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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 8

Vol. II

Issue 109

SAMSUNG'S NEXT BIG HEADACHE: HOW TO AVERT ENVIRONMENT IMPACT OF NOTE 7

CM reviews development activities in Gandacherra subdivision Agartala, Nov 4, : Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday asked all the district level officers of line departments to complete action plan by next two years, official sources confirmed here.

As per schedule, the Chief Minister along with Principal Secretary Dr. GSG Ayyanger held a review meeting in the conference hall of Gandacherra SDM office.

P5

Dibrugarh, Saturday, November 5, 2016

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 4 Nov

Dispelling all doubts on the Citizenship (amendment) Bill that engulf the political environment of the state in recent days, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said that Govt. of Assam will safeguard the interest of all the indigenous people of the state in right earnest.

indigenous people and it is fully committed to protect their culture, language and tradition.

He also said that Govt. will soon carry out eviction drive to free the land under tribal belt from encroachment.

Speaking on the occasion of 3rd Annual Conference of United Bodo People’s Organization (UBPO) today at Gorchuk in the city, the Chief Minister commented that Govt. believes in equity and gives equal importance to all communities in the state for their all round development.

He further said that the Govt. is aware about the aspirations of the people of the state and is devising plans and programmes keeping in mind their overall interest.

Lauding the role of UBPO in unification of all Bodo people settled in different parts of the state, the Chief Minister advocated for similar measures to make the Assamese community more cohesive and inclusive.

harmonious Assamese society, Sonowal added. Underlining the immense endowment of the Bodo community, the Chief Minister said that the Bodos are a daring and hardworking community which holds tremendous potential to help in the growth of the state. Sonowal also praised the leadership of BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary and his role in streamlining peace process with insurgent outfits in the state.

UBPO will be a trendsetter in building a strong, united and

Contd. on Page 4

Islamabad, Nov 4: Signalling a fresh slide in ties, Pakistan and India may temporarily recall their high commissioners and scale down the size of diplomatic staff in each other's missions in the wake of the latest diplomatic spat over the spying episode , a media report said on Friday.

HRD Ministry to release the pending 53 crores under SSA

Chennai, Nov 4: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has "completely recovered" and it is up to her to decide when to go home, Apollo Hospitals Chairman Pratap C Reddy said here today.

P10

Ask Intelligence Bureau, Says Arvind Kejriwal, Asked By Cops On Phone Tap Charge New Delhi, Nov 4: Delhi Police have urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to share details of the alleged tapping of judges' phones he had spoken about. "Ask IB, they will tell you," he replied.

Mr Kejriwal threw the bombshell four days ago while addressing a function in New Delhi to mark 50 years of the Delhi High Court.

P10

Pages- 12

PAGE 12

ENCROACHMENT ON GOVT. LANDS IRKS CM

P5 P9 P7 CM Sonowal assures that Govt will Chairman of Assam Public safeguard interest of the indigenous Service Commission arrested

Sonowal said that the present Govt. has assumed charge with support from all

Jaya has completely recovered: Pratap Reddy

5.00

Dentist Education Requirements and Career Information

Pakistan, India may temporarily recall their envoys

P8

Price -

ET Bureau New Delhi, 4 Nov

Persistent and consistent effort made by Chief Minister Pema Khandu seems to have bored fruit as the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has agreed to release the pending

53 Crores under SSA/KGBV salary for the year 2015 -16 which has been lying pending with the Ministry for long.

This was intimated by the Ministry to the state government today. It may be mentioned that the state government had released two

months pending salary of SSA teachers from the state’s exchequer even before the HRD ministry has assured to released the pending share of 53 crores meant for the state.

Chief Minister thanked Union Minister for Human Resource Development

Prakash Javedekar for his timely intervention in releasing the long pending share of the state. He also sought Union Government’s continuous support in all key sectors to make the state a vibrant and front runner in terms of development.

in corruption charges

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 4

Dibrugarh police headed by Additional SP (Security) Surjit Singh Paneswar today arrested Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Chief, Rakesh Paul from Guwahati in connection with the arrest of Nabakanta Patir.

Surjit Singh Paneswar told the ET over phone from Guwahati that today they have arrested Rakesh Paul because enough evidences were found against him and they will produce him at court tomorrow. Paneswar said, “Till now we cannot say anything but our interrogation is on.’’

Police said that he was arrested on corruption charges under section 7/13(1)(b)(d) of prevention of Corruption Act

with added sections 120B/420 IPC. Allegations of corruption and holding of disproportionate sources of income have been levelled against the controversial chairman, after the Guwahati High Court directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry against him in October last year.

Nabakanta Patir, assistant engineer of the Town and Country Planning department, Dibrugarh was arrested on October 27, by Dibrugarh police on while accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a job aspirant.

Amguri town in Sivasagar district.

Patir was caught red handed from his rented house located at the Circuit House road here while accepting the amount from one Anshumita Gogoi, a private dental surgeon from

On October 31, Mabud Ali Choudhury, PSO of Dr Sabedur Rahman, member of APSC was arrested from Rangiya in Connection with Nabakanta Patir case.

Rakesh Paul, APSC Chairman

“It’s time to teach Pakistan a lesson again”:Thogiram Gogoi, father of Kargil Martyr Jintu Gogoi Bijoy shankar handique Jorhat, nov 04 "Indian Government should teach Pakistan a lesson once again" said Thogiram Gogoi, father of Kargil Martyr Jintu Gogoi. The martyr's father, a retired Honorary Flying Office of Indian Air Force, was voicing his anger against the repeated cross border proxy war against India, especially against the repeated ceasefire violations at the Line of Control.

The former IAF officer who lost his only son Capt.

Jintu Gogoi on June 30, 1999 while fighting with Pakistani intruders in Kargil who bravely fought and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. All together 17 family members of the brave soldiers

and officers from the districts of Jorhat, Sivasagar, Golaghat and Majuli were felicitated at an ex-servicemen interaction rally organized at the Jorhat Military Station by the GOC Rajib Mishra and his wife Aparna Mishra at a glittering function where about 1500 exservicemen attended. The interaction session along with senior officials of army, Air Force, Civil Administration , Sainik welfare Board, PCDA (pensions) Allahabad, Army placement node Kolkata and Guwahati was held at Jorhat Military Station.

The GOC Rajiv Mishra called upon the ex-servicemen belonging to three services of the armed forces to avail the various welfare schemes of the Central and State Government.

He discussed various issues

related to regularization of pension and resolution of pension anomalies was explained and grievances were also addressed. He called upon the widows and Veer Naries to take assistance for empowerment as a alternate career options. He said financial institutions like DHLF, SBI have been providing banking and insurance advice to the exservicemen to get loans and asked them to open bank account for other facilities, as local military authorities throughout the country has been taking initiative to felicitate and coordinate to conduct various vocational courses for ex-servicemen and widows of brave soldiers and officers throughout the country.

Arunachal a “haven for youths” – Governor 5th State Level Indigenous Youth Festival in Tezu Bishnu Rana Tezu, Nov, 04

landlocked Lohit valley buzzes amid traditional dances and show here in this morning where youths from across the state in their rich traditional attire enthralled the visiting guests in this picturesque ground here at 5th State Level Indigenous Youth Festival in Tezu.

V Shanmuganathan, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh was speaking as chief guest in the 5th State Level Indigenous Youth Festival in Tezu. of Arunachal which should be zealously carried forward to showcase the world its distinctiveness”, he urges.

As a Chairman of the 5th SLIYF Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affair GoI extols the simplicity, honesty and hard working tribal people who is blessed in a land of rising Sun ‘Arunachal’ and safeguarding their indigenous faith. Oram hopes that the platform of this magnitude

goes loud and clear where indigenous faiths is the only identity of the Arunachalees depicting an epitome of Indian.

“Arunachal is part and parcel of Indian Union and no outside force could rip apart”, he said.

He further assured to sanction adequate funds for Multi – Cultural Hall to promote Indigenous faith and committed to sanction 3 (three) Aklabya Public School according to the memorandum submitted by the IFCSAP.

Earlier Dr Ligu Tacho President IFCSAP State Level highlighted the objective of the festival. “The Arunachal is home to 26 major tribes and number of sub-tribes have diversified faith which have been striving hard to preserve and promote under different sisters organization including Doni Polo Yelam Kebang, Rangfra Faith Promotion Society, Contd. on Page 3

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“Arunachal Pradesh is traveller’s Paradise and a land of myriad tales where rich tradition, faith and cultural mosaic with unparalleled beauty which should be preserved, promoted and maintained for generation replicating a miniature India”, exhorts V Shanmuganathan Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. He was speaking here as chief guest in the 5th State Level Indigenous Youth Festival here today at the School playground ground.

Calling the vibrant youth of Arunachal, the Governor hopes Arunachal to be “haven for youth” where there should be no dearth of employment.

“The rich cultural heritage is a treasure house and real identity

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

P2 Villagers nabbed wildlife smugglers in Digboi, 2 arrested with possessions Laxman Sharma Digboi, Nov 4 : Following the information served by the locals residing in and around Saraipung Reserve Forest under Digboi Division in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam, the members of Eco Development Committee held two smugglers with various parts of wildlife in their possession here this morning from Saripung Area.

The two arrested miscreants were identified as Thakngam (65) son of Thuseng of village Nokjen and Mihlen (66) both belonging to the same location of Mon District of Nagaland. According to sources, the two aged smugglers were selling the various dried organs and outer body parts of the different wild animals when the arrest

to destruction to flora and fauna kingdom had earlier caught the led space in the media house over a period of time. Nothing significant has been done to combat the menace that seems swelling the division. Is the arrest of the two smugglers of the neighboring state here in Digboi not enough to indicate towards the active networks of the miscreants involved in the illegal trading on wildlife property?

was made.

The accused were prosecuted u/s 48 (A), 49 (6), 50 and 51 of Wild Life Protection Act 1972.

Meanwhile, the sudden arrest of the two smug-

HOROSCOPE Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

A goal that you've been working on could finally be reached, Aries. A group of friends you might not have seen for a long time could schedule a get-together that you will be all too glad to attend. Expect to have a lot of fun exchanging news and ideas with these people.

You will probably feel particularly happy to see them. You won't want to let so much time go by before you reconnect again.

Today you could meet some interesting new people, Taurus. Among them is at least one person who shares a lot of your interests and could become a close friend. The joy you receive from meeting these people is likely to spill over into the rest of your day. You could be warmer and more congenial with everyone else in your life, too. In the evening, go out and have some fun.

A book or movie about a foreign country could capture your imagination and make that country seem especially appealing, Gemini. You might toy with the idea of taking a trip there soon. If you're serious, it might be a good idea to start making your plans. You're in a particularly practical frame of mind and have the enthusiasm to do it. Have fun browsing through travel brochures and maps.

Someone close who owes you money might suddenly turn up and repay you, Cancer. This might be a surprise, but you will be glad to get it. You may want to blow some of it by taking a friend out to lunch or buying someone a gift. Some beautiful dreams could haunt your sleep tonight, perhaps to the point where you feel frustrated when you wake up. Write them down. They're saying something about you.

glers with sufficient possession hailing from the neighboring State of Nagaland from the said Reserve Forest area erased the apprehension gripping the minds of the wildlife activist in and around

weather is good, you might visit a nursery or botanical garden. You may not normally be attracted to plants and gardens, but today both beauty and nature seem especially appealing. Make the most of this, however temporary. Your house will look that much more beautiful because of it!

Capricorn

A warm and loving communication could come to you today from someone close. This could be an email, call, or even a gift of some kind. This could make your day, Sagittarius, and you will probably pass whatever good feelings you draw from it to other friends and family members. Take a walk around your neighborhood and say hello to whomever you meet. It will make you feel even better!

A very welcome sum of extra money could come your way today, Capricorn, possibly out of the blue. You might want to put this money to work for you in some way, perhaps investing it or purchasing supplies or materials for personal projects.

You should feel especially positive where your resources are concerned, and confident in your ability to earn.

Aquarius

Today you may feel especially warm and loving toward just about everybody in your circle, Aquarius, even those you usually find irritating.

You could also be looking especially attractive and feeling more confident than usual. You might even feel like shopping for new clothes. Artistic ideas could flow freely, and you might think of different ways to put them to work for you.

Pisces

Someone you care about but haven't seen for a long time could suddenly contact you. You'd usually love this, Pisces, but today you could be too caught up in projects of your own to want to put them aside. But you will have a lot of fun with this person, and you might even interest him or her in your project. After finishing your work, go out to dinner.

Digboi regarding the operation of an Inter-State poaching and smuggling activities being reported in the said infected belt.

Reports of various illegal and nefarious activities in Digboi Division in regard

Does this not raise a big question on the competency of the forest department in Digboi? Is this how the Forest Ministry committed to preserve and protect the flora and fauna kingdom across the State?

The response from the concerned DFO is waited to this effect in greater interest.

Dr Bhupen Hazarika memorial park cum auditorium constructed at Barbaruah development block in Dibrugarh lying in a neglected state. Photo by Manoj Pandey

Activists of CMSS, Margherita Regional Committee burns Sarma’s effigy against his controversial statement Mithun Baruah, Margherita, November 4: Activists of Chatra Mukti Sangram Samity Margherita Regional Committee today burnt the effigy of Assam Government Education ,Health and Finance Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma at Block Tiniali NH 38 Margherita. The activists of Chatra Mukti

Sangram Samity burnt the effigy of Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma against Dr Sarma’s controversial statement alleging that Hindu population in Assam is decreasing and Muslim population is increasing. The Minister earlier justified that Hindu minority should be given citizenship in Assam as Hindu popu-

Naharkatia A.J.Y.C.P Submits Memorandum Seeking Tobbaco-Free Society

Bikul Gogoi Naharkatia, 4 Nov : Taking cognizance of the fact that India is world’s second largest tobacco conToday you should feel especially warm and suming country and addLeo loving toward everyone close to you, Leo, par- ing to the woes, Gutkha ticularly a love partner. You may want to spend and Pan masala have besome time with friends or family or schedule a come increasingly popular romantic evening with your significant other - among the young people, or both. If you have paperwork to take care of, especially school children this is the day to do it. You're particularly practical and feeling good, so the drudgery won't and youth, the Assam Government has implemented get you down. many anti-tobacco laws to conversations could take place with Virgo Stimulating control tobacco consumppartners of all sorts, Virgo, from business to exercise to romantic. Some new and useful information tion amongst public. In could come your way that you will want to explore order to curb this anti sofurther. This is a great day to execute legal papers or cial activities the enter into any kind of agreement or commitment. Naharkatia A.J.Y.C.P unit It's a good time to sign up for a class or workshop. has submitted a memoranMake good use of the energies of the day. dum to the local adminisToday you should be feeling especially warm and tration on 3rd November Libra loving toward close friends and children, Libra. You raising their concerns could also especially appreciate the arts. seeking strong action to You might attend a play or concert or decide to try eradicate such activities your hand at one of the fine arts yourself. In the and also warned that if the evening, go out and enjoy your friends' company. administration do not take Celebrate just being together! any measures to control Today you might decide to buy a plant for every room such activities than Scorpio in your house or plant a garden, Scorpio. If the A.J.Y.C.P Naharkatia unit

Sagittarius

MEMORIAL PARK ABANDONED

along with the support of local public will take steps to curb this activities.

Though in recent years, there have been efforts in tobacco control but improper implementation of Anti-tobacco Act, low public awareness levels and also the lack of a sustained campaign against the tobacco menace are some of the causes of partial failure against tobacco control.

The situation is not different in Naharkatia, in many places illegal gambling and consumption of alcohol has risen alarmingly, students at large have fallen under the grip of such elements. Although at various time the police do succeed in apprehending such anti social elements not much has been changed in the society.

lation in Assam is decreasing against the rising Muslim population. Pappu Dutta President of Chatra Mukti Sangram Samity Margherita Regional Committee said that Assam is a land of Srimanta Sankar dev,Azaan Pir Phakir where many religious people with different languages, tradition

and culture live cohesively in Assam with peace and harmony but Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma’s controversial comments may lead to communal tension.

Pappu Dutta, conveying a message of caution, warned the Minister to refrain from saying these kinds of controversial comments in future.

Citizen meet organizes on issues of granting Indian citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 4: A citizens’ meet was organized on the issue of granting of Indian citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis by the Central Government by amendment of the Citizenship Act on Thursday. The meeting was attended by 80-90 intellectuals and 11 youth organizations of the district, including some people of the Bengali community who elaborately discussed the issue and express their resentment over the Central Government’s initiative to grant the citizenship rights.

After the discussion, several resolutions were taken up which included the annulment of Citizenship Act by which the government has decided to grant citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis by December 31, 2016. The meeting stated that if the government failed to oblige to their demands, then they would publish a book mentioning all the aspects of the Act which if amended would hinder the indigenous rights of the people of the State and the corresponding role of BJP party in this regard. The book would

Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1

be distributed in the five States where assembly elections are to be held in a few months time, the resolution added.

The meeting, keeping confidence on Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Jatiyo Nayak), urged him to take initiative to scrap the Citizenship Act. They even demanded the completion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) work at an early date, and that the Indo-Bangla border should be sealed at the earliest. Moreover, all the clauses of Assam Accord should be implemented in letter and spirit. A new 51-member nonpolitical body christened as Nagarik Oikyo Mancha was formed in the aforesaid meeting with Parag Jyoti Baruah and Poran Bokul Baruah as president and secretary respectively.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Shyamal Das, a member of the Bengali community, stated the decision of the BJP government to grant citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis would adversely affect the rights of existing Bengali community people.

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I, Anil Ch Nath Defence Personal of 39,Mid Regiment by Swearing an Affidavit Before Executive Magistrate Margherita hereby declare that on my service record the gender of my son and his date of birth wrongly recorded as female and Date of Birth as 11/8/2016 which ought to be Jyoti Prasad Nath Son Date of Birth 8/8/ 2016.

Sports ATPA: Moran Town Club beats Mariyani SA, 4-1 ET Correspondent Jorhat, 4 Nov: The prestigious ATPA shield always has been attraction center for Public since its beginning.

Noted teams like ONGC, ASEB, NAGALAND POLICE, SAI, NAGALAND POLICE BLUES, ASSAM POLICE, and LAZONG FC always attract spectators due to their quality football. Even the team came from the region, plays quality playing. But the ATPA match held between Mariani S. A. and Moran Town Club on Friday at Jorhat Stadium, attract the spectators most as the Mariyani constituency MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi is seen in the field as a football player. Playing for his native Club, Mariyani S. A. shows the ultimate sportsmanship. With applauses from specta-

tors wearing a number 10 Jersey Rupjyoti Kurmi enter the field on second half.

Nelson Horo gives lead to Mariani S. A. 1-0 on the 34 th minute. But sooner, a shot hit by Sujoy Mandal of Moran Town Club bounced awkwardly and beating the goal keeper turns to an equalizer goal.

In the second half, Moran Town Club manages to keep Mariyani SA on pressure and H. Tomba (52 mnts), Ngamcha Houkip (65mnts), and Raktim Gogoi (87mnts) was able to scores. The match concluded with 41 win to Moran Town Club.

Tomorrow, ASEB will face Milanjyoti Sangha from 1:30pm in Jorhat Stadium.

Yet another decomposed body found at Maijan A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 4: A half decomposed body was recovered at municipality garbage disposal site at Maijan. The body wrapped in a sack was found by some of the villagers on Wednesday morning. According to sources, the recovery of the half decomposed body has led to the demand for immediate and permanent stoppage of disposal of garbage by the Dibrugarh Municipality Board in that area.

Few weeks back the body of a woman was recovered from the garbage disposal area causing similar apprehensions in the minds of the local people regarding the safety and security of the entire area where decomposed bodies are being dumped by unidentified persons. The local residents have also questioned the role of the district administration in taking appropriate and immediate action in this regard.

Vigilance awareness week observed at BVFCL Bikul Gogoi Naharkatia, 4 Nov: With the theme of public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating corruption Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) under the direction of Ventral Vigilance Commission, Namrup, organised a mass walk rally today.

The rally kicked off from B.V.F.C.L Gandhi field

covering the township of Namrup.

Public, employees of BVFCL and various students unions came in support of the rally in unison. It is to be noted that along with the rest of country BVFCL too is observing the vigilance awareness week starting from 31st October to 5th November 2016 with a view of eradicating corruption.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

P3

Bordumsa boy adds a feature in his cap and his Singpho House gutted tribe, finishes second in MATF 2016 at Shillong in fire in Ziro Laxman Sharma Bordumsa, Nov 4: Native of Bordumsa Gumli Sikhet a student of 3rd Semester studying at St. Dominic College Shillong made his people and well wishers proud by finishing second in the fashion show contest held in Shillong. The Three day long Mega Arunachal Tribe Festivals (MATF ) 2016 is held at Aurobindo Auditorium at Major District Road, Police Bazar, Shillong. The mega event was organized by Arunachal Student Union, Shillong various activities including the sports, literary, socio-cultural and fashion. The event was on the theme ‘To stay true to our heritage, that’s what our brand is about’ with a motto “Learn to Serve”.

The fashion competition slated on various rounds was adjudged on different parameters. It was indeed significant as the partici-

Gumli Sikhet one of the toughest but ambitious competitors in male segment represented the Singpho Tribe. pating students of Arunachal Pradesh studying in various colleges in Shillong displayed their enthusiasm and tried to deliver their best. Meanwhile, Gumli Sikhet one of the toughest but ambitious competitors in male

segment represented the Singpho Tribe. Hailing from a remote rural pocket of Bordumsa in Changlang District made his people proud by bagging the second runner- up trophy. It may be recalled here that the talented son

of Gumja Sikhet and Goju Roitop Singpho had earlier earned the title of Mr Shapawang Yawng 2016 during a mega Socio-Cultural event held at Bordumsa in 2016. Terming the success as somewhat ‘against the expecta-

C M Khandu: “Arunachal Pradesh believes in cementing the centuries old cultural ties with South Asian Countries”

tion’ Mr Sikhet with a tone of confidence called it as rather significant as the mega platform itself was an opportunity that taught him a lot to prepare himself with professional grooming so as to explore within and to deliver his best in a rather higher platform.

Dedicating the success to his mother, Mr Sikhet told the media persons here that the Mega Arunachal Tribe Festival under the aegis of Arunachal Student’s Union has been a constant source of inspirations for the students of various locations across the state to exhibit their solidarity and fraternity to promote the sense of unity and welfare among the students community.

However, Mr MATF 2016 title was won by Lito Riba of Basar representing Galo community while Miss MATF 2016 title was swept

away by Tengam Koyu of Pasighat representing the same community.

Meanwhile, 2nd Runners up-in the female category was awarded to Tamo Namphi of Zero representing the Apatani community while the 1st runner-up in the female segment was won by Nehukoh Simai of Jairampur representing Singpho Community and Mr Hage Lailyang of Zero from of Apatani Community carried away the first runners – up in male category. Altogether Changlang District bagged 2 prizes in the significant event.

The entire fashion episode winning the overwhelming response from various fronts was adjudged by bench of three judges each known for their various interest and expert knowledge in fashion and designing.

Amir Khan in Arunachal to celebrate wife Birthday

ET Bureau New Delhi, Nov 4: “Arunachal Pradesh believes in cementing the centuries old cultural ties with South Asian Countries and therefore a number of initiatives have been taken by our state in this direction” Chief Minister Pema Khandu assertively said while speaking at the annual event of the Hindu College organized by the NE Cell here today.

This year’s theme for the event was “Act East Policy: North East region as the corridor of cultural, political and economic exchange with South East Asia under a national paradigm”. It may be mentioned here that Khandu is an alumni of Hindu College. He referred to successful conduct of an Indo-Bhutan friendship car rally, which was recently organized besides regular celebration of Pangsau Pass festival, a calendar event held at Nampong – Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate border trade, while justifying his stand.

He appreciated the effort put in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by transforming the slogan of Look East Policy to Act East Policy to forge strategic partnership and security coop-

ET Bureau Ziro, 4 Nov: An OBT type house of one Dusu Jalyang at Salang colony, Hapoli was completely gutted down in a devastating fire, which broke out this morning at around 7am.

According to report, no items could be retrieved from the flames.

Of the five-roomed

house, Jalyang, a widow, had rented out three to students. Fortunately, at the time of the fire, only one tenant was present.

ADC Nending Chatung, EAC Mobia Tai and CO Pooza Sonam rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. An immediate relief of Rs 3800 was paid to the victims

by ADC Chatung on the spot.

Arunachal Governor bans transfer and posting of Election officials, EC backs the decision ET Bureau, Naharlagun, Nov 4: In pursuance of Election Commissioner of India, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has ordered ban on transfer and posting as well as all kinds of leave in respect of the Officers/officials including APCS officers ( Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral registration Officers) who are discharging duties in connection with ongoing special Summery revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with the reference to January 1, 2017 as

qualifying date with immediate effect till its completion. Further, all Deputy Commissioners have been requested to make necessary arrangements by allowing the neighbouring Circle Officers/Extra Assistant commissioners to hold the additional charges of those assembly constituencies where post of EROs/ AEROs are lying vacant to ensure smooth carrying out of the work of special Summery Revision of Photo Electoral rolls as per order by Commissioner ,Personnel.

Arunachal a “haven for youths” – Governor Contd. from Page 1 Aamir Khan in Mechuka

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the annual event of the Hindu College organized by the NE Cell eration of India and the neighboring countries of the South East. The focus of this Policy is to boost India’s stand as a regional power by forming diplomatic and cooperative relations with ASEAN. The underlying principle was also to make the northeast region the hub of activities- economic, social and cultural and act as the gateway to Southeast Asia and beyond.

“With the states initiating their

bit to cement cultural ties, the Government of India can translate into economic and strategic partnership. I am sanguine that our Prime Minister is definitely working on it” Khandu added. CM also recalled his days at Hindu College and extended his gratitude to the institution for making him what he is today. He further appreciated the North East Cell of Hindu College that took shape in 2011 with the shared idea

and motive to provide a platform to showcase the unique cultural diversity of the region and promote cultural exchange and integration with rest of the country while specifically mentioning the team of NE Cell of Hindu College led by President Riddi Mahanta and mentored by Ananya Barua Chaudhary, Anju Srivastav (Principal) and Santacrus Singh (Faculty Advisor).

ET Bureau Itanagar, 4 Nov: Aamir Khan is in the North East to celebrate his wife Kiran Rao’s 43rd birthday on November 7, with son Azad Rao Khan for company. The trio will bring in the janamdin in Arunachal Pradesh.

Says a source, “Aamir and Kiran are no strangers to the North East. In fact, he had celebrated her 40th birthday in Assam in a big way. This year, he will celebrate her b’day in relative seclusion. His other children Ira and Junaid are currently overseas and won’t be joining him on this vacay. Also, this will be a holiday of sorts for the actor before he dives headlong into promotions for Dangal.”

Aamir is a perfectionist and

this is evident in his planning the biwi ka janamdin, too.

Adds our source, “He takes effort in research, planning and execution and keeps all details under wraps as he is extremely romantic at heart. Permits are required for entering into any place in Arunachal Pradesh and Aamir has arranged for all of that. Everything has been meticulously planned by him.

He planned a surprise for Kiran and told her only on Diwali and then took off for AP on Monday night. They will roam around AP, where there is no network or access to phones, so they are completely cut off from civilisation. Both Aamir and Kiran are romantics and prefer the seclusion during this special time.”

Nyishi indigenous Faith Promotion Soceity, Tai – Khampti, Tangsa and Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society etc under the umbrella of IFCSAP”, he briefed.

The galaxy of dignitaries also included Jagdeoram Oraon President Akhil Bharateya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Yvette Claire Rosser Research Scholar from USA including Y D Thongchi, Ninong Ering MP East Parliamentary Constituency, Dr Mohesh Chai local MLA, Danish Ashraf DC and Isaac Pertin SP Lohit, Sotai Kri, Nakul Chai for Minister and other guest from Itanagar attended the

inaugural function.

About 5000 delegates of Youths from 20 districts, IFCSAP State Executive Member, Member from sister’s organization and official from the State participated in the 3 (three) days of ethnic cultural extravaganza that started from today that is 4th Nov and Conclude on 6th Nov. Besides, food Stalls, handloom and handicraft, various indigenous stalls have been set up to cater to the needs of shopaholics; traditional sports, marathon race, literary and cultural competition were the other major attraction of the three day festival.

Bandh culture is a scourge: It retards development Denhang Bosai The repeated threat of bandh call by one organization or the other in our state is creating a morass of confusion in the mind of the ordinary people who are already burdened with multifarious problems both big and small. I always maintain that if a bandh can indeed solve the nagging problems of the state, let there be a bandh call every single day. But does a bandh call actually yield even a semblance of a tangible solution or result? No, it only creates more problems than solving them. In the past the bandhs called or imposed by some well known and obscure organizations had become so painfully frequent in our underdeveloped infant state Arunachal Pradesh that I had every reason to believe that my article on bandh culture would be coinciding with some bandhs or the other in the state. Sadly these bandh calls conveniently termed as ‘democratic’ by a minuscule few may be a medium of protest but for the vast majority of the people the bandh is the most dreaded and frightening 5letter word that sends chills through their spine.

Ours is a young state and every minute is valuable for us to make efforts to catch up with the other more developed states of the Northeast and the country. The planning for

overall development of our infant state is at a nascent stage and unwanted interruptions like bandh calls only retard the state’s development. The sooner we all realize this glaring fact, the better for our tomorrow.

There are no two opinions about the fact that the bandh culture is a scourge for any society as it creates more problems than solving them. Bandhs not only affect the daily life’s vicissitudes of the ordinary people but they seldom yield any tangible result. Incidentally, there are many other ways of registering a protest. Unfortunately in Arunachal Pradesh, it has become a sort of fashion to call a bandh at the slightest pretext, conveniently ignoring all the other available means of protest. A well known company in Japan, the Toyota Company’s workers work for extra hours or overtime to protest against any in-justice meted out to its workers.

Bandhs cause inconvenience not only to the common people but also to the organizers of such bandh calls. Interestingly, after each bandh call, the organizers claim their ‘mission’ being peaceful and successful. How can they get away so lightly by terming their bandh call as peaceful when they had caused so much agony, anxiety and destroyed the peace of mind of the

A file photo of a shop closed during a bandh called by AAPSU in Itanagar people who loathe such bandh calls for obvious reason? Of course, their claim of the bandh being successful may have some substance as there is no dearth of people in our state who look for excuses to shun work. But absence of these insincere people from work must never be construed as a support to the bandh. They do it out of fear. Today, if one flips through the pages of the morning newspapers, he finds news of a bandh being called somewhere or the other in the state.

However, every one will admit that it is the capital Itanagar bandh that has the greatest impact on the life of the people because being the capital; it is the seat

of planning and decisionmaking. People from the districts go there to seek redressal to their problems and most of them stay in the hotels, spending their hard-earned money.

Bandhs only compound their problems and predicaments. If the organizers of bandhs realize this truth, the collective blessings of those who suffer during bandhs will catapult them to unimaginable height of success and glory.

The habitual bandh organizers must realize that those states in India that do not believe in the bandh culture have forged ahead while the states plagued by this abominable malaise have been

left behind, high and dry in the rat race. Take the case of West Bengal where scores of trade unions tend to oppose any or every decision of the government and call bandhs during the long CPIM regime. Where was West Bengal before and where it stands today? The bandh culture has pushed the state backward. However, thankfully Mamta Didi has realized the futility of bandh calls and her state West Bengal is free from this bandh culture, at least for now. In the Northeast, the bandh culture is synonymous with the eldest sister Assam. There the bandh culture has become a deep-rooted problem and even God may fail

to undo it or do away with it. The bandh has become a culture, a system there.

In fact, today, Assam is known more for her bandhs than the Bihu, tea, oil or coal. Things have come to such a pass that if someone says that there is an Assam Bandh, it is no longer news. On the other hand if it is otherwise, it is big news. Such bandhs not only cripple Assam’s economy, but cause untold sufferings and miseries to the people of the other Northeastern states as most of them are dependent on Assam for almost everything and also Assam is the gateway to all the states in the Northeast.

Disgustingly, Arunachal Pradesh has very successfully imported this unwanted bandh culture from Assam and it is undoubtedly going to cripple the overall development of the state and push the people to an unfathomable pit of self destruction. It is high time the people of the state realized the negative impacts of bandh culture before Arunachal Pradesh become another Assam wherein even if she wants to get rid of this bandh culture, she cannot.

Those people in our state who derive sadistic pleasure by seeing the ordinary people suffer in silence during bandhs should know that the bandh culture is akin to insurgency problem. They both only

bring pains and sufferings for the society at large. A place hit by uncalled for frequent bandhs can never develop and prosper so also a place faced with insurgency problem can never make any headway in any sphere. In Arunachal Pradesh, leaders of all hues claim that tourism is the future of the state and that tourism will turn to be the numero-uno money-spinner.

But amidst these frequent and unwarranted bandh calls if we believe that tourism will flourish in the state then we are living in a fool’s paradise. Tourism can develop only in places where there is peace and order. Tourism industry in places like Kashmir, Darjeeling etc has suffered setbacks due to bandhs.

Before calling a bandh, the organizers should spare a thought about the daily wage-earner, the vegetable and fruit vendor, the pregnant woman who needs immediate medical care, the sick person, the student who is to go for admission or write examination, the foreign tourist whose RAP has expired and the ordinary man who is not even remotely connected with the reason(s) for the bandh called by some unscrupulous organizations. Even though, everybody is aware that the bandh culture is the source of human sufferings, it is rather in-

triguing as to why some people are bent on using it as a weapon to protest.

Let us together nip this dreaded bandh culture in the bud before it grows to uncontrollable proportion.

The government needs to take urgent steps in evolving a mechanism to arrest this burgeoning menace including considering an option to ban bandhs by seeking legal opinions from legal experts. Let us make Arunachal Pradesh a bandh-free state. Bandh culture is our state’s nemesis. Nobody gains from a bandh call. It only brings sufferings. Today, we have a young and visionary Chief Minister in Pema Khandu who is efficiently backed by a Cabinet consisting of senior leaders and young faces; a perfect of experience and exhuberence of the youth.

The Chief Minister has already prepared a roadmap for development of Arunachal Pradesh. Let us not distract him by calling bandhs. All contentious issues if any should invariably be hammered out through a meaningful dialogue. Together we can do it.

[Reprinted from an earlier edition with necessary changes.] (The writer is Deputy Director of IPR and can be reached at denhangbosai@yahoo.co.in or views can be shared in his WhatsApp 8415023508)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

National Seminar on organic foods held at Assam Agricultural University Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Nov 04: The North East chapter of the Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi kicked off at Assam Agricultural University under the aegis of the Department of Plant Pathology, AAU, Jorhat.

Along with the meeting, a National Seminar on “Facilitating a shift from chemo-centric to organic mode of plant health management in the North East” shall also be held over the next two days. A total of about 100 research papers are to be presented in the seminar from scientists of various institutes of the country. As a part of the programme a contest for Professor M J Narasimham Merit Academic Award on original research was discussed. The meet was inaugurated by Dr Kamal Mallav Bujarboruah, Vice Chancellor, AAU will be graced by several scientists of the country. Considering the importance of organic agriculture, scientist from throughout the country took part on brain storming interactive session with farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs during the two day long technical sessions.

For the first time, a contest for selection of research works by emerging scientists is to be subsequently selected for a Fellowship of the American Phytopathological Society.

Earlier Dr. K M Bujarbaruah, the Vice Chancellor, AAU inaugurated the Zonal Meet and called upon the experts from the country to make the region as well as certain selected state to go organic as suggested by the Narendra Modi Government. Questioning the authenticity of organic foods and products available in the market, he suggested to undertake studies and research in the field of organic food so as to make products genuinely organic in holistic sense.Dr. C. Chattopadhayay, Vice Chancellor Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar and Dr. S. V. Ngacha, Director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region also spoke on the occasion.

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Assam Govt inked a MoU with Ministry of Civil Aviation As per the MoU, the State Government shall reduce VAT to 1% or less on ATF at RCS Airports and for RCS flights from other airports located within the state.

ET Correspondent Guwahati, 4 Nov: Delving a fillip to regional connectivity in the aviation sector, Government of Assam on Friday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India and Airports Authority of India under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN. The MoU was signed by the Chairman of Airports Authority of India Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatro and Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Assam, Ashutosh Agnihotri in presence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju at a function held at the conference hall of Assam Secretariat this evening.

It may be mentioned that the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Govt. of India released the National Civil

Aviation Policy 2016 (NCAP 2016), with the objectives to enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development and establish an integrated eco-system conducive to the growth of civil aviation sector. The policy also aimed at promotion of tourism, boost employment and a resultant balanced regional growth in North East. Accordingly, MoCA has envisaged a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for the country and same was inaugurated today.

Under the RCS, Central Government shall provide 90% share of VGF (Viability Gap Funding) to Assam.

In addition, Central Government shall provide concessions on Service Tax on tickets.

As per the MoU, the State Government shall reduce VAT to 1% or less on ATF at RCS Airports and for

RCS flights from other airports located within the state. Government of Assam shall also provide minimum land, if required, free of cost for development and expansion of RCS Airports and also provide multi-modal hinterland connectivity (road, rail, metro, waterways etc.) as required. Security and fire services shall be provided free of cost at RCS Airports and electricity, water, other utility services shall be provided at substantially concessional rates.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) shall be the Implementing Agency for the scheme on behalf of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

In the signing in ceremony, Chief Minister Sonowal submitted a memorandum to the Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju.

Appreciating the RCS for its

Meeting between CEM Dima Hasao and CGM (D) APDCL held in Council, decide total electrification of the district ET Correspondent Haflong, 4 Nov: For the first time in the history of Dima Hasao, the high end officials of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited from Guwahati met the executive committee headed by Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa and chaired by MLA BB Hagjer to discuss on ground realities to meet the challenges regarding total electrification of the un-electrified villages in the district. The meeting was held at the NCHAC CEM’s conference hall at Haflong today.

The discussion was mainly made regarding the already executed rural electrification work under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and ongoing work programme under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramjyoti Yojana (DDUJY). It is to be noted that the project is targeted to be achieved within March next.

MLA Hagjer briefed that the total number of villages to be electrified in Dima Hasao is close to 370 numbers. It was also suggested that in few vil-

lages which are unmotorable, solar systems to be installed for the convenience of the villagers which seemed to be more realistic approach in terms of maintenance that might be a challenge due to no road connectivity as of yet.

The meeting was attended by executive members who briefed the APDCL officials about the shortfalls and the status of works undertaken by the field level engineers in their respective constituencies. The chairmen of the town committees of Haflong, Maibang, Mahur and Umrangso also appraised regarding the power supply in their jurisdiction and placed their grievances.

Suggestions were noted for consideration and improvement of works by the APDCL officials.

Rajendra Deka , CGM (D) accordingly instructed the SDOs in presence of Nekibuddin Ahmed, Asst General Manager, Haflong electrical division to ensure strict monitoring of the implementation of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramjyoti Yojana for high

quality of work .

Addressing the engineers, the Chief Executive Member Gorlosa urged them to work with utmost dedication for improving the power scenario of the district. He said that the quality of the works in general were not satisfactory and some poles were tilted or totally destructed even before the power supply were distributed after completion of installation of poles at various places.

Discussion were also made regarding dubious issuance of completion certificates, mal practices by the sub contractors involved in the system whose involvements further will not be allowed for improving quality of work.

MLA Hajer also suggested the field officers of APDCL and contractors to keep close co-ordination with the executive members of NCHAC during electrification works at their respective constituencies.

During the meeting the secretaries of NCHAC, block officers of each blocks were also present.

Training Programme on Patanjali Ayurveda to set up Mega food Park at cultivation of rabi crops held at Krishi Vigyan Ghoramari in Sonitpur Kendra, Sonitpur Shambhu Boro, mega herbal and food park ET Correspondent Tezpur, Nov 4: An input distribution cum training programme on cluster front line demonstration on rabi oilseeds and pulses was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sonitpur today at the Bharali Paria Kanyaka Multipurpose Farm, Jamugurihat in Sonitpur District.

The KVK provided high yielding varieties seeds of oilseed crops such as toria and linseed and also organic manure as per the guidelines of the scheme.

The training programme began with the briefing by Dr. PC Deka, Programme Coordinator of KVK, Sonitpur about the importance of the programme and ways to overcome the production deficit of oilseeds and pulses in our state in a phased manner.

Dr PK Bordoloi, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Darrang attending the programme as special invitee, highlighted some common and simple interventions which would be

beneficial in increasing the production level of the crops. The KVK scientists comprising Angana Sarma, Dr. BK Neog, Arifa Mumtaz Begum also attended the programme.

The team visited the entire area of 2000 bighas farm land and suggested cultivation of different crops as per the suitability of different areas of the farm land.

On behalf of all stakeholders, Pankaj Hazarika and Gobin Nath, rural youths associated with the farm, apprised the team about the future plan and programme of the farm.

Later, the team had a discussion with Padma Hazarika, MLA, Sootea and the brain child of the farm Hazarika thanked for the initiatives of the KVK, Sonitpur in popularizing the scientific technology in increasing the productivity of pulses and oilseeds in the district as a whole. He also asked for future technical guidance from KVK, Sonitpur for improvement of the farm.

Tezpur, Nov 4 : “Patanjali Ayurveda” plans to set up an Herbal Mega Food Park at AIDC complex, Ghoramari almost 25 km away from Tezpur.

“Patanjali Ayurveda has a plan to set up Mega food Park for the development of cultivators of the North East in order to generate employment and to make industrial development”, said Uday Goswami of Patanjali Yogpeeth, North-East, in a press meet here today. He pointed out by mentioning that after completion of the project, direct employment would be near about 6000 and several lakhs of the cultivators would be benefited. He added that the production of unit which would be constructed at the cost of twelve hundred crores would commence from January next year. “The unit is to set up covering a land area of 450 bighas at AIDC Complex, Goramari,” he mentioned.

Thus, Patanjali has planned to set up world’s largest medicinal plant garden at Sijosa, along Assam-Arunachal border covering an area of 21000 bighaas of land area. “The

of Patanjali at Ghoramari is the second food park of Patanjali after Haridwar’, he stated. The foundation stone laying ceremony of the big budget project will be held on November 6 at Ghoramari AIDC complex. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and CEO of Patanjali Ayurveda, Achrchya Balakrishna will be present on the occasion.

“State Chief minister, Sabanada Sonowal would also grace the ceremony.

He further added that the dignitaries would present in foundation stone laying ceremony would be Babul Supriyo and Rajen Gohai, Central Minister of State, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Health and Education, Chandra Mohan Patowari, Minister Industries and Commerce, Ranjit Dutta, Minster Irrigation, Parimal Suklya Baidya, Minster of PWD, Pramila Rani Brahma, Minister of Forest, Rihin Daimari, Minister, PHE, Pallab Lochan Das, State Cabinet minister, BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, and Members of Parliament respectively, RP Sharma and Kamaikhya Prashad Tacha.

tremendous potential to give fillip to tourism, trade and industry sectors in the State Sonowal, requested the Union Government to improve infrastructure, passenger amenities and to make LGBI Airport a truly world class airport, with a futuristic vision.

The Chief Minister of Assam emphasized that Guwahati will be the nerve centre in Indo- South East Asia Cooperation and hence Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport’s development is critical for geopolitical and economic considerations.

Sonowal also proposed development of under-served Salanibari (Tezpur), Lilabari (Lakhimpur), Rowriah (Jorhat) airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The pressing need to increase the frequency of flights for routes such as Guwahati- Aizwal, Guwahati-Imphal,

Guwahati-Dimapur etc. was also highlighted by the Chief Minister. In the memorandum, Chief Minister Sonowal justified the expansion of RCS to cover the flights to Kunming, Yangon, Mandalaya and Dhaka to provide a major boost to the Act East Vision of the Prime Minister. With the taking off the RCS, people from outside the North East will be able to view the potentiality, possibility and prosperity of North East from even the skies which were so far not being showcased adequately.

The Chief Minister also requested for starting international flights from Dibrugarh to Bangkok and Singapore. Moreover, revival of Rupsi Airport, commencement of Silchar-Delhi route, development of Ledo airport in Margherita, Jorhat-Delhi route, etc. are some of the much needed

demands of the state which were included in the memorandum submitted by the Chief Minister.

It may again be noted, that in order to fill in the gaps in air connectivity to unserved areas, the State Government shall provide free land for the development of heliports in Diphu and Haflong and the State Government shall also bear the state share of the VGF as applicable for NE States.

Sonowal emphasised that with continued support and assistance from the Central Government, Assam will transform into a major aviation hub in the days to come, ultimately helping in realizing the vision of a vibrant and prosperous Assam.

Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Civil Aviation, Government of India in his address in the signing in ceremony appreciated the works done under the leadership of

Sarbananda Sonowal and assured all possible help and assistance for development of the aviation sector in the State and implementation of the demands contained in the MoU. Minister for Transport, Industries and Commerce, Chandra Mohan Patowary, while speaking on the occasion said that RCS once implemented in letter and spirit will transform Assam into a hub of trade and commerce. Moreover, it will also project Guwahati as an epicentre for international business with the South East Asian Nations.

Secretary, Civil Aviation R.N. Chaubey, Chief Secretary V. K. Pipersenia, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatro, CMD, Pawan Hans Limited, B.P Sarma along with other dignitaries were present during the MoU signing ceremony.

Marwari Yuva Mancha donates artificial limbs to physically handicapped person in Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, 4 Nov: Nowadays many NGOs shows humanity towards needy ones while other fabrics themselves to their ultimate goal. Aiming for the prior, Maruwari Yuva Mancha shows ultimate example of humanity by fixing artificial limbs to physically handicap persons. The organization conducted a three days of massive drive of fixing artificial limbs to needy and poor people at Jorhat Thakurbari on Friday.

"We are trying to help the people with artificial limbs, so that they could live a proper life" said

Umesh Pareekh, public relationship officer of Marwari Yuva Mancha.

Around 150 artificial limbs are there to be fixed; five numbers of technicians came from Silliguri of West Bengal.

"We get training in Jaipur, and have to roamed around pan India where ever the organisation conduct such drive “said one of the technicians who came from silliguri to fix artificial limbs.

With hope and blessings people around all over the state including neighbouring Nagaland had come to Jorhat

Thakurbari.

"We had come from Guwahati, to fix limbs here" said a man, who had lost his leg in an accident.

"I travelled here from Majuli, as I am residing in village, this artificial limb will give new direction to my life" said a patient came from Majuli.

The fixing of limbs started with a simple ceremony held in the maruwari Thakurbari, where local MLA Hitendra Nath Goshwami, Jorhat Municipality Chairperson

Aruna Dutta and many others are present.

"This is the ultimate example of humanity “said Hitendra Nath Goshwami, in his speech.

The organization continues to fix artificial limbs since 2003, where around 500 beneficiaries is been benefited.

"In 2003, this drive is been started and till now around 500 people is been benefited “said Umesh Pareekh, PRO of Maruwari Yuva Mancha.

"The NGO is fixing the limb complete freely and it is open for all those who are needed for it" added Umesh Pareekh.

NorthEast Festival echoes the needs of details information about magnificent Northeast in NCERT Books ET Correspondent Guwahati, 4 Nov: The books published by the NCERT should have more detail information about the history, culture, people, lifestyle, destinations etc., of India’s vastly unexplored and vastly pristine but picturesque mosaic of ethnicity and bio-diversity hotspots -- this was what highlighted in a seminar on `destination Northeast and Awesome Assam’ held as part of the on-going North East Festival organized here.

“The NCERT can play the role of an amplifier to promote the lesser known but magnificent Northeast region of the country among the young generation of pan India by incorporating detail information about the re-

gion in its textbooks. It will make the task easier of the governments and other stakeholders to bring the region into the thick of tourism sector in the country,” the speakers opine.

Distinguished speakers in the seminar including former Tourism Secretary of Government of India, M P Bezboruah, adviser to Bodoland Tourism Partha Das, Assam Tourism official Nibedita Hazarika, human resources development expert Rajib Baruah, prominent tour operator from the Northeast Tridib Sharma made a clear statement that the region needed be sold with more vigour through involvement of people especially youths.

They said a huge pool of

skilled manpower must be created to popularize destinations in the region through innovative ways as tourism is a very competitive industry.

“Tourism is no longer about selling beaches and sand. Future tourism is all about facilitating people experience life, culture of people of the destinations besides picturesque locations. The Northeast where the tourists don’t go to experience five-star lifestyle, have ample scope to offer the tourist to experience ways of life of ethnic people of the pristine region,” Bezboruah said adding that tourism is a journey of imagination and cited example of Disneyland in this regard.

All the speakers and

other stakeholders participating in the seminar underscored the need to promote home stay and involvement of locals in selling destinations in the region.

The chief organizer of the North East Festival, Shyamkanu Mahanta while setting the ball rolling for the seminar said the regional had everything like the scenic beauty, ample scope for adventure and nature tourism, wildlife and other ecological assets, homely people, lush green environment. He said the militancy is no longer a threat in the region and it was time for all the stakeholders in tourism sector to explore futuristic models, devices and strategies to tap the unexplored potential.

CM Sonowal assures that Govt will safeguard interest of the indigenous Contd. from Page 1

With an impetus to uplift rural economy as well as to raise people’s standard of living, Sonowal asserted that the state Govt. will invest Rs. 1.20 crore per revenue village under Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Achoni in the coming years covering all villages of the state. He also announced that the state Govt. will provide all out support to BTC administration in

infrastructure augmen tation and all developmental activities in BTAD area.

Reiterating his Government’s commit ment to provide good governance, the Chief Minister promised of transparent and corruption free administration in the state. He also urged the people to be vigilant over the functioning of the Govt. and sought cooperation from all for successful implementation of its development agenda.

BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary in his speech recalled the contribution of all Bodo people living in different parts of the state in the creation of BTC and promised to take all necessary measures to uphold their rights. Stating that BTC administration is committed for development of all communities living w i t h i n i t s t e r r i t o r y, Mohilary declared that it would extend whole hearted support to the

state Govt. in solving the problems and issues of di ff er ent communities.

State Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit D a i m a r y, Mising Autonomous Council Chief Dr. Ranuj Pegu, MLAs Thaneswar Basumatary, Moneswar Bodo, Secretary of Bodo Sahitya Sabha K a m a l a k a n t a Muchahary were present among others in the event.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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NORTHEAST

Encroachment on govt. lands irks CM CM reviews development activities Dimapur, Nov 4: Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang on Thursday expressed serious concern over encroachments on government properties in Nagaland, stating that the unfortunate trend practised by greedy individuals have clearly shown utter disregard for public properties.

Zeliang said this while speaking as chief guest at the golden jubilee celebration of Dimapur Government College (DGC) here at the college auditorium.

Lauding the DGC authorities and students for successfully thwarting several encroachment attempts over the college land in the past, Zeliang remarked that such action should be considered as leading example, which needs to be emulated by other institutions and civil societies.

He said encroachment of government property was a loss not only for the government but also the public, as huge amount of money would be spent again to acquire new plot.

T.R. Zeliang along with his colleagues and others after unveiling the jubilee monolith.

In this regard, Zeliang reminded that it was a collective responsibility and called upon all to introspect at the same time change the mindset and attitude.

Zeliang also expressed serious concern over the ever increasing number of educated unemployed youths in the state and stressed on the need to engage them in some constructive activities before the assets become liabilities.

He wondered whether everyone was too engrossed

with academic education, while neglecting the crucial aspect of equipping youths with practical knowledge and life skills.

"We need to develop work culture besides book knowledge otherwise our youth could be misused by any unwanted social evils prevailing around us," Zeliang asserted. He called upon the teachers to impart wholesome and quality education to students by inspiring them to become self-reliant and not just focussed on white collared jobs.

Govt sends name of DC as pro tem KHADC chairman Shillong, Nov 4: The State government has sent the name of East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar to the Governor to take over as the pro-tem chairman of KHADC after the chairman and the deputy chairman of the Council resigned recently, sources said on Thursday.

The resignation of chairman Mansturdy Nongrem and deputy chairman Donevan Wanlang (both from Congress) was following the party's stand to sever ties with the PDF coalition led by suspended Congress leader PN Syiem.

However, legal experts have pointed out that the government's move comes into conflict with the district council rules as

any member of KHADC can be appointed by the Governor in the absence of chairman and deputy chairman to conduct the House as per the rule 12(1).

Earlier, District Council Affairs minister Prestone Tynsong, without naming anyone said the State government had on Wednesday sent the name of pro tem chairman for the approval of the Governor.

Legal experts pointed out that the secretary of KHADC had quoted the council rule 12 (1) while forwarding the resignation letters of chairman and deputy chairman to the commissioner and secretary, district council affairs department.

The letter mentions about appointing a pro tem

chairman in terms of rule 12(1) and for fixing a date for the election of the chairman under rule 32 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 as amended.

The council rule 12(1) states that in the absence of chairman and deputy chairman, any member of the Council as approved by the Governor will carry out the their duties.

The legal experts quoting rule 32 said that the role of the deputy commissioner comes only after the fresh election to the councils is held and not following the sudden resignation of chairman and deputy chairman. (Agencies)

Zeliang exhorted the students to be wary of antisocial activities and said "if all the citizens are engaged with works and constructive mindset, we can create a better place to live in".

Earlier, the chief minister unveiled the Jubilee monolith and released the jubilee souvenir.

Parliamentary secretary H&TE, Deo Nukhu extended greetings to the college on the auspicious occasion. Nukhu also laid the foundation stone for the Science Block. A short speech was delivered by advisor Urban Development, S.I. Jamir wherein he recalled that the past leaders, whose endeavours had led the college this far. He later opened the exhibition.

Speaking on behalf of Alumni, secretary Department of Land Resources, Y. Kikheto Sema said jubilee was a time to acknowledge the pioneers, a time to forgive to forget.

He further expressed happiness to note that many DGC alumni have been contributing towards de-

velopment of the state. He reminded the students that for success, infrastructure of the college was of little importance saying it was "something more to do with oneself."

Welcome speech was delivered by principal DGC, Ngangshikokba Ao. Performing Arts DGC presented 'God is everything' and cultural fusion and 'Jubilee Echo' by Evangelical Union DGC. DGC jubilee choir enthralled the gathering with 'Praise ye the Lord' and 'It's Time to Give Thanks.'

Highlights of the programme include-Dreamz Unlimited (Alumni) Clean Election- a funny, wise, contemporary, thoughtful, and hard hitting play on the grime melange of money, deceit, corruption, power, and selfishness of election politics.

Convenor JPC, Khrieo Rutsa rendered acknowledgement.

The function was chaired by associate professor DGC Kavili Jakhalu. The chief minister was accompanied his cabinet colleagues. (Agencies)

CBCNEI general secretary Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi delivering his keynote address. DABA Intermediate Choir presenting a song.

Dimapur, Nov 4: North-East India Transformation congress jointly organised by CBCNEI and EFI hosted by DABA (ABAM) on the theme "Let us reason together, Isaiah 1:18" is underway at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA). The program is scheduled to be held from November 3-6.

At the inaugural function, DABA pastor Rev. Dr N. TzĂźdir, while welcoming the delegates said God had brought all together for a noble cause and it was our duty to discern and know His will for us, so as to bring transformation to our land. Quoting King David "How good and

pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in unity (Ps 133:1)", he said reasoning together in the will of God was honourable and effective for transformation.

He said that all were aware that the congress would be dealing with important issues and problems being faced today.

In this regard, he advocated that it was not only the work of government alone but the church as well as NGOs. Quoting Luke 4:18-19 he encouraged the delegates to use this manifesto in building His kingdom on earth.

Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) general

secretary, Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi in his keynote address said, the word "Transformation" was used in different context and it was not a static but dynamic concept which required active action and involvement. Therefore transformation was seen as a movement he added.

This transformation congress was to rethink, reevaluate our engagement in God's mission in changing landscapes of global church, particularly in North East India, he stated.

He said, many issues that the churches and society in North East could be identified, but was difficult to deal with all the issues at a time.

He said that following issues would be deliberated during the congress: ecology and environment, family and poverty, peace and reconciliation, national and regional issues and church and mission.

Earlier the program was chaired by Kilangla Ajem and Kathyinla Jamir and special numbers were presented by N-FRNZ and DABA intermediate choir.

Around 400 delegates from 88 associations from North East region are expected to attend this Transformation Congress. (Agencies)

Agartala, Nov 4, : Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday asked all the district level officers of line departments to complete action plan by next two years, official sources confirmed here.

As per schedule, the Chief Minister along with Principal Secretary Dr. GSG Ayyanger held a review meeting in the conference hall of Gandacherra SDM office.

Apart from MLA Lalit Mohan Tripura and Executive Member of TTAADC Patiram Tripura, District Magistrate (DM), Dhalai Vikash Singh, Addl DM DK Chakma and SDM Bhaskar Bhattacharjee remained present in the meeting.

District level officers of PWD, TSECL, DWS and

BDOs also present there.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed achievement in six sectors- road connectivity, power, drinking water, sanitation, housing and pension.

It appeared construction and repair of several roads has been lagging behind.

After noticing the tardy pace of construction works, the Chief Minister asked district level officers of all concerned departments to complete action plan by next two year.

Sarkar also exhorted the SE, Dhalai district to issue work order in phase manner to complete all pending road works since working season has already begun.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister also inquired about the malaria status in

Agartala, Nov 4 : Byelections to Barjala constituency is all set to witness a multi-corner electoral battle with five candidates remained in the fray.

The five candidates, who remain in the fray include Shistha Mohan Das (BJP), Juma Sarkar (Left Front), Prakash Das (Trinamool Congress), Rajendra Das (Congress) and Bimal Das (Amara Bengali).

After conducting scrutiny, Returning Officer of Barjala by-election Samit Ray Chowdhuiry declared nomination papers of all the five candidates valid.

Khowai Assembly constituency would also wit-

ness multi-corner electoral battle as five candidates' nomination papers were declared as valid.

However, electoral battle will remain confine within four candidates- Biswajit Dutta (Left Front), Manoj Das (Trinamool Congress), Tapan Paul (BJP) and Pranab Biswas (Congress).

The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers would be on November 5, according to byelections schedule. The two Assembly constituencies would go to the polls on November 19 while results are scheduled to be held on November 22 next. (Agencies)

Shillong, Nov 4: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Thursday lashed out at the Power Department for its "criminal negligence" that to led the death of six members of a family from electrocution in Mawphlang on October 27.

"We want to clearly establish that the department has been responsible for criminally neglecting its responsibility," said the PAC Chairman Paul Lyngdoh during the committee's sitting on Thursday.

He said specific reports on the electrocution, which claimed a fivemonth pregnant woman and her five children, will have to be presented. "We

are extremely disturbed by the performance of the Department and we will ask for a specific report on the tragedy as we feel that the safety of residents in the state has been compromised," he added.

Taking note of the numerous complaints, Lyngdoh told reporters, "The PAC will summon the officials of the Power Department as it has failed to cater to the consumers in a number of ways. This will give more clarity and show where things have gone wrong."

On the State government's decision to pay Rs 1 lakh to each member of the immediate family of the victims, Lyngdoh said, "We feel that the amount is a pittance." (Agencies)

ZSUN, KSON to picket SDEO office Peren Dimapur, Nov 4: Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland (ZSUN) and Kuki Students' Organisation Nagaland (KSON) has informed they would be picketing SDEO Office Peren on November 9 on account of "appointment of nonZeliangrong and non Kuki Primary Teachers (SSA) due to the lackadaisical attitude of the Government."

In a press note, president ZSON Amonbo Zeliang and president KSON Paotinsei Khongsai stated the decision was taken

during an emergency meeting with senior leaders and as decided on the last presidential council meeting. In this regard, the student bodies have directed all the federating unit presidents and secretaries to report at Peren on November 9 before 10 a.m along with volunteers.

Further, ZSUN and KSON cautioned that in case of failure by the concern department to fulfill the demand further course of action can be implemented by closing down the SDEO office indefinitely.

(Agencies)

Gandacherra subdivision.

And, he was briefed that there was no case of malaria yet. Notwithstanding, the Chief Minister asked the health department official to remain vigilant since the area is malaria prone.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the entire Gandacherra subdivision. In the meeting, it appeared that the law and order situation is normal with no report of militant presence in the subdivision.

After the meeting, the Chief Minister visited three construction sitesauditorium, new police station building and dak bunglaw and left the subdivision by chopper.

(Agencies)

NPCC protest over Rahul's detention

Ten candidates remain in by-election fray

Power Dept pulled up North-East India Tranformation for 'criminal negligence'

Congress underway at DABA

in Gandacherra subdivision

Congress workers stage protest march on Thursday in Dimapur.

Dimapur, Nov 4: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and District Congress Committee (DCC) Dimapur on Thursday staged protest demonstration in Dimapur against the "undemocratic detention" of AICC vice-president, Rahul Gandhi, on November 2, 2016 in New Delhi.

In a press release, NPCC media cell, said State PCC members along with Dimapur DCC members took out protest march from Congress Bhavan, Dimapur till DC court junction, from where the Congress women and men marched till DC's office complex. It stated that a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Deputy Com-

missioner, Dimapur, was handed over to ADC Dimapur by the team led

by NPCC president, K. Therie, who was accompanied by DCC Dimapur president, Kughato S. Aye, and other party dignitaries.

The NPCC memorandum stated that Congress women and men were deeply pained to see the "undemocratic and illegitimate action" of the NDA government detaining Rahul Gandhi and other leaders. "We are also deeply embarrassed and ashamed before the World by the senseless display of police," NPCC stated, adding that paying homage to the "martyr" and comforting the bereaved family members were not crimes.

NPCC expressed the belief that there were tens of lakhs; more Subedar Ram Kishan Grewals, who were mentally driven to the point of no return. "Unable to bear the lethargy of NDA Government, Grewal gave his life for our tomorrow. The delay in operating OROP is nothing more than anti-veteran jawans and their dependents," the memorandum stated.

Further, state Congress stated that the undemocratic detention of nonBJP political leaders while on peaceful humanitarian duty, has "once again raised the ugly head of the intolerance that the BJP government led by Narendra Modi, breeds."

It asserted that the detention was gross violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed to all citizens of India as fundamental rights under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution of India.

Condemning the "unlawful and undemocratic action" of NDA government, NPCC demanded that advisory note be issued to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a direction to behave in accordance to the decorum of the Constitution. (Agencies)

Ensure a massive mandate for left front in by-polls, BIjan Agartala, Nov 04: There is no qualitative difference between Congress, Trinamool and BJP as they all represent anti-people forces and promote and strengthen forces of reaction and capitalism.

'Trinamool is synonymous with anarchy, Congress is gasping for breath for its accumulated sin while BJP is out to destroy the country with its divisive political agenda' said Bijan Dhar, CPI (M) state secretary and central committee member.

He was addessing a massive youth

rally in Barjala assembly constituency on the field of Barjala higher secondary school yesterday.

Dhar said that Tripura has always been a peaceful state with deep democratic roots , our elections have always been peaceful and traditionally transparent.

'But look at West Bengal and try to know what is happening there in the name of elections ; even Trinamool leaders will privately admit what they are committing in West Bengal' said Dhar. He said that BJP needed no introduction

as its divisive and communal politics is well known across the country. ' They are trying to carve out a place for themselves in Tripura but they will fail because the democratically coscious people of Tripura will give them no quarter' said Bijan . He appealed to the large gathering of youths from all corners of the Barjala constituency not to suffer from complacency and to devote themselves to ensuring a massive mandate for the CPI (M) candidate Jhumu Sarkar. (Agencies)

Ronnie-Naik stand-off on SPTS reaches CM Shillong, Nov 4: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday took note of the threat of defamation suit against Urban and Municipal Affairs Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh by former principal secretary in charge of the concerned department P. Naik following a stand-off between the duo over the running of buses and maxi taxis.

Naik, who retired as additional chief secretary earlier this year, is currently employed by

the government to streamline various rules framed by the State.

Lyngdoh said the chief minister took cognizance of Naik's stand and assured the minister that he would deal with the matter at his level.

On the demand of UDP for an independent probe into the matter, the minister said he was waiting for the arrival of the department's senior official who is out of station, to discuss about the appropriate steps.

Earlier, the minister had questioned Naik's role in entrusting the NGOs to run the buses and maxi taxis.

However, Naik's stand was that there was no reason to blame him since the decisions were endorsed by the committee headed by the chief secretary. He had also pointed that MUDA headed by the minister as executive chairperson should have taken corrective steps in the past if there was anything wrong. (Agencies)

EDITORIAL The siege that wasn't

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Today's quote

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Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the uni- It is still unclear why Imran Khan suddenly withdrew plans to 'lock down' Islamabad: whether the military did not support him, or he did not have enough manpower verse.

Albert Einstein

Getting real on OROP The suicide of Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal, allegedly over delay in receiving arrears under the One Rank, One Pension scheme, has set off a political storm. In a related move, the ex-servicemen groups demanding unconditional OROP have resumed their protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar; it had been called off six months ago after assurances from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Amidst all this, the real issues in the implementation of OROP have been lost sight of. The veterans are demanding OROP in its rightful form, which going by the accepted definition implies uniform pension to armed forces personnel retiring with the same rank and length of service regardless of the date of retirement. Among the major concerns highlighted by the veterans are: annual equalisation as against the approved five years; exclusion of those who opt for premature retirement (PMR) from the ambit of OROP; implementation from April 2014; and adoption of the highest pay scale of 2013 for revising pension. The government's predicament is obvious. Except for PMR, all these are financial issues and have budgetary implications.

Annual pension revision for over 20 lakh people would also be an administrative challenge.

The big issue is PMR, as it has consequences for the armed forces that go beyond extra pension money.

The Centre's OROP notification said "personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request" will not be entitled to its benefits. This made a distinction between those who opted for PMR in the past and those who may do so in future. There is still no clarity on the criteria of PMR, which has created confusion in the rank and file, particularly among those who are looking to leave the service after completing the pensionable service or have been superseded and have no further chances of promotion. It is debatable whether officers opting to leave the service on their own for better prospects and drawing regular pension should be given the additional benefit of OROP. However, there needs to be clarity to the PMR criteria, else it could push back efforts to build a younger Army and improve promotion opportunities. As for the implementation status, about Rs.5,500 crore had been disbursed; of the roughly 20.6 lakh pensioners, only one lakh are still to get the money. That the protests in Delhi have dwindled reflects the larger mood among the veterans. It is a welcome step that OROP has been granted after 40 years of demands, but the Centre must quickly iron out the remaining wrinkles.

How to balance our gigs An employment tribunal ruling in London last week that Uber drivers are "workers" and not "selfemployed", and therefore entitled to a minimum wage and paid leave, could have implications not only for Britain's 40,000 Uber drivers but for others associated with the 'gig economy' in Britain and beyond.

Uber's business model is predicated on calling itself a platform that connects those who want transportation services to those who provide them. The ruling held that Uber sells rides, not software, despite its legal and corporate structure and licensing agreements attempting to suggest otherwise. The gig economy is driven by algorithms and technology. It extends beyond ride-sharing applications to food delivery, car rental and hosting services. Earning money as an independent contractor - that is, through a gig - is not new. But the changing nature and growth of such business models and their inextricable linkages to technology, often via a smartphone app, is making it hard for regulators to keep up. From the consumer's perspective, app-based transportation services have been beneficial: increased clarity on pricing, speedy redress of complaints decreased waiting times via efficient driver-passenger match algorithms, and so on. The business model has brought more drivers into the workforce by offering flexible hours and gigs to anyone who meets certain criteria. From the service provider's perspective, the ability to work flexible hours can be a way to earn supplementary income. The British ruling, where the complainants were Uber drivers, focuses on the producer. It has ruled that clever use of legal and technological instruments cannot circumvent basic work-related rights. Thus it has begun the overdue process of determining the producer's obligations.

In India, with its vast unorganized labour force and patchy social protection, piecemeal work, such as that offered through apps in the for-hire transport market, holds the possibility of earning a livelihood that is above the minimum wage. The issues in India, for now, are likely to be different from those in the U.K., such as ensuring that algorithms do not incentivize drivers to work beyond the permitted maximum number of hours. There are, however, broader themes shared across borders and the range of offerings in the gig economy - including the need for companies to be transparent about their policies and practices so that regulation can be crafted in the first place. Such regulation should be streamlined, responsive to changing ground realities, and easily understandable by users. Any successful way forward will nurture innovation while protecting the rights of all stakeholders.

S. Akbar Zaidi Imran Khan has a lot to answer for. At one level, it is quite difficult to comprehend why Mr. Khan, who had been threatening to 'lock down' Islamabadon November 2, did a complete volte face on the evening of November 1 and changed the threatened one million protesters march on Islamabad into an eventual wimpish rally of a few thousand, by announcing to observe a thanksgiving day, a Youm-e-Tashakur, instead. Such has been the surprise of the unexpected climbdown from one who continues to claim that he never gives up and is a born fighter, and who claims that he holds the world record for the longest dharna of 127 days, that his opponents have had an even greater opportunity to chide him further.

His climbdown was likened to a surrender similar to 1971, with a prominent Pakistan Peoples Party leader saying, "one more Niazi surrendered in November", referring to the surrender by General A.K. Niazi in Dhaka in December 1971. Benazir Bhutto's daughter, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, called him "U-turn Khan", as did the daily newspaper Pakistan Today with its morning headline of "DĂŠjĂ U". A former Imran Khan supporter and party member Javed Hashmi said that Mr. Khan should instead observe a "day of humiliation", while others called it a "day of retreat". Many of the workers of his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), who had been dodging rubber bullets and dealing with tear gas in battling the police a few hours earlier, were disgusted and disappointed by their Kaptaan's unex-

pected decision.

Unlike 2014 Mr. Khan had been threatening to lock down Islamabad for some months now as a sequel to his long dharna in Islamabad from August to December 2014, which ended involuntarily after the Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar. The first round in 2014 was on account of Mr. Khan's allegations that there had been extensive rigging in the 2013 elections, and he forced the Election Commission of Pakistan to look into these allegations - proofs, he called them. Eventually the Election Commission did take a very close look at the election results and found that there had not been any significant or systematic irregularities to annul the elections overall, but did insist on revoting in a few constituencies. Mr. Khan was seen as a big loser at the end of that round, Dharna 1.0 as it was being called, since much of the four months of the dharna were spent abusing and vilifying Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and little else. This time round, Dharna 2.0 as some were calling it, the stakes were higher, with Mr. Khan insisting that he would not back down till the Prime Minister resigned.

In April this year, when the Panama Leaks story of numerous politicians from around the world having offshore companies broke, and it was revealed that Mr. Sharif's daughter and son had such companies in their name, Mr. Khan, along with other opposition political parties, decided to launch a movement against the Prime Minister, accusing him of corruption. For many months, there were intense negotiations between a

collective opposition and the government about setting up a commission to investigate the alleged corruption of Mr. Sharif and his family. As often happens, the opposition was worn down by the government and eventually the pressure was lifted off the Prime Minister who, in the meanwhile, spent eight weeks in London for a bypass procedure. For most politicians, the Panama leaks story had died its unsurprising end. Not so for Mr. Khan, who claims he never gives up. He didn't, and continued his verbal protests, finally culminating in the ultimatum of a November 2 lockdown and 'million march' unless the Prime Minister resigned.

In the meantime, soon after announcing the lockdown date, the Supreme Court of Pakistan agreed to hear five constitutional petitions seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Sharif in the wake of the Panama Papers revelations, and announced, almost magically, to hear the petitions on November 1. This was dismissed by Mr. Khan as yet another ploy and delaying tactic, and he con-

tinued to rally his party workers and other opposition political parties to join his campaign and dharna of November 2. A few thousand party faithful started making their way to Islamabad from the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, overcoming barriers and numerous road blocks, tear-gas shelling, and confronting large battalions of the police. A showdown appeared imminent and it was being anticipated in Islamabad that 'something big' was about to happen, and this time Imran Khan would actually push the government over the edge.

Appeals to the Army chief While Mr. Khan was egging on his supporters, a battalion of television journalists on a few (supposedly) private television channels were adding a great deal of fuel and fire to a potential explosion.

Some particularly notorious TV anchors started urging the Pakistan military to intervene, often using God's name, calling out to the soon-to-be-retiring Army chief, General Raheel Sharif, to impose martial law, and as always 'to save the nation'. While

the usual suspects were at this game, some prominent 'lifestyle liberal' political analysts were also singing the praises of the 'most popular army commander in Pakistan's history, popular amongst his own force and the population at large', urging him, before he retires on November 29, to render his 'farewell service to the nation'. Pakistan's twodecade military curse (1958, 1977, 1999) looked imminent, at least to some. But just a few hours before a probable confrontation, Mr. Khan withdrew.

The ostensible reason given publicly was that as advertised and announced days ahead, the Supreme Court of Pakistan simply asked the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz and PTI to submit their terms of reference for the formation of a commission to probe the Panama Papers leaks, and as simply, Mr. Khan called off the threatened lockdown. If things were ever so simple.

During the 2014 dharna, Mr. Khan kept looking towards General Sharif, hoping that the latter would intervene and send Mr. Sharif packing on account of allegations of electoral fraud. When General Sharif summoned Mr. Khan during the sit-in, it was clearly not to inform him that he was going to be ordained as Pakistan's next Prime Minister, and a disappointed Mr. Khan returned to a doomed container in Islamabad. However, Mr. Khan persisted with his never-giving-up dharna. This time, in 2016, it is still unclear why he suddenly closed shop, holding a jalsa instead, and one can merely speculate until more is revealed.

Whether it was the military which did not support him this time with the retirement (or extension) of the Army chief due in four weeks, or whether he just did not have the basic support he had in 2014 when Tahir-ul-Qadri provided much manpower, or whether the government did hamper any movement towards Islamabad, the lockdown was abandoned, making Mr. Khan look politically inept, immature and very foolish. Equally foolish have looked the many TV anchors who surpassed even their most belligerent of anxieties, repeatedly begging the military to step in, undermining all semblance of neutrality.

Failing the electoral test Having lost numerous byelections since 2013, as well as having been trounced in elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and by continuing to boycott Parliament including key sessions such as those on Kashmir, Mr. Khan continues to be Pakistan's biggest loser politically, precisely because he does have large support, though clearly not enough to win elections outright. His political base continues to be the mainly urban-middle-class, conservative youth, both men and women, of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

For his singular obsession to become Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Khan will need to change his agitational posture and politics and transform it into one which could help win elections through party reorganisation, rather than by empty threats which remain just that. If only his hubris allowed him, perhaps he could even learn from a young man less than half his age, who is in the process of rebuilding his mother's party.

Citizenship on a divisive agenda The BJP has factored in the realpolitik in Assam where it has to go for a grand consolidation of the Hindu votes across linguistic divides and ethnic identities Joydeep Biswas Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, in the Lok Sabha during the last monsoon session to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Bill, since sent to a 30-member joint House panel on August 11 for a "thorough examination", contains proposals for bringing in changes to sections 2 and 7, and the Third Schedule of the principal Act. The Bill states that persons belonging to the minority communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who entered India with or without valid documents would now onwards cease to be treated as "illegal migrants" and be eligible to apply for Indian citizenship under the provision of naturalisation.

Even as the Bill covers the whole of India - citizenship being a Union subject - its implication is expected to be far more pronounced in Assam, a

State with a unique social matrix. Already the Bill has evoked sharp reaction from the votaries of Assamese nationalism as they see in the proposed legislation a design of the Central government not only to dilute the Assam Accord of 1985 but also put the 'indigenous language and culture' at peril. Post-accord, due to the insertion of Section 6A in the Citizenship Act, 1955, the cut-off date for citizenship in Assam is March 25, 1971.

The proposed piece of new legislation seeks to extend this to December 31, 2014, rendering Section 6A infructuous.

The political subtext A significant section of Assamese intellectuals, regional vernacular press and various outfits is clearly peeved at the Centre's manoeuvring of the sensitive issue of foreigners. In fact, the call for reprising an '80s-likeagitation' is renting the air.

The All Assam Students' Union has already declared a State-wide agitation programme against the Bill

from October 18. For Assamese chauvinist forces, all Bengali-speaking people, irrespective of religious affiliation, are suspected Bangladeshi nationals.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has clearly two reasons at work behind mooting the idea of offering citizenship to the religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

One, it is simply catering to the Sangh Parivar's long-running agenda of making India a 'Hindu state', and, as an immediate sub-plot of that larger agenda, of treating this country as the 'natural home' to Hindus all over the world.

Second - and this is of more urgent consideration - the BJP is trying to further consolidate its Hindu constituency by wedging the religious divide in a very subtle way in the diverse demography of Assam.

Even a cursory look at the Bill would tell us that it straightaway sends the Muslim immigrants of the post-1971 stream to a stateless state while giv-

The Chinese farmer There is a Chinese story of an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and, when all the farmer's neighbours sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, 'Bad luck?

Good luck? Who knows?'

A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbours congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, 'Good luck?

Bad luck? Who knows?'

Then, when the farmer's son was at-

tempted to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg.

Everyone thought this very bad luck.

Not the farmer, whose only reaction was, 'Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?'

Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer's son with his broken leg they let him off. Now was that good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?

ing a safe passage to their Hindu counterparts.

The BJP has factored in the realpolitik in Assam where it has to go for a grand consolidation of the Hindu votes across linguistic divides and ethnic identities. Such social engineering proved successful in the last Assembly elections, but to sustain it the party needs to complete the process of 'othering' the Muslims sooner rather than later. Both the Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Assam are now busy convincing the Assamese constituency how embracing the Bengali Hindu would save the State from the economic and political aggression unleashed by the Muslim Bengalis who are in a majority in nine out of the 30plus districts.

In this political theatre, the most passive actors are the Partition-hit Bengali Hindus who are the only likely beneficiaries of the Bill. In the absence of any State-wide organisation or leadership of their own, this section, which

numbers more than five million, has always preferred to be with the power that be. No surprise then that Bengali Hindus in Assam have become a steady support base for the BJP. Legal scrutiny Even as Assam heads for another spell of intra-community tension, doubts loom large over the fate of the very Bill that is the bone of contention. Noted constitutional experts such as Subhash C. Kashyap have raised serious questions over the legal tenability of the Bill in its present form. As the House panel takes it up, its members need to take a hard look at both the legal nuances and the political niceties or otherwise of this rather communal intention in awarding of citizenship. India can ill-afford to offer naturalised citizenship on the basis of religious identity of migrants.

Apart from the fact that the proposed amendments in the Citizenship Act, 1955, are likely to collide with the Sec-

tion 6A therein, they violate Article 14 of the Constitution guaranteeing equality before the law.

Most significantly, however, this Bill does not actually give citizenship to anybody. It only proposes to enable the post1971 stream of non-Muslim migrants to apply for Indian citizenship via the route of naturalisation; they are proposed to be decriminalised by lifting the prefix 'illegal' before 'migrants'. The Bill, even if enacted, shall remain just an enabling piece of legislation. Future governments may very well take shelter under Section 14 of the Citizenship Act to refuse what the present government is seemingly granting the much-coveted citizenship.

It only brings out the starker truth that the BJP might lack sincerity in finding a permanent solution to the long-drawn-out issue of citizenship for the displaced Hindu Bengali settled in Assam, but has proved to be politically expedient in garnering its electoral catch in the troubled waters.

Poor Medical service Dear Editor: There is a single medical was provided in the remote Area of Bijoypur village under Bordumsa circle in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh. The facilities are very poor in that medical, since there is no Doctor and Nurse at all. The medical remain closed except one day in a week. The villagers are in trouble, the Doctor used to visit in the medical only once in a week i.e. Wednesday. This is causing considerable problems with getting continuation of treatment. The local Administration should focus on this too. Surely there must be a quicker way of transferring this information.

Yours Faithfully Mangal Bijoy Bijoypur, Arunachal Pradesh

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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Here Are Mumbai's Top 5 Apartment Societies Google launches Pixel, Pixel XL smartphones, prices start at Rs 57,000 Google launched the muchanticipated Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones at its October 4 keynote event held at San Francisco. With Pixel, Google has given a break to its 'Nexus' lineup, streamlining the naming scheme for all its devices.

Although pixel has been crafted by HTC, they are the first to come without any OEM branding.

Pixel and Pixel XL feature aluminium and glass frames, and come in Quite Black, Very Silver and Really Blue colour variants.

While Pixel is priced at $649 for the 32GB storage variant and $749 for 128GB variant, Pixel XL would cost $769 for 32GB and $869 for 128GB. In India, the handset prices start at Rs 57,000. However, the Re-

ally Blue variant would not be available in the country as of now. Both the smartphones would run the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system out of the box.

Featuring Google Assistant, already present in Allo messaging app, users only need to touch and hold the home button to activate it. The handsets also feature the new Pixel launcher, and Google Duo video messaging app. The company says that Pixel and Pixel XL will also have their own set of Live Cases.

Pixel can be pre-ordered in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany starting today via Google's website and will hit shelves starting October 20 as per the company. The devices will be up for pre-order in

India starting October 13 and will be available via Flipkart, Reliance Digital, and Croma.

The Pixel XL features a 5.5inch QHD (1440x2560 pixels) resolution AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 4 protection. It also has an integrated Nexus Imprint fingerprint sensor at the back.

The smartphone is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB RAM and comes in two storage variants 32GB and 128GB. Pixel XL has an 8MP frontfacing camera powered by Sony IMX179 sensor and a 12.3MP rear camera with Sony IMX378 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and a larger 1.55um lens allowing the camera to capture more light. It also includes fea-

tures like Smart burst and Lens Blur.

With an all-metal 7.33mm thick body in Black, Blue and White finishes, the device is backed by a 3,450mAh battery, and comes with single speaker placed at the bottom. The battery is rated to deliver up to 23 days of standby time on LTE connectivity and 32 hours of talk time on 3G connectivity. It also supports fast charging tech that delivers up to 7 hours of use in 15 minutes of charging.

As for Pixel, the handset features a 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) resolution AMOLED display and is backed by a 2770mAh battery with fast charging technology. Rest of the specifications remains the same as the Pixel XL.

Good Brilliant low-light photography Fast modern processor Great battery life Google Assistant with localizations for India

Bad Not very stylish or eye-catching Expensive No storage expansion

Samsung's next big headache: How to avert environment impact of Note 7 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Thursday it was reviewing options to limit the potential environmental impact from the firm's discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphones.

The remarks come after environmental group Greenpeace issued a statement earlier this week demanding the world's top smartphone maker find a way to reuse rare materials such as cobalt, gold, palladium and tungsten in the discontinued smartphones that Samsung is taking back.

"We recognize the concerns around the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7 and are currently reviewing possible options that can minimize the environmental impact of the recall in full compliance with relevant local environmental regulations," Samsung said in a statement.

Samsung in October permanently ended sales of the fire-prone Note 7 smartphones and is in the process of recalling them globally. The firm had sold 3.06 million of the phones

Facebook announces Gameroom; Steam-like gaming for PCs

Facebook just made a big push into PC gaming by launching Gameroom, an answer to Valve's Steam platform. At the developer's launch Facebook unveiled the gaming platform for Windows. Gameroom, a product by Facebook was been in the line up since long, with multiple beta tests, changes and dev solicitation. Facebook has finally unveiled the beta build for developers around the

globe and called the platform as Gameroom and users can download it on devices which support Windows 7 or newer.

On this platform, users can play native Gameroom games, web etc, and the best part is that it is a dedicated PC app which does not allow News Feed distractions.

The biggest challenge for Facebook will come Steam that has more than 125 million ac-

WhatsApp starts rolling out video-calling feature

WhatsApp has finally started rolling out the muchawaited video calling feature to its users. However, so far the update is only available for Windows Phone users. The feature, as per multiple reports, comes

enabled by default as a part of an update to the v2.16.260 WhatsApp Beta.

To make a video call, users simply need to click on the calling button and choose between 'Voice' and 'Video' calling options. The option

India's financial capital Mumbai is considered a good place to live in, where autowallas always switch on the meter without arguing. They also take you wherever you want to go. Mumbai is also known for its good street food, and offers its residents a safe life. The beautiful beaches in Mumbai uplift your mood. Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street, Hill Road, Chor Bazaar and Linking Road are some places that help you look stylish without going broke. Mumbai is also a great city for career opportunities. Such factors make the city a great place to live in.

Radius Developers Chembur Phase-1

The number one apartment society in the list is Radius Kalpataru Immensa, Thane West is second in the list, with 340 sold units in the April-June quarter. The project will be launched soon, and will be ready for possession by March 2020.

The total area of the project is 108 acres. There are 1200 apartments in Kalpataru Immensa that vary within the range of 680 sq ft to 2,032 sq ft. The project has a clubhouse, a car parking lot, a swimming pool and rainwater harvesting systems. The apartment units are priced between Rs 53.7 lakh and Rs 1.61 crore. Thane West is one of the most promising localities in India. It is well connected to the Eastern Express Highway, and this makes commuting easier. The Thane police

Developers Chembur Phase-1, with 366 units sold

in the quarter from April to June. The project will be

Kalpataru Immensa, Thane West

does a good job in maintaining safety in the local-

ity. So, the project is a great place to live in. Apartment

Haware Paradise, Bhiwandi

to customers before they were pulled from the market.

Samsung did not refer to

Greenpeace in its statement and declined to comment on what it plans to do with the recovered Note 7 devices.

tive users. Even while this article is being written, millions of gamers are on the platform playing hardcore. Additionally, there are many developers associated with Steam, which will make Facebook's job a little tough to convince them that its reach can be used to lure consumers to its gaming platform. Added to this, it will be tougher to bring gamers to this platform by baiting them with social experience. There are many benefits for Facebook to have a gaming platform. Firstly, it adds an identity layer to users, which will make it difficult for users to leave the social media addiction. With its massive reach, more and more advertisers will come in and invest in sponsored placement on Facebook as well as the app if the company allows it. With the number of users, Facebook can earn a lot with revenue cuts.

Facebook was once a giant in gaming, with games from Zynga and the likes giving the company massive business.

But users got more comfortable with mobile games. Now Facebook wants to be back in the think of things, with a PC

platform. The Gameroom desktop platform for Windows has been created by Facebook using support from Unity's WebGL. Earlier the app was known as Facebook Games Arcade, in the beta tests.

Facebook finally announced the name and said that the Unity will start shipping from 2016 allowing developers to export their games directly to Gameroom and also the standard WebGL. Facebook announced the launch and name change from "Facebook Games Arcade" today at Unity's game development platform conference.

Facebook had first announced its plans in May 2016 by opening a global beta roll out, and the Unity partnership. Meanwhile, Facebook has said that Unity 5.6 shipping next year will allow devs to export their games directly to Facebook Gameroom, as well as to the WebGL standard.

It can be safely said that even though Steam is a clear favourite among hardcore gamers, Facebook's aggressive betting on the new platform might just sway too much in its favour very soon.

also allows users to change from front camera to rear camera and mute the call. In addition, users would get notified when they miss a call. To call back, they can tap on the same menu.

It has not been mentioned when the particular feature would reach Android or iOS apps. However, given its launch on the Windows Phone, we can assume that it might reach Android and iOS platforms soon.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp recently rolled out an update for users of iOS operating system. The update, already available on WhatsApp for Android app, brings key features of Snapchat and Instagram Stories to the messaging app.

The update version 2.16.12 allows iOS users to draw and add emojis to an image or a video. iOS users can choose any image or video in their smartphone's library and doodle on it with different brush sizes and font styles, something that has been there on Snapchat and Instagram Stories for a while.

In addition, the WhatsApp for iOS update also lets group admins invite other people to join a group. All they need to do is to tap on the 'Group Invite link' in the group info section. Although the Android version also added support for front-facing flash and easy zooming in videos, the WhatsApp for iOS changelog does not mention these features so far. The updated app can be downloaded from App Store.

The third in the list is Haware Paradise, Dheeraj Reality LivSmart, Kurla, Mumbai is at the fourth position, with 160 sold units in the AprilJune quarter April. The project was launched in January 2016. It will be ready for possession in January 2019, and has 1,680 apartment units.

The project is currently under construction, and is spread over an area of 4.5 acres. The apartments in Dheeraj Reality LivSmart are sized between 615 sq ft and 925 sq ft, and can be purchased directly from the developer. Some of the amenities the project offers are a gymnasium, a children's play area and landscaped gardens. The price of apartment units range from Rs 83 lakh to Rs 1.12 crore.

launched soon, and will be made available for possession in December 2020.

There are 924 apartment units in this project. Apartment sizes range from 365 sq ft to 1,337 sq ft. The project is spread over an area of 40 acres. Apartment units can be purchased from the developer. The amenities offered include a gymnasium, a children's pool, a clubhouse and a swimming pool. The project is in great demand because it is situated in a good locality.

Chembur is situated on the harbour line, and is witnessing great development. The price of apartments in Radius Developers Chembur Phase-1 ranges from Rs 42.3 lakh to Rs 1.55 crore.

Bhiwandi. This project has sold around 212 units in

the April-June quarter April. The project is newly

units can be purchased from the developer. launched, and will be ready for possession by March 2019. There are 312 apartment units in this project. Apartment sizes range from 377 sq. ft. to 876 sq. ft., and can be purchased from the developer.

The amenities offered include a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a clubhouse and landscaped gardens.

Apartments in Haware Paradise are priced between Rs 1.41 lakh and Rs 32.9 lakh. This project is great place to live in, because it is situated in Bhiwandi. The cost of living here is quite reasonable. Apartments are affordable too.

Dheeraj Reality LivSmart, Kurla

The locality is great to live in. Real estate prices

are high in Kurla. Commuting is easy and there

Puranik Tokyo Bay Phase-II, Thane West

are good schools and offices in this area.

Puranik Tokyo Bay Phase-II, Thane West is at the fifth positon. 127 units were sold in the April-June quarter. The project will be launched soon, and will be ready for possession

by December 2019.

There are 462 apartments in the project.

Apartment sizes range from 679 sq. ft. to 1, 049 sq. ft., and can be directly purchased from the developer.

The amenities includes children's play area, rainwater harvesting system and power back up system. Apartment prices range from Rs 51.6 lakh to 79.7 lakh.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

P8

INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan, India may temporarily recall their envoys Islamabad, Nov 4: Signalling a fresh slide in ties, Pakistan and India may temporarily recall their high commissioners and scale down the size of diplomatic staff in each other's missions in the wake of the latest diplomatic spat over the spying episode , a media report said on Friday.

The latest spat started last week after a staff member of Pakistan's high commission in New Delhi was detained by police for questioning over espionage charges , media reported.

The fresh slide in ties may also lead to a 'scaling down' of the strength of diplomatic staff by the two neighbours, the paper said.

The tension intensified after tit-fit-tat naming of diplomatic staff for alleged spy work+ by both sides.

Mahmood Akhtar, who was working as a visa of-

ficer at the Pakistani high commission, was later expelled from India.

"However, India, using a statement Delhi police extracted from Akhtar through coercive means, implicated other Pakistani staffers. The identities of at least six such officials were leaked to the media, jeopardising their security.

The move prompted Pakistan to withdraw them+ from New Delhi," it said.

In what appeared to be a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan on Thursday claimed that eight officials posted in India's high commission in Islamabad were agents+ of RAW and IB. The disclosure left New Delhi with no other options but to withdraw the named officials, the paper said.

An official with knowledge of latest developments said that India had

HIGHLIGHTS India and Pakistan may reduce number of diplomatic staff, a report said.

India-Pakistan tensions intensified after tit-fit-tat naming of diplomatic staff for alleged spy work by both sides.

Pakistan on Thursday accused 8 Indian diplomats of "spying".

A file picture of India, Pakistan flags. breached an 'understanding' by revealing the identities of certain Pakistani officials posted in New Delhi, the paper said.The official said both sides knew that certain officials worked under cover and they did so with the full

Many Indian-American Barack Obama voters in Florida supporting Donald Trump

He (Trump) is so negative and so inexperienced. I can't support him," said Sindhuvalli, who voted for Obama in the last two presidential elections.

Jacksonville (Florida), Nov 4: Many of the IndianAmericans in Florida who voted for the US President Barack Obama in the last two presidential elections say they are switching sides this time and are supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump. But there appears to be a gender divide, as women appear to be solidly behind Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton (69), because of her life-long work for children and women. "She (Clinton) has a lot of experience. She has worked for children and women all her life. There is such a huge gap between her experience and what Trump (70) represent," Indrani Sindhuvalli, professor of Biology at the Florida State College in Jacksonville told PTI in an interview.

"He (Trump) is so negative and so inexperienced. I can't support him," said Sindhuvalli, who voted for Obama in the last two presidential elections. "Have you listened to what he has said about women I would not be

voting for him. (Hillary Clinton) is my choice for presidency," Rani Ignatius, 61, who lives near Orlando said. But Rani and several other Indian-American women are having a problem at home convincing their husband to vote for Clinton.

"This is time that we hand over the leadership of the country to a non-politician.

Even though he is not very articulate as a politician should be, his policies are in the best interest of the United States," Iggy Ignatius, 61, who is the founder and chairman of Orlando-based Shantinike tan, a home for Indian American senior citizens, said. Similarly, Dr Pawan Rattan, a life-long registered Democrat from Tampa, finds himself in the Trump camp. "His policies makes a lot of sense and is in the best interest of the US and the world," Dr Rattan said.

"This is a man who appears to be genuine in his commitment," he said, adding that he is making a one-time exception to vote for Trump be-

cause of his commitment to fight terrorism, and policies on health care and immigration. However, Dr Rattan acknowledged that he faces a tough opposition from his daughter on his support to Trump.

"She wants me to support Clinton," he said. IndianAmerican Satya Shaw, a certified public accountant, is an independent and had voted for Obama in the last two presidential elections. "I voted for change. But there is no change. Tax rates have increased. Health care bills have jumped," Shaw, who comes from Orissa and lives near Tampa, said. Impressed

by Trump's policies Shaw said: "He will repeal and replace Obamacare on day one.

Our income tax would come down."

Dr L Gedia, says this time a lot of Indian-Americans who voted for Obama in the previous elections are switching over to Trump. "Same is the case with Americans," he said, adding that more than 80 per cent of his American patients are supporting Trump. They have lost faith in Hillary Clinton," he said.

"I would not be surprised if it is not a repeat of Brexit," Dr Gedia said.

As per 2010 census, there are about 130,000 IndianAmericans in Florida, mostly concentrated in three major areas of the States ? Tampa, Miami and Orlando. However, unlike some of the key battle ground States like Virginia, the voting pattern of Indian-Americans are unlikely to make a major impact on the overall result of the State. (Agencies)

Mukherjee offers prayer at historic Janaki temple Janakpur, November 4: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday offered prayers at the historic Janaki temple here and promised to construct two Dharmashalas to facilitate pilgrims to visit this ancient city in Nepal, bordering India.

Mukherjee, the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years, wore traditional headgear while visiting the Janaki temple where he offered prayers on the third and last leg of his three-day State Visit to Nepal.

He was welcomed by priest reciting 'Swasti vachan', a kind of traditional Sanskrit prayer for welcoming guest.

"I am happy to announce, during my State Visit to Nepal, that government of India will construct 2 Dharmashalas along the 'parikarma path' of Janakpur Dham to facilitate visiting this ancient city," the President said.

"I am confident that the twin city agreement between Janakpur and the ancient Indian city of Ayodhya will further strengthen the close bonds and enhance the cooperation between our two peoples - particularly in the development of trade and tourism in this region," he said.

Describing his visit to Janakpur city as "memorable", Mukherjee said this important pilgrimage destination is one of the most sig-

President Pranab Mukherjee visits Pashupati Nath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal on Thursday. nificant focal points of the cultural and spiritual linkages between India and Nepal.

"I thank the Janaki mandir authorities and the people of Janakpur for receiving me today. I am deeply touched by their warm affection. I offer them greetings on the festival of Chhath from the government and the people of India and best wishes for their progress and prosperity," he added.

Large number of school children lined up the road from the airport to the temple. Several of them dressed up as characters from 'Ramayana'

like King Janak, the father of Goddess of Sita.

The temple built in 1910 by Queen of Tikamgarh is in the centre of Janakpur which is said to be once ruled by King Janak.

Built in bright white, the temple is constructed in a mixed style of Islamic and Rajput domes. The temple is a three storied structure made entirely of stone and marble.

Janakpur is also considered as epicentre of protests by Madhesis who are demanding population based proportional representation in Parliament among others. (PTI)

official knowledge, it said.

"What India did was unthinkable," the official added, saying the Indian move would have serious implications for the two countries.

He said the immediate fallout of this controversy

could be the recalling of high commissioners by the two countries for the time being, the paper said.

The official said another implication might be 'cutting down' the size of diplomatic staff posted in each other's countries till the situation normalised, it added. (PTI)

India's Aniruddha Rajput Elected To UN's International Law Commission

Aniruddha Rajput, a Supreme Court lawyer, has been elected to UN's International Law Commission

United Nations, Nov 4: In a significant victory, a young Indian lawyer won a hotly-contested election in the UN General Assembly for membership to the world body's top body of legal experts, garnering the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific group.

33-year-old Aniruddha Rajput is among the 34 individuals elected by the General Assembly as members of the International Law Commission, the UN organ tasked with the progressive development of international law and its codification.

The newly elected members will serve five-year terms of office with the Geneva-based body beginning January 2017.

The members have been elected from five geographical groupings of African, Asia-Pacific, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean and Western European states.

Mr Rajput got 160 votes, topping the Asia Pacific group in voting that was held by way of secret ballot yesterday.

Amongst the youngest to be elected to the nearly 70year old body, Mr Rajput is India's first time candidate to the Commission, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told news agency PTI. A practicising lawyer of India's Supreme Court, Mr Rajput is also the first Indian nominee chosen from outside a close circle of

lawyers of the Ministry of External Affairs.

An alumnus of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Mr Rajput was member of an expert group appointed by the Law Commission of India to study and comment upon the Model Bilateral Investment Treaty 2015 of India, according to his profile submitted to the UN. He has written several books, chapters, articles, conference papers on diverse legal subjects and his areas of expertise in international laws include Sources of International Law, International Arbitration, Law of the Sea, Use of Force, UN Law & Practice and International Trade Law (WTO Law).

In response to a congratulatory tweet by Singapore's Ambassador to the United Nations Burhan Gafoor on Mr Rajput's election, Mr Akbaruddin replied, "We are deeply appreciative of support extended by many, many friends of India to ensure Dr Rajput's election by a huge margin."

Japan's Shinya Murase got the second highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific group at 148, followed by Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Huikang Huang of China with 146 votes each, Korea's Ki Gab Park with 136 votes, Ali bin Fetais Al-Marri of Qatar with 128 votes and Hong Thao Nguyen of Viet Nam with 120 votes.

(Agencies)

Afghan police: Roadside bombing in Helmand kills reporter Kabul, Nov 4: Afghan police say that a roadside bombing in southern Helmand province has killed an Afghan journalist and wounded another.

The explosion took place in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah around 10 AM today.

Police inspector Haji Garan says the blast killed Naimatullah Zaheer, a reporter with the Aryana news television.

He did not identify Zaheer's wounded colleague or the outlet the

colleague works for.

Garan says the reporters were among a group of local journalists driving to an area where there was intense fighting with the Taliban the previous night.

He says Zaheer was parking the car when the blast went off.

In recent months, the Taliban have launched repeated and occasionally large-scale attacks on the capital in southern Helmand province, the heartland of their insurgency. (Agencies)

Pakistan's polity doesn't have capacity to sustain normal ties with India: Menon "I would characterize [India-Pakistan relations] today as managed hostility, which I hope it stays managed," Mr. Menon said in response to a question.

Karchi, Nov 4: Pakistan's polity does not have the capacity to sustain a normal relationship with India, former foreign secretary and national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said as he characterised relations between the two nucleararmed neighbors as "managed hostility".

"I would characterize [India-Pakistan relations] today as managed hostility, which I hope it stays managed," Mr. Menon said in response to a question on relations between the two nations at a panel discussion organised by the 'South Asia centre at New York University' here on Thursday.

On whether he sees any prospect for resolution of the Kashmir issue, Mr. Menon, who has been India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, replied in the negative.

He said many of the issues relating to Kashmir have been around for a long time and "we know the solutions" to many of them but they seem to be "politically difficult" to serve.

"Today I don't think Pakistan's polity has the capacity to sustain a normal relationship with India. I think there is a very strong institutional interest there," he said.

Mr. Menon, who has

Former foreign secretary and national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said as he characterised relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors as "managed hostility".

authored the book 'Choices: Inside the Making of Indian Foreign Policy', however added that his "fear" is that if "it becomes a party political issue in India, which it has not always been, then you have the same dynamic operating."

He emphasized that expectations in India on any improved relations with Pakistan are "very very low" particularly after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

"There is very little public support for actually trying to fix those issues after the Mumbai attack and the series of cross-border terrorist attacks doesn't help either. Given that, I wouldn't expect rapid resolution of all these issues," he said.

Mr. Menon was asked given that India's position

on various global issues like Syria, Russia and Yemen has been different from that of the U.S., would it vote along side the U.S. as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

He replied India should not spend its time worrying about a seat on the UN body.

"For me frankly a seat on the Security Council, with due apology, is a status quo. That is a beauty contest. You want to win a beauty contest - go ahead and enjoy yourself," he said.

"That's not the point. Our point is to create an enabling environment for India's transformation and work with the US for that. I think that's in the US interest too," he said.

(Agencies)

Race Would Be Close, Go Out and Vote: Obama Tells Supporters

US President Barack Obama.

Florida, Nov 4: US President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the presidential elections between Hillary Clinton of his Democratic party and her Republican rival Donald Trump would be close and urged his supporters to go out and vote in large numbers.

"I am here to tell you that this will be a close race and you cannot take it for granted," Obama told several thousands of his supporters at an election rally yesterday in Jacksonville, Florida - a key battleground state.

Obama addressed two rallies in Florida yesterday and is scheduled to come back over the weekend.

"Because all the progress

we've made these last eight years goes out the window if we don't win this election. So we've got to work our hearts out in the next five days.

We have to work like our future depends on it, because, you know what, our future depends on it," he said.

Making a strong pitch for his former secretary of state, Obama said there's only one candidate in this race who has devoted her entire life to that better America, and that is the next President of the United States, Hillary Clinton.

Making a contrast between the two presidential candidates, Obama said while Trump is not

fit to enter the White House, Clinton is the most qualified person to ever run for this position.

"So the question is, if you got one person who you know is not qualified and you got another person who is eminently qualified, the only thing that's left to do is vote. The only thing left to do it vote," he said amidst applause from the audience.

"This is somebody who would do damage to our democracy, who is uniquely unqualified and shows no interest in becoming more qualified.

And the good news is, Florida, all of you are uniquely qualified to make sure he doesn't get the job," he said.

"But you got to vote. You got to vote. You don't have to just vote against something; you can vote for something. Because there's a candidate in this race who's actually worthy of your vote. Somebody who is smart.

Somebody who is steady.

Somebody who is tested, maybe the most qualified person to ever run for this office -- and that is our next President, Hillary Clinton," he added. (Agencies)

Dhaka cafe attack: Bangladesh police arrests 'weapon suppliers' Dhaka, Nov 4: Bangladesh Police on Thursday arrested four 'weapon suppliers' who smuggled from India arms and materials used in the country's worst terror attack at a cafe here that claimed 22 lives including of an Indian girl in July.

"Our counter-terrorism unit arrested them from Mirpur area last night... we are now interrogating them in our custody after obtaining a three-day remand order from a court," police spokesman Masudur Rahman said.

The four are believed to have supplied grenade

detonators, gel and weapons smuggled from India used in the neo-JMB attacks across the country, he said.

The development came more than a week after police said they succeeded in tracing the source of the not-somodern weaponry used by terrorists while they all were operatives of neo-JMB, which is said to be ideologically linked to ISIS, which had claimed the responsibility of the cafe attack.

Media reports quoting a police officer said during initial investigation, the suspects confessed to

smuggling weapons and explosives across the Indian border near Bangladesh's northwestern Chapainawabganj district.

In August, police killed the mastermind of the country's worst terror attack on July 1 at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka that killed 22 people. An Indian girl was among 17 foreigners killed in the attack.

ISIS had claimed responsibility for the cafe attack but police believe that neoJamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh was involved in organising the attack.

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

EDUCATION

P9

Bachelor of Dental surgery (BDS) Top 7 BDS Colleges in India

MAULANA AZAD INSTITUTE OF DENTAL SCIENCES - [MAIDS], NEW DELHI

Dentist Education Requirements and Career Information To practice as a dentist one must need at least a Bachelor's degree in Dental Science (BDS). There is no specialisation at the bachelor level. If you want your career to grow, then you will have to be a specialist with a Masters (MDS) degree.

The main specialization areas of Dentistry are Orthodontics which deals with straightening and aligning teeth and jaws; Periodontics which specializes in the care of gums and the diseases that might afflict them; Operative Dentistry or Endodontics for root canal jobs, fillings and cosmetic surgery; Prosthodontics which involves the making of artificial teeth; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery which deals specifically with operations on the mouth and jaw, Pediatric Dentistry for treating children and Oral Pathology which provides the diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth.

Duration :

MANIPAL COLLEGE OF DENTAL SCIENCES - [MCODS], MANGALORE

The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) degree programme is a 4 years course divided into 4 parts each of 1 years duration, followed by one year of rotating internship. Subjects such as basic anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and microbiology are covered in the first two years. Specialization in dentistry and hands on training are provided in the last two semesters. Those who have completed the BDS should be registered to practice dentistry by the Dental Council of India. An MDS (Masters in Dental Science) requires two years of additional training. The annual fees may range from 1 to 3 lakhs and the private institutions under management quota may charge 5 to 10 lakhs as capitation fee.

Eligibility :

Selection :

Candidates who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with at least 50% marks are eligible for admission in the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) course.

Admission to graduate courses in dentistry is through a general, nationwide competitive examination. The All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Exam conducted by the CBSE is common for both the MBBS and the Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS) . The allocation of institutions is based on merit. Other than the centrally run medical institutions there is at least one dental college in most states, where admission is governed by domiciliary status. A merit waiting list up to a number of 1 to 2000 is made on the base of marks obtained in the Exam. The candidates are assigned their merit list and choice. There are also private colleges which under the management quota admit students on an all India basis.

But to be eligible for practice, one must ensure that the course chosen is approved by the Dental Council of India.

Personal Skills : SDM COLLEGE OF DENTAL SCIENCES AND HOSPITAL, DHARWAD

Today Dentists must have an artistic sense besides scientific knowledge. He is the scientist dedicated to the highest standards of health through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all oral diseases and conditions. He must have an artist's esthetic sense as well to realign an entire jaw or to brighten one tooth, to help patients look their best. It is a very hard working profession that requires craftsmanship and skill as much as theoretical knowledge. The foremost attribute required for a good dentist is patience, stamina to work hard for long periods, good health, power of concentration, manual dexterity and accuracy. Besides these they must have a keen eye for detail, ability to memorise and recall scientific facts, comprehensive medical understanding, cool temperament and strong interpersonal skills. The best dentists are skillful communicators and their analytical and logical reasoning skill should be above average.

What are Top 10 Qualities of a Good Dental Surgeon?

Continues His or Her Education: A great dental surgeon pursues continuing education opportunities to keep abreast of new research and changing technology. They are committed to learning and staying at the forefront of the dental industry.

Creates a Welcoming Atmosphere: Should have an office with a welcoming atmosphere. Patients never feel rushed or uncomfortable. The entire staff is friendly and helpful.

GOVERNMENT DENTAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL, MUMBAI

Educates Patients: Educate his or her patients about proper dental care as well as on the treatments suggested. Encourage their patients to develop good preventative care habits.

Has Extensive Scientific Knowledge: Good dental surgeon should have a wealth of knowledge about teeth and oral hygiene. They are able to quickly identify problems as well as their most effective treatments.

Employs a Gentle Touch: A good dental surgeon understands that a patient's mouth is sensitive and performs all treatments with a gentle touch. So the surgeon makes an effort to minimize pain and discomfort.

Believes in Patient Involvement: Involving a patient in decision making for treatment is a sign of a better dental surgeon. They allow patients access to their records and explain all the options for treatment.

Understands New Technology: Staying up-to-date on the latest innovations in dental technology and incorporation of new techniques and equipment into his or her practice.

Is Passionate About Oral Hygiene: : A great dental surgeon has a deep passion for oral care. They seek to educate the public about developing good brushing habits and are committed to helping every patient have a healthy mouth.

KING GEORGE'S MEDICAL UNIVERSITY - [KGMU], LUCKNOW

Puts People at Ease: Making even the most terrified patient feel at ease is a sign of a highy skilled and good doctor. They have a calming nature and help patients relax during treatment.

5 Best Dental Surgeons in India

Dr. Khosla GOVERNMENT DENTAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL, AURANGABAD

Dr Khosla is the head of his clinic with more than 30 years of clinical experience.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure, they have a legacy for caring for our patients from India and abroad. His team of dental specialists ensures you have a pleasant dental experience.

On a typical mission the first day is set aside for an opening clinic. Patients are registered and then evaluated by the medical staff for the feasibility of surgical treatment sometime during the next two weeks. On this mission local Rotarians and Dr. Gagan Sabharwal decided to hold a rolling clinic during the first week, with patients assigned specific days to come to the hospital for their evaluations.

Dr. Gagan Sabharwal

Dr Poonam

Dr Arun Setia

DR Grover

DR. R. AHMED DENTAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, KOLKATA

clude international ophthalmology, innovative glaucoma surgeries, and clinical outcomes in medical and surgical glaucoma management.

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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One-day ban on NDTV India slammed Jaya has completely recovered: Pratap Reddy by pol parties, media bodies New Delhi, Nov 4: The one-day ban on a leading Hindi TV channel 'NDTV India' by the Centre over its coverage of Pathankot attack drew sharp condemnation today from opposition parties and media bodies which called it "shocking and authoritarian" and reminiscent of Emergency days.

The leaders of the nonBJP parties and the media bodies also demanded immediate withdrawal of the order imposing the blackout on November 9.

There was also a suggestion by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh that all newspapers and channels "show courage" and "go off air and not publish" on that day to register their protest.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the order of the inter-ministerial panel of the

Image for representation purpose.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry showed that an emergency-like situation prevailed in the country while Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi slammed it as "shocking and unprecedented".

The Editors Guild of India condemned the order as a "direct violation" of the freedom of the press and similar sentiments were echoed by the Broadcast Editors' Association

(BEA).

NDTV while terming the order as "shocking" has alleged that it has been "singled out" and said it is examining all options in the matter.

"The Editors Guild of India strongly condemns the unprecedented decision of the inter-ministerial committee of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take NDTVIndia off the air for a day and demands that

Free antenatal care on 9th of every month: Govt New Delhi, Nov 4:With one woman dying every 12 minutes due to pregnancy-related health issues in India, the government today launched a campaign to provide free and comprehensive antenatal care on the 9th day of every month.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), pregnant women will be provided special antenatal checkup in their second or third trimester at government health care facilities.

These services include ultrasound, blood and urine tests, in addition to routine antenatal checkup. The primary objective of the programme is to identify and initiate follow-up actions on highrisk pregnancies to reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR).

The campaign aims at providing free antenatal care to about three crore women across the country. 184 priority districts have been identified for greater focus on antenatal care.

The programme will rely on a network of private medical practitioners who can provide their

services at a government hospital located close to them.

Keeping in view the objective, a web portal as well as a mobile application were inaugurated which will facilitate engagement with private sector doctors and encourage them to volunteer for the campaign.

Obstetricians, radiologists and physicians who wish to volunteer on the 9th of every month can register themselves on the website or the mobile application.

Thereafter, the chief medical officer of the district to which the volunteer belongs to will get in touch with the doctor concerned.

At the launch of the programme, Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda said, "This isn't 'health for all' but 'health by all'. We want to make this into a movement.

"Our pace of reduction of infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate is better than the rest of the world.

However, it is not the time for us to be satisfied. We need to do more and provide better access to medical care in remote areas," he said.

Director General of Health Services Jagdish Prasad appealed to the doctors to

spare a day every month for the cause.

1500 doctors from Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) have so far pledged their support to the programme, which is also backed by the Indian Medical Association.

According to Dr Gagan Gupta, Senior Health Specialist, UNICEF, "India has made very good progress, India has made better progress than the world.

However, India has the second highest MMR in the world. In India, we have 167 maternal deaths per 1,00,000 births.

44,000 women die annually or 120 die per day because of pregnancy-related health issues."

"But these are preventable deaths which happen because of poor access to health facilities. The aim of the programme is to provide these facilities in the remote corners of the country and monitor women during their pregnancy and flag any health issues they might be suffering from," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first mooted such a scheme for expectant mothers during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast on July 31. (PTI)

Ask Intelligence Bureau, Says Arvind Kejriwal, Asked By Cops On Phone Tap Charge

Arvind Kejriwal made the revelation while addressing a function to mark 50 years of the Delhi High Court.

New Delhi, Nov 4: Delhi Police have urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to share details of the alleged tapping of judges' phones he had spoken about.

"Ask IB, they will tell you," he replied.

Mr Kejriwal threw the bombshell four days ago while addressing a function in New Delhi to mark 50 years of the Delhi High Court.

At the event, Mr Kejriwal said he was told by some unnamed judges that the telephones of Supreme Court, High Courts and District Courts were being tapped.

The Aam Aadmi Party

leader made it clear that he did not know if this was true.

"But if it is true, this is very dangerous."

In a letter to Mr Kejriwal, Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma requested him to provide details of the tapping of judges' phones.

"You have reportedly alleged that the phones of judges are being tapped. In fact there are media reports to indicate that you have heard some judges saying so as you are aware, phone tapping is an extremely serious matter and is not allowed without due authorization after following strict procedures mandated under

law. Therefore, your alluding to the matter raises serious concerns," Mr Verma wrote in his letter.

"Under the circumstances, please let us know of any incident or case of phone tapping that you have referred to in the course of your speech. We would also appreciate if you could inform us the source on which you based your allegations, so that appropriate action can be initiated in the matter," Mr Verma added.

In a cryptic tweet to the Delhi Police chief, Kejriwal said on Friday: "Ask IB (Intelligence Bureau). They will tell you."

On the day Mr Kejriwal referred to the phone tapping, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad denied that telephones of judges were being tapped. "I have been Communication Minister for two years and I completely deny with all authority that phones of judges have been tapped," Mr Prasad said.

Mr Prasad also asserted that the commitment of his government to the independence of the judiciary is "fundamental, impeachable and uncompromising."

(IANS)

the order be immediately rescinded," the Guild said in a statement.

"The decision to take the channel off the air for a day is a direct violation of the freedom of the media and therefore the citizens of India and amounts to harsh censorship imposed by the government reminiscent of the Emergency." The BEA while expressing deep concern at the government's decision said imposing a ban is a violation of freedom of expression.

Alleging that the government action smacked of "authoritarianism and intimidation", Rahul and other Congress leaders hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Detaining opposition leaders, blacking out tv channels- all in a day's work in Modiji's India. "NDTVBannedshocking and unprecedented (sic)," the Congress Vice President said

on twitter. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who is also political secretary to party president Sonia Gandhi, said, "Government's decision to ban NDTV India smacks of authoritarianism and intimidation."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lashed out at the Centre, asking if these were the promised "achhe din (good days)".

"NDTV ban is shocking.

If Government had issues with Pathankot coverage, there are provisions available. But ban shows an Emergency-like attitude.," Banerjee said in a statement in Kolkata.

"I hope the whole media goes off air for a day in solidarity wid NDTV. Congratulations to Editors Guild for showing courage to stand up against Modi Govt's dictatorship," Kejriwal tweeted. (Agencies)

Goods train derails in Madhya Pradesh; rail traffic hit

At least 31 coal-laden wagons of a goods train derailed near Majhauli Station in Madhya Pradesh.

Jabalpur, Nov 4: A goods train derailed between Manjhouli and Devgram stations on SingrauliJabalpur railway line in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, disrupting rail traffic on the route, but nobody was injured in the incident.

The incident took place around 8.20 AM. A total of 31 box wagons of the goods train derailed damaging rail tracks and affecting the running of a

number of trains, a railway official said.

Soon after getting information about the incident, senior railway officials rushed to the spot.

Because of the derailment, 11448 Howrah-Jabalpur Shaktipunj Express is being diverted via MirzapurChoupan- ManikpurSatna-Katni route, he said, adding a number of passenger trains are being short terminated. (Agencies)

Reward for tracing JNU student raised to Rs 2 lakh New Delhi, Nov 4: Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday met senior police officers to know the fate of a JNU student missing for about three weeks. The reward for tracing him has been raised to Rs 2 lakh.

"All out efforts are being made to trace Najeeb," Jung's office said in a statement after his meeting with Special Commissioner of Police P. Kamraj, Joint Commissioner of Police R.P. Upadhyay and Special Investigation Team head Manishi Chandra.

Jung's meeting came a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus and urged the students to take their protests to the India Gate

complex in the city's heart.

Najeeb went missing from the JNU after a tiff with alleged members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The ABVP has denied any involvement in his disappearance.

"Police have posted over 20,000 posters in Delhi and outside. The SIT has checked with over 300 auto-rickshaws plying in the area," the statement said.

Police teams have also visited Ajmer, Kota, Rae Bareli, Roorkee, Faizabad, Azamgarh and Badaun in search of Ahmed, it said The reward for providing information leading to Ahmed's whereabouts has been doubled to Rs 2 lakh. . (IANS)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa Chennai, Nov 4: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has "completely recovered" and it is up to her to decide when to go home, Apollo Hospitals Chairman Pratap C Reddy

said here today.

"All I can say is, very clearly, she is very satisfied...

What I mean by very satisfied, that means she has completely recovered. She is aware of what is going

SIMI encounter: Chouhan ready for judicial probe Bhopal, Nov 4: A judicial probe into the jailbreak by eight SIMI activists and their killing has been ordered by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, giving into the demand by opposition which has raised questions on claims by police about the Monday encounter.

The state government had earlier announced a probe by an SIT comprising CID officers into the encounter and a separate investigation by former Director General of Police Nandan Dubey into the jailbreak but the Congress and other opposition parties had been pressing for a judicial probe An official release issued late last night here stated that the judicial probe will be conducted by retired High Court Judge Justice S K Pandey.

"Justice Pandey will probe all aspects related to how SIMI activists escaped from the high security jail and the encounter that took place after that," it said.

State Home Minister Bhupendra Singh today said Pandey will also give his recommendations on improving security in prisons.

The BJP government led

by Chouhan has vociferously defended the police action and accused the opposition of "politicising and communalising" the

An official release issued late last night here stated that the judicial probe will be conducted by retired High Court Judge Justice S K Pandey. issue.

The party today said that the judicial inquiry has been ordered as the state government has nothing to hide.

"I don't think there was any inquiry necessary but since Shivraj Chouhan has nothing to hide, so he agreed to a judicial probe, which was their demand," BJP MP Subramanian Swamy said.

Meanwhile, Jail Minister Kusum Mehdele rejected allegations that there was lax security at the prison and that a large number of security personnel were posted with ministers.

A PIL was also filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court yesterday on the issue demanding judicial probe into the incident.

The under-trial activists of the outlawed SIMI escaped from the central jail here on the intervening

equipment of at least two photographers was badly damaged or broken by the security personnel in the fracas.

Among the lensmen beaten up were Atul Kamble (Mid-Day), Suryakant Riwate (Business Standard) and Arijit Sen (Hindustan Times), who have been admitted to the St. George Hospital for treatment.

Police arrived on the scene a short while later and were in the process of lodging complaints in the matter. (IANS)

night of October 30-31 and were subsequently killed in an encounter on the outskirts of the city on October 31.

Before escaping from the jail, the SIMI activists also killed a head constable Ramashankar Yadav.

Since the encounter took place, conflicting versions from police and state Home Minister surfaced, leading to allegations that it might be fake.

A controversy also raged over the police action following the daring predawn jail-break, after TV channels showed footage purportedly from the encounter site in which a policeman is seen pumping bullets into a man from close range after some unidentified person takes out what appears to be a knife said to be in a plastic cover and places it back. (PTI)

Chouhan orders judicial probe into jailbreak, 'encounter' It will be conducted by retired High Court Judge Justice S K Pandey, an official release said.

Press photographers assaulted outside Tata's Bombay House Mumbai, Nov 4: Some private security personnel on Friday assaulted media photographers who had gathered there to cover the arrival of Tata Sons sacked chairman Cyrus P. Mistry for a board meeting at Tata headquarters, Bombay House.

At least one photographer was virtually pinned down by four-five security personnel, brutally punched, slapped and then pushed away from the building entrance in south Mumbai's busy Fort area.

The camera and other

on around her," he told reporters.

"She is completely aware of what is happening.

Asks and demands what she wants and I believe and everybody, even she, is looking forward when she will go home and take back the reigns," he said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the corporate hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration.

Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support, among others.

Specialists from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and from London, among others, have treated her during the period. (PTI)

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial probe into the jail break by eight SIMI activists from the Bhopal central prison.

Bhopal, Nov 4: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial probe into the jailbreak by eight Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists from Bhopal and their alleged encounter killings.

The probe will be conducted by retired High Court Judge Justice S K

Pandey, an official release said.

"Justice Pandey will probe all aspects related to how SIMI activists escaped from the high security jail and the encounter that took place after that," it said.

A PIL was was filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding judicial probe into the inci-

dent.

The jailbreak took place in the intervening night of October 30-31 and the eight undertrials were killed by the police in an alleged encounter on the outskirts of the city on October 31.

The SIMI activists escaped after killing head constable Ramashankar Yadav.

Since the ''encounter'' took place, conflicting versions from the police and the State Home Minister surfaced, leading to allegations that it might be fake.

A controversy also raged over the police action, after TV channels showed footage purportedly from the encounter site in which a policeman is seen pumping bullets into a man from close range after some unidentified person takes out what appears to be a knife said to be in a plastic cover and places it back. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

BUSSINESS

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Petrol pumps may observe Tata Sons makes organisational changes; nationwide strike on Nov 15 Padmanabhan to head HR

They are already on a two-day no-purchase strike since yesterday, won't work Sundays and govt holidays Hyderabad, Nov 4: The country's petroleum dealers, who are on a two-day nopurchase strike since yesterday, have threatened to go on a full-fledged strike on November 15 to press for their demand to increase commission.

Besides, petrol pumps will be selling fuel for limited hours from tomorrow and will not operate on Sundays or any other government holidays, the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD) said.

According to CIPD joint secretary Rajiv Amaram, all the 54,000 petrol pumps across the country will observe one-day strike on November 15 if the oil companies do not heed to their demand.

He said that in Telangana alone, over 1,400 truckloads of petrol and diesel

According to CIPD joint secretary Rajiv Amaram, all the 54,000 petrol pumps across the country will observe one-day strike on November 15. was not lifted yesterday and today by petroleum dealers in the state.

"We have stopped purchasing petroleum products yesterday and today. From tomorrow, we will sell petrol or diesel or any other product according to govern-

ment office timings like 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We will also not sell on Sundays or any other government holidays.

If the government does not listen to us then we will call for a strike on November 15," Amaram told media.

(PTI)

Tata Steel to decide on UK future in 4 weeks

British Prime Minister Theresa May will arrive in India for her three-day visit on Sunday but it is yet to be confirmed if a meeting with any Tata Group representatives.

London, Nov 4: Ratan Tata, who was appointed interim chairman of Tata Group after Cyrus Mistry's unceremonious exit recently, is keen to keep the UK steelworks part of the conglomerate and will make a decision in this regard within four weeks, a media report said today.

Ratan Tata, who was appointed interim chairman after Cyrus Mistry's unceremonious exit recently, is understood to be conducting a detailed review of Tata Steel UK before making a final decision.

'The Guardian' quoted sources as saying that he is keen to keep the UK steel-

works part of the Tata Group.

"They will urgently make a decision, but whatever happens Tata will stay [in the UK steel business]. Ratan Tata will go through in detail and analyse," the source told the newspaper.

It is believed Ratan Tata will be analysing whether to go ahead with a potential ThyssenKrupp joint venture deal for the Port Talbot plant in Wales the UK's biggest steelworks and proposals to sell Tata Steel's speciality steel arm, which employs 2,000 people in northeast England.

The future of Tata Steel UK and its nearly 11,000 work-

ers have been on the line since the Mumbai-headquartered steel giant announced in March that it would be reviewing the future of the business.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will arrive in India for her three-day visit on Sunday but it is yet to be confirmed if a meeting with any Tata Group representatives would be on the agenda.

A UK government spokesperson said, "A great deal of work has been done to support the steel industry, including tackling the dumping of cheap imports into the EU and introducing guidelines so that, wherever possible, UK steel is used in government projects.

"The recent reopening of the plate mills in Scotland and British Steel taking over the Scunthorpe site and hiring more people shows the sector can remain competitive with the right investment."

Ratan Tata, 78, who retired as Tata Group Chairman nearly four years back, returned to take over the reins of the over USD 100 billion conglomerate after Mistry's ouster on October 24. (PTI)

Volvo S90 launched in India at Rs 53.5 lakh New Delhi, Nov 4: Volvo has launched its flagship sedan in the country - the S90 - at Rs 53.5 lakh (pre-octroi ex-showroom, Mumbai), while the deliveries will begin from next month.

The luxury sedan is based on the same scalable product architecture (SPA) as the XC90 SUV and rivals heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF. Keep scrolling to take a quick look at what's on offer.

The Looks The Volvo S90 is, without a doubt, one tasty piece of eye candy. It's a classy exterior highlighted by elements like the 'Thor's Hammer' daytime running LEDs, concave front grille with floating-effect slats, a clean side profile with chrome highlights, and C-shaped tail lights at the rear. You also get door-mounted wing mirrors, full LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Cabin On the inside, the dashboard sports a clean layout. There are barely any buttons present because features like the navigation, 4-zone climate control and 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound

Mumbai, Nov 4: Over a week after Cyrus Mistry was ousted as Chairman, Tata Sons on Friday announced organisational changes bringing in S Padmanabhan as the group human resources head.

Besides, the former Tata brand custodian under Mistry's regime Mukund Rajan has been given the responsibility of overseeing operations of the overseas representative offices of Tata Sons in the USA, Singapore, Dubai and China.

This is in addition to his existing responsibility of ethics and sustainability.

Harish Bhat, who is responsible for marketing and customer centricity, will henceforth also be responsible for managing the Tata Brand,

Tata Sons said in a statement.

"In the interim, he will oversee the functions of Strategy and Business Development," it added.

Padmanabhan has been given the responsibility of Group Human Resources in addition to his existing role of leading the Tata Business Excellence Group.

Tata Sons further said Gopichand Katragadda will continue to be the Group Chief Technology Officer, while Sanjay Singh will oversee the Public Affairs function out of the Delhi office.

Three members of the nowdisbanded Group Executive Council set up by Mistry -Nirmalya Kumar, N S Rajan and Madhu Kannan -- have already quit.

Rupee recovers 3 paise against US Dollar Forex dealers said further weakness in dollar against other currencies overseas also supported the rupee but a lower opening in the domestic equity market, capped the gains.

Image for representation purpose.

Mumbai, Nov 4: The rupee recovered by 3 paise to 66.72 against the dollar in early trade on Friday on mild selling of the US currency by exporters.

Forex dealers said further weakness in dollar against other currencies overseas also supported the rupee but a lower opening in the domestic equity market, capped the gains.

The rupee had lost 4 paise to close at 66.75 in Thursday's trade due to fresh demand for the US currency from corporates and banks amid capital outflows from stock markets.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by 42.53 points or 0.15 per cent to 27,387.75 in early trade on Friday. (PTI)

Proposed GST rates suggest limited impact on most sectors' New Delhi, Nov 4: Multiple GST tax slabs are "perhaps necessary" in India given the wide disparity in consumption levels and they are likely to have limited impact on most sectors, says a report. A large number of tax slabs agreed upon by the GST Council may however dilute some of the benefits of the GST system, but preliminary understanding of the proposed tax rates suggests broadly neutral impact for sectors, said the report by Kotak Institutional Equities.

"The structure aims to minimize the impact on CPI inflation and revenues of governments as the proposed GST rates are similar to current 'overall' rates for most goods," the report said, adding that "hence, we see limited impact on overall government revenues". The GST Council yesterday agreed on a 4-tier GST tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent, with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury and de-mer-

its goods that would also attract an additional cess.

"We estimate 15-25 bps impact on inflation from higher tax rates on 15-20 per cent of the CPI basket (including some services) with no impact on around 50 per cent of the CPI basket (food, education, healthcare) which are zerorated and the rest with broadly unchanged rates," the report said. It further noted that the April 1, 2017 deadline for its implementation seems "achievable" and the possibility of timely implementation of the GST regime has strengthened.

The pace of decision-making is encouraging and April 1, 2017 target seems achievable.

The next steps would be to pass the CGST and IGST bills in parliament and the SGST bill in state assemblies in their winter sessions. Moreover, IT infrastructure will also have to be in place by December 2016 for testing and integration before next April. (Agencies)

Sensex down 156 points; US election worry persists Volvo S90 launched in India at Rs 53.5 lakh

system are all controlled through a 9-inch central touchscreen. Almost everything is draped in Nappa leather, including the seats. The front seats are not only ventilated, they get a wide range of electric adjustment options too. Here's a look at the other features on offer: Walnut wood dĂŠcor inlays Auto-dimming rear view mirrors Powered sunroof Powered boot-lid Cruise control Heads-up display Rear fold-up booster seats Rear seat side sun blinds Of course, there's a lot of safety tech too, including front, side and curtain

airbags, ABS, emergency brake assist, ISOFIX, park-assist, lane-keep assist and a lot more.

Engine Options The Volvo S90 will only be available with the 'D4' 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque. Transmission is through an 8-speed automatic gearbox that channels the output only to the front wheels. What's more is that you also get the 'Eco', 'Dynamic' and 'Comfort' drive modes that adjust the behavior of the engine, gearbox, steering and rear airsuspension, based on the drive scenario.

(Agencies)

Image for representation purpose.

New Delhi, Nov 4: Continuing sluggishness for the fifth straight session, the Sensex tanked over 156 points to close at a near four-month low of 27,274.15 on sustained foreign fund outflows amid growing uncertainty over the outcome of next week's U.S. presidential election.

The BSE Sensex, which had lost 511.23 points in the previous four sessions, dropped another 156.13 points, or 0.57 per cent, to end at 27,274.15, its

lowest closing since July 8. It shuttled between 27,498.91 and 27,193.61.

The 50-share NSE Nifty shed 51.20 points, or 0.60 per cent, to end at 8,433.75, after moving between 8,504 and 8,400.25.

The broader markets too remained under pressure as investors indulged in cutting down their position, with the small-cap index falling by 2.20 per cent and the mid-cap index shedding 1.34 per cent. (PTI)

HIGHLIGHTS Tata Sons has announced organisational changes bringing in S Padmanabhan as the group human resources head.

Image for representation purpose.

They have decided to explore options outside Tata Sons and have left the services of the company, the statement added.

On October 24, Tata Sons board had replaced Mistry as Chairman and appointed Ratan Tata as interim Chairman. The company had said it would find a new Chair-

man in four months.

Since then, a war of words has been going on between the Tatas and Mistry, who alleged that he was pushed into a position of "lame duck" chairman and changes in decision making process created alternate power centres in Tata Group.

Tata retorted saying

On October 24, Tata Sons board had replaced Mistry as Chairman and appointed Ratan Tata as interim Chairman.

The company had said it would find a new Chairman in Mistry's removal was "absolutely necessary" for the future success of the Tata Group and insisted that the decision was a well-considered and serious one for its board members. (Agencies)

Gold rates up on global cues, wedding demand Kochi, Nov 4: Gold regained the Rs 31,000mark per 10 gram on Thursday, rising Rs 50 at the bullion market riding on firm global trends and continued buying by domestic jewellers to meet the wedding season demand.

Traders said sentiment remained firm after gold rose for a sixth day to trade above $1,300 an ounce in the global markets on haven demand as equities fell for the sixth time in seven days, following the US Federal Reserve's decision in leaving interest rates unchanged. Furthermore, persistent wedding season buying at home fuelled the uptrend.

"Chances are that gold prices may go up. Increased buying in the festival season was the reason behind the recent increase in gold prices in India. The US elections play a huge role in the rise in gold prices in the global market," said B Govindan, Chairman, Bhima Jewellers.

In the national capital,

In the national capital, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity rose by another Rs 50 each to Rs 31,000 and Rs 30,850 per 10 grams, respectively

gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity rose by another Rs 50 each to Rs 31,000 and Rs 30,850 per 10 grams, respectively. The yellow metal had gained Rs 300 in last two days. Sovereign also went up by Rs 200 to Rs 24,600 per piece of eight grams. The gold rate in Kerala was Rs 2890 per gram on Thursday.

"Prices likely to hold the support of 30200 region and such happening moves could push prices higher to 30530 region.

While weakness may see only below 30200 region," says a research re-

port from Geofin Comtrade.

J Muruganandan, Manager-Sales, Kirtilal Jewellers said that even though price is a bit high compaered to the recent past people show affinity towards the bullion.

"The uncertainty in all other investment options have attracted investors towards gold. Only after the US elections there will be much action in financial markets. Till then the yellow metal would stand benefited," said Sanjeev Kumar G, founder of prognoadvisor.com, a financial analysis firm.(PTI)

Indian IT industry can bounce back: Kris Gopalakrishnan

"I am very confident in saying Indian IT industry will continue to be an engine for job creation. It will continue to grow. It can grow in double digits," Gopalakrishnan.

Hyderabad, Nov 4: India's IT sector can bounce back from the current phase of slowdown, says industry veteran Kris Gopalakrishnan, dismissing suggestions that its "golden era" is over. On doomsday prophets writing "obit" of the Indian information technology industry, he recalled that they had done so in 2008 during the global financial crisis, but the sector had recovered.

"I am very confident in saying Indian IT industry will continue to be an engine for job creation. It will continue to grow. It can grow in double digits," Gopalakrishnan, cofounder of Infosys, where he served as CEO and MD from 2007 to 2011, told media.

He rejected perception is some quarters that the single-digit growth is going to be the "new normal" for Indian IT companies.

"IT services growth has come down. This year (2016-17), it looks like 89 per cent growth rather than 12-15 per cent. Next year, it will depend on global economy. If global economy picks up, so will IT industry," said Gopalakrishnan, former president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

"Which other sector (other than IT) is creating one lakh or two lakh good-paying jobs a year?

I wouldn't say golden era of Indian IT services industry is over," he asserted.

According to Gopalakrishnan, who served as one of the cochairs of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2014, a 12-15 per cent growth is "very much feasible" for companies like Infosys and TCS in "good years" and 8-9 per cent growth in

"not so good years".

"I believe the Indian IT industry can bounce back," Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, said, noting that it has the size, scale, financial strength, experienced leadership, quality and global reach.

In addition, the Indian IT companies have almost zero debt, their credibility is very high and they are reasonably well-governed, he added.

"Yes, in a particular year, somebody (an Indian IT company) may slow down because of the global economy, somebody may slow down because of client problem, but these are the things which can change," he said.

IT biggies TCS, Infosys and Wipro last month reported tepid results in a seasonally-strong September quarter.

IT industry body Nasscom on October 26 said it is "fairly clear" that its export revenue growth of 10-12 per cent for 2016-17 will be revised downwards. "‌ it is fairly clear that we will have to revise our guidance and revise it downwards, but what exactly is the revised guidance is something we will be able to share two weeks from now," Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar had said. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

P12 Verma brothers reach quarterfinals of Bitburger Open PTI Saarbrucken (Germany), Nov 4: The Verma brothers - Sourabh and Sameer - notched up straight-game wins to advance to the quarter-finals of the men's singles competition at the $120,000 Bitburger Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament.

Sourabh staved off a challenge from Indonesia's Ihsan Maulana Mustofa, seeded sixth, in the second game to register a 21-11, 22-20 victory, while 12th seed Sameer dumped Scotland's Kieran Merrilees 21-17, 21-17 in another men's singles match.

Sourabh, who had won the Chinese Taipei Open recently, will next take on experienced World No. 13 Marc Zwibler of Germany, while younger brother Sameer will face Ukraine's Artem Pochtarov in the next round.

In mixed doubles, Prajakta Sawant and her Malaysian partner Yogendran Khrishnan lost 15-21, 11-21 to fourthseeded Malaysian combo of Kian Meng Tan and Pei Jing Lai. In the first game, Sourabh didn't face much resistance as he slowly and steadily marched towards his goal after opening up a slender lead early on. But the second game became a hard-fought affair when the Indonesian turned the tables on the Indian, who was leading 13-9 at one stage.

Ihsan fought back from 12-16 down to lead 1716 but Sourabh ensured he had the last laugh in the 42-minute clash.

In a 39-minute clash, Sameer had to toil hard as despite his slender 7-5 lead in the opening game, Kieran kept breathing down his neck. The Indian finally broke off at 13-13 and never looked back.

In the second game, Sameer found himself lagging 7-10 and 14-16 at various stages but he fought back to shut the door on his rival.

Delhi go top of the table with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters New Delhi, Nov 4 : Delhi Dynamos FC beat Kerala Blasters FC 2-0 in their Hero Indian Super League 2016 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday evening. Kean Lewis executed a composed finish in the 56th minute before Marcelinho scored the Dynamos’ second at the hour mark in front of more than 15,000 fans to send Gianluca Zambrotta’s men to the top of the league.

Kerala’s Kervens Belfort looked the brightest in the opening exchanges as he tried to dribble his way through the heart of Delhi’s defence. Florent Malouda had Delhi’s first shot at goal in the ninth minute when he fired a free-kick over Kerala’s crossbar.

Marcelinho had a spectacular attempt on goal fly just wide of the target a minute later as he tried to volley a cross from the edge of the penalty box.

Belfort was at it again a few minutes later after weaving his way through Delhi’s defence and forcing a scampering Toni Doblas and Lions backline into a clearance.

Lewis and Marcelinho then combined to hit the Blasters on the counter but the visitors got back

Match Awards: Club award: Delhi Dynamos FC

Fittest Player of the Match: Azrack Mahamat

Winning Pass of the Match: Florent Malouda Delhi go top of the table with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters

in numbers to thwart the danger.

Marcelinho played a neat one-two with Richard Gadze at the half hour mark before rifling a powerful effort inches wide of goal. Belfort capitalised on a loose pass by Delhi seven minutes later and drove at the hosts’ defence before firing wide of the target.

Belfort continued to threaten Delhi’s defence and floated a dangerous cross from the left three minutes before half-time for Boris Kadio to attack.

The midfielder from Ivory Coast managed to produce a powerful header that went fractions wide of the target, to the relief of a diving Doblas as the sides went in goalless at the break.

Mohammed Rafi had the first opportunity of the

second half as Ishfaq Ahmed found him with a cross from the right. The 34-year-old tried to direct the ball goal-wards but failed to hit the target.

Gadze had the ball in the back of the net in the 55th minute but was flagged offside.

The Dynamos broke the deadlock a minute later after Gadze pounced on a goalkeeping error and set up Lewis, who displayed the necessary composure and touch to steady himself before finishing in clinical fashion to the joy of the home support.

The hosts doubled their lead five minutes later after a brilliantly weighed cross by Malouda found Marcelinho unmarked at the far post. Delhi’s topscorer this season scored his fifth goal of the season with an emphatic header to

Moment of the Match: Kean Lewis ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Souvik Chakraborty

Hero of the Match: Anas Edathodika

make it 2-0.

Delhi nearly made it three in the 68th minute when Sandip Nandy only managed to parry a stinging Marcelinho shot on goal to Gadze, who smashed his shot over the crossbar.

Kerala tried to force a comeback but were left vulnerable at the back with the Dynamos countering in numbers. Substitute Badara Badji almost got to a through ball on the break in the 89th minute but Nandy was quick off his line to clear the danger as the Lions registered their first home win of the season.

England will struggle in India, feels Jonty Rhodes PTI New Delhi, Nov 4: Former South African batsman Jonty Rhodes, who has plied his trade here both as a cricketer and a coach, feels England will find it difficult to cope with the Indian conditions during the upcoming Test series. The visiting English side will play five Tests against India, starting with the first match in Rajkot from November 9. Besides the five-day games, the long tour will also feature three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.

"It's going to be tough for England. Being in India for five Tests is going to be physically and mentally very demanding because you are in a situation where conditions are not comfortable to you and it puts you under a bit more pressure," said Rhodes, who has been the fielding coach of the IPL side Mumbai Indians for long.

"If you are in a three Test series, you kind of can get in and get out but it is going to be tough in a five-match series," he added.

Rhodes, who is here as a mentor of Indian Junior Players

Jonty Rhodes League (IJPL) T20 tournament - a cricket talent hunt, feels T20 cricket is not just entertainment and the shortest format of the game has produced some serious skillful cricketers, like India Test captain Virat Kohli.

"What T20 cricket has done is that there is no longer a case between bat and ball. The skill level of players have im-

proved tremendously. Players are playing shots all around the ground," the South African fielding legend said.

"Bowlers now have to adapt.

They can't just bowl reverse swinging yorkers. You need to bowl the slower ball, slower ball bouncers, different kind of cutters. It's all about adapting the skills as quickly as possible," he added.

The 47-year-old, who has played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs for South Africa, further said: "I don't think it's just a batters game. I have seen enough T20 cricket in my time to know that if you have good enough skills you can be successful.

"Every one thought that spin bowlers will never compete and dominate in T20 cricket but often they are ones who are on top. It's a game that requires a bit of skill and great intensity."

Talking about fielding skills, Rhodes said: "In our time, I was the number one fielder because there was no number 2 or 3 but now you have got youngsters throwing themselves around. So the standard of the game has certainly improved and T20 cricket has done that. People were critical of T20 cricket, saying that it is not real cricket but it brings young players who are the future generation of your Test teams.

"It makes Virat Kohlis. Limited overs players have done well and made name for themselves and T20 cricket has helped them convert into very good Test players."

Australians play down 'sledging' problem after Hughes inquest AFP Perth (Australia), Nov 4: Former Australia captain Mark Taylor and other senior figures Friday insisted verbal abuse is not a big problem after a coroner examining Phillip Hughes's death called it cricket's "ugly underside".

Hughes, who played 26 Tests, died from bleeding on the brain in November 2014 after being hit on the neck by a rising ball while batting in a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

During his inquest, concerns were raised by Hughes' family about onfield sledging, or abuse, which they felt may have unsettled him.

On Friday, New South Wales coroner Michael Barnes said even if there had been attempts to intimidate players, Hughes did not appear to be affected and it "could not be impli-

cated in his death".

But Barnes called sledging an "unsavoury aspect" of cricket, adding: "An outsider is left to wonder why such a beautiful game would need such an ugly underside."

The hearing heard claims that one bowler told him, "I am going to kill you", although players on the field said they did not

recall any such c o m ment.

Ta y l o r said he didn't think sledging was a major problem in cricket, but he urged umpires to crack

Injured batsman Rohit Sharma may be out for 10-12 weeks

down if they thought players were going too far. " I don't think w e have," h e said in Perth, where Australia are playing South Africa, when asked if cricket had a sledging problem. " T h e g a m e needs a competitive edge to it, but it doesn't need a lot or rubbish talk either. If something positive does come

out of this, it will be a reduction in the idle chat.

"Sledging is something that has always been talked about regularly, but the umpires should step in if they think it is over the top."

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland agreed it was down to the umpires to stamp out backchat if it was becoming too much.

"If it has become a problem, then I would say the umpires are not doing their job," he said, adding that he did not see it as a problem.

"I come back to the fundamentals -- the game should still be played in the right spirit and for the sake of clarity, there's codes of behaviour that are in place that deal with inappropriate behaviour.

"When that line is crossed, people should pay the price for crossing that line and I can only encourage the umpires and relevant officials to take action when it is ap-

propriate."

Former Australian Test opener Chris Rogers said he believed there was less sledging in the modern game, particularly in England where he feels umpires are less tolerant.

"Things are changing but I don?t see how it can be completely policed," he said.

Australian Test opener David Warner, who played in the game, said he was not concerned that the coroner raised doubts about the evidence of the players on sledging in the match.

"I'm happy with my testimony," Warner said.

"The umpire said the same thing, that there was no sledging out there.

"I stick to my word that there was no sledging out there."

Warner claimed there was no sledging in the game these days, describing it as "banter".

Rohit Sharma Mumbai, Nov 4: Star batsman Rohit Sharma could be out of competitive cricket for two to three months if doctors advise him to go under the knife after the right-hander sustained a thigh injury on the right leg, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said.

Rohit injured himself while taking a single during the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at Visakhapatnam on October 29.

"BCCI medical team con-

firms that India batsman Rohit Sharma sustained an injury on his right upper quadriceps tendon, during the fifth and final match of the five-match One-day series against New Zealand in Vizag on October 29," the BCCI said in a statement.

"He will travel to London early next week for specialist consultation with a possibility to undergo surgery, as a result of which, he is expected to miss at least 10 to 12 weeks of cricket."

"The BCCI medical team will

extend all support to Rohit Sharma, to regain full fitness and further contribute to Indian cricket," the statement added.

Earlier, the BCCI selection committee has already left the 29-year-old batsman out of the Indiasquad for the Test series against England, starting on November 9 at Rajkot.

India will play five Tests against the English side, followed by three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.

NorthEast, Mumbai eye top of the table berth IANS Guwahati, Nov 4: NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC will be eyeing toppling Atletico de Kolkata from the top of the table when they lock horns in an Indian Super League (ISL) football encounter here on Saturday.

NorthEast, who were the early pacesetters, have slipped to the fifth position due to a recent spate of unfavourable results while Mumbai are second and have the same number of points as league leaders ATK but have inferior goal difference.

ATK are top with 12 points from seven matches, followed

by Mumbai, who also have 12 points but have played a match more.

Third placed Delhi Dynamos have 10 points from seven games, as have fourth Chennaiyin FC and fifth NorthEast, their places being determined by their goal differences.

A win for Mumbai will catapult them to the top with 15 points while a victory for NorthEast will also help them reach the first spot with 13 points.

NorthEast -- who are playing after a gap of almost a week -lost to ATK in their last game despite leading at one point of the match while Mumbai played out a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC. NorthEast coach Nelo Vingada is not known to tinker a lot with his playing eleven but

goalkeeper Subrata Paul's injury in the last game could be critical for the hosts.

The in-form veteran picked up a knock in the second half and with second choice custodian T.P. Rehenesh already nursing an injury, the home side might have to start with a foreign keeper in Wellington Gomes.

Emiliano Alfaro -- the highest scorer so far with five goals -will again be tasked to find the back of the net and the Mumbai defence will have to be on their toes to negate his threat.

Visiting centre-back Lucian Goan -- who has so far made 32 tackles in the tournament -- will be facing his toughest test yet with Nicolas Valez and Yusa Katsumi forming a strong attacking force for the home team.

The Mumbai attack is not bad either and the fact that star marquee Diego Forlan has found the net twice in five games is good news.

Britto Alves has been impressive too and so has been Haitian Sony Norde.

In the last match, Forlan played behind Norde in their offensive line-up and it remains to be seen whether coach Alexandre Guimaraes deploys the same strategy against NorthEast at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium as well.

In the past, NorthEast have won two matches against Mumbai in the four they have played. Mumbai won once while the other match ended in a stalemate.

ATK unfazed at Habas coaching Pune: Goalkeeper Debjit IANS Kolkata, Nov 4: Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) are not unduly worried at the prospect of bracing up against former coach Antonio Habas in their Indian Super League (ISL) football match against FC Pune City, goalkeeper Debjit Mazumdar said on Friday.

Debjit said the team hasn't spoken about Habas as they gear up to take on their former coach's new team Pune away on Sunday.

Habas led ATK to the ISL title in its maiden edition in 2014, following it up with a semifinal finish in the next season.

The Spaniard then left ATK for Pune this season allowing fellow countryman Jose Molina to take over the reins.

With Pune though, Habas has not tasted the same success with the side languishing at the bottom spot of the eight team tournament with just one win

from seven matches.

"We are playing against Pune and not Habas. There has been no mention of him in particular in the dressing room. We are concentrating on our own game," Debjit told reporters here on Friday.

ATK are top of the heap after seven matches with 12 points in their kitty. Though ATK haven't played great with three wins and three draws, their victory against NorthEast United FC in the last game in Guwahati was commendable.

Marquee player Helder Postiga shrugged off injury concerns to inspire ATK to a 2-1 win afer trailing 0-1 in the first half. The Portuguese scored one and assisted another goal in a sterling second half display.

Debjit said NorthEast's win was their best game yet.

"That was the best game we have played so far. The man-

ner of the win gave us a lot of confidence."

The in-form goalkeeper said that staying top of the table is not as important in the ISL as finishing in the top four is.

"Our aim is to make the semifinals. That's what matters here. Staying top is not the aim. Of course it's the best place to be, but our aim is to be in the playoffs," Debjit who has made a string of acrobatic saves in a few matches, said.

Asked what has been his most memorable save till now, Debjit picked the one where he denied Mumbai City FC's winger Sony Norde at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium.

"I think that's a save I like. This season has been good for me so far and my confidence level has gone up considerably from last year," Debjit, who has made 15 saves in the tournament so far, said.

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Editor: Prahlad Hammey

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