Oval Office this Summer.

The first opportunity for US Government to showcase this would be in the maritime domain surveillance area with the export of Predator Guardian, informed sources pointed out, adding that Obama and Carter are keen to establish a concrete legacy with India. Vivek Lall, chief executive, US and International Strategic Development at General Atomics, are

Defence Secretary Ashton Carter. among the US leaders that have been advocating greater convergence between the US and India.

It is under his leadership that, India had acquired Boeing P8I aircraft in 2009 which would complement the Guardian aircraft for maritime security.

Noting that Obama and Modi have repeatedly stressed that cooperation in the Indian Ocean is key to both countries national security interests, it is anticipated that both sides will discuss the Avenger drones for the Indian Air Force.

India requires more than 100 such drones, sources said. The combined value of Guardian and Avengers could be almost equivalent to the MMRCA requirement in value. Most militaries around the world are focusing their budgets and efforts to acquire unmanned platforms in the future. Modi spoke to President-elect Donald Trump on November 9 to congratulate and build on the strong Indo-US relations. Both leaders are believed to be keen to take the strategic partnership to new heights.

India hopes that Trump will pursue a strategy in South Asia making India truly a priority and an anchor in the region.

Sources say that Trump has struck a personal chord with Modi and several prominent leaders interested in greater bilateral cooperation between US and India.

In the final trip, Japan would be the first overseas stop of the Defense Secretary where he would arrive on December 6. The next day he will meet Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada to underscore the long-

term strength of the US-Japan alliance, and build upon the unprecedented progress in USJapan security cooperation, the Pentagon said.

On December 10, Carter will deliver the opening speech at the annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

While in Bahrain, he will also visit sailors aboard USS Monterey, and thank them and their families for their service over the holidays.

Thereafter, Carter will be in Israel to meet with Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman and attend a formal ceremony to welcome the arrival of the first Israeli F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

"The arrival of the aircraft highlights the close defence cooperation between the US and Israel," the Pentagon said.

From Israel, Carter will visit US troops stationed in Italy from December 13-14 to thank them for their service in support of US and coalition operations worldwide, including deterring Russian aggression in Eastern Europe and securing NATO's southern flank, the statement said.

London would be the final stop of Carter where he and his British counterpart Michael Fallon will cohost a ministerial of the leading nations in the counterISIL coalition on December 15.

Discussions at the ministerial will focus on the current status of the campaign, the capabilities needed to secure and stabilise Mosul and Raqqah, and the future of the coalition in addressing the external metastases of ISIL, the Pentagon said. (PTI)

India projected to grow 7.6% in 2017: UN report United Nation, Dec 02: India's economy is projected to grow at 7.6 percent in 2017 as investment regains momentum and manufacturing base strengthens on the back of structural reforms in the country, a UN study said, crediting India and China for steady growth of the Asia-Pacific region. "India's economy is projected to sustain a 7.6 percent growth rate in both fiscal years 2016-17 and 2017-18," according to the year-end update of the flagship report Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific 2016 of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The report said India's economic growth is expected to remain at 7.6 percent in 2017 as investment regains momentum and the manufacturing base strengthens on the back of structural reforms. The ongoing structural reforms are also expected to benefit private investment in India. It said in India while growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year (April-June 2016) moderated due to a contraction in fixed in-

vestment, a rebound is expected.

"Initially, growth will be driven by a rebound in agriculture due to normal monsoon rain, which along with civil service pay revisions will support broadbased consumption growth.

"Later, growth will be underpinned by a recovery in private investment as the recent push to accelerate infrastructure spending and measures to create a better investment climate due in part to the passage of the goods and services tax and bankruptcy code," it said. The economic growth rate in China is projected to ease slightly to 6.4 percent in 2017 as rebalancing towards consumption, services and higher value-added activities makes further progress, it added. The report credited India and China as being the anchors of a high and steady growth of the Asia-Pacific region at a time when developed economies were struggling to sustain high growth rates.

"With developed economies losing some of their recovery momentum, the region's high and steady growth rate, led by

China and India, has arguably been an anchor of stability for the struggling global economy," it said. The report added that fiscal institutions are being improved, with China moving away from off-budget spending and implicit guarantees and India taking a major step towards putting into effect a nationwide goods and services tax. Further, deleveraging and restructuring efforts in countries such as China and India should contribute to enhance financial stability and higher productivity. The report pointed out that stable economic conditions in the second half of 2016 provide an opportunity to internalise the economic, social, environmental and governance dimensions of sustainable development in a comprehensive manner. It said resilient domestic demand and policy support have resulted in the region's developing economies growing at a steady pace of just below five percent despite sluggish global economy and weak trade growth, according to the report. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

P11

BUSINESS

Constitutional compulsion to roll Banks with currency chest need out GST from Sep next: FM to boost supply for crop: RBI PTI New Delhi, Dec 2 : Citing constitutional compulsion, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today sought to drive home the point that the Goods and Services Tax has to roll out before September 16 next year as the existing indirect taxes will come to an end by then and it would not be possible to run the country without revenue collection.

He made a pitch for widening the tax base, saying efforts are on to make taxation process far simpler and make rates more reasonable.

For instance, he said, the GST Council is deliberating on ways to reduce the taxation process, including assessment by tax officials.

"Today, each person gets assessed thrice, in each of the three taxations (including VAT and central

Minister Arun Jaitley excise). Now, you will only be assessed once and what one authority assesses, others will have to accept that assessment," he said.

Terming GST as a game changer, Jaitley said: "The Constitution does not permit delay in GST implementation. The government notified GST on Sep-

tember 16 and the constitutional amendment itself says the current indirect tax system can continue for one year, after which the GST has to come."

So, if as on September 16, 2017, there is no GST, then there is no taxation in the country, he reasoned.

"So, you have a constitu-

tional compulsion to have a Goods and Services Tax in place before September 16 (2017), otherwise the country doesn't run, and the tax is absolutely essential. Therefore, our intention is it gets implemented from April 1, 2017, that was the original intention," he said.

Jaitley made the point that states should not oppose every reform for the sake of opposition because that makes investors wary.

"The states must welcome the decision and I can only tell you, if some states are seen as opposing every reform, then investors in the country and the ones coming from outside, must decide which are the states they want to invest in," he cautioned.

"So, if your state is seen on the wrong side of the reform, then investors are going to be very wary of those states.

PTI Mumbai, Dec 2 : The Reserve Bank today nudged banks managing currency chests to engage district co-ordinators of state level bankers' committee to ensure fair and even flow of money to farmers for their winter crop requirements in view of cash shortage post demonetisation.

To ensure adequate allocation of banknotes is made for rural branches, post offices and DCCBs, banks are advised to involve the district coordinators (Lead District Managers) functioning under State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) in facilitating/planning distribution of currency from currency chests, RBI said in a notification.

RBI also said there is a perception that banks with currency chests are giving priority to their

Earlier, on November 22, RBI in an advisory to banks had asked them to make cash available to farmers for rabi crop season. own branches to supply cash and asked them to quell the misinformation.

"These banks with currency chests are, therefore, advised to make visible efforts to dispel the perception of unequal al-

location among other banks and their own branches," RBI said.

Earlier, on November 22, RBI in an advisory to banks had asked them to make cash available to farmers for rabi crop

season.

As per estimates, the planting season requires Rs 35,000 crore in the form of crop loan to farmers, that is Rs 10,000 crore a week.

During the planting season, which concludes generally by the end of December, NABARD will utilise its own cash credit limit of Rs 23,000 crore to disburse crop loans.

As these loans are given in cash, RBI has asked banks with currency chests to ensure adequate cash supply to district cooperative and regional rural banks.

Adequate cash supply should also be ensured for rural branches of all commercial banks, RBI stated. Bank branches in Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMCs) are also to be supplied with enough cash to meet farmers' demand.

"Demonetisation, GST to No proposal to create cleaner economy" cut import duty

PTI New Delhi, Dec 2 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said demonetisation may impact growth "for a quarter or so" but this disruption will not last too long and the move along with GST will help create a larger and cleaner economy.

"I have least doubt in my mind that (one year from now) you will have a bigger economy, higher GDP, cleaner GDP. You will have a higher tax base and more money in banks, and probably interest rates will be more reasonable. Therefore, all these collectively could contribute a lot as far as GDP is concerned," he said at the HT Leadership Summit.

Both the economy and social system will see a major transformation after the implementation of

the Goods and Services Tax (GST) post demonetisation.

"I personally believe that once the remonetisation process is complete and the GST is implemented, it's going to hugely impact India's businesses and also the Indian way of life.

"You will have more of digitised expenditures, you will have a taxation system far more efficient, which is extremely difficult to evade, where each limb of the transaction is being captured," he said.

As far as the negative impact of demonetisation is concerned, Jaitley said, "When you switch over, it creates disruption. I don't see disruption lasting too long. You may see the impact for a quarter or so.

Then when you look at next 12-15 quarters, it's certainly going to benefit."

Citing a few economic trends post

demonetisation, the Minister said rabi sowing this season has been higher than last year, while auto sales were a mixed bag.

"Of course, you will have some disruption created because of the switchover, in the long run, advantages are going to be huge as far as the relative cost of disruption is concerned," Jaitley said.

Speaking about the various advantages of the demonetisation, the Finance Minister said, it could lead to reduction in interest rates.

"Rates will now hopefully at some stage come down.

With more money in the taxation system, our base itself increases," he said.

As far as inflow from demonetisation is concerned, he said it would come from many sources including higher tax penalty to be levied on unaccounted money. .

Odisha to get Rs 70,000 crore from coal block auction: Piyush Goyal

Odisha to get Rs 70,000 crore from coal block auction: Piyush Goyal

Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 : Union minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the state will received Rs 70,000 crore as 12 coal blocks in Odisha have already been allocated though a transparent auction process.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Make in Odisha conclave attended by captains of industries, Goyal urged the industry majors to create finishing goods from its raw materials instead of exporting them to outside the country.

"Right now we see, minerals being exported to other countries from the state. But I want that the local manufactures should use the raw ma-

terials to create finished products which would also create huge employment opportunities for the youths. The Centre would provide all support for this," said Goyal.

On Odisha's demand before the Centre to utilize the coal cess (national clean energy fund) in coal bearing states, Goyal said if the state government would come up with proposals regarding renewable projects like solar and wind energy and pump storage system, the Centre would definitely consider to fund it from the clean energy fund.

The Union minister also announced to ensure electricity to all villages

by May 2018. "Within next three years, there would not be a single

household in the state without having electricity connection."

"In last two years out of the 3474 villages, we have electrified 1811 villages in the state," Goyal said, adding, "the work of electrification in under progress in 1172 villages."

Emphasizing on the need of saving energy, Goyal said, "The government has distributed about 18 crore LED bulbs in the country, out of which 73 lakh LED bulbs have been distributed in Odisha."

He also said that the Central government will support the initiative of the state government's Make in Odisha campaign as it is directly parallel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India theme.

Union oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who also spoke on the occasion, urged the state government to impart skill training to around 1.25 lakh youths of Odisha in order to make them employable.

He said the state have a great scope to develop Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions, into a world class petrochemical complex.

'No firm blacklisted for misconduct in on gold: Govt def deals in 3 years'

No proposal to cut import duty on gold: Govt PTI New Delhi, Dec 2 : The government today said there is no proposal under consideration to reduce import duty on gold.

"There is no such proposal under consideration at present," Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Gems and jewellery exporters have demanded cut in the import duty to boost exports.

In a separate reply, the minister said, representations were received from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and from the Federation of India Art Silk Weaving Industry to increase customs duty on import of fabrics, in gen-

eral, from 10 per cent to 20 per cent.

"The same was examined and it was decided not to make any changes in customs duty on fabrics," he said.

Replying to a separate question on devaluation of rupee to boost exports, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the exchange rate of the rupee by and large market is determined and the government and the RBI are closely monitoring the emerging external situation.

During April-October 2016-17, he said, exports declined marginally by 0.2 per cent and the exchange rate of the rupee against the US dollar depreciated by 3.8 per cent.

RBI sets rupee reference rate at 68.36 against US dollar

Image for representational purpose PTI Mumbai, Dec 2 : The Reserve Bank of India today fixed the reference rate of the rupee at 68.36 against the US dollar and 73.03 for the euro.

The corresponding rates were 68.37 and 72.62 yesterday.

According to an RBI statement, the exchange rates for

the pound and the yen against the rupee were 86.28 and 59.96 per 100 yens, respectively, based on reference rates for the dollar and cross-currency quotes at noon.

The SDR-rupee figure will be based on this rate, the statement added.

PTI New Delhi, Dec 2 : No firm or entity has been blacklisted for misconduct or wrongdoing in defence deals in the last three years, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said today.

He, however, said six firms have been debarred from carrying out further business dealings with Ministry of Defence for a period of ten years.

"This was further made applicable to all allied/ subsidiary firms of each of the debarred firms until further orders or until such time as the order of debarring of the firm subsists, whichever is earlier," he informed the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

The minister also said that business dealings have been suspended or put on hold in respect of 13 firms.

"In respect of another four firms, orders have been issued restricting procurement from the concerned firms to cases where procurements are justified and necessary on the basis of operational urgency, national security and non-availability of other alternatives," he added.

Parrikar said the ministry has recently issued guidelines for penalties in business dealings with

No firm or entity has been blacklisted for misconduct or wrongdoing in defence deals in the last three years says defence minister Manohar Parrikar. (PTI File Photo)

entities, which have come into effect from November 21.

The guidelines lay down policy for levy of financial penalties and/or suspension or banning of business dealings with entities, seeking to enter into contract with or having entered into a contract for the procurement of goods and services by the ministry.

"It has also been decided to review existing cases of suspension/ ban/blacklisting etc against vendors in light of the new guidelines dated November 21, 2016," he added.

In reply to another question, the minister said the government has

undertaken some defence research and development projects with Israel.

Israeli companies have also set up joint ventures with Indian companies for manufacture of defence equipment as well as R&D. "Some of the procurement cases with Israel companies also involve transfer of technology.

Further, the collaboration with foreign countries for strategic tie-ups is an ongoing process to safeguard overall security of the country," he said.

He also said that India was using technologies such as laser and electronic fencing to secure Indian boundaries with Pakistan.

Sensex slumps 329 pts, Nifty finishes below 8,100 PTI Mumbai, Dec 2 : Continuing its sluggishness for the second straight session, benchmark Sensex tanked over 329 points to end at about one-week low of 26,230.66 on sustained foreign fund outflows amid weak global cues.

The index, which had lost 92.89 points in the previous session, dropped another 329.26 points, or 1.24 per cent, to end at 26,230.66, its lowest closing since November 28.

It shuttled between 26,463.06 and 26,182.93 on Friday.

Image for representational purpose

The 50-share NSE Nifty tumbled 106.10 points, or 1.30 per cent, to end

at 8,086.80, after moving between 8,159.30 and 8,070.05.

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

P12 ATK and Pune City play out a goalless draw Saina Nehwal, Sai Praneeth crash out of Macau Open in quarterfinals

Saina Nehwal

ATK and Pune City play out a goalless draw Kolkata, Dec 2 : Atlético de Kolkata were held to a goalless draw by FC Pune City in front of more than 12,000 fans at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Friday evening. The home team had a flurry of chances but they were wasteful in front of goal, with Juan Belencoso missing quite a few.

ATK started the game on the up and got a free kick in the fourth minute from the lefthand side. Javi Lara went directly for goal and forced a save from Pune goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya. Jewel Raja was next to try his luck from distance in the seventh minute but his shot went well wide as Kolkata upped the ante.

Ofentse Nato then went close in the 12th minute when his

Ranji Trophy: DelhiVidarbha match ends in a draw Chennai, Dec 2: After rains made it a no-show on Day 3 of the DelhiVidarbha Ranji Trophy clash at the SSN Grounds , only 19 overs were possible on Friday - the final day.

Wet conditions delayed the start and Vidarbha, who commenced their second innings after Delhi declared on their overnight score of 2508, were placed at 37 for 3 when rain intervened just before lunch.

The session saw Delhi medium-pacers Sumit Narwal (1-7), Navdeep Saini (1-22) and Vikas Tokas (1-7) trouble the Vidarbha batsmen from the word go. Saini had opener Sanjay Ramaswamy (3), caught

by Manan Sharma in the fourth over the day while No 3 Ganesh Satish (2) fell to Narwal and skipper Faiz Fazal (14, 1x4) was trapped leg-before

by Tokas. Siddhesh Wath (6 n.o.) and Shalabh Shrivastava (7 n.o., 1x4) added 11 runs in 4.3 overs when the rains arrived to conclude the first session early.

From there on, inclement weather conditions caused suspension of play and the match was finally called off at 2.45pm. Delhi, thanks to their first innings lead, pocketed 3 points from the match while their opponents had to settle with a solitary point.

Brief scores: Vidarbha 183 and 37 for 3 in 19 overs (Faiz Fazal 14; Narwal 1-7, Saini 1-22, Tokas 1-7). Delhi 2508 decl.

shot from the edge of the penalty area went dangerously past Bhattacharya’s right hand post.

Lara again had a shot on goal in the 17th minute after a classic counter-attack, which resulted in Bhattacharya pulling off a save. Two minutes later Belencoso put his header just wide from Abinash Ruidas’ cross from the left. He then missed a golden opportunity to put Kolkata 1-0 up when he failed to turn in a cross, his miscued shot going over the goal.

Pune got their first shot on target in the 24th minute when Mohamed Sissoko’s grounded long-range effort was comfortably collected by Dani Mallo.

Anibal Rodriguez then had a

go at goal from the edge of Kolkata’s penalty area, but blasted his shot over as Pune tried to go on the attack.

Momar Ndoye then got onto the end of a Pune counter-attack, but squeezed his shot just wide of Mallo’s near post, onto the side-netting. But in a half that struggled to get going, that was as close as it got, and the teams went into the tunnel at 0-0.

The second half started with Kolkata again the more eager of the two teams. Belencoso wasted a clear-cut goal-scoring chance in the 52nd minute when he failed to connect a low header to a Bidyananda Singh cross that flashed across an empty goal.

The pace of the game got

slow from there on, with neither teams able to create any defining moments. Dramane Traore had a rasping shot saved by Mallo on the near post in the 72nd minute, and from the resulting corner Sanju Pradhan shot over the goal.

Belencoso then had another miss in the 78th minute when Stephen Pearson’s rebounded shot fell to the Spaniard, who, with the whole goal in front of him, somehow fluffed his lines.

That proved to be the last goalscoring opportunity as the match ended 0-0. With their eighth draw of the season, Kolkata remained third in the standings, while Pune finished their campaign in sixth position after 16 points from 14 games.

Match Awards Club award: Shared by both clubs Fittest Player of the Match: Rahul Bheke Winning Pass of the Match: Abinash Ruidas Swift Moment of the Match: Arindam Bhattacharya ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Bidyananda Singh Hero of the Match: Prabir Das

Brian Lara to take part in Festival of Cricket in Australia IANS London, Dec 2: ExSouth Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs will be with Lara in the legends side.

There are still four spots to be confirmed. The organisers are looking at several international stars to fill up the vacant spots.

Lara is returning to the Festival of Cricket for the third successive year after star-turns in 2014 and 2015. The match will be streamed live on cricket.com.au and the CA Live app for free.

The Festival of Cricket is one of Western Australia's most anticipated annual cricket events at the

Aquinas College Ground in Perth .

A huge crowd is expected for this year's event, tickets are reported to be at a premium.

"The Festival of Cricket presents the public and corporates with a unique opportunity to not only watch a high-quality T20 match in a relaxed, social

environment, but also to mix and mingle with many current and past greats of the game," Cricket Australia cited Gilchrist as saying of the event.

"The chance to run around with a bunch of old mates and pit ourselves against the Scorchers is exciting and sure to be entertaining for all."

Can Barca tighten its midfield mesh ahead of El-Classico

T he

biggest Europen showpiece arrives tonight.

Barca trail Madrid by six points in the Primera Division after 13 rounds of matches and Saturday's meeting at Camp Nou is therefore a key fixture for Luis Enrique's side. Wheras, Sanjoy Real Madrid come into the Clasico clash on good form. Zinedine Zidane's side lead La Liga by six points from Barcelona and are unbeaten in all competitions in 2016-17. The problems for Barcelona persist with Iniesta sidelined through injury, Busquets below his best and Ivan Rakitic out of tune well, Barca's

midfield has appeared ordinary in recent matches, leaving many fans frustrated that their team has lost some of its identity and some of the spectacular style that made them so successful. Now, Lionel Messi has often been the man prothe creChakma viding ative spark, dropping deep to stamp his authority on games and shining in something of a playmaker role as well as scoring goals himself. Against rivals who set up to press Barca, though, even the Argentine's influence is limited at times - and that is where the midfield should come in. With both Busquets and Rakitic off form and carrying knocks,

Barca will be delighted to welcome back Iniesta for the Clasico against Madrid on Saturday. Meanwhile at Real Madrid, there are several players who would have suited Barcelona, namely Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco - technically gifted footballers who could have picked up the baton in midfield at the Catalan club. Barcelona have a few injuries at the moment, but only Jeremy Mathieu is definitely sidelined for the Clasico clash, with Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Samuel Umtiti all expected to be available for selection for the game against Real Madrid.Umtiti returned in the Copa del Rey clash against Hercules on Wednesday night, while Iniesta has been back in training for a

while following the knee injury he suffered in late October and should be involved in some capacity on Saturday.Luis Suarez sat out the goalless game against Malaga the weekend before last due to suspension, but the Uruguayan striker was back for the trip to Real Sociedad last Sunday and will feature against Real Madrid on Saturday. Zidane will be without the injured Gareth Bale on Saturday, while Toni Kroos and Alvaro Morata are also out and both Fabio Coentrao and Danilo are doubts. However, Casemiro is available again after making his longawaited comeback from an ankle problem on Wednesday. Zidane could even decide to pick both Casemiro and Kovacic alongside Modric in a more defensiveminded approach, using the pace of Lucas and Ronaldo on the counter-attack to try to hurt Barcelona. But the Frenchman is likely to want more creativity than that from his midfield, so Isco seems set to start.Whatever XI he chooses, however, will have to work tirelessly - to a man - to compete against Barca. That includes Ronaldo and also Benzema. Because securing a victory at Camp Nou is difficult enough, but without Bale, winning the Clasico will be that little bit more difficult this time around.

IANS Macau, Dec 2: The Indian challenge came to an end at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament on Friday as women's top seed Saina Nehwal and B Sai Praneeth both crashed out of the tournament, losing to Chinese opponents in the quarterfinals.

Saina Nehwal, who has been losing all her opening games during the matches in the tournament so far, found herself in a similar position against the world No .226, Zhang Yiman. It was a dominant show from the Chinese in the first game, rushing to an 11-8 lead at the halfway mark before piling on the pressure on the former world No. 1. Yiman took the next 10 points in fine style, while conceding only three.

In the second game, however, Saina took a massive five-point lead to go 5-0 up. But Yiman, a de-

termined 19-year-old, clawed her way back into the match to earn a 11-9 lead at the break.

The Chinese player then opened up a seven-point lead at 19-12 before a brief resistance from the Indian world No. 10 bridged the gap to 16-19.

The comeback was short-lived and Yiman held on to her nerves to take the game 21-17 to inflict yet another quarterfinal exit for Saina.

In the men's quarterfinal, B Sai Praneeth found himself in trouble early on in the first game as Zhao Jun Peng opened up a 40 lead. Praneeth, ranked 88 places above the 20year-old, banked on his experience to take a slender 11-10 lead at the halfway mark but failed to hold on as Peng took the first game in just 17 minutes.

It was one-way traffic in the second game as Peng started out on an aggres-

sive note and won five consecutive points to open up a seven-point lead. Praneeth trailed 4-11 at the halfway mark.

Praneeth, who had registered a terrific victory win over world No. 18 Wong Wing Ki Vincent in the pre-quarterfinal stage on Thursday, failed to bridge the gap as Zhang won the second game in just 11 minutes.

Saina, who had to undergo a surgery in August, is yet to go past the last-eight stage of a tournament since her recovery. She crashed out in the quarterfinals at the Hong Kong Open in November and had a first-round loss in the China Open.

Saina had come back from a game down to beat Indonesian Dinar Dyah Ayustine and Hanna Ramadini in the opening round matches in Macau.

She was also the only Indian woman in the fray after PV Sindhu had pulled out of the tournament.

Golfer Vani clinches Hero women's Tour

Star golfer Vani Kapoor IANS Noida, Dec 2 : Star golfer Vani Kapoor carded one over 73 in the final round to win the 17th and final leg of the Hero womens Professional Golf Tour at the Noida Golf Course here on Friday.

In a nail-biting finish, Vani overcame a strong challenge from Smriti Mehra who finished second with a score of 223, to claim her seventh title of this season.

Vani had an indifferent start in the day, carding a birdie less front nine with bogeys on the sixth and ninth holes.

The Delhi's golfer stepped up her game in the back nine, carding birdies on the 11th and 17th holes while dropping a shot on the 12th. She finished with a total score of 221 after 54

holes.

Kolkata's Smriti started with aplomb, carding birdies on the first and second holes. She went on to card birdies on the seventh and eighth holes while dropping shots on the third and ninth in her front nine.

However, she could not replicate her front nine performance and undid the good work carding bogeys on the 10th,12th,15th and 18th holes, with her lone birdie on the 13th. She finished in second position with a score of 223.

Vaishavi Sinha finished third with a total score of 226 after the final round.

Her card on the day included a birdie less front nine with bogeys on the second,third and ninth holes, and also a double on the fourth.

In her back nine she made

an impressive comeback and carded birdies on the 13th,15th,17th and 18th holes while dropping a shot on the 16th.

Panchkula's Amandeep Drall carded five over 77 in the final round to take the fourth position. Her card included a lone birdie on the 17th hole, with bogeys on the 1st,3rd,4th and 15th. She also carded a double bogey on the 9th.

Kolkata's Neha Tripathi took the fifth position with a score of 230 after the final round, carding birdies on the 11th,14th and 17th holes.

She dropped a shot on the 15th and carded a triple bogey on the seventh.

She was followed by Sharmila Nicollet who took the sixth position with a total score of 231 after 54 holes.

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Editor: Prahlad Hammey

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