September 16, 2016, Friday by THE EASTERN TODAY

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ASSENG/2015/64205

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Vol. II

Issue 64

Dibrugarh, Friday, September 16, 2016

LAPNAN FC BEAT LAHO WITH 5-4, HAWK 16 FC WINS

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A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Sept 15

Control room set up in Guwahati to assuage the menace of worms in farms Guwahati, Sept 15: In a bid to assuage the farming community in the time of army worms menace Assam agriculture department has set up a control room in Guwahati. Officials said that the control room would help the farmers control the attack of army worms in the crops lands. A joint director would run the control room where the farmers can contact the authority with mobile number 9854338572 and 94355 43404. According to a government statement, armyworms are caterpillars that crops belonging to rice (particularly Gramineae). There are three armyworm species which are the rice swarming caterpillar, common cutworm, and the rice ear-cutting caterpillar. A single armyworm egg mass contains hundreds of eggs and each female lays 800-1000 eggs during its lifetime of about one week. The name armyworm is applied to those species that migrate in masse to neighbouring fields after severely defoliating a crop. Armyworm feeds on paddy leaves and young seedlings at the plant's base. They also cut off rice from base, it said. (Staff Reporter)

Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami, Home Commissioner L.S. Changsan, DC and Superintendents of Police of Sivasagar and Charaideo, officers of ONGC and OIL were present at the meeting.

Chief Minister Sonowal in Sivasagar. Pic - Neelam kakoty mazumdar

the DAO to take remedial steps to save the farm lands from further devastation. He took stock of the activities of Zila Parishad, Power, Health, Public Health Engineering, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and PWD Departments. Sonowal also asked all the

Officers of the District to work as a team along with the Deputy Commissioner and render services for the welfare of all sections of the people. Member of Parliament Rameswar Teli, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Vinod Kumar Pipersenia, Chief Minister’s

Earlier in the day the CM met the organizing committee of the centenary year celebration committee of Asom Sahitya Sabha at their office at Sivasagar town for which the event was scheduled I February next year. He also has taken part in an interactive session with the people and appealed them not to entertain corruption at any cost. The rating of the newly formed government should be based on their public service. Clean and corruption free governance is the outcome of the social responsibility and consciousness of the citizen of the society, he said.

Deputy C-in-C of an Adivasi tribe Militant outfit apprehended A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Sept 15

In a major breakthrough for the security forces in Assam, the forces today arrested the self-styled deputy commanderin-chief of an Adivasi tribe militant outfit along with another cadre from Hatkota in East Karbi Anglong district. A defence spokesman here said that acting on a tip-off from the Army intelligence unit, troops of the Red Horn Division, along with the police, carried out operations in Hatkota. The swift and

surgically executed operation led to the apprehension of Binod Gowla, who is the selfstyled deputy C-in-C and one cadre of National Socialist Council of Adivasi (NSCA). One 7.65-mm pistol, a grenade and ammunition were recovered from the two, who had been carrying out extortion and unlawful activities. The NSCA is one of the fringe outfits which has been harassing locals and is involved in extortion. In another operation carried out in the wee hours on Thursday on the basis of intelligence inputs about the

presence of NDFB (S) terrorists in West Daisamguri in Chirang district, a joint team of the Army and Assam Police operation apprehended a terrorist of NDFB (S) outfit, Hwbtasad Brahma alias Darga alias Jathi (aged 20) and recovered a pistol and ammunition from him. The individual was allegedly carrying out extortion on behalf of NDFB (S) and providing details of potential extortion targets to senior leaders of the group based in Myanmar. He has also been involved in providing weapons and ammunition to terrorists of NDFB (S).

Four from Arunachal selected for Boys Sports Company Under the programme of the Arunachal Weightlifting Association (AWA), a team of army officials from Boys Sports Company, AOC Centre, Secunderabad, selected Bengia Tani, Markio Tapa, Tami Tame and Golom Tinku for admissions in the Boys Sports Company.

cmyk

Farmers of 52-Changlang (S) A/C have convened a meeting on 14th September 2016 at Moh-Mol ground, Changlang to deliberate over fall of large Cardamom prices in the market. In the wake of price fall, there is hue and cry in the farmer circles as to who could be responsible in bringing the prices into such

News on Page 4

CM directs Chief Secretary to enquire into the lapse of security during the visit of a Union Minister A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 15

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken strong exception to the reported lapse in security and breach of protocol during the recent visit of Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Mansukh L Mandaviya to the state. Reportedly, while on his

journey to Ziro, along with officials and local political leaders on 13th September, first of all, the pilot vehicle leading the VIP’s convoy had developed technical snag and all vehicles of the entourage, including the VIP’s had drove into a garage and spent quite some time to rectify the defect. Further, on return journey from Ziro, the union minister’s vehicle ran out of fuel. In an urgent note to the

chief secretary this morning, the chief minister categorically observed that such kind of security lapses and breach of protocol during the visit of a union minister has set a bad impression of the state government, its hospitality and protocol arrangements. These lapses cannot be tolerated at any cost and the officers, officials involved should be taken to task.

He directed the chief secretary to enquire into the entire matter and take stringent action against officials found responsible for the unsavoury episodes. Mandaviya, who is also the MoS for Chemicals and Fertilizers, was on a two-day visit to the state along with his wife and had launched the Jan Aushadhi Scheme for the state on September 12 last.

Magisterial enquiry on Police Officer’s death A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 15

Following the death of SubInspector Hano Chatung on September 14 last, a magisterial enquiry has been instituted to enquire into his cause of death vide order No. DC/ICC/JUD/ME/2016, dated Itanagar the 14th September, 2016. Accordingly, CO-cumExecutive Magistrate of

Itanagar Capital Complex, Liken Koyu has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer. Meanwhile, expressing shock and grief over the death of Chatung, Chief Minister Pema Khandu today conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Though prima facie circumstances point it to be a suicide case, the chief minister instructed thorough investigation into the case. He

asserted that every possible angle should be investigated with the help of forensic and post-mortem reports, besides taking into account all antecedents prior to the tragedy. The chief minister assured the people, particularly the bereaved family members and the police fraternity, that if investigations reveal any foul play the guilty will not be spared at any cost. “Late Chatung was a

promising police officer. His death is an irreplaceable loss to the police force and the state. I share the grief along with his bereaved family members. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the chief minister added. Sub-Inspector Chatung was found dead inside his vehicle at 6 Miles, ItanagarNaharlagun road on Wednesday with a gunshot wound on his head at around 7.30am.

Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Sept 15

The team had arrived at Itanagar in November 2015 and April 2016 to finally select four young talents from the state. Contd. on Page 4

unimaginable level. Suspecting a foul play over the whole large cardamom price ebb this year, various farmers from across the constituency came together in the form of general meeting which was convened as mentioned above. They had deliberated over the issue and lamented over the situations to find out the cause of market crash this year and also finding comparative prices in neighbouring districts

The mega auditions round of Miss Capital-2016 got off to a colourful start at the Siddhartha Hall here on Thursday with the contestants taking part in a singing competition.

Civil Societies in Changlang demand District administration to end imbroglio of ‘head hunters’

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 15

Cardamom market crush, Changlang farmers suspect a foul play Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Sept 15

RUN FOR MISS CAPITAL-2016

& states. In fact this is the only cash crop for people of this area which had replaced the cultivation of poopy upon which they rely upon to look after the educational needs of their wards. The only cash crop out of their sweat is large cardamom for which they can do anything to earn what they deserve. Sensing the future course of the problem, the farmer ’s community had

decided to form the Farmer Association as "Large Cardamom Farmers Association" in the region to avert such problem in the long run. It is expected that with the outcome of such Association, the farmer will have security in their endeavour. The president, Secretary and other executive members have been selected to lead the Association so formed to give more proper platform for the needy farmers.

Public meeting was held under the banner of Changlang People's Forum to discuss over the fear psychosis being emanated unabated in the whole of Changlang district on account of Murkatas, ‘head hunters’. Several reports have evolved across the circles though there is no exact proof of it. In the meeting, Chief functionaries of other organisations like CDSU, Muklom Elite Society, All Tutsa Welfare Society, All Sabban Development Committee, members of Longchang Elite Society and various elders of the societies have attended the meeting. But off late the District administration and Police department have refuted the rumours that are lingering in the district. The various civil societies

CDSU, Muklom Elite Society, All Tutsa Welfare Society, All Sabban Development Committee, members of Longchang Elite Society and various elders of the societies have attended the meeting. so present in the meeting have resolved that the forum will request the district administration to take acute precaution by deploying the police and para military personnel across the district to ensure that the panic that

are in the minds already imbedded in the school going children and females group in the society be erased. The district administration should not leave any stone unturned to uphold the psychological security of the

weaker gender in the society by providing the best mechanism preferably by addressing the issues through wide publication of the matter that hovering over the sky using the best possible means.

cmyk

ET CAPSULES

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SUKHOI SU-30 COMBAT JET LANDS AT AGARTALA AIRPORT

Chief Minister asks Highways Authority to repair Dibrugarh-Sivasagar’s 183 KM stretch within 30 September

Chief Minister Sonowal sought information from the District Agriculture Officer (DAO) about the teeming caterpillars that wrecked havoc on the crop land. He directed

5.00

OZONE AND CLIMATE: RESTORED BY A WORLD UNITED.”

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Miffed at the conditions of the National Highways, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today asked National Highways Authority (NHAI) of India to repair 183 KM stretch of the National Highways from Dibrugarh towards Sivasagar within September 30. Reviewing the government schemes and programmes at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Sivasagar today, Chief Minister Sonowal asked the NHAI to undertake the repair work on a war footing to ease encumbrances of the commuters.

Price -

CITY

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

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Dibrugarh, Tinsukia

Assam Hindu Student’s Holds Massive Rally in Tinsukia Sidharth Singh Tinsukia, Sept 15: Assam Hindu Student’s Union held a massive protest rally from Tinsukia Devi Pukuri to Civil hospital at Tinsukia today. Hundreds of students participated in the rally, demanding to stop illegal coal mining, price hike in essential commodities, appointment of adequate teachers in schools , soil erosion problem , to ban the use of plastic polythene, conservation of Dibru Saikhowa National park, to give emphasis on Civil hospital of Tinsukia and giving tribal status to six sub-tribes. “Our protest will be more aggressively if our demand are not fulfilled soon”, one

All Assam Gramin Sramik Santha took out a protest rally in support of their various demands at Dibrugarh on Thursday. Pic - Manoj Pandey

HOROSCOPE Aries

Your intuition is extra keen today, Aries, and your mental aim is on target. Other people may sink into the swamp, but you're the life raft they can cling to. Your amazing mental clarity will be invaluable throughout the day. You'll be able to communicate your feelings clearly, and you should find their receptivity to your thoughts much greater than usual.

Taurus

You might find the mood of today a bit too somber for your liking, Taurus. Why is everyone so serious? Whether you figure out the answer or not, just know that it probably isn't something you did. Emotions that have been building up are likely to express themselves now, much like a volcano bursting under the pressure of tons of molten lava.

Gemini

Yes, you may have another cookie, Gemini. Enjoy it and don't feel guilty. Guilt is useless. Today, get rid of regret. Express your emotions but don't dwell on them. Your sensitivity is acute, so put up your psychic shield. You might pick up on others' intense energy, so be careful. Sympathize with others, but don't take on their garbage. They need to take out their own trash.

Cancer

You might just want to stay on the couch today, Cancer. That's fine. Don't get up if you don't want to. You're probably better off sticking close to home and enjoying a good movie tonight. If people ask how you're doing, be honest. Others will be able to see right through you, so don't try to hide your feelings. Today is a good day to say how you really feel.

Leo

Finally, the world is starting to see it your way, Leo. Be yourself and don't be squeamish about telling people exactly how it is. Your thinking is clear and focused. Use your penetrating mind to accomplish mental tasks. Your intense nature is powerful, so act wisely. Today may well be one in which other people realize that you really aren't as crazy as they first thought.

Virgo

Give people the benefit of the doubt, Virgo. Don't be so hasty in your actions, and take the time to think things through. You have a special connection with your feelings today that can aid in clearing some of the fog in your thinking. Your sensitivity to others is remarkably strong. People will be particularly drawn to this side of you, especially tonight.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Put your businesslike nature aside for the day and focus on your feelings, Libra. You may be a bit protective of your emotions, but realize that much of what you're feeling is best experienced through expressing it to others. Reach down deep and get in touch with what you truly believe to be the heart of the issue. Your thinking is clear as can be today, so enjoy it! Call or write a letter to a friend today, Scorpio. Your brain may feel like it's stuck in a rut, which is probably best remedied by sharing these feelings with others. Take it one step at a time, and be patient with others in return. People are likely to snap more easily, since fuses will be extra short. Take care as you approach the deep end. Make sure you have your life jacket on.

NGO Pragati provides financial assistance to ExAASU member

To maintain and solve the daily livelihood prob-

Mithun Baruah Margherita, Sep 15: All Adivasi Students Association of Tinsukia District Committee on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Honourable Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal regarding some demands of Adivasi people living in Assam.

living in Assam have given immense contribution to bring Green Revolution at Assam in the field of Tea Industry but then also Adivasi people living in Assam are deprived, exploited and cheated. “We have submitted a memorandum to Honourable Chief Minister of Assam with some demands such as Adivasi people living in Assam should be granted ST status, Management of Tea Industry

It may be much easier than usual to express your emotions to someone today, Aquarius. If there has been something on your mind for a while, now is the time to say it. You'll be able to paint a clear picture of your true feelings. Express yourself with confidence so you don't come across as helpless or clingy. Your sensitivity is a gift that others will recognize and appreciate.

Mithun Baruah Margherita, Sep 15: After Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal strict direction to stop illegal Coal trade at Ledo, Barogolai,Tirap and Tikak Colliery of Margherita Region and Kharsang changlang

This noble step off NGO Pragati helped Mukuta Das to tackle his ongoing situation.

should give Rs 330 daily wages to tea workers and provident fund should be given on time where Assam Government should strictly monitor it, At Tinsukia Town the statue of National Hero Veer Birsa Munda should be erected, For the upcoming Adivasi youth of Assam a Adivasi Battalion should be constituted, All primary schools of Tea Garden should be provincialized and ME section should be set up and All ceiling

land of Tea Garden areas should be given to Tea Workers” said Raja Kujur and Ramanus Lakra. Meanwhile, All Adivasi Students of Assam Central Committee President Pradip Nag and General Secretary Joseph Minz have thanked Honourable Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for giving compensation to 11 Adivasi people next of kin and 19 people of Pengree incident.

CM Sarbananda Sonowal being felicitated with a hand crafted souvenir by Arun Jain of Pride- the Silkalaya in Dibrugarh on Thursday. Pic- Manoj Pandey

District of Arunachal Pradesh but still illegal coal trade is rampantly going on where daily trucks of illegal coal passed through M a rg h e r i t a town where Margherita Administration turn into mute spectators and

Chief Minister Strict direction have proved into a mockery. Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad Margherita Regional Committee president Salil Neog and General Secretary Kanchan

Bora on Monday have submitted a Deadline letter to Margherita SDO(C) to take action against Notorious coal mafia S N Agarwal who is running illegal coal trade from Kharsang Changlang District of Arunachal

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Pradesh where daily many trucks of coal passed through NH 38 Margherita and Assam Government is suffering huge losses of revenue.We demand that illegal coal trade should be stopped at Ledo,Baragolai,Tikak

and Tirap Coal areas of Margherita region and Kharsang Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh otherwise we shall intensify strong agitation in the coming days said Salil Neog and Kanchan Bora.

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Tinsukia H. Singh , highlighting various demands of the student community

lems, Mukuta Das approached to the office of the NGO Pragati and asked their help for his self-employment. The NGO Pragati provided a self-employment package to Mukuta Das and helped him to open a shop near Nazira Chariali.

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Aquarius

After the protest demonstration, AHSU submitted a memorandum to the ADC of

After Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal strict direction to stop illegal Coal trade at Ledo

Things flow well for you today, Sagittarius, so bask in any sunshine that this day offers. Your intuition is especially strong and you have an uncanny ability to pick up on other people's feelings. Your nurturing gifts are in high demand by those around you. They'll need a sensitive shoulder to lean on. Just make sure you don't lose yourself in the process. Save some energy for you. Other people's indecisiveness could leave you feeling frustrated and stuck today, Capricorn. Realize that you can overcome this by pushing past them. Don't feel like you need to wait for others to make up their minds before you act. Do what you need to do and others will catch up when they're ready. You aren't responsible for the well-being of others. Concentrate on you.

of the leader of the organisation said to this correspondent.

AASA submits memorandum to CM Sarbananda Sonowal

Suresh Bhumij and Ramanus Lakra both president and General Secretary of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee said that Adivasi

ET Correspondent Nazira, Sept 15: Mukuta Kumar Das, who worked as the General Secretary of Nazira Regional AASU unit from 1997 to 2000 is now living in a deplorable condition. Due to the poverty, he is facing a lot of problems to fulfill the needs of his family.

AHSU submitted a memorandum to the ADC of Tinsukia H. Singh

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Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Sept 15: Dakha Devi Rasiwasia College, Chabua defeated Bahona College, Jorhat with 5-0 in the Inter college men’s football tournament 2016, organised by Dibrugarh University Sports board at Dibrugarh University playground here today. DDR College opened the account through Gyandip Dutta in the 8thminute. Gayandip scored back to back goals in the 27th and 30th minute. At lemon break DDR led 3-0.

Kishor Ranjan Gogoi scored the fourth goal in the 55th minute by converting a pass from Gayandip from the left flank. Rahul Sonowal scored the final goal in the 77th minute with a firm strike from the midfield. DDR dominated both the proceedings and have not gave any chance to the opponents to score against them. In another match played on yesterday, Nazira College defeated North Lakhimpur with 6-2.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

AROUND THE

STATE

PAGE 3

Police along with civil administration and town Commit- Newly elected MLA of Dhemaji writes tee fail to evict footpath vendors at Digboi Charali Bazar letter to Union HRD Minister over deFootpath Vendors are a menace leading to traffic congestion and curse for pedestrians Laxman Sharma Digboi, Sept 15: Ironically, the local police, Digboi Town Committee and Margherita Civil administration resembles season’s flower in so far as the eviction of foot path at Digboi Charali Bazar is concerned and act on pen and paper alone failing miserably and for a mysterious reasons to initiate the eviction drive as yet to realize the end as decided in various meetings with the police, civic body and various organization held earlier in the presence of officials of Margherita civil administration including the SDO (civil) and Circle Officer. It needs mentioning here that meetings after meetings were being conducted and several discussions held centering round the issues and

problems that cripples the normalcy at the Oil town Digboi which includes the shift of public bus stand, parking issues, traffic congestion, eviction of foot-path vendor erected illegally on the concrete slab on the township major drain and disposal of garbage. Regretting the achievement of all the concerned including the overlooking attitude of Digboi Police to this effect, a section of affected people of the township including the daily goers and pedestrians lamented that the worst scenario within the Charali bazar located alongside of the NH38 in the epicenter of the OIL City has been the illegally erection of footpath bazar upon the drain which not only impedes the pedestrians and daily goers on the market

but also cause traffic nuisance which led to congestion in the evening. Around one hundred different stalls and shops are being erected alongsides the NH38 upon the township drains daily in the morning till late night stretching at a distance of around 800 meters, paralyzing the normalcy of life in different ways. The people being tiered of the indifferent attitude of the civil and police administration were being reported of approaching various local organizations to initiate significant steps to get rid of the menace particularly the footpath vendor that attract mob which might be fatal particularly when big festivals like Durga and Kali puja are on the front and miscreants as usual are on the lookout

for such gathering to cause large scale devastation of man and materials. The apprehension persist among the people whether or not the police or the civil administration would practically implement the resolutions several meetings held to this effect including the eviction of the footpath vendors and streamlining the parking issues and so on. However, it is pertinent to remind here based on earlier reference that all the concerned body and authority either police or civil administration gears up and decides in unison to fly in action to combat the said issues only after a disaster has occurred or complain to this effect is being brought about.’ Ironically, a short

drama was also staged recently at Charali bazar wherein the police officials along with others seen instructing the footpath vendors in the morning but mysteriously the scenes remains as usual and unchanged in the evening. Does this not exhibit the hollow seriousness of the authority concerned in realizing the objectives on one hand and politically backed illegal vendors showing big thumbs to the competent authorities of their hapless efforts on the other? In the light of the above, the attention, interference and strict guidelines by district administration would but be decisive steps in this regard when all others have failed to ensure normalcy of life in Digboi and the visitors to this historic Oil City.

plorable condition of JNV of Shantipur

Vinod Kumar Singh Dhemaji, Sept 15: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Shantipur nearly 7 km away from Dhemaji town, which was opened with the view of imparting proper education to the poor tribal children, itself is reeling under pathetic conditions with poor infrastructure said, Pradan Baruah newly elected MLA of Dhemaji while talking to the Eastern today. He said, my recent visit to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dhemaji was a saddening experience. The deplorable condition of infrastructure development, half-hearted academic ac-

tivities, an overall unacceptable ambience, negligence of higher authorities of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samity and every other possible evil that can engross an academic institution becomes vivid to one by a single visit. He further added that “I tried, several times to contact the Deputy Commissioner, NVS at Shillong and the Commissioner, NVS at Noida in vain. They are too busy with, God knows what and are not willing to entertain peoples’ grievances. However, finally I decided to write to the Hon’ble Union HRD Minister about everything that I witnessed

and requested for his immediate intervention”. In the letter written to Union HRD Minister he stated that “school surrounding is water logging due to low lying area which is not hygienic for the students, boundary wall and road inside the campus is in pathetic condition, the uncompleted boys hostel and staffs quarter since last 7-8 years is creating trouble both to students and staffs. Due to poor infrastructure only half of the capacity of admitting are getting admission. The actual aim of establishing school in the underdeveloped district like Dhemaji is far ahead to be achieved”.

Cleanliness drive held at Pathsala Dimpu Barman Pathsala, Sep 15: On Wednesday, Pathsala Town committee organised a cleanliness drive to keep the environment clean and clear. The main objectives of the cleanliness drive was to make people aware of the duties and responsibilities to keep the Pathsala town neat and clean. A large numbers of workers of Pathsala town committee participated in the cleanliness

drive.

Guwahati, Sept 15:The reported decision of the Railway Ministry to set up the rail division at Silchar instead of Badarpur has evoked strong reactions in this railway town.

all sections of people of Badarpur, various political parties like the Congress, BJP, Socialist Party, SUCI, CPM, CPI (M), AIUDF as also the Railway Unions, Railway employees and the members of the Badarpur Rail Division Implementation Demand Committee unanimously.

The drive covered the offices, market area, schools, bus stand etc. Himangshu Roy, chairman of Pathsala Town committee said, “Till today Green MissionAnanda Khataniar and Seuji Dhara- Nagen Choudhury along with various organisations, unions helped us to keep environment neat and clean by Tree plantation in Pathsala. Wa-

ter logging problem has been 70? solved and remaining few works are under progress”. Also he urged to the authorities of PWD department to take necessary steps for the deplorable roads at Pathsala town as soon as possible. At last he requested to the people to follow the traffic and parking rule which was made by Pathsala Town Committee and Bajali Administration.

Govt eviction plan near Assam: NSCN-IM to observe fast, pray Kaziranga autocratic: KMSS to repent for 'sins' Rail division at Silchar opposed Guwahati, Sept 15Nearly two decades since the ceasefire agreement with the Centre was signed, ending an era of violence and bloodshed over 17 long years, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), known as the mother of insurgency in the troubled northeastern region, is preparing to receive the elusive ‘solution’ from the Centre with a fast and prayer on September 24 to ‘repent and renounce the path of sin’.

The duo of Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah had formed the NSCN (IM) in 1988 after splitting from the parent rebel group, NSCN, with the objective of establishing a ‘Greater Nagaland’ of ‘Nagalim’ by the territorial integration of Naga-inhabited areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam with Nagaland. On Wednesday, general secretary of the Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) Seeksim Kasar proclaimed the council’s decision to observe September 24 as the National Workers’ Fasting and Prayer Day. “It is true, many of us are no longer true to the noble cause of the Nagas. Many of us have gone too far for earthly pleasure and gain. Many of us have gone astray from the cause. Now, in seeking God’s forgiveness, the CNC proclaims September 24, 2016 as the National Workers’ Fasting and Prayer Day,” the CNC general secretary stated. Kasar appealed to “all men

and women of NSCN, who are eagerly waiting for the day there will be a solution to the Indo-Naga political issue” to observe a day of “consecration (of) oneself to the Lord so that we all may enter into God’s appointed day of favor”.

The CNC general secretary also appealed to all authorities in Nagaland’s Dimapur and Peren districts and Assam’s Karbi Anglong district to attend the day at CHQ/GHQ church at Hebron, the headquarters of the outfit. “The Lord is soon bringing a better and brighter day for the Nagas. It is His pleasure to bless us with that pleasant future. But this blessed announcement comes along with warning … unless you repent, you will … perish. It means, the unrepentant shall not enter that happy day,” he added. In 2001, the Centre had extended the ceasefire with NSCN (IM) to all Nagadominated areas in Assam, Arunachal and Manipur. This was seen as a threat to the territorial integrity of the three states neighbouring Nagaland and resulted in widespread violent protests, especially in Manipur, compelling the Centre to withdraw the extension. The Centre signed the framework agreement with NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015, in the presence of PM Narendra Modi. A few weeks ago, the Centre and NSCN (IM) made a joint announcement that they were closer to the final settlement and hope to conclude it soon.(Agencies)

Chopper makes emergency landing in Assam

Golaghat, Sept 15:The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) has described the demolition drive planned by the state government in the vicinity of Kaziranga National Park as 'autocratic'.

On Wednesday, the KMSS said the state government is ready to launch a massive demolition drive in Bandardubi and Deosurchang to evict people from there to expand the park area. It asked the latter to give three more months to these families to decide on their future. "If the government wants to launch a demolition

drive, they should first compensate the affected families," KMSS adviser Akhil Gogoi told the media on Wednesday. He alleged that the state government has targeted select minority inhabited pockets to launch the drive.

"The government must respect the law of the land and fundamental rights of people. If the government targets Bandardubi and Deosurchang only because people from the minority community reside here, the state's image of maintaing communal harmony will take a beating," added Akhil.

He said that many families living in Bandardubi and Deosurchang have informed the government that they are ready to give up their land in the interest of Kaziranga. "In Bandardubi, there are seven indigenous Assamese families. Almost all of them were given land rights by the state government. The government should give them more time and also compensate them so that they can shift to other places," he added. The KMSS has appealed to chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal not to go ahead with the eviction plan.(Agencies)

Last year also Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had said that the new Railway Division will be set up at Silchar, and not Badarpur. His announcement then also was strongly condemned by

In a strongly-worded statement, the general secretary of the Badarpur Rail Division Implementation Demand Committee (BRDIDC), Sukumar Ghosh told this mediaperson that the people of Badarpur will not tolerate the indiscreet decision of the Ministry of Railways as also the recent comments on the subject, as the demand for Badarpur Rail Division has matured into a ‘mass demand’, having been first voiced way back in 1988, from when the movement also began. Sukumar Ghosh very clearly narrated the entire picture of the importance, necessity, reasonableness as well as the logic of the Badarpur Rail Division. He warned C. Viswanath, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public that in support of the setGrievances & Pension (DARPG), Government of India delivering inaugural ting up of a full-fledged address of the two day long Regional Conference on ‘Path Breaking and High Impact initiatives in Citizen Centric Services Delivery System’ at Assam Administra- Railway Division at tive Staff College, Guwahati on September 15. Badarpur, the movement will not only continue but will now be more able, transparent and citizen Kumar Borthakur welcentric to meet the public comed the delegates from formation for Citizen Cen- vigorous than earlier.

Reform must be advanced for improved public service: Vishwanath PTI Guwahati, Sept 15: The Centre has taken several initiatives for better administrative reforms and will work towards reform, perform and transform. "The reform agenda must be advanced for improved public service and good governance in the country," Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and Pension (DARPG) C Vishwanath said while inaugurating a two day long Regional Conference on 'Path Breaking and High Impact initiatives in Citizen Centric Services Delivery System'. The need of the hour was to replicate the successful implementation strategies across the country for equitable and sustainable development, he said. Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam T Y Das said the state government was committed to be more account-

expectation. She also raised the matter of poor telecom service, which was the main hurdle for egovernance in Assam. Assam's Principal Secretary of Administrative Reforms Training Department Paban

twelve states and explained the importance and outer review of the conference.

tric Delivery was elaborately discussed.

On the first day of the conference, topics like Transformational e-initiative in Health and Education sector, e-Office and CPGRMS and Vision on Digital Trans-

Delegates from eight North Eastern states including Sikkim along with those from West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand were participating in the conference.

Ghosh said, “since 1988, our rail division movement has been non-violent. But now, it may change, if the Railways and the Central Government deprive Badarpur of its logical as well as

reasonable claim.” Ghosh said that Badarpur is the appropriate, proper and the most suitable place for setting up a fullfledged railway division and there are many reasons for the claim, which are already in the public domain. He also said that Silchar is not at all a suitable place for a rail division. The essential requirements for the rail division are not present at Silchar and it will not be profitable for the Ministry of Railways to purchase vast lands for the purpose. Ghosh alleged that a group of people along with some politicians of Barak Valley, who don’t want a rail division be set up at Badarpur, are misguiding and misleading the Railway officials and Union Ministers by giving wrong information, regarding Badarpur Rail Division. Meanwhile, an urgent meeting was also held at Badarpur, under the presidentship of the BRDIDC president, Chandan Sen recently, where all the representatives of the various political parties were present. All the speakers vehemently criticised the decision of the Ministry of Railways, which has not yet been withdrawn. The meeting also sent a memorandum to the Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain, mentioning the reasons in support of a fullfledged railway division at Badarpur.(Agencies)

State education department to implement the TFEI plan soon

IANS Nagaon, Sept 15: At least eight people had a miraculous escape on Thursday after their helicopter made an emergency landing at Nagaon in Assam following a technical snag.

The helicopter, belonging to Sky One Airways Pvt Ltd took off from Guwahati and was bound for the Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar with two passengers and six crew members, informed sources said.

Agencies Guwahati, Sept 15: So as to promote healthy living and quality education, the state education department will soon be declaring all the government secondary schools in Assam tobaccofree zones. The mission to make schools tobacco-free in the state is being pursued by Healis Seksaria Institute for Public Health. As an initiative to promote healthy living and quality education, the state education department will soon be

declaring all the government secondary schools in Assam tobacco-free zones. On April 26, the Secretary for Secondary Education, R C Jain, had launched the mission by issuing instructions to all school inspectors which included a set of questions for the school principals. They have now started sending declarations that their institutes are tobacco-free, which are now being forwarded to the RMSA office. The state has 4,316 govern-

Image for representational purpose ment secondary schools and out of these all secondary schools in the districts of Lakhimpur, Baksa, Tinsukia, Udalguri,

Sonitpur, Golaghat, Goalpara and Bongaigaon have been reported to be Tobacco-free Educational Institutions (TFEI), as per

the submissions made by school inspectors to the secondary education department (Rastriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan). Jain said that the educational institutes must be tobacco-free to ensure an atmosphere for imparting quality education and as such this has been accorded priority to this endeavour. He said, ''The endeavour will enable us to save the future generations from the deadly clutches of tobacco addiction.'' ''Sustained efforts have been

leading to positive results in this respect'', he further added. The mission to make schools tobacco-free in the state is being pursued by Healis Seksaria Institute for Public Health, education department and Dr. B Barooah Cancer Institute, in association with Tata Trusts. As many as 78 secondary schools in Bongaigaon, 189 in Baksa, 79 in Udalguri, 197 in Sonitpur and 120 in Goalpara have also been declared tobacco-free zones.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

REST OF

ARUNACHAL

DA, ZPC and team take stock of Yomcha electrocution case Aalo, Sept 15: The district administration is keeping a close vigil on the incident of electrocution of one late Gaba Gangkak, gaon burrah of Gangkak village, who was electrocuted of the fateful day of 12th September near Daba Gamlin.

son of the deceased was also promptly taken up with the government as per government norms on such cases.

Y Poyom, ZPM Kangku, Nei Ngomle, Anchal Samiti Chairperson Kajar Gamlin, EAC Kiren Ningo, AE Kamba and Yomcha visited Yomcha to take A team of Panchayat stock of the electroculeaders headed by tion case and visited West Siang Zilla the accident site. Parishad chairperson Yaman Bagra, They expressed their The ex gratia and gov- Yomcha ZPM Yiyom deep shock and conernment job for the Yomcha, Darak ZPM soled the family mem-

bers of late Gangkak. Late Head Gaon Burrah Gangkak was a powerful and dependable GB of Yomcha subdivision. Meanwhile, the Karka Welfare Society has expressed its deep sense of shock and anguish and appealed for a thorough probe into

the matter. The society has also sent a representation to the West Siang Deputy Commissioner to take up the case of ex gratia payment and compensatory group C post for the son of Gangkak in the Electrical Department to sustain the family members of late Gangkak. (DIPRO)

Parking fee in Miss Capital-2016 RKMH area auditions round kicks off evokes public resentment

Agencies Itanagar, Sep 14: The decision of Rama Krishna Mission Hospital authorities to collect parking fees has evoked strong reaction from the visitors. The RKM hospital collects parking fee of Rs 10 for first 4 hour and after end of that period additional Rs 10 will be charged for every hour. Due to the increasing population, the RKM authorities have been struggling to accommodate increasing number of vehicles. However the decision to collect parking fees as measures to

regulate increasing volume of vehicle is questionable.

The capital denizens are aghast at the move of RKM authorities. “We have a great respect for the service being rendered by hospital authorities. But commercial activities like this are against the spirit of charity organization like Rama Krishna Mission. They get grant in aid from state and central government. Many private donors also contribute. They should be sensitive towards people,” shared a citizen.

GSS Rama Camp selected for model school Agencies Bomdila, Sep 15: Government Secondary School, Rama Camp has been selected and proposed as the ‘model school’ in the district in compliance with the directive of the State Government, informed West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop. Attending the capacity building programme on “Inclusive Education of the Disabled at Secondary Level (IEDSS) at Government Secondary School, Rama Camp under Dirang administrative circle on Tuesday, the Deputy Commissioner advised the students to give their hundred percent in studies and lay their future foundation through education. Earlier, DPC (RMSA) L D Komu highlighted on the purpose of the training programme.

Later, the DC along with the officers visited the Government Higher Secondary School, Dirang and interacted with the students and the teachers. ADC Dirang D Riba and DDSE DW Kharma called for cooperation from the villagers, parents and the PRI leaders for the development of the schools and also the need for its community ownership. BEOs NG Bapu and Tsering Dondup highlighted on ways and means of Inclusive education and also on the norms required for affiliation of the schools with the CBSE. Among others, the programme was attended by the Gaon Buras, PRI leaders and members of the School Management Committee, parents and students. DIPRO

Punjab National Bank opens its new branch in Pasighat Agencies Pasighat, Sep 14: The Punjab National Bank (PNB) today opened its new branch in Pasighat Orin Market complex. The branch was formally inaugurated by the East Siang Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla in presence of host of officers and businessmen of Pasighat. Appreciating the PNB authority for opening a nationalized bank at densely populated Pasighat, DC Khosla expressed hope that customers will get hustlefree services. She also stated that it would generate more employment avenues for local educated youths and become a vehicle for economic growth of the district in particular and the state as a whole. Khosla asked the bank officials to set up ATM facili-

ties not only at Pasighat but in interior places like Ledum, Bilat etc and to take up various local developmental issues under Corporate Social Responsibility. Earlier, PNB Circle Head SK Dash and Branch Manager Gumken Geyi informed that the bank has 6,850 branches across the country and out of them 87 is in NER. .The branch will be providing lots of facilities for the public of nearby areas adding to their pace of development. All central schemes like Jandhan Yojna, Atal Pension Yojna, Bima Yojna etc will be implemented in letter and spirit as suggested by the DC and further invited everyone to be part of the bank and get benefitted by its modern and prompt services. DIPRO

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Sept 15: The mega auditions round of Miss Capital-2016 got off to a colourful start at the Siddhartha Hall here on Thursday with the contestants taking part in a singing competition. Organised by Classic Friendship Club (CFC) in collaboration with Rural Development Society (RDS) and with Arunachal Press Club president Chopa Cheda as its chief patron, the day saw senior journalist Pradeep Kumar

attend the function as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Kumar, appreciating the organizing committee for providing such unique platform for the young talents exhorted the generation next to remain deep-rooted into one’s unique cultural heritage. Indigenous People's Society general secretary Passang Dingla who attended the programme as guest of honour called upon all to live together in

‘No work no pay’ policy invoked in Kurung Kumey Agencies Koloriang, Sept 14: Kurung Kumey DDSE cum DPO, SSA, Giogi Kaha said that the “No Work No Pay” policy of the Govt has come into effect for the teaching/ non-teaching staff of Education Department under Kurung Kumey district from Sept 7 as per the directives of Secretary Education, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, vide No.SECY.EDN/01/2016. The DDSE announced this in a coordination meeting of educational officers, Block functionaries and Incharges of all educational institutions on implementation of “No Work No Pay” cum Technical Workshop Training on Students Data Capture Format held at Koloriang on Sept 7. The policy was invoked in order to create healthy and conducive atmosphere in all educational institutions. He also extended thanks to the teachers who sincerely discharging their services particularly at interior schools where there is no proper road structure and communication system. DDSE also directed the CRCCs to visit the schools twice in a month, BRCCs once in a month to every

school in their respective block and suggested the BEOs to conduct surprise check in the schools for proper implementation of “No Work No Pay”. The Headmasters, teacher incharges were advised to play role model in the school and maintain visitors register for cross checking. He also advised the house to extend Cooperation and support one another on discharging an academic activities like collection and entry of students data capture. Gyamar Main, DPC (SSA) Kurung Kumey district also advise the BEOs/BRCCs and CRCCs to conduct regular monitoring and help the teachers working at different hard and isolated schools in the district. He also requested all teacher incharges to maintain strictly the academic calendar and guidelines of govt. Nangram Kayum, Coordinator Planning and MIS and Tai Kaha, Coordinator, Pedagogy and Com. Mobil, lead the technical part as a resource persons and also suggested the teacher incharges to capture clean information in the format to avoid data in consistencies, according to an official release.

communal harmony. Melodious numbers sang by the 18 contestants clad in attractive fashionable attires, sponsored by Miles Acres Services Pvt Ltd enthralled the audience present. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, CFC chairperson Tai Rocket disclosed that the grand finale of Miss Capital-2016 would include three rounds and the same would be conducted at the Nyokum Lapang ground here on September 30 next.

Students Union demands suspension of DMO, Yingkiong A Staff Reporter Itanagar, 15 Sept: Alleging inconsistencies in the Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) & Multi Purpose Worker (MPW) examinations held on August 21 last, the All Upper Siang District Students’ Union (AUSDSU) today demanded the suspension of DMO Yingkiong, and re-conduct of MTS and MPW examinations. This came after the question paper for MTS and MPW examinations, conducted by the Medical Department of Upper Siang district was allegedly leaked according to the AUSDSU. “A set of question papers was found by one Ojing Peyang near Post Office, Yingkiong at around 11am on August 21, an hour after the start of the written examination, whereas examinees are not allowed to go outside” said AUSDSU president Tagiot Epir. He further questioned on how that set of question paper was lying at the post office if it was not a leakage of papers. The union felt that such nepotism and unfair means to get government jobs would deprive the needy and humble background candidates. Epir also asserted that the question paper found near

we should be able to reduce the problems so that consumers do not suffer at large.” He also instructed to lift all ration commodities within stipulated time. While chairing a review meeting of Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojna for adopted Yigikaum village in his office conference hall later in the day, Padu said that SAGY is based on Mahatma Gandhiji’s vision of a model village to instill

the post office does not contain any serial code number, which could be identified as that of a candidate, if required. The result of written examination of both MPW and MTS was declared on 26 August, a week after the examination. Alleging duplicity in the entire process of examination, the AUSDSU questioned the examination authorities on why they printed 2200 question papers against around 1700 applicants, while adding that it was later found that there were no signatures of invigilators or examiners in some question papers after they were opened and distributed. Also, alleging that some people were impersonating candidates and writing on their behalf and some were apprehended after their admit cards were thoroughly checked, the AUSDSU demanded that the Director of Health Services immediately constitute an inquiry committee to find out the facts. Meanwhile, when contacted, Yingkoing DMO Dr R Tatan denied the allegation and clarified that there was no leakage of question papers. The DMO admitted that there was one case of

impersonation during written examination that they had rejected on the spot. He also informed that he had appeared before the fact finding committee constituted by the DC on August 28 last. The DMO further questioned wisdom of the union and asked, “Why they took one week to raise the issue if there was leakage of question papers. Had they raised the issue on the same day, I could have acted upon the complaint by rescheduling the written examination,” the DMO added. He also denied the allegation of faulty examination procedures. When contacted, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki also termed the AUSDSU’s allegations as baseless and said that the union could not substantiate their allegation when they approached with their representation. “Most importantly they do not have any evidence or documents so that action can be initiated,” added Kamki. The district administration has forwarded the matter to Director Health Service, after the union expressed dissatisfaction over the fact finding committee constituted by the DC.

Arunachal Pradesh: This museum in Arunachal will take you back centuries

Agencies Itanagar, Sep 15: Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum is the state museum of Arunachal Pradesh, in Itanagar. Established in the year 1980, the museum is folklore in nature. Its collections are housed in an alluring and welldesigned two-storied building at a prime location in Itanagar. The exhibits depict and por-

tray various aspects of tribal ways of life of the indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh with the help of dioramas, maps, etc. with specially designed showcases and a provision for orientation area. It has a rich collection of textiles, weaponry, household articles and handicrafts. The museum reflects the tribal

Meet on SAGY, streamlining of PDS held Agencies Aalo, Sep 15: West Siang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu instructed the District Food & Civil Supply officer to go in detail on payments and release of ration items and cooking gases so that the govt. can be taken up on that basis. The DC, who convened a meeting with DF & CSO, ATPWDS and Siang Gas Agency to streamline distribution of rations, domestic and business cooking gases, said, “No doubt problems are there but

PAGE 4

values in the village through holistic development for transformation of people into models for others. He heard at length on convergence programmes and schemes initiated by each and every department and stressed on pulling every possible resources by the department towards a steady progress. The Project Director, DRDA, highlighted on various measures and initiatives taken so far by the department for the upliftment of the village.

The ZPM and ASM of the village also gave a detailed deliberations on initiative taken by the villagers and departments for the development since its adoption, and appealed the DC to tie up the Govt. for allocation of fund for infrastructural development. The HODs, who attended the meeting, also spoke on works untaken so far and other problems and issues. DIPRO The meeting was also attended by all line departments.

culture and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. There is a special section, which displays the archaeological finding at the state. The museum also houses an informative library, which is open for the public. The ground floor of the museum houses an extensive ethnographic collection, including

traditional art, musical instruments, religious objects, and handicrafts, like wood carving and cane products, while the first floor has archaeological objects found in Ita Fort, Noksparbat and Malinithan in West Siang district. One should definitely pay a visit to this museum,as its very nice and an informative place.

Four from Arunachal selected for Boys Sports Company Contd. from Page 1

The visit of the officials from AOC Centre, Secunderabad was made possible after appeals of the AWA for talent scouting programmes. The Boys Sports Company, which was established as a joint venture with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), will provide free facilities such as, food, boarding, clothing, coaching/ training, food supplements and education to the selected boys. Ensuring their futures,

the army also ensures e m p l o y m e n t opportunities to those athletes who make the state and nation proud by winning medals through national and international competitions. The AWA said that such pioneering jobs or programmes would definitely reduce the responsibilities of the state government to a great extent as the state government shall not require bearing the expenses of the trainers and on the education of the athletes up to matriculation, except on food supplements.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

BUSINESS

PAGE 5

Sensex extends gains, up Galaxy Note 7 recall shows challenges 61 points in early trade of stronger batteries

Mumbai, Sept 15: The benchmark BSE Sensex advanced over 61 points in the early session today on a fresh spell of buying in select blue-chip stocks amid mixed global cues. The 30-share index was trading higher by 60.51 points or 0.21 per cent at 28,432.74 with sectoral indices led by healthcare, FMCG, consumer durables, power, metal and PSU stocks trading in green, rising by up to 0.48 per cent. The gauge had gained 18.69 points in the previous session. Also, the NSE Nifty rose 22.60 points or 0.25 per cent to 8,749.20. Brokers said increased buying in select blue-chips and a mixed trend at other Asian

Pictorial representation. markets ahead of next week's Federal policy meeting, influenced sentiments. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.47 per cent while Japan's Nikkei shed 1.20 per

cent in early trade today. Chinese markets are closed for a public holiday. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.18 per cent lower yesterday. (PTI)

Seoul, Sept 15: Samsung's recall of 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones after several dozen caught fire and exploded may stem from a subtle manufacturing error, but it highlights the challenge electronics makers face in packing ever more battery power into ever thinner phones, while rushing for faster release dates. Announcing the recall on September 2, Samsung confirmed dozens of cases where Note 7 batteries caught fire or exploded, mostly while charging. It plans a software update that will cap battery recharging at 60 per cent capacity to help minimize risks of overheating. But it is urging owners to keep the phones turned off until they can get them replaced, beginning September 19. The Note 7 debuted to rave reviews in August thanks to its speed, new software features and not least the esti-

mated nine hours it would run between charges. But all that power comes at a price: users began reporting the phones were catching fire or exploding, in one case incinerating the SUV it had been left in. Aviation authorities in the US, Australia and Europe have urged passengers not to use or charge Note 7s while flying and not to put them in checked baggage. On Monday, Canada issued an official recall. Koh Dong-jin, Samsung's mobile president, said in announcing the recall on September 2 that an investigation turned up a "tiny error" in the manufacturing process for the faulty batteries in the Note 7s that was very difficult to identify. The end of the pouchshaped battery cell had some flaws that increased the chance of stress or overheating, he explained. That kind of manufacturing error is unimaginable for

HIGHLIGHTS On September 2, Samsung confirmed dozens of cases where Note 7 batteries caught fire or exploded, mostly while charging. It plans a software update that will cap battery recharging at 60 per cent capacity to help minimize risks of overheating.

top-notch battery makers with adequate quality controls, said Park Chul Wan, a former director of the next generation battery research center at the state-owned Korea Electronics Technology Institute. Samsung and other experts should search for factors outside the battery cells that

Indian Oil announces Rs 1.80-trillion investment plan in next 6 years Tata Power completes acquisition of

New Delhi, Sept 15: Announcing its plan of investing up to Rs 1.80 trillion across verticals in next six years, state-run Indian Oil Corporation said on Wednesday it is also in talks with foreign entities to co-invest in the investment that includes setting up a mega refinery in coastal Maharashtra. "In the next six years, we need to spend Rs 1.701.80 trillion on refinery expansions, new petrochemical projects which are coming up and expenditure being incurred on natural gas, besides some exploration blocks that we are actively looking at," IOC Chairman B Ashok said. He further said about Rs 50,000 crore will be invested in setting up refining capacity where it plans to add at least 24 million tonnes per annum over the next five years, followed closely by marketing infrastructure including new plants, new terminals, LPG import infrastructure and pipelines.

Besides this, it has also earmarked sums for investments in petrochemicals and natural gas, he said. The state-run company will invest Rs 15,000 crore in the current fiscal and will accelerate to over Rs 25,000 crore each over the next two fiscals, Ashok said, adding it has budgeted for a Rs 72,000-crore investment over the next three years. Meanwhile, Ashok said the ambitious project to set up the largest refinery project in the country in coastal Maharashtra is on and the state government has shown six potential sites where it can come up. IOC, which is taking leadership in the project that is estimated to cost Rs 1.76 trillion, will be holding a 50 per cent stake in the refinery while the remaining will be split evenly between its sisters companies HPCL and BPCL. The company is also in talks with international investors for participating

in the ambitious project, Ashok said, adding that the three domestic partners will dilute their stake equally as and when such an investor comes in.

Ashok declined to name the foreign investors with whom talks are on and also refrained from giving a time-line for the project, saying it should come to life as soon as possible given the demand projections on the back of economic growth. It is looking for a 15,000acre land parcel to set up the refinery, he said, adding that a third of it will be reserved for green zone. The technical specifics of the project, including the fuel to be refined and which products to be done have already been prepared in consultation with EIL (Engineers India). Asked about getting required clearances, given the heightened ecological sensitivities, Ashok exuded confidence of getting all the nods. (Agencies)

Telcos submit applications for mega spectrum auction Mumbai, Sept 15: Incumbent operators such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular, along with the new entrant Reliance Jio, today formally joined the bidding race for the biggest-ever spectrum auction that kicks off on October 1. Other carriers -- Reliance Communications, Aircel and Tata Teleservices -too submitted their applications to participate in the upcoming auction at the close of the deadline today, sources said. While the notice-inviting applications closed today, the Department of Telecom is likely to publish ownership of the applicants tomorrow for scrutiny and pre-qualification by Monday. The last date for withdrawal of applications is September 22. Interested bidders were asked to submit their applications by today for the auction that will see airwaves worth Rs 5.63 lakh

crore go on sale. In a recent interview to PTI, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha had said service providers not buying airwaves will not be able to take on competition. Sinha had added that companies need spectrum to give good quality service, increase revenue and "maintain a good image" and he expected an enthusiastic participation. The government will start the mega airwave auction on October 1 in which mobile frequencies in all bands -- 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz -- will be put on the block. The finance ministry in the budget pegged the revenue at Rs 98,995 crore from the telecom space, which includes Rs 64,000 crore from the auction of about 2,354.55 Mhz of spectrum and the rest from various levies and services this financial year. All the radiowaves being put up for auction can be

used for high-speed 4G services. This is the first time the government will auction premium airwaves in the 700 Mhz band. This is considered as the most premium as the cost of providing service is onethird of 3G under the 2100 Mhz band. The 700 Mhz band alone has potential to fetch bids worth Rs 4 lakh crore if all the spectrum in it gets sold at the base price though most analysts have predicted a muted response in this band, given the exorbitant pricing. As per rating agency ICRA, the consolidated debt level of the industry stood at around Rs 3,80,000 crore in December 2015 against Rs 2,90,000 crore in March 2014. Going forward, considering the estimated level of participation in the auction, the industry debt would go up to around Rs 4,60,000 crore.(PTI)

Samsung urged owners to keep the phones turned off until they can get them replaced.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

could have led to overheating, he said. "If Koh's argument is right, that makes Samsung SDI a third-rate company," Park said. "But it does not appear to be a simple battery problem." Time also is a factor in marketing and making the phones.

In 2015, Samsung moved up its unveiling of its new Galaxy Note model to August from September, seeking a leg up on Apple's September iPhone upgrades. Before the issue of battery explosions emerged, supplies were not keeping pace with demand for the Note 7. (Agencies)

LeEco partners Welspun, names Chetan Tolia as CEO with Reliance Jio for Welcome Offer Pic for Representation.

New Delhi, Sept 15: Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), an arm of Tata Power, has completed 100 per cent share purchase in Welspun Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd (WREPL) and its subsidiaries. Earlier in June this year, Tata Power had announced that TPREL will acquire WREPL through a share purchase agreement (SPA) at an enterprise value of Rs 9,249 crore, subject to closing adjustments. "TPREL, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Tata Power, has completed acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding in WREPL and its subsidiaries," Tata Power said in a press release. According to statement, this represents the largest transaction in the renewables space in India. WREPL has one of the largest operating solar portfolios in India spread across ten states. It has about 1,141 MW of Renewable Power Projects comprising about 990 MW solar power projects and about 150 MW of wind power projects, it said.

Out of 1,141 MW renewable portfolio, over 1,000 MW of capacity is operational and balance capacity is under advanced stages of implementation, it further said. Tata Power said that Chetan Tolia has been appointed CEO & Executive Director of WREPL. Tolia was Chief Human Resources Officer of Tata Power prior to this appointment. TPREL currently operates 312 MW of renewable power capacity and 500 MW of renewable assets are being carved out of Tata Power into TPREL through a court process. In addition, about 400 MW of solar and wind power projects are under implementation. Thus TPREL, with all these assets, will have renewable assets portfolio of about 2,300 MW, making it the largest renewable power company in India, it said. Commenting on this, Tata Power CEO & Managing Director Anil Sardana said, "This acquisition will enable

the company to deliver significant value for all stakeholders. The acquisition is also a significant step towards attaining the company's objective of having non-fossil fuel based capacity up to 30-40 per cent of its total generating capacity." JM Financial Institutional Securities Limited acted as exclusive Transaction Advisor to TPREL in relation to this transaction. KPMG India Private Limited was the Accounting & Tax Advisor. AZB & Partners acted as the Legal Advisor for this transaction. TPREL is Tata Power s primary investment vehicle for clean and renewable energy based power generation capacity. TPREL s present operating capacity is 294 MW, comprising 240 MW wind and 54 MW solar, located in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The company is also in the process of implementing nearly 400 MW of renewable power projects at various locations. In order to aggregate its clean and renewable energy portfolio, Tata Power has initiated the process of carving out its 500MW clean energy assets from its books into TPREL. TPREL is seeking to grow its renewable portfolio in India and in select international markets through organic and inorganic opportunities. (Agencies)

Pic for Representation. Mumbai, Sept 15: Chinese handset maker LeEco has partnered with Reliance Jio for the latter's 'Welcome Offer' that will give free data services to users till the end of the year. As part of its test launch, Jio has already partnered with nearly 20 brands to provide free 90-day unlimited calls and highspeed mobile broadband trials to 4G smartphone users. People with handsets of companies including Sony, Sansui, Videocon, LG, Samsung, Micromax, Panasonic, Asus, TCL, Alcatel, HTC, Intex, Vivo, Gionee, Karbonn and Lava has to walk into

a Reliance Digital store to get the Jio SIM. "With the vision and roadmap to provide integrated services leveraging the mobile as a platform, LeEco has successfully created the hardware, software and services ecosystem for enabling a seamless digital upgrade for our consumers," LeEco India COO, Smart Electronics, Atul Jain said. This association with Jio will help users to fully unlock the potential of LeEco smartphones, he added. The 'Jio Welcome Offer' would be available on Le 1s, Le 1s Eco, Le 2, Le Max and Le Max 2.(Agencies)

Uber debuts self-driving vehicles; pilot program starts in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Sept 15: When Pittsburgh wakes up today morning, some residents will have the choice of going about their day in an Uber that drives itself. The launch of Uber's self-driving pilot program marks the public unveiling of the company's secretive work in autonomous vehicles and the first time self-driving cars have been so freely available to the US public. More than two years ago Uber - like most in the car business - identified autonomous driving technology as the springboard for the next stage of growth. The aggressive San Francisco-based startup has already shaken up the world's taxi services, earning a valuation of $68 billion. It plans ultimately to replace many of its 1.5 million drivers with autonomous vehicles. But it is not as if robots are

taking over the Steel City. There will be only four selfdriving vehicles available to passengers, to start, and two people will sit in the front to take over driving when the car cannot steer itself. Uber provided ride-alongs to some of the media persons last week. During a ride of about one hour, they observed the Uber car safely - and for the most part smoothly - stop at red lights and accelerate at green lights, travel over a bridge, move around a mail truck and slow for a driver opening a car door on a busy street. All without a person touching the controls. But the Uber driver and the engineer in the front two seats did intervene every few miles. Since opening its Advanced Technologies Center in Pittsburgh last year, San Francisco-based Uber has moved quickly, hiring away some 40

The launch of Uber's self-driving pilot program marks the public unveiling of the company's secretive work in autonomous vehicles.

faculty and researchers from Carnegie Mellon University a move that ruffled feathers locally - and forming partnerships with automakers include Volvo. But the company is competing in a crowded field. From Alphabet Inc and Baidu Inc to Tesla Motors Inc and General Motors Co, technology

companies and automakers are hustling to build autonomous vehicles and develop new business plans for what is expected to be a long-term makeover of personal transportation. By integrating self-driving cars with its ride-services app, Uber may be the first intro-

duction to autonomous cars that many people will have. "If Uber scores a home run with this it's going to be wonderful for the planet," said Andrew Moore, dean of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon. "The reason is we will see a much safer world and much more efficient world where we have to use less energy to move people around." Still, Moore said at least another decade of research and development is needed before there would be a significant number of truly autonomous cars on the road. Industry executives remain sharply divided on the timeline, with some expecting fully autonomous cars within five years and others predicting they are still decades away. "I don't think that Uber by any means has it in the bag," Moore said.(Agencies)

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Today's quote

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“All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.”

Adolf Hitler

Sapping India’s vitality The death of several people in Delhi linked to an outbreak of dengue, chikungunya and malaria has once again exposed the inadequacy of national public health programmes that aim to eliminate vector-borne diseases. There was a sharp increase in the incidence of chikungunya in the country in 2015 over the previous year, although official data do not attribute any deaths to the infection. Dengue cases have also steadily risen, from 75,808 in 2013 to 99,913 last year, with the death toll rising from 193 to 220 during this period. The footprint for malaria has grown, with over 1.1 million cases last year, although the number of people dying from the infection has shown a recent decline, going by official statistics. It must, of course, be borne in mind that there is some evidence of under-reporting of malaria, leading to the criticism that the full impact of the disease is not captured by government data. Delhi’s residents are, of course, not alone in suffering from the failures of longrunning vector control programmes, although they are justified in feeling disgusted at the politicisation of the problem. The irony is that India, with its focus on rapid economic growth and prosperity, is nowhere near victory in the battle against productivity-sapping infections spread by mosquitoes and other insects, while a nimble neighbour like Sri Lanka could declare itself malariafree. There are several aspects to the Sri Lankan experience that could help evaluate the efforts of India’s States in their battle to control disease-spreading vectors. Better results were achieved by the island nation through integration of different approaches. This includes focussing on mosquito control in irrigation and agriculture, introducing new classes of insecticides for residual spraying within houses, and scaling up distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets even in areas caught up in conflict. Mobile centres for access to diagnostics and treatment also helped halt disease transmission. For India to achieve its goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, and curb other vector-borne diseases, there has to be sustained effort and political will. The dengue map for 2015 shows that Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal and Gujarat were the worst-affected. On chikungunya, Karnataka needs special help, as it has a disproportionately higher incidence compared to other States. Evidently, it will take active surveillance and close collaboration with local governments to eliminate the hotspots. Mobilising the community to participate in sanitation campaigns holds the key, although families that live in deprived neighbourhoods will need generous municipal assistance, improved civic facilities and access to free health care.

The ceasefire in Syria The agreement reached between Russia and the United States in Geneva on a ceasefire in Syria is perhaps the best opportunity for a solution to the five-and-a-half-year old civil war. Under it, Russia will prevent the regime of President Bashar al-Assad from bombing rebel-held areas, while the U.S. will join hands with Russia in the fight against jihadist groups, including the Islamic State. Thebroad framework of the deal is the Putin Plan, made public a year ago while announcing Russia’s intervention in Syria. Vladimir Putin wanted Syrian statehood to be restored and the major powers to come together in the fight against the jihadists. When Russia made the proposal at the UN General Assembly, not many had expected that Moscow and Washington would come together on Syria. The U.S.’s initial response to the Russian intervention was sceptical, with reservations about Russia attacking non-IS rebel groups. There were fears about the conflict escalating into a full-blown war. Instead, the Putin Plan seems to have worked, albeit with a heavy human cost. The intervention has bolstered the Syrian regime, changing the balance of the conflict. Mr. Assad’s regime was on the verge of collapse a year ago; it is now stable at least in its strongholds. The rebels’ influence has shrunk, though they appear to be unbeatable in many of the small towns they control. This stalemate and the fear of more bloodshed may have prompted both the U.S. and Russia to play down their differences. This time, the prospects for peace are brighter given the investment the two military powers have made. Both the rebels and the regime have welcomed the deal. There are positive changes at the regional level as well. Turkey, a staunch supporter of the rebels, had recently said Mr. Assad could play a transitional role in Syria. Two big challenges remain. First, can Russia halt Mr. Assad’s fighter jets? Though Moscow wields strong influence over Damascus, it has in the past expressed uneasiness over the stubbornness of the regime. The regime is now making gains in the battlefield. Even if Mr. Assad agrees to suspend the bombing, it is not clear if he will be prepared to make any meaningful compromises in the peace talks. Second, the rebels fighting the regime are not a unified force. Russia wants Fateh al-Sham, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda, to be singled out and attacked. The U.S. has agreed to this suggestion in principle, but its practicality is uncertain. However, the odds should not overshadow the significance of the agreement. If the ceasefire is clearly established, that itself would be quite an achievement given the horrors of the war.

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Ozone and Climate: Restored by a world united.” W e are aware of ozone and it’s important in our life. At the same time we are also concerned about depletion of ozone layer. A number of commonly used chemicals have been found to be extremely damaging to the ozone layer. Halocarbons are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are linked to one or more halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine). Halocarbons containing bromine usually have much higher ozone-depleting potential (ODP) than those containing chlorine. The man-made chemicals that have provided most of the chlorine and bromine for ozone depletion are methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and families of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The scientific confirmation of the depletion

of the ozone layer requires the control of prompted the interna- nearly 100 chemicals, in tional community to es- several categories. For tablish a mechanism for each group or annex of cooperation to take ac- chemicals, the Treaty tion to protect the ozone sets out a timetable for layer. This was formal- the phase-out of producized in the Vienna Con- tion and consumption of vention for the Protec- those substances, with tion of the Ozone Layer, the aim of eventually which was adopted and eliminating them comsigned pletely. by 28 Ranjan K Baruah counI n tries, on 1994, 22 March 1985. In Sep- the United Nations Gentember 1987, this led to eral Assembly prothe drafting of The claimed 16th September Montreal Protocol on as the International Day Substances that Deplete for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of The principal aim of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol is the Montreal Protocol on to protect the ozone layer Substances that Deplete by taking measures to the Ozone Layer. States control total global pro- were invited to devote duction and consumption the Day to promote acof substances that de- tivities in accordance plete it, with the ultimate with the objectives of the objective of their elimi- Protocol and its amendnation on the basis of de- ments. The ozone layer, velopments in scientific a fragile shield of gas, knowledge and techno- protects the Earth from logical information. the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus The Montreal Protocol helping preserve life on

the planet. The theme for the 2016 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is: Ozone and climate: Restored by a world united. "On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, let us remember how much has already been accomplished, and commit to do more to protect our atmosphere. By working together, we can build a safer, healthier, more prosperous and resilient world for all people while protecting our planet, our only home", said , Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of United Nations on the occasion . The phase out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; further-

more, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth. The theme for this year's International Ozone Day recognizes the collective efforts of the parties to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol towards the restoration of the ozone layer over the past three decades and the global commitment to combat climate change

to half a degree of global warming by the end of this century, providing a major boost for the Paris Agreement, and it could also significantly improve the energy efficiency of some alternative refrigerants and technologies.

The role and responsibility of individual and government is different in this regard. Companies and manufactures which uses ozone depleting substances must bring an end We now have our 2030 to it and look for alterAgenda for Sustainable nate. Government must Development, which commit to international shall foster equitable in- agreement towards comclusive growth and fur- bating climate change. ther the well-being of Individuals should also people and our planet. look at the lifestyle and On climate change, the go for sustainable Paris Agreement marks a lifestyle and consumphistoric turning point in tion. Together we can our common journey towards a secure and sus- achieve Sustainable Detainable world. All coun- velopment Goals and let tries must agree to the us all take up challenge agreement to combat cli- to achieve them. (With mate change. Phasing direct inputs from UN down HFCs would pro- publication and feedback vide considerable ben- may be sent to efits. It would avoid up bkranjan@gmail.com)

Towards an equilibrium Media reports that the Defence Minister has directed the three Chiefs of Staff — through the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee — to implement the Seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC) award without any further delay, are extraordinary. Equally so are those on how in an unprecedented step, the Chiefs of Staff have been writing to the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister, highlighting the core anomalies in the award and for implementing the CPC after their resolution. These anomalies are said to include certain iniquitous allowances and not awarding non-functional upgradations of pay to the armed forces which the civilian bureaucracy enjoys. The Defence Minister’s directions appear to be based on the view that the chiefs’ concerns have already been referred to the Empowered Committee of Secretaries. The chiefs’ concerns are based on two incontrovertible factorsviz. that an appellant can expect no justice where the appellate itself comprises appellees and that many of

political ideologies and hues were party to it as the approving authority and the civilian bureaucracy A steady erosion was the constant contestant-cum-dispenser. Thus, Now, a look at history. there has been a systemThe stature, pay and pen- atic erosion of their standsion of the armed forces ing relative to other func— officers and men alike tionaries of the state, furt h e r — have exacerall been PRADEEP KAUSHIVA bated downscaled by a direlative lution of their direct interto their civilian counterparts in the Government face with the political of India ever since Inde- leadership since Indepenpendence. The pay com- dence. missions go through the Thus, the armed forces presentations of the reprepersonnel rely on their sentatives of all affected parties directly. However, chiefs to protect their inin the case of the armed terests. Many chiefs have forces, these projections protested against the unhave to be routed through fairness of it all to the govthe Ministry of Defence ernment of the day — and its bureaucracy. Un- each in his own way, but like all other government all very respectfully for servants, the conditions of fear of being misunderservice in the armed stood. And, they have not forces, inter alia, prohibit shared their travails with them from forming an as- their subordinates, once sociation. The armed again for fear of being forces, from officer to misunderstood. So, a jawan, have been pushed number of former defence back even further by each chiefs will probably be CPC. Their protests have judged not very charitably ended in a ping-pong as the armed forces have progressively match, with a fraction be- got ing granted and some is- marginalised. sues closed or left openThere are fundamental ended. Governments of all anomalies in the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth CPCs still remain unresolved.

Desire to Excel A German once visited a temple underconstruction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby. Surprised, he asked the sculptor, "Do you need two statues of the same idol?" "No," said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only one, but the first one got damaged at the last stage." The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?" he asked. "There is a scratch on the nose of the idol."

said the sculptor, still busy with his work. "Where are you going to install the idol?"

the gentleman asked. The sculptor stopped work, looked up at the gentleman, smiled and said, "I will know it." The desire to excel is exclusive of the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not.

The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar twenty feet high. "If the idol is that far who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?"

"Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside. Excellence is not for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and efficiency. Don't Climb a mountain with an intention that the world should see you, climb the mountain with the intention to See the World.

differences between the armed forces and the Central armed police forces. The armed forces defend the nation within and beyond the national boundaries and act against any force that poses a threat to national security. They are manned, trained, equipped and deployed accordingly. The police forces are confined within the nation’s boundaries with their task being to police, guard and prosecute crime. Their roles are clear in their hardware and tools of business. Due to differences between the two in terms of constitution, composition, equipment, assigned and delivered tasks, service conditions, and working, they are incomparable entities. Armed forces personnel obey all legal orders given by their superiors. Thus they can be “officered” and headed by their own cadre. Historically, our military leadership has been effective because the senior upholds the interests of his juniors and does not let down his own superiors. The soldier today

Unlike in the past, the soldier today is educated and aware of the world. He not only has aspirations but also expects what is due to him. Being disciplined, he does not speak up; but shortfalls demotivate him. Keeping the rank and file motivated in the face of falling service conditions is becoming an increasingly difficult task for military superiors today. The media revolution has enhanced the awareness levels of our soldiers/sailors and airmen through instant information. Inspite of being deployed even in the remotest locations, they are abreast of the goings-on between their chiefs and the political leadership. Therefore, contentious issues need to be handled with immense sensitivity, sensibility and utmost responsibility. The incumbent chiefs have demonstrated these in an exemplary manner through public sharing of information. In contrast, selective media leaks, half-truths and innuendos which have proliferated in recent years with no attendant responsibility can be

found at the other end of spectrum. In our system, the layer of insularity provided by the civilian bureaucracy filters even the advice given by professional heads, viz. the chiefs. Thus, vested interests in this institution, whose stated objective is to maintain its own primacy in governance of the nation, are now undermining another institution which has rightly earned respect for being the last bastion of upholding national security — in times of war; peace; natural calamities; counter-insurgency; civil unrest; and even running essential services. The visit by the Chief of Army Staff to Srinagar recently, and at the behest of the Centre, to reshape the security order there, is a very specific indicator of this. In the current security environment, both globally and regionally, a robust political backbone is required to restore the standing, honour and dignity of the armed forces, who, unfortunately, in our system have come to be denoted directly by pay, perks and warrant of precedence.

Old Habits Seldom Die Sir, Recently, R.P.Sarma, the M.P. of Tezpur made a comparison among the cabinet ministers of the Sarbananda Sonowal led ministry and shortlisted three ministers for their excellence. We are not to suggest similar comparison be brought to the fore. But Mr. Sarma must have analyzed it without a biased view. On one particular point, we must concede that Pramila Rani Brahma, the Forest minister, so far, has been performing indefatigably, even on holiday, she is seen visiting certain inaccessible forest lands, where too the clutches of the land-grabbers reach. Ms Brahma, by her bold and upright statements proves that she is well ahead of her predecessors. We feel pity on her two predecessors, who earned notoriety by dubious discharge of their duties. We are of firm conviction that during the period of these two ministers (congress), maximum damage had been done to the department, here, we feel tempted to make a comparison among all the de-

partments of the erstwhile congress regime, forest department was the most corrupted one where wizards also played a role by replacing the rhinohorns kept in the treasury. We eagerly wait for the day, when all the corrupt officials will be taken to task. Conviction of one Mahat Talukdar is like a tip of the iceberg. Without the tacit blessings of the ministers, these DFO's of the ilk of Mahat Talukdar would not have been born. In our opinion, mere conviction and imprisonment is not enough, what we need is attaching their properties. Despite presence of minister of the stature of Pramila Rani Brahma at the helm, corruption is still on in the department, as the officials resorting to corruption cannot shun their old habits. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

REST OF

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NORTHEAST Meghalaya designer to showcase Sukhoi SU-30 combat jet 'ryndia' at London Fashion Week lands at Agartala airport

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Agencies Shillong, Sep 15: Fashionistas from the state are eagerly waiting for London Fashion Week this month as Meghalaya designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah will showcase his collection there. Lynrah, through his fashion house RwL Designs, will display traditional Khasi-Jaintia designs but with a modern twist. He will also celebrate sustainable eco-fashion with an aim to revive the rich indigenous textiles of Meghalaya. His clothes will feature 'ryndia' (eri silk) and muga and his designs will incorporate a lot of woven clothes as weaving has traditionally been the main source of income for women in ru-

Residents Safety Bill: Committee makes changes Agencies Shillong, Sep 15: The Select Committee on the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill, 2016, has brought some amendments, including a facilitation centre for effective enforcement of laws for the safety and security of citizens. The Committee deleted the existing word "to ensure safe travel on the road" from the preamble of the Act and added "and such land on rent or lease for the purpose of residing or any commercial activity by a person other than owner of the land" to Section 2 of the Act. This was revealed in the report of the Select Committee that was tabled in the Assembly on Wednesday. The Committee in Section 2 (G) of the Act substituted the definition clause of 'Local Authority' and in the new definition, local authority means and include traditional tribal bodies - Nokma, Sordar, Syiem, Sirdar (Sardar), Doloi, Wahehshnong, Wahadadar, Lyngdoh and Rangbah Shnong of Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills and any other such body constituted as per the traditions, customs and practices in tribal areas and other authorities that may be notified by the government or the deputy commissioner of the district. The amendment to Section 3 of the Act mandates all persons residing in rented houses to furnish to both the police station and the local authority necessary documents. The District Task Force under Section 5 will have two non-official members, one from the local authority and the other from among the prominent citizens of the district to be appointed by the government. Under Section 11 (3) of the Act, the landlord should be punishable under Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code on expiry of the period specified under sub-section 2 of Section 11 of the Act. Section 18 (3) of the Act also says the facilitation centre should ensure that no citizen of India be put to inconvenience or restrained from exercising his rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

ral Meghalaya. Speaking about the message he wants to give through his designs, Lynrah said, "The textile industry is one of the most polluted in the world. Organic clothes are not a fad but a social issue." RwL Designs, launched in 2012, was the culmination of its founder's desire to promote traditional fashions of the Khasi-Jaintia community. Lynrah had nearly a decade of experience behind him in the fashion industry before he launched his own boutique. He was invited to exhibit his designs in London after taking part in this year's North East India Fashion Week. Elaborating more on the 'ryndia' featured in his de-

Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah signs, the 37-year-old said, "The ryndia is our indigenous textile that comes from a silkworm reared by villagers in

Meghalaya. Ryndia is warm in winter and cool in summer." "Because of its rustic nature, ryndia might look

lifeless. But if you give the fabric a form and twist with some overlay, like embroidery or lace detail, it can raise the value of the product," he added. His 'Ethnicity with a Mod Twist' collection features the traditional attire of Khasi women called 'jainsem', as well as designs inspired by the 1960s. A second collection, 'Hollywood Glamour', is an assortment inspired by Hollywood show-stoppers like Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh. With so many designers looking to catch the imagination during London Fashion Week, Lynrah feels sure that ryndia will make an impact. "It's something that will catch the eye of the public," he said.

IANS Agartala, Sep 15: A frontline Sukhoi SU-30 combat jet landed at the civil airport in Agartala on Thursday and departed soon after, with the authorities describing it as a "routine" mission. Informed sources, however, said this was part of efforts by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to operationalise more air bases in the Northeast region to act as a counter to China.

"A Sukhoi SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft landed at the Agartala airport this morning. It departed soon afterwards," Agartala Airport Director S.D. Barman told reporters. "This is a part of routine peace-time training activity, nothing else," Defence Ministry spokesman

Sukhoi SU-30 combat jet Group Captain Amit Mahajan told IANS on the phone from Shillong. The IAF had, in August 2010, deployed its first SU-30 squadron in the northeast at Tezpur in Assam. In March 2011, it raised another Sukhoi squadron at the Chabua airbase, also in Assam.

On August 19, three SU30s had touched down at the upgraded Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh. Barman said that there are eight airports in the region, besides a few ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh where the SU-30s can land.

Focus on NE-Bangladesh MeECL caught in cycle of power dues connectivity: envoy

Image for representational purpose Agencies Agartala, Sep 15: Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday said both the countries have attached priority to connectivity between NE

states and Bangladesh. Shringla, who is on a four-day visit to Tripura, on Monday held a meeting with chief minister Manik Sarkar, chief secretary YP Singh and other dignitaries to seek coop-

eration for expediting ongoing railway connectivity work between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh. He said railway connectivity between Agartala and Akhaura and a bridge on the Feni River will connect the NE states to Ashuganj and Chittagong ports. He added that both countries are working on multisectoral connectivity for boosting trade and economy. Shringla said Dhaka allowed India to use its waterways and the Ashuganj river port, about 50 km from here, for transshipment of iron rods and rice from Kolkata when the Assam-Agartala highway was in a bad condition. He added that India has also attached priority to stronger ties with South Asian countries for sub-regional

development. Bhutan-Bangladesh-IndiaNepal Network and Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) are some of the initiatives to further strengthen multi-literal relations with Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal, he added. Shringla said the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh is playing a pro-active role in combating terrorism and India has also assured of all possible help to the neighbouring country in battling crossborder terrorism. "Bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh are improving. Tripura has already reaped the benefits by transshipment through the Ashuganj sea port," he added.

'Centre-NSCN Tried to vacate framework pact is a coal mining time bomb for NE' ban: Mukul

Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam PTI Imphal, Sep 15: Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Wednesday said the framework agreement signed between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and Centre is actually a "time bomb" for the Northeast region. Wondering why the contents of the agreement has not been disclosed to the public, Gaikhangam described the agreement as a ticking "time bomb". "It is a time bomb ticking for the region (Northeast)," he commented at the inaugural function on Panchayati Raj here. The NDA government at

the Centre and NSCN-IM inked the framework agreement in August 2015. Training his gun on BJP, the Deputy CM said the saffron party has been gaining strength in the state by taking in frustrated politicians.

Agencies Shillong, Sep 15: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma told the assembly on Wednesday that the state government has adopted various measures to vacate the ban on coal mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in April, 2014. Expressing concern over the ban, Mukul said the case is still pending in the Supreme Court. Replying to a discussion on a cut motion tabled by WT Chyne of United Democratic Party, Mukul pointed out that the assembly had earlier adopted a resolution

seeking presidential notification for exempting the tribal state from the purview of the Government of India's Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973. He said the state government had also taken up with the Centre the need to invoke paragraph 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution so that application of central laws relating to mining were not made applicable in Meghalaya. The chief minister assured the house of pursuing the matter.

"These politicians just want power but have no political place in Manipur. In fact, there is no scope for BJP in our state," Gaikhangam said. Gaikhangam, the former president of MPCC, further predicted that those who will not get BJP tickets in the ensuing assembly elections would do harm to the party.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma

Agencies Shillong, Sep 15: The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) owes Rs 711.78 crore to various companies from which it is purchasing power. This was revealed in an RTI filed by Curtis Rani, president of Seng Samla, Mawkneng. Of the total outstanding dues, MeECL has to pay Rs 570 crore to NEEPCO alone, the RTI revealed. Stating that the corporation has an outstanding interest of over Rs 400 crore, the RTI said seven companies are yet to clear electricity bills amounting to more than Rs 10 crore. The seven companies and offices who are yet to pay their bills are Shree Sai Prakash Alloy (Byrnihat),

Grey Stone Smelters Ltd. (Byrnihat), Greater Shillong Water Supply, Mawmluh Cherra Cement Ltd., JUD Cement Pvt. Alloys Ltd. (Khliehriat), Purbanchal Alloy Ltd. (Byrnihat) and Sesami Chemical Pvt. Ltd. (Umiam). Rani lambasted the MeECL saying it is too quick to disconnect power supply to households in case of pending payments and added that the corporation should apply the same yardstick to the companies and government offices whose outstanding bills amount to crores of rupees. According to the RTI, the outstanding bills in the Western Circle amounts to Rs 118.48 crore, West Garo Hills Rs 62.53 crore, East Garo Hills Rs 40.88 crore,

Eastern Circle Rs 40.41 crore, Central Circle Rs 29.73 crore and Shillong Circle Rs 25.86 crore. MeECL is also incurring a loss of 45 per cent of its revenue and in Shillong city alone, the corporation is incurring a loss of 19.56 per cent due to non-payment of bills by consumers. Rani further said several offices and departments, like PHE, Health, Police and mobile towers have maximum amount of outstanding dues to be paid to MeECL. Meanwhile, non-payment of outstanding bills by consumers amounting to more than Rs 1 lakh has exceeded more than 700 households and consumers while there are 25 consumers whose outstanding amount is more than Rs 1 crore.

High Court pulls up striking GHADC employees Agencies Tura, Sep 15: The High Court of Meghalaya on Wednesdayissued an order directing the several hundred striking employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to return to their work stations by Thursday even as the council authorities were directed to ensure their pending dues are cleared. This came as a major boost for the ruling NPP alliance and a snub to the opposition Congress that had all along been calling for the removal of the party from the administration of the oldest autonomous body in Garo Hills. The High Court has not taken lightly to the decision by the district council's several hundred agitating employees to go on strike as the very same body was behind the petition to the judiciary seeking a redress to their long pending woes. "I could not understand when the matter is sub-judice, on what basis and grounds the petitioners went on strike and disturbed the functioning of the Autonomous District Council," questioned Justice SR Sen during the hearing on Wednesday. The Court directed the agitators to withdraw the strike forthwith and join their respective work and not to create any disturbance in the functioning of the GHADC failing which the High Court directed the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, to take immediate legal action which may lead to coercive measure. The NPP-led Executive

Meghalaya High Court Committee of the GHADC under Chief Executive Member Denang T Sangma has also been directed by the High Court to ensure that it clears the pending monthly salaries of its employees which have been delayed for over nine months. The Executive Committee apprised the court about its decision taken on Monday wherein it was decided to pay the staff two months' pending salaries each month, beginning September, until the previous backlog gets cleared. Salaries of two months would be given every month until all previous monthly dues are cleared for the employees' it had been decided at the EC meeting. The High Court in its order has accepted the decision and directed the GHADC to ensure the employees get their two months dues every month, as per the recommendations of the EC, beginning from this month itself. The Court has also directed that the association (NGEA) withdraw their agitation forthwith and resume work.

It has also directed the lawyer of the NGEA to file an affidavit before the court to inform whether the striking employees have withdrawn their agitation or not. The compliance of the court order has been listed for Thursday. The high court ruling has come as a major boost for the ruling NPP led Garo Hills Progressive Alliance which was facing flak from not just its agitating employees demanding their dues but also the opposition Congress alliance in the GHADC. Some of the Congress MDCs including the Independent MDC from Tura had lashed out at the current EC accusing them of failing to run the GHADC with charges of misappropriation and demands for direct administrator rule by the DC being made. While the NPP led alliance made public the alleged illegal withdrawal of Rs 22 crore of the GHADC royalty from the State by the last Congress EC, it failed to cut any ice until the court stepped in to give its ruling on a case filed by the striking staff against the current EC.

INTERNATIONAL

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President Barack Obama to terminate national emergency against Myanmar

High time to make UNSC more democratic, representative: Ban

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Washington, Sept 15: Encouraged by Myanmar's progress towards democracy and installation of a civilian government, US President Barack Obama on Thursday decided to terminate national emergency imposed on the country and said he will "soon" lift the sanctions against it. The announcement from Obama came after his meeting with his fellow Nobel laureate and Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi at the Oval Office of the White House. "In part because of the progress that we've seen over the last several months, I indicated, after consulting with Daw Suu, that the US is now prepared to lift sanctions that we have imposed on Myanmar for quite some time. It is the right thing to do in order to ensure that the people of Myanmar see rewards from

Suu Kyi's latest visit to Washington is focused on economic growth of Myanmar. President Obama has discuss rolling back more of the sanctions that were applied when the nation was under military rule. a new way of doing business and a new government," Obama said. Recognising the progress toward democratic transition that Myanmar has achieved, including through the election of a civilian-led government, the US will terminate the National Emergency with re-

spect to Myanmar and will revoke the Executive Orderbased framework of the Myanmar sanctions programme, said a joint statement issued after the meeting. The State Department said announcement during the historic visit of Suu Kyi is a testament to the tremen-

Pakistan train crash kills four, scores hurt: rescue service Lahore, Sept 15: At least six people were killed and over 150 others injured today when a Karachi-bound passenger train rammed into a stationary freight train near Multan in Pakistans Punjab province. The pre-dawn incident took place near Bucch railway station in Sher Shah area when Awam Express to Karachi from Peshawar rammed into a goods train whose driver had stopped to remove the body of a man overrun by it, said official Nadir Chattha. The passenger train moving reportedly at a speed of over 100 km per hour collided with the goods train. "The Awam Express driver was given the red signal but he could not stop the train in time and the collision took place," said a senior railways General Manager Javed Anwar, adding an inquiry committee has been constituted to probe. The collision wrecked the engine and power van,

and overturned four bogies of Awam Express, he added. Initial investigations suggest the driver of passenger train was at fault for the crash. The incident left at least six people dead and wounded over 150, out of which 18 were said to be in serious condition, said rescue official Abdul Jabbar. The express trains driver and foreman jumped out of the train and are absconding. "Many passengers were rescued after cutting the coaches. The rescue operation completed in four hours or so and all injured have been shifted to Nishter and other hospitals of Multan," said Jabbar, adding most of the passengers were sleeping at the time of collision. 250 rescue workers provided medical aid to 50 injured passengers on the spot before transferring them to the hospital. All the injured have been

taken out of the train. He said four coaches of the passenger train have completely been destroyed in the accident. Meanwhile, authorities have imposed emergency at Multans Nishtar Medical Hospital and Shahbaz Sharif Hospital. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan expressed their grief over the incident and directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment to the injured. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif offered condolences to the victims of the accident. The railways have seen decades of decline due to several factors, including corruption and lack of investment. Last November, 13 people were killed in s o u t h w e s t e r n Baluchistan province after a trains brakes failed and it sped down the side of a mountain. (PTI)

dous change Myanmar has undergone in the past few years. Myanmar now has democratically-elected civilian leadership for the first time in over half a century, and is focused on bringing peace and national reconciliation, economic prosperity and social welfare, and respect for human rights to its people, it said. During the meeting, Obama also announced his intention to take action to lift Executive Order-based economic and financial sanctions on Myanmar. "I believe the President said in the coming days (sanc-

tions would be lifted)," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said during his daily news conference. Earnest said what substantively has changed is that the reason that this national emergency was placed into effect in the first place was concern about the undemocratic conduct of the military government that previously ruled Myanmar. "Much of the concern in the United States was rooted in the way that that military government was treating Aung San Suu Kyi. She was imprisoned in her own house," he said. (PTI)

"The State Department said announcement during the historic visit of Suu Kyi is a testament to the tremendous change Myanmar has undergone in the past few years".

Typhoon Meranti kills two in China and Japan Beijing, Sept 15: A powerful typhoon has swept into south-eastern China after hitting Taiwan, leaving a total of two dead and dozens injured. Weather officials in both China and Taiwan said Meranti was the strongest storm of its kind this year.

than 700,000. More than 140 trains heading into southeastern China were canceled. An 800-year-old bridge in Fujian province was one casualty of the storm; state media released video of a rapidly flowing river pushing against the bridge until it fell in.

Chinese state media reported one death and one person missing, as high winds and rain shattered windows on tall buildings, knocked down trees and disrupted water supplies in China's Fujian province, causing a widespread blackout in the coastal city of Xiamen. In Taiwan, the Central News Agency reported one person was killed and 44 were injured on the island by the storm. It said Meranti knocked out power in almost 1 million homes and water in more

Another video posted online shows a large, moon-shaped balloon bouncing between cars on a roadway. The balloon was an apparent decoration for Thursday's start of the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival in both mainland China and Taiwan. Chinese meteorologists downgraded Meranti from a super typhoon to a tropical depression on Thursday afternoon and said they expect it to fade further as it moves north. (PTI)

Malaysia confirms debris Taliban leader not found near Tanzania is designated terrorist is from missing MH370 jet

mystery: India at UN

Muhammad Mansour was killed in a US drone strike in May.Akhundzada is not on any terrorist designated list. Lal questioned how, by not designating the head of a banned entity, the world body intends to address one of the biggest threats to peace and security.

Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada.

United Nations, Sept 15: In a veiled reference to Pakistan, India said perpetrators of violence in Afghanistan must not be allowed safe havens in its neighbourhood, as it slammed UNSC's sanctions regime for not designating the leader of Taliban as terrorist, calling such an approach a "mystery." "The fact that the leader of Taliban - a proscribed entity - is not yet designated

as a terrorist individual remains a mystery to us. Can we know the rationale for such an approach," Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Tanmaya Lal said at a Security Council debate on Afghanistan here. The Taliban had named Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, a conservative cleric in his 50s, as its new leader after Mullah Akhtar

"Is it now the thinking those leaders of proscribed entities will not be held accountable for the deeds of the listed groups that they head? Is this how we now intend to address one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," he said in his remarks. Lal questioned whether the response to India's queries on the functioning of the UN sanctions regime will be a "deafening silence" as was the case when the Security Council Committee 1988, which deals with issues relating to Afghanistan, had met last month, with no information about what was discussed in the meeting. (PTI)

Transport minister says large outboard flap discovered on Pemba island in June belongs to Boeing 777 aircraft Malaysia, Sept 15:A large piece of debris discovered on the island of Pemba, off the coast of Tanzania, in June was from the missing Malaysia Airlines jet MH370. A search of more than two years has turned up few traces of the Boeing 777 aircraft that disappeared in March 2014, with 239 passengers and crew on board, soon after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, bound for Beijing. The debris, an outboard flap, will be examined further to see if it can yield any insight into the circumstances around the missing plane, the Malaysian transport minister, Liow Tiong Lai, said. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report on the new wing flap said it "was con-

firmed as originating from the aircraft registered 9M-MRO and operating as MH370." It identified the component as "the inboard section of a Boeing 777 right, outboard flap." Investigators have previously confirmed a piece of plane debris found on the French island of RĂŠunion in July 2015 as being part of the missing MH370. They are examining several other pieces of debris found in Mozambique, South Africaand Rodrigues Island, a territory of Mauritius. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's analysis of several pieces of debris led them to conclude that four of them were "almost certainly" from the missing plane.

United Nations, Sept 15:UN chief Ban Kimoon has said it is "high time" for the reform of Security Council for making it more "democratic and representative" as he appealed the member states to pay heed to the rapidly changing and "deteriorating" security challenges in the world. "When it comes to reform of the United Nations, particularly Security Council reform, I have been stating many times I don't know how many times, repeatedly that it is high time that the Security Council must be reformed and changed in a more democratic and representative way," Ban told reporters here yesterday at a press confer-

UN chief Ban Ki-moon ence ahead of the high- session that starts next level General Assembly week. (PTI)

Ban Ki-moon said while the United Nations member states will be responsible for the reform of the Security Council, it is unfortunate that they have not been able to reach much convergence on key issues

Singapore Airlines drops Airbus A380 plane extend. The first expires in October 2017, and we have decided not to extend it. "For the other four, decisions will be made later." But they added the airline had orders for five separate A380s with Airbus, which will start being delivered in the second half of 2017.

Singapore Airlines has decided not to keep the first A380 it leased, delivering a fresh setback for Airbus' super-jumbo plane. Singapore, Sept 15: Singapore Airlines was the launch customer for the two-deck jet in 2007. The airline has decided not to renew the A380 plane when the ten-year contract expires next year. The news comes after Air-

bus more than halved its delivery target for the A380, raising fears it could slip back to making a loss from the aircraft. A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said: "Our first five A380s are on 10year leases, with options to

The A380 only began breaking even for Airbus last year. In July, Airbus said it would still avoid losing money on the jet in 2017 with as few as 20 deliveries, but gave no further guidance. Analysts say that big aircraft like the A380 and Boeing's 747 series have fallen out of favour. Smaller jets can be more profitable as they are easier to fill and are cheaper to operate, analysts say.

Thai police arrest alleged Australian drug kingpin Robert Gee at Phuket bar Thailand, Sept 15:Robert Gordon Pollybank Gee, 58, was detained by Thai police at a bar on the resort town of Phuket, as part of a joint operation with Australian Federal Police. "He has been living in Phuket for about three years," Police Major Nareuwat Phutwiro, an investigator with the Phuket Tourist Police, told the ABC. "He came to Thailand with a fake passport, under a Canadian nationality." Gee was arrested with three other men in 2006 as part of a Drug Investigation Branch operation codenamed Crunch. Reports from the time said

police seized cocaine and methamphetamines worth $1.2 million, plus $264,000 in cash. Despite facing serious charges, he was granted bail on a $10,000 surety and allowed to keep his passport. It is believed Gee fled Australia in 2011 when he learned that one of his coaccused - Leslie Graham Richards - had given police a detailed statement about

his alleged key role in the drug syndicate. "The next process would be granting criminal court documents to extradite him to Australia," Major Nareuwat said. "But before doing that the immigration officers and police will have to see if he would be charged for breaking Thai laws, such as illegal entry to Thailand." Mr Gee is being held at the Phuket court cells.

"Thai police have arrested an alleged Australian drug dealer who had been on the run for five years".

US and Israel sign record $38bn military aid deal Israel, Sept 15: The United States has signed a record $38bn deal to provide Israel with military assistanceover a 10year period - the largest such agreement ever by the US with any country. Following 10 months of frequently tense negotiations, the two allies finalised the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a signing ceremony on Wednesday in Washington DC. "Both Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and I are confident that the new MOU will make a significant contribution

to Israel's security in what remains a dangerous neighbourhood," US President Barack Obama said in a statement, according to Reuters news agency. Under the terms, Israel will receive $3.8bn a year from the US - up from the $3.1bn Washington currently gives Israel annually under a 10year deal that ends in

2018. The agreement was described as the "single largest pledge of bilateral military assistance in US history", but it also involves major concessions by the Israeli government, which will no longer be able to seek additional annual funds from the US Congress over and above the new package.

"US president says the 10-year, $38bn arms deal will help bolster Israel's security in "a dangerous neighbourhood".

EDUCATION

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

PAGE 9

Career in Hotel Management Introduction A cardinal part of hospitality industry, hotel management has wide employment opportunities. Moreover, with globalisation gaining acceptance with more and more countries, the hotel management industry is truly becoming global. As hotel chain owners are opening new hotels in various big and small cities, requirement for trained hotel management professionals is huge. Although considered one of the most glamorous careers, hotel management requires professionals who can keep their cool even in the most challenging situations. Hotel management can include Hotel & Restaurant management, Cruise Ship Hotel management, Hospital Administration and Catering, Hotel and Tourism Associations, Airline Catering and Cabin Services, Club management, Forest Lodges, Guest Houses amongst others. Expansion of global travel industry and aviation industry is expected to boost hotel industry in next couple of years.

Step-by-Step There are multiple job profiles in hotel management and depending upon the candidates' education, work experience, the positions are offered. However, in order to work in top level or middle-level management candidates must have a degree in travel management. Whereas some hotels hire graduates straight from universities, some other hotels hire only trained hotel management graduates. Candidates can do degree course in hotel management soon after 10+2 which are offered by various hotel management institutes. The minimum selection criteria for an undergraduate course in hotel management is 10+2 with 50% marks. However, candidates who do not have 50% marks in +2 can do diploma or certificate course in hotel management which are being offered by various institutes. Additionally, some hotels provide training cum job placement and candidates who do not have other options can opt for it. Indian hotel management institutes conduct entrance exams before selecting the candidates for various courses.

Start Early Students looking for a career in hotel management should have strong communication skills, reasoning skills, numerical aptitude and pleasing personality. Therefore, if some candidate is lacking in these skills, he must inculcate them in him and for that starting early definitely helps. Many students start preparing for entrance exams conducted by IHMs soon after their 10th board. Similarly, those who wish to go for higher studies in hotel management can do Masters in Hotel Management; for MHM the person is re-

quired to have BHM.

Is it the Right Career for Me? Before jumping to any decision to select hotel management as a career option, it is always advised to analyses pros and cons, growth prospects, matching of workprofile with personality traits, etc. If the candidate is not willing to work in various profiles he may not be suitable for it as in hotel management an employee may be asked to work in management, food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office operation, sales and marketing, accounting or any other department depending upon the specific requirement.

What would it Cost Me? Depending upon the rank and reputation of hotel Management College the fee is charged from candidates. Whereas Garden City College at Bangalore charges around Rs 3,50,000 for the three year graduate course, Christ College in the same city ask candidates to pay Rs 48,0000 per semester for 4 year BHM course. Similarly, a graduate course in hotel management at IHM Chennai can cost Rs 37,500 per semester. Students who are not willing to shell hefty amount on the courses from top notch hotel management institute may go for diploma courses offered by the same institutes.

Funding/Scholarship Most of the hotel management institutes offer merit based concessions on fees to eligible candidates. Similarly, some institutes provide discounts to sponsored candidates who come for training. Junior Research Fellowship is offered to those candidates who are willing to explore their career in academics. Students looking for external funding can apply for low interest rate loan offered by most of the nationalised banks like Allahabad Bank, Bank of Baroda, PNB, IDBI, etc. Students of all the hotel management institutes which are affiliated with AICTE are eligible to get a loan of Rs 7.50 lakh for studying in India and Rs 15 lakh to study outside India. The low interest rate education loan can be repaid in 5-7 years of duration in equal instalments starting one year after the completion of the course.

Job Prospects Hotel management like any other sector is subject to the state of national economy and global economy. When the economy is doing well jobs come a lot in the sector. Currently there are more than 2.40 million people working in hotel, catering and allied industry in India and the number is going to increase in next couple of

years as new hotels are coming up in large numbers in urban and semi-urban areas. Trained hotel management professionals would have privilege over untrained graduates as hotels are not willing invest in training of recruits rather prefer trained ones.

Pay Packet Remuneration in hotel management industry differs depending upon the hotel management institute the candidate passed out from, work experience, skills and ability to handle tough situations. Those who come from top notch hotel management institutes such as IHM receive starting salary of Rs 20,000 or more. Similarly, candidates with diploma or certification programs can get salaries starting from Rs 8,000 to 10,000. Again the salary package differs a lot on the size and shape of the employment company. Large hotel chains offer attractive remuneration and pamper their employees.

Demand and Supply India not only has mismatch in terms of hotel room supply and demand but in terms of professionals required to manage hotels. Whereas the demand is much higher than the existing 1,14,000 hotel rooms across all categories, India is facing acute shortage of trained hotel staff. The situation in the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi shows the real picture wherein owing to dearth of trained hotel management professionals things were in sad state of affairs. Job prospects for hotel management graduates are expected to grow as new hotels would come up in next couple of years thanks to promotional offers from government. The shortage of trained human resource in hotel industry is advantageous to hotel management graduate who can bargain for high salary.

Market Watch The current state of hotel industry shows that India is being seen as a lucrative destination for hotel chains looking for growth. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, India is 18th popular business travel destination and in next couple of years it would in top five. With shortage of hotel rooms, dearth of trained hotel management professionals, a lot needs to be done. With incentives coming from the Government of India, real estate developers and hoteliers are trying to build new hotels which would further the supply and increase the job opportunities for young hotel management graduates.

International Focus Hilton hotel chain, Ramada hotel chain, Hyatt hotel chain, La Quinta hotel chain, Marriott hotel chain, Radisson hotel chain, Days

Inn hotel chain, Best Western hotel chain, etc. offer attractive career option for hotel management graduates from top notch hotel management institutes. Hotel management graduates working in the USA hotels get minimum salary in the range of US$ 6000 to 7000. Many hotels in the USA provide high paying parttime jobs at various positions.

Positives/Negatives Despite being known as one of the most glamorous careers there are various flipsides of working in hotel industry and one of them is hotel industry too like any other industry is subjected to the overall state of economy; therefore, it gets affected if the economy is not doing well and travellers are not frequenting the hotel. Similarly, new jobs come at the place of existing jobs as working professionals either are given new responsibilities at new hotel or they retire. Handling pressuring situation with cool and poise is mandatory for hotel professionals. Long working hours, rude responses from customers, hectic timings, etc are some major drawbacks of career in hotel management.

Different Roles, Different Names lGeneral Managers: Such professionals are responsible for all operations in a hotel. lResident Managers: Bestowed with the job to be available at just a call away. lExecutive Housekeepers: These professionals are expected to ensure cleanliness in the hotel. lFront Office Managers: Most of the hotels own front desk, Front Office Managers manage the same. l Convention Services Managers: These professionals work in close coordination with client and the conferencing facilities offered by the hotel for various conventions, meetings, seminars, etc.

Tips for Getting Hired There are no shortcuts for successful career in hospitality industry; particularly, hotel management industry is open only for talented management professionals who can show their capabilities and calibre. The best way to get in hotel management is to do a degree course and if degree cannot be pursued, do a certification. An internship with some hotels helps a lot to candidates as it provides practical experience and right exposure to candidates. There are some paid internships and some nonpaid internships available for hotel management graduates. Some hotels even hire simple graduates and hone their skills in hotel management.

Top Hotel Management Institute 2. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) 3. Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) 4. Christ College

Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development

What Can You Do With a Mathematics Degree? Whether you call it ‘math’ or ‘maths’, or prefer the traditional ‘mathematics’, if you study numbers at university, your career opportunities are not only numerous, they’re also fairly lucrative. Thanks to the growing importance placed on technology, big data and economic efficiency by all kinds of organizations, expert number crunchers are increasingly in demand. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2012 and 2022, the job market for mathematicians is expected to grow by a whopping 23%, with a predicted median salary of US$110,000. But it’s not all about the money! Those who study maths are keen problem solvers, eager to make sense of even the most advanced equations. Academic research is a common career path, but so too are careers in business, economics and banking. This wide range of opportunities comes from the universal need for graduates with strong analytical and problemsolving skills – which math graduates should have by the bucket load. So, what can you do with a math degree? The answer to this question is as varied as you can get, as mathematical experts are in demand across all kinds of industries, the world over. Study math and you’ll have access to career opportunities in sectors you may never have even considered, including specialized fields such as in law or medicine. That said, a large number of math careers are still based within business or science and technology-related sectors, with math graduates occupying

roles such as accountant, actuary, statistician, technician, economist or market researcher. Below are a few potential answers to the question “what can you do with a mathematic degree?” - including information on what to expect and the skills you’ll need.

Careers in accountancy and finance A career path spanning many industries, accountancy offers a range of choices for math degree graduates. Accountancy jobs include roles such as auditor, tax accountant, forensic accountant, management accountant and corporate advisor. To become a chartered accountant, in addition to an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a related area, you’ll also need to gain further professional qualifications. Often, however, if you start at a company as a trainee in this field, your employer will help you gain both the experience and the professional certification needed to develop in your role.

Careers in banking Opportunities in banking range from the world of retail banking to corporate investment banking. Both arenas deal with financial assessment – public and private – with opportunities to specialize in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, bonds and shares, privatization, lending and IPOs (initial public offerings). Duties can include market research, creating new business opportunities, and developing financial models and so-

lutions to present to clients. Math careers in banking can be lucrative, but again, professional qualifications in finance will be needed for some roles.

ample in order to make good financial decisions to further business goals. As a statistician, you'll have expert analytical skills as well as solid communication and IT skills.

Actuarial reers

Careers in academia and research

ca-

As an actuary, you will be evaluating financial risk in order to manage and advise clients. Combining risk analysis skills with in-depth knowledge of economics and business, actuaries are at the heart of business strategy, ensuring sound investments are made and commercial/business goals fulfilled. New actuaries will most likely be working within pensions and insurance, a relatively low-risk area, while in the future you may get to work in banking, healthcare or investment. Actuarial roles can be client-facing, as with consultancies and pensions/insurance companies, and all actuaries will require the skill of communicating complex data and analyses to non-specialists.

Statistician careers Statisticians are specialists in statistics – that is, the collation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of statistics and quantitative data. Statisticians’ skills are required in numerous industries, ranging from healthcare to government and from finance to sport. You'll be tasked with managing, collecting and arranging data by means of surveys, experiments and contextual analysis. With your findings, you may then be called upon to create reports and advise clients/colleagues on possible strategies, for ex-

While it’s now clearly understood that careers in math go far beyond the realms of academia and research, these sectors are still very popular among mathematics students. This route may appeal to those who want the challenge of driving forward the next series of discoveries, theories and applications of the field – as well as the prestige of following some of history’s greatest mathematical minds. Academic and research-based careers in math can be incredibly wide-ranging, and will depend on what area you wish to specialize in. While many are based within university departments, long-term academics are also often involved in publishing, contributing to journals and specialist periodicals, or helping to produce complete publications (while on sabbatical or alongside other commitments). Other common math careers include; intelligence analysis, operational research, statistical research, logistics, financial analysis, market research (for business), m a n a g e m e n t consultancy, IT (systems analysis, development or research), software engineering, computer programming, the public sector (advisory capacity as a scientist or statistician), scientific research and development (e.g. biotechnology, meteorology or oceanography).

Less typical math careers Engineering While the most common way to enter the field of engineering is with a dedicated engineering degree, a math degree can also get you there, in some specialized roles. Math graduates, being adept in solving mathematical problems, are also often good at helping to solve real-world, physical problems, and can be found working in mechanical, structural, aeronautical and many other realms of engineering. That said, engineering careers often require specialized knowledge not covered during a

math degree. Engineering internships and work experience can help if you want to improve your employability straight out of university. Meteorology Always wanted to be the person who tells the rest of the world whether to pack an umbrella or sunscreen? As a math graduate, that could be you! Although as a meteorologist, you might be a little overqualified for simply presenting the weather. This role involves studying weather conditions using data col-

lected from weather stations, radar, remote sensors and satellite images across the globe, in order to interpret causes and to produce forecasts. You’ll need excellent IT skills, as well as strong skills in analyzing and interpreting complex mathematical data. Teaching In addition to academic roles with a research focus, many rewarding math careers can be found in teaching. Numeracy is always a high priority within primary and secondary edu-

cation systems, making highly numerate graduates with an interest in teaching highly soughtafter. In order to teach in most countries, you'll require a formal teaching qualification. This can usually be gained in little over a year, and is often highly subsidized by the government, with grants often available to cover fees. To teach at university level, a postgraduate degree is often required, in a relevant specialism. If you choose this path, you may also get the chance to pursue your own academic research.

NATION

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

PAGE 10

Restrictions continue Leadership made a 'mistake', says in Kashmir Ramgopal; backs Akhilesh Srinagar, Sept 15: Normal life remained disrupted in Kashmir Valley for the 69th day on Thursday due to the separatist sponsored strike and restrictions imposed by authorities for maintaining law and order. Restrictions have been imposed on movement and assembly of people in all parts of the Valley, except the Civil Lines area of Srinagar city, a police official said. He said the situation across the Valley was peaceful so far. Security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable places in the Valley even as aerial surveillance using drones and helicopters continued, the official said. The Valley has witnessed protests and shutdown

Protesters clash with the police during curfew in Srinagar on Tuesday. since July 9, following the killing of Hizbul

militant

"Normal life remained disrupted in Kashmir Valley for the 69th day".

Deborah seeks crowd-funding for new cycle New Delhi, Sept 15: Indian cyclist Deborah Herold, a Tsunami survivor who is currently ranked 4th in the world, is seeking crowd funding to purchase a customised cycle to participate in the upcoming Track World Cup in Glasgow. Deborah needs to purchase a cycle worth Rs 7 Lakh to be at par with her competitors from different parts of the world. With the right training and exposure, she believes she can achieve glory and make India proud. She is also planning to represent India in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Speaking on her preparations for the championship in November, Deborah said, "I am looking forward to exhibit my

Mujahideen Burhan Wani.

best form and skills in the Championship in Glasgow. I'm training rigorously and hope to achieve the standards set by my coach and eventually win for my country." Socorre.Com has tied up with Milaap.Org, India's largest crowdfunding platform to raise funds for the young cyclist to help her prepare for the international competition. At the ongoing Track Asia Cup in Delhi, Deborah took home two gold medals after beating Malaysia, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan in two different events. During the 2004 Tsunami, she survived the calamity by spending over a week on a tree, waiting for the waters to recede.

Lucknow, Sept 15: Amid the raging feud in Mulayam Singh Yadav's family, Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav on Thursday said the leadership had committed a "mistake" by removing Akhilesh Yadav as party's UP president and that "differences" had arisen due to some "misunderstanding" Ramgopal, SP national general secretary and Mulayam's cousin, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here in a bid to defuse the situation after the CM stripped his uncle and Cabinet Minister Shivpal Yadav of key ministerial portfolios, hours after Mulayam replaced him with Shivpal as the party's state unit chief "Differences do take place on some minor point and they can be resolved.... The leadership, though not de-

Spurt in dengue cases in Kanpur, 250 policemen among affected Kanpur, Sept 15: There is a spurt in dengue cases in the city with 769 people including 250 police personnel having tested positive for the vector-borne disease. However, the authorities maintain that there is no need to panic and all arrangements are being made to prevent breeding of mosquitoes and check the spread of the disease. Hospitals are getting nearly 100 patients daily. According to the Health Department, around 2,026 suspected cases of dengue have been reported yet, out of which 769 persons have been tested positive. Of these, 697 are still undergoing treatment in hospitals.

"Around 250 police personnel are undergoing treatment for viral fever and dengue in Kanpur, these include station incharges and constables," Kanpur SSP Shalabh Mathur told media. He expressed concern over the ill health of the police officials especially as the force was preparing arrangements for a test match between India and New Zealand's cricket teams on September 22 here. "Police officials from other districts will be called to Kanpur to maintain law and order during the match. Provincial Armed Constabulary and central security forces will also be deployed," Mathur said.

for misbehaving with the Dalit women when they had gone to the field to relieve themselves yesterday, Circle Officer Akil Ahmad said. While Zishan was arrested, the other accused is absconding, he added. (PTI)

Orders for fogging have been given in the residential areas for policemen and the Kanpur Police has even arranged its own fogging machine, he said. The SSP said the police officials have also been asked to keep their homes and nearby areas clean. However, health officials, when contacted about the rising dengue cases in the city, said they are holding meetings to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, Kanpur CMO R P Yadav claimed the patients in the city are being treated and efforts are being made to check breeding to mosquitoes. "There is no need to panic, all is well," he said. (PTI)

5 killed, 21 injured as bus rams into truck near Godhra

Man arrested for misbehaving with Dalit women Muzaffarnagar, Sept 15: A man has been arrested for allegedly harassing two Dalit women at Dansari village here, police said today. A case was registered against two persons under relevant sections of IPC and the SC/ST Act

liberately, had made a mistake when CM was removed from the post of (state) president (of SP)," Ramgopal, who is known to be close to Mulayam's son Akhilesh, told reporters before the meeting "He (CM) should have been asked to resign and he would have tendered it. He could have been told that elections are coming and you continue as CM and the work of state president will be taken care of by him (Shivpal). Some misunderstanding has taken place and there is nothing more to it," he said He asserted that there is "no crisis" in Samajwadi Party "Many times some decisions are made due to which people feel that there is some problem in the party. There is nothing like that. This happens in all parties

Pic for Repreentation. Godhra , Sept 15: Five persons, including two women and as many children, were killed and 21 others injured when a state transport bus rammed into a stationary truck near a village on Godhra-Dahod highway today.

The incident occurred when the speeding bus, heading for Dahod from Godhra in Panchmahals district, collided with the truck parked on roadside near Orwada village, Panchmahals taluka police inspector M B Machhar said.

"The bus was carrying passengers mostly from Dahod and also from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, when it hit the stationary truck killing four persons on the spot and injuring 21 others. One more person died in Godhra civil hospital where they were taken," he said. The accident took place near Orwada village on Godhra-Dahod highway, about 10 kms from Godhra town, he said. The deceased included two children, aged around 5 and 12, and two women. Two of the deceased have been identified as Amit Ganawa (5) and Manjuben Mansinhbhai, while the names of others were yet to be ascertained, Machhar added. (PTI)

Sacred duty of citizens to obey court order: SC on Cauvery protests New Delhi, Sept 15: "Citizens cannot become law unto themselves," the Supreme Court said on Monday while asking the Executives to comply its orders in "letter and spirit" as concept of "deviancy" and "disobedience" has no room. The apex court was irked over the contention of Karnataka that the "law and order" situation and state-wide protests led it to file the fresh plea seeking to keep in abeyance the 5 September order that had asked it to release 15,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu till 16 September. "An order of this court has to be complied with by all concerned and it is the obligation of the Executive to

the "sacred" duty of citizens to obey it and if there is any grievance, they are obliged to take permissible legal recourse. Terming the "law and order" ground taken by Karnataka as "absolutely disturbing" and "totally deprecable", it said that the averments in the application "cannot be conceived of to be filed in a court of law". Pic for Representation see that the order is complied with in letter and spirit. Concept of deviancy has no room; and disobedience has no space," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and U U Lalit said.

The court modified its order asking Karnataka to release 12000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadi till September 20, 2016. It said when a court of law passes an order, it is

"Agitation in spontaneity or propelled by some motivation or galvanized by any kind of catalystic component, can never form the foundation for seeking modification of an order," the bench said. The Karnataka government, in its plea, said the applica-

tion for modification of the September 5 order is "necessitated due to the spontaneous agitations" in the various parts of Karnataka including Bangalore, Mandya, Mysore and Hassan in the Cauvery basin and these have paralysed normal life, besides causing destruction of public and private properties. "We expect the inhabitants of both the states, namely, the state of Karnataka and state of Tamil Nadu, shall behave regard being had to the respect for law and order and the executive of both the states are under the constitutional obligation to see that the law and order prevails," it said.(PTI)

Leadership made a 'mistake', says Ramgopal in different situations," Ramgopal When asked about the CM's statement that he has taken some decisions on his own, Ramgopal said, "Whatever

decisions the CM has taken were on the directions of party president (Mulayam). Some decisions, he (CM) said, he has taken himself. It is not unnatural that a CM

of a state like Uttar Pradesh takes some decisions on his own. It is natural... he should take decisions" When asked about reports suggesting that Akhilesh will be made working President of SP for damage control, Ramgopal said, "It's simply gossip." "When netaji (Mulayam) is President, there is no such question." Asked about the CM's statement regarding role of "outsiders" in the family tussle, Ramgopal said, "I will talk to the chief minister as to what he wanted to say.... But there is a general perception in party workers, leaders and people about this...." On the talk of party's Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh's alleged role, Ramgopal said, "When you have come to conclusion, what can I say.... I will let you know later. (PTI)

Promote Hindi in higher education: Subhash Chandra New Delhi, Sep 15 :No language can replace Hindi as the "language of common man" while efforts should be taken to make Hindi the medium of instruction (MOI) in higher education, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra said. "English cannot replace Hindi as the language of communication in this country. The language of the common man is Hindi and will continue to remain so," he said, while underlining the need to make Hindi as the medium of instruction in higher education. The Rajya Sabha MP was participating in a discussion titled "Present Status of Hindi: Challenges and So-

lutions" organised by Sahitya Akademi on the occasion of Hindi Divas here last evening. "For people who live in villages, Hindi serves as a major language of communication. For example, in a small town like Ludhiana, there are uneducated but skilled workers, who if provided with education, would do even better. It would be easy for young talent to come forward like that," he said. Chandra, who also released the Hindi version of his autobiography The Z Factor on the occasion, said Hindi was irreplaceable as the "language of the common man" and that it was gradually becoming visible on an international platform.

Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and eminent Hindi poet Ashok Chakradhar were also present on the occasion. While Satyarthi was appreciative of peoples growing interest in learning multiple languages, he said it was unfair to compare English and Hindi and that the ability to converse in ones mother tongue must be viewed as a matter of pride and not looked down upon. "The mother tongue of a person is the most respected and no other language can take it away. Hindi and English are separate languages which are not competing with each other," he said. (PTI)

Two Indian hostages in Libya rescued: Swaraj "Gopalakrishna and Balaram Kishan were teachers at the University of Sirte and were abducted while they were on their way to Tripoli airport to return to India". External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj New Delhi, Sept 15: The two abducted professors from Telugu States have been rescued in Libya late last evening according to official sources. Union Ministry of External Affairs,Sushma Swaraj Tweeted, "I am happy to inform that T Gopalakrishna (AP) & C BalaramKishan (Telangana) who were captive in Libya since 29 July 2015 have been rescued." Mr. Gopalakrishna is a native of Tekkali in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh while his colleague Mr. Balaram Kishan comes from

Sanigaram village in Karimnagar district in Telangana . Speaking to media, Gopalakrishna's mother from Tekkali said, "I heard my son after a year and two months. It was a real turmoil we went through." Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT and Non-Resident Indian Empowerment and Relations, Palle Raghunadha Reddy hailed the release of kidnapped professors in Libya. He stated in a press release that Mr. Gopalakrishna and Mr. Balaram Kishan were among

four Indian professors of University of Sirte in north Libya who were abducted by terrorists near Tripoli airport on the Libya-Tunisia highway on July 29, 2015. They have since been in the captivity of the terrorists whereas the other two professors Vijay Kumar and Ramakrishna, both from Karnataka, were set free just two days after being whisked away by suspected ISIS militants. Efforts by interlocutors through the Indian diplomatic mission in capital Tripoli to get the professors released have borne fruit on Wednesday. (PTI)

Ruling Congress MLA quits post to pave way for Puducherry CM's re-election Puducherry, Sept 15: Congress MLA A John Kumar on Thursday quit his post to pave way for Chief Minister V Narayanasamy to seek re-election from Nellithope assembly constituency and become an elected member. Kumar, who is also Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Minister, called on Speaker V Vaithilingam at his office in the Assembly premises and handed over the resignation letter at 10 AM.

With his resignation, the decks have been cleared for Narayanasamy to contest the election through a bypoll from Nellithope constituency. Speaking to reporters after accepting Kumar's resignation, the Speaker said a notification declaring a vacancy in Nellithope constituency would be issued immediately and it would be forwarded to the Election Commission. With the resignation of

Kumar, the strength of the ruling Congress has come down from 15 to 14 in the Assembly. Kumar was elected to Puducherry Assembly as a Congress nominee in the May 16 Assembly polls. Narayanasamy was unanimously elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party in May 28 last and was sworn in as Chief Minister of the Union Territory on June 6. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

TRAVEL & TOURISM

PAGE 11

"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move." Ø Robert Louis Stevenson

10 mountain road trips in India you must take before you die Road trips are a great way to escape the monotony of our routine lives. And what destination can be better than the mountains to experience true serenity and peace of mind? Here are some of the best road trips to mountains/hills that you can take to de-stress and rejuvanate yourself. So get your bike and prepare yourself, because the mountains are calling and you really should answer! Road trips are a great way to escape the monotony of our routine lives. And what destination can be better than the mountains to experience true serenity and peace of mind? Here are some of the best road trips to mountains/hills that you can take to de-stress and rejuvanate yourself. So get your bike and prepare yourself, because the mountains are calling and you really should answer!

Manali to Leh

ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

This stunning beauty of the road trip from Manali to Leh can't be fully described by mere words. It is a journey that has to be experienced by travel and road trip enthusiasts at least once in their lifetime. The 490 km long highway winds through the great Himalayas and passes by some of the world's highest mountain passes like Rohtang La, Lachulung La and Taglang La.

Ziro Festival of Music returns with wonderful new artists and cultures in one of the world's most picturesque locations! Mark your calendars - 22, 23, 24, 25 September 2016.

Guwahati to Tawang

Lonavala is an easy weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune and the expressway leading to it is regarded as one of the best roads in India. The picturesque surroundings and lush green foliage are great for calming those jittery nerves. So if you are in the region and are planning to take a road trip, look no further.

Everything you need to know about the Ziro Festival of Music

How to book tickets:

Delhi to Dharamshala

Started in 2012, Ziro music festival is held each year in Arunachal Pradesh's picturesque Ziro Valley.

What to do around Ziro:

Dharamshala lies in the beautiful Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh and is surrounded with dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and a nearby snowline which make it an ideal holiday destination. The road to Dharamshala from Delhi makes for a brilliant ride and will take you past Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur.

Currently in its fourth edition, the Ziro festival is said to be one of the greatest outdoor music festivals in India. The 2016 edition will be held from September 22 to September 25 and will feature over 35 acts from around the world. The festival was started to provide a platform for several northeast Indian performers to showcase their talent.

Ø Bird Watching

Mumbai/Pune to Lonavala

Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathu-La Pass

John Abraham to visit the Ziro Festival

Delhi to Dehradun Old Silk Route and Mussoorie The road from Delhi to Dehradun isn't one of the best, but it offers some views that are simply breathtaking. It takes just 1.5 hours to go from Dehradun to Mussoorie which has everything from waterfalls and ropeways to vibrant markets and sumptuous momos. The beauty of Mussoorie and the fantastic views offered on the connecting routes to other hill stations around it make it an ideal road trip destination for any biker worth his salt.

Once the most popular trade route in the world, the Old Silk Route lies in Sikkim, along the border with China. The best feature of this winding and twisting route, besides the many breathtaking landscapes, is the picturesque Mt. Kanchandzongha. There are also many sightseeing trips and treks organized around the Silk route circuit.

Shimla to Manali via Kinnaur and Spiti This route from Shimla to Manali is more recommended than the Mandi one above for those who care more about the journey than the destination. This particular route is by no means easy to travel but

it rewards you with scenic vistas that make up for the travel time of 3-4 days. On this trip you can cover Kalpa, Sangla valley and even higher bits of the valley like Nako, Chango, Ropa if you wish.

Shimla to Manali via Mandi The Shimla-Manali road trip, with the River Beas trudging alongside, is a beautiful road trip to relax and unwind in India. The 250 km stretch requires you

tackle some hilly terrains, but you will be greeted with stunning views at every turn. You can even take a break from the ride and play in the icy-cold water of the Beas to refresh yourself on this wonderful trip.

Darjeeling to Tashiding via Gangtok On this journey from Darjeeling to Gangtok you can visit the beautiful Do-drul Chorten Stupa, and the Enchey and Rumtek Monasteries. From there, the drive to Pelling, a little town nestled 2,200 metres above sea, is fantastic and Pelling is the starting point for most of the tough treks in West Sikkim.

Kanchenjunga providing a scenic backdrop.

If you don't have the right bike to make these trips, you can always rent a bike of your choice at affordable rates from Wheelstreet. Now that we've given you the destinations and the means to get there, what excuse do you have? Get your bike and The final destination is the go for the road trips that you will Tashiding Monastery, located atop remember for a lifetime. Happy a heart-shaped hill with the Mt. Riding!

Ø River Rafting in the Kamle River Ø Biking and Cycling Expeditions Ø Visit to the paddy rice fields and observe fish farming

Important formalities:

In order to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh, every traveler By Air: Even though Tezpur in Assam needs a permit. is the closest airport, flights are in- Indian travelers need the Inner Line frequent and unreliable. So, Permit Guwahati is the more convenient option. Guwahati is connected with Before you reach the destination, you can apply for the ILP in Resident all major Indian cities. By Rail: Nearest railway station is Tourism Office, Arunachal Bhawan North Lakhimpur in Assam. You have at Delhi, Assam Paryatan building to take Arunachal Express to reach in Guwahati, Guwahati International this station from New Bongaigaon Airport, Naharlagun railway station which is around 180 km North West or at the Arunachal Bhawan at Kolkata. of Guwahati By Road: Direct private buses are You will need to present a valid photo available from Itanagar and North ID proof, its photocopy and 2 passport size photographs. Lakhimpur and Guwahati to Ziro. At the festival you can also opt for campsite accommodations. Tents are getting sold out; make sure you book one for you and your gang soon. If you're an ardent camper and own your own equipment, you can also BYOT (Bring your own tent) There are bonfires every night to eat drink and sing along.

The North-East, home to some of the best road trip routes, remains one of the last few un-commercialised travel destinations in India. This particular journey is one that you should undertake without any hesitation. The awesome sights along the roads on the mountain ranges make up for the difficulties caused by the hilly terrain. A trip to Lake Tsomgo in the winters will fill you with a happiness that few have experienced.

Ø Nature Trekking

How to get there:

Where to stay:

The perfect road trip to instill the spirit of adventure in yourself, the road from Guwahati to Shillong is in perfect condition which makes it ideal for bikers. The journey will expose you to Buddhist culture, snow-capped mountain peaks and Indian Army camps, all of which will eliminate the boredom and negativity from your life in an instant. The innumerable tea stalls, momo sellers and maggie joints on the way are just an added bonus.

The early bird slots are getting sold out rapidly. Don't miss the opportunity of spending four days close to nature with a mix of music, food and adventure. Book your tickets now

Readers may be aware that John Abraham was recently signed as the brand ambassador of Arunachal Pradesh and the actor has already been making plans to be present at one of the most iconic music fests in NorthEast. John Abraham recently confessed that he wants to be a part of Ziro festival and will make sure to fulfil his wish this year. John Abraham confessed at a recent event saying, "This is the first time I'll be going to the Ziro festival and I have always wanted to be there. It's between 22nd to 25th September and I'm planning my visit to North-east around the same time to meet my football team." Ziro music festival brings together varied kinds of artists from all around the world together giving them this platform to celebrate music in a different way. John Abraham, we hear, will take a break from his Force 2shooting schedule specially to attend the festival and also meet the NorthEast United football team.

The total fee is Rs 200 International travelers need the Protected Area Permit Send an email with your personal details to bobby@zirofestival.com before September 15 or latest by September 20 (special cases) Attach a scanned copy of your visa and passport in your email The total fee is $70.

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

PAGE 12

2nd Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament 2016, Tirap

Lapnan FC beat Laho with 5-4, Hawk 16 FC wins

TIME : 01:00 PM

PANIDURIA

Tezu Aran of Lapnan FC was booked with yellow card in the 48th minute.

V/S

ZARO FC

In another match played here today, Hawk-16 Football Club trashed Laptang Football Club 60 in a one sided affair match.

An action moment of the match. Pic - Dr. Chanwang Mongchan ET Correspondent Khonsa, Sept 15: Lapnan Football Club defeated Laho Football Club 5-4 in a penalty

shoot of the 2ndongoing T h a n s e n Wangchandong memorial Football tournament organized by

W.Lowangdong and family in collaboration with Tirap district administration at Nehru Stadium in Khonsa here to-

In the 22nd minute Logan Medam received a pass from the midfield dribbled the ball behind the net. Noksam Pansa

Dated : 16-09-2016 1ST MATCH

day. The regulation time was ended in a 4-4 draw.

Phongwang Kungkho scored hat-trick goals for his team. Phongwang scored the first goal in the 10th minute with his lone effort. Six minute later Phongwang came from the behind and successfully netted the ball.

TODAY' MATCH

2ND MATCH TIME : 03:OO PM

DEOMALI V/S

THINSA FC TOMMOROWS MATCH Date: 17-9-2016NG

Hawk -16 moved on to the next round after a thrilling victory. Pic - Dr. Chanwang Mongchan collected a pass from Phongwang from the left flank and strikes the fifth goal in the 32nd minute. Hawk boys dominated

India A struggle to 169/9 against Australia in four-day game

both the proceedings Phongwang scored the final goal for his team in the 62nd minute. On the other hand, Laptang FC

boys failed in several attempt. Matu Hlenkhey of Laptang FC was booked with yellow card in the 28th minute.

NO MATCH

Ronaldo, Morata rescue Real from Sporting upset

Hardik Pandya stood tall amid the ruins with an unbeaten 79 as India collapsed to 169/9 on rain-hit opening day of the second match against Australia. PTI Brisbane, Sep 15: Hardik Pandya stood tall amid the ruins with an unbeaten 79 as India collapsed to 169/9 on rainhit opening day of the second four-day Quadrangular a Series match against Australia. Put in to bat by the hosts, Indians were undone by a top-order collapse and it took a fightback from the lower half to salvage the day to some extent. Pandya was the standout performer, with his 112ball knock that included

nine fours and a ets apiece. six. Australia captain Joe Jayant Yadav Burns won the toss and was the other elected to bowl first unnotable contribuder overcast conditions. tor to the Ind i a n Richardson (3scorecard 37) was the with a 69pick of the ball 28, bowlers early which was on, striking laced with first with the four hits wicket of to the Faiz Fazal fence. (0), who For Ausedged to Hardik Pandya tralia N i c Kane Maddinson Richardson and Jackson at second slip. Bird grabbed three wick- Karun Nair (1) followed,

run-out by a direct hit from Hilton Cartwright to leave the tourists 2-11. The collapse that followed garnered three wickets for the home side at the expense of zero runs, leaving India in serious trouble at 4-11.

tricky position, but the latter’s innings didn’t last until lunch, as Cartwright switched ends for his second over and snuck one through the batsman’s defence to hit leg stump and claim a breakthrough.

India captain Naman Ojha (19) fell immediately after lunch, trapped lbw by Bird to give the quick his second wicket of the day.

The seventh wicket stand of 78 between Jayant and Pandya steadied India’s rocking boat before Yadav’s wicket was snared by Richardson. Brief Scores: India: 169/ 9 in 66 overs (Hardik Pandya 79 not out; Kane Richardson 3-37).

Ojha and Sanju Samson (13) had set about negotiating their side out of a

Aguero triple gives Man Over 40,000 kids City belated lift-off expected at Salwan

Sergio Aguero AFP Manchester, Sep 15: Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick as Manchester City outclassed B o r u s s i a Moenchengladbach 4-0 in their rearranged Champions League opener at the Etihad Stadium. The game had been carried over from Tuesday due to a thunderstorm and Aguero made up for lost time with his second treble of the campaign after his hat-trick against Steaua Bucharest in the play-off round. The Argentina striker, currently serving a domestic ban, struck twice in the first half and once in the second

before giving way to Kelechi Iheanacho, who netted City's fourth. City manager Pep Guardiola said the delay had no adverse effect on his players, quipping: "We were at home, sleeping with our wives." "This was the most important game in the season to now," he added. "Considering the opponent, the pressure that we had, we played really, really good." With his former club Barcelona, as well as Celtic, lying in wait in Group C, Guardiola had warned his players that a strong start in the competition was im-

perative. City reached the semi-finals for the first time last season, while Guardiola, who has won all seven of his games at the helm to date, is bidding to win the tournament for a third time. It was a third successive defeat against City for Andre Schubert's Gladbach, who lost twice to the English side in last season's group stage. "We had to get everything right, be very courageous and attack high up with high intensity," said Schubert. "We didn't manage to do that. We couldn't stop City's build-up and we didn't show quality in defence. That's why Man City won so clearly." After Tuesday's postponement, Gladbach left tonguein-cheek letters of apology to the bosses of the fans who stayed on in Manchester for an extra day on the seats in the away section. The only change to the two teams announced for Tuesday's game was City's inclusion of Ilkay Gundogan in place of David Silva, who was rested "as a precautionary measure".

marathon this year PTI New Delhi, Sep 15: Over 40,000 children, including 2500 visually impaired and 300 differently-abled, will run in the 21st Salwan Marathon to be organised on November 6 here. Children from over 800 schools from across India are expected to take part in the run. Dope and age verification has been made mandatory for the top 20 winners in each category. Multiple cameras and GPS tracking system are also being put in place to track the distance, location and time taken to run the course. "Started as an initiative to bring out the spirit of courage, grit and deter-

mination among kids, focus for Salwan Marathon this year will also be on safety and security of each participant, with over 4000 volunteers, marshals, physical instructors and a heavy deployment of police & officials from the Army, Navy and Air Force," the event's spokesperson Samrata Diwan said in a release. Apart from the 4.5 km run for visually impaired and differently-abled kids, school children will also be competing in Under-14 girls and boys category (4.5km), Under-16 girls and boys (6 km) and Under-18 category for girls and boys (8 km) in a tougher course planned this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo AFP Madrid, Sep 15: Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata struck in the closing minutes to seal a stunning Real Madrid comeback to beat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 to start their Champions League defence. Madrid looked to be heading for their first home defeat in the competition for five years yesterday after Bruno Cesar's low effort three minutes into the second-half handed Sporting a thorughly merited lead. However, in a frantic finale, Ronaldo's free-kick levelled the game with two minutes remaining before Morata metJames Rogriguez's cross deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic fightback. The clash pitted two of Europe's most in-form teams against one another with Madrid having won 15 La Liga games on top of claiming their 11th Champions League in May, whilst Sporting are on a 13-game winning streak in Portugal. Yet, it was the visitors who looked by far the more confident as they bossed Madrid for the

opening hour to the delight of the boisterous travelling thousands from Lisbon. The pace of Gelson Martins caused the Madrid defence no end of problems and the diminutive winger had the first effort on goal when his low shot was turned away by Kiko Casilla. Real's star front three of Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema started together for the first time this season, but all three looked rusty as a longrange effort from Ronaldo turned over by Rui Patricio was the only serious threat to the Sporting goal before halftime. A dangerous Martins cross just evaded Dutch striker Bas Dost as Sporting continued to press before the break. The visitors finally got their reward just three minutes into the secondhalf when Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos failed to clear and the ball fell kindly for Cesar to curl into the far corner. Sporting boss Jorge Jesus's joy was shortlived as he was sent to the stands for protesting a dubious yellow card given

the William Carvalho. And it was Jesus's opposite number Zinedine Zidane who turned the game in Madrid's favour with three vital substitutions in the final quarter. Zidane sacrificed Bale, Benzema and Toni Kroos for Lucas Vazquez, Morata and Rodriguez as Madrid piled on the pressure in the final 20 minutes. Ronaldo looked to have missed his chance to net against the club where he started his career when he smashed against the post with eight minutes remaining. However, the three-time World Player of the Year, who was given a rousing reception by the Sporting fans before kick-off, curled home a free-kick that just had too much power for his Portuguese international teammate Rui Patricio. Ronaldo refused to celebrate his goal, but there was no shortage of celebrations just moments later when Morata met Rodriguez's in-swinging cross with a bullet header to deny Sporting in the cruellest of circumstances.

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