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ASSENG/2015/64205
PAGE 12
Vol. II
SENSEX FALLS 455 POINTS FOR THE WEEK, MARK FOUR MONTH LOWS
Issue 117
Dibrugarh, Sunday, November 13, 2016
How to Become a Social Worker: A Quick Guide
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Price -
5.00
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Pages- 12
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CHIEF MINISTER PEMA KHANDU JOINS CLEANLINESS SERVICE AT HIJA VILLAGE
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Chaos, panics continues Queues get longer at banks, ATMs Finance Minister regrets inconvenience, urges patience in changing notes PTI New Delhi, Nov 12
Amid rising anger among people across India over exchanging the scrapped currency, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday regretted hardships caused due to withdrawal of high denomination notes but advised the public to be patient as the move will have larger benefits for the economy in long term.
Demonitization Effect: Public gathered in front of SBI's Dibrugarh Branch and trying to enter forcefully inside the bank while bank authority block the main gate of the bank due to insufficient money in the bank on Saturday. Pic - Manoj Pandey ET Bureau Dibrugarh, Nov 12
queuing up to get the valid currency notes needed to meet their daily expenses.
Banks and ATMs on Saturday witnessed more chaos and even longer queues than Friday as cash-starved people jostled to exchange and withdraw money, even as cash dispensing machines went dry soon after they were stocked due to heavy rush.
Many ATMs, which reopened four days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetization of two higher value currency notes, ran out of cash in few hours, leaving people frustrated.
Long serpentine queues were witnessed at bank branches for the fourth straight day across the country.
To add to the misery still half of the ATMs are nonfunctional, making people agitated about the lack of
THE GROUND REALITIES Stocking every bank and ATM in a vast nation of 3.3 million square kilometres is almost a logistical impossibility. As many banks ran out of Rs 100 notes, several ATMs stayed closed and people struggled to get by with depleting liquid cash Difficult to get change for the brand new pink notes of Rs. 2000 which was available since Friday in few ATMs and Banks Finance Ministry, Arun Jaitley said it may take up to 3 weeks for all the 2 lakh ATMs to operate normally as each one has to be calibrated individually to dispense the Rs. 2000 and the Rs. Similarly, people were seen impatiently waiting outside ATMs to withdraw money. People including elderly and women in large numbers were
The endless wait to get valid currency notes are taking toll on people waiting for hours in long queues as there were reports of many elderly people collapsing. According to bankers, the situation is unlikely to change for some more time, may be another 8-10 days. They also expressed their apprehensions with regard to chances of crowd becoming unruly for which they feel banks don't have adequate security arrangements. Reports of chaos and scuffle at bank branches and ATMs streamed in from different parts of the country yesterday. There were also reports of heated exchanges between hassled customers and overworked bank officials at several branches.
infrastructure preparedness for the note exchange programme.
Since the recalibration for higher denomination of valid notes is being done for ATMs, the stock of low value Rs 100 got over very fast because of the huge demand, said a banker.
There are about 2 lakh ATMs across the country.
Taking into consideration, problems faced by people, the
government on Thursday extended use of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for paying household utility bills, fuel, taxes and fees as well as purchases from co-operative stores by another 72 hours till November 14.
Sarbananda Sonowal presses Regional Director of RBI to solve the issue immediately In Asam, In view of severe hardship faced by Bank customers due to shortage of fund at ATMs following the demonetization of Rs. 500 and 1000 currencies, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has taken up the matter with BK Mishra, Regional Director, RBI today to take emergent measures for easing out the customers’ woes. The Chief Minister directed the RBI Regional Director telephonically and pressed him hard for solving the problem immediately. The Regional Director has informed the Chief Minister that already all steps have been taken so that Bank customers no longer suffer any difficulty in withdrawal of fund at ATMs. Further to ensure availability of adequate fund for disbursal of remuneration to the Tea
Garden Workers, the Chief Minister has also taken up the matter with PVSLN Murty, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India over phone. The CGM informed the Chief Minister that already fund crisis has been successfully addressed and the Tea Garden Managements will be able to release remuneration to the garden workers on time.
As political fallout, both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress have practically stopped campaigning in Hayuliang constituency, which had fallen vacant after the death of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. It is common for politicians in Arunachal to offer monetary and other favours. With cash flow severely restricted, this isn’t possible.
New notes yet to reach several districts in Arunachal
Youth Congress volunteers
In Arunachal Pradesh, the entire state seemed to have run out of small change. People with the new Rs 2,000 notes were left stranded, as shopkeepers, vegetable vendors and even petrol pumps had no change to give them. This led to chaos outside banks. In Itanagar, branches of the State Bank of India had to call for extra police to control the crowds. Chief Minister Pema Khandu appealed to people not to panic, but banks in many district headquarters are yet to receive adequate cash. In remote areas, even the new Rs 2,000 notes are yet to arrive, while currencies of smaller values are fast running out.
Meanwhile, a team of executive members of Arunachal Pradesh Youth congress (APYC), under the leadership of its president Jikke Tako installed help desks at various locations of Itanagar, Naharlagun and Nirjuli to assist bank customers. APYC president Tako said that several innocent customers are facing problems and are not wary that documents need to be enclosed while exchanging old currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. We are here to support customers and help them with drinking water, and stationery items. Volunteers are helping the illiterate, old and women customers in filling the remittance slip and form and will continue the same tomorrow.
He said it may take up to 3 weeks for all the 2 lakh cash vending ATMs to operate normally as each one has to be calibrated individually to dispense new sized notes of INR 2000 and INR 500 besides lower denomination currency of INR 100. Assuring that RBI and banks have stacked up enough currency to replace the INR 14 lakh crore worth of INR 1000/ 500 notes that have been declared invalid, he said the government is constantly monitoring the situation as it is a "massive operation". As banks have been asked to remain open this weekend to cope with the rush, the Finance Ministry held a videoconference call with top Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials to assess the emerging situation and coordinate currency distribution across the country. At a hurriedly called press conference, Jaitley urged people not to flock the banks to exchange the now-defunct banknotes, asking them to stagger it over the 50-day window provided by the government for the purpose. The briefing, second in three days, was called after anger and chaos over never-ending queues were witnessed at banks that struggled to exchange old notes and give out newer INR 2000 notes and smaller denomination currency. Hardly 40 per cent of the ATMs were operating in the country and they too ran out of cash within hours. The new INR 500 note was available
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
only in Delhi and Mumbai and RBI has already started releasing soiled INR 100 notes to cope with the demand. "ATMs could not have been calibrated (before the announcement) because of secrecy issue. Thousands of people are involved in recalibration exercise (and) secrecy could not have been maintained. Recalibration takes at least 2-3 weeks," he said. Terming demonetisation as a massive operation, he said there will be inconvenience in the first few days "but the long term advantages of this are to the overall economy". "It is a regret that people are being inconvenienced. Because a replacement of this magnitude will cause inconvenience as you have to go to the bank, you have to stand in a queue," he said. In the short run, he said, some "obvious" disruption will be caused in the short term. "But once the money is available both in the system and more so in the banking system, the advantages of that to the economy and businesses will be far more. The capacity of the banks with all this additional capital to lend and support businesses is going to be far higher. "And therefore medium term and long term advantages to the economy as against this temporary inconvenience or disruption, are far too many," he said.
APSC's Assistant Examination Ex-ADC arrested on corruption Controller Pabitra Koibatra arrested charges by Jorhat Police In a major move by the Assam police on the APSC recruitment scam, the investigation team today arrested APSC's Assistant Examination Controller Pabitra Koibatra here, and made seizures from the house of the wife of APSC's arrested Chairman Rakesh Paul.
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Koibatra was taken into custody from his house and his interrogation was on, police
said. Police searched a flat in the name of Paul's wife and seized 11 APSC answer scripts, nine marks tabulation scripts, Rs 10 lakh in cash, a laptop and three mobile phones. Following the arrest of APSC Chairman on November 4, its Member Samedur Rahman, who had been absconding, was arrested on November 9 from Rangia near Guwahati. Rahman's name came to light in connection with the cash-for-job scam when his
personal security officer Mabud Ali Choudhury was captured based on arrested Dibrugarh Town Planning engineer Naba Kanta Patir's statement. Patir was arrested on October 27 following a complaint filed by a dental surgeon that he had promised to give her a job through the APSC for a bribe of Rs 10 lakh. The Assam government at a Cabinet meeting on November 9 adopted a proposal to approach the state Governor
for suspension of APSC Chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul. On November 7, CID sleuths had sealed three rooms, including confidential room and answer script storing strong room, in the APSC headquarters office in Guwahati. Police were also on the lookout for Paul's brother in whose press duplicate answer scripts were allegedly printed for the cash-for-job APSC examinees would write fresh exams to replace their actual scripts with less marks.
ET Correspondent Jorhat, Nov 12
Ex ADC of Jorhat, currently posted in Golaghat as District Development Officer, Anjanav Chaliha, was arrested on charges of corruption by the Jorhat Police on Saturday from his residence of Golaghat. “We have arrested Anjanav Chaliha from his residence
of Golaghat" said the investigation officer of Jorhat Police. . Ex-ADC Anjanav Chaliha along with Pravat Kalita, Chairman of General Caste Develop Council in Jorhat, have been alleged to have siphoned lakhs of Rupees by opening a bank account in the SBI account number 35010936888 in the Borpul Branch.
Earlier, sensing massive corruption in the administration circles by the DC of Jorhat, a suit was filed by Virendra Mittal against the ex- ADC on Friday. Police Sources also informed that Pravat Kalita, the other person named in the suit was stated to be absconding. “There are many more in
the administration who are involved in such corruption, “said the ex ADC after his arrest. He also said that he would disclose the names later. Meanwhile, section 409,419, 420 have been slapped on the ADC and interrogation was been carried out by the police. Police are also on the hunt of Pravat Kalita, the other accused in the case.
cmyk
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 12
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
P2 2-day meet on Asian elephants concludes
Digboi Buddha Vihar Samity celebrates Kathin Chivar Dhana Utsav ET Correspondent Digboi, 12 Nov: Digboi Buddha Vihar Samity today organised Kathin Chivar Daan Utsav at Digboi Buddha Vihar.The programme began with Triratna Bandana and Sutrapat followed by Kalpatru Pratistha,hoisting of a World Buddhist Flag by Gyaanpal Mahathero.After that Buddha Puja, Panchasheel and Sanghadan. Again Pindadaan to Bhikkus was held followed by Kathin Chivar Dhana Utsav. Federation of Barua Buddhist Welfare Association of Assam President Subhas Barua who was present at the Kathin Chivar Daan Utsav . Deepankar Thero Chief Monk of Digboi Buddha Vihara said that the Digboi Buddha Vihar which is the oldest Buddhist Vihar in Assam has done immense contribution towards the society. “A 52 Feet long Lord Buddha Statue will be installed at Digboi Buddha Vihar which will be the first ever longest Lord Buddha Statue in Assam which will be completed after three months” said Deepankar Thero.
ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12 : The two-day Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG) meet - which saw the participation of elephant experts from five countries ended . The meet collated country-based inputs on the status of wild and captive Asian elephants in their habitats.
Meanwhile, the day also marked the 98th birthday of U Gunawanthe Mahathero popularly known as Ledo Maulang Bhante. The birthday was celebrated with full gaiety and enthusiasm at Maulang Khamti Buddhist Vihar, Ledo.
30,711 elephants in the country. Assam alone has around 5,620 elephants.
Director of Elephant Project RK Srivastava, who presented the status of the Asian elephant in India, pointed out that loss, shrinkage, degradation and fragmentation of elephant habitats, conflict with humans, poaching, train accidents and electrocution posed major threats to jumbos in the country.
Srivastava said preparations had begun for next year's elephant census and state governments had been asked to list their requirements to conduct the census in their annual plan of operation for Project Elephant for 2016-17. Elephant census is conducted every five years and the last was done in 2012. More than 75 experts from15 countries attended the meet to discuss the current status of wild and captive Asian elephants and propose measures for long-term conservation of elephants in the continent.
The northeast has 9,239 of
IUCN steering committee
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Assam principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden Bikash Brahma said holding the meet in the state was significant as human-elephant conflict here was on the rise and had emerged as a major threat to the conservation of the species. AsESG chair and executive director of Wildlife Trust of India Vivek Menon said inputs from the experts would go into resolving problems confronting Asian elephants.
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
You might feel like you're getting worked up from all angles today, Aries. Find comfort in knowing that things will definitely improve by tomorrow. You might get the feeling that somehow you're all alone despite the circle of friends that surrounds and loves you. You may be called to action by a strong force. Try to stay abreast of information and developments around you so you can make the most informed decisions possible. Try to rise above the potential tension and rough spots of the day, Taurus. Do yourself a favor and don't feel like you have to stoop to another's level. Take pride in your actions and do things with confidence. Work with the negativity. The worst thing to do would be to ignore it. Approach problems squarely as soon as they arise. Don't dredge up the past. It's time to move forward.
Peace and harmony are in the regularly scheduled program for the day, but there is a good chance that there could be a warring force with strong opinions and vindictive tendencies. Hold onto your hat, Virgo, and make sure you have your actions well aligned with your soul or else you could be thrown into a battle that has nothing to do with you.
Make sure your opinion doesn't get lost in the frenzy of the day, Sagittarius. Your words may not quite fit with the things that people want to hear. Try not to take this personally. Realize that this isn't an indication that your words are any less important. You have an incredible gift of being able to see things that others can't. Cherish and nourish this ability instead of invalidating it. You have two choices today. Either jump into the thick of the mess with both feet or stay out of it altogether.
Pisces
You may end up being the peaceful savior that calms everyone down today, Aquarius. Use your artistic nature and love of beauty and harmony to inspire others to put away their differences and concentrate on the positive aspects. Generous acceptance of others is the only way to go, especially today, when people are riled up and ready to fight. Do your best to promote peace. Your unique ability to communicate with many different groups and personalities will be extremely important today to maintaining a bridge between warring camps, Pisces. Keep things moving and try not to let the situation stagnate on any one issue. If the conversation turns to raging and ranting, it's in your best interests to stop it right away. Don't be afraid to step up and take a leadership role.
Nang Sawalet Namchoom left us for heavenly abode on 8th Nov' 2016 at 11:45 p.m. She is survived by Dr C.K Gohain (Namchoom), Rtd. SMO (Eldest Son), Nang Pingyawati Namchoom (Eldest daughter-Inlaw), Er. C.K Namchoom SE,WRD ( Youngest Son), Mumteng Namchoom (Youngest Daughter-in- law), Nang Upa Longchot ( Eldest Daughter), C.T Longchot, Rtd. Govt Employee ( Eldest Son-in-law), Nang Nanda Mannou (Second Daughter),C.I. Mannou, Rtd. Principal (Second Son-in-law),Nang Dharmawati Mongmaw(Third Daughter), C.M Mongmao, Rtd. Director, A&T(Third Son-in-law), Nang Chantua Namchoom (Youngest Daughter), Shri Manna Chakraborty, Forest Dept. (Youngest Son-inLaw), along with her Grand children & great grand children.
A by-lane renamed after Samarendra Rajkumar ET Correspondent JORHAT, 12 Nov: A bylane situated in front of Jorhat Tennis Club has been named after sports personality, Samarendra Rajkumar , who passed away recently, on Saturday by Jorhat Municipality.
Today's arena is one in which you can find a great deal of material, Leo. There will be no shortage of energy to work with or opinions coming from you. Realize that your words have a greater potency about them as people become more intent on uncovering the truth. Apply yourself to peace and cooperation among groups. Help people work together toward a common goal.
There are definitely two distinct camps setting up their arsenals for battle. Realize that there is also a soft, tender, harmonious aspect that just wants peace. It will be hard to ignore the fact that your usual warring nature is ready to do battle.
Aquarius
Devotees worshipping on riverbank in Doomdooma.Pic - Manoj Kr. Ojha
Your mood should be quite good today, Cancer, although there may be some strong forces at work trying to subvert this positive attitude. Try not to let other people's disagreements bring you down. Take the high ground and you will certainly prevail. A peaceful nature is extremely important in order to balance the anger and hostility that's present all around. Be the one to promote this harmony.
You may know exactly the right thing to do today, but for some reason, the action required may be a hard thing for you to implement, Scorpio. Take an active role to get involved. Say your peace, but don't get so attached to the results that you get upset and discouraged if things don't exactly work out according to plan. Independence is an important virtue to hold onto today.
Nang Sawalet Namchoom (24th October' 1919- 8th November' 2016)
With profound grief in heart the entire family members pay tribute to her departed soul and pray to God for her to attain NIRVANA.
You might want to escape the frenzy of the day by going shopping, Gemini. Align yourself with partners and allies who share your views. Try to keep the disagreements to a minimum. There is enough tension and war raging in the world around you today that you don't need to add to the negative force by contributing disputes and ailments to the situation.
I told you so might be your motto of the day. Try not to rub this in other people's faces, Libra. Indeed, you have the foresight to witness an action and see the consequences right away. These consequences might rear their ugly heads on a day like this. Use your incredible perception and intuition to hone in on the best solution possible and work toward that goal before things get out of hand.
In loving Memory
adviser Simon Stuart said the experts had gathered to take a decision on elephant conservation and managing human-elephant conflict.
HOROSCOPE Aries
OBITUARY
Titabor police seiged 1 crore 55 lacks from the car of Hanuman Jain in a search operation today. Pic Nakib Ahmed
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The by lane is inaugurated by Hitandra Nath Goshwami, MLA of Jorhat. In the inaugural function Hitendra Nath Goshwami hailed Rajkumar contributions towards the Jorhat Tennis club. "People of Jorhat cannot forget his contribution to Jorhat sports," said Hitendra Nath Goshwami in the inaugural function. Partha saikia, one of the members of Jorhat
Tennis Club said "the tennis club is his second home ". The by-lane that connects K. B. Road with Tulshi Narayan Path will be known as Samarendra Rajkumar Path, which is earlier known as Sunaru Path. Engineer by profession, Rajkumar was an employee of the Assam Agriculture University. In the inaugural function, Aruna Dutta, Chairperson of Jorhat Municipality Board, Virender Mittal D.C. of Jordan, along with Ankur Rajkumar and Ankan Rajkumar son of Samarendra Rajkumar were also present.
Jubilee celebration of Nemutengani Tribal School ET Bureau Dhemaji, Nov 12: Nemutengani Tribal High School, which is a premier h i g h e r educationalinstitution of Dhakuakhana sub-division and was established in the remote Garpara village in 1992, has stepped into its 25th year of glorious functioning. Hence, the school has resolved to celebrate its silver jubilee with a yearlong programme. Coinciding with the school’s annual sports event, the opening ceremony of the silver jubilee function was held with a five-day programme starting November 2.
tural competitions were held. The wall magazine of the school titled Binodan was released by Debajit Boruah, Assistant Teacher of Nemutengani Girls’ High School. A one-act play competition was held on the following day.
The celebration began with the ceremonial flag hoisting at 7-30 am by Binod Dutta, Headmaster of Nemutengani Tribal High School. It was followed by smriti tarpan and sapling plantation. Then sports and literary competitions were subsequently organised. On the second day, various cul-
In his speech, Bora lauded the good performance of the school over the years, including HSLC pass percentage. He wished grand success of the silver jubilee celebration with the full cooperation of the general people of the area.
On the fourth and concluding day, the opening ceremony of the year-long silver jubilee celebration of the school was inaugurated by Thaneswar Bora, science teacher of Harhi Higher Secondary School with ceremonial lighting of earthen lamps at 11 am in the midst of a large gathering.
Addressing the ceremony as
appointed speaker, Lohit Saikia, Headmaster of Nemutengani Girls’ High School highlighted the duties of the students to establish themselves in the hectic present-day competitive world. In this regard, he also spoke about the liabilities of the teachers and parents in guiding their children properly. In the ceremony, 13 meritorious students of the school who passed the last HSLC examination in the first division were felicitated with phulam gamosa and a citation. The ceremony was conducted by Golok Chandra Bora, former president of the school management and development committee. Earlier, the objectives were stated by Binod Dutta. It may perhaps be pertinent to mention here that the closing ceremony of the yearlong silver jubilee celebration will be held in the last part of December 2017.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Chief Minister Pema Khandu opens new ADC office building; dedicates it to people of Kalaktang Kalaktang, 12 Nov: Chief Minister Pema Khandu dedicated a well built new ADC building and officers quarter to the people of Kalaktang here this morning in presence of State Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok, Parliamentary Secretary Hydro Power Phosum Khimhun, Parliamentary Secretary PHED Kumsi Sidisow and Bomdila MLA Japu Deru. While appreciating the executive agency for keeping up the standard design and norms and completing the project with limited funds, Khandu asked PWD to adopt similar approach towards all other projects. He credited Speaker Thongdok for closely monitoring construction of the asset and giving it the final shape. “This ADC office building is best of its kind in the entire state,” Khandu observed while appealing the general public to maintain sanctity of the civil administration. During a short interaction with the officers and public leaders in the
In its representation, the association stated that though
“We all are public servants and we are duty bound to serve the public,” he asserted. On similar lines, he appealed public leaders to cooperate with the civil administration by maintaining peace and cooperating with the official for smooth running of the administration and all government projects. Citing that peace is prerequisite for any kind of development, Khandu maintained that only peace can bring in development in the area. He called upon all to rise above petty politics and work as a team for welfare of Kalaktang area. The CM directed ADC to immediately start shifting and functioning of the office from the new block. The Chief Minister later left for Ziro in Lower Subansiri district.
new notes of higher denomination are being issued, non-availability of notes of lower denomination is creating problem to both customers and business community affecting their day to day business. Any further delay in issuing notes of lower denomination might worsen the situation which may compel the CTTCA to shut the market indefinitely, it said.
North East Youth Leadership Fest-2016 inaugurated at Chandigarh Nellie N Manpoong, Chandigarh, Nov 12 : The North East Youth Leadership Fest-2016 was inaugurated today by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Rajesh Tacho, organized by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chandigarh, NSS Unit Punjab University and Don Bosco Youth Centre, Itanagar. Addressing the gathering of close to a thousand people, Rajesh Tacho also called upon the participants to set examples of disciplined behaviour and to make North East proud in Chandigarh. Making a reference to the incident of Nido Tania, who lost his life at New Delhi, the minister said, “We want you to take care of your safety at all times and try to make positive changes in the mindset of the people of the neigh-
Chief Minister Pema Khandu joins cleanliness service at Hija village
newly inaugurated ADC office building, Khandu exhorted them to maintain synergy and team spirit. He specially called upon the officers to be public friendly while discharging their duties.
Changlang Town Trade & Commerce Association ask SBI to issue notes of lower denomination ET Correspondent Changlang, Nov 12: Changlang Town Trade & Commerce Association, in a representation, has appealed the Branch Manager of SBI, Changlang to take urgent steps to circulate bills of lower denomination from Rs.10-Rs. 100 to cater to the pressing needs for business transactions.
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borhood about Northeasterners.” Tacho also congratulated the participants for taking the trouble of coming from various parts of Chandigarh to participate in the North East Youth Fest.Earlier, Stanzin Dawa, Regional Director explained the theme of the fest, which was ‘Connecting Communities through Culture’. He also described the uniqueness of North East and its people. Father Cyriac, Director of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Itanagar said that the purpose of the programme is to empower the youths of North East to live well in Chandigarh and be agents of peace and harmony for the people of the area. He called upon the youths present to make possible changes in food, dress and behaviour and blend with the cultural milieu of Chandigarh.
Ziro, 12 Nov: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today joined the two year completion of cleanliness service, organised every second Saturday by the All Hija Youth Association (AHYA) under the aegis of Apatani Youth Association (AYA), here at Hija village today. Accompanied by PHED Minister Takam Pario, Hydropower Parliamentary Secretary Phosum Khimhun, Raga MLA Tamar Murtem and Ziro MLA Tage Taki, the Chief Minister joined in the mass cleanliness drive by cleaning the streets of Hija village by wielding locally made bamboo broom.The Chief Minister walked round the streets of the Hija village escorted by AYA President Taku Chatung and AHYA leaders to inspect the cleanliness drive carried out by various local youth forums. The streets everywhere bore the signs of Clean India campaign. Khandu also visited the Diibo village and met the All Diibo Youth Forum (ADYF) and encouraged them on their cleanliness. He visited every streets and
colony of Hija village inhabited by different Apatani clans, such as Pura, Dani, Taku, Kago, Nada, Hoj etc.Concluding his foot march around the Hija village, the Chief Minister stopped at Kago Lapang, which is a centrally located place in the village where public meetings are conducted. Attending the public meeting organised by AHYA, CM Khandu addressed the mass gatherings of public, Gaon Burahs, students, youths and the head of the departments.He congratulated the Hija community for completion of its second year of mass cleanliness service and appreciated the drive for encouraging community participation. Pointing out Prime Minister of India'a goal to achieve Open Defection Free (ODF) India by 2019, the Chief Minister said the state government will always work closely with the community to help build individual house hold latrines or community latrines. He appreciated the Apatani community's strong sense of
unity, coordination and sense of helping attitude for its people and said that rest of tribe from Arunachal could learn from them. Speaking on the steps being taken by him for development, CM Khandu said that despite state facing Rs 4000 crore liabilities, he has decided to hold the state development council (SDC) meeting on November 22 next, which generally is not possible when the state is resource strapped. By conducting the SDC meeting, he hoped to give more funds to the departments by which every constituency will get equal opportunities to develop and the funds will reach at village level. The Chief Minister said he aims to increase money transactions by increasing cash flow in the market. He said the state government will allocate 10% addition to the last year's department allocation adding that additional Rs 100 crore will be allocated for AOP. He also informed that Rs 10 crore for every constituency has been earmarked already.The Chief Minister
ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 12: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tamo Mibang said that most of the colleges and universities in India lack even the basic criteria for accreditation by the NAAC-UGC and pointed out that it is highly essential to expand higher education in India before talking about global ranking. He was addressing a daylong workshop themed ‘Research and innovation: A Catalyst for Growth of a University’ organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of RGU here on Friday. With the research and innovation output becoming the benchmark for accessing the growth and development of a university, Prof. Mibang further called for special focus on quality research and innovations. Prof. Arun Chattopadhyay from IIT Guwahati in his
address reflected that tapping of human resources is a primary aspect for inducing development and further asserted that quality works based on science and technology play vital roles in overall societal growth. Prof. Hiranya K Nath of Sam Houston State University, Texas, USA also emphasized that India being a highly resourceful country in terms of human resource need proper focus on quality education at higher level which will further pave the way for boosting the economic growth of the country. Earlier, Director IQACRGU, Prof. Amitava Mitra advocated that quality education is connected to research and innovation armed with proper public funding, infrastructure facilities and human potentialities. Later, in the technical ses-
sion a panel discussion was held with Director of College Development Council, RGU, Prof. AK Das as panel moderator along with panelists Chief Vigilance Officer, RGU, Prof. Tomo Riba, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Jharna Chakravorty, Director of Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, Dr. S. Simon John and head of Computer Science and Engineering department, Ani Taggu on various aspects to improve the environment for quality research and innovations in the university. Among others, RGU Registrar Prof. Rachob Taba, NERIST Registrar Dr. RP Bhattacharjee, representative of Higher and Technical Education department, Dr. AI Singh, deans of faculties, heads of departments, officers of the university, faculty members and research scholars of RGU attended the workshop.
Highway development committee concerned over delay in construction; blames the State Government for the delay
ET Correspondent Hailakandi, 12 Nov : An Excise team led by Superintendent M. Amarendra Nath and assisted by police seized a major consignment of around 30,000 bottles of cough syrups containing codeine worth over Rs 30 lakh from a truck at Sirajpatty in Hailakandi on Saturday. “Acting on a tip-off, we seized a truck laden with scores of cartons of cough syrup from a truck parked inside a godown owned by Eastern Cargo, and detained an employee,” said Nath and added that the truck was bound for Tripura. Investigation is on to unearth
ET Correspondent, Itanagar, Nov 12: The All Arunachal Pradesh National Highway Development Committee (AAPNHDC) today attributed the delay in national highway constructions due to the State Government. The committee informed that the sanctioned fund of Rs 10 crore for the construction of Potin to Ziro highway has been taken back by the central government, and said that state government should have acted fast when the fund was sanctioned. Citing the Capital 4-lane
“The demand for this syrup is increasing as it is consumed as an intoxicant. Due to its codeine content, it gives a high to the user. The syrup is in great demand in Bangladesh and Myanmar as well,” Nath said. “An FIR, under different sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Narcotic Drugs
Responding to the memorandums submitted, Khandu promised to sanction a community hall for Hija village. Also he assured to look into demands of Gaon Burah Association and AYA. Minister Pario and MLA Taki also spoke on the occasion.
ET Bureau Liromoba, Nov 13 : The Galo Students Union (GSU) headed by its president Binya Ronya recently visited the primary health centre (PHC), Liromoba under West Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. In its visit to the mentioned area it is found that the condition of the health centre is in a very depilated position without any allopathic Doctor till date. It is learnt through the limited staffs and public of the concern area that inspite of repeated appeal to the state government, the concern authority has not paid any attention to the long pending demand of the public of the concern area. The basic facilities of the health
centre are nowhere to be seen and no medicine stock has been kept and also the concern PHC remains close during working hour. In this modern age the absence of allopathic doctor is a matter of great concern regarding the health sector, the GSU believes that the present government under the new health and family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena will look into the matter at utmost priority. “The GSU taking this matter seriously appeals to the concern authority to look into the matter with utmost urgency to immediately post a allopathic doctor in the primary health centre Liromoba,” says the press release.
Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2017 in Nampong ET Bureau Jairampur, Nov 12: After a gap of nearly 5 years, Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2017 will enthrall the global tourists all over again. The decision to recelebrate PPWF was taken by Nampong MLA Laisam Simai during a meeting with local public, youth and HoDs held at the ADC Conference hall, here on Friday. Disclosing the reason of not celebrating PPWF earlier,
Simai said, ‘Due to political turmoil and fund constraint, we had to cancel the idea for the last two years’. Simai further appealed to all the people to contribute in the success of PPWF 2017 by keeping aside political differences. Instead of building wall, we should take advantage of the situation to showcase our culture and tradition to the world in a better way, he added.
Vice-Chancellor stresses on ex- Aboh graces parents' day pansion of higher education at Don Bosco School, Kheti
Excise team seized Tripura-bound consignment cough syrup containing Codeine worth Rs. 30 lakh from where these drugs are illegally acquired. Nath said that as per the initial information the huge stock of cough syrup containing Codeine was bound for Tripura for smuggling into Bangladesh.
assured the people that they must not worry from where the money will come. Brining money is my work, your work is to see that the money is spent wisely on the ground, he said. CM Khandu hit out at oft-repeated statements of Arunachal being resource strapped state. He asked the crowd gathered - "Is Arunachal a beggar state?" The CM said the state cannot always go begging to the centre for funds and submit itself to its dictates. The state must develop a sound policy to generate sufficient revenue through its rich natural resources; he stressed and called for end to its dependency. He, however, said that any development projects that threaten local culture and environment will not be encouraged but the benign one will be. The Chief Minister further said that to carry ahead the task of development, it’s not the responsibility of the Chief Minister alone. The vital role to be played by is the bureaucrats as they have years of experience when compared to newcomer inexperienced legislators, urging them to guide the lawmakers. The Chief Minister also said his office is always open for good suggestions for state's development and added that people could contact him through social media and other means of communication.
President of Galo Students Union takes stock of health centre
and Psychotropic Substances Act, will be lodged against those involved in the racket,” Nath said. It may be mentioned that this is the third such incident of seizure of banned drugs and medicines in the district in the past one month. Cough syrups containing Codeine is banned and cannot be sold without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Moloy Bora complimented Nath and his team for the good work and assured the administration’s help and support.
highway, the committee said that the government is still confused between PWD and NHIDCL to issue the tender. “The state government must decide it as soon as possible because daily thousands of people suffer due to traffic jams and accidents”, the committee said. However, AAPNHDC president Kabak Char and general secretary Tai Pallang appealed to the people to cooperate with the state government and advised not to follow the compensation culture in the development activities.
Kheti, 13 Nov : Parliamentary Secretary for Geology and Mining Tirong Aboh graced Parents’ Day at Don Bosco School, Kheti on 12th November amidst huge gathering of parents, public leaders from 56Khonsa West A/C, teaching staff and children of DBS Kheti. Addressing the huge gathering, Parliamentary Secretary (Geology and Mining) Tirong Aboh appreciated Principal of DBS, Kheti Fr. Jose Nellisseril for inviting him to grace the occasion as Chief Guest adding that parents are the main pillar of the children as such parents must extend fullest cooperation with the school authority and teachers for better understanding between school authority and parents. Aboh appealed students of DBS Kheti in particular and students of Tirap – Changlang – Longding – Namsai, Tezu and Anjaw districts to stay away from bad food habit like addicts with Drugs and Opium which may leads to destroy future generation stating that parents must strictly keep vigil on their children to avoid indulging with drugs, opium and other unlawful activities. Parliamentary Secretary further urged the parents to adapt cash crops cultivation un-
der horticulture and agriculture sectors instead of continuing traditional shifting cultivation system as frequent clearance of jungle for shifting cultivation and deforestation creates water scarcity problem and ecological imbalance adding that soil of Tirap District is very suitable for wet cultivation in plan area, terrace cultivation in hilly area, he said that large cardamom, large chilly, orange, pineapple, banana, tea plantation in plan area etc, through which earning can be able to support children education. Earlier, the Parliamentary Secretary inaugurated Arts and Science Exhibitions from Class-II to Class-X Topics on topics, such as Global Warming, Volcanic eruption, Magnetic field effect. Tirong Aboh interacted with the children and appreciated the children for their excellent performances. As a token of love Parliamentary Secretary paid Rs. 2 lakh to the school authority for procurement of winter wear for the students of Don Bosco School, Kheti. Guest of honour Col. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, CMO Assam Rifles said that children are future of family and nation, hence children must utilize their youthful energy in positive way adding that the foot step of par-
ents will be following by the children and therefore parents shouldn’t misguide their children in unlawful activities. Special Guest Nk. Sbdr Dr.Marina Johnson of 16 Assam Rifles briefed about health and hygiene adding that health and hygiene are equally important and connected with human life. She threw lights on nutrition food regulate blood circulation, environmental health plays important role in human life as such cleanliness in both inside and outside the home is utmost important stating that unhygienic water causes typhoid, malaria and dysentery. She urged all the parents and children to live a hygiene life to avoid various water borne diseases. Earlier, in his welcomed address the Principal of Don Bosco School, Kheti Fr. Jose Nellisseril on behalf of DBS Kheti expressed his gratefulness to Chief Guest and Parliamentary Secretary Geology and Mining) Tirong Aboh for sparing his valuable time to attend the programme. A colourful songs and dances mark the day long programme and Prizes to the winners of Arts and Science exhibition was awarded by Chief Guest and Parliamentary Secretary Tirong Aboh.
‘No inauguration until issues settled’ ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 12: Claiming that the Liromoba Hydel Project (2X1) MW in West Siang is proposed to be inaugurated by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on November 15, Galo Students’ Union (GSU) sought the intervention of the State Government to stop the proposed programme until all the pending cases and issues involving the hydel projects were settled.
Opposing strongly to the proposed inauguration of the hydel project sanctioned two and half years ago, GSU in a representation to the Chief Secretary, stated that a case is still pending at Supreme Court against M/s Subash Project and Marketing Pvt. Ltd (SPML), to whom the project was awarded. Besides, the project is still under CBI scanner and test run is still to be conducted, it
said. Apart from this, the project got no formal approval from the State Government, the GSU representation claimed. Stating that Rijiju might not be aware of these facts, GSU appealed to the Chief Secretary to apprise the union minister regarding the status of the project and also instruct the concern department to cancel the proposed programme.
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
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ABSU reiterates demand to implement FRC Act ET Bureau Tezpur, Nov 12: As a part of the sustained movement on the demand to fulfil various demands, including implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRC Act 2006), immediate inclusion of non-panchayat villages under the Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and protection of Tribal Belts and Blocks with eviction of illegal encroachers and ensuring land rights to the indigenous tribal people, the Sonitpur district ABSU supported by its central committee held a huge rally at Nyokum Festival Ground near Chardwar in Sonitpur district recently. Over 10,000 people along with all the office-bearers of the Sonitpur district committee of ABSU partici-
Animation film on Srimanta Sankardev released ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: Sarbagunakar Srimanta Sankardev, the first ever animation movie on the life of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev, was released in as many 47 cinema halls across the State today. Produced under the banner of AM Television Production by Sanjiv Narain and directed by national-award winner director Manju Bora, the movie has been made in 2D format. The premier of the movie was screened at Anuradha Hall today. The movie will be specially screened (free) for children on November 14 in all the cinema halls
pated in the rally which was addressed by the vice president, general secretary and education secretary of the All Bodo Students’ Union, Jiten Boro, Laurence Islary and Kastom Basumatary respectively as well as the general secretary of the Sonitpur district Tribal Sangha, Nagen Basumatary. Urging the Government to address the aforementioned long- pending issues faced by the Bodos, Islary said that though under Article 40 of Indian Constitution, the Directive Principles of State Policy directs formation of village panchayats for the self governance, in Sonitpur district, thousands of Bodos have been deprived of the system and the facilities under it. He said that the BJP Government came to
power at the Centre with the slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ but has totally failed to deliver their commitment to the Bodos. “In the interest of decentralisation of power, the Government of India established local self government through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI). However, it is a matter of great concern that till date these people are deprived of all facilities due to the nonimplementation of Panchayati Raj System in most of the State including the northern belt of Sonitpur district. Ironically the people who can cast their votes in Assembly and Parliamentary elections, but do not have the right to participate in the panchayat election,” he alleged.
Assam Police Raid Directorate of Social Welfare ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: In yet another crackdown against corruption, Assam Police’s vigilance and anti-corruption wing raided the Directorate of Social Welfare (DSW) in Uzanabazar area of Guwahati on Friday and recovered Rs five lakh recovered from the car of a junior assistant. The move comes in the wake of Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowalordering stringent action against those involved in a financial scam to the tune of Rs 2,250 crore in the last 15 years. The police team noticed a junior assistant, Manabendra Dutta, behaving suspiciously and as he tried to drive out of the office campus in his car, he was stopped by the police. Police recovered Rs five lakh in cash from his car. Dutta was immediately taken into custody by police and a raid was also conducted at his residence in Guwahati. “We are quizzing
him and raiding some other private locations too,” said an anti-corruption official. “Anganwadi documents will be cross checked. Huge amount of government fund is suspected to have been swindled in the name of granting aid to Anganwadi centers in the state,” said the official. Immediately after Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed about the irregularities, he said functionaries of the social welfare department involved in nefarious activities along with the contractors will be punished. “Rampant corruption has stalled service delivery of the department. The rising rates of maternal and infant mortality are a fall out of these irregularities,” said Sonowal. Investigation revealed that a huge amount of public money was swindled during the former Congressgovernment’s reign.
Assam boy represents India as National Speaker in World Youth Conference at Delhi! ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: Swapnanil Talukdar from Assam has brought laurels to the NortheastIndian Region by becoming the one to represent India in the upcoming World Youth Conference 2016 that will be hosted from November 12 to 14 in the National Capital, New Delhi. Swapnanil is a 19-yr-old second year B. Tech (Electronocs and Communication) student of Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Management and Technology (GIMT) College
from Assam. Being a space enthusiast that he is, he also played an influential role in the invention of Foot Operated Manual Page Turning Machine at the age of 15 for differently abled. His device helps one turn pages hands free. He was awarded the IGNITE Award 2014 by the former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at IIM-A. In March 2016, he was selected for ‘Innovation Scholars’ – a Residence Programme at the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) and he was the youngest member in this
3rd batch of scholars. He also participated in the Global Initiatives Symposium at National Taiwan University. He took part in the NASA Rover Summer Camp at ISEI, Germany and is preparing for more projects and competition at NASA. Currently, Talukdar is the brand ambassador for NE8 Start-ups and adviser to many other start-ups, he started the GrNInnovare Initiative to educate the Youths on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and most importantly on how to achieve self-confidence.
Awareness on road safety and traffic rules held
Sasanka Talukdar, Pathsala, Nov 13 : 'Pathsala Press Guild' organised an awareness program on sensitizing people on traffic rules and regulations on roads on Friday. The awareness programme was held in collaboration with Bajali college and Bajali rural advancement under the presidentship of Giridhor Choudhury, administrative advisor of Press Guild. Subha Laksmi Deka, (SDO) civil inaugurated the programme. Popular figures are facilitated by members of the 'Pathsala Press Guild'. Prabin Bihari Das- DTO of Barpeta district while de-
livering his speech on road safety said, "seat belt wearing is an important rule of the people travelling in front of the seat of four wheeler vehicles. Wearing of seat belt reduces the risk of major injury if accident happens and the bikers must wear helmets. I thank to the members of 'Pathsala Press Guild' for organising such kind of awareness camp,” he added. Dr Kulendra kakati stressing on precautionary safety measures said, "keep your eyes on the road when you are driving, never use your cellphone,n ever drink and drive, follow speed limit and warning signboards. Help the road accident victims.”
Gopal Talukdar, law advisor Administrative while delivering his speech expressed lamentations on the part of victims of road accidents. "A person who dies in a road accident has nothing to lose further, but the entire family suffers lifelong, he added.Dhrubajyoti Talukdar- President of 'Pathsala Press Guild' proposed the vote of thanks. In the programme journalist Gautam Das, Jintul Talukdar, Sasanka Talukdar, Dimpal Talukdar, Akhindra Talukdar, Dipu Roy and Parag Das and many other personalities along with students were present.
Addressing the gathering, the vice-president of the students’ body, Jiten Boro reiterated that there have been a series of movements since decades in this part for the protection of the Tribal Belt and Blocks and it is time that the illegal encroachers on the Tribal Belt and Block areas be evicted to ensure the security of the indigenous tribal people thereby providing land rights to them in the forest areas. “Although chapter X of the Assam Government’s Land and Revenue Regulation Act, 1886 has the provision for the protection of tribal belts and blocks in the State, this has failed to protect the land of the tribal people and ensure their security due to the indifferent attitude of the State Government to protect the notified Tribal Belts and
Blocks in Sonitpur and other districts of the State.” On the other hand, alleging negligence towards the Bodos by the government agencies, the general secretary of the Sonitpur District Tribal Sangha, Nagen Bsumatary, said that though the then Chief minister of the State Tarun Gogoi had committed in a public meeting held just ahead of the Assembly elections to settle the issue, with the passage of time everything was forgotten. He urged the Assam Government to pave a way for the solution to the problem without any further delay. The ABSU later submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur, Manoj Kumar Deka addressed to the Chief Minister.
DC reviews status of Anganwadi Centres A Staff Reporter Guwahati, 12 Nov: Deputy Commissioner Hailakandi Moloy Bora convened a meeting of all the district functionaries including DSWO, CDPOs and Supervisors of ICDS under Social Welfare Department recently. Reviewing the status of Anganwadi Centres and other social welfare programmes in the district, Deputy Commissioner Bora said the Anganwadi workers and supervisors have to play a pivotal role in reaching out to the poor families, especially children and women. He said that their roles are more crucial because they work directly with the people at ground zero. Expressing concern over the poor status of health in the district, Bora exhorted the Anganwadi Workers and Supervisors to put in all their efforts to improve upon the health indices despite the challenges being faced by them. The Deputy Commissioner instructed the CDPOs to take immediate action including termination of appointment wherever necessary against the erring Anganwadi Workers and Supervisors. It has been found that many Anganwadi Workers have been irregu-
lar in attending duties following which many Anganwadi Centres have not been able to function fully. Bora asked the Supervisors to constantly monitor the fund flow to AWCs to detect irregularities, if any, and directed them to collect the bank passbooks of all the centres and get them updated on a regular basis. The Deputy Commissioner further instructed the Supervisors to inspect the quality of food items served to the children. The Deputy Commissioner took stock of the enrolment status of children and women in the AWCs. Expressing dissatisfaction over the immunization status in the district, Bora directed the In charge District Social Welfare Officer to work in tandem with the Health Department to intensify the immunization drive. Bora directed the supervisors to send daily field visit report to the concerned CDPOs through SMS/ Whatsapp. The Deputy Commissioner asked the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellow, Chihan Kashung to monitor the activities of the field functionaries and look into the implementation-related aspects of welfare oriented programmes.
Misappropriation of MGNREGA fund alleged ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: Allegations of graft have surfaced over misappropriation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) fund in the implementation of tree plantation scheme at Rani development block in Kamrup district. Reliable sources said that over Rs 12 lakh was allegedly misappropriated while implementing tree-plantation scheme in as many as five gaon panchayats under Rani development block in the last two-three years. Sources revealed that the tree-plantation scheme for an amount of Rs 12 lakh was sanctioned in different areas including schools at the Gaon Panchayats of Azara, Dharapur, Garal, Kahikuchi and Mazirgaon under Rani Development block in Kamrup district. The fund was sanctioned to implement tree- plantation scheme in ten primary schools, two high schools, one public pond and on both sides of one PWD road. It has also been learnt that Mainakhorong ME School, Barbari Primary School, under Azara GP, Pratima Baruah ME School, Dharapur-Majali Primary School under Dharapur GP, Na-Belorguri ME School and Kahikuchi GP, Lower-
Mirzapur Primary School and Kendukuchi Primary school, Pub -Mazirgaon Primary School, Agchiya Primary School, Palasbari Anchalik High School under Mazirgaon GP were selected for the tree-plantation scheme. Moreover, both sides of Mazirgaon PWD roads and MazirgaonThakuriapara Public Pond were also selected for the scheme. The sources also revealed that as per the scheme more than 10,000 saplings were to be planted in each school and on roadside and public pond. But practically that was not done in all the gaon panchayats, the sources said. The local people of have alleged that the presidents and secretaries along with the responsible officials of Rani development block completed the scheme just by planting very few numbers of saplings in the areas. The people have also alleged that major portion of the sanctioned amount was misappropriated. No tree plantation is observed presently in those areas as the treeplanted areas were not properly preserved. The fund meant for tree plantation was not properly utilised, the local people alleged. They have urged the authority concerned to start a highlevel probe in this regard.
Decoding the mantra behind harmonious relationship between Hindus and Muslims in Assam Shambhu Boro, Tezpur, 13 Nov: Hindus recreated the ancient love and devotion of ancient heritage for building a harmonious relationship with the invader Muslims. In Assam both Hindu and Muslims tried to integrate Vaisnavism and Sufism whereas in Bengal some Muslims dreamt to amalgamate culture of the both the religion. The question of conflict between the Hindus and the Muslims during the medieval period is not true. The vaisnavite culture seldom mentioned Muslims as a religion but they considered it a class like Brahmin or Kayastha.” It was observed by noted poet and litterateur Prof. M. Kamaluddin Ahmed of Department of Assamese Guwahati University while taking part in an oration programme organized by Tezpur University on Friday evening in its Council Hall. Delivering his lecture on the issue “Srimanta Sankardeva and Asomiya Musalman.” He further stated that liberal and broadminded Sufis never tried to convert people of other religion to their religion forcefully. As a reformer saint Sankardeva also never forced the Saktas to follow his ideology. He thought that the best way of reforming the religious life of people was not to attack what was evil but to present them what was good and to make to their appeal. The Sufism could attract the people of lower cast. Similarly the new Vaisnavism of Sankardeva could influence the common people of Assam. He said. Going deep
into the depth of how the Assamese Muslims contribution towards the good cause of the greater Assamese nation being influenced with the saint Sankaredva’s liberalism Prof. Ahmed in his long discourse also mentioned that the Guru is one who brings the birth in the heart of his pupils the Spark of ‘Virah”. Sankardeva also mentioned the importance of a Guru in the first chapter of his book “Bhakti Ratnakar”. There is a critical contact between the Param Brahma mentioned in Sankardeva’s Vaisnavism and Islam as both the terms reflect a complex meaning and relationship between both the religions.” He mentioned adding that in the Sufi literature ‘Virah” took an important place. The “Virah” between the devotees and the God focused through the separation of lovers. Similarly Sankardeva too mentioned about the “Virah” in his Bargeet. The interaction between the Islam and Vaishnavism (Bhakti) in Assam helped the growth of a deeper sense of mutual respect and tolerance in the minds of their adherents. Sankardeva was taken as guru by several noted Muslims. The impact of this harmonious relation between Islam and Vaishnava Bhakti pervaded all aspects of moral, social, art and material culture of the people. The Zikir and Zaris were composed by Muslim pirs and auliyas but several of them have also exalted the glory of Sankardeva and Madhavdeva and Bhakti and such relationship between Hindus and Muslims in Assam led to the
germination of deep rooted secular, liberal and tolerant outlook/attitude in the society that when whole country faced communal violence Assam remain a oasis of peace and tranquillity except for a rarest of rare incident. When the communal bitterness was increasing in mainland, in Assam Hindus and Muslims could assemble in the courtyard of a Namgarh or a mosque to express their disapproval of any hostility among the people of same land. Even today, the singing of zikir produces similar devotion to Sankardeva as well as to Islam and reminds the people of their oneness. The finest example of cultural miscegenation in this north eastern corner of India could become possible due to the remarkable spirit of toleration, understanding and accommodation which still persist despite being under tremendous stresses. Giving a picture social bonding among the Hindus and Muslims he also mentioned that in the rural Assamese society in social activity like marriage like Hindus, Muslims bear Assamese traditions. Referring to the writing of noted writer Allen he further mentioned that like the Hindus, Muslims too accepted the Hindu attire and performed idol puja while even avoided beef and at distress chanted mantras and tried to get rid of their problems singing prayer songs. The oration Programme was conducted by Chair Professor, Sankardeva Chair, Prof. Ranjit Kumar Deva Goswami and graced by a host of dignitaries of the university.
Guwahati traders beat demonetization effect ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: The demonetization effect failed to have any impact on panwallahs and vendors in the local markets as they have chosen to swim against the tide by continuing to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. These small traders, who earn their livelihood on a daily basis, shutting shop for even a day is a costly affair. “We can’t afford to disrupt our daily income and need to keep doing business. We don’t have too many choices for which we are accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes,” said Jyoti
Nath, a roadside pan shop owner. The uninterrupted trading is between the wholeseller or his selling agents and the vendors. “This morning, I needed to buy cigarettes and tobacco in bulk and I had to offer Rs 1000 notes to the wholeseller. I had no option if I had to keep my regular customers. The wholeseller, too, had to accept Rs 1000 notes as he has to sell his goods to the retailers,” said Nath. Amod Singh, a vegetable-seller at the busy Ganeshguri market which is known for its rich customer base, said all the vendors in the market have
Governor presents Amal Prova Das Sarvodaya Award A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 12: Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohitpresented Amal Prova Das Sarvodaya Award-2016 to veteran Gandhian Dwarika Barua on the occasion of 105th Birth Day of Late Amal Prova Das celebrated at Sarania Ashram on Satruday. The Award carries cash Rs. 25,000, a citation, an eri chadar, a sarai and a gamocha. ?Speaking on the occasion Shri Purohit said Mahatma Gandhi was a towering personality who exemplified a unique co-existence of politics and principle, pleasure and conscience, knowledge and character, worship and sacrifice. Terming the burgeoning gap between these virtues is a sin, he called upon everybody to emulate the life of Gandhiji and strike a balance between these virtues to lead a life a complete man. Citing corruption as an evil in the society, Shri Purohit also lauded the efforts of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for cracking down on corruption and corrupt officials to wipe out corruption. ?Hailing Dwarika Barua who is a devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhabe, Shir Purohit said DwarikaBarua is a living example who has created a niche in the society by glorifying and championing the tenets of GandhianPhilosophy. The Governor also wished him long life. Synchronising with the occasion, Shri Purohit also conferred Dr. Harekrishna Das Award to Dr. Rupjyoti Sharma, a topper in surgery and Dr. Tilottoma Rai Choudhury Memorial Award to Dr. Vijaya Agarwala, Dr. Avinaba D.N. Singh and Abhiyan Syiemlleh the topper in Obstetrics and Gynecology in MBBS examination conducted by the Shankardeva University of Health Science.
taken a collective decision to accept demonetized notes till December 30. “We have the 50-day window to exchange Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes we have received in banks. But we can’t lose our customers,” said Singh. The only glitch is that ATMs have not been operational for the last two days and buyers have been relatively fewer. “If people don’t have any cash left with them, not even Rs 500 or Rs 1000 notes, they are helpless. But we have tried not to let down our customers,” added Singh.
Assam: Topcem Football Tournament to be held in November ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: A football tournament will take place in Assam which will start tomorrow and conclude on November 27. Eight teams from all over the state vie for the title. The tournament will be hosted by Topcem Cement, a popular brand in the Northeast. Rudreswar Ajanta Club is also collaborating with the brand. The winners of the tournament will be awarded Rs. 40,000 while the runners-up will get 25,000. The popularity of football in the Northeast has always been undeniable and the number of tournaments coming up in every state in the region shows optimistic signs that there is a growing real interest to develop and unearth talent through local tournaments. Assam: Two natives of Nagaland arrested in the State ET Bureau Guwahati, Nov 12: A girl along with her male friend was arrested from a lodge near the Apsara cinema hall in Guwahati for unauthorized possession of arms on Saturday afternoon.The arrested duos are natives of Nagaland and currently being interrogated by the Crime Branch of the Assam Police. Police seized a pistol and several rounds of live ammunition from them.
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NORTHEAST P5 NSCN (I-M) marks late Isak's Demonetisation of currency: 87th birth anniversary note crisis hits people
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Eustar Chishi Swu, Rh. Raising and Qhevihe Chishi Swu Kohima, Nov 12: NSCN/ GPRN celebrated the 87th birth anniversary of its former Yariuwo late Isak Chishi Swu with pomp and gaiety here at CHQ Hebron on Friday under the theme "Forgiveness, Love & Peace." The theme was derived from the late Yariuwo's appeal, "Peace is the need of the hour. Everyone is yearning for peace yet, somehow it is illusive because there is lack of forgiveness and love among the Naga people. If only we have forgiveness in the hearts of every Naga people, peace will prevail."
Kilo kilonser NSCN/ GPRN, Rh. Raising in his opening remark said birthday celebration was only feasting if it does not talk about a message one brings with. He remarked that late Isak came with the message of freedom, forgiveness, love and peace- truly a man of God, and that late "Isak was one of the strong advocates of Nagalim for Christ". "'Nagalim for Christ' is not about a romantic slogan of man, it is a covenant of God with the Nagas. Ino Isak believed in the lordship of Jesus over
Nagalim," Raising stated. The kilo kilonser also highlighted the achievements and progress made by NSCN/GPRN under the leadership of late Isak. "He died a martyr for what he believed. He came into the world empty handed, but went back with a basket full of trophies. He came with a mission and went with a big name in history," Raising concluded. Also speaking on the occasion, wife of late Isak and now executive member steering committee, Eustar Chishi Swu expressed gratitude to the
HC orders eviction of hawkers Shillong, Nov 12: In a historic decision that would finally end the problem of hawker encroachment in the city, the High Court of Meghalaya has ordered removal of roadside vendors saying the common interest of around 6 lakh population in Shillong cannot be compromised or hampered. During the final hearing on Thursday, counsel for the petitioner HL Shangreiso submitted that there are two sets of hawkers - one sitting on the verandah of shop and the other sitting on footpaths. The first category of vendors should not be disturbed till an alternative place is arranged. Another counsel for the petitioner, K. Paul, impleaded Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors and Others as one of the parties and submitted that before removing those hawkers from public footpaths, the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 should be followed. While considering the difficulties and keeping in mind the livelihood of the poor people the Court had passed an order whereby this Court specifically made it clear that till disposal of this writ petition, no eviction drive would follow with immediate effect. The petitioners were also directed not to block the main path and to keep the area clean. However, after the perusal of the joint report filed by SP and DC, the Court found that the order has been completely violated and the footpaths in the city have been captured by the hawkers. Later, the court decided to constitute a larger committee to study the actual situation and identify any alternate land, in order to accommodate the street hawkers and also suggests additional measures. The committee on Thursday submitted a report before the Court and while going through the report, it appeared that the hawker business has become a menace and nuisance
to the common people and has affected the cleanliness of Shillong city, though history speaks that Shillong was one of the cleanest city. The committee has also identified certain alternative places which can be declared as hawker zones like he open space available with the Meghalaya Transport Corporation, the ground floor of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority and the parking centre opposite State Bank of India. "After considering the facts and circumstances of the case and after seeing the report, I feel that this cannot continue further. The CEO, Shillong Municipal Board, informed this Court that the number of hawkers in the city is approximately 1500, though initially it was 350, but after passing the stay order dated 09-122015 the number is found to be increasing day by day," the order said. The Court was of the view that the common interest of the general public in Shillong which is around six lakhs cannot be compromised or hampered and the public footpaths are made for free movement of the pedestrian and also for their safety and the metallic roads are meant for movement of vehicles. "We all know that Shillong is already congested with vehicles and it was difficult even for the administration to regulate the same. Further with the capturing of the public footpath and metallic roads by the hawkers, common people are now faced with a more difficult situation. It is worth mentioning here that Shillong roads are very small and having an area of approximately 64.36 square kilometres only," the order said. The Court further added that from one family only one person is entitled for hawker business subject to their financial condition and if they really do not have any means of survival, then only they could be allowed to take up the hawking business. According to Court, the CEO
of Shillong Municipal Board will maintain a proper register and issue licenses for one year and thereafter to renew the same from time to time if the petitioners deserves. But before issuing any license, he will have to take the detailed financial status of the persons from the Superintendent of Police. Genuine Petitioners should not be harassed while issuing license by the civic board. However, it was also directed that the persons who apply should have a genuine case and they should not be harassed in any manner. Regarding the fee structure, that is to be decided by the CEO, Shillong Municipal Board. Petitioners are to take note that getting license for hawking business will not give them title over the land and will not claim any interest thereon. The State government was also asked to make an endeavour to implement 'The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014' and the Chief Secretary, has been asked to look into the matter as early as possible. 14. In addition, the Chief Secretary, and the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, was also directed to make a sincere effort to select the place as identified by the committee which is submitted in the report or any other place for the hawker zone within one month from the date of this order. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills District has informed that in compliance with the Judgment and Order of the High Court, the District Administration, East Khasi Hills District and the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Shillong Municipal Board, shall depute Magistrates, Police and Officials to oversee that footpaths and main roads are free from hawking business. It was advised that hawkers shall immediately vacate the footpaths and main roads, failing which legal proceedings shall be initiated. (Agencies)
JICA team on feasibility study for new project Agartala, Nov 12: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has once again come up with a helping hand to develop catchment areas of all 11 major rivers of the state, official sources confirmed here on Friday. A team of JICA headed by Hiroshi Nakata and Aurag Sinha, lead development specialist today arrived here on a week-long visit. During the visit, they will visit almost all major rivers of the state including Gomati and Howrah, said Chief Executive Member (CEM) of JICA GS Raju. The project- Catchment and
Development of 11 major rivers is accepted by the JICA, the state will receive Rs. 1150 crore spanning five years. "The JICA team arrived here to conduct a feasibility test of the ambitious project", he said. The JICA team is scheduled to far-flung Karbook subdivision to see the catchment area of Gomati river, longest river in the state, said District Forest Officer (DFO) Shakti Singh over telephone from Udaipur. Besides, they will also pay a visit to Trishna Wildlife Sanctury. This project if gets ap-
proved will be implemented in West, Gomati, Khowai and South districts. Here it may be noted that another forest based project (Indo-German Development) is in the pipeline for Dhalai and North districts. Earlier, JICA had approved a major project for the overall development of forest wealth and livelihood of forest dwellers. The project is all set to wind up in March 2016. And, the project has yielded good results in changing socio-economic condition of forest dwellers. (Agencies)
CNC and the NSCN for shouldering the responsibility in organizing the programme. She narrated how late Isak took the revolutionary path by choosing to respond to the call of the Naga nation rather than pursuing theological studies abroad. Eustar stated that her late husband stood for unity/ reconciliation of Nagas till his last breath. She questioned whether Nagas were standing on the will of God and warned that Nagas will perish if they do not follow the path of the Lord. In her concluding remark, Eustar appealed for unity among the Nagas. Rev. Puni Mao, member, collective leadership, in his short speech said that "forgiveness is the equipment every Nagas must possess. If the Nagas practice forgiveness, we have peace and when we have peace we have everything." Convenor steering committee, Quevihe Chishi Swu in his speech re-
marked that late Isak was "born and brought up" in the spirit of Naga nationalism who led an exemplary life. Short speeches were also delivered by well wishers. Highlights of the celebration included special numbers by Colored Keys; daughter of late Isak, Evali Chishi Swu, granddaughters Sheli and Azalia, and by Mharhomo Kithan. Poems were also recited by Mughakhi Kinto Zhimo, Sheli, Azalia, Qhevihe Chishi Swu, and Nisheli. Eustar Chishi Swu and her children distributed "Plaque of Appreciation & Memento" on the occasion. Representatives from various tribal hohos, civil societies, student leaders, church leaders, well wishers, family members, NSCN members and publics from neighboring villages attended the celebration. (Agencies)
IBAPWO wants timely completion of works in border Dimapur, Nov 12: International Border Area People's Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) has appealed to those contractors who were awarded works to be carried out along the Myanmar border under Phomching, Chen, Tobu, Noklak, Thonoknyu, Pongru and Meluri blocks to complete their respective work within the stipulated time. In a press release, IBAPWO president Rhuletsu Whurr and general secretary Nokshom Konyak warned against non execution of work within the specific period without valid reason. It termed as "illegal" drawing of crores of ru-
pees without the execution or spot verification by the concerned authority. IBAPWO asserted that it would "not allow such black activities" along the border in the name of development like in the past. "Such matter will be dealt with the CBI and it will take action as deemed fit," the organisation stated, adding that the concerned authority would be solely responsible. It also stated that all the village councils, different stakeholders and general public of the border villages to unconditionally co-operate and take responsibility in bringing development and changes along the border. (Agencies)
Agartala, Nov 12 : Despite assurances given by the chief regional manager (CRM) of UBI, Tripura's lead bank , yesterday about comfortable currency availability position, banks operating across the state have been facing a serious crisis due to pressure from queued up customers and lack of adquate currency notes. Long queues have formed in front of all bank branches in the state capital since morning. The situation is worsened by the variable amounts being paid by the bank branches to customers. Most pathetic condition is in the union bank of India (UBI) branch at Bardowali branch as with their existing stock the branch has paid only Rs 1 thousand each to customers till 1200 in the afternoon but then stopped. The authori-
ties moving desperately from one bank to another in search of currency notes have assured customers that in the second half of the day they will be able to pay Rs 1 thousand each. But the Canara Bank is in more comfortable position as the branch has been paying customers at the rate of Rs 6 thousand each-but all in the brand new Rs 2 thousand denomination. The SBI and HDFC have been paying at the rate of Rs 2 thousand each while the privately run Indusind bank has been paying Rs 10 thousand each though in cases the exchange rate is much lower at Rs 4 thousand. However, the Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) has paid at the rate of Rs 10 thousand each, The UBI is in a better position as they seized the
larger share of new currency notes worth Rs 100 crores consignment that had arrived from RBI. They have been paying customers at the rate of Rs 4 thousand each while the United Commerical Bank has also been paying at the same rate. But in all cases lower amounts are being given in exchange of old and disbanded notes. If the trend continues a major crisis will erupt. However, highly placed sources in the UBI said that fresh currency notes were arriving and the problem would blow over soon. What has worsened the problem is the dysfunctioning of most of the ATMs which are being fed with new notes, though some have started functioning. (Agencies)
Long queues outside SBI banks and ATM in Dimapur
People in queues at SBI Bazar branch Dimapur. Dimapur, Nov 12: Two days after banks opened following the government decision to declare Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes as illegal, the number of people running to the banks to exchange their demonetised notes has evidently increased if one goes by the long queues outside SBI banks and
ATMs in Dimapur on Friday. Hit by the sudden demonetisation, hundreds of Dimapurians were seen lined up in long queues especially outside state owned State Bank of India (SBI) branches and ATMs. A security guard in one of the SBI bank told
Nagaland Post that the number of the people has increased on day two, adding that people have been standing in long queues from morning hours before the bank opened. One person who, according to him, has been waiting in the queue for more than five hours also made the same observation- that the number has been increasing rather than decreasing with people rushing to the banks mainly to exchange demonetised notes and also for deposit and other transactions. However, private banks operating in the city seem to remain largely unaffected by the move as few people were seen in outside such banks. Meanwhile, in a big relief to people hit by sudden demonetisation, banks will remain open both on Saturday and Sunday. (Agencies)
JUST organized tribal artisan fair SBI branches in State Agartala, Nov 12: Jana UnnayanSamitiTripura(JUST) in collaboration with TRIFED Guwahati organized Tribal Artisan Mela (TAM) at Durjonagar in Agartala on Friday. There were 56 tribal artisans who participated in the fair and displayed their products. Mr. H.S. Debnath the Chairman of MARKFED Agartala was the chief gust and Mr. P.K. Debbarma the Managing Director (MD) of
MARKFED and Fr. JeevanKennady the Director of JUST along with other dignitaries were present in the programme. The Regional Manager of TRIFED Mr.Surendar Sharma made a presentation during the inaugural programme regarding the objective and the purpose of TAM. TRIFED has registered some of the good artisans as their partners for production and supply. (Agencies)
Union Minister to arrive on Nov 13 to inaugurate TU programme Agartala, Nov 12: The Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey will arrive in the state on Sunday to inaugurate seven day long 'faculty induction programme under PMMMNMIT scheme' for the faculty members of Tripura University and its affiliated colleges from November 13 to November 19 next.
During the faculty induction inauguration programme at seminar hall of TU campus, Prof. N Pandey of Assam University along with ViceChancellor of Tripura University, Prof. Anjan Kumar Ghosh along with other dignitaries will remain present. Union Minister of State HRD (Higher Education) will also lay foundation stone of ''engineering works building' at TU campus on Sunday morning. (Agencies)
Miners' body asks NGT to review coal royalty issue Shillong, Nov 12: The State Coordination Committee of coal owners, miners and dealers' forum on Friday requested the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to re-examine the direction and order for payment of royalty on and assessment of coal. The miners are facing difficulty in paying royalty as they had inadvertently declared more
coal than what have been actually extracted and assessed by the NGT Constituted Committee. The tribunal, while leaving the argument open, disposed of the application paving ways for the miners to open up the provision for review of the transportation guidelines. (Agencies)
struggle to tackle rush Shillong/Nongstoin/ Tura, Nov 12: The city branch of State Bank of India collected approximately Rs 75 crore on Thursday, the first day of denomination exchange after the government scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Higher officials at SBI informed The Shillong Times that around 8,000-9,000 people in the city exchanged their notes while 4,000-5,000 deposited money in their accounts. Officials also said the new Rs 2,000 note would be available in all ATMs across the state in the next seven to eight days even as officials informed that necessary configuration for the new note is going on in the teller machines. Though many ATMs were opened in the city on Friday, they were reported to be non-functional. However, officials informed that most of the ATMs which are directly linked by SBI were working in Shillong on Friday and that all the machines, in-
cluding those which are managed by private partners, will be fully function by Saturday afternoon. SBI has said it would pay customers old Rs 100 notes at its branches in Tura from Saturday morning as Friday was a holiday because of Wangala Festival. With no new shipment of fresh currency notes from the Reserve Bank of India in Guwahati, SBI has sought the central bank's permission to use the non-issuable Rs 100 notes which are currently in its possession. "We have received permission from RBI allowing us to use the non-issuable notes. Since the ATMs cannot be filled with these notes it will be paid only from the cash counters of our banks," said the assistant general manager of SBI in Garo Hills. SBI Tura currently has over Rs 2 crore worth non-issuable Rs 100 notes. Meanwhile, only a small consignment of the new
Rs 2,000 notes has arrived in Tura which the banks are disbursing to customers. "We are expecting to run most of our ATMs in Tura with sufficient cash by Sunday," claimed the SBI's AGM. He however acknowledged that the new Rs 500 currency is yet to arrive in the north eastern region indicating that people would have to make do with the higher denomination of Rs 2000 or a limited amount of Rs 100 notes. In Shillong, SBI officials informed that the ATMs would have Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes and all efforts are being made to provide uninterrupted service to the people. In Tura and Williamnagar, most of the shops and other business establishments remained closed on Friday due to the crisis. Even public transport, particularly auto-rickshaws were just a handful operating in the two towns. (Agencies)
NLA to hold 2-day session from Nov 22 Dimapur, Nov 12: Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), which met on Friday and finalised the provisional programme for the ensuing 14th session of the 12th Assembly, has
decided to have two-day session from November 22-24, 2016. A press release issued by the Assembly Secretariat stated that the meeting was held in the assembly committee room under the chairmanship of NLA speaker Chotisuh Sazo.
BAC decided to take up the following businesses during the two-day session including obituary references, if any; laying of reports/papers/rules; introduction of government bills, if any; adoption of government resolutions and unfinished business, if any. (Agencies)
EDITORIAL
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Today's quote
“
If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. J.K. Rowling
Punjab's legislative adventurism There was never any doubt that Punjab's legisla-
tive adventurism in enacting a law in 2004 to terminate all previous agreements on sharing the waters of the Ravi and the Beas with its neighbours would not survive judicial scrutiny. Answering a Presidential reference on the validity of Punjab's action, the Supreme Court has declared the State's law illegal. It has ruled that Punjab reneged on its solemn promises by terminating its 1981 agreement with Haryana and Rajasthan to discharge itself of the obligation to construct the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal. Its objective was to overcome the 2004 decree passed by the Supreme Court directing it to complete the canal work expeditiously. The court's reasoning draws from previous verdicts relating to the Cauvery and Mullaperiyar disputes, reiterating the principle that "a State cannot, through legislation, do an act in conflict with the judgment of the highest court which has attained finality." It is another matter if legislation takes the form of a validating Act to cure specific illegalities or one that removes the basis for a particular verdict. The verdict by a five-member Bench is a timely reminder that it would be destructive of the rule of law and federalism if a State were to be allowed to usurp judicial powers by nullifying a verdict that has rendered findings on both fact and law. As Punjab heads for the Assembly election, this issue has already led to posturing by all major parties on which among them is the best protector of the State's interests. This attitude leads to a disturbing tendency among States to be judges in their own cause, especially when it comes to water disputes. Political parties in power increasingly resort to legislation or Assembly resolutions rather than negotiation. The Opposition parties collaborate in this with equal zeal, lest they be seen to be wanting in passion for the cause. Punjab may well have had legitimate grievances, historically, in the sharing of waters. This was, in fact, the reason the RajivLongowal accord of 1985 contained clauses relating to river-water sharing too. Earlier, differences were first settled by a notification by the Centre in 1976. When the matter led to litigation, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi brokered an agreement in 1981. In effect, the present arrangements, which Punjab seeks to wriggle out of, are backed by three agreements. The Supreme Court ruled against Punjab in 2002 as well as in 2004. The State's obligation to allow the completion of the SYL Link Canal, so that Haryana can utilise the share of water allocated to it, cannot be frustrated any more. If Punjab feels aggrieved, there may be scope for negotiation and conciliation even now, but it cannot take action unilaterally.
The Tower of Song "I was born like this, I had no choice. I was born with the gift of a golden voice," wrote Leonard Cohen in "Tower of Song", suggesting he was sentenced to a life of imprisonment in music. It was a life in which he fused pain and passion, blended the sacred with the profane. Among the greatest of the singer-songwriters to emerge from the sixties, Cohen spoke of extreme passions in liturgical phrases and with biblical references. The Canadian troubadour, who found inspiration in Greece and fame in the U.S., was a successful novelist and a poet before turning to lyrics "to slash your wrists by", rendered almost conversationally in a brooding and arrestingly sensual bass. Unlike other musicians, he didn't fade away as he grew older, or when "he ached in the places where he used to play". His last two albums were suffused with witty, self-deprecatory humour and intimations of his own mortality. Cohen also remained a spiritual seeker in his verses all his life, his songs often deviating from the narrative to ask questions about the divine, as he wandered from Zen Buddhism to Advaita Vedanta while staying Jewish by faith. Along with Bob Dylan, who called him "No.1 to his Zero", Cohen blurred the line between poetry and lyric in the sixties and seventies. They spoke the language of the time using words of rebellion and spirituality. The words of "Suzanne" and "Closing Time" dive into religion and morality, cutting just as deep without the music. "Bird on the Wire" was where he hit peak, the simplicity of the rhyme serving to ram home the complexity of the emotion. He retained his edge even in his last album, speaking with the same voice and shifting only in theme to death and leavetaking. Cohen used chords sparsely, not allowing the music to drown the words. However, his music was no lesser a feat. The rises and falls of "Hallelujah" draw listeners to emotions of accomplishment and dejection in the gap of a few notes; the soft sensuality of "Dance Me to the End of Love" is rendered with a tinge of sadness that befitted the link in his mind between the song and the Holocaust. "So Long Marianne", ode to his muse and lover, is an overture that steps beyond the words and the music into a higher emotional realm. Cohen's death is a loss to all who look for reason in the rhyme and rhythm. Always a perfectionist, he often described his masterpieces as "incomplete". Cohen may be no more but he will, for many years from now, be speaking to us softly from his window in the tower of song.
ong mentally?
P6
The short arc that led to Donald Trump We have lost our ability to understand that politics in the West need not only be about economic issues, it can also be about identity, ethnicity, and race - and it can be ugly Neelanjan Sircar My father came to America from India in 1967, and my mother came soon after in 1972. America was different then. These were the early days of American immigration, as President Lyndon B. Johnson had opened the America's "gates" to foreigners in 1965. Yes, there was discrimination, but there was also a sense of opportunity. Growing up in America, my brother and I were taught to believe that if we studied and worked hard enough, we would do well for ourselves. Unlike India, with its rigid caste system, or Western Europe, with its entrenched bourgeoisie, anyone could make it in America. Indian-Americans, making full use of these opportunities, soon became the wealthiest and most-educated social group in America. But it wasn't just economic success for immigrants and for the country as a whole, this period of enhanced American immigration led to a cultural efflorescence that would brand American pre-eminence in terms of openness and diversity. Yet, little did we realise there was growing resentment against people like us that, decades later, would culminate in the election of Republican Donald Trump. Unlike Goldwater This wasn't the first time America was faced with a Trump-like candidate. In 1964, Barry Goldwater emerged from the multi-cornered primaries as the Republican nominee, defeating, among others, the more moderate Nelson Rockefeller. Goldwater's coalition included members from the paranoid, anti-communist organisation John Birch Society that opposed civil rights legislation (for the equal treatment of black Americans) on the grounds that it was aimed at creating a "Soviet Negro Republic" in the American South. Much as in this election, mod-
erate Republican leaders baulked at supporting such an extremist candidate. A significant share of Republican Party members defected and voted for Goldwater's opponent, Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson. Goldwater's electoral coalition crumbled; he garnered just 38 per cent of the vote, compared to Johnson's 61 per cent, while winning only six out of the 50 states. Emboldened by a major electoral mandate, President Johnson introduced the "Great Society" civil rights legislation to address racial discrimination, as well the immigration reforms that would allow my parents to come to America. Faced with a paranoid, racist social force in the 1960s, the American electorate responded to keep the country on the path of liberty and equality. In this election, Donald Trump had open associations with white supremacist groups and wrapped the banks, the President, and the media into one large conspiracy narrative. But this time American democracy failed, and we are left seeking answers as to why. When my parents immigrated, America was building its Great Society; today they face the prospect of seeing it unravel in front of their eyes. The decisive voter To understand this outcome, one must begin with America's electoral system, which structures the set of viable political appeals. In this system, (in all but two states) the candidate who receives the support of a plurality of voters in the state wins all of that state's "electoral votes." The candidate who receives a majority of these electoral votes (270) wins the election. If a voter resides in a state in which one of the candidates will likely receive a plurality, his/her vote is effectively useless. For instance, in California, where it was certain that Hillary Clinton would win a plurality, an extra vote for ei-
"Mr. Trump's mandate is to 'take back' American institutions, and, as a populist, he is expected to do it. There is little incentive for him to moderate his position now." ther Ms. Clinton or Mr. Trump would have had zero marginal impact on the candidates' electoral fortunes. Accordingly, candidates and parties focus on winning the support of voters in a small set of "swing states" that are not committed to either candidate. This further implies that the optimal political appeal to win an election is driven exclusively by the demographics and issues in the swing states, like Michigan and Pennsylvania, as opposed to the preferences of the entire American electorate. American voters now exhibit severe party polarisation. Even in an election that saw Bernie Sanders split the Democratic Party, and several key Republican leaders abandon Mr. Trump, most members of the Democratic and Republican parties fell into line. The CNN exit poll shows that about 90 per cent of each of Democrats and Republicans voted for their party's candidate in this election; by contrast, a Gallup exit poll found that 20 per cent of Republicans defected from the party to vote for Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Furthermore, about 70 per cent of the American
electorate is registered with either the Democratic or Republican Party. The decisive voters are thus the small number of uncommitted voters in a few swing states. Nativism in the swing states Many have termed Donald Trump's victory as a revenge of the working-class white voter, as the Rust Belt swing states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with large working-class white populations, all swung toward Mr. Trump in this election. The Rust Belt was once the manufacturing hub of the U.S., but these jobs gradually disappeared due to the pressures of globalisation and job automation. Indeed, the proportion of the U.S. workforce in manufacturing had declined from about one in four in 1960 to about one in 10 in 2010. But a simple narrative of those affected by globalisation voting for Trump due to economic grievance does not fit the empirical facts well. According to CNN's exit poll, Ms. Clinton posted an 11 percentage point lead for voters with annual salaries less than $50,000, while Mr. Trump led with voters who made more
than $50,000 a year. This pattern also holds in the Rust Belt states that Mr. Trump won. For instance, in the swing state of Pennsylvania, Ms. Clinton held a 12 percentage point lead among voters making less than $50,000 a year, but Mr. Trump held an 11 percentage point lead among voters with annual salaries above $50,000. Furthermore, if this was about economic loss, one would have expected these voters to support higher taxes, more redistributive policy, and stronger social programmes. In fact, Mr. Trump is promising the opposite: severe tax cuts and a repeal of nationalised healthcare. The economic grievance narrative is appealing to those who have a commitment to class struggle as an organising principle of politics. Much of this is a post-World War II construction that voter preferences are primarily driven by economic instrumentality. As the World War II generation, and those who fought for civil rights in America, have largely passed on, we have lost our ability to understand that politics in the West need not only be about economic issues, it can also be about identity, ethnicity, and race, and it can be ugly. In my previous piece, I explained that the rise of Mr. Trump was directly linked to the rise of "nativism," an aggressive reaction by white Americans to take back the country's institutions. This isn't just conjecture; Nigel Farage, who championed Britain's exit from the European Union (Brexit), was a guest at the Republican National Convention and hit the campaign trail with Mr. Trump. This was a powerful message in the largely white Rust Belt, where decades of job loss had precipitated a loss of "importance" and "prestige" for those living in these states. Outside of the mainstream, the nativist movement created a world of conspiracy-spouting, fear-
mongering talk show hosts and blogs in the "alt-right" media that none of us took seriously enough. Much like the John Birch Society decades before, this was a paranoid, angry reaction by white Americans fuelled by racial tensions to take back American institutions. Except this time the movement was successful. This narrative of severe racial polarisation in this election is borne out in the data. The CNN exit poll data show that Mr. Trump had a 21 percentage point lead, 58 per cent to 37 per cent, among white voters, the largest gap seen among white voters in a long time. Even the pollsters failed to pick up the level of racial polarisation in the electorate, which led most of them to wrongly predict Ms. Clinton to win the election. The last CNN/ORC poll released just before the election had Mr. Trump winning white voters in Pennsylvania by 9 percentage points, 50 per cent to 41 per cent. The CNN exit poll for Pennsylvania showed that Mr. Trump carried white voters by 16 percentage points, 56 to 40 per cent. Given that 80 per cent of Pennsylvania's voters are white, this difference alone predicted a 5-6 per cent shift in the vote towards Mr. Trump from the pre-election poll. A bleak future It will get worse before it gets better. Mr. Trump's electoral mandate is to "take back" American institutions, and, as a populist, he is expected to do it. His promises include filing charges and jailing Ms. Clinton, banning Muslim immigration, nominating ultraconservative Supreme Court judges, and, most of all, imposing nativist control over the country's institutions. There is little incentive for him to moderate his positions now. I now live in India. On Wednesday morning, I woke up at 5.30 a.m. to find out about the election results in America. I found out that I am no longer welcome in the country in which I was born and raised because of the colour of my skin.
In Telangana, a farewell to arms While the Maoist insurgency still rages in parts of the country, there are many in the State who have given up their extremist path and reposed faith in the establishment once more. Ravi Reddy and S. Harpal Singh report on their new lives
S. Harpal Singh He could have been dead. His death, an outcome of a violent encounter with the police. After 25 years in the jungles of Dandakaranya, ducking bullets, 48-year-old Kumar (name withheld) summons up an explanation for the encounter on October 24 in the heavily forested Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border in which 30 Naxalites (or Maoists, as they are now called) were killed. This was the biggest damage inflicted on the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), the group described as the "gravest internal threat" to the country, in recent memory. Kumar's voice drops to a whisper. "The villagers may have poisoned or added sedatives in the food the comrades ate on that fateful day," he says. Villagers are often deployed to carry ration for the Maoists, specially when large meetings are convened. And the one in which they came under fire was one such meeting. The dust has not settled on the "encounter" as civil liberties groups echo Kumar's doubts; a bandh call given by the Maoists on November 3 in five States Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra - evoked a lukewarm response. Three years ago, Kumar, identified as a top Maoist leader, parted ways with his comradesin-arms and traded his SLR for a pen. Well-versed in Telugu,
Gondi, English and Hindi, he today works in a leading media organisation. "With the Maoist movement on the back foot, where was the need for the police to launch such an assault? The movement is at its weakest now," says the former Naxalite leader whose stints in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra saw him handling key assignments, normally assigned to deputy commanders in the CPI(Maoist). Kumar accuses the mining lobby, which has several politicians on its rolls, of working overtime to 'crush' the Naxal movement. The lapsed Maoist speaks with conviction when he takes stock of the movement in light of the recent 'encounter'. "I feel that the Maoist leadership has failed to take up the right issues. They have failed to take the common man's issues to their logical end. The deterioration in their leadership is visible - some of them are bogged down in redressing petty issues." From bullet to ballot Like Kumar, 58-year-old Durva Nagubai, an Adivasi Gond, too has sued for peace. The unlettered, gutsy woman hails from remote, impoverished Vaipet village in the farthest corner of Adilabad district - a hotbed of Naxalite activity when it was at its peak. It is a quiet, sleepy village now. The period between 1985 and 2000 is often regarded a watershed in the history of left-wing extremism in the then undivided Andhra Pradesh, with eight out of 10 districts in the Telangana
region under the influence of the People's War Group (PWG), which merged with the Maoist Communist Centre of India in 2004 to become the CPI(Maoist). Over 100 armed squads of Naxalites used to move in and out of the forests, targetting the police and civilians who they regarded as 'enemies' and leaving a grisly bloody trail: 3,035 naxalites, 599 police officials and 3,105 village folk have died to this day. On June 15, 2001, Nagubai, then 43, quit the violent movement and decided to embrace the ballot. Support from the then Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat saw her winning the local body election as a Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency member - equivalent to gram panchayat elections - soon after her 'surrender'; she was subsequently elected president of Indervelli Mandal Parishad on July 28 the same year. Though Nagubai insists she had surrendered, police records mention it as an arrest by the Indervelli police. There were two cases against her name: aiding extremists with transport arrangements and raising proNaxalite slogans at a public meeting. Bhagwat, currently Police Commissioner of Rachakonda, says "she was a sympathiser but her importance in the underground movement could be understood from the fact that we could regain control of the Vaipet forests from the extremists following her arrest".
Believe what you feel On this day, Morrie says that he has an exercise for us to try. We are to stand, facing away from our classmates, and fall backward, relying on another student to catch us. Most of us are uncomfortable with this, and we cannot let go for more than a few inches before stopping ourselves. We laugh in embarrassment. Finally, one student, a thin, quiet, dark-haired girl whom I notice almost always wears bulky, white fisherman sweaters, crosses her arms over her chest, closes her eyes, leans back, and does not flinch, like one of those Lipton tea commercials where the
model splashes into the pool.. For a moment, I am sure she is going to thump on the floor. At the last instant, her assigned partner grabs her head and shoulders and yanks her up harshly. "Whoa!!" several students yell. Some clap. Morrie finally smiles. "You see", he says to the girl, 'you closed your eyes, That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too - even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling".
Nagubai was 35 years old when she decided to side with the Singapur dalam (later known as Indervelli dalam) of the PWG, and went on to become a key village-level organiser for the group. "I was angry at the way Adivasis were being discriminated against by all concerned, including government officials," she says. Vaipet has a large tribal habitation and, till 2002, was associated with an important camp of the PWG. The prevalent socio-economic conditions of the area had given Naxalites the scope to establish their base in the village. Almost all the aboriginal tribal farmers in Vaipet and nearby Bhimpur are small farmers who depend on rainfed agriculture and often, the main crops of cotton and soya bean failed due to drought or proloned dry spells. "Agriculture was unremunerative and the government was doing little to help the poor farmers," Nagubai recalls. "Joining forces with the PWG seemed to be an ideal choice under those circumstances." Nagubai had worked for the extremist outfit for about eight years and had learnt to fire weapons. Familiar with carbines, she claims to have been in the vicinity when an exchange of fire between Naxalites and police took place at Fakeerpet in Ichoda mandal sometime in 1997. "I decided to give up after realising that development is more just and reasonable through the path of peace than of violence. My aim was to get a proper road and electricity for
my village," she says. One chilly night in the winter of 2001, Naxalites finally landed up to confront her. "I was taken to the village outskirts but returned unscathed, proof that my former comrades were satisfied with my reasoning," says Nagubai. Nagubai contested the election from the then ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the plank of development. During her three and half years as Mandal Parishad president, she secured approval for constructing homes for 800 extremely backward people; built a gravel road on the 10-km stretch between Sirikonda and Vaipet; and brought electricity to remotely located villages. Today, she lives a quiet life, cultivating cotton and soya bean in her 20-acre farm. New life, new challenges A 15-km drive from Toopran, on NH-44, with agriculture fields on both sides leads to Annala Malkapur (Naxalite Malkapur) in the newly formed Toopran revenue division headquarters. The thick forest and hilly terrain was once perfect shelter for the PWG. Pitla Chandram and Pallapati Mahankali, former PWG cadre, are trying to persuade fellow villagers to participate in the laying of a pipeline - part of the ambitious drinking water scheme of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti government. Chandram, 45, was attracted to the Naxalite movement in the late 1980s because of the
dominance of the Doras, landlords who held sway over agriculture and people's lives. Starting as a messenger boy, he graduated to becoming a dalam member before severing links after the police ransacked his house in 1991. "When Naxalites failed to respond even after the police attack, I communicated to them about my decision to surrender," he says, Mahankali, now 43, had a similar courier-dalam member-surrender experience, and a close encounter with death to boot. In 1994, after arresting him, the police took him to the Gundreddipally forest area and asked him to run away saying he was being released. "I refused, as I knew it was nothing but a trap to bump me off," he says, his voice choking. Toopran Deputy Superintendent of Police A. Balasubramanyam was instrumental in his eventual release later that year, but back with his comrades, Mahankali and Co. laid an ambush near Pillutla in Shivampet mandal in which six policemen including Balasubrahmanyam were killed. Mahankali used a rifle in that encounter. He surrendered subsequently and spent three years in isolation, surviving horrific beatings at the Musheerabad jail in Hyderabad; five cases were registered against him, all dropped over time. Decades after leaving the Naxalite ranks, Chandram and Mahankali are now grappling with the challenges thrown by a political system they have chosen to engage with.
Modi's nuclear strike on black money Sir, After 9/11 , the people of India remembered 8/11 for ever as because on this specific day our honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi started nuclear exercise over black money to strengthen our economy. Roots of corruption is spreading throughout the country and it eat up the country like a cancer Our honourable Prime Minister strong decision to imposed banned on the existing currency notes of 500 and 1000 is merely well come step against the war of corruption . According to source 250 out of every 10 lakh notes are fake in our country and this simple move is going to crack down . It is true that due to sudden banned on 500 and 1000 notes create lots of problem for last 2 to 3 days due to unavailability of requisite number of notes in their custody. Secondly, it is comes to our notice that due to unavailability of currency notes in most of the ATM after 2'O clock , most of consumer returned from the counter with empty hand . I, therefore, request the respective bank authority throughout the country through your esteemed daily for the benefit of the customers, at least they give assurance to the customers that they should not be deprived at any cost. Yours faithfully, Indrajit Sarma Govind Sarma Path Chiding Chapori,, Dibrugarh
BUSINESS Sensex falls 455 points for the week, mark four month lows
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
No change in foodgrain prices Chennai, Nov 12: Prices of all commodities remained at the same level at the wholesale foodgrains market during the week that ended here today. Following are the wholesale rates of various agri-commodities (rates in rupees per quintal, unless stated otherwise):Tur Dal Rs 11,200, Urad Dal Rs 10,800, Moong Dal Rs 7,200, Gram Dal Rs 12,200, Sugar Rs 3,900, Wheat Rs 2,950, Maida (90 kg) Rs 2,600 and Sooji (90 kg) Rs 3,200. (PTI)
First Chinese trade convoy arrives at Paks Gwadar port Islamabad, Nov 12: The first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the USD 46 billion ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has arrived at the Gwadar port, a media report said today. A Chinese ship docked at the port yesterday and another vessel was expected to arrive within 24 hours, Dawn reported, citing official sources. The paper said that the second trade convoy was scheduled to reach today. The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa. A ceremony marking the opening of trade activities through the corridor will be held tomorrow, which will be attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and envoys of 15 countries. China not only built the Gwadar port but also has its operational control. It is also building a network of roads and railways to link up its western region to Gwadar for easiest access to Arabian Sea. (PTI)
The unexpected victory of Donald Trump in US election and demonetisation of high value currency led an stocks crash as the index touched to hit rock-bottom of 15-month lows at 25,902.45 before bargain hunting and shorts hauled the market to some extent. Mumbai, Nov 12 : Sensex fell for third week in a row, losing 455.33 points while marking four month lows at 26,818.82, the broader Nifty also fell below the important 8,300-level succumbing to selling pressure following Donald Trump's win and Narendra Modi's demonetisation drive. Market witnessed high drama for the week amid intense volatile swings before closing lower as highly speculative driven trading momentum. The week's initial two session saw the market gaining on optimism perked up by global stocks gains on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's win in US election FBI's clean chit on her personal email server probe, it was supported by stock specific earning results and plan for Infra reform to attract more investment led a short covering rally. The unexpected
Mumbai, Nov 12: Greater rush of people to procure Rs 100 bills and new currency notes was witnessed on Saturday outside banks and ATMs across the city, even as some of them were shut down after being short on cash. People left homes as early as 6 am to try out their luck to get cash in hand leading to serpentine queues outside Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in South Mumbai and suburbs. Several people complained that most of the ATMs were not functioning properly in South Mumbai including, in areas of Lalbaugh, Worli, Kurla, Mahim, Parel and Dadar. Similar was the case
Khan, speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Thursday. However, Committee Chairman Senator Saleem Mandviwalla underlined the need for taking the views of all stakeholders. The General Pervez Musharraf-led government had introduced the Rs 5,000 denominationnotes despite resistance from the State Bank of Pakistan. The notes made it easy for the people to keep cash instead of depositing money in banks. Referring to India as an example, he added that the world over such notes were being discouraged. In a dramatic blitz on tax evasion, the Indian Prime Minister ordered the move. In India, banks and cash machines were ordered to close on Wednesday in preparation for the turnaround, triggering a late night rush by customers to withdraw smaller notes from ATMs. Senator Khan said that the issue of withdrawal of currency notes should be taken up with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. (Agencies)
Bullion traders shut shops for 2nd day New Delhi, Nov 12: Gold and jewellery establishments remained shut for the second day in the national capital today after the Income Tax Department on Thursday carried out surveys following reports of alleged profiteering and tax evasion by traders and other operators in reported conversion of demonetised notes. The survey operations were carried out in at least four locations in the national capital, including the popular Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh. In another move to check illegal sale of gold on
victory of Donald Trump in US election and demonetisation of high value currency led an stocks crash as the index touched to hit rock-bottom of 15month lows at 25,902.45 before bargain hunting and
shorts hauled the market to some extent. However, investors resonated to global recovery after factoring Trump victory and his pro-business policies, while banking rally due
to demonetisation lifted domestic stocks. It was shortlived before reality tagged investors with US President-elect huge spending policies for economic expansion would stoke inflation may lead US interest
Demonetisation: Weekend rush add to woes; ATMs run dry on cash in Mumbai
Citing India as example, Pakistan senator voices demonetization of Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 notes Islamabad, Nov 12: A Pakistani opposition party lawmaker has submitted a resolution in the Senate to withdraw 1,000 and 5,000 rupee notes from circulation in the country to tackle corruption, citing the example of India where Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered withdrawal of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes from circulation. The resolution submitted by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Osman Saifullah Khan comes at a time when Pakistan`s population is gradually shifting to cash economy due to the government`s illconceived taxation policies, said Express News. "The house urges the government to take steps to withdraw from circulation as legal tender the high denomination Rs 5,000 and 1,000 notes so as to reduce illicit money flows, encourage the use of bank accounts and reduce the size of undocumented economy," reads the resolution. This is the only way that will compel people to use banking channels and launch a crackdown on black money circulating in the economy, said
Image for representation purpose.
demonetised high-value notes, excise officials have summoned details of sale of the yellow metal and ornaments from over 600 jewellers across 25 cities. According to sources, the officials of Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), an intelligence arm under the Finance Ministry, has sent notices to these jewellers seeking details of the gold sales in the past four days, beginning November 7. They have been asked to give details like quantity of stock held by them and sales made during these days. (Agencies)
in some localities of suburban Andheri, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli and Borivali, forcing people to return emptyhanded. Byculla resident A. K. Jain was visibly pissed after his attempt to withdraw cash failed on the second day as well. "The decision (to scrap Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 bills) has come down hard on the service class, who usually withdraw money from banks or ATM between 1st and 8th of every month. Some of those who withdrew before the announcement got notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. Now, they are running pillar to post to get them exchanged," he said.
Kurla resident Amit Mishra, a senior executive with a pharmaceutical firm said, "I tried my luck with two banks at LBS Road but huge line there forced me to come back. However, I will try my luck later in evening and I hope to get money". Though he lauded the efforts made by bank employees "who are putting extra working hours for smooth dispensation of new bank notes". Meanwhile, a bank here is said to have floated a mobile ATM to dispense money to customers, fetching a decent response. Shrikant Manohar, who drew money from the mobile ATM said, "It was no
less than a surprise. People lined up for hours, while I got cash with this mobile ATM as it came to my doorsteps." Congress city unit president Sanjay Nirupam also visited an ATM counter in his area and interacted with people waiting anxiously in hope of getting cash. Similar chaos were seen on city outskirts where people faced hardships after ATMs ran dry. A resident from Palghar district, Sanket Gavas, took to social media and tweeted, "People standing in heat in long queues for hours outside bank branch as ATMs are empty in Virar West Palghar Mumbai. (PTI)
Salt crosses Rs 300 per kg in Delhi, UP, government trashes shortage rumours
New Delhi/Lucknow, Nov 12: Amid rumours of a salt shortage in different parts of Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh, both central and Delhi governments on Friday clarified there is no such shortage. "There is no shortage of salt. State governments have all powers to ensure its availability at reasonable prices," a central government spokesperson said. The clarification came after rumours were rife that the salt price has gone up to Rs. 250 per kg in Delhi/NCR and Rs. 400 per kg in Uttar Pradesh. This led to a panic-like situation in Noida, Laxmi Nagar, Chandni Chowk and some other places in the national capital. "The department monitors the prices of 22 essential commodities on daily basis. As per the prices reported by centres from across the
country, there has been no increase in price of salt whatsoever," Department of Food and Consumer Affairs said in a statement. There has been no report about any disruption in production of salt, its supply and distribution, it added. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to dispel the rumours. "Some people are spreading rumours that there is a shortage of sugar and salt. This is completely false. Anyone hoarding salt won't be spared," he tweeted. Manish Sisodia, the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, also urged people of Delhi not to believe on the rumours. "There is no shortage of salt in Delhi. Teams of SDMs and Food Supply Officers are patrolling. Salt is available everywhere. No cause for panic," Mr Sisodia tweeted. On his part, Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Imran Hussain also held an urgent meeting at his residence fol-
lowing the rumours. Earlier in the day, rumours of no salt stocks in Uttar Pradesh led to panic buying in many parts of the state. Lucknow Senior Superintendent of Police Manzil Saini trashed reports on paucity of salt and dubbed it as "mischief" by some rumour mongers. While it was yet to be determined how the rumour started, people flocked to grocery shops and retail outlets in large numbers to buy salt in large quantities. As the panic spread, several quintals of salt vanished from shop shelves. In some areas salt was said to be selling, if available, anywhere between Rs. 100200 per kg. Meanwhile, police was directed to increase patrolling as the rumour could result in a law and order situation, an official told Indo Asian News Service. Lucknow Inspector General of Police A Satish Ganesh asked all officials to start special patrolling in busy thoroughfares and markets to prevent untoward incidents. A special team has been put on the trail of a message that went viral within minutes of appearing on social media sites, triggering panic. (IANS) Caption: There is no shortage of salt. State governments have all powers to ensure its availability at reasonable prices," a central government spokesperson said.
rate hike and dent the appeal of emerging markets. A rise in US treasury yields and subsequent sell-off in Asian markets led domestic market ending the week to mark four month lows. The 30-share Sensex resumed higher at 27,552.27 and hovered between 27,743.46 and 25,902.45 before concluding the week at 26,818.82, a loss of 455.33 points, or 1.67 per cent. The gauge has lost 1258.36 points in three weeks. The NSE Nifty also fell 137.45 points, or 1.67 per cent, to close the week at 8,296.30, after shuttling between 8,598.45 and 8,002.25. The selling was led by realty, consumer durables, auto, IT, tech, FMCG, capital goods and IPOs counters, also dropped were secondline shares of midcap and smallcap company shares. While, Metal, Bankex, PSUs, HealthCare, OilGas and Power sectors gained. (Agencies)
P7 Situation at ATMs, bank branches grim in Bengal Kolkata, Nov 12: Serpentine queues were witnessed in front of banks as harassed people waited for hours to withdraw money here even as ATMs ran dry on the second day after ATM withdrawal was allowed following a two-day moratorium. There were reports of damage to equipment in a SBIecorner here as people vent their ire. Despite efforts by banks to ease the situation, people complained that ATMs were running dry within hours of re-opening and timely refilling was not being done in the metropolis or in the districts. SBI CGM P P Senggupta told PTI that about 1000 ATMs of 3000 were functional and acknowledged there are problems in currency management with logistics limitation. "There are are reports of some excess rush in a few locations. Currency management of Rs 100 notes and logistics limitation due to a sudden spurt in demand are creating some
problems in meeting customers' demand. People will also have to realise and behave judiciously during this period," he said. The situation may continue for another few days before it normalises. The ATMs are managed by private agencies and they fail to cater to all ATMs despite their best efforts due to limited resource and such services can also not be ramped up overnight, according to bank officials. Things were also not smooth at bank counters for withdrawal or deposit of cash. People complained that even for deposits less than Rs 10,000 they are forced to bring an ID proof. "I'm an employee of a firm and came to Yes Bank Dalhouise branch to deposit old notes worth less than Rs 10,000 but the bank is asking for an ID proof for submitting the same. Government said it is mandatory for deposit in excess of Rs 2.5 lakh," a confused employee of a small private firm complained. (PTI)
Demonetisation Would Only Affect Common Man: Chidambaram Chennai, Nov 12: Disputing government's claim that demonetisation of higher value currency notes would check black money, former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said it would only affect the common man. The senior Congress leader said people were facing difficulties in purchasing medicines, buying bus and train tickets and paying for autorickshaws because most of the notes in circulation were of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. "They (government) say withdrawal of notes that are highly in circulation will not affect the common man. That is quite a funny statement," he said. "It is not a step to curb black money... The Centre's move will only affect the public and that is my view," he told reporters here. Chidambaram said that in 2012, the Central Board of Direct Taxes had advised the Centre to avoid issuing Rs 2,000 currency notes, saying it would bring more harm to the public than benefit. "Ignoring it, the Centre has
File image of P. Chidambaram. withdrawn Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes that are highly in circulation," he added. The former Union Minister further said that 86 per cent of the total value of currency notes in circulation was in the denomination of Rs 500 or Rs 1,000. Chidambaram said there were currency notes worth about Rs 17 lakh crore in circulation across the country, and according to the RBI, about Rs 400 crore of this was believed to be fake currency. "Just to destroy Rs 400-crore fake currencies, why the circulation of total
Rs 17 lakh crore was needed to be blocked," he asked. On criticism by the BJP that Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi standing in a queue to exchange notes was just a 'photo opportunity', he said, "What can he do? How can a person live with a currency that is invalid? That is why he went to exchange Rs 4,000 (to the bank)." "I do not know whether the valid notes were exchanged in the houses of the respective ministers. For rest of the people, one has to visit the bank for exchange of notes," he said. (Agencies)
Alibaba's Singles' Day: Jack Ma's company rakes $1 billion in first five minutes Beijing, Nov 12: Chinese shoppers unleashed a record deluge of cash online for Singles Day on Friday, Alibaba said, spending more than $13 billion with the e-commerce giant in the world's biggest online shopping promotion. Singles' Day -- named for the repeated digit 1 in the date November 11 -- was created by Alibaba in 2009. Now in just 24 hours it surpasses the main US online spending spree, the five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday. Gross merchandise volume, Alibaba's key measure of online sales, had overtaken last year's total of 91.2 billion yuan ($13.4 billion) by 3:20 pm (0720 GMT), the firm said -with more than $1 billion spent in the first five minutes. Similarly, rival e-commerce giant JD.com, which focuses more on electronics, said its sales total -- which it did not specify -- surpassed last year's figure at 1:33 pm. Some shoppers stayed up until midnight to purchase discounted goods the moment Singles Day got under way. Among them was Shanghai white-collar worker Chen Yang, 29, who tried to buy things she had her eyes on earlier and spent about 1,000 yuan on purchases from shoes to shampoo. "I'm so happy after I finished my shopping, though I still need to pay my credit card later," she said. "But I'm just
so looking forward to getting my packages now." In the US, total online sales for the five days from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday last year stood at $11.1 billion, according to Adobe Digital Index. Alibaba's New York-listed stock has been buoyant this year in spite of worries over slowing growth in China, as consumer spending has expanded while the old industrial economy struggles due to overcapacity and sluggish demand. China's economy expanded at its slowest rate in a quarter of a century last year and has eased further this year, as Beijing tries to shift growth drivers from investment and exports to domestic consumption. - 'Confidence index' Alibaba kicked off this year's event with a gala in the southern city of Shenzhen on Thursday night, inviting international and domestic stars from basketball player Kobe Bryant to pop rock band OneRepublic. Singer Katy Perry was also originally scheduled to perform but cancelled at the last minute due to a family emergency, she said on China's Twitter-like Weibo. Analysts said the event, which has gained more and more traction in the past few years, is key to Alibaba. The day's turnover was only "a very small fraction of its total annual sales", independent ecommerce analyst Li
Chengdong said, but was "a confidence index for the firm". "If they do well in this, it is a boost to investors' confidence," he told AFP. But sales growth may not match last year's 60 percent rise, he warned, in the face of economic worries and stricter regulation. China's commerce watchdog SAIC summoned Alibaba and 14 other e-commerce companies earlier this week, banning them from making up fake orders and lifting prices before giving out discounts. Alibaba itself has sought to downplay the importance of the turnover statistic. "I don't have any requirement for the sales figure," Alibaba quoted chairman Jack Ma as saying in a statement on Weibo, adding the day was all about "happiness and joy". Online shopping is a bright spot in Beijing's efforts to transform the economy, growing 26.1 percent in the January to September period according to the National Bureau of Statistics. That outstripped both overall retail growth of 10.4 percent in the period, and official GDP expansion of 6.7 percent in each of the first three quarters. China's State Post Bureau has estimated the country will handle more than one billion packages during the six days from Friday, up 35 percent from last year, the official news agency Xinhua reported. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
P8
INTERNATIONAL
Bangladesh arrests killer of UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomes secular blogger, publisher President-elect Trump's calls for unity Dhaka, Nov 12: Khairul Islam alias Fahim, a leader of intelligence wing of the outlawed Ansar al-Islam also known as Ansarullah Bangla Team, was arrested from Kamlapur Rail Station area in Dhaka last night, said Masudur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Branch of Police. Khairul, 24, was believed to be involved in the murders of Jagriti Prakashani publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan and secular activist Niladri Chatterjee Niloy, besides scores of deadly attacks on secular activists and foreigners. Khairul participated in the murders of Dipan and Niloy, Joint Commissioner Detective Branch of Police Abdul Baten was quoted as saying by 'Dhaka Tribune'. Baten said Khairul admitted his involvement in the killings during primary interrogation. He said Khairul had joined the group in 2013 and the next year he met its senior leader Sayed Ziaul Haque, a sacked army major for his involvement in a failed coup in December 2011.
An Islamist militant leader, the prime suspect in the brutal murders of a secular blogger and a publisher in Bangladesh, has been arrested from the national capital, police said today. Khairul had started to collect information about the duo since January 2015 and provided it to the outfit's Askari section (armed wing) to carry out the killings, he added. "Seeing CCTV footage, Khairul has identified four people involved in blogger and secular writer Avijit's killing and we are analysing the information," Baten said. Dipan was hacked to death at his office in Dhaka's Shabagh area in broad daylight on October 31, 2015. The group had
claimed responsibility for the murder. Niloy was hacked to dead at his residence on August 7 last year. Bangladesh has seen a spate of gruesome attacks on secular activists, religious minorities, bloggers and foreigners, many of whom have been hacked to death with machetes. The country has launched a massive crackdown on militants after the July 1 Dhaka terror attack in which 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed. (Agencies)
United Nations, Nov 12: UN chief Ban Ki-moon has welcomed US President-elect Donald Trump's call for unity following the bitter and divisive presidential campaign. The Secretary-General UN chief spoke over the phone with Trump on Friday afternoon, congratulating him on his election as the 45th President of the US. "The Secretary-General welcomed President-elect Trump's calls for unity following a hard-fought election," according to a readout of Ban's telephone conversation with Trump provided by his office. The Secretary-General expressed confidence that the US and the United Nations would maintain their traditional strong ties of cooperation to advance
peace and security, sustainable development and human rights throughout the world. The two leaders agreed to stay in continued contact, the readout said. Ban's tenure as the world's top diplomat will end this December, before Trump assumes his new role as America's commander-in-chief on 20 January. Trump's victory has triggered large-scale protests across the country, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets from New York to California declaring Trump "is not my President." In a departure from his rhetoric-filled campaign, Trump had in his victory speech made an unusual appeal for unity. As protests broke out across the US following
Dubai is to test the feasibility of hyperloop trains
India will not become a 'pawn' for Japan: China's Global Times Beijing, Nov 12: India will not become a "pawn" for Japan to contain China, a Chinese state-run media said on Saturday, accusing Japan of exploiting Sino-India disputes for its own interests. "Japan wants to use the disputes between China and India to court India to help contain China. Japan seeks to urge India to meddle in the South China Sea issue, even at the cost of changing its long-held position of reducing nuclear usage to offer special benefits of civil nuclear cooperation to India," Global Times said in an editorial on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Japan. "Looking at Japan's diplomatic policies over the past few years, (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe administration has become more active trying to sway regional powers to encircle China," the daily said. It said that India is in need of acquiring nuclear and military technology from Japan and attracting more investment for its manufac-
turing industries and infrastructure, like high-speed railways. The daily, however, said that India is not likely to change its position according to the wishes of Japan. "India takes a multilateral approach to diplomacy and pursues a status as a leading power. Japan's plans are full of antagonism, which contradict India's policies. Therefore India will practically assess specific cooperation with Japan case by case," the daily said. "India will not become a pawn for Japan to contain China, as it wants to become a power on par with China and Japan and benefit from both sides. India will get closer to Japan but will not enter into a brotherhood relationship," it said. The editorial, which was apparently written before India and Japan issued joint statement on Friday, said that "both sides hinted they would include the South China Sea Arbitration in their joint statement". India and Japan on Friday sought a peaceful solution to the territorial disputes in
the strategic South China Sea, saying parties involved in the matter must not resort to "threat or use of force", in remarks that could anger China which is opposed to any outside interference. There is no official reaction by China yet about the outcome of Modi's visit, but ahead of his visit Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media that New Delhi and Tokyo should respect the legitimate concerns of their neighbours. A Chinese state media report on Wednesday warned India that it may suffer "great losses" in bilateral trade if it joins Japan in asking China to abide by an international tribunal's ruling quashing Beijing's claims over the SCS. China has been making aggressive advances in the strategic region - parts of which are also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei - by rapidly building artificial islets that experts fear could be potentially used as military posts. (Agencies)
Video of boys beating another goes viral; police probing case
The video, which has gone viral, showed two boys hitting the victim in a stairwell while other boys watched. St Andrew's Secondary School said some of its students were involved in last Saturday's incident.
Singapore, Nov 12: Police have identified a group of youths who were caught on a video beating up another schoolboy in an HDB stairwell, and are investigating the matter. One of the boys in the video, which has gone viral and shocked many with its level of violence, was wearing a white singlet from St Andrew's Secondary School. The school said that some of its students were involved in the incident, which took place last Saturday. Its principal Lucy Toh said: "We take all incidents of fighting seriously, and will continue to educate our students on anger management and appropriate
behaviour." In the 25-second video which has been viewed more than a million times on Facebook under the title "Say No To Bullies!!", shared more than 35,000 times and drawn more than 4,400 comments - two youths can be seen raining blows on a smaller boy. The victim did not fight back, while a group of other boys simply watched. When he fell to the ground, one of the attackers, who was holding what appears to be a floorball stick, leapt up and kicked him. The Ministry of Education said it was aware of the incident, but could not comment further as the case is under police investigation. Counsellors said the attack
could be a form of gang discipline. Mr Wilson Tan, executive director of Youth Guidance Outreach Services, said: "These videos could have been uploaded on social media to threaten other youths, or as a way of getting attention." He added: "The two boys definitely need counselling and intervention, and support is needed for the boy who was beaten up." Many netizens expressed shock and outrage. Madam Cindy Hiang, a 42-year-old administrative executive who has two sons, said: "It's scary that the boys can be so violent at such a young age." A 34-year-old civil servant, who wanted to be known only as Mr Veera, said: "These boys need to be corrected before they get out of hand." He had sent the video to citizen journalism website Stomp on Thursday, after receiving it via a WhatsApp group chat with friends. A spokesman for the police said they "take a stern view of lawless and violent public behaviour, which could threaten the sense of safety and security in the community". "Any person who resorts to violence and riotous behaviour will be dealt with severely, in accordance with the law." (Agencies)
Image for representation purpose. Dubai, Nov 12: For years Elon Musk, a South African-born tech entrepreneur, has been telling anyone who will listen that the future of travel is the hyperloop. (Although he thinks it might also be driverless cars. Or perhaps affordable space travel.) Dubai may be about to test the limits of Mr Musk's imagination. The hyperloop is a train that moves along a tube that is kept at a thousandth of the normal atmospheric pressure at sea level. Because air resistance is one of the biggest obstacles to high-speed travel, all but eliminating it means that hair-raising velocity becomes possible. The proposed technology could shunt passengers along tunnels at perhaps 745mph, which is faster than a jet plane. On November 8th, Hyperloop One, one of the firms developing the technology, signed an agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to test the feasibility of running a service to Abu Dhabi. The journey, which currently takes two hours by car, would be cut to just 12 minutes. Rob Lloyd, the boss of Hyperloop One, reckons that "from a technological point of view, we could have a Hyperloop One system built in the UAE in the next five years".
That may be optimistic for several reasons. One is money. No one involved has released an estimate as to how much the Dubai project might cost, but Mr Musk has said in the past that a line could be built between Los Angeles and San Francisco for $6bn. Many observers think that implausible. If the costs ran wild, even Dubai, with its famed largesse, would baulk. Then there is the issue of safety. A lot of tests will have to be run before it is licensed. And just as important is passenger comfort. As we explained when Mr Musk first unveiled his plans in 2013: If the ride proves sickening, then no amount of time saving will encourage passengers to strap themselves in. For this reason a test route across the Arabian desert would be a sensible place to start. With few obstacles to bypass, there will be less need for nausea-inducing bends. For all the difficulties it must overcome, there does seem to be enough investor interest in Hyperloop One to suggest the concept deserves to be taken seriously. Indeed, earlier this year the system had its first, tentative tests in Nevada. It may take more than five years to realise, but this is no mere pipe dream. (PTI)
6.2 quake hits eastern Japan: USGS Tokyo, Nov 12: A strong 6.2magnitude earthquake hit eastern Japan on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of damage. The quake, at a depth of 44 kilometres, struck shortly after 6:42 am local time near the northeast coast of the main Honshu island, some 350 kilometres from Tokyo. No tsunami warning was issued. Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year, but rigid building codes and their strict en-
forcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage. A massive undersea quake however that hit in March 2011 sent a tsunami barrelling into Japan's northeast coast, leaving more than 18,000 people dead or missing, and sending three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. In April, two strong earthquakes hit southern Japan's Kumamoto prefecture followed by more than 1,700 aftershocks, leaving at least 50 dead and causing widespread damage. (PTI)
A file photo of Ban Ki-moon. his election, Trump tweeted, "Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!" Changing tone, he however tweeted again, "Love the fact that the small
groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!" The UN Chief had conveyed his wishes to Trump immediately after the real estate billionaire registered a stunning vic-
tory in the "hard-fought and often divisive campaign", emphasising that unity in diversity is the country's greatest strengths and hoping that the Trump administration will strengthen the bonds of international cooperation. The UN Chief had said current global challenges demand concerted global action and joint solutions. "The United Nations will count on the new Administration to strengthen the bonds of international cooperation as we strive together to uphold shared ideals, combat climate change, advance human rights, promote mutual understanding and implement the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve lives of peace, prosperity and dignity for all," Ban had said. (Agencies)
Dubai Canal sets off ripples of excitement Dubai, Nov 12: With the opening of the Dubai Water Canal on Wednesday night, Dubai has opened up new vistas for leisure and recreation for residents and tourists. Udit Sindhwani, Rachy Promboon and Eslam Ashraf who work with JW Marriott Marquis, a prominent landmark along the canal bank on Shaikh Zayed Road, who have watched the canal project evolve over the months, couldn't wait to check it out. "We have seen it being built right in front of us. We were so excited about the opening and we came to collect information about the ride. We want to take the ferry tomorrow as it is the weekend," said Sindhwani. Promboon said the grand opening ceremony was an unforgettable experience. "We watched the fireworks and the waterfall on Shaikh Zayed Road. It was really exciting. But the most exciting part is that we can take boat rides to Dubai Marina and Gold Souq for a full round trip around Dubai," she said. John Chalkley and wife Naoko, who live in Safa, were at the Shaikh Zayed Marine Station to explore
Dubai Canal from a distance. the walkways and running track along the canal. "It's a nice place to run and move around away from the traffic. We are checking out if we can walk all the way to Dubai Mall," said Chalkley, a doctor by profession. Hugo Martin and wife Isabel Nunez, who live in DIFC, said they had been waiting for the canal to open. After parking their car on Al Wasl Road, the couple took a stroll along the banks of the canal. "We took the bridge to cross the canal from the Safa Station and came this side. It's amazing to see the changes here. We have pictures from three years ago and now Safa is a completely different place," said Martin.Nunez found the running track great. "In some parts, you can go biking. The lighting along the canal also
looks beau tiful."Padmanaban Annamalai and colleagues from Mediclinic, who chose the new canal for their weekend outing, said it would help if the authorities publicised the timing of the ferry rides. "We didn't know the timing of the ferry from different stations," he said. He also hoped that basic amenities like wash rooms and eateries will come up soon. Parents with their kids, some in prams, were seen taking a stroll along the walkway. A couple of private yachts were also seen sailing on the new waterway. Some people came to the Shaikh Zayed Station specifically to watch the colourful curtain of a waterfall from the busy highway above the canal. (Agencies)
Taliban not ready for Afghan peace talks Islamabad, Nov 12: Afghan Taliban negotiators have told Pakistan that they need more time to prepare themselves for the peace talks with the Afghan government, a media report said today. Afghan government has been trying to woo the militant group for peace talks after a leading warlord of Soviet jihad era, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, inked agreement to end violence. Three senior members of the Qatar-based Talibanpolitical office arrived in Pakistan in late October after reports suggested that a senior Taliban leader had metAfghanistan's spy chief in the Gulf country in the presence a senior US official, the Express Tribune reported.
"The Taliban representatives have wrapped up their nearly two-week visit and conveyed to Pakistani officials that they have not yet decided to enter into dialogue with the Kabul administration," the paper said, citing a Taliban source. "The Taliban leaders insisted they could only say whether or not the group will join talks after two or three months." Other sources familiar with Taliban internal discussions said Pakistan told the visiting negotiators that it wants the Taliban to join the peace process. Pakistan is seemingly upset at the Taliban's refusal to come to the negotiation table and could press them to review their stance on the peace pro-
cess. It is widely believed that the arrest of senior Taliban leader Ahmadullah Muti alias Mullah Nanai last month in Balochistan was aimed at conveying a message to the group to join the peace process. Taliban sources confirmed the detention of Nanai and three other leaders but gave no reasons for the arrests. A Taliban official had earlier stated that the Qatarbased Taliban leaders had also "sought an explanation" from Pakistan over the arrest of their leaders. The refusal by Taliban to end violence is a major setback to Kabul as it has pinned hope on insurgents agreeing for peace to retrieve the sagging fortunes of the country. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
EDUCATION
How to Become a Social Worker: A Quick Guide help you build marketable skills.
I
f you are considering becoming a social worker, you have come to the right place. How to Become a Social Worker: A Quick Guide seeks to answer your most important questions about the social work field as a whole, salary and job figures, possible educational paths, and the best schools in the field. We also feature helpful advice from social work experts and explain in depth the specific, up-to-date licensure requirements for each state so that you can decide not only where to go to school but also where you might want to start your career. What Is Social Work? The profession of social work seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and to effect system-wide change through the pursuit of social justice. Just like any helping profession, such as nursing and teaching, social work seeks to help people overcome some of life's most difficult challenges. What separates social work from other helping professions is its focus on the person-in-environment model and its emphasis on social justice. Social workers not only consider individuals' internal struggles, as a counselor might, they also work with people to examine their relationships, family structure, community environment, and the systems and policies that impact them in order to identify ways to help address challenges. Social work also emphasizes a strengths-based approach in which all individuals have strengths and resources and the social worker's role is to help build upon a person's skills and support systems. The profession of social work is varied serving people young and old, from every walk of life, in a number of settings such as hospitals, schools, neighborhoods and community organizations. It involves work with families, couples, groups, organizations, and communities. Social work is dedicated to the pursuit of social justice through direct service and through advocacy on the local, national, and global levels. These areas of practice are also referred to as the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. What Do Social Workers Do? Many social workers work directly with individuals, couples, families or small groups. These social workers help clients cope with problems such as poverty, abuse, addiction, unemployment, educational problems, disability, trauma and mental illness. Social workers provide individual, family and group counseling, case management services connecting clients with resources and service providers, and other services to empower clients to meet their own needs. Social workers often work within nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and government agencies working toward the common good. These social workers may work directly with individual clients or be involved in program development, program evaluation, and human services management.
Many social workers choose to work with communities, organizations or governments to address social problems on a systems level. These workers advocate for vulnerable populations, fighting to end the inequalities and injustices they see in their communities. They engage in legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and community organizing to break down barriers and drive reform. Why Become a Social Worker? There are many reasons you may be drawn to a career in social work. Some people become interested in social work because they have been helped by a social worker in the past or they have experienced hardship and would like to help others overcome similar struggles. You may be drawn to the field by a particular interest in addressing problems such as addiction, abuse, or mental illness. You may have a strong interest in working with children or with elders. Despite the varied paths that lead social workers to the profession, most social workers enjoy working with people and are driven by their desire to help others and make the world a better place. How can I learn about the social work field before making a decision? The best way to learn about social work is to volunteer! There are volunteer opportunities in every community that can give you a sense of life as a social worker. Many social workers are tasked with volunteer management and are actively seeking volunteers to help out in hospitals, schools, and community organizations around the country. Volunteering not only allows you to meet social workers and learn about what social workers do, it may also provide you with some experience working directly with individuals, families or groups and/or advocating for community-wide change. To look for volunteer opportunities, you can start by contacting local schools, churches, or community centers. Steps for Becoming a Social Worker The guide below will outline the general steps to become a social worker. The first step in becoming a social worker is obtaining the necessary education. There are a number of educational paths to consider on the road to become a social worker. 1. Earn a bachelor's degree in social work. The first step for many people interested in becoming a social worker is to obtain a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited college or university. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs prepare students for entry-level, professional, generalist social work practice and for graduate social work education. Students learn to practice as professional social workers with individuals, families, groups and communities. Students learn a great deal about the profession while
earning their BSWs since bachelor's of social work programs combine classroom learning with field education. Students gain work experience while applying their classroom training to real-world work settings. Once you receive your BSW, you will be eligible to begin working as a social worker. 2. Earn a master's degree in social work. Whether you received your bachelor's degree in social work or in any other field, you may apply to a CSWE accredited graduate program to earn your Master of Social Work (MSW). If you receive a BSW prior to applying to graduate school, you may be eligible for advanced standing allowing you to receive an MSW in one year rather than the traditional twoyear program. While all accredited social work graduate programs follow similar curricula combining classroom learning with field education, some schools of social work have strong clinical programs while others focus on systemic issues such as poverty reduction and social justice. Choosing a clinical focus or a macro concentration may determine electives and field education placements but all graduates receive the same degree. A few points to keep in mind when deciding which degree path is best for you: Ø If you are considering working toward your first bachelor's degree, a BSW may be a good choice. A BSW gives you a solid foundation to begin work as an entry-level social worker. If you decide to continue your education with a master's degree, you may apply for advanced standing. This way, you may receive both your BSW and MSW in only five years. Ø If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, there is no need to seek out a BSW. You may find a position you enjoy in the social services field with a bachelor's degree from another discipline. If you would like to become a social worker, you should apply to a CESW-accredited MSW program. Ø If you are interested in moving to a supervisory role and advancing in your career in social work, you should consider obtaining an MSW. Increasingly, employers are seeking master's level social workers for any position above entry-level. Even those searching for entry level positions are likely to find that an MSW opens more doors than a BSW. ØIf you are interested in clinical social work, you must obtain an MSW and then become licensed in your state. 3. Make the most of your time in school. 1. Choose courses and consider specialized certifications based on careers that may interest you. If you plan to work as a clinical social worker, take as many clinical classes as possible. If you are more interested in macro social work, choose an elective in advocacy or nonprofit management that will
2. Make the most of your practicum placements and internship experiences. As a social work student working at a field placement, capitalize on the opportunity to position yourself for future employment. Always treat your placement experience just as you would paid employment. During your field placements, push yourself to gain new skills and experiences that will prepare you for employment and keep in mind: you never know when a job may open up at your practicum site. A hardworking, energetic student who already understands organizational policies and procedures is a great candidate for the next opening. Even if you are not interested in working at your field site, be sure to build connections with supervisors and colleagues who can alert you to other job prospects and serve as references during the interview process. 3. Begin your job search well before graduation. Many employers planning to hire in the summer start interviewing candidates in the spring. Research your state's licensing process; you may be able to start the application process early too. Remember many people graduate at the same time. It is important to position yourself ahead of the pack as your graduation date nears. 4. Consider getting licensed in your state. The purpose of social work licensing is to ensure safe professional practice. Each state board defines what is required for each level of social work license. The specific license names and requirements vary significantly by state. There are four levels of education and training that are commonly distinguished by different levels of licensure. 1. Bachelor's level: Baccalaureate social work degree (BSW) 2. Master's level: Master's degree in social work (MSW) 3. Advanced Generalist: MSW plus two years nonclinical supervised social work experience 4. Clinical: MSW plus two years direct clinical supervised social work experience Some states require you to obtain a license before beginning your career in social work. In some states, it may be important to work toward progressive licenses as you advance in your career. 5. Find a job! Finally, once you are fully prepared to enter the field of social work, it is time to look for a job. While finding a job in social work can be similar to finding any job, we have included some ideas below to get you started. If you are ready to look for available jobs in your area, check out our Jobs page. Scour the internet. 1. Job search engines can feel too time-consuming given their relatively low rate of return, but you should be registered and familiar with the major ones such as Monster, Career Builder, etc. Some engines, such as idealist.org are directed at the social work profession and nonprofit sector. Setup preferences to narrow your search, and utilize job alert emails to receive job listings in your inbox. 2. Look beyond the national search engines and consider local job listings. Some communities have nonprofit coalitions or task forces that list jobs across agencies. Check the job boards of local membership organization chapters such as NASW. Visit job boards for hospitals, school districts, state and local government agencies, and other large employers in your area. Expand your search. 1. Social workers are found in many professional settings.
Expand your search beyond schools, hospitals and public agencies. Consider private practice, small nonprofits, churches and advocacy organizations. Consider your interests as a social worker and brainstorm nontraditional settings where you can put your skills to use. 2. You've probably already considered common search engines for job posts but many jobs are never advertised. Professional networking is critical to learn about job openings and position yourself as a candidate to be recommended for those positions. Attend as many networking events and workshops as possible. Utilize continuing education courses as networking opportunities. Consider attending workshops for counselors, nurses, and other helping professionals who may know about jobs that fit your search criteria. Maintain contact with professors, advisors and peers from your bachelors and masters programs. Reach out to new contacts for informational interviews. Let your friends know that you are serious about your job search. Expanding your social circle and cultivating good relationships with people who know you're looking for a job, can lead to crucial a referral down the road. Maintaining Your Social Work License and Continuing Education Once you have obtained a social work license, continuing education will be necessary to ensure that you are staying up-to-date on best practices in the field. Social workers are lifelong learners who value ongoing continuing education throughout their career. Continuing education requirements vary from one state to another; some boards require only a specific number of hours, while others mandate continuing education in certain topics such as social work ethics. You will find plenty of continuing education courses offered online and in your community for varying costs. Keep in mind that your state licensing board has final approval on any continuing education course from any source on any subject. It is your responsibility as a regulated social worker to contact your board and verify that your continuing education plans meet your board's requirements. Be sure to keep careful records of all continuing education courses you complete through your employer, at conferences, trainings, workshops, and online. It is your responsibility to provide proof of continuing education when you apply to renew your social work license.
P9 5 young women who are working for the society We all dream big but seldom do we translate it into action. Courage, dedication and perseverance are all we need to make things fall in the right place and do something for the society. We salute these women who have made a difference.
Meera Many of us have heard and watched Disney's Tangled but Meera uses this title for a different purpose. Tangled is the name of her organisation which provides organic wigs to women fighting with cancer.
Shikha Patra When she was just 14, she joined hands with a youth group named Daredevils. Initially, Shikha along with
other members did door-to-door campaigning to spread awareness about polio. And today, she is help-
Bedadyuti Jha Bedadyuti is a proud feminist, activist, and a student of Miranda
ing people understand the importance of proper sanitation. She even created a video 'River of Life' on women's rights.
House, New Delhi. She works for women empowerment and gender equality.
Gain additional experience and build connections. 1. Build skills, make contacts and learn more about your desired profession through volunteering. Call a few nonprofits you are interested in pursuing and ask if you can provide regular volunteer help. Commit to a regular schedule so that you can demonstrate your professional strengths. Also consider occasional volunteer opportunities at additional organizations in the community. Even one Saturday volunteer project may open your eyes to types of work you had not considered before and connect you to like-minded peers. Remember, volunteering is a great addition to any social work resume. 2. You may desire a full time position but consider taking per diem or temporary social work positions while you search. These opportunities expand your work experience and skills, increase your professional network and may even lead to permanent employment.
Anjali Chandrashekhar An artist at just 16, Anjali works and raises funds for natural calamity, child abuse, and rehabilitation
Varsha Varghese Language is the medium which connects people better than any other medium. Varsha's brainchild, The WordsWorth Project creates
for underprivileged children through her artistic creations. In 2008, at an International Diabetes Charity, she raised around $5000 and used that money to provide insulin to many poverty stricken diabetic children.
fun text for children who do not have access to education. Every week, she volunteers, teaches, and spends time with under privileged children.
NATION
DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
P10
Resignation of Congress MLAs Curfew lifted from political stunt: Punjab CM Badal parts of Srinagar city SAD will hold a gathering of Punjabis at Moga on December 8 and start "Pani Bachao, Punjab Bachao" campaign. Kolianwali, Nov 12: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today described the submission of resignation letters by Congress MLAs, to protest the Supreme Court ruling on SYL issue, as "political stunt" and also claimed that AAP is a party of "hypocrites and opportunists". The resignation of "treacherous" Congress leaders is aimed at "deriving political benefit" from this sensitive issue rather than safeguarding the interests of the state, he alleged here today. Speaking at his 'Sangat Darshan' programme in Lambi Assembly segment here, Badal claimed it is an open secret that state Congress chief Amarinder Singh wants to contest the Assembly
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said "It is ironical that as polls for Punjab Assembly are due within a few months, all Congress MLAs resigned."
polls, for which he resigned from his Lok Sabha seat. The Chief Minister asked him to explain why the other Congress MPs had not resigned to express solidarity with the state "in this hour of crisis".
"It is ironical that as polls for Punjab Assembly are due within a few months, all Congress MLAs resigned, but the MPs shied away as they have fairly enough time for their tenure to end," Badal claimed.
HC upholds order on DNA test of witness, child Chennai, Nov 12: Madras High Court has upheld a Mahila court's order directing a government witness to undergo a DNA test along with her child after she went back on her statement that she was married to her maternal uncle, who has been accused of cheating another woman after having physical relationship.Dismissing a petition by witness Saranya of Perambalur challenging the mahila court order, the high court held that a recalcitrant witness cannot be allowed to go scot-free and the DNA test was required in order to arrive at the truth.The matter related to a criminal case filed against one Manikandan and others on the charge that he had married the petitioner, then a minor, after allegedly cheating another woman and after having physical relationship with her in 2015. The village panchayat had
directed him to marry the petitioner, then a minor, and asked the other woman to be his second wife. On a complaint from the woman, cases under IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act were filed against Manikandan and others, including Saranya's parents.During in-camera proceedings which were videographed, the petitioner told the magistrate that Manikandan was her maternal uncle and she didn't want to give any statement.Later she gave birth to a male child on September 7, 2015 at the Permabalur Government Hospital and Manikandan's name was recorded as the father in the birth certificate.However, during the trial in the case, she appeared in the court as a witness and said her husband Manikandan was abroad and he was not her maternal uncle and she did not know anything about
the criminal case. Following this, the prosecution moved the court for a direction to subject Saranya and her child to DNA test.Upholding the mahila court order, the high court, after hearing arguments and referring to various Supreme Court and high court judgements, said. "In the case at hand, it is not the paternity of the child that is in issue. The issue before this court is whether Manikandan [A1] has committed an offence under the POCSO Act. The issue of legitimacy would only be incidentally involved." The harm that would befall if such a power (directing DNA test) was not recognised in the trial court would be far greater, because it will be easier for people to prey upon minor girls from downtrodden communities like predators and force them to turn turtle in the witness box, the court said. (PTI)
Shah kicks off party campaign for crucial UP polls Lucknow, Nov 12: With a view to establish direct contact with people for preparing its 'vision document' for the crucial 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, BJP president Amit Shah today kicked off the party campaign here. He said that as part of the 'Uttar Pradesh ki janata ki awaaz' campaign, the party will approach people to know about their aspirations and expectations from BJP, and take their suggestions in writing. The BJP chief also launched a mobile number for the campaign, stating that the party will call back all those who would give a miss call on the number. "Some 1,500 suggestion boxes named 'akansha'
will be placed for taking written suggestions ...1,500 interactive programmes will be held for taking suggestions of youth, women and other sections of society," he said, adding that this process of dialogue and interaction will be completed in two months time. "On the basis of the suggestions, the party will prepare its vision document," he said while flagging off 75 video vans for recording people's suggestions. In an interaction with media persons later, Shah took a dig at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who had yesterday stood in a queue to withdraw money from a bank. "No one goes to bank in a Land Rover to withdraw Rs 4,000," he said. To a question on SP state
unit president Shivpal Singh Yadav blaming BJP for spreading rumours on shortage of salt, Shah said, "He is facing BJP phobia." The BJP president said that his party was committed on the issue of construction of Ram temple and its stand was totally clear. At another programme in the state capital, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed demonetisation as a "right step to check circulation of fake currency notes and ISI backed terror activities." "But it is difficult to comprehend the opposition by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, BSP, SP and Congress...the entire nation needs to stand united on this issue," he said. (PTI)
Man held in 11-year-old murder case Thane, Nov 12: Police here today arrested a man from Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune in an 11-yearold murder case.Acting on a tip-off, police laid a trap near the railway station and apprehended Amarjit Munnilal Jaiswal, senior Police Inspector Niteen Thackeray of Thane Crime Branch said. It was between September 6 and 8, 2005, that Amarjit had gagged Guddu Jaiswal, tied both his
hands, beat him with an iron rod and killed him, the police officer said.The crime was committed in Badlapur at the house of Bhikaji Bhosale. Constable Tanaji Gaikwad was serving at Badlapur Police Station at the time of the crime. He was later transferred to Thane Crime Branch, Thackeray said. Gaikwad was tracking the case and got a tip off about the accused coming to
Thane, following which he was arrested, the Senior Police Inspector said. As per initial investigation, Guddu was murdered as he did not return Rs 15,000 that Amarjit had lent him, Thackeray said, adding a case under section 302 (murder) of IPC has been registered against the accused and a probe is underway.He also said the constable is being recommended for a reward for his "relentless effort". (PTI)
All Opposition Congress MLAs submitted their resignation to the Punjab Assembly Secretary yesterday to protest the Supreme Court's ruling favouring Haryana on the SYL issue. Justifying SAD leaders' decision of not offering resignation, he said, "As the custodian of the Punjabis, Akali Dal is dutybound to protect their interests, which can be done best by remaining at the helms of the affairs." The Chief Minister said the state government has called a special session of the Assembly on November 16 to chalk out a strategy to deal with the crisis and also sought time from President Pranab Mukherjee so that the Cabinet can present the case of the state before him.
Hitting out at AAP, the Chief Minister alleged that it is a party with "dual face". "The AAP government in Delhi had submitted an affidavit against the state in the apex court on SYL issue. Disguised in the robe of aam aadmi (common man), these people are working overtime against the interests of the state," Badal alleged. SAD will hold a gathering of Punjabis at Moga on December 8 and start "Pani Bachao, Punjab Bachao" campaign, he said and exhorted for fulsome support and cooperation of people. On demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes, Badal said this scheme will act as a catalyst to wipe out corruption and black money from the country. (PTI)
Naxal deputy commander gunned down in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon Police had received a tip off that the Maoists will be holding a 'jan adalat' where they were to penalise some villagers, the SP said.
The naxals fled from the spot. Raipur, Nov 12: A naxal deputy commander was killed in a gun-battle with security forces in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Kondagaon district, police said on Saturday. The cadre, identified as Boti Kashyap, was gunned down in the skirmish last night at Kudoor village under Mardapal police station limits, Superintendent of Police, Kondagaon, Santosh Singh told media over phone. Police had received a tip off that the Maoists will be holding a 'jan adalat' where they were to penalise some villagers, the SP said. Following the alert, district
police teams from Narayanpur and Kondagaon were sent to Kudoor. As soon as the security forces arrived at the spot, the rebels opened fire to which they fired in retaliation. The naxals fled from the spot. Kashyap's body was recovered during the search, while an INSAS rifle, a 12-bore gun, one radio set and few other itmes were recovered, he said. Singh further said blood was found spilled in the site alongside impressions of bodies being dragged from the spot which indicate that some more ultras might have been injured in the gun-battle. (PTI)
OROP: Steps being taken to rectify anomalies, says Minister Kochi, Nov 12: Seeking to reach out to retired soldiers, Union government today assured the ex-servicemen that it was taking all steps for "resolving the anomalies" in One Rank One Pension (OROP) and seventh pay commission. Minister of State for Defence, Subhash Bhamre, also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who are "very sensitive" to the issues of ex-servicemen, are "personally looking into the effective implementation" of OROP scheme. "The issue of OROP is the area of concern for the exservicemen. Number of representations were being received from ex-servicemen about OROP," he said, inaugurating the Kerala State conference of the 'Akhil Bharathiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad' here. He said approximately one lakh defence pensioners/ family pensioners were yet to get the benefits of OROP because of missing information such as non-update of records or unavailability of date of birth of family pensioners. "Government is taking expeditious steps to get the payment released to left out pensioners on priority basis," he said. The Minister also dismissed
media reports about downgradation of military ranks vis-a-vis civilian cadre. "Was there any down gradation? The answer is No," he said. Bhamre said a letter was issued by the Defence Ministry on October 18 regarding the equivalence of officers of a civilian cadre which is known as the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ CS). "The letter reiterated the existing equivalence of joint director, director and principal director of AFHQ with Colonel, Brigadier and Major General equivalents respectively based on duties and functional responsibilities. "This equivalences is not new and it has been clarified on several occasions in 1991, 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2005.Therefore, this alleged down gradation was a complete misinterpretation of facts," the Minister said. The service ranks and designations and the channel of reporting continued as earlier, he said alleging that an attempt was being made by some quarters to project a negative image of the government. "The government is most sensitive and receptive to the needs of the armed forces," the Minister said. (PTI)
The lifting of the restrictions led to an increased movement of people and transport in the city. Srinagar, Nov 12 : Authorities today lifted curfew from parts of the summer capital where the curbs were imposed to foil the separatists' plans of holding a congregation at Jamia Masjid here even as normal life remained affected in Kashmir Valley for the 127th consecutive day.
"Curfew has been lifted in the five police station areas of the city where it was imposed yesterday as a precautionary measure," a police official said. He said there were no curbs on the movement of people anywhere in the Valley. The lifting of the restrictions led to an increased
movement of people and transport in the city. Inter-district cabs were also plying on some routes connecting the other districts of the Valley with the summer capital. Some shops were also open in the areas in the civil lines and the outskirts of the city as well as in some of the rural areas in other districts of Kashmir. However, most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments in the rest of the Valley were shut due to the strike. They are expected to open later in the evening today as the separatists have announced a 15-hour relaxation in the strike. As many as 85 people, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley. (PTI)
Currency printing presses running at full capacity: RBI Mumbai, Nov 12 : Currency printing presses are running at "full capacity" to sustain demand for new notes, RBI said today, while asking people to switch to other modes of payment such as debit and credit cards to reduce strain on bank branches. Adequate stock of all currency notes has been kept ready at more than 4,000 locations across the country, and bank branches are linked to them for sourcing their requirements, RBI said. "To sustain the demand, Printing Presses are printing the currency notes at full capacity so that adequate quantum of notes is available," the central bank said in a statement. RBI said the scrapping of Rs 500/1,000 notes cast a huge responsibility on the banking system to "swiftly withdraw" the currency in a smooth and non-disruptive way and to provide new notes of other denominations. It also entailed swift with-
drawal of the scrapped notes from ATMs within a few hours of the announcement made on evening of November 8 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. RBI further said it also involved recalibrating ATMs for issuance of other legal tender notes and reloading them in a matter of two days and providing the exchange facility, just after a day from the announcement. "While these efforts are afoot, public are encouraged to switch over to alternative modes of payment, such as pre-paid cards, Rupay/Credit/Debit cards, mobile banking, internet banking. All those for whom banking accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana are opened and cards are issued are urged to put them to use," RBI said. Such usage, RBI added, will "alleviate the pressure" on physical currency and also enhance the experience of living in the digital
world. On November 10, about 10 crore exchange transactions have been reported. Further, banks and RBI are kept open on Saturday and Sunday to meet the urgent requirements of public and to ease the situation. The scheme for exchange of the specified bank notes for other denominations is available all across the country till December 30, 2016 and even beyond, at specified RBI offices. RBI appealed that as there is ample time for people to exchange old notes and there is no need put "avoidable strain" on bank branches. RBI also said a detailed reporting system for banks has been put in place. It further said that with a view to preventing misuse of the exchange facility, the authorities are "closely monitoring the information received through the reports about exchange and deposits".(PTI)
Demonetisation last nail in the coffin agnst black money: Min Motihari, Nov 12: Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh today said the Centre's surprising demonetisation move was the final nail in the coffin against black money. Terming the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as a "surgical strike" on black money, the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister said, "With this decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a drive against black money, corruption and terrorism, and the decision will prove to be the last nail in the coffin against black money." Singh, while talking to reporters at party office here said that the PM has kept his promise on black money, which he made during 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The decision to demonetise the high-de-
nomination notes had become indispensable in the interest of national security and economy, Singh said, adding that Pakistan was trying to hurt Indian economy by pumping fake currency notes meant to fund terror outfits. The PM's surgical strike on black money has poured cold water on Pakistan's nefarious design, he said, adding that the move would help in checking corruption and terrorism both. Admitting that the decision would cause problems to around 75 per cent of people for a couple of days, while 24 per cent would face problems for 10-20 days, the minister said, "Merely one per cent of people would face difficulties in real terms...This is a step taken in the interest of honest people." Singh, who represents
Motihari Lok Sabha constituency for the fifth term, said demonetisation would have a "positive impact" on Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and other states due next year as "there is hardly any party which does not use black money in elections". The Union minister also said that the Bihar government was trying to befool the people of the state by terming the Centrallysponsored schemes as its own. The Central government has sanctioned funds for potable water, drainage construction, electrification under 'Deen Dayal Upadhyaya' scheme besides fixing a deadline of March 2018 for these works. 'PM Grameen Sadak Yojana' will be completed by March 2019, he said, adding that "people are wise and understand everything. (PTI)
Suspected Naxal held in Telangana, police recovered country-made revolver Karimnagar, Nov 12: A 30-year-old Maoist was Saturday arrested in Sircilla town of Telangana, police said. Following a tip-off, police apprehended Suthili Kanta Chandramouli in Sircilla town and recovered a country-made revolver, letter head and a seal of the outlawed CPI (Maoist),
Superintendent of Police of Rajanna Sircilla district, K Vishwajith, told reporters. Chandramouli alias Jangam Mohan joined a Naxal group as a militant in 2002 when Katkuri Ramulu alias Praveen was its Commander, the SP said. At that time Chandramouli was alleg-
edly involved in offences of extortions. After some time, he left for Mumbai, the senior official said. "Recently he arrived at Rajanna Sircilla district and hatched a plan to extort money from a businessman," the SP added. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
P11 Vineeth’s brace scripts stunning comeback England take lead, first win for Kerala against Chennai Test heads towards draw
CK Vineeth handed the Blasters all three points as the men in yellow rose to second in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League table.
narrowed in on goal from the left before seeing his attempt take a wicked deflection off Kerala’s defence and loop over Stack in goal to make it 1-0 for the visitors and silence the home crowd. Chennai should have doubled their lead on the half hour mark after Mendy drove to the byline and found Dudu with a cross from the left. However, the Nigerian frontman couldn’t keep his effort on target, to the relief of Stack in goal. The Super Machans had another opportunity of extending their lead on the
stroke of half-time with Augusto pulling the strings from midfield. Dudu received the Brazilian midfielder’s pass before seeing his attempt trickle wide of goal as the teams headed into the break with the score at 1-0 in favour of the visitors. The first chance of the second period went Kerala’s way after a Mohammed Rafique flick-on played substitute Kadio through on goal. The Ivory Coast striker failed to make proper connection with the ball allowing Chennai to keep their 1-0 lead intact. The hosts came close to
finding the equaliser on the hour mark as Vineeth’s deflected cross from the left was only kept out by a despairing dive from Duwayne Kerr. They would, however, find the leveller six minutes later with substitutes Antonio German and Kadio combining to perfection. German harried Eli Sabia and took the ball off his feet before charging towards the byline and squaring a ball from the left for Kadio. The onrushing Ivory Coast attacker tucked the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1 as the home support roared in approval. Chennai almost broke Kerala hearts eight minutes from full-time after Dudu outmuscled the Blasters’ backline and got a shot off on goal. The Nigerian’s shot was goal-bound and required a block from Sandesh Jhingan to keep his team in the game. It turned out to be crucial as Kerr failed to collect a Josu cross from the left in the 85th minute with Vineeth waiting to pounce on the error. The 28-yearold expertly finished with a scissors-kick at the far
Match Awards: Club award: Kerala Blasters FC
Fittest Player of the Match: Raphael Augusto
Winning Pass of the Match: Antonio German
Swift Moment of the Match: CK Vineeth ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Jayesh Rane
Hero of the Match: CK Vineeth
post to send the crowd into a frenzy. The Blasters sealed maximum points a minute from full-time after German played Vineeth in on goal with just Kerr to beat. The local boy from Kerala produced an expert finish from outside the box to make it 3-1 and help his team win the second south Indian derby of the season. (Agencies)
Vandana to lead Indian hockey eves in Oz tour PTI New Delhi, Nov 12: Forward Vandana Katariya will captain Indian senior women's hockey team in the Test Series against Australiato be played at Melbourne from November 23 to November 30. Defender Sunita Lakra will be the vice-captain of the 18-member squad. Rajani Etimarpu and Savita will continue to don the responsibility in front of the Indian goal while the backline will be under the watchful eyes of Deep Grace Ekka, Salima Tete, Rashmita Minz, Navdeep Kaur and Sunita Lakra. The midfield too remains unchanged with in-form Rani, Deepika, Nikki Pradhan, Navjot Kaur,
Monika and Karishma Yadav forming the base. Experienced Poonam Rani, Anuradha Devi Thokchom, Vandana Katariya, Preeti Dubey and Sonika are the strikers named in the squad by Hockey Indiatoday. Upbeat and confident after the recent success at the fourth women's Asian Champions Trophy where they beat China in the final, the Indian eves are looking forward to make amends for the disappointing outing Down Under earlier this year prior to the Olympics. "After the Olympics, the team is playing with a fresh perspective and attitude towards the game. The recent win in Singapore goes to show
that the team is eager to do well against best of the teams in the world and would continue doing well against Australia in their home turf. This will give us a
Goalkeeper: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu. Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Salima Tete, Sunita Lakra (vicecaptain), Rashmita Minz, Navdeep Kaur. Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Navjot Kaur, Karishma Yadav, Rani, Deepika, Monika. Forwards: Poonam Rani, Anuradha Devi lot of confidence going for- T h o k c h o m , ward in the new Olympic V a n d a n a cycle," Vandana said in a Katariya (capstatement. tain), Preeti Team: Dubey, Sonika.
Delhi aim to consolidate Panama beat Honlead on top against ATK duras 1-0 in World
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IANS New Delhi, Nov 12: Dynamos Football Club will look to consolidate their position at the top of the table when they take on Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) in an Indian Super League (ISL) tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday. In red-hot form after recording three back-to-back victories, Gianluca Zambrotta's men will look to open up a four point lead over second-placed Mumbai City FC when they play their 10th game against ATK, who are smarting from a defeat at the hands of former coach Antonio Habas's FC Pune City. Dynamos are looking to peak at the right time with their
marquee recruit Florent Malouda hitting form with a brace in their last game, an emphatic triumph over flailing Chennaiyin FC at home. Richard Gadze and Kean Lewis has been in good form too and Marcelo Pereira is on a dream run with the highest number of goals (5) in the season so far along with NorthEast United FC's Emiliano Alfaro. ATK on their part have been lacklustre from the start of this edition and only looked good in patches with Javi Lara and Sameehg Doutie chugging along initially and marquee Helder Postiga shrugging off injury to aid Jose Molina's side in the last few matches. Molina, like always though,
did not sound too disappointed with the result. "I think maybe we didn't do a great job but we did a good job. The players tried, fought and defended well. In the first half, we had a good 40 minutes and we penetrated the Pune box many times and then they found a goal from setpiece. Probably, that was the first time they got near our box," Molina said. "That boosted their confidence and we lost our confidence a bit. In the second half, we tried again but they scored another on the counter, with a penalty." "I think we played the match well and I think with the few chances that they had, they did very well and scored," Molina told reporters after the match. Juan Belencoso, before leaving for the capital said in Kolkata on Friday that the side are aiming for 20 points. "That's all we want. I think that is the number needed to qualify for play-offs and that is the most important thing at the moment," the striker told reporters. ATK currently have 12 points from eight matches and have a chance to be on the same number of points (15) with Mumbai if they win on the tomorrow.
Cup qualifier
England's Adil Rashid celebrates with teammates as Virat Kohli looks on after getting out hit-wicket, during the fourth day of the first cricket Test match in Rajkot on Saturday. Photo: K.R. Deepak PTI Rajkot, Nov 12: The Rajkot Test is meandering towards a draw after a solid century stand by the visiting team's openers on the penultimate day. After India were all out for 488 in their first innings, thereby conceding a first innings lead of 49 runs, England openers Alastair Cook (46 batting) and teenager Haseeb Hameed (62 batting) added 114 runs in 37 overs to take the lead to 163 runs. With only a day's play left and turn on offer being a slow one, it will take a Herculean effort from Indian bowlers to enforce a result out of this match which is heading towards a tame draw. England won't mind as it would give them a necessary boost on a long tour that will end in the third week of next month. Cook was unbeaten on 46 off 107 balls and debutant opener Hameed struck his maiden
half-century on debut. The 115-ball innings had five boundaries and a six. With the pitch showing just the usual signs of wear and tear, draw looks the most obvious result, unless England make a challenging declaration and press for a victory tomorrow. In the morning, India resumed at the overnight 319 for four and lost wickets steadily barring a 64-run seventh wicket stand between Ravichandran Ashwin, who made a steady 70 with seven fours off 139 balls and in 200 minutes, and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha (35). India lost the wickets of captain Virat Kohli, who struck five fours in 95 balls, and Ajinkya Rahane (13) in the pre-lunch session and the rest in the session before tea. The last-wicket stand between Ashwin, who was 49 when the ninth wicket fell, and Mohammed Shami (not out 8)
kept England on the field longer than they may have expected and helped India cut the lead to below 50. All the Indian wickets that fell today were claimed by the English spin trio of leggie Adil Rashid (4 for 114), off-spinner Moeen Ali (2 for 85) and left-arm spinner Zafar Ansari (2 for 77). The other two wickets were shared equally by pacers Stuart Broad (1 for 78) and Ben Stokes (1 for 52). Rahane and Kohli departed in the span of under 15 minutes and in the space of 17 balls in the first session to raise England's hopes which were dashed by Ashwin and Saha with their diligent half century stand that lasted for 98 minutes. Kohli became the first Indian skipper in over 65 years to be dismissed hit-wicket while Rahane was dismissed cheaply before Ashwin and Saha steadied the rocking boat with a half century stand.
Rohit thanks fans for good wishes after surgery IANS New Delhi, Nov 12: Star batsman Rohit Sharma, who went under the knife in London for a problem in the right thigh, thanked his fans for their wishes and said he cannot wait to get back to the cricket field. "All went well. Thank you for your good wishes. Can't wait to be back at it," Rohit wrote in his Twitter handle after his surgery. Rohit has undergone successful surgery on his right upper quadriceps tendon in London, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Saturday. Rohit, who suffered an injury on his right thigh during the fifth One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand last month at Visakhapatnam, is likely to be discharged from the hospital by Sunday evening. "The medical team of the BCCI confirms that India batsman Rohit Sharma underwent a surgery on his right thigh on Friday in London," the BCCI said in a statement. "The procedure was successful and Rohit will be discharged from the hospital in the next 24 hours." "BCCI medical team is con-
Rohit Sharma stantly monitoring his treatment and will oversee his recovery, towards becoming match fit," the statement added. The surgery and the recovery process effectively rules Rohit
out of the ongoing home series against England after he wasn't picked for the Test squad. He is unlikely to be fit for the limited overs matches that begin on January 15 comprising five ODIs and three T20s.
England beat Scotland, France edge past Sweden IANS San Pedro Sula (Honduras), Nov 12: Panama topped Honduras 1-0 here in the central American qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The away victory on Friday extended the Panamanians' unbeaten streak against Honduras to seven matches,reports Efe. The only goal of the contest came in the 22nd minute on a direct free kick by Panama's Fidel
Escobar. The visitors were on the verge of doubling their advantage when the Honduran goalkeeper made an outstanding stop on a shot from Alberto Quintero. But the television replay appeared to show the ball crossing the goal line before the keeper reacted. Central America is entitled to three berths in the 2018 World Cup, while the fourth-place finisher will face an Asian team in a playoff for a ticket to Russia.
IANS Madrid, Nov 12: England defeated Scotland 3-0 in the fourth round of the European qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup even as France had to come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Sweden. Defending champions Germany, meanwhile, pummeled San Marino 8-0 on Friday to remain perfect in the competition, reports Efe. The English prevailed at Wembley here on goals by Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill to claim the top spot in Group F with 10 points, two ahead of Slovenia, who eked out a 1-0 win away at Malta. Slovakia vaulted over Lithuania into third place in the group with a 4-0 defeat of the Baltic side, who have five
points. In Paris, Sweden took a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute on a goal by Emil Forsberg, but Les Bleus rebounded with two goals in seven minutes by Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet to win 2-1 and retain the lead in Group A with 10 points. Sweden is second with seven points, three ahead of the Netherlands, who visit Luxembourg on Sunday. In Group C, Serge Gnabry notched a hat trick and Jonas Hector scored a pair in Germany's demolition of San Marino, who have lost all four of their matches so far. The Germans, with 12 points out of 12, are five ahead of second-place Northern Ireland, who romped 4-0 on Friday over Azerbaijan. The result left Azerbaijan and
Northern Ireland tied on points at seven, though the Irishmen have an advantage on goals. Two points back are the Czech Republic, 2-1 winners Friday over Norway, who have three points. Robert Lewandowski scored twice in Poland's 3-0 victory over Romania. The Poles move up to 10 points and first place in Group E. Montenegro, with seven points, is at the second spot despite losing 3-2 on Friday to Armenia, who garnered their first points of the tourney. In third place are Denmark, who topped visiting Kazakhstan 4-1 to move to 6 points. The Central Asian squad sits in last place in the group with 2 points
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Kochi, Nov 12: Kerala Blasters FC beat Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in front of more than 53,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday evening. Chennai took a first-half lead through a deflected Bernard Mendy effort. Supersub Didier Boris Kadio equalised in the 66th minute before a brace from CK Vineeth handed the Blasters all three points as the men in yellow rose to second in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League table. Jeje Lalpekhlua registered the first shot of the game on target in the second minute after defensive uncertainty saw a loose ball fall to him inside the box. The Indian striker’s shot was straight down Graham Stack’s throat in Kerala’s goal to the delight of the home support. Raphael Augusto had a deflected shot on goal fly inches wide of the target four minutes later. The visitors made the early pressure pay in the 22nd minute after Augusto found Mendy on the wing with acres of space to run into. The powerful Frenchman
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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
P12 Alia Bhatt: Shah Rukh Khan is always open to opinions
PeeCee returns to roots with a Punjabi film
Shah Rukh Khan may be
"I imagined it to be stressful because I was working with Shah Rukh for the first time but he made it very comfortable for me. I had a basic nervousness like anybody would feel. But there was nothing like he was stressing me out and I couldn't sleep and all. I had already met him be-
Big B : Sexual violence largely ignored by film industry Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Friday said the issue of sexual violence and sexual consent has largely been ignored by the Indian film industry, and questioned the absence of an independent word to denote female valor. Amitabh analysed the changing role of women in Indian cinema at the inaugural of the 22nd edition of the Kolkata International Film "Meenal Arora, Falak Ali and Andrea Tariang (the female characters in 'Pink') are to all intents and purposes emancipated women with all liberties accorded by their financial independence. Yet the film raises unsettling queries largely ignored by our film industry. Pink brings the issues of sexual violence and sexual consent into urban middle class homes," he said. Talking about films like 'Udta Punjab' and 'Parched' which deal with sexual violence, Big B said 'Pink' provokes audiences to question whether education has changed the way women are treated in urban India or not. "The Age of Consent Act was legalized over 125 years ago in 1891. How many times has the value of consent been taken for granted in our society? How many times has our culture considered consent and specifically sexual consent important enough to be acknowledged and discussed? How many times has 'No'
meant 'No'," he wondered. Citing examples of Indian films like the 1936 'Achhut Kanyya', Satyajit Ray's 'Ghare Baire' ,'Mahanagar', 'Abhimaan', Shyam Benegal's 'Ankur', Gulzar's 'Aandhi' to recent endeavors like 'Lajja', 'Paa', 'Mardaani', 'Mary Kom', 'Queen', 'Piku', 'Nil Battey Sannata' and the latest 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', Big B highlighted how women's portrayal in Indian cinema had changed from the stereotypical housewife to strong and independent characters fighting for their rights. "Even the word 'mardaani' is derived from the word 'mard'... the word which is a description of male valour and strength. Why is there not an independent word for female valour? This is something which I feel needs debate and consideration," said Amitabh, a UN ambassador for the girl child.
fore and we were comfortable. That comfort was very important and it helped the whole process." Directed by Gauri Shinde, 'Dear Zindagi' is a slice-oflife drama. Alia says they had rehearsals before the shoot, which helped break the ice. "It was an amazing experience it was an
dream come true to work with him. Before the shooting we did couple of readings and rehearsals and that's when we broke the ice and the awkwardness from my side. And after that on set we got along really well."The movie is set to release on November 25.
Attired in a black bandhgala, Big B in his famous baritone also batted for equal opportunities for women in India's workforce to thundering applause from the audience at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. He kick off the seven-day fest, organised by the West Bengal government, with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp that was preceded by an 'East Meets West' fusion orchestra led by Pandit Tanmoy Bose and folk artistes from Bengal. The opening ceremony was also graced by his wife and veteran actress Jaya, who looked resplendent in a red-white saree, superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actors Sanjay Dutt, Kajol and Parineeti Chopra who dazzled in a chic modern outfit. Actors from the Bengali film industry presented their Bollywood counterparts with traditional Pattachitra art works and paintings by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who presided over the ceremony. Shah Rukh, is also Bengal's brand ambassador, injected a dose of mirth and merriment into the proceedings with his speech in a smattering of Bengali."How can I come to Kolkata and not speak Bengali? Is this possible? I hope you will
forgive me for my Bengali", 'the Dilwale' actor said. Dressed smartly in a black-grey kurta, Sanjay expressed gratitude to Banerjee for standing by him during the 'hardest of times.' "In the hardest times of my life Banerjee stood by me and my family. I have a special bond with Kolkata. My mother was born here and my grandmother lived here. I will be here whenever I am needed," he said. India's reverence for cinema and religion was noted by Kajol who sported a sophisticated teal kurta suit. She launched the festival brochure amid fanfare."Two things in our country we actually revere: cinema and religion," Kajol said, adding the films showcased should be for everyone. On a more somber note, National Award winning filmmaker Goutam Ghose advocated universal brotherhood through cinema "We are passing though intolerance, political and cultural intolerance. We are dividing ourselves, spreading hatred all over the world. Let's make cinema a vehicle for raising positive emotions over the negative ones," he said. China features as the focus country in the annual cine extravaganza. Banerjee who welcomed the Chinese delegation stressed on the exclusivity of the festival. An assemblage of 155 films from 65 countries will be showcased across 13 venues till November 11. "Cinema speaks a language that no other medium can. This is a festival of the people, by the people, for the people," Banerjee said referring to the reach of the festival across multiple localities in the city and outskirts.
At 10.30 am on Friday, Priyanka Chopra who released 'Ventilator', a Marathi film produced by her and mother, Madhu Chopra, last week, announced with a "drum roll" on social media that their debut Punjabi film, 'Sarvann', would be releasing this December. Mirror has learnt that the film featuring Amrinder Gill, Simi Chahal and Ranjit Bawa kicked off earlier this year in Canada, followed by a schedule in Chandigarh which began on September 5. A heartwarming drama about dealing with your emotional and physical handicaps, follows an NRI, Shravan, as he returns to India to find his roots and himself. Director Karan Guliani, with the film's
Kriti Sanon talks to her family in UP dialect Ay u s h m a n n Khurrana and is now in a mode wherein she is speaking in the same language not only during shoot but also off shoot.
Kriti Sanon will play the role of a UP girl in her upcoming film 'Bareily Ki Barfi' and the pretty actress who has been learning the local dialect is so obsessed with the language that she is conversing in the UP dialect with her family and friends as well! The 'Heropanti' actress is busy shooting in the city of nawabs, Lucknow for her film opposite
Kriti shares, "It's for the first time that I have tried to pick up a dialect for a role and I am actually enjoying it. Although we are not keeping a very strong accent but since it has been a long schedule here, so even after pack up, I tend to talk to my parents and my sister in the same tone. My sister at times interrupts me and starts laughing."
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Mandira Bedi as a UP cop in her next film Actor Mandira Bedi will be seen in her super cop avatar for a Tamil film 'Adangathey', parts of which were shot in Varanasi recently. Directed by Shanmugam Muthusamy, the film will feature Mandira essaying the role of a Special Task Force officer from Uttar Pradesh. The actor, who has been part of films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Shaadi Ka Laddoo, canned some action scenes in Varanasi. A gun-toting Mandira turned out to be quite a crowd-puller while shooting in the bylanes of the Machodhari area in Varanasi. The film that has actors like GV Prakash Kumar and Surabhi in important roles, was also shot at Chet Singh Ghat, Nandeshwar Ghat and Sarnath. Despite her hectic schedule, Mandira took some time off and went to Rajghat. The actress also posed with her fans who insisted on selfies with her.
Aamir Khan comes out in support of PM Modi’s demonetisation policy
IT raids conducted at the homes and offices of the makers of 'Baahubali 2' November 9, 2016 midnight, Income tax raids are being conducted randomly to keep a check. Random income tax raids were conducted on the homes and offices of Tollywood producers. Of them, it was the raid conducted on the offices and homes of the makers of 'Baahubali 2,' that came as a shock. The producers had recently sold their upcoming film to distributors at what was rumoured to be an astronomical sum and had reportedly taken a large sum of money as an advance amount from them. The IT raids seemed to have been strategically planned keeping this in mind. The IT officers also conducted simultaneous raids on the residences and offices of producers, Shobhu Yarlagadda and Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategic move to curb Prasad Devineni. Producer-director, the flow of black money in the economy that involved recalling all the Tammareddy Bharadwaja, has slammed Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes as they ceased to be legal tender since these raids.
"In the expat pockets of UK and Canada, Amrinder is on par with Diljit Dosanjh who made his Bollywood debut with Udta Punjab this year. Priyanka and Madhu Chopra through their filmmaker-friend Karan approached Amrinder who agreed as soon as he heard the story. Everything was finalised when Priyanka was in Mumbai after wrapping up Season 1 of her American TV series, Quantico in Montreal."
Disha Patani's 'LaZy' moment with Jackie Chan Disha Patani, who will be seen sharing the screen space with Jackie Chan in the upcoming Indo-Chinese production, 'Kung Fu Yoga', had fun time with her international action star's lucky mascots - a pair of soft toys 'La' and 'Zy' during the film's Iceland schedule.Interestingly, Jackie is so fond of 'LaZy' that he carries them wherever he travels. For one of the daredevil action sequences in the film, Disha had to perform an underwater sequence in Iceland. Though it was freezing cold and the temperature was low as minus 5 degrees, the actress being a thorough professional, shot for the scene without any complaints.
Aamir Khan is known for taking a keen interest in social matters and also voicing his opinion on issues of national interest. The latest government policy that turned the country on its head was PM Modi's sudden decision to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, and like always, Aamir didn't shy away from speaking his mind. Addressing the media at the first song launch from 'Dangal', the actor said that this is no time to ponder on the short-term effects of the move. Mr Perfectionist, who seemed to be in support of the decision, reminded fans that the long-term benefits of curbing black money have to be kept in mind. He went on to say that short-term inconveniences have to be ignored while keeping in mind the interest of the country in the long run. In the end, the 'Dangal' actor added that he paid all his taxes on time and so the government's decision did not affect him at all. The actor has joined the chorus of Bollywood stars singing praises of this drastic move by Modi government.
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one of the biggest stars in Bollywood but his 'Dear Zindagi' co-star Alia Bhatt says the actor is always open to suggestions even if it comes from a junior. The 23-year-old actress says the biggest advantage of working with Shah Rukh is that he easily understands if somebody needs help "You don't need to ask Shah Rukh if you need help, he will always be by your side. He will make sure you are comfortable. Shah Rukh is very involved in the process of film and always open to opinions. He even asked me what can be done to make things better," Alia told. The 'Udta Punjab' actress says she thought working with someone as big as SRK would be tough for her but the 51-year-old star made her feel comfortable.
writer Amberdeep Singh, are presently at a Mumbai studio busy with post-production. A source informed Mirror that Amrinder, whose last release 'Love Punjab', also penned by Amberdeep, is a superstar in the North. He lives in Canada and flies to Punjab for shoots. He made his acting debut in Manmohan Singh's 'Munde UK De' in 2009 and his recent hits include the period drama 'Angrej', set in 1945 Punjab. The 40-year-old actor, singer and producer is now working on the 'Angrej' sequel.