Saturday, 23 april 2016

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 11

Vol. 1

Issue 314

Dibrugarh, Saturday, April 23, 2016

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

PAGE 6

16 workers from Sonitput district of Assam killed in Tawang Landslide Chief Minister announces ex-gratia relief of Rs. 4 Lakhs while Governor announces relief of Rs. 1 Lakhs to each deceased Flood waters creating havoc in Diyun and a section of the community in a relief camp. ET Photo

Ex-Gratia Relief From the Chief Minister Rs 4 lakhs to next of kins of the deceased Rs 2 lakhs to critically injured Rs. 50,000 and Rs 4,000 to the injured persons

From the Governor

Rescue experts deployed to clear the debris after the mayhem. Pic - ET Photo A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 22

At least 16 persons were killed when a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains hit a labour camp in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh today. The incident occurred at 3 AM when 19 labourers engaged in construction works were inside the

camp at Phamla village, 6 km away from Tawang town, SP Anto Alphonse said. "Altogether 16 bodies have been extricated from the debris, while one seriously injured has been shifted to Tezpur in neighbouring Assam," the SP said, adding two labourers were safe. He said incessant rains for the past couple of days had triggered landslides

in several places of the border district.

All the bodies were recovered in the joint operation carried out by the Army, civil administration, police and villagers, he said. The PWD road between New Lebrang and government higher secondary school is also blocked due to landslide, while damage to residential buildings has been

Rs. 1 lakh for the nearest kin or kins of each of sixteen workers died in the landslide reported from the area.

The 16 labourers are reported to be from different places of Sonitpur District in Assam such as Balipara, Thelamara and Dhekiajuli areas who were engaged in construction work of a big budget Hotel in Tawang.

Contd. on Page 3

Flood situation continues to be grim in Diyun A Staff Reporter Diyun, Apr 22

With the rains continue to shower more heavily than yesterday the Noa Dihing River become more violent than ever eroding fresh portion of lands in Dumpani village under Diyun Circle. While there is no sight of receding, another 65 families are evacuated today and are sheltered in Dumpani Government School and

Dumpani village Club. Last night 29 families affected by the flood were evacuated from the same village. The erosion of the lone embankment in the village has so far affected 95 families in total.

The angry villagers opined that mud and stones were barely laid along the river bank in the name of embankment – the stones ending up getting swept away in the ruthless fury of the river causing further

damage – was merely a eyewash.

As the water levels of the river remain high throughout the day there is a fear of inundating more land and houses.

All other villages along the river such as Udaipur, Dumpather, Bijoypur and Dharmapur village are equally affected and a number of houses are reported to have damaged.

The local administration have provided relief materials

such as Gas Cylinders, Food items and many from the local publics came forward to donate many other items such as vegetables, candles, Mosquito coils for the affected victims sheltered in Dumpani Govt School.

More than a weeks of incessant rains, there seems little prospect of a return to normalcy for those affected and for those who have lost lands and properties by the flood.

Arunachal to get Rs. 84.33 crores from Centre as Reliefs while Kalikho Pul to release additional relief fund to all DCs An Amount of to the tune of Rs 84.33 crore for Arunachal Pradesh was approved today by the Centre.

The decision to provide assistance was taken by a highlevel committee meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, an official spokesperson said.

The committee examined the proposals based on the report of the central team which visited the state which have been hit by floods.

ET CAPSULES

16 in 1 arrested

cmyk

Golaghat, Apr 22: Stating himself to be government officer of various department a fraud named Rupam Gogoi was arrested by Golaghat police today. As per the information a person of Gomariguri Rupam Gogoi (53) was arrested with various duplicate seals and documents of 13 government departments. The seals recovered were of Circle office, SBI main branch and Pulibar and Jamgudi, Assam Gramin Vikash Bank and others.

Apart from these documents, a Maruti 800 car bearing Regn. No. AS 05 D 9642 was also recovered. The person concerned did various odd jobs by acclaiming himself to be officer of this departments under false seal and earned his living. Today while carrying out the routine work police got information from reliable sources and arrested him.

(Correspondent)

The central assistance of Rs 84.33 crore to Arunachal Pradesh includes Rs 18 crore under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).

The meeting was attended

by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the ministries of Home, Finance and Agriculture.

Meanwhile in an official communiqué the Chief Minister informed to have been monitoring the situation all

over the state personally and had telephonic interactions with 18 Deputy Commissioners enquiring about the prevailing flood situation in their districts today. The rest could not be contacted due to communication problem.

The release further informed that the Chief Minister also talk to Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh this morning at 9:30 AM and apprised him about the prevailing situation of flash floods, landslides and road blocks that have arise due to torrential rainfall for the last several days in the state. The Union Minister assured him to

provide all possible support to the state govt and to appraise the centre in case of if any eventualities. The Chief Minister also talks to the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijuji in this regard, who assured all possible help and support to the state govt.

It was informed that there are landslides, flood like situation in almost all the districts.

Major damages and casualties have been reported in Tawang.

Anjaw, Changlang, Ziro and Yazali were also reported to be badly affected.

He instructed the DCs to remain alert and to keep prepare and also to alert the police, paramilitary forces, ITBP, schools and colleges. He asked them to keep the District Disaster Task Force kept ready and also to see that medicines and ration items are adequately stocked and to maintain drinking water facilities. He also instructed them to take post flood precautionary measures and to keep Medical and Vatenary teams ready in order to cope with post flood disease or epidemic.

He informed that additional

relief fund will be soon released to all the DCs to tackle with the situation in case of any eventualities. However, he said the relief fund provided will be used for immediate restoration of essential services like water & power supply, restoration of road communications, damaged govt property, schools and hospitals and for other durable assets. It will be utilized through DC only. He also told them to take photographs and video graph of the damaged property.

He said that the relief fund shall be released only through

the recommendation of DC in order to maintain proper accountability and transparency and said no personal claims will be entertained. He further asked the DCs to give hourly report to the Chief Minister’s Office.

Chief Minister also appealed to the citizens of the state to remain alert, keep calm, to follow keep all safety measures, participate in disaster preparedness training and mock drill conducted by the Department of Disaster Management time to time and to stay in safe places in order to avoid Tawang like situation. He also

appealed to cooperate with the district administration in case of any eventualities. He also said to inform Chief Minister’s Office hotline numbers 03602212341, 2212456 in case of any eventualities.

It was informed that the stagnation of choked water behind the Hotel PYBSS has been released and appreciated the district administration and Department of Disaster management for timely action. He assured the citizens that the state govt is fully prepared to deal with any eventualities and NDRF & SDRF are in readiness.

PCCF Wildlife cum CWLW NEEPCO releases excessive water takes stock of situation in DEWS from Ranganadi Power Project Delegation of AAUA visits the embankment of Ranganadi at Borbil

Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Apr 22

Taking serious note of the recent incidents of forest cutting/clearance by villagers at Jopong side of D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) cum Chief Wildlife Warden G.N. Sinha accompanied by DCF (P & M) cum i/c DCF (Wildlife) Tapek Riba visited the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary today.

Sinha personally reached out to the spot after crossing the Siang River and walking at least a kilometre or two of distances to check the ground situation as offence were a serious one which needed a timely control. Sinha also met the student leaders of All Bogong Students’ Union (E) led by Lungkang Ering at the Sanctuary camp, Borguli and assured the union that the department will take serious note of the incidents. On the part of the union, Lungkang Ering showed full satisfaction over the quick response of the PCCF and said that, the union will do every needful action to protect the sanctuary. Af-

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Apr 22

PCCF Wildlife cum CWLW takes stock of situation in DEWS ter the ABSU (E) made an ardent appeal to the PCCF Wildlife cum Chief Wildlife Warden over the illegalities on 18th April last and news reports of such activities, the authorities at Itanagar responded on time. PCCF urged ABSU (E) activists to

help the department in minimizing such activities inside the Sanctuary and appreciated the effort of the union for trying to protect the sanctuary.

When asked about for his observation and reaction of the situation, Sinha told this

scribe that, the department as per DFO Tashi Mize, has already registered a case against four persons from the Borguli village and the matter is under trial at CJM, Pasighat. But when further asked that, Contd. on Page 3

The fear for the people of Lakhimpur of being the victim of river dam project is becoming possible again unless the eastern embankment of the river Ranganadi is fully protected in Borbil area. It happens so because the authority of NEEPCO released the excessive water from the reservoir of Ranganadi Power Project located at Yazali of Arunachal Pradesh without any prior information. It created a havoc among the people of the district increasing the water level of the river to the danger level. It is here to be mentioned that NEEPCO thus released the excessive water through Ranganadi in 2008 on June 14 and the people of Lakhimpur Revenue Circle had to experience major devastation of tremendous flood caused by the river which breached the embankment in the said area. At present, the same embankment at same place is violently threatened by

Erosion posing serious threat A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Apr 22

the river about which an elaborated report was published in the today's issue of The Eastern Today. The increased water of the river already eroded away a major part of the embankment in the said place.

However the Lakhimpur District Office of the Water Resource Department initiated due task to protect the embankment.

Contd. on Page 4

Due to incessant rain for couple of days and the rising in water level of Brahmaputra posing serious threat for the people of Dholahatigulia in Tinsukia and Rohmoria in Dibrugarh. The people of Dholahatigulia in Tinsukia district are living in fear because of the rising of the water level. In Dholahatigulia the water was 10 meter away from the embankment and anytime the embankment can be washed away into the river.

“The villagers of are in a fear because if the embankment which is protecting the villages will washed away then 23 villages will be eroded into the river.

Contd. on Page 4

cmyk

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 22

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries All eyes may be on you today — for your looks, skills, or even your funky bag! Make hay while the sun shines, and charge your batteries with all that attention. You can get some decent work done with that energy.

Taurus Today, you are likely to pay attention to your health issues and eating habits. Fortune may not favour your efforts. However hard you may try, you may still find yourself back to square one at the end of the day. Try until you taste the sweet fruit of success.

Gemini Your day will be spent indulging in activities that appeal to you. You may go out shopping with your family members, or go out to dinner with friends. A lesiurely, entertainment filled, fun day awaits you.

Cancer Today, you will be trying new things in your style of work. You may come across as mad, but there will be a method in your madness. Your new strategy and innovative ideas will give a new lease of life to the projects you are working on. However, you need to take a break from work in the evening and go home to your loved ones to recharge your batteries.

Leo Long forgotten relationships may be renewed today. Old acquaintances, room partners, hostel mates and the like may bump into you today. You will be in a happy mood as a result. Marital life will be blissful.

Virgo Business and pleasure will be well balanced. You will enjoy the party which will seem endless today. Your monetary outflow will be in direct proportion to the time you spend just lazing around. However, spend sensibly and not to worry about it.

Libra You will be more aware about your beauty and outward appearance and try to enhance it by going to a beauty parlor. You will spend most of your time looking after your external beauty. Due to this you will not be able to pay attention to anything else other than your looks.

Scorpio Relationships are the crux of life. It’s very important how you make your near and dear ones feel when you are around. Make someone feel special today. Try to sort out misunderstandings if any. Don’t dominate your friends or family members.

Sagittarius Your business is likely to scale new heights. You need to build up your confidence and move ahead with zest and enthusiasm. Rake in the moolah as the business yield profits.

Capricorn You will walk down the memory lane, cherish those lost moments and later on feel an urge to meet or contact old friends. Expectations of your near and dear ones, however, may seem burdensome. You will still see the brighter side of everything, and spending quality time with your sweetheart will certainly re-energise your powers to deal with difficulties.

Aquarius You may have to remain indoors today. But, don’t think that you will get bored. You can do a lot of things, like playing cards and other board games, reading, watching the natural world around, and what not. You will spend the day in a relax mood and look at life from a different perspective.

Pisces You are not by nature ill-tempered or jealous. However, you will need to be on guard against being both, today. Someone may try to sully your image or slander your name today. However, the best way to deal with provocation is not to loose your temper and to continue as usual, for things will take care of themselves soon enough.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 23-4-16 (SATURDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-15 P.M-Hindi Film Songs 12-30 P.M-Gharjeuti (Women Programme) 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khampti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Lakhimi (Rural Women Programme) 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani-Sahitya Shitan (Youth Programme) 8-00 P.M-Gyan Malini (Sponsored Progamme of Directorate of Distance Education, DU) 8-30 P.M-Jnan Bijnan (Science Programme) 9-30 P.M- Mor Anubhavar Geet (Announcer's Selected Songs) Sd-/H.O.P Advt.

CIRCULAR This is to inform all the Committee Members that Launching of National Switch Day of tOPD to bOPV is called under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman District Health Society, Lohit District on 25th April 2016 at the Conference Hall of Zonal General Hospital, Tezu from 10 AM onwards.

Hence all the members are requested to kindly attend the function.

Sd/Danish Asraf, (IAS) Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman DHS Lohit District : Tezu

Teok meets massive flood ET Correspondent Teok, April 22: Sudden increase of Teok and Jhanji River due to continuous heavy rain during the last 7 days, affected people and their properties badly at many places of Teok.

The flood of the Teok River affected the NH-37 where water raised about 2 feet above the National Highway at two placed of the Teok town. The areas like Hospital Tiniali, Guwalgaon Tiniali, Boloma Tiniali, Bhabari gaon, Campus of the Teok high school, Teok ASTC campus and a numbers of places were covered by the flood. On the other hand the flood of the Jhanji River damaged an important switch gate of the river situated at Bonai and due to damage of the gate,

a vast area affected. Places like Bonai gaon, Baruah gaon, Bonai Chuk, Kakoti gaon and a numbers of areas affected by the flood. The circle officer of the Teok revenue circle, Mr Pranab Jit Kakoti visited the spot and personally observed the matter and took immediate possible steps with the help of the govt. department and local villagers. Kakoti while speaking to the Eastern Today said that a group of officials from water resource and govt. E and D department continuing their service as fighting mood to prevent the flood and trying all possibility to repair the damaged switch gate. The circle officer Mr. PJ Kakoti appealed all the effected people of the area to help each other.

FLASH FLOOD

People using boat to cross flooded area as rising water level of Jhanji River submerged at Arunamukh in Teok. Pic - UB Photos

Heavy flow of Oil in gas pipelines in Tea factories, loss in production ET Correspondent Golaghat, Apr 22: It is the peak time of producing good quality tea in the state of Assam. Assam is the largest producer of tea in the world. The Upper Assam districts which produce more than fifty percent of total annual tea production of the state have large number of factories with modern machinery.

But an unwanted situation

seemed to prevail in most of the tea factories in Golaghat for last three days . At present most of the tea factories of giant tea garden groups as well as bought to leave factories are run on gas supplied by Assam Gas Company Limited. This pipe gas is supplied to the factories from the oilfields in Duliajan. But now for the last three days in the gas pipelines of several tea factories in Golaghat

heavy flow of oil materials instead of gas is creating sensations among the tea factory authorities .

This continuous flow of crude oil like materials disrupts the normal work in factories which also hampers in quality tea production. The tea factories have stopped collection of green leaves from the small tea growers which result a great loss to them.

Hundreds of kilogrammes

of green leaves got wasted.

The factory workers have collected the oil materials in drums and informed the Assam Gas Company authorities but still no such fruitful measures seemed to be taken by the concerned authority. The most remarkable point is that these highly inflammable oil materials can create heavy damage to life and property. A single spark can turn an area into high flames instantly.

Civil Services Day observed in Sivasagar ET Correspondent Sivasagar, April 21: In an effort to re-direct and recommit oneself to the cause of people, the district administration observed the Civil Services Day today at Sukapha Hall in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Sivasagar.

Speaking on the occasion P.R Gharphalia, ACS, ADC, Sivasagar, stated that Civil servants needs to follow the codes of responsibility, hon-

esty, accountability, besides fostering good governance and socio-economic development. Dhiren Hazarikia, ACS, I/C DC, Sivasagar welcomed all officials along with the resource person, Dr Prakash Kakoty, former Principal of Sivasagar College.

“We should strive towards excellence in providing services to the general public as we all are accountable to them. Changes are inevitable and fast so we need to

acclimatize ourselves with the changes”, said Hazarika.

Dr. P. kotoky stated that best practice methods needs to be adopted in all services and they are region specific.

He also gave examples of best practices measures like the Lakwa Open Defecation Free success story and substitution of bio-degradable bags instead of plastic bags that was followed in Sivasagar and which needs to be done on a sustainable

basis.

D.N. Morang ACS, ADC, Sivasagar, who also spoke on the occasion said, “Besides adoption of best practices methods, delivery system also needs to be re-engineered with the changing society”. Tapan Gohain, ACS, ADC and Circle Officer I/C, BKSharma, Dy Director, Town and Country Planning, NK Malakar, DFO, Sivasagar also spoke on the occasion.

2 persons gunned down ET Correspondent Diphu, April 22: Mongolsing Terang (48) working as a supervisor of a rubber plantation, owned by Langabard Engleng, was gunned down in his living quarter around 11.30 PM yesterday.

According to Superintendent of Police Karbi Anglong, Debojit Deury, the plantation located in village Pholongso around 10 kilometers from Diphu town was targeted by u l t r a - o rg a n i z a t i o n UPLA (United Peoples Liberation Army) and under all probability the killing has been carryout by UPLA. On the other hand Rupsing Teron (65) of village Monsung Teron under Delai police station was shot dead by unknown assailants with country made gun on last Wednesday night.

BRO labourers union demands closing of Car-lifting cases on execution of works through contractors the rise in Tezpur ET Correspondent Tezpur, Apr 22 : The Border Roads labourers union (BRO) has expressed their strong resentment over alleged discrimination in executing construction works in various fields executed under the very central government agency. In a press meet held today here at the office of the Sonitpur Press club, President of the labour organization, Leki Tsering stated that the union, headquartered at Basantipur here with the registration under trade Union Vide No- 2453 dated February 27, 2012 has been raising their voice for the cause of the labourers, serving under the BRO over the years.

Alleging sever discrimination upon them in every case by the BRO, Leki also said in his address that it has been noticed that 97 Road Construction Company (RCC) is involved in executing the

works of Border roads Organization by violating it’s constitution. “It is seen that the works like BT and construction of culvert/wall and drains are done through contractors. Due to this system, it is found that Rotation system of workers is introduced i.e the workers under mates/supervisors are engaged weekly basis which is quite unlawful. So we strongly condemn and protest this illegal practice of execution of work and demand immediate cancellation of work allowed to the contractors and cancel if any type of contract agreement is done for the welfare of the organization and for the poor workers as well.” He said adding the 97 RCC is already having bad reputation for inferior quality works. And such practice by execution of work through contractor by engaging poor workers weekly system have already created

problem for the livelihood of poor workers. He also said that for this reason, the union has demanded the authority concerned to immediately stop the execution of works through contractors and engage all the workers immediately. Otherwise the union will be bound to go for democratic movement against the alleged violation of constitution of the borde roard organization.

“In addition to this we are having lots of issues which need immediate redress.” He maintained and added that the union will observe the May day on May 1, christening as “Mazdoor Diwas” at Kalaktang, under West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh and after this if their problems are not addressed in an adequate manner it will launch a vigorous movement against the central government run construction agency.

ET Correspondent Tezpur, Apr 22 : People here, particularly the car and two wheeler owners have been passing their sleepless night for the last a couple of weeks as the car lifters have been active in the town taking police’s inactivity as advantage.

Victims of this unchecked car-lifting problem said that already five vehicles including four wheeler and two wheeler were stolen from Bamungaon, TarajanKumargaon, Ketekibari, Kamarchuburi, Salonibari and Rangapara town areas during the last few days.

However, the people who have lost their vehicles alleged that despite complaint lodged with the police, they are not seen showing any sincerity in checking the problem. Mentionable that the car lifters have sto-

len one Pulsar bike bearing No- AS-12 N-2048, one TATA SUMU bearing Number- AS-12-E-9699, one Maruti Car bearing Number- AS-12-C-3462, one Bolero and one Xylo from these areas.

It is pertinent to mention here that recently six car lifters who were behind the bar were released from the Tezpur Jail and after their release they have resumed their activity posing threat to the common people of Tezpur and it’s adjacent areas. Besides this the thieves have stolen lacs of properties from various residences and even from temple in Ushanagar and Jahaghat areas in the recent past.

Meanwhile, people alleged that this group dares to go for various un-lawful activities even murder and looting only because of having nexus with police.

Workshop on heritage traditional folk culture puppetry concludes ET Correspondent Mangaldai , Apr 22: The seventeen day residential workshop on “The role of puppetry in education” organized by CCRT(Centre for Cultural resources and training), Regional Centre , Guwahati since April 5 ended on Wednesday in Guwahati. The workshop which aimed at disseminating knowledge to teachers of the country about utilizing this traditional folk culture as an interesting teaching-learning tool especially at the primary level witnessed several sessions of lectures, demonstrations

and practical classes on various subjects including preparation and manipulation of glove, shadow, rod, string and other puppets, out of low cost material and easy to use in classroom situation and “concept of puppets and script writing” among others. This was stated in a press communiqué by the organizers received here today.

The workshop began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr.Sandeep Sharma, Field Officer CCRT,Guwahati which was followed by a discussion on CCRT’s ini-

tiatives in Cultural Education in Schools viewing of Institutional video by Utpal Sarma( ACS,Rtd.),Special Officer, CCRT, Regional Centre, Guwahati . The discussion echoed that puppetry has played an important role in disseminating knowledge most parts of the world and as such workshop has been organised for the primary in-service school teachers from all parts of the country throughout the year. The CCRT provides a comprehensive and an integrated training in the preparation, manipulation and produc-

tion of such puppet programmes which may be used in a variety of formal and non-formal teaching situations. Similarly the introductory lecture sessions focused on how learning of “concept of puppets and script writing” as one key objective can play a pivotal role in the success of such workshop.

Traditional artists from different parts of the country are invited to acquaint the teachers with regional traditional forms of puppetry , lecture-demonstrations on traditional puppet theatre of

India are also being included for the participants to introduce different styles of puppet theatre in all parts of the country. There was a puppet show by the participants who made the puppets during workshop on the concluding day and it bagged huge round of applause among the audience, the theme of the show being Swacha Bharat(Clean India Mission). The group mime act on Gandhian principle and Secularism was another attractive show on the day of conclusion. Also the certificates were given away to all participants.

Participants were also provided a brief knowledge on the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the North East including the popular festival Bihu .

Ranjit Gogoi, exponent of Bihu Dance and music while participating the workshop as a resource person presented an elaborate demonstration on the festival of Bihu, its varied elements including flora (Orchid) , drum( Dhol) , trumpet made of buffalo horn (Pepa), instruments made of bamboo like flute , “Gagana” etc. The valedictory function where certifi-

cates were distributed among the participants also witnessed eye catching Bihu dance presentation by Ranjit Gogoi and his co artistes.

It may be mentioned here that the puppet show is an age old tradition in NorthEastern culture which is on the verge of extinction at present, however much to the encourage of the culture lovers of the region efforts have been made under the aegis of CCRT for the revival and popularization of this very heritage among the younger generation .

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

PAGE 3

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul asks Airtel to extend its service to all administrative centres in state A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 22: To establish effective mobile communication across the state -- right from the district headquarters to circle headquarters, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today reiterated the need for private players to make inroads to remote spots, especially in areas close to the international borders.

In a meeting today with Sameer Anjaria, CEO of Airtel Ltd, North East & Assam, the chief minister reiterated the importance of Arunachal as strategic state and urged the need for mobile communication especially during the time of disasters and border incursions.

“It’s a shame that border areas in Arunachal cannot enjoy In-

dian telecom networks while Chinese mobile networks are easily available in these areas,” he said.

“At the time of flood when people are desperate to reach out to outside world for help, the lone government telecom provider BSNL is not able to provide effective communication in border areas,” the CM pointed out.

Stressing on the need to strengthen telecom communication, he pointed out that currently at the time of floods hitting across the state, he was unable to communicate to 3-4 remote districts. A timely communication could save hundreds of lives and facilitate timely intervention to prevent further destruction of properties, he reasoned.

Dego village Holds Kishan Sabha Aalo, Apr 22: A village Kishan Sabha as a part of ╜ Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan╠was conducted by Member secretary Aalo East at Dego village on 20th April last .

Speaking on the occasion Members Secretary Murnya Kakki CO Aalo highlighted the aims and objectives of the Sabha and dwelt at length about government priorities for strengthening of Panchayat Raj Institution and urge Panchayat Members and villagers to maintain Swacch Bharat Abhiyan for beautification and well being of the village.

As resource person, Shri Jumdo Jini Agriculture Development officer elaborated on various schemes and flagship programmes undertaken by the department and urged them to avail Agriculture scheme. The ADO enlightened the gathering about Pradhan Mantri

Fasal Bheema Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojna, Param Paraghat Krishi Bheema Yojna, Soil Health Card and stress them for oganic farming.

HDO Shri H. Dirchi highlighted various scheme and flagship programme initiated by the department such as Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojna, Mission for Integrated development for Horticulture, Promotion of integrated pest management. The Field Publicity Officer guided the Panchayat Leaders and villagers to avail all developmental Schemes and utilized it for proper development of the village.

Anchal Samiti Chairpeson Mr. Karsen Lollen thanked all who gathered at village Kishan Sabha and requested government departments to give more emphasis and importance to Panchayat Raj Institutions.

16 workers from Sonitput...

Contd. from Page 1 Among the sixteen fateful labourers fifteen are yet to be identified while one person is identified as Faruk Ahmed of Dhekiajuli area. Sources here said that the labourers were working in the construction site belongs to the former Chief Minister of the Hill state, Dorjee Khandu’s son Pema Khandu for the last couple of months. The deceased labourers stayed in a temporary camp built at the downhill of the construction site which made the landslide bury them easily.

Aggrieved with the tragedy at Tawang landslide and expressing solidarity with the bereaved family Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakhs to next of kins of the deceased, Rs 2 lakhs to critically injured, Rs 50,000 and Rs 4,000 to the injured persons as per the relief norms of the govt.

Having constant touch with the district administration of Tawang, Chief Minister requested DC Tawang to give

whatever care and help to the members of the victim’s family from the administration and the injured persons in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Governor, JP Rajkhowa has expressed shock and grieved the loss of lives in a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall at a place called Famla, 3 km from District Headquarters of Tawan has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1 (One) lakh for the nearest kin or kins of each of sixteen workers died in the landslide.

The Governor has also condoled the death of 15 years old boy Dipak Deori of Namsai, who lost his life due to drowning in the Namsai flood. He announced an amount of Rs. 1 (One) lakh as ex-gratia. The amounts are sanctioned out of Governor’s Relief Fund, which will be distributed through respective Deputy Commissioners.

The Governor called upon the people of the State to be alert and take necessary precautions as the State is experiencing heavy rainfall. He also advised the State Government and District Administrations to warn the people living in landslide and flood prone areas.

PCCF Wildlife cum...

Contd. from Page 1 PCCF Wildlife cum CWLW takes stock of situation in DEWS those four person’s case were of earlier incident of at least a year back and the present incidents is of mores serious one, PCCF Sinha and DCF Riba added that, the department would take up appropriate measures to protect the sanctuary. The engine boats for patrolling are also in short and we will enhance more infrastructures to keep

strong vigil over the Sanctuary which has got natural protection from all side, added Sinha.

Meanwhile, villagers from Borguli, a potential fringe village feels that, Jopong side of DEWS was never handed over for inclusion into the Sanctuary as no public hearing was conducted. The former Lali Wildlife Sanctuary was far away from Jopong side and this portion of land where people are now intruding is said to be of their lands from the beginning where they cultivated varied crop items.

Civil Service day observed in Aalo

Aalo, Apr 22 : The Civil Service Day was celebrated at Siang District HQ Pangin amid fanfare on 21st April last. All people friendly facilities and service delivery

system were made known to the people. Various measures initiated by District Administration as an infant district was made aware to the people.

national cause.

In addition, several border areas are prone to border intrusion and timely communication could avoid great trouble for the country, he said. Also the mobile communication in remote areas could provide timely assistance to students,

accident victims, health and small business development enhanced by mobile services.

The CM reminded the Airtel official that the service they are going to provide is not for mere commercial purpose but is of

To facilitate for Airtel to push for remote corners, he assured to provide waiver in laying of underground cable networks through the national highways and state highways. The company officials had informed that huge amounts were paid to the agencies, which becomes economically unviable for the project since the cable network had to cover vast geographical areas with very low rate of subscribers.

In addition, to minimize the cost incurred in laying of underground cable networks, the CM assured to facilitate the laying through the existing power transmission lines. Also he suggested on installing VSAT services wherever there is no road or transmission line communications.

To ensure uninterrupted power supply for the telecom towers from the main line, the CM assured to upgrade the capacity of transformers wherever required. In addition, he assured to provide government lands for installation of towers if there were any issues on availability of land through private holders.

The CM further asked the Airtel officials to extend its services to remote mountainous areas in Upper Subansiri, Kra-Dadi, KurungKumey, Mechuka sub-division, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts. He also asked to extend its services to lowland areas in districts like East Kameng, Lower Subansiri etc where the areas are out of reach of mobile communication.

Torrential rain and water logging cripples normal life in Pasighat

Motivational workshop in IGGC-TEZU Tezu, Apr 22: Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu organized a daylong "Motivational Workshop on Positive Attitude (PA)" under the patron ship of Principal Dr. Tasi Taloh for 95 participants from arts, science and commerce faculties with Dr. K. Rajendra Babu, HoD Commerce as the workshop coordinator and resource person.

Addressing the participants in the inaugural session, Principal Taloh exhorted that imbibing the spirit of positive attitude is very much essential as today's youth is facing so many challenges and problems.

To face the challenges and problems and to emerge out with success, an ingredient of life is necessary and that is having a positive attitude.

A positive attitude will make learn the skills necessary to succeed, he added.

Principal Taloh called upon the participants to think positive and act positive to achieve goals. He illustrated with examples how

positive attitude is a powerful thing and can be lifechanging. Vice Principal S. C. Pradhan elaborated the participants that having a positive attitude would surely make oneself healthy, wealthy and wise.

Dr. K. Rajendra Babu, the resource person pondered upon the issue with a motivational talk, ppt presentations, short stories, examples, quotations and video clips.

The feedback received from the participants indicated that along with providing academic inputs through class-room teaching, arranging motivational programmes for the students (youth) was very much essential and also the need of the hour.

All the participants were awarded with the certificates of participation. The organisers of the motivational workshop thanked the Director of Higher & Technical Education, Dr. Tejum Padu for his encouragement in organizing such useful programmes for the greater benefit of the students.

DA Carries out Fourth Day of Eviction Drive

ET Bureau Pasighat, Apr 22: Torrential rain has thrown life out of gear in many parts of the city. Two days of heavy downpour has led flooding of the drain water leading to submerge different parts of the city despite the PMC's attempt flush out the excess rainwater, main market (Gandhi Chowk), APP Colony, Judicial Jail area and lower Banskota and many link roads are remained under water and commuters are facing great difficulties due to the water logging.

Meanwhile, local MLA Kaling Moyong accompanied by EE(PWD) T Jamoh, councilors, Mondal President Obit Tamuk and other senior leaders paid a visit all locations and took stock of the situation today. Expressing his dismay MLA Moyong stated that rainwater created flood like situation was manmade.

Existing draining system was damaged/blocked due illegal constructions in few places while on the other hand town dwellers use to throw garbage in the un-

covered drains that hamper flow of water, Moyong observed. He instructed the EE (PWD) to clear water logging on priority. In market area, he advised the traders to maintain cleanliness and asked them doing business there not to block the drains. Moyong assured to take up the issue with the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for immediate maintenance of the drains so that such situation is not repeated in future. Stating that stagnant water not only creates cripple normal life but may

also lead to dreaded diseases like Dengue, Malaria etc. the MLA advised the municipal and health authorities to take all preventive measures.

Later Moyong inspected the reconstruction work of shops in market area, where 64 shops were gutted in a massive fire accident earlier on Jan-28 night this year. He instructed the contractor to expedite the work and to complete within fifteen days so that shop owners could start their businesses at the earliest possible.

Aalo, Apr 22 : The West Siang District Administration has carried its 4th day of Massive Eviction Drive at Bogdo, Hikar Gumin and Police colony in Aalo township today. All shop building, retaining walls, Gates, small gumties, fencings etc falling within Right of Way (RoW) were totally removed by using JCBs and

trucks of Urban Department.

The eviction team consisting of Estate Officer Shri Tamik Talom ADC, Circle Officer Miss O. Apang , Shri Pumek Ronya DLR &SO, Police team led by Olik Tamut and officials from line department were present in the day eviction drive.

Governor highlights potentials of the State in international symposium A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 22: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa inaugurated an International Symposium on Herbal Sweetener, ‘Sweet Revolution-Stevia, a Boon to Diabetics’ organised by the Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab in collaboration with Industry Green Valley Stevia, Banga, in its University Campus on 21st April 2016. Large number of representatives from business houses, researchers, academicians, NGOs, farmers and entrepreneurs attended the symposium.

In his inaugural address, the Governor said that since the inception of human civilization man has been searching for food which can keep him healthy and active. In this modern era of research and technology this futile search still continues to discover novel herbal drugs and alternate source of nutritional supplements. One such promising plant which has successfully cleared all the tests of nutritional benefits, medicinal properties, environmental and consumption safety is the perennial, multipurpose, plant ‘Stevia’. It is very good news for diabetics and health conscious people as also the entrepreneurs to make ‘Stevia based’ sugar free tablets, sachets, powder, liquid solution etc. It will enable them to enjoy all sweet foods of their choice without any fear of increasing their blood sugar level.

While calling for commercial production of Stevia, the

Governor said that being an agricultural State and also having witnessed many revolutions relating to agricultural development, Punjab must take a lead in cultivation, processing and marketing of Stevia and its products.

Informing that Stevia Cultivation is also done in a place called Rani, near Guwahati in Assam, where, it is known as ‘Mitha Pat’ or Sweet Leaf, the Governor said that it is an incredibly sweet herb, obtained by a natural selective breeding process of the sweetest Mitha Pat parent plants. The sweetener, extracted from the plants, is 300 times sweeter than sugar. The fresh leaves have a nice liquorice taste. Many different uses of Mitha Pat are already well-known: as table sugar, in soft drinks, pastry, pickles, tobacco products, candy, jam, yogurt, chewing gum, sorbets, etc. The dried leaves of Mitha Pat are about 40

times sweeter than sugar.

Mitha Pat are antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-yeast, cardio tonic, diuretic, hypoglycemic and hence a boon to diabetic people, hypotensive, tonic, and vasodilator. He also informed that gathering of success story of Shri Pankaj Kalita, a software professional, who got attracted to Stevia farming. He informed that Shri Kalita started promoting organic farming of Stevia over an area of about fifty areas or so through ‘Buy back Arrangement’ with farmers. He has also started making ‘Stevia Green Tea’ by blending Stevia with Green Tea and receiving excellent market response. In Japan today, Stevia based sugar substitute has captured about 50% of the market for Sugar Free’ preparations, he further informed.

Taking the opportunity, the Governor invited researchers

to come to Arunachal Pradesh and take up trials for it production. He assured that pristine land will be made available and necessary assistance will be provided. As it has been successful in Assam, the production of Stevia will be successful in sub tropical areas of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam also, he opined.

Besides Arunachal Pradesh with barely 5% fertilizer consumption can be made an organic hub for Stevia and other such high paying cash crops including horticultural plants. Only the certification procedure should be simplified and affordable to the common farmer, he pointed.

The Governor commended that Lovely Professional University, Phagwara and Industry Green Valley Stevia, Banga for organising the symposium thereby providing an important common platform to the industry, re-

searchers, academicians, NGOs, farmers and most importantly entrepreneurs to discuss on various issues and challenges. He said that such joint initiative by Academic institutions and Industries has always benefited all, in term of products and production, employment and entrepreneurship. It has provided alternative means and solution to any issue. And at the end it has always enormously given boost to the country’s economy.

The Governor called upon other Universities and Business Houses to emulate such initiatives so that they too contribute towards Nation building and strengthen Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ mission’.

The Governor also congratulated Shri RPS Gandhi a progressive farmer, who has been awarded for “stevia farming promotion” by the State Government of Punjab and also given National Award in 2014 & 15.

Addressing the large number of representatives from industries and business on the occasion, who were attending the symposium, the Governor highlighted on the potentials of the State of Arunachal Pradesh. He said that Arunachal Pradesh is on the path of development and will become the power house of the Nation in next decade or so, with an estimated capacity of 55,000 MW of hydel power. It also has immense potential for tourism.

He further informed that it has adopted the state Public Private Partnership Policy,

paving the way for private investment in various sectors. The policy has opened up the gates for development of various infrastructures both physical and social in the State through muchneeded infusion of resources and managerial capability from the private sector in tandem with the overall vision of the State government.

While highlighting on the education sector of the State and policy adopted by the State Government setting up institutions of higher and technical education under the PPP mode, the Governor invited the Lovely Professional University for inter university activities, like exchange programmes of teachers and students, guest faculties, joint researches etc. He said that such initiative will definitely help the students in learning about their peers in your University and vice versa. Exchange programme for the teaching faculty will engrain better teaching methods, he added.

The symposium was organised to bring industry, researchers, academicians, NGOs, farmers and entrepreneurs on a common platform and discuss on importance and benefits of ‘Stevia’ for health, its farming, product development and international trade. The recommendations made at Symposium will be forwarded to policy makers. The symposium is part of the University effort to protect and boost India’s traditional home remedies from Ayurveda.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

PAGE 4

Army deployed in Charaideo as flood situation turns grim lages of the newly constituted district. Sources said that although the government created the district before the elections in order to get political mileage, the district is yet to be equipped with state of the art and modern disaster control and management tools.

ET Correspondent Sonari, Apr 22: The Charaideo district administration today requisitioned the services of the army as the flood situation turned grim. Flood waters from various rivers like the Towkak, Disang, Balijan, Teok, Suffry, Dorika etc entered new places today inundating several hectares of agriculture land.

The main reason of the early floods is the incessant rains in the area as well as in the upper ridges of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh from where these rivers originates. The floods which have occurred early this year had inundated several villages and several parts of Sonari Municipal area compelling the local

Army helping flood effected people in Charaideo district. Pic - Mritunjoy Das administration to take the help of the army. After the formal request from the ad-

ministration the army troops immediately swung into action and rescued several

people who were left marooned due to the floods from various interior vil-

“When a situation like this occurs, the army is the lone option for us”, a source in the administration said.

Many villagers who have moved to safer locations and taken shelter in schools and other community places have alleged that they have not been given any relief material till now. “All our food grains are gone, cattle washed away, we do not know what will happen”, a villager said.

Heavy rainfall continues in Jorhat Administration immediately initiated relief camp ET Correspondent Jorhat, April 22As heavy shower and down pour continues for the last seven days, the water level of Brahmaputra tributaries like Bhogdoi, Jhansi, Kakodunga, Dhansiri are all following above danger level, following which 2000 hectares of land among 35 villages affecting over 6000 people, while State Disaster Management Force(SDMF) managed to save lives of three persons when heavy currents of Bhogdoi and Jhanji river took them off here this afternoon, informed Water Resources departmental sources here.

The affected and newly submerged areas at Teok, Jhanjimukh which included villages like the Bonai Goan, Bonai Chuk, Baruah Gaon, Owguree, Jhanjimukh, Ajarguri, Hogunpara, Kawoimari,

Heavy rain flooded Sivasagar town

Goroimari, Nepali Gaon etc.

On the other hand water flowing over Na-Ali road near Manik Nagar and submerged several areas within the Lichubari area which includes Danish Nagar, Manik Nagar, Lichubari Colony, Club Road. Vehicular traffic plying over the Na-Ali road has been stopped, water logging is the reason behind this, as heavy encroachment on river Tarajan has blocked the flow of the water resulting the people of Lichubari colony in great hardship as water from the riverine Tarajan entered into the residential areas.

The rainfall recorded at Metereological Centre of Tocklai Tea Research Institute is 386.2 mm in the month of April till 5pm today. The Water Resource

ET Correspondent Sivasagar, April 22: Continuous heavy rainfall and thunder bolt affected the normal life in oil city of Sivasagar. The incessant rainfall since few days, made unexpected flooding over various places of

Sivasagar town.

The water levels of Dikho, Dihing and Disang are rising in full strength. As a result, most of the places of Sivasagar including Solegaon, Thanamukh, Singhaduwar Amguri and

many other villages drown under water. ONGC’s residential areas are also affected by severe flood.

Moreover, the danger levels of the river Disang, Dikhow and Dorikawill be crossed, if uninterrupted rain continues.

Organisations extends helping hand to hailstorm victims of Rangia ET Correspondent Rangia, April 22: Activist of Biswa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and RSS extended their helping hand to the hailstorm victims at Rangia Tarani Harimandir premises on Friday. They have distributed one bundle of TIN to those home less family whose only shelter

have been destroyed in recent hailstorm. A short programme was organized at Harimandir premises on this context where Birendra Chowdhury, Sugrib Roy, Nipon Bhuyan, Himangshu Kakoty, Shankar Kalita and Nanidhar Kalita were also present. At least 200 fami-

lies benefited in this act of kindness.

The victims who passed sleepless night for this devastating natural calamities praised the organizations who extended this helping hand. They also alleged that govt. has given no attention towards the storm victims.

Hanuman Jayanti celebrated in Rangia Department had already pressed their officials and employees to take antiflood measures that have become worse last night.

On the other hand, district administration created flood relief cell and through this cell a total of 50 quintal of rice, 10 quintals of dal

and 2 quintal of salt is distributed among the marooned villages under Teok revenue circle, where over 30 temporary relief camps and camps for animals were erected at PWD road and highland in the areas adjacent to the marooned villages.

A team of SDMF (state disaster management force) has been kept ready with two country boats. “The river Bhogdoi this evening while catching fish when suddenly water level and current was up”, informed Vishal Vasant Solankim, DC of Jorhat.

KPLT, KNLA intensifies extortion drive in Bokajan; Demand letter served to business man, Govt. employees ET Correspondent Bokajan, April 22: Crime and insurgency have been order of the day in Karbi Anglong and despite the sustained counter insurgency operations, the newly cropped up militant outfits continue to pose a serious threat to life of the common men in the district.

Extortion has turned into a thriving business in the hill district for some way wards

to spin money using terror tactics and exhibiting the cause for demand of a separate state comprising the two hill district of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.

It needs to be mentioned here that in the Balipathar area of Bokajan sub-division, several business man and government employees are served with a demand note of 50 thousand each by

the Karbi National Liberation Army (KNLA) and those unable to pay the amount are subjected to sleepless nights and in a constant fear of being kidnapped. The demand notes are served in an ordinary ruled paper other than the outfit's notepad and the chances of some roughs using this tactic for sake of easy money cannot be ruled out.

Bwisagu is a national festival of Bodos: Kampa Borgoyary ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Apr 22: “Bwisagu is a national festival of Bodos, it should be kept alive with its cultural tradition”, said Kampa Borgoyary, BTC Deputy Chief.

Borgoyary, while inaugurating the Bwisagu festival celebration, jointly organized by 16th Kokrajhar Rongjali Bwisagu celebration committee and 13th Bineswar Brahma memorial Rongjali Bwisagu celebration committee held at Habrubari in Kokrajhar.

“The Bwisagu festival has been celebrated since immemorial of times with traditional Kham, Siphung, Jotha and enjoying hearty season among society during Bwisag month” said Borgoyary.

He also urged Bodo society to celebrate the Bwisagu festival and keep alive, so that traditional Bodo cultural value and integration could be sustained.

A Bwisagi Khungri dance and singing competition was organized in

the festival where over 20 participants from different parts of the area participated and presented their dancing talents.

The Bwisagu festival has been organized with two day programme scheduled, which has begun from today. Women's dance group from Habrubari, Bwisagu groups presented dancing showcase in the festival which had created amusement among participant and audience.

BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary will attend as chief guest on the cultural night tomorrow of the festival.

BTC executive members Rajib Brahma, Doneswar Goyary will grace as a guests on the prize distribution function tomorrow.

Sahitya Academy awarded and former president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha Brajendra Kumar Brahma, noted writer Saradha Prasad Moshahary and many others were the prominent attendees on the first day function.

In a similar incident, a bar cum restaurant owner in the Lahorijan area of AssamNagaland interstate border was served a demand note seeking Rs 3 lakhs on behalf of Karbi People's Liberation Tiger (KPLT) on Wednesday. However, the Khatkhati Police, in a major crack down, laid trap and successfully tracked two youth viz. Rakesh Ingti

(23) and Ken Terang (25) while the duo came to fetch the exacting amount today.

Terrorism has also adversely affected the development of the district compared to rest of the state as every other development project is escorted by an extortion note which is to be paid before the set up commences. While the answers are elusive, the bitter facts remain.

Madurjya Gogoi Memorial Table Tennis Kicks Off ET Correspondent Golaghat, Apr 22 : The 10 th Madhurjya Gogoi Memorial Ranking Table Tennis Tournament today started at Golaghat Indoor Stadium. The tournament organised by the Golaghat District Sports Asso-

ciation in memory of late table tennis player Madhurjya Gogoi was inaugurated by the president of GDSA Dr Ajit Baruah . Around 300 TT players have participated in this Ranking Tournament . The tournament will conclude on Apr 24.

Illegal fishing in Dergaon ET Correspondent Dergaon, Apr 22: One Infra Dolley of Saguri village has been fishing in tank No 1 of Mori Desoi Selengi khuti here at Dergaon since April 1 last. It is Fishing Act which restraints fisherman to catch fishes with eggs during the period of 3 months starting from April 1 every year. But Infra Dolley has

been fishing fishes with eggs in tank No 1 of Moridesoi without caring the Fishing Act as he was caught in camera of local media person in fishing shot and the Fishing fishes are carried dead in a vehicle bearing registration No AS 04-1-0520 this morning from the said tank. A case is registered in Dergaon police station in this connection.

Devotees take out pot procession (Kalash Yatra) on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti in Morigaon. Pic - UB Photos ET Correspondent Rangia Apr 22: Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated in Rangia with rest of the country with three days colorful programme starting from today.

Various programme including Religion flag hoisting, worship, religion procession, Bhajan, Kirtan and cultural function organized

on this occasion. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the subdivision attended the festival. The colorful procession organized on this occasion marched entire town.

NEEPCO releases excessive water from Ranganadi Power Project Contd. from Page 1

Today a five member delegation of All Assam Unemployed Association (AAUA) along with Deeju Pal, the Lakhimpur Anchalik President of Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad, led by Jiban Rajkhowa, the Central Committee's President of AAUA visited the site.

Lakhimpur District President of AAUA expressed that Additional Chief Execu-

tive Engineer, Superintending Engineer in Charge, Executive Engineer, Assistant Executive Engineer along with the contractor were seen working in the site.

Moreover, the Circle Officer of Lakhimpur Revenue Circle interacted with the local people advising them to be alert for any kind of imminent danger. Jiban Rajkhowa also interacted with the Officials of Water Resource Department and

demanded to protect the embankment so that the people of the district and their properties could be saved from an another devastation. On the other hand, the overflowing water of the river washed away a post bearing electrical wire carrying power to a BSNL tower at Kharkati at the southern part of the district. As a result of it, the people of the area were deprived of BSNL cellular network.

Erosion posing serious threat Contd. from Page 1

We have seen the plight of the villagers and in the last three days the water of Brahamaputra has been rising and posing serious threat to the lives and prop-

erty of the people,’’ said Binod Kedia, Chief Adviser of Flood Erosion Resistance Struggle Forum (FERSF). On the other hand, in the Rohmoria fresh erosion has been started and 100 meters of land was recently eroded

into the river. In the last year 17 sq km land were eroded into the river. Kedia alleged that Brahmaputra Board has worked for a 100 crore project in the Rohmori area to stop erosion but the work were not up to the mark.

REGION Rai community celebrates Visit Luxmi Kitchen to Sakewa Festival across Sikkim savor Manipuri cuisine

PAGE 5

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Imphal, Apr. 22 (ANI): Luxmi Kitchen, located at Wahengbam Leikai in Imphal, serves the best Manipuri platter. Tourists from across the country throng this restaurant to taste the most popular Manipuri cuisine.

Gangtok, Apr. 22 (ANI): Festivals bring joy and fun in the monotony of daily life. India is a land of festivals and Sikkim is no exception. The Rai community of Sikkim celebrates 'Sakewa', a rich cultural and religious festival, with full gusto and fervor.

The Khambu Rais or Rais are one of the most ancient indigenous ethnolinguistic groups, mainly settled in Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills. They celebrate Sakewa with great enthusiasm.

It is also known as Bhoomi Puja or Chandi Puja or worship of land.

Rais are basically nature worshippers and they offer prayers to the natural supreme power "As a youth I really feel privileged to worship nature because our forefathers have been praising and worshipping nature since time

President Mukherjee to attend Khongjom day in Manipur

The Manipuri cuisine has so far attracted food lovers from across the country, giving them a taste of local food.

The Rai community of Sikkim celebrating 'Sakewa', a rich cultural and religious festival

immemorial. Following the same rituals is a great thing," said Dews Rai, a local here.

"And since our generation is very much into other things, but keeping all that aside and coming here to celebrate Sakewa makes me feel really privileged," he added.

Sakewa falls on Baisakh purnay (fifteenth day of the fifth month of the Nepali

Calender) coinciding with the sowing season.

The Mangma (priest) performs the prayer. One person beats the hongken (drum) loudly. The Mangpa then dances to the single drum beat.

The silis, as the dance is called, consists of 108 characters of different animals and birds. After the performance of the puja, the worshippers partake wachipa

which is a dish made of chicken feathers.

Among various Silis, Chasum Sili is very popular. It is performed by depicting the actions of plantation of paddy, harvesting, husking, cooking and finally eating the cooked rice.

The state comes alive during the festival where religious harmony among the people is clearly visible.

Politicising all issues in India undesirable, says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Manipuri or Meitiei food thali includes: Nga atoiba Thongba (fish stew) Nga Matum Thongba (fried fish with light gravy) Ngarengkha Angouba (fish intestine fried with potatoes, peas etc.) as main nonvegetable dishes.

Apart from serving non-veg thali, Luxmi kitchen has also been serving 13 different Manipuri delicacies, including Sana thongba (spicy cottage cheese preparation), Otti thongba, a popular Manipuri green lentil (peas) preparation that's cooked over low flame with various herbs, Pakora Thongba (a delicate Manipuri curry that's prepared in gram flour and much more.

"Per thali costs around Rs. 140 for fish and it also costs Rs. 140 for vegetarian. So, the cost is same. We get a very good feedback. The people say the food is very good and the place is very hygienic," said Robert Wahengbam, Manager, Luxmi Kitchen.

Shilpa, a customer from Bengaluru, said the food at Luxmi Kitchen provides a

President Pranab Mukherjee Imphal, Apr 22. (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee will attend the observation of Khongjom and inaugurate a monument-cum-tourist Centre at Khongjom in Manipur tomorrow.

Khongjom day is observed on the 23rd April every year to pay rich tributes to the brave sons of Manipur who made supreme sacrifice for the cause of their motherland.

Lack of unity and conflicts among the ruling princes and the British interference in the affairs of the state were the key factors of Anglo-Manipur war of 1891.(ANI)

terrorism and all being politicized. What is happening is shocking. So, our people need to know the truth.

People of this country have a great sense of patience, resilience and intelligence.

They should not be fooled by anybody."

Interacting with media here, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "There are many issues we are facing in this country and all that I would appeal to people is please do not politicise everything. Issues should be taken up on facts.

Let us not mix, every day you are seeing incidents of

Asked if the Rs.5 crore fine imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the Art of Living Foundation for allegedly damaging the Yamuna flood plain during the recently held World Cultural Festival was politically motivated, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "It is obvious,

whatever issue is raised in Parliament is obvious."

He said that he was visiting various parts of Tripura and other north eastern states to promote total literacy, employment and peace.

He added that there is huge scope for development in the region through skill development initiatives, organic cultivation and Ayurveda.

The 59-year-old spiritual guru said his aim was to unite all cultures, religions, faiths and ideologies. (ANI)

1 UNLF Mushroom tragedy claims cadre, 3 3 more; toll rises to 6 others arrested

PTI Imphal, April 22: One UNLF cadre identified as Ningthoujam Priyananda Singh alias Amutombi was arrested by a combined team of the Police, troops of Assam Rifles and the Army from Wangoo area in Thoubal district of Manipur on April 19, the police said on Thursday.

The 30-year-old militant was found to be in possession of one Chinese Hand Grenade, and one .32 pistol along with a magazine loaded with two live rounds of .32 ammunition, an officer said.

Earlier, on April 18, two activists of the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur, a breakaway faction of KCP, were arrested from Tera Sadokpam Leikai by the police.

Identified as N Lakhen (45) and N Sanjoy (45), the two activists have been involved in extortion activities, they said adding one motorcycle and incriminating articles were seized from them.

Agencies Tura, April 22: The death toll from mushroom poisoning in Rongdong village of Siju has risen to six following the passing away of three other victims at a Guwahati hospital on Thursday.

Earlier this month, six members of a family from Mawsynram had died of mushroom poisoning.

Fate has dealt a tragic blow to the family of Anilla S Marak who along with four other members died from the effects of mushroom poisoning. It is only her husband and two year old daughter who have survived the tragedy.

The 35 year old mother of three children lost the battle against food poisoning at Guwahati International hospital along with her younger brother Rosbirth and her neighbour Sundilla M Sangma. While Rosbirth passed away on Wednesday night, Anilla and her 65 year old neighbour Sundilla

Sangma died on Thursday.

The bodies of all three victims are being brought back to Garo Hills for the last rites at Siju village. SijuRongara MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Rophul S Marak, who happens to be a close family relative of the deceased, is accompanying the bodies back to South Garo Hills.

There is shock and disbelief in Siju region that a catastrophe of such scale could strike out almost an entire family.

The first victims to fall prey to the mushroom poisoning were Jonilla S Marak (grandmother) and four year old Bikame (Anilla’s daughter). The little girl died while being brought to Tura for medical treatment while the grandmother passed away at the civil hospital.

The heartfelt misfortune of the family was such that the mother not only lost her young daughter but also her

"I wanted to understand what Manipuri culture and food is all about. So, I came here. Someone told me that if you want to have perfect Manipuri food and if you want to understand their thali, you must visit this place," Shilpa said.

"Since then whenever I visit this place, at least I make it a point to come once and I try to eat this because this is the real culture and very different food which you don't get in any part of India," she added.

The Manipuris primarily cook vegetables with fish being their complimentary food besides the vegetables.

Usage of less oil has been in vogue since the olden

times and one visiting the Manipur rural areas is sure to experience this taste of oil-less food.

Ngri is a type of fermented fish, which carries a very strong smell and is loved immensely by the locals.

This item is used in a lot of dishes prepared here.

Pooja, another customer from Bengaluru, said the thali at this restaurant is very good.

"We don't find such cuisine in Bengaluru and this is first time I am having Manipuri thali and we had fish curry.

Fish is very tasty we finished all the fish," she said.

Another customer Sudhir said the food here is really very good.

"This is the second time I

am visiting Luxmi hotel because the food here is really good and this is the unique style Manipuri food. We cannot find such authentic Manipuri thali outside somewhere else," he said.

Herbs and spices form a very important part of Manipuri cuisine. Since they primary have their food boiled, thus it is only these herbs and aroma giving spices that do the wonder of giving the food it required essence.

The ingredients of Manipuri cuisines is mainly chilli and pepper thus making it devoid of any other form of masalas, thus rendering food organic and very healthy. They also do not use oil which is indeed a very positive effect on the body.

Indo-Myanmar media dialogue discusses issues of both countries

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Agartala (Tripura), Apr.22 (ANI): Spiritual guru and Art of Living (AoL) founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said that he is concerned over every issue in India being politicized, and added that this trend is undesirable.

glimpse of the real culture of Manipur.

7 year old son Tebiangku who died on the way to Guwahati while being shifted together with her.

Her neighbour Sundilla was undergoing treatment at Goalpara hospital but developed complications and was taken to Guwahati along with Anilla and younger brother Rosbirth but multiple organ failure affected all three victims causing their deaths.

Anilla’s husband, Roben Sangma, is said to have survived as he reportedly did not consume the cooked mushrooms. Their infant daughter Chuanka also escaped death since she was still of breastfeeding age and had not been fed the meal.

The family had collected the mushrooms from a Jhum field and decided to have it for supper the same day. Their neighbour Sundilla Sangma also partook in the meal which ultimately resulted in her death also.

PTI Shillong, April 22: An Indo-Myanmar media dialogue with participation from journalists and academicians has discussed a wide range of issues concerning both the countries.

The two-day event jointly, organised by Heinrich Boell Foundation, Institute of Social Sciences, Burma Centre, Delhi and Asian Confluence here saw participation of a six-member delegation from Myanmar.

Myanmar's Member of Parliament from Kachin and Shan states and Pulitzer prize winning journalist Ester Htu San said there is a need for Indian media's presence in Myanmar.

She said there is huge presence of Chinese media in Myanmar and exchange of dialogue between China and Myanmar often takes place.

Ash Narain Roy, Director, Institute of Social Sciences, Delhi, emphasised on improvement of co-operation between the Indian journalists and Myanmar media and better representation on

all the important agendas of India-Myanmar relations, particularly focusing on the bordering regions of Myanmar with India.

Alana Golmei, Director of the Burma Centre Delhi said media has a very important role to play in shaping India-Myanmar relationship.

Heinrich Boell Foundation's program coordinator Chok Tsering said the Foundation is very keen to collaborate

on such initiatives and this has been a very successful beginning.

Former Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Rajiv Bhatia said the Northeast India should become a learning centre about India's immediate eastern neighbours, a release issued by the organiser said.

The dialogue was attended by academia and senior journalists from both India and

Myanmar including Walter Fernandes, NESRC, Khin Zaw Win, Tampadipa Institute, Myanmar, Than Win Htut, DVB media, Myanmar, Bano Haralu, Nagaland, Chitra Ahanthem, Manipur, Henry Lalhlimum, Mizoram, Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Indian Express, Deepak Dewan, North East Sun, Rajiv Bhattacharya, Guwahati, C K Nayak, member of PCI and Neha Dixit, Delhi.

Congress selects CM’s wife to fight Tura poll Agencies Shillong, April 22: Meghalaya Congress on Thursday shortlisted the name of Mahendraganj MLA and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s wife, Dikkanchi Shira, as its candidate for the upcoming Tura by-poll scheduled to be held next month.

Dikkanchi’s name, however, has to be approved

by AICC chief Sonia

Gandhi.

Earlier, during an interaction with editors and correspondents of media organizations, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had said that sympathy will not work in the election and added that the party will focus on the issues which were promised through the manifesto and achievements of the government.

“People are wise enough

to judge the performance of the government,” he said, adding that every election is a test for every political party.

The Tura by-poll which is necessitated following the demise of Purno A. Sangma is set to be a direct contest between NPP and Congress.

The NPP is scheduled to meet on Friday to finalize its candidate for the polls and it is indicated

that Agatha Sangma in most probability will be named as the candidate for the May 16 election.

Though UDP has walked out of the race, BJP is still waiting for the approval of the party high command to contest the election.

By-election to the Tura seat will be held on May 16 while counting of votes will be held on May 19.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

PAGE 6

PM Modi expresses grief on AIR to broadcast PM Modi's loss of lives in Arunachal 19th 'Mann Ki Baat'on April 24 New Delhi, Apr. 22 (ANI): Expressing grief on the deadly landslide in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh which claimed 16 lives today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the loss of lives caused by a landslide in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. He extended condolences to the bereaved families," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read.

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress president Sonia Gandhi extended her condolences to families of the dead and called on her party MLAs to volunteer with re-

erations are underway to ensure that there are no more casualties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lief.

Sonia also called the Pradesh Congress Committee members and volunteers to contribute to the relief work "Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi has expressed distress and shock at the

tragic land slide in Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. Extending her condolences to families of the dead in the accident, Smt. Gandhi hoped that relief & rescue operations will avert further loss," the Indian National Congress said in a series of tweets.

Meanwhile, the rescue op-

The deadly landslide was triggered by incessant rains in Famla village in Tawang District, where the deceased are reported to be labourers from nearby states who were working at the construction site of a five star hotel.

More rain-triggered landslides are also being reported from different part of Tawang, damaging electric poles and disrupting power supply.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has asked Tawang Deputy Commissioner for a detailed report on the landslides. (ANI)

New Delhi, Apr.22 (ANI): All India Radio will broadcast the 19th instalment of 'Mann Ki Baat' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 24) at 11 a.m.

The broadcast shall be done by the entire network of All India Radio which includes all AIR stations, all AIR FM channels (FM Gold and FM Rainbow), local radio stations, Vividh Bharati Stations and five community radio stations.

The same shall be broadcast by the Urdu and Hindi Services of the External Services of All India Radio for listeners in Indian sub-continent and the Indian Diaspora spread across the globe.

The regional versions of the 'Mann Ki Baat' will be origi-

The unique aspect of this important broadcast is that it is visually adapted by Doordarshan and other private TV & news channels in India and broadcast simultaneously. Similarly, radio in private sector patches AIR. All DTH operators also carry it.

All India Radio (AIR) nated by the capital AIR stations in non-Hindi speaking zones at 2000 hours on the same day. The regional versions shall be relayed by all AIR stations including local radio stations in the respective states. The English ver-

Arunachal landslide: SC to hear cases related to women's entry in Sonia calls on Cong MLAs to volunteer with relief Sabarimala temple

sion of Mann Ki Baat shall be broadcast by AIR Delhi at 2000 Hrs the same day and it will also be broadcast by the General Overseas Service for the global audience.

It is also live streamed for global audience and is accessible through mobile app, ALL INDIA RADIO LIVE. Since its inception little over a year ago, 'Mann Ki Baat' has become immensely popular in every household of the country and is eagerly awaited by citizens of all age groups. (ANI)

Drought woes: Centre allots funds to parched Karnataka

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the 'Indian Young Lawyers' Association', seeking entry of women in the Sabarimala temple.

New Delhi, Apr. 22 (ANI): The Supreme Court will today hear cases related to the entry of women into the historic Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

A three-judge bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra, V Gopala Gowda and Kurian Joseph, had said that denying entry to women based on traditions are against the principles of the Constitution. The bench also said that the case could

be referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench in case substantial questions of constitutional importance arise in future.

The apex court had earlier sought to examine previous judgments on entry of women in religious places, while underlining that any religious practice banning their entry will have to necessarily pass the test of constitutionality.

The court was hearing a

The hearing came close on the heels of the Bombay High Court order directing Maharashtra Government to ensure that women are not denied entry at any temple.

Defending the ban, the Sabarimala temple administration earlier said the tradition is connected to essential religious practice.

Supporting them, the Kerala Government told the court that beliefs and customs of devotees cannot be changed through a judicial process and that the opinion of the priests is final in matters of religion.

Paris Agreement on climate change to be signed today in New York The ceremony today will set a record for international diplomacy as never before have so many countries inked an agreement on the first day of the signing period.

New Delhi, Apr. 22 (ANI): India will sign the Paris Agreement on climate change in New York today at a high-level ceremony convened by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar will sign the agreement.

The agreement was adopted

by more than 190 countries in the French capital in December last year.

India had advocated a strong and durable climate agreement based on the principles and provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Along with India, as many as 170 countries are expected to sign the agreement.

A United Nations body had, earlier, said that this record number of countries would surpass the previous record of 119 signatures for an opening day signing for an international agreement, set by the Law of the Sea in Montego Bay in 1994.

The signing ceremony will mark the first step towards ensuring that the Paris Agreement enters into force as early as possible.

The agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

New Delhi, Apr. 22 (ANI): With the massive landslide in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh claiming the lives of 16 people, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday extending her condolences to families of the dead, called on her party MLAs to volunteer with relief.

Sonia has also called the Pradesh Congress Committee members and volunteers to contribute to the relief work "Congress President, Smt.

Sonia Gandhi has expressed distress and shock at the tragic land slide in Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. Extending her condolences to families of the dead in the accident, Smt. Gandhi hoped that relief & rescue operations will avert further loss," the Indian National Congress said in a series of tweets.

Meanwhile, the rescue operations are underway to ensure that there are no more casualties.

The deadly landslide was triggered by incessant rains

President Obama says Prince was most gifted, prolific musicians of his time Washington D.C., April 22 (ANI): After it was confirmed that legendary pop star Prince has passed away at the age of 57, US President Barack Obama issued an official statement.

Obama said, "Today, the world lost a creative icon.

Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent," reports E! Online.

"As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all.

Funk. R and B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant

bandleader, and an electrifying performer. 'A strong spirit transcends rules,' Prince once said-and nobody's spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him," his statement further read.

Meanwhile, many other celebrities including Justin Timberlake, Sheila Edrummer, Paul McCartney, Simon Le Bon, Chelsea Clinton, Katy Perry and Chris Rock paid their tribute to the music legend.

Prince was found at his Paisley Park studio in Minnesota on April 21. Authorities found him unresponsive in an elevator and were unable to revive him. His death remains under investigation.

in Famla village in Tawang District, where the deceased are reported to be labourers from nearby states who were working at the construction site of a five star hotel.

More rain-triggered landslides are also being reported from different part of Tawang, damaging electric poles and disrupting power supply.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has asked Tawang Deputy Commissioner for a detailed report on the landslides.

New Delhi, Apr. 22 (ANI): In a high level committee meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh here today, Central assistance in the forms of funds were allotted to Karnataka, Puducherry and Arunachal Pradesh who have been affected by drought and floods.

The HLC approved the assistance in respect of Karnataka to the tune of Rs 723.23 crore, Rs 35.14 crore for Puducherry and Rs 84.33 crore for Arunachal Pradesh.

The Central Assistance of Rs 84.33 crore to Arunachal

Pradesh includes Rs.18.00 crore under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).

The Committee examined the proposals based on the report of the Central Team which visited Karnataka, affected by drought, and Puducherry and Arunachal Pradesh, affected by floods.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Radha Mohan Singh, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the Ministries of Home, Finance and Agriculture attended the meeting.

Functional gold toilet to be installed at US museum!

New York, Apr 22 (PTI) An 18-karat solid gold toilet seat is set to be installed at a US museum bathroom and the 'piece of art' will not just be for viewing but could be used too.

The Guggenheim Museum here will install the fully functional, 18-karat solid gold toilet by Maurizio Cattelan in one of its public bathroom stalls.

"You can lock the door and have your experience, whether that be just looking at the toilet or using it," Guggenheim publicist Molly Stewart told the New York Daily News.

Stewart said she believes this work, titled 'Maurizio Cattelan: America', to be the first time a toilet that is available to public use will be on display at the Guggenheim.

The lavatory masterwork marks an end to its creator's self-imposed retirement.

Cattelan, 55, walked away from the art world in 2011, right around the time the Guggenheim held a retrospective for his work. He said at the time the demands of the art world had sent his inspiration down the drain. The idea for "America" though, brought him roaring back to the scene.

Cattelan told the New York Times that he alluded to economic inequality as a theme of the toilet piece, but said the meaning is left up to the seer -- or the sitter.

"It's not my job to tell people what a work means. But I think people might see meaning in this piece," Cattelan said.

The museum said in a statement that the piece "makes available to the public an extravagant luxury product seemingly intended for the 1 per cent."

The work will replace one of the museum's Kohler toilets in a unisex bathroom.

It will even have its own fulltime security guard -- standing outside the restroom to "check in" occasionally and make sure it's not vandalised, Stewart said.

Doing one's duty, though, will not count as defacement.

"I don't think peeing in it or defecating inside it is considered vandalising the object," Stewart said. "'America' will remain on display in the stall for the long term," she said.

Hillary Clinton calls voting for Iraq war 'a mistake' Washington D.C., April 22: The US Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton said Thursday her greatest political regret is "voting to give President Bush authority in Iraq".

It is in contrast to her stand in the 2008 campaign, during which Clinton defended her

"Yes" vote for the Iraq war as a way to give the then President George W. Bush authority to deal with Iraq.

"It did not turn out the way that I had thought it would, based on what he had said," she said of the Iraq war during a town hall event aired live on the ABC "Good Morning America"

programme Thursday morning.

Hillary Clinton joined "Good Morning America" two days after winning the New York Democratic primary. She took questions from the two hosts of ABC and questions from the audience.

"And I regret that. And I said that it was a mistake and, ob-

viously, is something that I wish hadn't turned out the way it did." she added.

During the campaign, the Democratic candidate has often been criticized for her vote in support of the Iraq war when she served as the US Senator from New York State.

Her Democratic nomination

rival, Bernie Sanders, said earlier that "the disastrous invasion of Iraq, something that I strongly opposed, has unraveled the region completely and led to the rise of al-Qaeda and to (the emergence of) IS." "I think that (the Iraq war) was one of the worst foreign policy blunders in the history of the

United States," Sanders said.

Apart from the Iraq war, Clinton has kept giving different answers for what she thinks is her greatest regret in politics, including not overhauling the healthcare system earlier and the 2012 attacks killing four Americans in Benghazi, Libya.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Lanka applies for WHO certification on malaria-free status Colombo, Apr. 22 (ANI): Sri Lanka has applied for World Health Organization (WHO) certification on malaria-free status, which is a milestone in the history of health and development of the country.

National Programme Manager of Maternal and Child Morbidity and Mortality Surveillance Dr. Kapila Jayaratne said the country has steadily reduced the malaria cases from over 4,00,000 in 1991 to zero cases by November 2012, reports Lanka Page.

Dr. Jayaratne said that Lanka would be celebrating the fourth consecutive malaria-free year but added there are high risk groups, which pose a threat to the malaria-free status.

The Lankan businessman and traders, who travel frequently to India and other neighboring countries, engaged in the gem business in African countries like Madagascar and Mozambique are highly prone to the disease.

Dr. Jayaratne said the Sri Lankan military personnel returning from peace-keeping missions in the African region and the Sri Lankans returning from work or leisure trips abroad - mainly from Africa and East and South Asia - are the high risk groups.

Certification of malaria elimination is the official recognition of malaria-free status granted by the WHO.

'Billionaire' Nawaz Sharif has no assets abroad: Pak Election Commission

Lahore, Apr. 22(ANI): According to a statement by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has no assets abroad, but continues to receive vast amounts from his son, Hussain Nawaz who lives in the United Kingdom.

According to Dawn, the statement which was released amidst the ongoing furore over the Panama Papers expose, the value of the assets owned by Sharif and his spouse comes to around Rs2 billion, which is an increase of over a billion in just four years.

The value of his assets in 2011 was Rs 166 million, which ballooned to Rs 261.6 million in 2012 and then to Rs 1.82 billion in 2013, making him a declared billionaire, and then, in 2014, the declared value of his assets rose to around Rs 2 billion.

Sharif received over Rs 215 million from his son Hussain Nawaz in 2015. He had previously received remittances from his son, worth Rs 239 million and Rs 197. 5 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Sharif owns a Toyota Land Cruiser as well as two Mercedes vehicles and the

house he lives in is owned by his mother.

He also has multiple foreign and local currency accounts, huge swathes of agricultural land and investments in industrial units such as sugar, textile and paper mills.

Sharif has also declared, ownership of birds and animals worth Rs2 million.

His wife, Kulsoom Nawaz, has land and a house that is worth Rs 80 million, a bungalow on The Mall in Murree which is worth Rs100 million, as well as shares in the family business.

Their son-in-law, retired Capt. Mohammad Safdar has listed only one property and 550 grams of jewellery in the name of his wife, the PM's daughter, Maryam Safdar.

According to the ECP statement, the property owned

by Maryam Safdar is a 2006 BMW 4800CC car, while her jewellery is worth Rs1 million.

The net worth of the Prime Minister's son-in-law is only Rs 5 million, aside from some 20 acres of land in Mansehra district and around 215 acres of barren land in Rajanpur, Punjab.(ANI)

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Dahal calls for unity among progressive leftist forces in Nepal Kathmandu, Apr. 22 (ANI): Nepal's UCPNMaoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called for unity among all revolutionary, patriotic and changeseeking forces in the country.

Dahal, who was speaking at a programme held on the occasion of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) anniversary and the then Soviet Union's powerful leader Vladimir Lenin's 146th birth anniversary, emphasized that today's prime necessity was to see unity and

still motivation in us to take steps forward on the path of socialist revolution by completing the remaining workload of the revolution of people's democracy.

Nepal's UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal polarisation among the entire revolutionary communists and progressive leftist

forces in the country.

He added this day will in-

Dahal said the Nepal Communist Party was established 67 years ago in 1949 coinciding with Lenin's birth anniversary and added that the communist uprising in the country was advancing through a tortuous path by making noteworthy contribution in nation's political and social transformation.

Dahal further asserted that communist uprising was rooted at the centre of national politics today following the people's war and people's uprising, the Himalayan Times reports.

The UCPN-Maoist chairman said that the uprising, which grew on the foundation of the people's war, ended the royal institution and secured political achievements as republic, secularism, federalism and inclusiveness through the Constituent Assembly (CA).

Sharif consults advisers on Panama Papers leak, says always preferred values to power is convinced of transparency in development projects by his government, adding that all decisions of national concerns were taken with deliberation with political forces.

Islamabad, Apr.22 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought suggestions from key members of his team to counter thePanama leaks allegations, and said he has always preferred values to power.

In a meeting held at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad yesterday, The Nation quoted Sharif, as assuring his team that his family had done nothing wrong and added that 'our hands are clear'.

The Prime Minister, who invited the participants to

suggest the ways to counter allegations after surfacing the Panama leaks, said they were vindicated in toughest

accountability in the past and will do the same in future.

Sharif said the whole world

The Prime Minister further said the government will restore the crumbling economy and eliminate faults in all departments, adding that those who stopped the road to progress and prosperity by creating instability failed in the past and will fail also in the future.

Rejecting the allegations of

money laundering, he called for the establishment of an inquiry commission while claiming his children have legitimate businesses abroad.

were asked to surrender all earnings accumulated through corruption, official perks and privileges, except their pensions and medical allowances.The details of the allegations against the charged officers have not been officially released.

General Sharif has drawn direct linkages between terrorism and corruption, saying, "The ongoing war against terrorism cannot bring enduring peace and stability unless corruption is not uprooted. Therefore, across the board accountability is necessary for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of Pakistan." He said this to a military gath-

Kathmandu, Apr. 22 (ANI): Nepal's Federal Alliance, including 27 political parties and groups, have announced new protest programmes for 'rewriting of the Constitution'.

The Federal Alliance, which has been protesting against the Constitution promulgated last year, unveiled the protest programmes by organising a press meeting in Kathmandu.

The programmes include handing over a memorandum on their demands to the government via district administration offices, erecting black flags at the government office premises, carrying out public demonstrations including rallies and mass meetings in district headquarters, mass assemblies in major cities and towns of the nation and picketing Singha Durbar, the central administrative hub, among others, reports the Himalayan Times.

The meeting, attended by federal ministers, advisers and special assistants, discussed in length the situation developed as a backlash of Panama leaks.

The United Democratic Madhesi Front, which had carried out a Madhesi-centric protest for more than five months after the Constitution promulgation, has been leading the Federal Alliance.

The recent developments follow Panama Papers revelations shrouding the Prime Minister's family among many other prominent political figures holding off-shore wealth.

Villagers made to walk on boiled oil as punishment in Pak

Sharif declared assets worth Rs.1.9 billion Islamabad, Apr.22 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has declared assets worth Rs. 1.9 billion.

shares worth Rs. 120 million in her name in five sugar, textile and spinning mills.

This was known after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released the details of assets and liabilities of parliamentarians for the fiscal year 2014-15.

She also owned birds worth Rs. two million and furniture valued at Rs. 40 million.

The details submitted by Sharif acknowledged that the total assets owned by him were worth Rs. 1.9 billion while the documents showed that his son Hussain Nawaz had sent him Rs. 216 million from abroad, the Express Tribune reports.

The dossier stated that Sharif did not own any property abroad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif He also declared that he owned inherited land in Sheikhupura and Lahore with a total worth of Rs. 1.08 billion.

The Prime Minister also owned cars worth Rs. 160

Meanwhile, it was revealed that PTI chief Imran Khan had no assets abroad while he declared his Bani Gala residence to be a gift with a total value of Rs. 750 million.

million in addition to another property in Lahore valued at Rs. 250 million.

PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi owned assets valued at Rs. 1.31 billion.

Sharif's wife also owned a bungalow in Murree valued at Rs.100 million, besides having inherited and gifted

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman owned assets

worth just Rs. 6.8 million.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah had assets worth over Rs. 40 million.

Jamshed Dasti, who has been declared the poorest parliamentarian, had total assets of Rs. 2,653.

The ECP had last week removed the details of assets from its website on the pretext that it was no longer a legal need.

It is mandatory for all parliamentarians to declare assets held by them, their spouses and their dependents under Section 42 (A) of the Representation of Peoples Act of 1976 and Section 25 (A) of the Senate Election Act.

Pakistan’s Gen Raheel Sharif fires 6 top officers for graft Islamabad, April 22: In an unprecedented move, Pakistan's army chief, General Raheel Sharif, on Thursday sacked six top serving military officers over grave corruption charges which is bound to increase pressure on the Nawaz Sharif government to order investigations into his family's offshore assets made public by Panama Papers leaks.

The dismissed officers include one Lt General, one Major general, three brigadiers and one colonel. Adjutant Gen Zubair Mehmud Hayat carried out the investigation on the orders of the army chief. The convicts

Nepal's new Constitution: Federal Alliance announces new protest

ering in Kohat, a northwestern town close to Pakistan's turbulent tribal region, two days ago.

The civilian leadership has viewed General Sharif 's re-

marks with scepticism, questioning the army's mandate to probe corruption.

A source told TOI that the decision to remove the army officers was taken on

April 7 during a meeting of corps commanders chaired

by General Sharif.

A top army officer said the money involved in the scam that led to the sackings ranges from Rs 35 billion to Rs 40 billion. "In confessional statements," the official said, "the sacked officers admitted to have minted Rs 22 billion through corruption."

The probe commenced in 2014 following a car crash in Quetta in which two senior military officers were killed.

"When Ijaz Shahid was in spector general, Frontier Corps, in Balochistan, he had ordered confiscation of

nonregistered vehicles. The confiscated vehicles included a sports car that a top official's son was eyeing. But, the car had a technical fault, which was fixed by the army's transport wing on the directives of the IG Shahid. The car crashed during test drive by two senior military officers, killing both the officers," the official confided, while revealing the background of the accident case."The families of slain offi cers approached the army chief for an inquiry, which ultimately ended in a mega corruption scam involving all six officers who were terminated from their services,"

the official added. The military has long been accused by civilian leadership of being immune to accountability, a "holy cow".

Pakistan's defence budget has never been made public, which raises questions over its expenditures. With this move, the military has thrown the ball in the politicians' court. "The ball is now in our court. Our political credibility is at stake if we fail to follow General Raheel's step," Syed Khurshed Shah, leader of the opposition in National Assembly, told reporters.

Caption: Pakistan's army chief, General Raheel Sharif

Karachi, Apr. 22 (ANI): An influential landlord made four villagers, including a woman, to walk on boiled oil following allegations of theft in Chak 153P, around 34 kms fromRahim Yar Khan.

As per reports, some jewellery and money were stolen from the house of landlord Mohsin a few days back.

The landlord suspected that four villagers Sadia (14), Kashif (24), Shehzad (21) and Asim (19) were involved in the theft, reports Dawn.

The landlord summoned the four at his residence on the advice of fake faith healer Shaukat and forced them to prove their innocence by walking on boiled oil.

He told the scared villagers that those whose feet were found burnt would have to return the stolen jewellery and cash.

The elders of the villagers informed the police, who raided Mohsin's house. The landlord managed to escape along with the faith healer and accomplices.

The police have registered a case against Mohsin, Shaukat and four others under Sections 324, 148 and 149.

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Should ivory trade be legalised?-Part II Axed President's Rule Uttarakhand High Court quashed the imposition

International ban on ivory trade has neither reduced elephant poaching nor the volume of the illegal trade. Is it time the trade is legalised?

Rajeshwari Ganesan, Alok Gupta, Sifelani Tsiko, Mandi Smallhorne, Ian Vorster

In a major blow to the central government, the Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday set aside President's rule imposed in the hill state last month.After two consecutive days of hearing on a matter filed by ousted Congress Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the court said the proclamation of central rule in the state stood null and void. The court also said that central rule should be clamped in a state as a last resort, suggesting this did not happen in Uttarakhand. It fixed April 29 for a floor test in the state assembly.The HC's order came on a plea by ousted chief minister Harish Rawat, who had challenged this imposition.

The high court had earlier criticized the Centre for imposing President's Rule a day before a floor test was to be held in the assembly. The Uttarakhand High Court said that the president of India is not infallible and he, too, can go wrong. Therefore, the President's decision is open to judicial scrutiny.

Whereas many leaders attributes that the imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand was unconstitutional. The court said when there is horse-trading and corruption, there are more reasons for protest.

Ultimately the law is very clear and that law was deliberately and consciously

violated by the central government. In the history of Independent India, this is the first time that within 10 days floor test has been ordered to be conducted.

The issue came to the division bench of the court after a single judge ordered a floor test on 28 March following controversy over the passage of Appropriation Bill on 18 March with the BJP and dissident Congress MLAs claiming the money Bill had fallen and the government has lost its majority.

President's Rule was imposed in Uttarakhand on March 27 after nine Congress legislators defected, depriving majority support in the assembly to the Rawat government.

Uttarakhand plunged into a political crisis when nine Congress legislators, including former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna, whom Rawat replaced, revolted against the chief minister and turned to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for support. In the 70-member assembly, the Congress has 36 legislators, including the nine rebels. The BJP has 28. The other six members, from smaller parties, are said to support the Congress. The move comes as a relief to deposed Chief Minister Harish Rawat and the Congress camp in Uttarakhand.

Earth Day 2016 Fight for a clean environment Every year, more than one billion people across the world mark the event by showing support for environmental protection .It was Earth Day 2016 yesterday so it's the perfect time to start thinking about the planet we live on - and how to save it. Earth Day aims to encourage people across the world to be more environmentally friendly. This might mean increasing the amount they recycle, volunteering for a local green project or installing solar panels at their home.

The first Earth Day April 22, 1970 - marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Approximately 20 million Americans, especially on college campuses, participated in a national teach-in on environmental issues and protests against environmental deterioration on the first Earth Day. It's hard to imagine it now, but the first Earth Day was a revelation to many, a way not only of raising consciousness about environmental issues but also of bringing together separate groups that had been fighting separately against issues including oil spills, pollutions from factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, the loss of wilderness, air pollution and more. Since then, Earth Day is always celebrated on April 22.

Earth Day had reached into its current status as the

largest secular observance in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year, and a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.

Today, the fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day.

Be a part of Earth Day and help write many more chapters-struggles and victories-into the Earth Day book. Activities associated with the day often include planting trees, raising awareness about recycling, volunteering for green projects, and reducing the amount of energy people consume. Earth Day is also supported by a host of celebrities, including Leonardo Di Caprio, Emma Watson, Miley Cyrus and Matt Damon. A historic meeting also took place on April 22, 2016, as 155 countries have committed to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) in New York. The agreement was approved by the 196 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention of the Climate Change (UNFCCC) in COP21 in Paris on Dec. 12, 2015. In the agreement, all countries pledged to work to limit the temperature rise overall below 2 degrees Celsius, but are aiming to achieve a temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Penalised for saving elephants While the CITES ban has failed to protect the elephant, it has led to a disquiet among African countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Swaziland. These countries have managed to protect the animal and its population has increased beyond the carrying capacity of the land. They say that ivory trade should not be banned because they need revenue from ivory sales to fund conservation efforts. Many of these countries have stockpiles of ivory and they want to earn from its sale.

Zimbabwe, for example, has a stockpile of more than 90 tonnes, worth nearly US$13 million, obtained mostly from elephants that died a natural death. Rather than being able to earn from it, Zimbabwe spends almost the same amount ($13 million) every year on retrieving, preserving, transporting and storing ivory, say wildlife officials. With the country's economy in a precarious situation, the government cannot afford such expenditure. Moreover, against a holding capacity (the maximum number of elephants that a country's ecosystem can support in natural conditions without affecting its equilibrium) of 45,000, Zimbabwe has an elephant population of around 100,000. Till about a decade ago, legal trophy hunting could provide the communities that manage forests under Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE programme (see 'The trophy would not hold') enough money to survive in the harsh land where agriculture is not possible.

But that is no longer the case (see 'Hunter hunted'). The

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: lifegate) US has been campaigning against sport hunting and this has reduced our earnings which we could have used for conservation efforts, says Zimbabwe's Environment, Water and Climate Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. Licensed hunters pay $120,000 for an elephant and $60,000 for a lion, while tourists pay $3 to view animals, she says.

Prior to a ban on trophy hunting and carrying of ivory products on major US airlines, the elephant-hunting industry in southern African countries used to generate $14 million annually.

Now, instead of earning, they spend huge amounts on protecting the ivory stockpile. And it is not that the elephants are now safe.

They continue to be killed because domestic trade is still allowed in countries like Zimbabwe. In the absence of options, communities resort to poaching even though the local market

lacks the financial clout to consume large amounts of ivory. Muchinguri-Kashiri says the ban has actually increased poaching across the country. In 2015 alone, 11 suspected poachers were shot dead, 2,139 incursions were detected, and 1,354 local poachers and 129 foreign poachers were arrested. The country also lost 35 elephants to poaching the same year. The government has roped in the army to improve security in protected areas. But with inadequate revenue to support these operations, poaching is likely to continue.

Muchinguri-Kashiri says she will present a report on poaching to the Cabinet soon. "We are holding more than 90 tonnes of ivory and we are losing some of the tusks," she says. "Poaching will continue because there is a market out there. If we are permitted to do sport hunting and trade in a legal way, it will help us a lot."

Overpopulation and poaching South Africa faces the same dilemma. The country's elephants have grown in numbers to a point of overpopulation. Poaching cases are also on the rise. "The Kruger National Park has had the highest poaching incidence within the last 15 years during just the past six months," says Michelle Henley, co-founder, programme manager and principal researcher at Elephants Alive, a research organisation based in Hoedspruit, South Africa.

Twenty-two elephants have been poached from the park since September last year.

"Southern Africa-South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique, effectively-is the last stronghold of the African elephant," says Henley.

"Thirty years ago, this region had only 21 per cent of the elephants in Africa; today it has over 50 per cent. A wave of poaching

has swept across Africa, starting in West Africa (which has less than two per cent of its elephants remaining) and taking 65 per cent of the elephants in Central Africa." About 0.8 million elephants have been killed in the last three decades, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, a New York-based non-profit.

The non-profit launched a 96 Elephants Campaign in 2013, to highlight that 96 elephants were then being killed every day. The majority of these deaths were because of poaching. Trophy hunting contributes a very tiny percentage of elephant deaths, says Henley.

The rising elephant population is a problem because elephant herds can cause substantial losses if they enter farms. As far back as in 2008, the South African government had lifted the moratorium on the culling of elephants. At that time, the country's environment minister, Martinus van Schalkwyk, said that culling would be considered only as a management option of last resort. But culling has not been practised for years, and experts at the Kruger park say they are using natural methods-such as closing boreholes and allowing more natural patterns of movement to prevail by opening up the borders with Mozambique, for exampleto keep the numbers down.

They reckon the numbers have risen, but not by as much as they could have without these methods.

Like Zimbabwe, South Africa is in the possession of a fairly significant stockpile of ivory confiscated from poachers or collected following natural deaths. Currently, the country's stand on legal ivory trade is "offi-

cially undecided, with huge internal debate" in the Department of Environmental Affairs, says Ross Harvey, senior researcher at South African Institute of International Affairs, a Johannesburg-based nongovernmental research institute.

There's a strong chance that South Africa will come out in support of legalising trade in ivory, says Chris Galliers, a unit leader in biodiversity at the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, a Howickbased non-profit. There is "quite a prominent ideological stance that 'this is our ivory and we should be able to capitalise on it'," says Harvey. Moreover, in certain pockets, poaching is the only option available to communities to survive.

Though poachers get only about a tenth of the price, it still is a huge amount. For instance, one tusk, weighing 35-40 kg, gets a poacher over $8,000 in Malawi, an east African country whose per capita income in 2015 was $275. So it came as no surprise when assistant director of National Parks and Wildlife of Malawi, William Mgoora, announced in September 2014 that the population of elephants in the country had fallen to less than 2,000 due to poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

"Illegal wildlife trade has been escalating, with recent evidence [suggesting] that organised international crime syndicate are targeting and exploiting Malawi as a source and transit route for their illegal wildlife trade," he had said. Low per capita income and rampant elephant poaching make Malawi an ideal country to source ivory.

Contd.

One missed opportunity, 330 million drought-stricken Indians We could have been drought-proof by 2010 had we only harvested rainwater. Sixteen years later, India's villages are paying the price.

Anil Agarwal It doesn't matter how much rain you get, if you do not capture it you can still be short of water. It is unbelievable but it is true that Cherrapunji in Meghalaya which gets 11,000 mm annual rainfall, still suffers from serious drinking water shortage.

Now contrast with this. Just the simple richness of rainwater availability that few of us realise because of the speed with which water, the world's most fluid substance, disappears. Imagine you had a hectare of land in Barmer in Rajasthan, one of India's driest places, and you received 100 mm of water in a year, common even for this area.

That means that you received as much as one million litres of water -enough to meet drinking and cooking water needs of 182 people at a liberal 15 litres per day. Even if you are not able to capture all that water-this would depend on the nature of rainfall events and type of runoff surface, among other factors -you could still, even with rudimentary technology, capture at least half a million litres a year.

In 1991, India had 587,226 inhabited villages with a total population of 629 million giving us an average population of 1,071 persons per village, up from 942 persons in 1981. Let us, therefore, assume that the average population of an Indian village today is about 1,200. India's average annual rainfall is about 1,170 mm.

If even only half of this water can be captured, though

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: static.indianexpress) with technology inputs this can be greatly increased, an average Indian village needs 1.12 hectares to capture 6.57 million litres of water it will use in a year for cooking and drinking. If there is a drought and rainfall levels dip to half the normal, the land required

would rise to a mere 2.24 hectares. The amount of land needed to meet the drinking water needs of an average village will vary from 0.10 hectares in Arunachal Pradesh (average population 236) where villages are small and rainfall high to 8.46 hectares in Delhi

where villages are big (average population 4769) and rainfall is low. In Rajasthan, the land required will vary from 1.683.64 hectares in different meteorological regions and, in Gujarat, it will vary from 1.723.30 hectares (see table: Every village in India can meet its own water needs). And, of course, any more water the villagers catch can go for irrigation.

Does this sound like an impossible task? Is there any village that does not have this land availability? India's total land area is over 300 million hectares. Let us assume that India's 587,000 villages can harvest the runoff from 200 million hectares of land, excluding inaccessible forest areas, high mountains and other uninhabited terrains, that still gives every village on an average access to 340 hectares or a

NGT'S Stand Vis-Ă -vis Kaziranga

Pride of Assam, a one horned Rhino. (Photo: toehold/phototours)

Sir, National Green Tribunal (NGT), New-Delhi with the power entrusted to it took certain momentous decisions to cleanse the vicinity of the Kaziranga National Park, specifying the radius pervading the park, relating to construction of structures. But for reasons, legal or others, the demolition process to remove the already constructed structures is yet to kick off. Mean while, enough damage has been caused to the 'Assam - Pride' one - horned rhino and the way the rhinos are killed by some unscrupulous poacher helped by the insurgent groups (?) prompts us to think that all is not well with the security force responsible for protecting the rhino. We fail to understand, why the successive forest ministers during Tarun Gogoi led ministry for long 15 years could not evict the dubious citizens settled in Kaziranga National

rainfall endowment of 3.75 billion litres of water. These calculations show the potential of rainwater harvesting is enormous and undeniable. There is just no reason whatsoever for thirst in India.

Therefore, it is possible to drought proof the entire country. Not just drinking water, most of India's agricultural fields should also be able to get some irrigation water to grow less water-intensive crops every year through rainwater harvesting.

(Anil Agarwal, founder editor and director of Down To Earth and the Centre for Science and Environment respectively, wrote this piece in 2000 when India was reeling under one of its worst drought spells.

For a detailed analysis of droughts in India, see 2016 Annual State of India's Environment Report.)

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

So please keep writing.

Park. Far from taking appropriate steps to evict them, the forest ministers indirectly extended co-operation to them only for strengthening the vote bank.

Many apprehend that some of the said citizens are in cahoots with the poachers. About Tarun Gogoi led ministry's Letters to the sincerity in evicting the said nationals from within the park, the less said the editor and articles better - despite Guwahati High court's should be sent to : verdict. Now, after the election the The Eastern ToChief-minister is obsessed with the day RSS, waking up from slumber, sudChowkidingee, denly starts accusing the RSS of orchestrating the Assam Movement. Will Near Sankardeva the National Green Tribunal do some- Hospital Mancotta thing to work out means to evict the Road, Dibrugarhland - grabbers?

786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc.

Web : Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Features

PAGE 11

WOMEN’S

Beauty tips for smooth underarms 6 Easy hacks your underarms to help cool and soothe them in this blistering heat. It will help soften your skin as well as make you feel fresher and less prone to sweat and body odour.

6. An oil massage for extra hydration Your underarms are no different from the rest of your skin, and the same moisturizing rules apply to them as well. A good way to keep them hydrated and promote skin elasticity is by massaging the skin there with coconut or almond oil.

Doing so often enough will keep the skin firm and also get rid of roughness.

With the summer heat here, it's the season of sleeveless dresses and strappy tops. Darkened skin and ingrown hair can really be the pits! If you're facing any annoying under-thearm issues or would just love smoother pits, then read on. We give you the best beauty tips for flawless underarms.

1. Sugar + Lemon for overall goodness Lemon, as you well know, is a natural lightening agent and mixing it with a tablespoon of granulated sugar makes for an excellent scrub for your underarms. Use it to scrub your armpits for a couple of minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. Not only will it lighten dark skin, but also leave it feeling incredibly smooth. If you feel like your skin is a little rough in this area, then it's a great idea to try this simple scrub.

2. Milk + Besan for silky softness Add some milk to 2 tablespoons of besan (gram flour) to make a thick paste.

You can add a pinch of turmeric to it too to help brighten the area. Leave this pack on your underarms for a good 10 minutes and wash off with warm water. It will leave the area bright and

with velvety smooth.

3. Potatoes and Oranges to lighten discoloration Darkness and discoloration is one of the most common underarm issues that girls face. You can try any of these home remedies for it: Soak potato slices in a bowl of water for a couple minutes before taking them

Warm summer weather is in full gear and we can't stop ourselves going outdoors.

Every time we step in sun, the sun takes a real toll on

½ teaspoon of oatmeal This simple face mask works wonders for oily, acne-prone skin as bananas are packed with antioxi-

Srishti Khati our skin . Of course we always arm ourselves with our trusty SPF, but sometimes that just isn't enough - our skin is in need of some serious hydration.

Luckily there's an easy fix DIY face masks! Not only are they super simple to make at home, but they're packed with a bunch of natural beauty benefits to help revitalize your skin. I have handpicked some of my favorites below, so grab your ingredients and give them a try and get ready for a glowing skin this summer. *Banana honey face mask Ingredients 1/2 banana (ripe) 2 tablespoons of honey

dants and potassium that naturally helps combat acne while honey helps to keep skin perfectly hydrated.

Take an over ripe banana and mash it until it's a semiliquid consistency, then sprinkle in the cinnamon and some honey. Mix it all together and apply to freshly cleansed skin.

Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. *Oatmeal yogurt face mask Ingredients 1/4 cup of dry rolled oats 3 tablespoon of plain yogurt

out and rubbing these slices over your armpits.

Potatoes have natural bleaching properties, so they are a great way of getting fairer underarms.

Put some dried orange peels in the blender so that it is powdered. Now add some of this powder to 2 tablespoons of yogurt and apply the mix over your

2 tablespoon of honey This hydrating ingredient mask works wonders on dull skin. It helps to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin.

To start, blend your oats to a powder like consistency in a food processor. Then mix in the yogurt, honey, and blended oats.

Apply on the face for as long as desired (but not more than 20 minutes), then rinse off with warm water.

Follow up with your favourite toner and serum for instantly glowing skin!

2. For hair fall and dandruff Mix a cup of yoghurt with about two tsp of powered fenugreek seeds, one tsp each of amla (gooseberry), reetha and shikakai and apply this mask onto your scalp and hair for about 40 minutes ; then rinse it off .

3. For dull hair Grind hibiscus flowers

*Exfoliating honey cinnamon mask Ingredients: ½ cup honey ¼ cup of baking soda 2 teaspoon if cinnamon Dry summer heat can often take a toll on our skin leaving it burnt, dried out and flaky. Luckily, exfoliating treatments are great at combating dehydrated skin and this DIY mask is packed with natural ingredients to help restore moisture and eliminate dryness.

Cinnamon, a natural astringent, works with baking soda to remember dirt and unclog pores while honey restores moisture, without making skin oily. Mix all the

ingredients together and apply onto clean skin.

Leave it for 15-20minutes.

Go ahead beat the sun using these simple and easy DIY face masks!

Symptoms it might be time to see a dermatologist

Srishti Khati much of iron pressing, a pack to cool your scalp is necessary. In a bowl mix two egg yolks, one egg white, juice of a lemon and some drops of honey. Make a paste and apply on hair. After leaving on hair for half an hour, rinse it off. A mild herbal product is recommended for shampooing.

area. Exfoliating with a good body scrub is the best way to get rid of ingrown hair for good. Use a body scrub, which also leaves the skin soft. Follow it up with a soothing moisturizer.

5. Aloe Vera Gel for instant freshness and smoothness Aloe vera gel is so handy to have around. Apply it on

DIY Summer face packs

Lovely Locks Whether you have long hair or short, curly or straight hair, every woman's dream is a smooth and silky hair. But unfortunately everyone does not have his or her dream hair. Pollution, humidity, heat styling, continuous use of chemicals and bad eating habits strip off the natural oils in our hair , leaving it dry and brittle. There are numerous ways to replenish your hair, but if you do not want to spend thousands in a professional hair spa in a saloon, try these very effective and exclusive hair care tips for women.

Hair packs 1. Unhealthy hair For hair that is unhealthy and has undergone too

armpits. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. This will considerably lighten your underarms and leave them smooth and soft.

4. Exfoliate to banish ingrown hair Whether you wax or shave, hair ingrowth can be the most annoying thing ever, and for some of us, especially in the underarm

7. A few things to avoid for flawless underarms *As much as possible, try and avoid shaving your pits, as it can make your skin darker and rough. *Don't use a harsh soap that strips moisture from your skin. A mild soap that is non-drying is always better. *Avoid spraying deodorant directly over your skin.

We all do this, but it can cause darkness, irritation and even rashes. *Don't wear tight clothes that cause sweating and friction.

and leaves, neem leaves, amla(gooseberry) , one egg , two tblspn each of olive oil and lemon juice . Beat all these together and apply to the hair, leaving it on for 20 minutes before shampooing. After shampooing you don't even have to use a conditioner, your hair feels so soft.

4. Oily hair Take an egg white and apply evenly on your scalp without mixing it with anything else. Apply this twice a week to get good results.

Most of us hate visiting any kind of doctor unless it's absolutely necessary. But booking an appointment with a dermatologist can help give you the skin you've always wanted and can even help with your hair woes. After all, who doesn't want flawless skin, and lustrous, healthy hair? Here are some signs that it's time to pay your Dermatologist a visit…

1. Horrid Hair Fall In case of horrid hair fall, we mostly find comfort in the fact that losing 100 strands a day is normal, and that it is the usual cycle for every piece of hair that finally sheds itself. However, if your hair comes off into your hand by the bunch when you run your fingers through it, you need to make an appointment with a doc. Fix it before you're all 'bald' out, we say.

2. Acne Aches That one pimple which shows up around the time of your menstrual cycle is acceptable, and expected. But if this is a regular occurrence, it's best to see your Dermatologist and find out the root cause. Nip it in the bud, ladies!

3. Daring Dandruff Walking out in a LBD looks good - no doubt! - but what

about those white flakes that show up on your shoulders?

Hello, humiliation central!

You've probably tried every anti-dandruff shampoo available at the neighborhood store - but it doesn't help long-term.

In which case, it's best that you take advice from a professional and tackle this. No tressstress!

4. Annoying Itch It probably is a normal allergy. However, after trying out multiple home remedies (mustard oil, aloe vera gel, neem paste, et al) if it persists for days at end, you'd better have

it checked with your dermatologist and have it checked for something unforeseen.

5. Worry Lines Now this is a tricky one.

After a certain age, we all have seen those lines appearing around our eyes/forehead/ mouth. And you do go for regular spas and facials, but to no avail! Worry not, ladies (that'll probably make those lines only deeper)! Just book yourself a Dermatologist consultation and you'll know how to deal with it.

6. Dark Circle Drama You're sleeping just fine and eating healthy too! Then whyoh-why is your under-eye area darkening?! Maybe it is hereditary or it's some nutrient that's lacking in your system. All you need to do is bring it to your Dermatologist's attention.

Hello, even-toned skin!

7. Oh-So-Oily Even if you have had flawless skin uptil now, if your oil glands are working on overdrive, it isn't good news. It can lead to acne and make you feel like you need some blotting paper handy at all times. Luckily, a doctor can treat this for you. Prevention is better than cure, they say.

for your bad hair days

Bad hair days - we all are familiar with the term, and it has a certain degree of irritation and disillusionment attached to it. Sure, there are days you magically wake up to hair that looks quite decent with minimum effort, but what about the days you don't? Here's where we step in for you. Take a look at some simple things you can do to look glam on those days when your hair just won't behave…

1. Dry shampoo to the rescue The primary use of dry shampoo is to soak up the oiliness of hair on days when you have no time or patience to shampoo it. Another great use of the product is to add texture to your tresses. On days when you don't have blessings from the hair gods, it's dry shampoo that can come to your rescue. Hair becomes fresher, tame and more manageable after spritzing it and can be styled much more easily.

2. Braids behave To hide unruly hair in a cutesy side braid is both easy and stylish. Avoid using a hairbrush or comb - instead, run your fingers through your hair, create a side parting, and then make a loose side braid.

Tugging at the braid from either side makes it appear more voluminous and attractive. Also, unwashed hair holds braids much better. To make it look effortlessly stylish, pull out small bits of your hair from the sides, above your ears, and let them fall loosely.

3. Bun-tastic Tucking all those unruly strands of hair in a bun is probably the easiest way of tackling a bad hair day. Using dry shampoo before you start to style your hair makes the process easier. Tease your crown for some volume on top if you don't want it to look too slick. You can use a rubber band and make a high or a low bun, whichever you like. Let a few strands loose or use a hairband to give it a stylish twist - and no one will ever know you're having a less-than-fabulous hair day.

4. Pin-up girl Another hairdo that can be resorted to on a day when your hair won't be merciful towards you is the pin-up. Messy, unruly hair can be twisted from the front, and pinned up, piece by piece. The hair left hanging can be kept as it is, or tied into a ponytail or even be tied up in a bun. Do not fret over using too many pins, because on a day like this, there is nothing like too many pins. Every unmanageable hair strand can actually be put in place, and pinned up to secure it.

5. Rock the band Hair bands come in different designs and can add a lot of style and drama to your look on a bad hair day. Be it a printed one, or one with a dramatic flower on one side, or a bow - they look cute and truly add to your look of the day. A pretty hairband will take away from the unruliness of your hair, ladies! Ensure not to push your hair back too tightly with the headband, as that tends to damage the roots. Push your the band back and then pull it slightly closer to your forehead to give it a slight bump. This will give your hair a fuller, healthier look.

6. Scarfs up And when all else fails - just cover it up, ladies!

There are scarves with floral prints, checks, colourful splashes, tassels, and there are cotton ones, and silk ones, and satin ones, and even khaadi ones - a myriad of stylish scarves to choose from.

Pair these up with a cool pair of sunglasses and you're set for the runway too! You can simply cover that head and tie the scarf at the bottom, or you can even make a pretty bow on top or on the side of your head. Time to go scarf shopping!

BUSINESS SpiceJet to replace wet-lease fleet

PAGE 10

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Mumbai, Apr 22: SpiceJet will replace all its seven wetlease aircraft with dry-lease planes by June 15 this year, to cut costs and speed up operations, its Chairman Ajay Singh told. "(Wetlease planes) are more expensive than the dry-lease ones. They also have issues of longer turnaround time.

We cannot utilise them like the dry-lease planes. In some cases, the on-time performance gets impacted," Mr. Singh said. "We took wet-lease planes because they were available in a short time. They have served the purpose as they allowed us to fulfill the commitments to fly the scheduled operations as we had promised. And of course, there are problems with the wet-lease planes. They have a different style and working parameters. By June 15, we hope to replace them with dry-lease planes," Mr. Singh said in the interview. SpiceJet has so far inducted seven aircraft on wet-lease, after the new management under Mr. Singh took over the ailing airline in 2015, to ensure

Govt., industry to aid farmers ease jute scarcity Kolkata, Apr 22: The government and the jute sector have set out on a programme aimed at handholding farmers to increase the supply of raw jute. The Centre unveiled the 'Jute I-CARE' project through the National Jute Board and the Jute Corporation of India to improve agronomical practices in 2015. As many as 8,000 hectares were covered in this jute year while 25,000 hectares will be covered the next year. The programme comes at a time when many farmers are exiting cultivation of the 'golden' fibre due to poor returns resulting in raw material shortage.

Mr.Manish Poddar, Chairman of the Indian Jute Mills Association, said that 15 jute mills are set to adopt villages in Nadia district.

(Agencies)

Growers seek to increase tea exports to Malaysia Chennai, Apr 22: Tea exports from south India to Indonesia and Malaysia are expected to increase by 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes in a year, according to the South India Tea Exporters' Association. Association Chairman Dipak Shah said that Indonesia imported almost four million kg and Malaysia almost eight million kg annually from India. Most of the tea is sourced from South India. Indonesia is a tea-growing country. But, the area under tea is dropping there. In Malaysia, imports are more from countries such as China and Indonesia compared with India. In a bid to increase India's exports to Malaysia and Indonesia, a nine-member delegation of South India Tea Exporters' Association visited the two countries and signed an agreement with the Tea Trade Association of Malaysia to improve co-operation between the two countries, exchange information and assist each other in tea trade and investment. "We are into value addition and we have showcased our strength. With this visit, they will hopefully look at buying more from India," Mr. Shah said. South India exports 95 million to 100 million kg of tea every year to countries such as Russia and the U.S. This year, imports by Bangladesh went up, he said. (Agencies)

Image for representational purpose only passenger bookings do not get impacted. That was the first time an Indian carrier inducted planes on wetlease for domestic operations. The low-cost airline faced higher costs and operations were delayed due to the wet-lease aircraft arrangement, Mr. Singh said.

Under wet-lease contract, the lessor provides crew, maintenance and insurance

to the airline along with the aircraft unlike a dry-lease arrangement where only the aircraft is leased. The airline has a total of 28 narrowbody jet, including 26 Boeing 737s and two Airbus A320s, and 14 Bombardier Q-400s. Without specifying numbers, SpiceJet Chairman said it will place "a significant order" for planes this year that will take care of its

aircraft requirement for several years. "We expect we will increase our capacity by close to 20-25 per cent. We are hoping to place the order soon," he said. Mr. Singh called for a level-playing field on domestic and international flying norms.

The government is looking to relax the flying abroad rules for airlines, popularly known as 5/20. According

to the rule, all airlines need to have an experience of five years on domestic routes and 20 aircraft in its fleet in order to serve international routes. "The government must examine ownership and effective control norms and not allow airlines breaking laws to take advantage of the (civil aviation) policy," Mr. Singh said. New carriers Vistara and AirAsia are pressing the government to do away with the 5/ 20 rule so that they are allowed to fly abroad. However, the domestic carriers such as IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and GoAir, are against any relaxation.

SpiceJet had no issues with the route dispersal guidelines (RDGs) that mandate them to deploy a certain share of its fleet onto underserved routes, Mr. Singh said. "We are in favour of retaining the RDGs. We feel it is in the interest of the country and has worked well so far. We need some more years of RDG to ensure connectivity in the country but a levelplaying field would mean same rule is applicable to all

the airlines." The level-playing field will not come until the government does away with a rule that restricts the existing carriers to withdraw services from the existing uneconomic routes, he said.

"There is a provision which says that the existing routes flown by the existing carriers cannot be withdrawn.

This means we have to continue our present flights but they (new carriers) will do whatever they feel like. Not only can we not take away those routes, we cannot even change within the framework of RDG. Therefore, it is not a level-playing field." He said the 5/20 rule has helped in better connectivity on domestic routes.

"We believe because of the 5/20, which we also opposed initially, we were forced to fly domestically and on routes that were pretty uneconomic at that time. But because of those restrictions, it created a lot of connectivity in the country which otherwise wouldn't have existed in the country. As a policy, the government must try and increase the connectivity."

(Agencies)

Kotak aims 5% share of mutual fund industry

Mumbai, Apr 22: Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company is aiming at a five per cent market share, up from 3.5 per cent, in the mutual fund space during the current financial year, Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, said. The assets under its management is in the vicinity of around Rs.62,000 crore, he said. The mutual fund industry in India has a total asset under manage-

ment of around Rs.13.5 lakh crore. The AMC had a twopoint focus to build trust and grow business in an industry which was still struggling to woo investors who had other investment and spending opportunities, Mr. Shah said. "We don't have too many schemes. We have one scheme in each category. This helps us to connect well with investors.'

(Agencies)

Google reveals two fresh products in India

Software centre to be set up by Nationstar Mumbai, Apr 22: Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, a provider of residential mortgage services in the U.S., has set up a software development centre in Chennai.

Of its 500-strong IT workforce, 100 are in the new centre, which will grow to a headcount of 300 by the end of this year and 500 in the next. Asked if mortgage services in the U.S., after nearly collapsing in 2008 during the financial crisis, had revived adequately for providers to expand, Jay Bray, President & CEO, Nationstar, said: "We grew

NATIONSTAR STRATEGIES Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, a provider of residential mortgage services in the U.S., has set up a software development centre in Chennai.

Of its 500-strong IT workforce, 100 are in the new centre, which will grow to a headcount of 300 by the end of this year and 500 in seven-fold to 7000 people between 2008 and now. It

the next.

Nationstar, which has about 2.5 million customers, get paid in service fees while banks and other financial institutions continue to own the loans.

The company had also moved from paper-based processes to imaging. was an opportunity for us to service loans that were

going delinquent, through modifying them under easier terms." Companies such as Nationstar, which has about 2.5 million customers, get paid in service fees while banks and other financial institutions continue to own the loans.

Through the use of technology and process efficiencies, the company has seen 20 per cent gains in servicing costs. "Data analytics helps us. For example, though the first of the month is the due date for interest payments, some customers pay up only in

Renewable capacity to raise by 8.8 GW New Delhi, Apr 22: India's renewable energy sector could add 8.8 GW of new capacity in 201617, on the back of a record capacity addition of 6.9 GW in the previous year, an ICRA Ratings report has projected.

The new renewable capacities in 2015-16 were chiefly driven by significant increases in solar and wind capacity, which grew by 3 GW and 3.3 GW, respectively. "Overall, ICRA estimates the capacity addition in the RE (renewable energy) sector to increase to 8.8

GW in 2016-2017 as against the 6.9 GW seen during 2015-2016, primarily led by the higher capacity addition in the solar segment," Sabyasachi Majumdar, Senior Vice President, ICRA Ratings said. "Further, solar power is expected to remain a key driver for RE capacity addition in the medium term."

The ratings agency estimated an increase of 5.7 GW in solar capacity in 2016-17. However, it predicted that there could be a decline in new capacity

addition in the wind sector due to a substantial reduction in preferential tariff for new wind energy projects to be commissioned in Madhya Pradesh, and a slowdown in the signing of fresh PPAs & delays in payments by the state-owned utility in Maharashtra.

However, ICRA also pointed to several factors that could still pose a risk to the RE sector. "In spite of aforementioned favourable factors, transmission challenges and counterparty credit risks affecting signing of PPAs

(power purchase agreements) and timely payments could pose challenges for the sector," Mr Majumdar said.

"Further with the concerns on the viability of the competitively bid tariffs in the solar energy sector, actual solar capacity addition would hinge on timeliness in achieving the financial closure by IPPs (independent power producers), as well as in signing of PPAs with the buyers, viz. the state-owned utilities," he added. (Agencies)

LeEco reveals superphones, new concept car New Delhi, Apr 22: Playing a disruptive force again, global internet and technology conglomerate LeEco launched three "superphones", a range of television sets and the world's first driverless concept Super Car here. The three superphones - "Le 2", "Le 2 Pro" and "Le Max 2" - are loaded with USB TypeC audio port feature CDLA (Continual Digital Lossless Audio) technology to offer high-quality audio. All three "superphones" have a metal unibody design, thin bezels on the front and a fingerprint scanner for extra security. LeEco Le 2 has a 5.5-inch full HD (1080p) display and is powered by MediaTek's Helio

X20 tri-cluster deca-core processor paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of onboard storage. It is equipped with a 16megapixel rear camera and LED flash and an 8 megapixel camera up f r o n t .

Armed with

GB and 64 GB internal storage variants. Le 2 Pro comes with a resolution of 21-megapixel in the rear cam-

a 3,000 mAh battery with fast charging support, the device also including VoLTE, among others. LeEco Le 2 Pro is powered by MediaTek's Helio X25 deca-core chipset paired with 4 GB of RAM and 32

vice comes with a 5.7-inch QHD display. The smartphone runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor paired with 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of onboard storage. The superphone comes equipped with a

GYande hasr a O L a frontO N facing H 8 C E megapixel T unit. LeEco Le Max 2 de-

3,100 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 feature. The "superphones" run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS wrapped under LeEco's customised EUI 5.5. LeEco also showcased its "supercar" LeSEE - touted as the world's first driverless concept supercar. The concept car encompasses a unique "internet" design, with a large and flamboyant LED screen. It has facial recognition, emotion recognition, system recognition and path recognition technology.

LeEco also launched three fourth generation Super TVs Super 4 X50 Pro, Super 4 X50, Super 4 X50 CSL. The products are in 50-inch size and have 9.9 mm ultra-slim metal bodies. (Agencies)

the middle of the month. In the U.S., that is not considered late. So, calling such customers for reminders early in the month only wastes their time and ours," Mr. Bray said.

The company had also moved from paper-based processes to imaging. Mr. Bray added that the company chose India as an offshore centre for the software skills available as well as domain expertise, or an understanding of the mortgage and financial markets among its workforce here.

(Agencies)

$1 bn may be raised by PSU utility firms Chennai, Apr 22: Indian public sector utility firms are likely to raise $1 billion by issuing rupee-denominated bonds in the U.K. in the next few months, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said. In order to meet its target of 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, India is exploring various avenues of international financing. "Companies including NTPC, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Power Finance Corporation, Power Trading Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation are likely to launch these Masala Bonds totalling $1 billion in the next three or four months in the U.K. to gauge the investor appetite," Mr. Goyal said.

Masala bonds are rupeedenominated debt issued to overseas buyers. The Minister was speaking at a round table conference in London. The tenor of the bonds is likely to be in a band of five to seven years, Mr. Goyal said. Mr. Goyal also said that while the Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) was working apace, it would be only by 2019 that the entire distribution segment will be back on track.

"IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) is coordinating a billion-dollar equity fund, perhaps the largest in the renewable space.

"This will be professionally managed by an independent international fund management company. Indian public sector companies have already committed $315 million," Mr. Goyal said.

(Agencies)

New Delhi, Apr 22: Google introduced the latest version of its mediastreaming device Chromecast, over a year after the device was first introduced in India. The tech giant also launched the new Chromecast Audio that was first unveiled in September last year.

Both the devices have been priced at Rs 3,399.

Chromecast, which is available in 31 countries and has about 20 million users globally, enable users to stream any content, including games and video from their mobile phone to television. Us-

ing Wi-Fi network. Likewise, Chromecast Audio allows users to stream audio from their smartphone, including music applications, on to any speaker.

The company did not disclose number of Chromecast users in India. Both the devices will be available through marketplaces like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Paytm as well as retailers like Reliance and Croma and will come bundles with six months of free subscription for Hooq and Saavn.

(Agencies)

Maruti to uphold double-digit rise

Image for representational purpose only

New Delhi, Apr 22: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is confident of maintaining double-digit sales growth in the year ending March 2017. The industry growth, however, is estimated to be around 6-7 per cent. In an interaction with Mr.R.S. Kalsi, Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), said Maruti's sales grew 11.5 per cent in 2015-16, while the industry grew by 7.2 per cent. The market share of Maruti Suzuki rose to 46.8 per cent, a gain of 1.8 percentage points over the previous year, and up from 38 per cent in 201112. "This is the highest market share for us in the last seven years," he said.

In the passenger car

space, its share stood at 52.7 per cent, a gain of 1.3 per cent over the previous year. Mr. Kalsi indicated that the new product plan of Maruti was on track, as part of its vision to hit 2 million in annual sales, from 1.28 million now. The company had lined up two new products - Ignis and Baleno RS - for introduction this year. The company plans to launch 15 new vehicles in the next few years, ahead of the introduction of new regulations and emission norms. The industry saw the introduction of 23 new models last year, of which three came from the Maruti stable - Scross, Baleno and Vitara Brezza. (Agencies)

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

PAGE 11

Johannesburg, Apr.22 (ANI): Weeks after being hit for four consecutive sixes against West Indies in the World T20 final, England all-rounder Ben Stokes has admitted that he was extremely devastated at that moment, but added that his growing maturity as a player helped him to deal with the situation.

New Delhi, Apr.22 (ANI): The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Friday moved the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court order on shifting of IPL matches due to severe drought.

The apex court will hear the matter on April 25.

The Bombay High Court had on April 13 ordered shifting of all IPL matches scheduled in Maharashtra after April 30 to another state.

A visibly shattered Stokes was left squatting with his head in his hands on the ground after he failed to replicate his death-bowling heroics, displayed during clashes against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, in the high-octane finale.

All-rounder Yuvraj Singh New Delhi, Apr.22 (ANI): All-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who remained out of action after being injured during the recently-concluded World Twenty20, is eyeing to make a return for Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League ( IPL) clash against Gujarat Lions on May 6.

The left-handed explosive batsman, who was bought

by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. seven crore at this year's auction, suffered the injury during India's pulsating final group-stage match againstAustralia in the

World T20 in Mohali last month.

Reflecting on his sudden exit from the World T20, Yuvraj said that he had prepared extremely hard for the prestigious tournament, adding that it was frustrating to bow out from the side ahead of the semi-finals.

Yuvraj, who has declared himself fit again, also hinted on his possible return in Test cricket later this summer.

He said that he has been performing well from the

last two seasons of the Ranji Trophy and insisted that he would surely like to play again in the longest-format of the game if he would be given opportunity in the coming season.

Lavishing praise on Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli, the 34year-old said that he has been performing consistently well and is getting better with each passing day. He added that Kohli had won a lot of games for India in the World T20, but his side failed to capitalize on it. (ANI)

Defeat against Sunrisers `a learning curve` for players, says Gujarat Lions coach Hodge

It was in the last over when West Indies required 19 more runs to win but Carlos Brathwaite produced his batting master class and hit the bowler for four successive sixes to steer his side to their second World T20 title.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes Insisting that he is learning to cope a lot better in dreadful situations, Stokes said that he would have surely tortured himself if that kind of incident happened a few years ago, Sport24 reported.

vealed that he always fought his own battles on the field and tries to be a lot better than the other person, adding he just wants to win every game which he plays.

The 24-year-old further re-

Stokes had been a part of several on-field feud over

the past year, most notably with West Indiesall-rounder Marlon Samuels.

Stokes, however, played a crucial run in England's run to the final by claiming four wickets and five catches in the T20 format's pinnacle event.

Wenger gushes over ` exceptional` Sanchez post West Brom drubbing London, Apr. 22 (ANI): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on star forward Alexis Sanchez after his side claimed a comfortable win against West Brom in their Premier Leagueclash, saying the Chilean footballer is back to his best form.

Arsenal recovered from their recent draws against West Ham and Crystal Palace as Sanchez smashed two first-half goals to provide his side with a 2-0 win over West Brom at Emirates Stadium last evening.

"He is back sharper, more confident. Overall - especially in the first half - I think he was exceptional," Wenger was quoted as say-

rather than being anxious about the consequence of the result. I think it was important and overall it helped the team," said Wenger.

The Arsenal manager said that his side need to focus on one game at a time and have to win their upcoming games in order to keep alive their hopes of the Champions League qualification.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ing by goal.com.

Wenger admitted that the quality of the game was good as his side performed technically well, but added that it would have been great if they managed to score more goals.

"It has been in other games as well where we did not always make the maximum points for the quality of our games. The early goal certainly helped us to focus more on the way we play

The victory has moved Arsenal to the third spot, two points clear of Manchester City and four points ahead of Manchester United in fifth.

Arsenal , which are still trailing by 10 points from top-placed Leicester City, will next lock horns with Sunderland on Sunday.

Leicester's Vardy accepts improper conduct charge Gujarat Lions Head coach Brad Hodge Rajkot, Apr.22 (ANI): After tasting their first defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gujarat Lions Head coach Brad Hodge says that the massive 10-wicket loss has provided them with an opportunity to introspect and learn.

In a one-sided clash on Thursday evening, openers David Warner (74) and Shikhar Dhawan (53) shared a huge 137-run partnership as Sunrisers chased down the target of 136 runs with 31 balls to spare against Gujarat Lions here at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

"We have had a great start to the tournament; we won our first three games, but lost today. There are so many good teams in the competition and you are bound to lose one along the way. Yes, we got fairly comprehensively beaten tonight but it is great because there

are a few learning curves for us along the way. We have a great side, wonderful match-winners," Hodge said after the match.

The former Australian Test skipper, however, admitted his side failed to perform at their absolute best, insisting that they had also given away wickets easily.

"I don't think they applied themselves as best as they could have. Apart from the captain, who looked in a different class today, the rest of them struggled a bit or played a bit too flamboyantly at times, and we gave away wickets easily. That can happen in T20 cricket where you back yourself, and we can adjust that," he said.

While the wickets kept falling on the other end, Gujarat Lions skipper Suresh Raina fought the lone battle by contributing significant 75 runs off 51 balls.

Lavishing praise over Raina, Hodge admitted the former has great knowledge about the game and that he stepped up really well as a captain.

"I think his strength is that he is a very calm human being. He has been under Dhoni for quite a while and he gets that relaxed persona on the field from him. He never gets too flustered, which is good for his troops out there. I think he has wonderful knowledge of the game. Of course, this is his first chance to captain in the IPL but he has led the UP team a number of times and has been around a number of good captains. He has certainly stepped up to this role and has come out of the shadows of those captains," insisted Hodge.

Gujarat Lions, which are currently second in league table with three wins in four games they played, will now play against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the same venue on Sunday.

Bopanna- Rojer crash out of Barcelona Open

cmyk

Barcelona, Apr.22 (ANI): Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna and his partnerJean-Julien Rojer of Netherlands have been knocked out of the Barcelona Open after suffering straight-sets defeat in the quarter-finals of the

men's doubles event.

The fourth-seeded pair was beaten by un-seeded pair of Treat Huey and Max Mirnyi 6-7 (5-7), 4-6 in a contest that lasted for one hour and 11 minutes.

Huey and Mirnyi will now

face Bryan Brothers in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal will face 12th seed Fabio Fognini of Italy in the quarterfinal clash of the men's singles event later today.

London, Apr.22 (ANI): Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has accepted the improper conduct charge leveled against him, following his angry reaction after being send-off during the Premier League clash against West Ham. Vardy had shouted angrily at match referee Jonathan Moss after he was shown a red card for diving in an unsuccessful attempt to win

a penalty in the second half of Sunday's 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium.

tended ban against him, the Guardian reported.

In addition to an automatic one-match suspension for the second booking, the England International is facing the prospect of an extended suspension.

Vardy, who is likely to appear before a three-member independent disciplinary commission, would be required to explain the reason behind his actions and has to convince the panel why his action do not require another suspension on top of his mandatory ban.

The 29-year-old, however, requested a personal hearing in order to explain his stance and to avoid an ex-

Offering his support to Vardy, England manager Roy Hodgson said the former had became the victim of injustice and insisted that the footballer should not be scolded for his human reaction.

Vardy, who has scored 22 league goals this season in addition to providing six assists, will miss the game against Swansea City at home ground on Sunday.

Amir may face visa issues for England tour Karachi, Apr.22 (ANI): Pakistan fast bowlerMohammad Amir, who was convicted in the 2010 spotfixing scandal, could be denied a visa for the upcoming tour of England this summer.

Amir was slapped with a five-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the peak of his career and also served six months in prison for bowling deliberate noballs by pre-arrangement during the fourth Test match against En-

MCA moves SC against Bombay HC order of shifting IPL matches

gland at Lord's in 2010.

The British immigration lawyers said that Amir's case would depend on whether his admission into the country would be contrary to the public good, adding that it would be at the discretion of the immigration officer dealing with his visa application, the Express Tribune reported.

Amir displayed impressive form in domestic matches as well as in the Bangladesh Premier League ( BPL) before

Pakistan fast bowlerMohammad Amir

cementing his place in the national side again following the completion of his five-year ban in September.

The 24-year-old appeared in two ODIs and 11 T20Is for Pakistan since his return, claiming a total of 16 wickets.

Earlier, Amir faced similar visa issues during his side's tour to New Zealand, but was later allowed to travel the country after Pakistan and New Zealand's boards provided their support to the tainted pacer.

As per the High Court's order, 13 matches, including the final in Mumbai scheduled for May 29, cannot be held in Maharashtra.

The High Court passed the order after hearing a petition filed by an NGO, which claimed that 60 lakh litres of water is proposed to be used for maintaining cricket pitches in the three venues that will host the IPL matches in Maharashtra namely Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.

The High Court's direction had come despite an assurance by the BCCI that IPL franchises of Mumbai and Pune had agreed to contribute Rs. five crore each to the Chief Minister's droughtrelief fund.

Lehmann backs Gillespie for Australia bowling coach role London, Apr.22 (ANI): Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has thrown his weight behind former pacemanJason Gillespie for the role of bowling coach.

Australia, the top-ranked Test side, have been without a full-time bowling coach since the departure of Craig McDermott following the conclusion of theWorld Twenty20 earlier this month.

Commenting on the matter, Lehmann said that Gillespie will certainly be at forefront with otherbowling coaches for the vacant position, the Guardian reported.

Lehmann added that they hope to entice the former paceman back in the national squad this autumn.

Gillespie, who has taken 259 wickets in his 71 Tests for Australia, is currently coaching England's domestic club Yorkshire and is hoping to guide his side to third consecutive county championships. (ANI)

Sanchez's brace helps Arsenal ease past West Brom in PL London, Apr.22 (ANI): Two first-half goals from star forward Alexis Sanchez gave Arsenal a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Brom in theirPremier League clash atEmirates Stadium on Friday.

The 27-year-old Chilean footballer put his side ahead in the sixth minute of the match before he doubled the lead with a header in the 38th minute to place Arsenal in driver's seat, the Guardian reported.

With this victory, Arsene Wenger's side have moved above Manchester City into the third place in standings.

Arsenal, which are still trailing by 10 points from top-placed Leicester City, will next lock horns with Sunderland on Sunday.

cmyk

Yuvraj fit again, eyeing IPL return against Gujarat Lions

Growing maturity helped in dealing with WT20 nightmare: Stokes

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, APRIL 23

PAGE 12

Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya…a milestone in the field of education "The greatest gift one can give to a child is to teach him to know himself and master himself", according to S.P.Suresh who is the Director of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh.

The main aim behind the establishment of the school was because there was a need of good English medium school in

Dibrugarh town. Reputed people and eminent personalities started this 'Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya' from January 2006.It provides education with the spiritual values and physical fitness. Right now, the school provides best education in order to develop a child who can lead future India. The

school is a co-educational and provides fully digitalised class rooms from Class- KG to classX. Happiness & Success are the goals Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya is striving for. They can be achieved through a high degree of awareness. As awareness is an obvious outcome of spirituality must go hand in hand.

The whole staff of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya comprises of a few perfectionist who in themselves are a role model to the society. The main philosophy of each and every staff of the school is that art of education is education is educating the heart.

They also believe in the

fact that they cannot teach the child but just help him learn. No man is fully educated until he learns to know himself.

Education is knowing what you want, where to get it, and what to do with it once you get it.

Although a new school in the whole of Dibrugarh town, the school has been able to

bring in laurels to its name. Two teams of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh were selected for State level presentation of National Children's Science Congress.

SKV Dibrugarh team also won the first prize in the State level National group song competition held at Guwahati on

September 6, 2014.

From both the category of Hindi and Assamese songs the school received the 1st Prize.

Moreover Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh has been tagged as "CBSE-NEW G E N E R AT I O N SCHOOL" as the school have introduced Vocational subjects as 6th

subject in Class-9 and 10. Above all these Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya is the first school in Dibrugarh having fully digitalized classrooms. All the class rooms from Class-KG to Class-X are digitalized with smart boards. All the teachers are trained to teach in these digital boards.

11th Foundation Day of

Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya celebrated with tradition and gaiety Shri Shri Debananda Deva Goswami, the deka satradhikar of Auniati Satra showers blessings upon school ET Bureau Dibrugarh, Apr 22: The 11th Foundation Day of the Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya - one of the premier educational institution of the state - was celebrated recently with a daylong programme, here at the institution's premises amidst the presence of a large number of students, teachers, administrators and a large number of guardians. The programme began with a mass cleanliness drive during which the teachers, students, employees took part. The flag was unfurled by Dr. Utpal Sarmah, President of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya which was followed by lighting of the

ceremonial lamp and christening of "Late Rajib Jyoti Bora memorial bhawan" by Mrs. Sashi

Prava Kar. Pranab Kumar Makrary, the Managing Trustee and Secretary of Sampoorna Kendra

Vidyalaya. Unfurling the flag, Dr. Sarmah ruged upon all present to work with more sincerity and

dedication in order to achieve higher goals. On the other hand, the young and dynamic Managing Trustee and Secretary Pranab Kumar Makrary while congratulating all on the institution's foundation day said that the institution has grown from a child with the blessings of many persons. "Many dreams are attached with the institution's growth and future and hence, we will have to work with more dedication", he said.

A series of religious programme was held during which Shri Shri Debananda Deva Goswami, the deka satradhikar of Auniati Satra was present. A 'Bhaona' - 'Gajaketu

Upakhyan' was also staged during the day long programme. The entire atmosphere of the school became serene with the singing of 'dehanaam' and other religious presentations. A host of distinguished personalities from diverse fields were also felicitated by the school authorities. Accordingly, Shri Shri Debananda Deva Goswami, the deka satradhikar of Auniati Satra was felicitated by Dr. Utpal Sarmah, President of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya, Pranab Kumar Makrary, the Managing Trustee and Secretary of Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya, S.P.Suresh, Director, Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya, Mamoni Bora Markary, Trustee and Treasurer, Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya,

Mamoni Bora, Joint Trustee, Sampoorna Kendra Vidyalaya and Sivaji Bora, Trustee. Although, Dr. Nagen Saikia, former President of Asom Sahitya Sabha and an eminent litterateur could not attend the programme due to prior occupation he sent his best wishes to the authorities and students of the school on the 11th Foundation Day. Renowned exponent of Satriya culture and dance Jatin Sarma, folklorist and singer Dr. Doli Das, noted physician and Prof. and HOD, Dept. of Medicine, Assam Medical College and Hospitals (AMCH), Dibrugarh Dr. Ratan Katoky, noted writer, litterateur and award winning retired teacher Gandheswar Saikia, another noted award win-

ning teacher Kiron Chandra Mech, academician, columnist and Principal of DHSK College Dr. Sashi Kanta Saikia, senior journalist and the upper Assam Chief of Bureau, The Assam Tribune, Ron Dowerah, educationist and retired Dibrugarh University Professor Sarat Sarma, distinguished singer, folklorist Ram Sasoni, journalist and columnist Peim-thi Gohain, Gopal Sarma, youth leader Dipu Ranjan Markary, noted publisher Ujjwal Hazarika, Khagendra Nath Chetia Phukon, Hiren Gohain, Narendra Mahela, Nitul Bora Borbayan, Jogendra Dutta Borbayan, Khagendra Lekharu Mazumdar and Ranjana Bordoloi were all felicitated during the felicitation ceremony.

Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.