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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 10

Vol. II

PRIVATE SECTOR NEEDS TO INVEST BIG-TIME, SAYS ARUN JAITLEY

Doomdooma, Nov 5: Along with the whole Tinsukia district Doomdooma and its nearby areas are now fully prepared for the Chhat Puja. It is noteworthy to mention that the four day long Puja kicked off yesterday with Nahaykhay . Kharna commences tonight and on Sunday evening, devotees will offer rituals to the setting God Sun. The puja will be concluded on Monday morning. The bank of Doomdooma river has been cleaned and light arrangement has been made

by Chhat Puja committees including Bhojpuri Yuva Chhatra Parishad and many others. It may be mentioned here that people from UP and Bihar reside here in a large number. Chhat Puja is a religious festival cutting across communities giving a message of love and harmony to society.

AIUDF joins clamour against Himanta's comment Guwahati, Nov5: The perfume baron-turned-politician Badruddin Ajmal's All India United Democratic Front(AIUDF) has joined the bandwagon against health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent comment that granting citizenship to Hindus from Bangladesh would not threaten the Assamese identity.

The comment, in the context of the highly charged debate surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, has triggered a political storm in the state. The bill seeks to grant citizenship to religious minorities including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan by amending the Citizenship Act. Different political and nonpolitical groups have described Himanta's comments as 'communally charged'.

Himanta had said later that he actually wanted a fullfledged debate on the issue of citizenship for persecuted religious minorities from Bangladesh and did not intend to impose his viewpoint on anyone. (Agencies)

It is only through sheer hard work and strong determination that success can be achieved.

A 15-year-old Bastab Tapan Bordoloi from Assam’s Jorhat district made the nation proud by bagging five gold medals and a silver at the recently concluded South Asian Aquatic Championship (SAAC) in Sri-Lanka.

An aqua phobic since childhood, Bastab was encouraged by his parents to take up swimming. He started swimming at the age of nine and bagged his maiden medal (silver) in All Assam State Level Championship in 2012.

He was the only swimmer from the northeast region who participated in six events at the championship.

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“It was a tough competition because the swimmers from the SAARC nations were all very good and I tried to give my best so that I win. I competed in 6 events and won golds in 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 4x100 mix relay, 4x100 freestyle relay and 4x200 freestyle relay and

Top 5 Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

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Price -

The initiative to “resolve the Naga

PTI New Delhi, Nov 5

The ongoing Naga peace talks have made good progress and the decade-long insurgency issue will be resolved to the greatest satisfaction of all, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.

Addressing the annual event of the Naga Students Union, Delhi (NSUD) here, Singh said the central government was confident that enduring peace in Naga areas is not far away.

"The initiative to resolve the Naga issue, for once and all, to the greatest satisfaction of Naga people has made good progress in the last two years," he said.

A 'Framework Agreement' was signed on August 3, 2015

by NSCN-IM general secretary T Muivah and the Centre's interlocutor for Naga talks R N Ravi in the presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home

issue, for once and all, to the greatest satisfaction of Naga people has made good progress in the last two years," he said.

Minister. The pact settled the political parameters of the final solution.

The signing of the agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations that spanned 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed.

The Home Minister said the government is committed to ensure that Naga people have their rightful honour, dignity

and pride of place, while blaming the colonial legacy for many of the problems faced by people of the Northeast.

"My dear friends, this city is yours. And it is the duty of the government to help you feel the ownership," he said.

"In order to make you and other friends from the Northeast feel safe and secure in Delhi, I have created a Special Cell in Delhi Police headed by a Joint Police

5.00

Commissioner from the Northeast to address your dayto-day security concerns.

"I have a Minister from North-East in the Home Ministry, Kiren Rijiju ji, who can understand your problems and relate with you better," Singh said.The Home Minister said many of the problems that the Northeast region faces today is rooted in the legacy of the colonial rule.

"The British rulers, for their commercial and political interests, created a divide between the hills and the plains people. They occupied all the lands along the foothills that connected the two people for tea, oil and coal industries.

They broke the several thousand years of civilisational continuum of co-existence," he said. He said the British rulers also created "emotional distance" between the two by "fabricating and giving currency to mischievous myths" about each others. " Contd. on Page 3

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PAGE 11

SHRI SUJIT GHOSH FROM TRIPURA HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR GLOBAL YOUTH AWARD 2016 FROM INDIA.

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Naga issue to be resolved once and for all: Rajnath

CM: “Indigenous minority communities are sons of the soil and there is no need for them to be afraid of any political discourse”; Expressed Govt’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5

“The indigenous minority communities are sons of the soil and there is no need for them to be afraid of any political discourse”, commented Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today while interacting with the leadership of indigenous minority organizations of the state in the conference hall of Assam Secretariat.

The Chief Minister said that any discourse may take place in the political arena but the indigenous minority people being the sons of the soil should not be swayed away or be afraid of any such discussion. Instead he called upon them for devoting their energy for positive works and overall development of the state. The Chief Minister further said that the Government believes in inclusive development and is committed to ensure “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.

“Government is committed to develop Team Assam involving all communities living in the state and will safeguard the indigenous

CM Sarbananda Sonowal minority communities from all threats”, Sonowal asserted.

Stating that Government doesn’t want to create any doubt in the minds of the indigenous minority, the Chief Minister expressed that it will work for ensuring equal opportunity and upholding fundamental rights and constitutional safeguard for them.

The Chief Minister also urged the indigenous minority community to play a bigger role in the developmental activities in the state and to act as a major stakeholder in the functioning of the Government.

Stressing on the need for joint effort by the majority and minority community of the state for upholding harmony, understanding and fraternity amongst all, Sonowal further appealed the leadership of the organizations to give impetus to build compassionate and tolerant society and vowed for working with dedication for equal development of all indigenous people.

The interaction programme was attended by around forty indigenous minority organizations of the state representing Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain community. Each of the organizations submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister and unanimously raised demands for survey of their respective communities for identification and constitutional safeguard.

The interaction programme was attended by state Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Assam Rajesh Prasad, President of BJP Minority Forum Mominul Awal and BJP Spokesperson Rupam Goswami among others.

Hayuliang by-polls: Dansanglu Experts vouch for global efforts and use of technology to tackle flooding and erosion caused by brahmaputra river Pul(BJP) and independent candidate Yompi Kri to lock horns A staff reporter Guwahati, Nov 5

A staff reporter Itanagar, 5 Nov: With November 5 marked as the last date of withdrawal of candidature for the byelections to 45-Hayuliang, the office of the Chief Electoral Commissioner informed that Dansanglu Pul from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and independent candidate Yompi Kri are in the fray for the bye-elections. The other candidates who had filed nominations included Lapalum Kri from the Indian National Congress and Konteso Kri, another independent candidate.The by-

Assam boy bags five gold medals in South Asia Aquatic Championship, aims 2020 Tokyo Olympic ANI Guwahati, Nov. 5

Dibrugarh, Sunday, November 6, 2016

election will be a straight contest between the BJP and independent candidates, and all necessary arrangements are being looked after by the District Administration for smooth conduct of poll.

Accordingly, the Election Commission of India has deployed two Election Observers, Suparna Das Ahamad as the General Observer, and can be contacted at 09436435021/ 09830141712. The other is Vinayak Azad, who is the Expenditure Observer, and can be contacted at 09436435031/ 09811302391.

Both the observers are currently staying in Ampani

Lodge (Government Circuit House), Khupa, at Hayuliang, and will oversee that the Model Code of Conduct is strictly in place at the district.

Though earlier polls in Anjaw district were conducted peacefully, necessary steps have been taken to deploy sufficient security forces since the district is located in international border.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Arunachal Pradesh has appealed to the voters of Anjaw district to maintain the same spirit, which was done in earlier occasions and cooperate with the election machinery for smooth conduct of poll.

Annual Winter Sports Meet concludes at VKV, Kharsang

silver medal in 100m butterfly,”Bastab told ANI. The event brought together participants from six countries - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka - in Colombo.

“I started practicing in a pool under Jorhat swimming society and my coaches helped me in practicing. In indoors I broke a national record and now my ultimate goal is to represent India in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and also represent India in Asian games and bring laurels for the nation,” he added.

Before participating in the SAAC championship, Bastab underwent an extensive practice at the Talkatora stadium and India camp in New Delhi.

Support from his parents made Bastab achieve his dream and represent India on an international platform.

“I was really excited the day when he achieved gold in the 50 meter freestyle.

Contd. on Page 3

Lomhom Tangha, Kharsang, 5 Nov: The ongoing Annual Winter Sports Meet was concluded today at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kharsang, district Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh. It may be noted that Annual Winter Sports Meet is held every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of the Vivekananda institutes across the nation.

On the final day of the sports meet, the final football match was played between Siang and Subansiri houses. Siang House won the final by defeating Subansiri by a 4-0 margin.

The Badminton single( senior group) was clinched by Miss Nang Wati Mein while the double badminton (boys) went to Sri ChaNge Ngemu and Noksey Sapong.

In another category, Miss

Saracho Sena of Kameng house bagged first prize in long jump(Senior group). On the other hand, Yumniang Kongkang of Lohit house bagged the first prize in 1500 mtrs race; Noksey Sapong of Lohit house came first in shot put, Awemso Mam of Kameng house bagged first prize in discuss throw, Nginwan Tangha of Kameng house bagged first prize in long jump( Junior category) and finally volley ball title was won by Subansiri house and Siang house came second. With this, the highest points were accumulated by Kameng house and the Lohit house came second in the overall points’ tally chart.

However, the distribution of prizes will be done on the occasion of 103rd Birth Anniversary of Late Eknath Ranade on 19th November 2016, who was the founder of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidhyalaya.

A host of distinguished experts including some from IITs and Indian Institute Science (IISc), Bangalore have vouched for global efforts and use of suitable modern technology in effective tackling of the perennial problem of flood and erosion in Assam valley due to the mighty Brahmaputra River.

The conglomerate of experts while participating in a seminar at held as a part of North East Festival on “Flood and Erosion of Brahmaputra”, were in agreement that the complex nature Brahmaputra River and its international status demands a holistic approach with engagement of best brains in the world for finding a solution to the problem of flood and erosion

posed by the river.

The seminar was initiated

by Assam Water Resources department and held in presence of the minister of the department Keshab Mahanta at the conference hall of Indira Gandhi Centre for Arts (IGNCA) here on Saturday.

The seminar was moderated by Editor, `Amar Asom’ Prasanta Rajguru, who also raised some pertinent issues. Chief organizer of North East Festival, Shyam Kanu Mahanta while welcoming the distinguished speakers mentioned that the resolutions of the seminar would be submitted to the Prime Minister in the form of a memorandum. “We have to create a situation to bring in best brains on the globe to treat flood and erosion problem of Brahmaputra as a global

challenge and find sustainable and lasting solution. It is a challenge to expertise available in the country.

Brahmaputra River has to be a global heritage destination,” said Professor Chandan Mahanta of the IIT, Guwahati.

“The predicament is that we don’t know the river properly because we haven’t adopted a holistic approach to tackle it.

The fire-fighting approach adopted so far to tackle the problem hasn’t helped at all.

Dredging Corporation of India should consult stakeholders and experts before embarking on dredging of the river with World Bank fund,” Prof.

Mahanta commented.

Professor Arup Sharma of the IIT, Guwahati observed that the flood and erosion problem of Brahmaputra River had been intensified due to prevalence of highest water

resources potential and lowest utilization percentage and it might further increase due to impact of climate change and high temporal variation. He underlined the need of conservation of soil through effective watershed management, setting up of multi-purpose storage reservoirs upstream thereby to regulate the course of the river for augmenting seasonal flow, optimal ecological management practice for mitigating the problem. And for that to happen, he said, “coordination among all the North-eastern states is a must”.

Noted columnist and human rights champion Sanjoy Hazarika who has worked extensively on Brahmaputra River and basin Contd. on Page 3

Security forces operation exposes dark timber business behind closed door in digboi forest division; one arrest made Laxman Sharma Digboi, Nov 5

In what can be described as death kneel shrouding the world famous evergreen rain forest under Digboi Division of Tinsukia District in Upper Assam, the very existence of the global status of the said flora kingdom has been under constant potential threat after the security forces during a recent Counter Insurgency Operation recovered huge matured logs in Tinkupani Reserve Forest under Digboi Division which were about to be transported to Arunachal Pradesh through marine ways.

According to confirmed sources, the ghastly episode of the destruction of ecology and unabated felling of the rare species of matured timber logs were carried out unabated in an intense form employing several elephants and the raw materials were being transported illegally to nearby Jairampur based timber mills that processed the logs and sale the timber across the border to make easy money. However, the joint security forces of Jagun and Lekhapani during a counter-insurgency operation unveils the real monstrous jaws of the miscreants involved in constant felling of the resources would never

be possible without the support of the forest Department in Assam.

Meanwhile, with the active assistance of the security forces, one identified as Hotoi Sema of Tingkupather Village under Lekhapani Police Station was arrested and prosecuted u/s 24, 25, 40 and 41 of FR Act 1891. Several temporary huts and camps erected by the miscreants to exploit the nature’s resources day and night were destroyed by security forces. According to eye witness, 9 elephants were employed in the gruesome episode. More than 15 logs were seized by the forest departments till the filling of this report due to inaccessible geographical location. Adding yet another similar worst chapter to the division, several matured logs were recovered from Saraipung Reserve Forest recently without any arrest.

According to reports, combing operation is being carried out till the filling of this report in the already depleted belt from where 2 smugglers were arrested on Friday morning with wildlife parts in their possession.

Again surfacing several perverted questions of the department’s administrative and security efficiency, constant reports of illegal felling of timber from Lakhipather Resreve Forest

have been pouring in till this morning. The mysterious role of the forest department to this effect has stunned the local people across the division which according to them might have ceded the division the hands of the miscreants on lease basis.

According to some in-house sources, the Rangers across the division have been taking undue advantage of the new DFO Bipul Borah who might have been misled or taken him into confidence making him a molecule of the entire corrupt chain. The sources even added much to the surprise that an employee was asked by higher authority to release the two smugglers arrested on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, the employees including the rangers hardly bother to attend their duties even if the incidents are reported.

The lethargical functioning of the department has simply boosted the morale of the miscreants including the smugglers trading on timber and other forest products to carry on their ugly profession unabated. However, when asked about the discouraging scenario of the Division, Bipul Borah the DFO who took over couple of months back told that several logs were recovered and seized from the Tinkupani RF and the process was on till the

filling of this report beside adding that due to shortage of manpower and inaccessible geographical location infected with militants, the department has been facing constraints in delivering its best. However, according to him, a joint meeting was held to this effect this morning with C Loma the DFO Nampong, Taba Kamshi the Ranger Jairampur, T Mali the Ranger Namphai at the DFO office Digboi wherein it was decided that the Inter-State joint forces of the forest Department would ensure constant patrolling in the vulnerable areas to check the menace of felling timber and other illegal activities.

The hurdles and impediments on both sides were also discussed which obstructs the departments in realizing the desirable outputs despite having inputs on hand. Meanwhile, the nature’s lovers and local environmentalist expressed concern over the current unhealthy developments within the Division and termed the phenomenon as ‘death knell shrouding the entire green belt in the division’ at which the Assam Forest Department headed by Pramila Rani Bramah has been maintaining a mysterious silence even when the ruthlessness to nature has reached its zenith.

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Doomdooma town gears up for Chhat Puja

Issue 110

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

P2 Leopard brutally killed in Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 5: An adult leopard which has been causing terror was brutally killed by infuriated villagers at Rangajan village near Duliajan in Dibrugarh district on Friday. According to locals, the big cat has been preying on livestock of people in the area for the past several weeks. On Friday morning, a local Lalan Singh while on his way to work came face to face with the leopard which jumped on him. Alerted by his cries, other people came out and chased the animal. While trying to escape the leopard got entangled in thick bushes. The angry crowd surrounded the animal and repeatedly struck it with sticks and sharp weapons till it died. Singh who suffered injuries has been admitted to a nearby hospital.

Locals said that the leopard had killed a goat in the area

Manoj Kumar Ojha Doomdooma, Nov 5: The Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat was vacant after Sarbananda Sonowal was elected as the new CM of Assam at the Rajya Sabha election. Several political parties have already started their campaigning for the night before. The carcass was later brought to the Dibrugarh range forest office for an autopsy.

According to forest officials, in the last 2 years, several leopards have been killed in human-animal conflicts in Dibrugarh district.

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

HOROSCOPE Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

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

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

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

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

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

Today you should feel especially warm and loving toward everyone close to you, Leo, particularly a love partner. You may want to spend some time with friends or family or schedule a romantic evening with your significant other or both. If you have paperwork to take care of, this is the day to do it. You're particularly practical and feeling good, so the drudgery won't get you down.

Stimulating conversations could take place with partners of all sorts, Virgo, from business to exercise to romantic. Some new and useful information could come your way that you will want to explore further. This is a great day to execute legal papers or enter into any kind of agreement or commitment.

It's a good time to sign up for a class or workshop.

Make good use of the energies of the day.

Libra

Today you should be feeling especially warm and loving toward close friends and children, Libra. You could also especially appreciate the arts.

You might attend a play or concert or decide to try your hand at one of the fine arts yourself. In the evening, go out and enjoy your friends' company.

Celebrate just being together!

Scorpio

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

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Loksabha Election campaign begins at Doomdooma

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

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

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

Aquarius

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

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

Pisces

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

Habitat loss and the lack of wild prey are the most common reason for the escalation in man-leopard conflict conflicts. Unlike other carnivores which prefer to remain deep inside the forests, the habitat of leopards lies in the fringe areas of forests and with fast shrinking of forest cover, they strays into human settlement in search of food.

the bi -election.

Devavarta Saikia of Congress played the bugle of election campaign here with many others. On the other hand CM Sonowal is likely to address an election meeting in Doomdooma town field on 9th of November.

APDCL opens new complaint number ET Corredpondent Jorhat, Nov 5: Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL) opens new complain number for their customers of Jorhat informed by a

press release on Saturday. Now customers can dial 1912 for any complaints relating power distribution.

Customers can also dial 0361 2313082 or 2313069 in alternative.

Sankardev Vidyapith High School celebrates Golden Jubilee Celebration; commemorates Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s 5th Death Anniversary

Artist singing the Song Manuhe Manuhor Vabe today at Dr Bhupen Hazarika 5th Death Anniversary.

Mithun Baruah Margherita, 5 Nov: Ledo Sankardev Vidyapith High School celebrated its Golden Jubilee Celebration with pomp and splendour. The School has coincided the celebration with the commemoration of 5th Death Anniversary of World Renowned Singer and Assam Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika where 500 Artists from different communities sang "Manuhe Manuhor Vabe" at the School field premises. The programme be-

gan with the lightning of lamp sanctifying the port r a i t o f D r. B h u p e n Hazarika by Jagat Changmai President of the O rg a n i z i n g C o m m i t t e e .

The portrait was garlanded

by Robin Sharma President of Cultural Departure of the Organizing Committee.

It was followed by prize money Drawing Competition for the school children.

After the drawing competition 500 Artists sang the Song "Manuhe Manuhor Vabe" where artists from different communities per-

formed it. Tinsukia District level Bhupendra Sangeet prize money competition was held which was inaugurated by Lohit Gogoi, a noted singer of Assam.

Nang Supati Pomung Mili Headmistress of Ledo Sankardev Vidyapith High School and Chief General Secretary of the Organizing Committee at the evening lighted the lamps. It might be noted that Ledo Sankardev Vidyapith High School is the only Assamese medium School in Ledo region.

Dibrugarh varsity to start course on Bhupen Hazarika Sanskar Bharati observes fifth death Dibrugarh, Nov 5: In a bid to pay tribute to the legendary singer of Assam, Bhupen Hazarika, the Dibrugarh University (DU) is all set to start a course on the balladeer from the next academic session.

DU vice-chancellor Alak Kumar Buragohain announced the commencement of the course on Friday on the fifth death anniversary of the music maestro on Saturday.

"Our university has decided to start a course on Bhupen Hazarika at the post-graduate level. The syllabus is ready. Not only local students, students from abroad too can learn about the life and times of Hazarika. They can acquaint themselves with the vast repertoire of his creations," said Buragohain on the sidelines of a programme organized by the All Assam Students'

Union to release an audio compilation of Hazarika's evergreen songs sung by college and university students. The course will start from July next under the aegis of Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centrefor Studies in Performing Arts.

Buragohain recollected the days when the icon would move from one corner of Assam to another dousing the flames of hatred ignited by communal and ethnic clashes. A young Hazarika was then an activist of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and his heart-wrenching songs were a balm for troubled minds.

Buragohain said Hazarika's political philosophy is yet to be explored fully.

"He may not have received the Nobel prize, but even such an honour would have been a small recognition for him," the vice-chancellor said.

The icon's close aide Lakhi Goswami gave a clarion call to the young generation to follow the ideals of the balladeer through which he united people even in the most difficult of times. The turmoil the state experienced during the language stir and subsequent communal clashes were a dark period in the state's history when a singer like Hazarika emerged as a figure of peace. "It is rare to find such a man. He believed in simplicity despite being such a big name," Goswami said.

She recollected her student days when they had invited Hazarika to Darrang College for a social. The students were delirious to see the singer, she remembered. Hazarika, who was inclined to the Communist ideology, was an icon for the student community.

(Agencies)

Sports ATPA SHEILD: Stunning ASEB ; Milanjyoti enter semis ET Correspondent, Jorhat, Nov 5: Stunning the five time ATPA Sheild Champion ASEB underdog Milanjyoti Sangha enters the semi final of the tournament in a high voltage match held here in Jorhat Stadium today. Milanjyoti edged past their opponent with a 4-2 final score. With this win Milanjyoti Sangha has pushed themselves to the semi final of the tournament.

With full of experience players ASEB was able to keep pressure on Milanjyoti Sangha in the first half, but was unable to score goals due to lack of finishing move.

As the second half started, Milan Jyoti Sangha, played their best football they ever had. Both the team ended up without scoring in ninety minutes.

The match concluded with 4-2 in the tiebreaker. Milan Jyoti

Sangha Sailen Saikia, Bohi Bora, Rajeev Karmaker and Gautam Telenga scored in the tiebreaker, while ASEB Rakesh Das and Emmanuel Hammer were able to score.

It had to mention that, since nineties, Milanjyoti Sangha is the only team which was able to enter in the Semi Final of the ATPA. Tomorrow Borbheta Sports Club, another team from Jorhat, will face Moran Town Club.

Cinema Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1 "DR STRANGE 3D " 1ST show at10:00 AM "SHIVAAY" 2ND show at 12:10 PM "AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL " 3RD show at 03:15 PM "DR STRANGE 3D" 4th show at 06:05 PM "SHIVAAY" 5th show at 08:15 PM

anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika

Students sung Atankbaad Husiaar’ of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at Chowkidinghee field in Dibrugarh on Saturday. Pic: Manoj Pandey.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 5: Sanskar Bharati, Dibrugarh branch today observed the fifth death anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika here at Chowkidinghee field. Altogether, 31 schools participated in the programme and sung Dr Hazarika’s song which reverberates in the entire field.

Dr Nagen Saikia, former president of Assam Sahitya Sabha,

Lahowal MLA Rituparna Baruah and Ashim Kumar Dutta paid homage to the late cultural icon.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nagen Saikia lauded the effort of Dr Hazarika creating awareness among the people through his songs. Saikia said that terrorism is killing the whole humanity and it is the duty of every citizen to stand against ter-

rorism.

Bhupen Hazarika was known widely for his songs on unity in humanity. His works received much recognition in national and international level with many awards to his name.

The song ‘Atankbaad Husiaar’ penned by Bhupen Hazarika was sung by the school student which reverberates in the entire field. The song was set to music by Nanda Banerjee.

FIR against Himanta Dibrugarh, Nov 5: The Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti(SMSS), student's wing of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti(KMSS), on Friday lodged an FIR against health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accusing him of fanning communal tension by his controversial comments.

Lakhyajyoti Gogoi, Tinsukia district president of SMSS, filed the case at Tinsukia police station. Lakhyajyoti demanded the arrest saying that he has transgressed on the fundamental rights of people safeguarded by the Constitution through his communal remarks.

SMSS activists also staged a protest in front of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) office in Guwahati demanding a CBI probe into the alleged scams under the commission while conducting entrance tests in the last few years. (Agencies)

Zonal meet of phytopathology society Jorhat, Nov 5: The northeast chapter of Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi, on Friday began its zonal meeting with a two-day-long programme at Assam Agricultural University (AAU).

A national seminar on facilitating a shift from

chemo-centric to organic mode of plant health management in the northeast was also held. About 100 research papers will be presented by scientists of various institutes of the country. As part of the programme, a contest for Prof. MJ Narasimham Merit Academic Award on

original research will also be held.

The event was inaugurated by AAU vice chancellor K M Bujarboruah.

A separate interactive session with farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs was also conducted after the technical sessions.

(Agencies)

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Teok Unit of AASSU paid homage during the 5th Death Anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Pic. Nirmalendu Pathak

Manoj Kumar Ojha Doomdooma, Nov 5:The former BJP MLA Dilip Moran of Doomdooma constituency has declared in a Press Conference that he will contest for Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency for the newly organized political party named , "Dristi ".

Moran had left the party recently. It is noteworthy that in the State assembly poll he had lost the seat with a short margin and the Congress MLA Durga Bhumij had won the seat

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

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CM Khandu calls on Union Pasighat-Kareng ghat passenger vehicle service to resume Finance Minister A Staff Reporter Pasighat, Nov 5: Passenger vehicle services from Pasighat to Kareng (Bogibeel) ferry ghat in Assam, which was discontinued a couple of years ago, would be resumed from November 6.

New Delhi Nov 05: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today called on Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and had a detailed fruitful discussion on all issues of the state.

Discussing on various issues confronting the state, the Chief Minister submitted a detailed memorandum inviting attention to various developmental aspects of the state and the coordinated support required from the central government. The memorandum included developmental issues, pay commission, infrastructure development apart from financial liabilities.

Khandu informed Jaitley that the present government has inherited huge liabilities of previous several years. He said the situation has been further

The decision was taken after a joint meeting held under the aegis of AdiMising Baane Kebang (AMBK) at Kulajan (Silapthar) in Dhemaji district of Assam.

Operation of Winger and CM Khandu calls on Union Finance Minister aggravated by the fact that several schemes of the Government of India now stood delinked, the burden of implementation of which has fallen upon the state government.

Giving a patient hearing for half an hour, Finance Minister was considerate about the issues of Arunachal and assured full support.

While extending his gratitude to Jaitley for

sanctioning National Film Institute for the state, Khandu invited him to lay the foundation stone of the prestigious insitution. Jaitley is likely to visit for the same after the Parliament session.

Joint team of ITBP and IMF reach Mt Kangto base

Joint team of ITBP and IMF reach Mt Kangto base Seppa, Nov 5: The joint team of ITBP and Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi successfully scaled the base of Mt Kangto along IndoChinaBorder on October 21

last. The team started their expedition from BOP (54 BN ITBP), Bameng and reached the base of Mt Kangto via Upper Liyak-Lada-Besai villages, covering a distance of more

than 50 kms.

Mt Kangto with an altitude of 7042 meters is the highest peak in the state. Covered by snow throughout the year, it is the source of Pachuk River, one of the main tributaries of Kameng River. All earlier attempts by any party or group to reach the base of Mt Kangto had proved futile.

On reaching the base, the team unfurled the National Flag. En route the base, the team organized series of medical camps at various villages. They diagnosed and distributed free medicines to the villagers. As reported by the team, the villagers were very cooperative and accommodative. They further acknowledged and ex-

AUFC lifts EK Veterans' Football c'ship 2016

AUFC lifts EK Veterans' Football c'ship 2016 A Staff Reporter Seppa, Nov 05: Arunachal United Football Club (AUFC) today won the second East Kameng Veteran's Football Championship, 2016.

In a thrilling final played at Seppa general ground, AUFC beat ATA-XI by 4-2 goals.

ATA took the lead through Judi Bagang (jersey no 7) in the 14th minute of the match.

It doubled lead when Samo Flago scored in the dying moments of the first half.

The half time brought luck for the AUFC as it netted four goals, one after another to not only equalize but overhaul

Assam boy bags five gold medals in South Asia Aquatic Championship, aims 2020 Tokyo Olympic Contd. from Page 1

I could not express how happy I am as it feels really overwhelming that he made it to the international level as it is a big deal to compete and won in the international level. It is really tough competition but it gives me immense pride that he won medals for our country,” said Bastab’s father

Tapan Bordoloi.

As part of appreciation for his achievement, Jorhat Aquatic Society along with the sports club awarded Bastab with a Phulon Gamosa, bouquets, citation and a cheque worth INR 50,000.

This young boy now aims to compete more in international tournaments with a view to bring more laurels to the country.

(ANI)

ATA lead.

Taja Bonung scored in the 56th minute to breathe life into the final. Dojum Nomuk's excellent solo goal in the 65th minute to equalized the match.

Gyamar Jill and Kage Dodum scored a goal each in 73rd and 83rd minutes of the match respectively to seal the match.

AUFC walked home with a trophy and cash award of Rs 50,000 for winning the final while ATA-XI had to contend with Rs 30,000 and a runnerup trophy.

EKVFC 2016 match commissioner, Satrughan Gungli informed that Taja Bonung of AUFC was the highest scorer of the tournament while best goalkeeper award went to Sanghi Cheda of ATA-XI. AUFC's Dojum Nomuk was adjudged the best player of the tournament, Gungli added.

pressed gratitude to the district administration led by i/c DC Tamuna Messar for the logistics support provided in terms of ration and porters.

“Now the route from Besai to the base of Mount Kangto is explored and opened, it would provide immense opportunity in the development of eco and adventure-tourism in this area,” the team leader said.

The expedition team comprising of more than 50 personnel and porters was led by Deputy Commandant (ITBP) Hari Singh along with Assistant Commandants (ITBP) Shiv Prasad Sati and Dinesh Negi, and commanded by MS Rawat, IG (ITBP), North East Frontier, Itanagar. (Agencies)

New Delhi Nov, 05: Adding another feather on its cap, the border state of Arunachal Pradesh was conferred the Most Improved Small State award in terms of Infrastructure development by the media giant India Today in its 14th India Today State of the States Conclave 2016 here at a City Hotel yesterday.

It may be recalled that the state has received a similar award from India Today in the year 2013 for most improved small states' category, in investment sector, macro economy and overall performance.

While thanking India Today Group for honouring Arunachal with the prestigious award, Chief Minister Pema Khandu dedicated the award to the people of the state.

He believed that this award is the outcome of hard work put in my numerous bureaucrats, technocrats, panchayat

ness through IEC and interpersonal communication of the schemes, Mission Director (NHM) PN Thungon called for ensuring qualitative and comprehensive antenatal service to every pregnant woman at designated health facilities.

PMSMA will be initially introduced in District Hospitals and extended to CHCs and PHCs in phase wise manner.

PMSMA was launched on June 9 this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an objective to boost health care facilities for pregnant women specially poor women by fixing 9th of every month as antenatal care service day by providing them with comprehensive and quality care, informed Nodal Officer (MCH) Dr. T Natung.

Senior doctors, nodal officers and staff of family welfare and National Health Mission attended the launching ceremony.

Naga issue to be resolved once and for all: Rajnath Contd. from Page 1

The government of India is committed to ensure that the Naga people have their rightful honour, dignity and pride of place. I know that India cannot be happy if our Naga brothers and sisters are unhappy. India cannot be great unless our Naga brothers and sisters share this sense of greatness," he asserted.

The Home minister said the government is making Delhi Police increasingly sensitive toward the security needs of the people from the Northeast.

"Delhi Police has recruited over 450 smart young boys and girls

from the Northeast in the last one year. We want to further increase the number. In the current recruitment drive of Delhi Police, over 6,000 young women and over 28,000 young men from the Northeast have applied," he noted. "If you have any suggestion that may strengthen your sense of security, feel free to bring it to my notice. I will do my best," he assured the community. Singh rued that Naga freedom fighters were not remembered often after Independence, while also lauding the contribution of the community in building of a modern nation.

"It is indeed unfortunate

The vehicle owners of Kulajan had restricted ferry ghat bound

Arunachali vehicles beyond Kulajan from where the passengers had to board in other vehicles to reach the ferry ghat.

The unhealthy practice caused great incontinences to Arunachalee passengers and they finally approached AMBK for an amicable solution to the problem.

The AMBK, the apex body of Adi and Mising communities convened a joint meeting of various community based orga-

nizations and Mini Vehicle Owner Associations at Kulajan on November 3 last.

The meeting chaired by AMBK vice president Majit Pao resolved the issue on condition that only four Arunachalee vehicles will ply ‘to and fro’ along the route in a day.

As such, ‘East Siang Maxi Cab Association’ will resume operation of Omni vehicle along Pasighat-Kareng ghat from November 6 next.

Arunachal Pradesh was conferred the Most Improved Small State award

PMSMA–Scheme for pregnant women launched A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 5: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), a new intervention to ensure quality antenatal care to pregnant women was launched by Special Secretary Prince Dhawan at the National Health Mission Office, Naharlagun on Friday.

PMSMA is a new and one of the many initiatives of the Government of India to boost healthcare facilities for pregnant women, Dhawan said while highlighting the aims and objective of the scheme.

PMSMA has the potential to deliver comprehensive and quality antenatal care services to each and every pregnant woman thereby, reducing maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities, he said and emphasized on the role of ASHA workers and ANMs in effective implementation of scheme.

Stressing on creating aware-

other vehicles carrying Arunachalee passengers to Dibrugarh and other parts of Assam was ceased due to objection from the vehicle owners from Kulajan, who operate their vehicles in between Kulajan and Kareng ghat. It was alleged that indiscriminate operation of passenger vehicles between Pasighat and Kereng ghat hampered their business.

that after Independence, for long, we did not adequately appreciate and remember the countless Naga freedom fighters like Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu who gave up their lives for freedom fighting the British," he said.

"Naga freedom fighters, veteran parliamentarians, o u t s t a n d i n g administrators and intellectuals have made and are making remarkable contributions to building a modern India," he said.

Appreciating the "rich and vibrant" Naga culture, he described NSUD as a glorious example of community support to the people from the region.

Arunachal Pradesh was conferred the Most Improved Small State award leaders, public leaders, students and the entire 14 lakhs population of the state who have supported the government in all spheres.

During the panel discussion on infrastructure development, Khandu said that his Government was committed for a robust connectivity in the state

with equal emphasis to road, air, rail and digital connectivity. He informed the gathering on various infrastructure development undertaken in the state and also unveiled his future plans of growth in tourism industry, hydropower, industrial and investment corridors for Arunachal Pradesh.

He also made a special mention on sports infrastructure being created to nurture youths for sports curriculum besides laying emphasis on social sectors like health, education and basic utility services.

The award was given away by Union Minister for Finance Arun Jaitley to CM Pema Khandu.

DA organizes social service to make "Pasighat- a clean city" A Staff Reporter Pasighat Nov, 05: A social service programme was organized today by the Protocol Branch, DC's office in collaboration with staffs of PWD at Siang Guest House, Circuit House and Inspection Bungalow, Pasighat.

The was co-participated

by Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk, MEO Ainstein Koyu, DIO Devaraj Thiyam, PMC Member Secretary Tani Taloh and workers of Pasighat Municipal Council.

The main theme of the programme was to "instill civic sense of keep-

ing a clean and green surrounding". The massive garbage which was lying at the backyard of Siang Guest house for past several months was also lifted by PMC workers.

A documentary video programme on "cleanliness and waste management" was also arranged at the conference hall of Siang Guest house, which was attended by all the participants of the event after completion of the social service.

Addressing the gathering at the conference hall, Shania Mize, CO cum Protocol Officer, urged upon every stake holder of the three buildings to

practice cleanliness on a daily basis.

In her deliverance, the protocol officer said that maintenance of building infrastructure; cleanliness and hygiene and hospitality management are to be given prime importance as people from various districts, states and countries take shelter/halt at these three guest houses on their visit to East Siang district.

"Pasighat- a clean city" this sobriquet can be synergistically earned by examples set by every stakeholders of the society, she added.

Experts vouch for global efforts and use of technology to tackle flooding and erosion caused by brahmaputra river Contd. from Page 1

people’s life commented that the approach to mitigate flood and erosion must not focused only on controlling the river which at the same time must be allowed to live. He did not approve construction of dams and embankment as it would be detrimental to the natural flow of the river.

“Brahmaputra is an international river and tackling it only in Assam will hardly serve the purpose,” Hazarika said.

Professor M S Mohan Kumar of IISC, Bangalore prescribed extensive use of modern science and technology to collect abundant data of Brahmaputra River and its

fluid dynamics to understand it better before taking up holistic measures to mitigate the problem of flood and erosion. He suggested mathematical modelling of Brahmaputra, controlling tributaries and flow of sediments to the main channel, construction of mini/multi-purpose dams for irrigation and power generation, studying the geology related to the river. He pledged IISC’s participation, if required, in efforts to mitigate flood and erosion due to Brahmaputra.

Professor Nayan Sharma of IIT, Rookee dealt with possibility of use of several low-cost models to tackle Brahmaputra’s flood and erosion problem while the Director of National

Institute of Hydrology, Rookee, Prof R D Singh gave an elaborate presentation on how to go about in a holistic way to deal with the problem. He underlined the need for integrated flood management.

Secretary of Assam’s Water Resources Department, P Changkakoti said, “A model in the line of Makong River Commission was required to deal with Brahmaputra flood and erosion in a holistic manner”. Chief engineer of Brahmaputra Board, Dhrubajyoti Borgohain also rooted for a holistic approach instead of fire-fighting measures which has not helped much in deal with the problem.

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Cry to protect child rights in tea gardens Guwahati, Nov 5: Eightyear-old Tilti from the teaproducing district of Sivasagar, loves mathematics but she is not going to school any more. "I stay at home to look after my two-year-old brother Jesoi. My parents work in a tea garden. I fear they may marry me off soon," she said. Child marriages in tea gardens are common.

Hundreds of children living in the 800 or more tea gardens of the state, stare at an uncertain future. A recent study by the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) found that at least 75% of the children in tea gardens are school drop-outs.

"Only 10% of the gardens have creche facilities. The elder siblings are usually compelled to leave school to take care of the younger ones," said ASCPCR chairperson Runumi Gogoi. It's just not domestic compulsions most often that keep young minds away from schools. Nearly 80% of the tea gardens flout the Right to Education Act along with non-implementation of the Plantations Labour Act. "Teachers stay away, there are no proper toilets.

Girls have to go for open defection. The health centre doesn't have enough medicines. Why can't we have basic amenities?" asked several children who attended a twoday meet, "National conference on rights of children in the tea-gardens of Assam", here on Friday organised by ASCPCR in collaboration with the state labour department, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Unicef, Assam.

Chief secretary VK Pipersenia said, "The situation is unacceptable. The ASCPCR and NCPCR should come out with an action plan." (Agencies)

Cops seize explosives in Cachar Silchar, Nov 5: Police and CRPF in a joint operation seized RDX weighting 2.63 kg, 20 gelatin sticks, 10 detonators and nine feet wire from a passenger vehicle on Friday. One person was arrested in this connection.

A senior CRPF official said they were maintaining vigil in the area for the past few days on the basis of the report that miscreants may target government establishments at Sonai, a minority-dominated area in Cachar district.

(Agencies)

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CM Sonowal pays tribute to Dr. Bhupen In Assam, an RTI appeal Hazarika on his 5th death anniversary hearing may take 30 years

A Staff Reporte Guwahati, Nov 5: Reiterating that the ideals of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika would always act as a guiding light for the Assamese society, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today urged upon the young generation to emulate those ideals to be able to contribute meaningfully to the society. While paying tributes at the memorial of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at Jalukbari in the city today on the occasion of the cultural icon’s 5th death anniversary, Chief Minister Sonowal remembered Dr. Hazarika’s contribution in bringing the different communities and tribes of the state and the region together forming a strong bond of harmony and brotherhood.

“Transcending the boundaries of country and region, Dr Hazarika was able to establish Assamese identity on the global cultural map and introduced the world to the music and culture of the land. It was the dream of Dr Hazarika to build a greater Assamese society based on the humanitarian values and we must strive hard to realise his dreams following his ideals of universal brotherhood.”

Sonowal said.

top states in the country and also defend the age old unity and harmony of the Assamese society in the face newer challenges.

Saying that Dr Hazarika was the voice of the oppressed and downtrodden who always fought for justice and equality, Sonowal said that the government is mindful of the difficulties of the common people and has undertaken many activities for upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society.

Terming Dr Hazarika as a global icon similar to the stature of the likes of Paul Robson and Nelson Mandela, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the youth of the state must get inspired by the ideals of the cultural doyen to establish Assam among the

Saying that to compete at the world stage the youth of the state must aspire to achieve excellence at every field, Sonowal reiterated that discipline has to be practiced to become the best in one’s chosen area. At the same time in

the pursuit of excellence humanistic values cannot be compromised, he said.

Chief Minister Sonowal also attended a programme organised by Sanskar Bharati at Nehru Stadium in the city where more than 10 thousand students from various schools of the city and its nearby places sang a song titled “Atankabad Husiyar” (Terrorism Be Warned) written by Dr Hazarika.

Sonowal thanked the organisers for organising the song to be sung by more than 10 lakh students across the state as a strong message against terrorism.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Minister of Culture Naba Kumar Doley, MP R.P. Sharma were present on the occasion among others.

Legendary bard Dr. Bhupen Hazarika remembered by various organizations.

A Correspondent Tezpur, Nov 5: Several cultural and social organizations in and around Tezpur town including Tezpur Sahitya Shabha, Trimurty Uddyan, Baan Theatre, Jyoti Bharati (POKI), Jaimoti Sangha, Kawoimari Sankar Mandir and all the school and Colleges including Tezpur Government College of teachers Education, Tezpur College, Darrang College today commemorated the world acclaimed legendary bard sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by observing his 5th

death anniversary. At Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, the commemoration programme was started with rich tribute to the great singer by noted personalities including Deputy Commissioneer, Sonitpur Manuj Kumar Deka, state cabinet ministers, Ranjit Dutta and Pallab Luchan Das, cultural activists Krishna Das Nath, Arun Nath, Pankaj Bardoloi among others. Commemorating Dr. Bhupen Hazarika the Jaimati Sangha took out a huge human chain.

At Tezpur College of Teacher

Education the faculty members and trainee teachers paid rich tribune to the shudhakantha.

At Kawoimari under Thelamara PS some 20 km. away from here marking the day State Irrigation minister, Ranjit Dutta inaugurated a stage constructed in memory of the sudhakantha while a Dr. Bhupen Hazarika memorial Park come up near the stage was also inaugurated by eminent artist Loknath Goswami.

Taking part as chief guest of the programme, Secretary, Transport and Tourism, Gov-

ernment of Assam, Lalit Goigoi spoke on what role was played by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in building a greater Assamese society through his cultural effort. The event was presided over by social worker of the area, BK Nath. President, Kawoimari Sankar Mandir, Pankaj Kumar Nath gave welcome address. In connection with the programme a diha naam competition was also held which was followed by a special cultural function

by Jina Rajkumari and her group.

Hailakandi District Administration pays tributes to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Amarjyoti Borah Hailakandi, Nov 5: The Hailakandi District Administration observed the 5th death anniversary of music maestro Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in a befitting manner.

Paying floral tributes to Dr. Hazarika, Deputy Commissioner Moloy Bora said the doyen of music strengthened the bond of unity and amity between the people of Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys through his songs and creations.

Describing Dr. Hazarika as a ‘universal man’, Bora said, “Dr. Hazarika’s relevance is felt more than ever before. Though he is no more with us, he will continue to act as harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity and a great unifying factor as we march triumphantly to make Hailakandi as a leading district of the State in terms of progress and development.”

Exhorting upon the people to work in unison for a vibrant and resilient Assam, Bora said, “Dr. Hazarika will continue to act as a beacon of light. The lasting and fitting tribute we can pay to the radiant personality is to translate his ideals into reality.

And the possible best way to do it is to defeat the divisive forces and to eliminate the evils plaguing the society.”

Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent of Police, PranabjyotiGoswami said the minstrel’s heart-touching songs will continue to reverberate in the air and inspire and motivate the multitude among whom he mingled to work assiduously and conscientiously for the progress of the State in the days ahead.

Goswami said “Dr. Hazarika’s songs touched the inner recesses of one’s heart and will continue to do so for generations to come as ‘they celebrate

day-to-day life in its entirety”.

“Such is the intensity of his songs and its appeal that they will remain evergreen. His creations are relevant as they were 40-50 years ago simply because they guide us all along the way as we confront with varied life situations and provide us solutions to problems afflicting the society,” he quipped.

The SP said it is time to make a proper introspection of the creations of the multifaceted genius and to make them a way of life.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, FR Laskar said the doyen of culture was instrumental in catapulting the greater Assamese society into the world stage. “Like the great poet Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. BhupenHazarika too has made us feel proud of our rich culture by taking it to the international realm. Such geniuses are rarely born.”

Additional SP, Rajmohan Ray enlivened the proceedings by singing Dr. Hazarika’s hearttouching ‘manuae, manuar babe’ and described the manysided personality as ‘people’s minstrel’.The vote of thanks was offered by District Information & Public Relations Officer, SabirNishat. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ruth Lienthang, Assistant Commissioner, Rebecca L. Changsang and Senior Planning Officer, R. Das were present on the occasion.

Earlier, floral tributes were paid at the portrait of Dr. Hazarika by Deputy Commissioner, SP, senior officials and members of the public with songs of the bard reverberating in the air. The shadhanjali started with the lighting of the traditional lamp.

The day was observed solemnly at the open air stage at the block levels across the district.

Seminar on “Flood and Erosion of Brahmaputra” held A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: Effective tackling of the perennial problem of flood and erosion in Assam valley due to the mighty Brahmaputra River is only possible through global efforts and with use of suitable modern technology.

A host of distinguished experts including some from IITs and Indian Institute Science (IISC), Bangalore, while participating in a seminar on “Flood and Erosion of Brahmaputra” held here as part of North East Festival, were in agreement that the complex nature Brahmaputra River and its international status demanded a holistic approach with engagement of best brains in the world for finding a solution to the problem of flood and erosion posed by the river.

The seminar was initiated by Assam Water Resources department and held in presence of the minister of the department Keshab Mahanta at the conference hall of Indira Gandhi Centre for Arts

(IGNCA) here on Saturday. The seminar was cmoderated by Editor, `Amar Asom’ Prasanta Rajguru, who also raised some pertinent issues.

Chief organizer of North East Festival, Shyam Kanu Mahanta while welcoming the distinguished speakers mentioned that the resolutions of the seminar would be submitted to The Prime Minister in the form of a memorandum.

“We have to create a situation to bring in best brains on the globe to treat flood and erosion problem of Brahmaputra as a global challenge and find sustainable and lasting solution. It is a challenge to expertise available in the country.

Brahmaputra River has to be a global heritage destination,” said Professor Chandan Mahanta of the IIT, Guwahati.

“The predicament is that we don’t know the river properly because we haven’t adopted a holistic approach to tackle it.

The fire-fighting approach adopted so far to tackle the problem

hasn’t helped at all.

Dredging Corporation of India should consult stakeholders and experts before embarking on dredging of the river with World Bank fund,” Prof. Mahanta commented.

Professor Arup Sharma of the IIT, Guwahati observed that the flood and erosion problem of Brahmaputra River had been intensified due to prevalence of highest water resources potential and lowest utilization percentage and it might further increase due to impact of climate change and high temporal variation. He underlined the need to conservation of soil through effective water shed management, setting up of multi-purpose storage reservoirs upstream the course of the river for augmenting seasonal flow, optimal ecological management practice for mitigating the problem.

And for that to happen, he said, coordination among all the Northeastern states was a must.

Noted columnist and human rights champion Sanjoy Hazarika who

has worked extensively on Brahmaputra River and basin people’s life commented that the approach to mitigate flood and erosion must not focused only on controlling the river which at the same time must be allowed to live. He did not approve damming and embanking of the river as it would be detrimental to the natural flow of the river.

“Brahmaputra is an international river and tackling it only in Assam will hardly serve the purpose,” Hazarika said.

Professor M S Mohan Kumar of IISC, Bangalore prescribed extensive use of modern science and technology to collect abundant data of Brahmaputra River and its fluid dynamics to understand it better before taking up holistic measures to mitigate the problem of flood and erosion. He suggested mathematical modeling of Brahmaputra, controlling tributaries and flow of sediments to the main channel, construction of mini/multi-purpose dams for irrigation and power generation, studying the

geology related to the river. He pledged IISC’s participation, if required, in efforts to mitigate flood and erosion due to Brahmaputra.

Professor Nayan Sharma of IIT, Rookee dealt with possibility of use of several low-cost models to tackle Brahmaputra’s flood and erosion problem while the Director of National Institute of Hydrology, Rookee, Prof R D Singh gave an elaborate presentation on how to go about in a holistic way to deal with the problem. He underlined the need for integrated flood management.

Secretary of Assam’s Water Resources Department, P Changkakoti said a model in the line of Makong River Commission was required to deal with Brahmaputra flood and erosion in a holistic manner. Chief engineer of Brahmaputra Board, Dhrubajyoti Borgohain also rooted for an holistic approach instead of fire-fighting measures which haven’t helped much in deal with the problem.

New Delhi, Nov 5: If you file an RTI in Assam today, you could well have to wait for 30 years before you get a chance for an appeal to be heard by the information commissioner.

The wait to be heard at the West Bengal information commission is over 11years while in Kerala the pendency will force a wait for over seven years before an appeal is heard. A new study on the working of information commissions in 16 states shows the RTI Act's purpose of ensuring greater transparency is being throttled by the sheer pendency of 1.87 lakh cases as on December 2015.

Also, penalty has only been imposed in 1.3% of the cases, causing a potential loss of Rs 290cr that could have been recovered. Despite a rise in the number of information commissioners in the Central Information Commission, pendency has increased from 13 months to 22 months since 2014. A study of the performance of information commissioners is being carried by the Research Assessment and Analysis Group and Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the key findings don't bode well for the RTI act as matters have worsened since the last RTI study in 2014.

The waiting time in the Assam IC was two years eight months in 2014 and has now shot up to 30 years. West Bengal has improved its pendency cutting it down from 17 years 3 months to 11years and 3 months. But Kerala is worse off with pendency increase to seven years four months from two years three months in 2014. In nine of 16 ICs, the waiting period is over a year.The research also found that penalty was imposed only in a fraction of cases. The Act empowers ICs to impose penalties up to Rs 25,000 on erring public information officers for violations and is seen as a key provision that gives the law its teeth. Yet, it has been imposed in only 1.3% cases causing a loss of Rs 290 crore.

Across commissions an average of 59% orders recorded one or more violations. Of these, only in 24% cases did ICs issuednotices to PIOs. Also, penalty has only been imposed in 1.3% of the cases, causing a potential loss of Rs 290cr that could have been recovered. Despite a rise in the number of information commissioners in the Central Information Commission, pendency has increased from 13 months to 22 months since 2014. A study of

the performance of information commis sioners is being carried by the Research Assessment and Analysis Group and Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the key findings don't bode well for the RTI act as matters have worsened since the last RTI study in 2014.

The waiting time in the Assam IC was two years eight months in 2014 and has now shot up to 30 years. West Bengal has improved its pendency cutting it down from 17 years 3 months to 11years and 3 months. But Kerala is worse off with pendency increase to seven years four months from two years three months in 2014. In nine of 16 ICs, the waiting period is over a year.The research also found that penalty was imposed only in a fraction of cases. The Act empowers ICs to impose penalties up to Rs 25,000 on erring public information officers for violations and is seen as a key provision that gives the law its teeth. Yet, it has been imposed in only 1.3% cases causing a loss of Rs 290 crore.

Across commissions an average of 59% orders recorded one or more violations. Of these, only in 24% cases did ICs issuednotices to PIOs.(Agencies)

11th Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Nephrology held; Governor urges doctors to work selflessly for the impoverished sections of the society A Staff Correspondent Guwahati, November 05: Doctors should selflessly serve the poor and the needy as improving the health of the poor and needy will amount to improvement of overall health scenario in the State, observed Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit in the inaugural function of 11th Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Nephrology held at a city hotel on Friday evening.

Speaking on the occasion Governor Purohit lauded the efforts of the doctors for their service towards the society. He urged upon them to offer their services in the rural areas and to those who cannot afford better health care services. The profession of the doctors is a medium to serve the needy. “Stress and sedentary life style is the main cause of diabetes which if not controlled gives rise to nephrological problems. Adherence to the healthy lifestyle with regular exercises and yoga are the steps towards staying away from diabetes and ailments related to nephrology”, the Governor said.

He asked the doctors to render their services to generate mass awareness so that a de-

terrent society can be created for the prevention of all kinds of kidney diseases.

The Governor also asked the gathering to bring in transparency in professional and personal life, and called upon the delegates to practice highest degree of ethics and professionalism to bring in revolution in the health sector.

Purohit also said “I hope the deliberations taking place at IANCON-2016 gives a fillip to the treatment of nephrological problems. I, moreover, believe that the outcome of IANCON-2016 will ensure an enduring smile by creating a society imbued with scientific culture and the fruits of the conference should reach to the rural doctors. I extend my best wishes to the organiser for resounding success of IANCON-2016.”

President of Indian Academy of Nephrology, Dr. S.C. Dash said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very keen for development of health and he urged the Government to take up the issue of Chronic Kidney Disease patients for financial support.

Padmashree Dr. Sarbeshwar Saharia, Surgeon SIMS Hyderabad while speaking on the occasion said that the

prevalence of kidney diseases have increased globally in the 21st century and Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) is becoming a global epidemic. India has been marked as the diabetic capital of the world with more than 25 million diabetics which is predicted to be more than 57 million by 2025.

Secretary of Indian Academy of Nephrology Dr. Sanjay Kr. Agarwala also congratulated the organizers for drawing out an excellent scientific program mixing the basic topics with the advances in nephrology.

The Chairperson of North East Chapter of Indian Society of Nephrology Dr. Nandita Choudhury earlier in her welcome address said that this time Guwahati has been selected for the conference which is the gateway of the North Eastern Region. The conference would also encourage the research activities and would help to know the causes affecting the kidneys in the region. Director of Medical Education Dr. Anup Kumar Barman, Senior nephrologists. Dr Tanmay Das along with a host of dignitaries from different states also participated in the conference.

Border Security Force observed week long vigilance program A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: A week long vigilance awareness program was observed by Border Security Force at Guwahati Frontier and in the under command Units and Sector Headquarters from 31st Oct to 5th Nov 2016.

The observance of the week commenced by administration of Vigilance pledge by Officiating DIG/PSO. While administering the pledge he said that the objective of this week is to reaffirm our commitment to fight against unethical practices, blatant violation of

systems and procedures, corruption prevailing at our work places. He emphasized the need for creating awareness on governance in the force. He also briefed the personnel about the week-long programme. All the staff in the headquarter took a pledge to ‘continuously strive to bring about integrity and transparency in all spheres of our activity, work for eradication of corruption in all spheres of life, remain vigilant and work towards growth and reputation of the organization, bring pride to the organization through collec-

tive efforts and provide value-based service to our countrymen, do our duty consciously and act without fear and favour.

The week long programme was observed by displaying banners, slogans and posters on anti-corruption at prime locations. Competitive debates, lectures and essay competition on anti-corruption topic were organized among the BSF personnel on 5th Nov 2016.

BSF celebrates Vigilance Awareness Week every year in conformity with the instructions of the central Commission.

IWT, Assam set to conduct a three day training program hospitality and public relations for its crew staff a staff reporter Guwahati, Nov 5: As per direction of the Chief Minister of Assam, the Inland Water Transport Directorate, Assam is set to conduct a three day long training program for capacity building of IWT staff and crew members engaged at Majuli based ferry services, scheduled from 7th to 9th Nov’2016 at “North Kamalabari Satra”, Majuli.

The training is mainly on hospitality and public relations of IWT staff, cleanliness, safety and rescue during IWT fleet, training on Inland Vessel Act, identification of river route and marking, maintenance of

marine engine, documentation for ferry operation, control and management of ferry rule etc. The Deputy Commissioner, Majuli shall inaugurate the training camp where the Satradhikar of Auniati Satra Pitambar Deva Goswami, will grace the occasion as the guest lecturer. The Satradhikar of North Kamalabari Satra Janardan Deva Goswami, will preside over the inaugural program.

Bharat Bhushan Dev Choudhury, Director, I.W.T, Assam will attend the program along with officers from I.W.T., H.Q. and from I.W.T. Division, Dibrugarh and I.W.T. Sub-Division,

Jorhat. The technical training will be imparted by the Training Superintendent of I.W.T. Crew Training Centre (C.T.C.) ,Guwahati along with his team. I.W.T. Directorate will take initiative for such type of training program at other parts of the State also as per direction of Hon’ble Chief Minister.

Moreover, as per the direction of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Inland Water Transport, Assam has introduced a free boat service “Boitoroni Xokhee” between Neamati and Majuli for carrying of dead bodies.

REST OF

NORTHEAST P5 Be on guard against opposition conspiracies Pol parties step up campaign for in the face of imminent defeat, Gautam upcoming Tripura by-elections

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Agartala, Nov 06 : " Sensing imminent debacle in the Novermber 19 by-elections to Khowai and Barjala (SC) constituencies , the opposition parties may engage in conspiracies to subvert the polls ; so you have to be on guard to defeat such conspiracies and retain the Khowai seat with a bigger margin' said Gautam Das, senior CPI (M) leader and party's central committee member. He was addressing a largely-attended poll gathering in Sonatala area under Khowai assembly seat on Friday evening. Despite heavy rainfall the turn-out in the rally surpassed all expectations .

Das said that the opposition candidates would not be able even to protect their security deposits , let alone dream of winning in the upcomimg by-election to the Khowai and Barjala (SC) seat. The meeting, presided over by Motilal Das, was also attended and addressed by CPI (M) candidate for Khowai Biswajit Dutta and party's 'Purbanchal committee' secretary Vishnujit Dastidar. In his address Gautam Das said that left

Gautam Das front represented the unity and development of the people and consistently works among people and that is why people always support the left front . 'The opposition on the other hand represent anti-people policies, fraud and lust for power; their only job is to subvert the process of development in the state' said Das. He said that though the upcoming November 19 poll was only a by-poll the left front can not take it lightly as 'any election is part of the larger political struggle which helps in identifying

friends and enemies of the people'. Describing Khowai as the vanguard post of 'Jana Shiksha Andolan' (Mass Literacy Movement) and embryo of the communist movement in Tripura, Das said that 'Khowai is 'our impregnable bastion and no party or force can change this reality'. He called upon the people to hold their heads in pride and protect and promote the pride of Khowai as a nerve-centre of state's culture and communist movement by voting en masse for the CPI (M) candidate on November 19. (Agencies)

Agartala, Nov 5: Bharatiya Janata Party's central and Assam state leaders and Trinamool Congress's West Bengal leaders have plunged into frantic campaigning for bypolls to two Tripura assembly seats and to wrest these from the ruling Left Front.

The bypolls would be four-cornered contests, with the Congress too is pitting itself in and seeking to bolster its presence in the 60-member state assembly.

The Congress' central leadership will join in the campaign soon while the ruling Left Front led by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is carrying out its electioneering for the significant by-polls.

"If we defeat the CPI-Mled Left Front candidates in the two assembly seats, the Left Front government would not fall, but a sparkling message would go across the state before the 2018 asseembly elec-

tions," Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Roy Barman said, explaining the party's philosophy behind its strident poll effort.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Tripura state President Biplab Deb also shared that if the Left Front nominees are defeated in the byelections, a clear political signal would emerge ahead of the next crucial assembly elections.

"A large number of CPIM, Congress and TMC supporters have joined the BJP and our party would be the main political force in the state," Deb said.

The Election Commission will hold the by-elections on November 19 in the Scheduled Caste (Reserved) Barjala and Khowai assembly constituencies in Tripura.

The Barjala seat fell vacant after Congress legislator Jitendra Sarkar resigned on June 6, 2016, following an internal feud with the party while the Khowai seat has been vacant since the death of veteran CPI-

MDCs boost to Pala-Mukul stand-off led BJP today to Syiem's suspension'

Shillong, Nov 5: The stand-off between Shillong MP Vincent Pala and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma resulted in the suspension of KHADC chief PN Syiem, a senior party leader said on Friday.

Sources also added that when AICC observer Mukul Wasnik and AICC general secretary in charge Meghalaya CP Joshi visited Shillong this year to know the opinion of the legislators regarding the change in leadership as raised by the dissidents, Pala who was also in the city had told media persons that he would make sure that rebel Congress member Syiem was not denied party ticket.

The meeting of the legislators, including the chief minister and MPCC president DD Lapang, besides the Shillong MP with the AICC leaders was held at Pinewood hotel.

After Syiem met the AICC leaders, Pala, who was also present at the meeting, had asserted that he

would ensure that party ticket is allotted to Syiem.

What irked the chief minister was the assurance of the Shillong MP to allot party ticket to Syiem who was vocal against the government led by the Congress.

Waiting for an opportune moment, Sangma had his last word as the KHADC chief was denied party ticket owing to his threeyear suspension, which means he will not be able to contest the 2018 Assembly polls from the Congress.

The MPCC under the leadership of Lapang ensured that Syiem was denied party ticket thanks to the intervention of the chief minister, party sources said.

Sources also added that Lapang, who was once unsuccessfully projected as the next leader by the dissidents, joined the chief minister and extended his support to him, besides agreeing to the idea of reining in Syiem.

Though Lapang had in the past expressed his inabil-

ity to join the rebel group for being the president of the party, sources said since many legislators had projected senior Congress leader Prestone Tynsong as the next leader, Lapang, who disliked the idea of supporting Tynsong, aligned with Sangma.

The distance between Pala and Sangma had widened since 2013 as the Shillong MP was allegedly instrumental in causing the defeat of a few Congress nominees in the Assembly polls then.

Later, the chief minister did not support Pala whole-heartedly in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls though Pala emerged victorious.

The cold war between Sangma and Pala continued for long with a section of the legislators supported by Pala demanding a change in leadership which, however, is yet to materialise due to the division within the dissidents, especially from Jaintia Hills who are against Pala. (Agencies)

Governor exhorts staff at Nagaland House, Kolkata Dimapur, Nov 5: Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, has exhorted the staff at Nagaland House, Kolkata, to go beyond their duties as they were the ambassadors of the state. He also urged them to take responsibilities together to share about Nagaland and North East people, culture, tourism and many more opportunities in the region to the people of the country.

According to a Raj Bhavan statement, the governor on his way to Gangtok, Sikkim to attend the annual meeting of NEZCC, held an interaction with the officers and staff of Nagaland House Kolkata on November 2, 2016 at Salt Lake.

The governor extended

Diwali greetings and distributed sweets to the staff of Nagaland House. He stressed the importance of observing all religious festivals like Diwali, Christmas etc with equal zeal so as to strengthen the Social fabric of the society.

Further, Acharya observed that outside the State, Nagaland Houses represent the State - a "Mini Nagaland" representing the rich socio-cultural traditions of the State to the outside world. He also urged the Nagaland House staff to live by the dictum so as to promote social harmony amongst the general citizens of India.

Governor stated the officers and staff to maintain disci-

pline, punctuality at work and live by the principle of Work is Worship. He further said that Nagaland houses were the welfare centre of the Nagas and all the staff were representing the sorrow and happiness of the state in Kolkata.

Deputy resident commissioner (DRC) Arenla on behalf of the staff of Nagaland House thanked the governor for initiating such a memorable interaction with all the staff of Nagaland House including the Grade IV staff. She said that this was a first of its kind meeting involving the Head of the State, and felt greatly humbled and encouraged by his down to earth approach. (Agencies)

Border row to be flagged in LS: Conrad Shillong, Nov 5: The Coordination Committee on International Border (CCIB) has urged Tura MP Conrad Sangma to raise the problems faced by border residents caused by the "forced fencing" in Parliament.

A CCIB delegation on Friday met Sangma in Shillong and apprised him of the problems faced by the border population.

"People are suffering and State Government is not paying attention to those problems," CCIB secretary Kmen Myrchiang said and added that the State government, instead of solving the problem, is forcing surveys along the border in an incorrect manner.

Sangma assured the delegation that he would raise the matter in Parliament.

According to CCIB, the survey along the border is conducted without any consultation with locals. It said the Government should hold public meetings before going ahead with the survey.

Making it clear that CCIB is not against border fencing, he reiterated that fencing should be from zero line and not 150 yards inside the Indian Territory. (Agencies)

Shillong, Nov 5: Several MDCs, including former Congress MDC Neil Antonio War, are all set to join the BJP here on Saturday.BJP state unit president Shibun Lyngdoh said some other MDCs, whose identities were not revealed, are also likely to join BJP even as he added that talks are on and it has not been finalised as of now.

War, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Victor Ranee, Hadrian Lyngdoh and Albinus Lyngdoh resigned from the Congress after the party suspended KHADC CEM PN Syiem for antiparty activities.

War will formally join the party on Saturday in the presence of BJP national spokesperson and in charge of Meghalaya Nalin Kohli. (Agencies)

Naga civil bodies likely to meet PM Dimapur, Nov 5: Naga civil society organisations comprising of Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) are likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 5 at New Delhi.

According to highly

placed sources, Naga civil organisations led by the Naga Hoho had sought an appointment to meet the Prime Minister and the same was tentatively fixed on November 5. However, sources said the Naga Hoho representatives were unable to make it to Delhi due to some emergent situation. (Agencies)

Nagaland University 'unity run'

Unity Runners approaching the end point.

Dimapur, Nov 5: As part of the nation-wide "Rashtriya Ekta Saptah" campaign on account of the birth anniversary celebration of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Nagaland University (NU) organised a "Unity Run" on November 4 at its headquarters Lumami.

During the flagging off ceremony, dy. registrar (Administration) NU, Otova Swu, highlighted the purpose of the "Unity Run." Finance officer prof.

M.K. Sinha, in his short speech stressed the importance of unity saying unity was the basis for

strength and strength in turn leads to progress and development. "This is true for the country in general and Nagaland University in particular," he added. He also shared about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, who was instrumental in keeping India united.

The "Unity Run" was flagged off by vice-chancellor in-charge NU Prof.

N.S. Jamir in the presence of Registrar, NU Prof. T. Lanusosang.

Faculty, administrative staff, and students took part in the Unity Run. (Agencies)

M legislator Samir Deb Sarkar.

The BJP has fielded former Tripura Civil Service Officer Shista Mohan Das for the Barjala seat and Tapan Kumar Paul in Khowai.

The TMC has nominated former minister Prakash Das for the Barjala constituency and former CPIM leader Manoj Das for the Khowai constituency.

The Left Front has fielded youth leader Jhumu Sarkar in Barjala and district party secretary Biswajit Datta in Khowai.

"People would vote Left Front candidates for the success of the state government in maintaining peace, development and tranquility in the mixed populated state," said Bijan Dhar, who is the State Secretary of the CPI-M. The BJP's Tripura unit spokesman Mrinal Kanti Deb said Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Sudarshan Bhagat, Union Minister of State for Hu-

man Resource Development Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Babul Supriyo, Assam's Health Minister and convenor of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma, and actress-turned-Rajya Sabha member Rupa Ganguly would join the campaign soon.

TMC's all India Vice President Mukul Roy, the party's West Bengal leaders Shilbhadra Datta, Manas Mukherjee, actress-turned- politician Moonmoon Sen, and West Bengal assembly member Mahua Maitra would start their campaign for Tripura bypolls from Saturday.

Congress's state Vice President Tapas Dey said that AICC General Secretary C.P. Joshi, who is in charge of the party's affairs in the northeast region, AICC Secretary Bhupen Bora would also take part in the campaigning.

State Congress chief Birajit Sinha said his party has laid emphasis on the door-todoor campaign and mostly the local leaders are spearheading the mass contact for the bypolls.

The bypoll for the Barjala seat became due after Jitendra Sarkar, who served as Speaker of the Tripura assembly twice in the past, resigned from the assembly membership a few months back.

A former CPI-M legislator, he joined the Congress in March 2010 and won the seat in 2013 defeating the CPI-M nominee by a narrow marjin of only 261 votes.

He had rejoined the Communist Party of India on June 6 this year after resigning from the assembly membership.

In the Khowai seat, veteran CPI-M leader Samir Deb Sarkar won in 2013 assembly elections defeating Congress candidates Dipak Majumder by a margin of 8,833 votes. The seat has been vacant since Sarkar's death. (IANS)

Shri Sujit Ghosh from Tripura has been selected for Global Youth Award 2016 from India.

The award distribution ceremony of the International Youth Committee will be held at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Agartala, Nov 5: International Youth Committee has been providing Global Youth Award to the young development professional for their contribution in the social sector. The award is giving every year to the selected young leaders of the world for Excellence in Development work.

These recognize the HIGHEST inspiring young people whose develop-

ment work has had a significant impact on people and communities in their country or region.

Award has been decided by high level juries of the nomination committee on the basis of- Quality of impact, Level of innovation/fresh approaches to the problem-solving, Quality of achievement, Quality of the evidence provided and

sustainability: building of the future generations to meet their own needs.

The award carries a Golden Trophy with a Memento, a certificate and a Shwal. Shri Sujit Ghosh from Tripura working as Assistant Director of Voluntary Health Association of Tripura, Agartala has been selected for Global Youth Award 2016 from India.

The award distribution ceremony of the International Youth Committee will be held at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in the line of World Youth Conference 2016 from 1214th Novdember 2016.

The Conference will be participated by selected young development professional from 90 countries around the world.

Shri Sujit Ghosh also selected to participate as an International delegates and Speaker of the World Youth Conference 2016 to represent India.

(Agencies)

Nagaland Foothill Road in a limbo Kohima, Nov 5:Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has great expressed disappointment over non-release of funds by the state government to complete the earth cutting works. It has been three years (2013-16) since the earth cutting work started, and the much awaited Naga Foothill Road, also known as "dream road" is yet to see the day, the committee lamented.

However, till now the work is yet to be completed, said NFHRCC convenor Supu Jamir and secretary W.Y. Kithan while talking to Nagaland Post.

According to the committee, only eight kms or 10% of uncut portions was left in Niuland and Naginimora segments-around five km of earth-cutting

required in the Niuland area and three kms in the Naginimora area. NFHRCC said in order to complete the remaining eight km as per the DPR prepared by the responsible department, Rs. 11.5 crore was needed.

Despite several attempts, pleading for release of funds, NFHRCC said no amount was sanctioned in the budgetary provision by the state government due to financial constraint.

"Having understood the present state of affairs, some spirited contractors came forward to execute the remaining formation cutting on credit with the condition that they will receive the payment as and when fund was available", NFHRCC said.

In this regard, the committee, in the interest of the Naga public has appealed to the state

government to allow the contractors to carry out the work on "credit", if the state government was unable to sanction the amount for the work. The committee reminded that the work had to be finished within this dry season.

Taking a dig at the government for not taking the project seriously, NFHRCC maintained that the "state government has no political will to accomplish the project".

"Government should not see the face of the committee but the sufferings of the people," NFHRCC said.

Meanwhile, the committee has convened an emergency meeting of the apex tribal bodies on November 5 at 4 p.m. at its treasurer's residence, Khermahal. (Agencies)

1 held with over 75K banned tablets Kohima, Nov 5: In major haul, Excise personnel manning Peducha check gate arrested a woman on Friday afternoon along with 51,500 spasmo-proxyvon capsules and 24000 capsules of nitrosun worth over Rs. 7 lakhs (street value), from an Imphal bound Martui alto (AS 11E 9585).

The accused has been identified as one Sairom Sana Devi (31) wife of Sairom Sanajaoba Singh of Tekcham Mayai Leikai, Manipur. According to superintendent of Excise Kohima, Vikikhe

Aomi, the Excise personnel during routine checking found the drugs neatly packed and concealed inside wheat flour sacks, car seats and car Speaker.

Aomi disclosed that the banned drugs were to be smuggled to countries like Myanmar and Thailand, where it would be manufactured into "party drugs" and later smuggled back to the Indian market for higher value.

During initial interrogation, Aomi said the accused confessed that the drugs be-

longed to one Babul from Imphal and that she was paid Rs. 30,000 to pick up the consignment from Dimapur train station and deliver it at Imphal.

A case has been registered under NDPS Act 1985 and Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 while full efforts were on to arrest Babul, Aomi said.

The seizure was made AIE Akum, head constable Pantick and constables Vangtok, Kiyivi, Teliya, Aienla, Kedoneituo and Yimto. (Agencies)

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Piecing together an encounter

Today's quote

“

Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

Ominous curb on media freedom

The order of the Information and Broadcasting

Ministry, directing that Hindi television channel NDTV India be taken off air for 24 hours on November 9, is a serious violation of media freedom. Coming as it does from a regime that seems to disapprove of any difference in opinion on issues concerning national security, the suspension smacks of a disturbing inclination to impose restrictions on journalistic content. The decision arises from the telecast of developments relating to the terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in January. The news channel is accused of airing sensitive information that compromised the safety of military personnel and civilians even as operations were on to neutralise the attack. According to the inter-ministerial committee that inquired into the charge, the disclosure of details relating to the location of the ammunitions depot, the range of weapons and military assets available there and the presence of civilian residences in the vicinity could have been used by terrorists to their advantage.

The broadcaster's defence was that nothing was disclosed that was not published or aired by other media outlets, that its reportage was largely based on official briefings and that it was done in a responsible manner.

Ever since media coverage of the terror attacks in Mumbai in November 2008 created a controversy, it has been accepted that there is a need for restrained and responsible coverage of anti-terrorism operations and potential hostage situations. The News Broadcasting Standards Authority, set up by the News Broadcasters Association, came up with a set of rules.

The Ministry could have either approached the authority, which is headed by a former Supreme Court judge, or formed an independent panel to adjudicate the question. Instead, it has invoked a rule introduced in June 2015 that imposes a blanket ban on all live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation until it ends.

It has cited statutory provisions that empower the government to regulate or prohibit the transmission of TV programmes. There is no mention of any provision for appeal. None can reasonably argue that irresponsible live coverage of an ongoing operation should attract no penalty. A problem arises when the penalty is decided by a government panel. Taking a channel off air for however brief a period is a serious decision that could be read as a signal to other newsrooms to self-censor. A committee of officials is not the ideal body to make an independent assessment of what constitutes information that poses an imminent danger to military personnel or civilians. That is the job of an independent forum.

Still unwieldy but just in time F

inance Minister Arun Jaitley has managed to break the stalemate with States at the Goods and Services Tax Council's fourth round of deliberations over the contentious issue of tax rates for the new tax regime.

He did this by retaining the standard rates of 12 per cent and 18 per cent proposed at the Council's last meeting, but tweaking the highest and lowest tax slabs from 26 per cent to 28 per cent and 6 per cent to 5 per cent, respectively. Concerns of States that levy Value Added Tax at 5 per cent on items of mass consumption were met by lowering the threshold GST rate. Foodgrains and other items considered essential, that together constitute roughly half the consumer price inflation index, have been exempted from GST. Since inflation is a tax on the poor and indirect taxes are regressive, this would help check worries about inflationary repercussions. But raising the highest tax slab to 28 per cent to balance the fiscal books is a surprise, especially since it would be levied on items such as consumer durables and cars that are now taxed at 30-31 per cent. Even if producers do pass on this rate differential to customers, this is hardly likely to spur the kind of consumption that could drive more manufacturing investment, create jobs and bolster economic growth.

The cess on top of GST to be levied on luxury and sin goods is neither desirable nor efficient. Unless its levy is restricted to end-use products at the point of sale, it would further distort the efficiency gains from GST as input credit for cess paid on intermediary goods is unlikely. The government has argued that the cess will help compensate States for five years and that the Council can take a call on doing away with it thereafter. Similar visibility should be provided on dovetailing the multiple tax rates into two or three in the coming years, if not the international norm of a single GST rate. Multiple rates will not just pose an administrative challenge but also spur ugly corporate lobbying of the kind that the Finance Minister wanted to nix by phasing out exemptions in direct taxes. Days before he became Niti Aayog ViceChairman, Arvind Panagariya had flagged the cost of focussing too much on one reform, which spills over into other reforms being delayed. That the recently constituted GST Council has covered much ground with unanimous consensus augurs well for the GST deadline, including refining the model GST law and ensuring industry and the tax department are ready to make the GST switch by April 1, 2017. But the proposed rate structure is still too complicated to meet the objective of radically simplifying tax compliance.

P6

There is a crying need to impress upon our young officers that there is no gallantry involved in shooting at people who cannot shoot back P. K. Hormis Tharakan The true hero of the momentous events of October 31 in Bhopal relating to the prison break-out and eventual killing of the eight undertrials belonging to the banned organisation, Students Islamic Movement of India, was Head Constable Ramashankar Yadav. He was a proud representative of that tribe of uniformed men who wear khaki and carry out some of the most difficult and despised jobs day after day hardly noticed by the public and the press unless they commit an error.

Though his job was to keep under control some of the most violent people in the country, he was lightly armed, if at all. He represented the might of the nation as he endeavoured to stop eight dreaded prisoners who were seeking to escape.

He and his colleague were overpowered and he was killed, but Ramashankar Yadav upheld the glory of the khaki uniform that he wore that Deepavali night, as the rest of the country celebrated the festival of lights.

Murky episode What followed was also truly noteworthy. The eight prisoners are reported to have scaled the walls of the high security prison in the very early hours of the morning. Local villagers were alerted and the fleeing desperadoes were located before mid-day. The police killed them in an encounter.

Upto this point, the story unfolds as a glorious operation based on people-police cooperation, which is the ideal model that the police and civil society have been seeking for decades to put in place. If this kind of amazing police-public cooperation could be replicated in every village of India, the hands of the police would be immensely strengthened and would-be escapees from prisons would realise the futility of attempting such misadventures.

However, the story gets somewhat murkier thereafter, casting shadows on what should have been a glorious chapter in the history of Madhya Pradesh Police.

Doubts are being expressed about the police claim that the eight fugitives were killed in a genuine encounter. These doubts are being expressed on the basis of some video recordings that are making the rounds.

In the days after, there is not much clarity about the facts of that eventful day. Hence it may still be early days for pronouncing judgment. I would only look at some of the principles that seem to be emerging as we try to understand this complicated business involving the death of a prison guard, escape of dreaded criminals from a prison, their death at the hands of the police and the consequent debate which has legal, administrative, intellectual and political ramifications having a bearing on the nation's internal security policy.

Working at the grass-roots I think the first lesson is that as we seek to ensure the nation's security, we need to strengthen the lowest rungs of the national security architecture, namely, the police stations and prisons.

These are institutions that are firmly in the civilian, and not in military, arena where the focus on national security mostly falls. Strengthening does not necessarily mean giving more powerful arms to policemen and prison guards, but ensuring that security measures put in place are enforced properly.

The former Chief of the Madhya Pradesh Prisons Department is on record saying that clear standard operating procedures (SOP) had been laid down in the Bhopal Central Prison for the operation of the CCTV system, for keeping the barracks of the SIMI undertrial prisoners under surveillance, for not allowing them to mingle, for locking of individual cells, etc. Obviously,

these SOPs were very clear but not followed scrupulously. This raises questions about the quality of leadership, and whether the right person had been posted to superintendent the prisons.

Ironically, Bhopal Central Prison is ISO-certified for the correctional and rehabilitation facilities, besides the standard of living conditions it provides to the inmates.

Though the certification does not cover high-tech security infrastructure required to ensure expected standards for a high security detention centre, it is a matter of great regret that such an incident happened in a prison of such high reputation. All the more reason to check whether the State government had taken sufficient care to find the right person to manage the affairs of the Bhopal Central Prison. The point I am trying to make is that if a State wants to be known for its proactive approach to national security, it is such ap-

parently trivial matters that it must pay close attention to.

Now, on the defensive At the same time, it is clear that at least some of the doubts that are being raised about the genuineness of the breakout need to be dismissed outright. In an incident where a prison guard was done to death, it is heartless to raise an allegation that he was killed in a staged jailbreak. As I said earlier, the speed with which the police managed to track the fugitives down with the help of local people was truly remarkable. But the doubts expressed regarding what happened thereafter certainly need to be looked into, especially in view of the reported assertion of the chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) that though the fugitives were unarmed, the police were legally empowered to kill them.

He is obviously relying on Section 46 (2) and (3) of the

Criminal Procedure Code which says that if and when a person forcibly resists the endeavour to arrest him, or attempts to evade the arrest, such police officer or other person may use all means necessary to effect the arrest, including causing the death of a person if he is accused of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life. Hence the ATS chief's defence is probably that it would not be against the extant law if force has been used to the extent commensurate to the requirement in the given circumstances, as perceived by the policemen on the scene and their assessment.

However, it is inevitable that the judgment of the officer on the spot would be called up for review either in an inquiry or a judicial proceeding. In the instant case, conflicting claims by various people in authority about the fugitives having been armed with guns lead to confusion about what exactly is the defence of the police.

Handling the pressure But the real pity is that in a case such as this, where the police could have covered itself entirely with glory, it seems to have been forced to be on the defensive. Facing an inquiry, whether by an executive or a judicial body, is an ordeal for any policeman. Yes, when loss of lives is involved, it is only natural and just that there be an inquiry to ascertain the facts. But, those entrusted with the task of conducting inquiries are rarely familiar with the pressures under which police officers in the field function. There are certain occasions when passions run high, especially when one of your own has been killed. In a war situation, a nation's army avenging a colleague's death is perfectly permissible. In an internal security situation, you have to abide by the law of the land, which limits the extent or the scope of your reaction.

The problem of the officer in charge is to ensure this compliance in a heavily charged atmosphere, which cannot be understood or grasped by those who have not been in the field under conditions of immense pressure. Hence in most inquiries the police officer finds it immensely difficult to answer questions as to whether he complied with every little letter of the law as he led his men into an encounter with an enemy who observes no rules.

There is a growing impression in the government that it is necessary to encourage policemen and security personnel in general to be more aggressive in dealing with terrorism.

If the government wants the police to take strong action against terrorists, it should empower them through legislation, and not leave them to fend for themselves in courts after eliminating them through questionable encounters. There are many young officers who have had their careers cut short in recent years on account of their misplaced sense of valour.

We must also remember that one of the most significant breakthroughs in criminal investigation of terrorist cases happened because Ajmal Kasab, who had killed hundreds in Mumbai, was caught alive through the supreme self-sacrifice of ASI Tukaram Gopal Omble. Had at least one of the escapees in Bhopal been captured alive, so much of intelligence regarding their means of escape and the help, if any, they received from outside could have been generated, which would have contributed immensely to the pool house of information which is the backbone of national security.

In the ultimate analysis, there is a crying need to impress upon our young officers that there is no gallantry involved in shooting at people who cannot shoot back, either because their hands are already tied behind their back, or because they are already dead.

Environment is unpublicized victim of war Ranjan K Baruah Apart from living being like human being or animals, our environment is worse affected due to war or any armed conflict. We count the death causalities or wounded soldiers or missing soldiers but very less we see what happens to our environment. What happens to water or soil or any other elements of nature or environment?

Mostly environment remain unpublicized victim of any war or armed conflicts. Environment had to pay for the gain of military advantage.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has found that over the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources, whether highvalue resources such as timber, diamonds, gold

and oil, or scarce resources such as fertile land and water. Conflicts involving natural resources have also been found to be twice as likely to relapse.

This year is the beginning of Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. With 17 universal and interdependent Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda is a transformational blueprint for peace, prosperity and dignity for all on a healthy planet.

To achieve SDGs, we must remember that we have a duty of care towards the environment. This year on 27 May, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted resolution which recognized the role of healthy ecosystems and sustainably managed resources in reducing the risk of armed conflict, and reaffirmed its strong commitment to the full

implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals listed in General Assembly resolution 70/1, entitled "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development".

Like many other international events a day has been declared to address the problem related to war, armed conflict and its impact on the environment. On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (A/ RES/56/4).

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of United Nations on his message related to this day said that "poor governance of the environment and natural resources can contribute to the outbreak of conflict. It can

The house with the golden windows The little girl lived in a small, very simple, poor house on a hill and as she grew she would play in the small garden and as she grew she was able to see over the garden fence and across the valley to a wonderful house high on the hill - and this house had golden windows, so golden and shining that the little girl would dream of how magic it would be to grow up and live in a house with golden windows instead of an ordinary house like hers.

And although she loved her parents and her family, she yearned to live in such a golden house and dreamed all day about how wonderful and exciting it must feel to live there.

When she got to an age where she gained enough skill and sensibility to go outside her garden fence, she asked her mother is she could go for a bike ride outside the gate and down the lane. After pleading with her, her mother finally allowed her to go, insisting that she kept close to the house and didn't wander too far. The day was beautiful and the little girl knew ex-

actly where she was heading! Down the lane and across the valley, she rode her bike until she got to the gate of the golden house across on the other hill.

As she dismounted her bike and lent it against the gate post, she focused on the path that lead to the house and then on the house itself...and was so disappointed as she realised all the windows were plain and rather dirty, reflecting nothing other than the sad neglect of the house that stood derelict.

So sad she didn't go any further and turned, heart broken as she remounted her bike ... As she glanced up she saw a sight to amaze her...there across the way on her side of the valley was a little house and its windows glistened golden ...as the sun shone on her little home.

She realised that she had been living in her golden house and all the love and care she found there was what made her home the 'golden house'. Everything she dreamed was right there in front of her nose!

fuel and finance existing conflicts and it can increase the risk of relapse. Conversely, there are many examples of natural resources serving as catalysts for peaceful cooperation, confidence-building and poverty reduction." He also added that "in the aftermath of violent conflict, natural resources, such as land, timber, minerals, oil and gas, are often the primary assets that governments need to support livelihoods and economic recovery.

How governments manage these resources can fundamentally alter the course of post-conflict peace building. That is why it is so important that we work together to combat environmental crime, end the illegal exploitation of natural resources, improve transparency, share benefits more equitably and encourage the participation of women, indig-

enous peoples and vulnerable groups in decision-making." On this International Day, UN Secretary General has urged governments, businesses and citizens around the world to prioritize environmental care and the sustainable management of natural resources for preventing conflict, building peace and promoting lasting prosperity.

The 2030 Agenda explicitly recognizes that "sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security; and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development. United Nations International Law Commission is currently reviewing the international legal framework for protecting the environment before, during and after armed conflict. It aims to establish guidelines that can better support envi-

ronmental preservation, particularly in protected areas and environmentally sensitive sites, such as drinking water aquifers, which are of critical environmental and cultural importance and can be severely affected by warfare.

War or conflict is not related to one particular region, hence international framework is needed. We are already worried about the impact of climate change. There must be action and government must commit for the safety of the environment. All actors whether state actors or non state actors must respect the environment and peace is must to protect environment because as long as there is war or war like situation there is always threat to the nature and the environment. (With inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

Bhopal encounter Any encounter by the police, military or other state agencies attracts the attention of a multitude of persons and institutions. The reactions are equally divergent. Since we are in a democratic society and the Supreme Court has clear instructions on how to deal with encounters, we need to temper our views accordingly. The Madhya Pradesh government seems to have displayed alacrity in dismissing the need for a probe while the political Opposition has been equally swift to question the circumstances leading to the "encounter". The impression created by the State government is that the encounter is a form of poetic justice.

Somewhere in the middle of all this lies buried adherence to due process, the law, taking into confidence all stakeholders, and of course a speedy trial of the suspects, be they from SIMI or any other outlawed outfit.

Rajat Rakhit Amolapatty, Dibrugarh

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

BUSSINESS

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Reliance Industries to challenge $1.55 bn gas dispute demand

Private sector needs to invest big-time, says Arun Jaitley

Mumbai, Nov 5: Reliance Industries on Friday said the government's demand of $1.55 billion from it and its consortium members BP and Niko on the Krishna-Godavari gas dispute had no basis on how the figure was calculated and that it will invoke arbitration proceedings in the matter.

"The liability of the contractor has not been established by any process known to law and the quantification of the purported claim is without any basis and arbitrary," the company said in a late-evening statement after the government raised its demand.

"Reliance Industries proposes to invoke the dispute resolution mechanism in the production sharing contract, and is-

Image for representation purpose. sue a notice of arbitration to the government. Reliance Industries remains convinced of being able to fully justify and vindicate its position that the Government's claim is not sustainable."

The government had raised the demand on the basis of the recommendation of the Justice A.P. Shah committee, constituted to examine the dis-

pute between state-run ONGC and Reliance Industries over gas in the Krishna-Godavari basin.

The panel's constitution also followed reports of some American consultants on the migrating of gas from the said ONGC fields to those of the private company. They had concluded that 11.122 billion cubic meters of ONGC gas had migrated

My Sacking Was Over In A Minute, Says Former Tata Group's Top Official Nirmalya Kumar

That's it. It's all over in a minute,' says Nirmalya Kumar in a post, titled 'I Just Got Fired'.

Mumbai, Nov 5: Recalling how he was ousted as one of the non-executive directors of Tata Sons, Prof. Nirmalya Kumar of the London School of Economics says it was over in a minute, with no forthcoming explanation, just because he was close to sacked Chairman Cyrus Mistry.

"At 9:00 pm, I get a call from a colleague with whom I had worked very closely and got along famously as we were often on the same side of arguments," Mr Kumar says in a posting on his personal Web site, recalling the eventful day of Oct 31.

"He informs me: 'It is my unpleasant duty to say your services are no longer required'. No explanation.

I query: Does this mean I do not need to show up tomorrow morning? Receive an affirmative reply," he says.

"That's it. It's all over in a minute," says Mr Kumar in the post, titled "I Just Got Fired".

Mr Kumar also says while 'you're fired' is a common phrase in the corporate world, nobody is actually prepared for it and that he now stands unemployed for the first time since he turned 18.

The 56-year-old professor also turns philosophical in the post and says, despite the "unceremonious" and "un-Tata-like" end, he has nothing negative to say and that is also not the fault of 670,000 employees.

"Once fired, you discover your friends and the integral qualities of those who worked with you. The interesting insight for me was that the higher in the organization you go, this 'human aspect declines," he says.

"People at the bottom of the pyramid treated me with the same respect and affection as always. Their smiles were genuine and open," he says, adding that those in the middle were also actually sad to see him go.

"The reaction at the top of the pyramid was interesting. With three exceptions, the many CEOs and top executives I worked with closely for three years went silent."

Mr Kumar, seen as being close to ousted Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, says competence was never in question.

"It was not as if I was fired for non-performance (my last evaluation was excellent). I always do my best -- it's the least I expect from myself and the most anyone can expect from me," he says.

"I was fired for just being there at my position -working intensely and extensively with Cyrus."

(Agencies)

to the blocks of Reliance Industries.

They also said of the 58.68 billion cubic meters produced from there since 2009, some 49.69 billion cubic meters belonged to the private company and 8.981 billion cubic meters could have come from the ONGC side.

At the then gas price of $4.2 per million British thermal unit and the prevailing exchange rate, the volume of gas claimed as belonging to ONGC, which the private player produced, was estimated to be worth around $1.7 billion (Rs 11,055 crore).

Interestingly, the Justice Shah panel itself had called for further probe into the subject. In one of the paras of its report, the committee said it was not

able to ascertain in clear terms if the two companies, indeed, had prior knowledge of migrating gas.

"I wanted this to be probed further," the single-member panel said.

Reliance Industries said in carrying out petroleum operations, the contractor worked within the boundaries of the block awarded to it and had complied with all the applicable regulations and provisions of the production sharing contract.

"The claim of the government is based on misreading and misinterpretation of key elements and the production sharing contract and is without precedent in the oil and gas industry, anywhere in the world." (Agencies)

awarded," he said.

With its objective of providing safe, environment friendly and economical mode of transportation through NW-1, the authority signed a contract with Germany-based vessel design company - DST, Germany to design vessels, especially suited to navigate the 1,620 km stretch of NW-1 (GangaBhagirathi-Hooghly stretch).

The specially designed vessels will navigate on low drafts and will be of high carrying capacity, and most importantly, will be environment friendly, he said.

Pandey explained that one of the most important navigational challenges for NW-1 was the kind of vessels that would run on the Ganga-BhagirathiHooghly stretch.

Keeping in view the difficult hydro-morphological characteristics of the river in the upper reaches between Patna and Varanasi, it is important to have vessels which can ply on low draft, with high carrying capacity and are economically viable.

With demand for transportation of cars through NW-1, the design company was initially tasked to develop low draft ves-

sels that can carry up to 150-200 vehicle. "We have asked them to submit two designs for vessels," he said.

The first phase of Jal Marg Vikas project include development of multi modal terminals at Varanasi, Haldia and Sahibganj and the project is expected to facilitate navigation of commercial vessel with a capacity of 1,500-2,000 tonnes.

The Haldia terminal in West Bengal has already received a commitment of 5.92 MMTPA of cargo volume by 2018, the year the terminal will be ready for operation, the official said.

In Uttar Pradesh, an intermodal terminal has also been proposed to be constructed at Nawapura, Ghazipur on the bank of the river. "The possibility of LNG fuel bunkering at the proposed terminal is also being explored," IWAI official said.

IWAI is also planning to raise Rs 1,000 crore via a bond issue in two separate tranches and the first issuance of Rs 500 crore is expected to be in December, while another Rs 500 crore will be raised in February 2017, Pandey added. (Agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley "Foreign investors are getting far greater returns on their investment here than in any other country," he asserted.

"Public investment and foreign capital on which the economy is firing are intact... domestic investment is still a challenge."

The minister further said

there is a "silver lining" visible with festive purchases, indicating upturn in rural and urban demand, but domestic investment will have to pick up in a big way for which banks need to do their bit by supporting corporates and thus boosting growth.

(Agencies)

UCO Bank raises Pfizer net profit rises Rs 750 cr to prop 52% in July-September up tier I capital

Perpetual bonds are treated as equity, not debt as they carry no maturity date.

New Delhi, Nov 5: Stateowned UCO Bank has raised Rs 750 crore by allotting perpetual bonds on private placement to shore up its tier-I capital.

"The Bank has raised non-convertible, unsecured subordinated fully paid-up Basel III compliant perpetual debt instruments eligible for inclusion in additional tier-I (AT 1) capital of Rs 750 crore through private placement," it said in a regulatory filing.

Perpetual bonds are treated as equity, not debt

as they carry no maturity date.

Earlier in October, the Kolkata-based lender had informed that it raised funds by issuing 7.17 crore shares to LIC on a preferential basis, the issue price of which was yet to be determined.

In August the bank received capital infusion of Rs 775 crore from the government in lieu of issuing preferential shares to it. UCO Bank stock closed 2.53 per cent down at Rs 32.75 on BSE.(Agencies)

Inland Waterways Authority to procure 60 vessels Future growth of IT is in innovation: Vice President

Mumbai, Nov 5: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will procure around 60 vessels in multiple batches to facilitate transport through inland waterways, a top official said on Friday.

"We will be procuring 6065 vessels in multiple tranches to facilitate transportation through inland waterways. Of this, as many as 25 will be LNGfuelled vessels. The procurement will be made in different categories like ferry and cargo services," said the authority's Vice Chairman Pravir Pandey, who is also Project Director of Jal Marg Vikas.

Each vehicle will cost around Rs 15 crore, he said. The IWAI, which is not a commercial organisation, will offer vessels to private players to run on an operate and maintenance (O&M) basis.

The Government is developing National Waterway 1 (NW-1) under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, with assistance from the World Bank. "The estimated project cost has been revised upward to Rs 5,369 crore from the initial estimation of Rs 4,200 crore.

Of the total project cost, about Rs 2,800 crore of work has already been

New Delhi, Nov 5: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said public and foreign investment remains intact, but private sector expansion is needed in a big way to let the economy start firing on all cylinders.

Observing that domestic investment continues to be a challenge, Jaitley called upon the banking sector to support corporates to propel growth.

"Indian private sector needs to expand in a big way. It needs to invest and that's when all engines of economy (will) start firing," Jaitley said while addressing a seminar on debt recovery here.

The minister spoke of liberalisation of FDI policies because of which India has emerged as a preferred destination of foreign investment.

Noida, Nov 5: The future growth of the Indian IT industry lies in innovation, creating more futuristic business scenarios and engineering digital disruption, Vice President Hamid Ansari said here on Saturday.

"The future growth of our IT companies will, thus, be in being able to create futuristic business scenarios and engineering digital disruption rather than coping with its aftermath. In short, you will have to be more innovative," Ansari said at the inauguration of the new Nasscom building here.

Talking about the role of the IT industry, the Vice President said the sector has been a major contributor to the Indian growth story in the last 25 years.

It has provided improved brand image, created employment, contributed to gross domestic product growth, created avenues in technology education and contributed to e-governance.

He said while the growth trajectory of the sector was

well charted its challenges will come, in the shorter and intermediate term, from industry shifts such as cloud computing, evolution in Software as a Service model.

There is a constant need to develop new products to embrace the challenges.

"These challenges will come, in the shorter and intermediate term, from industry shifts such as Cloud Computing, evolution in Software as a service models, need to develop new products, Digital Disruption, and shrinking manpower needs because of software automation. It is likely that your present and new clients will increasingly look for innovation partners rather than software partners," Ansari said.

Emphasising the central role of innovation, the Vice President said while the Global Innovation Index 2016 ranks India at 66 out of 128 countries, the government is proactive to create an innovationfriendly environment in the country. (Agencies)

Kokata, Nov 5: Pharmaceuticals major Pfizer Limited on Friday reported a 52 per cent rise in its net profit to Rs 126 crore in the three months ended on September 30, 2016 as compared to Rs 83 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Revenues for the quarter were at Rs 552 crore, up 5 per cent, from Rs 525 crore in the year-ago period.

"This quarter witnessed the full impact of the price reductions announced by the Government between March and June of this year. Revenue has been impacted by Rs 22 crore

due to these price reductions with the impact being felt most in mid-tier and tail brands," the company said in a statement.

The company further said that excluding the impact of price reductions, revenue growth for the quarter would have been 9 per cent.

Profit from operations (before other income, exceptional items and tax) for the quarter and half of the current fiscal year (April-September) was primarily impacted by "pricing policy".

During the quarter under review, the company on completion of requisite

formalities and receipt of necessary regulatory approvals concluded the transfer of four brands for a consideration of Rs 110 crore, the statement added.

Revenue for the half year stood at Rs 1,066 crore as compared to Rs 1,022 crore in the same period last year, reflecting a growth of 4 per cent.

Net profit after tax (including other comprehensive income) for the first six months was at Rs 206 crore, up by 31 per cent, as against Rs 158 crore in the same period last year.

(IANS)

BJP Conspiring to Increase Power Tariff in Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal New Delhi, Nov 5: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged a "conspiracy" was on by the BJP-led Centre to increase power tariff in the national capital, and assured that he would not let the tariffs rise.

"We have not increased power tariff in last two years. BJP is trying to increase the electricity prices in Delhi, but I won't let this happen," he said.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the DERC Chairperson's appointment was scrapped

by Lt. Governor Najeeb

Jung with a view to undo his efforts to regularise electricity bills.

Krishna Saini's appointment as the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairperson was scrapped by Jung in September on grounds that his approval was not taken.

"DERC chief had issued many orders in past eight months that fixes the accountability of power companies. Power companies want the DERC chief to be removed.

"After eight months (of appointment) LG wakes

up and is saying his approval was not taken for DERC's chief appointment," said Kejriwal.

Kejriwal said he had opposed the decision of the LG to scrap Saini's appointment as DERC chief and asked Jung to send the related file to the President, but the LG had refused.

"Just when we (Delhi government) were examining the file, the Power Secretary received call from LG office to issue the order (of removing the DERC chief)," said Kejriwal.

Former Chief Income Tax Commissioner Krishna Saini was appointed DERC chairman in March by the Delhi government.

In September the LG scrapped his appointment and asked the Kejriwal government to start the selection process afresh as per law.

On August 4, the Delhi High Court had held that the LG was the administrative head of the Delhi government and has the final word in the governance of the national capital of Delhi. (IANS)

Gujarat CM invites investors to Vibrant Gujarat Summit Gandhinagar, Nov 5: With the eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2017 slated in January, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday invited global and domestic investors to the state with promises of ease of doing business and proactive investor facilitation.

Elaborating on the inclusive growth and sustainable development that Gujarat has achieved, Rupani, speaking at the curtain raiser of VGGS2017, said: "The state will continue to lay emphasis on ease of doing business

and proactive investor facilitation.

"Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, the UAE, Britain and the US would be partner countries in VGGS-17," he added.

Rupani said his government had started focusing on "Make in Gujarat" by aggressively promoting investment in the manufacturing sector.

"At present, there are 102 product clusters, more than 200 industrial estates, 19 operational SEZs and 13 Special Investment Regions which are a testi-

mony to the state's focus on creation of infrastructure and an enabling ecosystem that encourages growth of manufacturing and service sector," he added.

During interaction with industrialists, Rupani said Gujarat was a power surplus state and provided uninterrupted high quality power to industry and commercial establishments.

Gujarat Chief Secretary J.N. Singh told IANS that the state was expecting the highest ever investments during the eighth Vibrant Gujarat Summit. (IANS)

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

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INTERNATIONAL Hafiz Saeed slams Pakistan government for 'cool' response over Kashmir issue HIGHLIGHTS Hafiz Saeed has slammed Pakistan government for 'cool' response over Kashmir issue.

Saeed said people in valley need Pakistan's 'full practical support'.

Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed Lahore, Nov 5: Jamaatud-Dawa chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has criticised the Nawaz Sharif government for giving a "cool" response to India over alleged atrocities in Kashmir, saying

people in the Valley need Pakistan's "full practical support".

"The Pakistani government's response to India over atrocities in Kashmir is cool and by doing so it is not pleading the case of op-

pressed Kashmiris," Saeed said, delivering Friday sermon at JuD headquarters Masjid-eQadsia.

He said there is no value of one or two statements in favour of Kashmiris by the Prime Minister and other members of his government rather they need "full practical support". (Agencies)

Protesters urge scandal-hit South Korea president to quit Seoul, Nov 5: Thousands of South Koreans took to the streets Saturday to demand embattled President Park Geun-Hye resign over a crippling corruption scandal.

Protesters chanted slogans and carried banners urging Park to step down, the day after she issued a grovelling televised apology over the influence-peddling affair which has shattered public trust in her leadership.

Some 40,000 demonstrators were expected to turn out at the rally in central Seoul, watched over by 20,000 police officers.

Police had banned protesters from marching through the streets, citing traffic congestion, but thousands were permitted to gather.

But authorities were braced for demonstrators trying to make their way towards the presidential Blue House.

In a highly personal televised address to the nation Friday, Park said the scandal involving her longtime confidante Choi Soon-Sil was "all my fault", but denied reports linking her and Choi to a religious cult.

Park's approval rating crashed to just five percent this week, the lowest-ever rating for a sitting South Korean president.

"I thinks she should step down as she has lost all her moral authority as president", a 53-year-old, who gave only his family

South Korean high school students march toward the presidential house after a rally calling for South Korean President Park Geun-hye to step down in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.

name Ahn, told AFP. A formal investigation is focused on allegations that Choi, 60, leveraged her close relationship with Park to coerce local firms into donating large sums to dubious non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gain.

Choi was formally arrested on Thursday on charges of fraud and abuse of power, but public anger has largely focused on allegations that she meddled in affairs of state and had access to confidential documents, despite having no official position or security clearance.

The South Korean media has portrayed Choi, whose late father was a shadowy religious leader and an important mentor to Park, as a Rasputin-like figure who wielded an unhealthy influence over the president.

"What is really irritating is the fact that Choi was act-

ing like a regent for Park, controlling her decisionmaking", said a 20-yearold political science student Kim Do-Hyun at the rally.

In an effort to restore trust in her administration, Park has reshuffled ministers and senior advisers, bringing in figures from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party.

Reacting to her address, the main opposition Democratic Party insisted her changes had been cosmetic and warned that it would begin a campaign for her ouster unless further steps were taken.

Park is unlikely to step down, with analysts suggesting she will limp on to the end of her term with her power severely undermined at a time of slowing economic growth, rising unemployment and elevated military tensions with North Korea. (Agencies)

FBI warns of terror attack in New York on US Election Day eve Washington, Nov 5: Authorities in New York have been put on high alert after intelligence inputs about a possible terror attack by al-Qaeda militants in the city on the eve of the US presidential elections next week, media reports said.

US intelligence officials alerted joint terrorism task forces of the threat, which also included Texas and Virginia - though specific sites targeted for Monday in the three states were not mentioned, The New York Post reported, citing a federal source.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said he had learned of the threat several days ago during classified briefings.

"We are still very much assessing the credibility. It

is not at all clear how credible this is," de Blasio told WNYC's Brian Lehrer on his weekly radio show yesterday. "We're certainly in a vigilant position."

Hizzoner said the NYPD is planning an "extraordinary" police presence for Tuesday, when Americans go to the polls.

"For the first time in memory there will be two presidential campaigns having their victory celebrations in New York City on Tuesday night," he said, quickly correcting himself that only one candidate will be celebrating.

Republican nominee Donald Trump will be at the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue, while his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton will be at the Javits Convention Cen-

Mukherjee's trip successful in building mutual trust: Nepal cabinet Kathmandu, Nov 5 : Nepal's cabinet has said that Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's threeday state visit to the Himalayan country Nepal was "successful in building mutual trust and confidence". According to government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Ram Karki, Friday's Cabinet meeting concluded that the Indian President's visit boosted confidence and helped improve bilateral relations, the Kathmandu Post reported. The Nepalese government has also decided to expedite preparations for President Bidhya Devi Bhandari's visit to India, which was earlier called off in May. The cabinet's conclusion came hours before the Indian president flew to New Delhi. Mukherjee, who had reached Kathmandu on Wednesday, returned home on Friday evening. Experts and diplomats said the visit by the Indian head of state was a positive gesture but just one visit does not bring about a sweeping change, especially when it comes to bilateral ties and diplomatic processes.

Nepal-India ties witnessed an all-time low last year following the promulga-

tion of the constitution and an undeclared border blockade, the Kathmandu Post noted. Former Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya said the visit does signify that India wants to normalise relations with Nepal but it would be wrong to say just one visit fixes all the problems. "We have to see how India responds and what kind of reciprocity it shows. We need to wait and see how India implements its Nepal policy in the new emerging situation," said Acharya. Ă— Nishchal Nath Pandey, director of the Central for South Asian Studies, said, "We need to capitalise on the goodwill that we have built. The government should also strive to ensure more high-level exchanges with other countries." Resumption of high-level exchanges is a good sign but diplomacy is a continuous process, said the foreign relations experts. Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat said, "The Cabinet noted that the Indian President's visit was successful in each and every aspect and we are happy to note that this has increased level of trust and confidence between Nepal India." (IANS)

Dassault Systemes bets big on digi- Philippines mayor tal makeover of manufacturing accused of drug traf-

Digital technology can drive the industrial (r)evolution 4.0 -- innovation programmes to reduce manufacturing costs, increase efficiencies and sustainability.

Shanghai, Nov 5: With the internet taking on an industrial dimension whereby new equipment and other technologies are transforming the way goods are produced, industrial innovation must integrate multiple digital concepts to revolutionise existing processes, top executives of 3D software major Dassault Systemes said here at an event.

Digital technology can drive the industrial (r)evolution 4.0 -- innovation programmes to reduce manufacturing costs, increase efficiencies and sustainability, inspire creativity and generate new business models, the French technology company demonstrated at its two-day "Manufacturing in the Age of Experience" event

that concluded on Friday.

"Digital's most visible value is to increase productivity and competitiveness, but its true power is the imagination.

Manufacturers that succeed will be those that will create a world which does not yet exist," said Pascal Daloz, Executive Vice President, Brands and Corporate Development, Dassault Systemes.

"The digital factory is not only virtual, connected and automated, but is above all an execution system, where men's skills are turned to innovation, performance, quality and continuous change," Daloz said.

"The virtual becomes constitutive of the products themselves. As a consequence, the value is migrating to the

cloud services where data are a strategic asset for the industry to reinvent itself," Daloz noted.

The event highlighted how the digital makeover of the manufacturing sector is essential for creating a dynamic, holistic and more sustainable production model that results in a better consumer experience.

Dassault Systemes provides "3DEXPERIENCE" universes for collaboration and innovation to implement innovative strategies in supply and demand.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform features virtual design, simulation, manufacturing and collaboration applications in a digital environment that integrate products, processes and supply chains, and offer a federated view of a manufacturer's business in real time.

During the plenary session of the even, top brand leaders of the compnay gave presentations on virtualising the industry value chain Top officials from Airbus Helicopters, Doosan Infracore and Honda Motor also shared customer case stories on manufacturing transformation and success.

Dassault Systemes is focused on developing technologies and solutions that propel digital transformation in industries ranging from aerospace to life sciences. (Agencies)

ficking shot dead Manila, Nov 5: A former Philippines mayor accused by President Rodrigo Duterte of being involved in the drug trade was shot dead on Saturday in the prison he was being held in, police said.

Roland Espinosa, former mayor of Albuera on Leyte Island, surrendered to police last month after being included in a list of more than 100 judges, politicians, military and police officials accused

by Duterte of drug trafficking, Efe news reported.

Duterte released the list in August, a month after taking office and launching a violent campaign to wipe out drug trafficking, in which over 4,000 persons were killed by police and vigilante groups.

According to the police, the incident, which occurred early Saturday at the Baybay prison in Leyte, was sparked by Espinosa, who fired at officials ordered to search

his prison cell for firearms.

The officers returned fire, killing the former mayor and his cellmate, who was also accused of being involved in the drug trade, a police official told Radio Inquirer 990.

Espinosa had been charged with illegal possession of arms and drugs after police found 11.5 kg of methamphetamine and several firearms in his house.

Espinosa is the second mayor involved in drug trafficking to be killed in a shootout with the police in the last two weeks.

Samsudin Dimaukom, former mayor of Datu Saudi in the southern island of Mindanao's Maguindanao province, died on October 28 in a shootout started by his security personnel when his vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint for inspection. (Agencies)

The New York Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said they had been alerted to the possible attacks. ter across town on 11th Avenue, the report said.

A heavy police deployment had been planned for the New York City Marathon today, de Blasio said.

Meanwhile, Governor An-

drew Cuomo declined to confirm the threat but noted the high state of alert for Election Day. "We have more state police, more National Guard, more soldiers on duty than

ever before," he said.

"So the bad news is New York is often a threat. The good news is we've been dealing with this now for over a decade and we have prepared for it."

The New York Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said they had been alerted to the possible attacks.

"We are aware of the information. We have been working with the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force and our Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureaus," the NYPD said in a statement.

"We continue to encourage anyone with any information that could be relevant to the safety of our city to contact law enforcement," the department said. (PTI)

Heavy fighting as Iraqi troops drive deeper into Mosul Mosul, Nov 5: Iraqi special forces launched a twopronged assault deeper into Mosul's urban center on Friday, unleashing the most intense street battles against Islamic State militants since the offensive began nearly three weeks ago.

Smoke rose across eastern neighborhoods of Iraq's second-largest city as heavy fighting continued after sundown, with explosions and machine gun fire echoing in the streets as mosques called for evening prayer.

More than 3,000 Iraqi troops took part in the assault under heavy U.S.-led coalition air support, but the pace of the fight also slowed as Iraqi forces moved from fighting in more rural areas with few civilians to the tight, narrow streets of Mosul proper. Sniper fire repeatedly stalled the advance, as commanders called in airstrikes or artillery support after coming under fire.

As the operation got underway, columns of armored vehicles wound through the desert, pushing through dirt berms and drawing heavy fire as they closed in on the middleclass Tahrir and Zahara districts. The area was once named after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Seven suicide attackers in explosives-laden vehicles barreled toward the troops, with two getting through and detonating their charges, Lt. Col. Muhanad al-Timimi told The Associated Press. The others were destroyed, including a bulldozer that was hit by an airstrike from the U.S.-led coalition supporting the offensive.

At least seven special forces troops were killed and an officer and three soldiers were wounded, said an Iraqi military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to brief reporters.

"The operation is going well, but it's slow. These kinds of advances are always slow," said Iraqi special forces Capt. Malik Hameed, as IS fighters could be seen running in the distance to reposition themselves. "If we tried to go any faster we would take even more injuries."

An Iraqi television journalist traveling in a Humvee was wounded in one of the suicide car bomb attacks.

Earlier, at the eastern approach to the city's urban center, militants holed up in a building fired a rocket at an Iraqi Abrams tank, disabling it and sending its crew fleeing from the smoking vehicle. The ad-

Iraqi special forces soldiers move in formation in an alley on the outskirts of Mosul vance in that area then stalled.

The push began as dawn broke with artillery and mortar strikes on the Aden, Tahrir, and Quds districts, just west of the special forces' footholds in the Gogjali and Karama neighborhoods, al-Timimi said.

On the heels of the special forces advances, the Iraqi army's ninth division moved into the eastern Intisar neighborhood, said an officer from the unit who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

On Tuesday, Iraqi troops entered the city limits for the first time in more than two years, after a demoralized Iraqi army fled in the face of the Islamic State group's 2014 blitz across large swaths of territory in Iraq and neighboring Syria.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to take weeks if not months. Moving from neighborhood to neighborhood in house-tohouse battles through dense warrens of boobytrapped buildings is time consuming and Iraq's military has repeatedly opted for slower operations in an effort to minimize casualties.

Some 1 million civilians still remain in the city, complicating the advance.

IS militants have driven thousands of residents deeper into the city's builtup areas to be used as human shields, while hundreds of others have fled toward government-controlled territory and thousands have fled west into Syria.

Just a few miles (kilometers) from Friday's operation, dozens of cars queued up on the road to camps for displaced Mosul residents.

"We suffered and there was bombing and heavy shelling. We didn't feel safe," said Mahmoud Mahdi, who was fleeing the now government-held Gogjali neighborhood.

"Everybody is displaced and walking around in this heat. It is exhausting."

Mosul is the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, and expelling the militant group from the city would be a major blow to the survival of its self-declared "caliphate" that stretches into Syria.

Iraqi forces have made uneven progress in closing in on the city since the operation began on Oct. 17. Advances have been slower from the south, with government troops still some 20 miles (35 kilometers) away. Kurdish fighters and Iraqi army units are deployed to the north, while governmentsanctioned Shiite militias are sweeping in from the west to try to cut off any IS escape route.

As the sun began to set Friday, special forces troops fanned out across the city blocks retaken in the fighting. Guided by intelligence from U.S.-led coalition surveillance of the area, they knocked on the doors of homes where they believed civilians were living.

Moving from street to street, Capt. Hameed and his men found four families and an elderly couple in the sector they were assigned to clear. After sweeping the rooms for weapons, they questioned the male heads of household.

"Who were the IS fighters responsible for this neighborhood?" special forces Maj. Ahmed al-Mamouri asked an elderly man.

"They were Arabs, but not Iraqi. Foreign," the man said pointing to the houses where the fighters lived and worked.

As his children served the Iraqi soldiers tea, the man described where and when he saw the IS militants flee and the weapons they had.

Al-Mamouri pulled out satellite images of central Mosul and asked the man to identify checkpoints and buildings where he believed the fighters were making explosives.

"This is all to help with our operation moving forward," al-Mamouri said.

"This is almost more important than the clashes."

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

EDUCATION

Dietician

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Top 5 Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

A dietitian (or dietician)[1] is an expert in dietetics; that is, human nutrition and the regulation of diet. A dietitian alters their patient's nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs. Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems.[2] A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN),[3] is a dietitian who meets all of a set of special academic and professional requirements.

Most RDs work in the treatment and prevention of disease (administering medical nutrition therapy, as part of medical teams), often in hospitals, health-maintenance organizations, private practices, or other health-care facilities. In addition, a large number of registered dietitians work in community and public-health settings, and/or in academia and research. A growing number of dietitians work in the food industry, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs, and other non-traditional dietetics settings

A nutritionist or a dietician is known as a health professional who creates and recommends proper diets and eating habits for people, while taking into account the patient's health, lifestyle, age, potential allergies and food preferences. The difference between dietetics and nutrition is that dietetics focuses on food management, whereas nutrition focuses on the promotion of health through healthy food. Nutrition and dietetics courses are offered by several universities and institutions in India at diploma, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. You can apply for admission to these courses once the student has passed the 10+2 examination of any recognized Board or on the basis of merit.

There are a few institutes/universities which conduct entrance examination for admissions too.

Some of the top Nutrition and Dietetics institutes/colleges in India are as follows:

National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad

Career Education and Degrees to Become a Dietician Research the requirements to become a dietician, now more commonly spelled 'dietitian'. Learn about the job description and duties and see the step-by-step process to start a career in dietetics.

Should I Become a Dietitian?

Dietitians specialize in the study of nutritional health.

They make recommendations on what a person should eat to achieve a health-related goal or to live a healthier lifestyle. Dietitians are responsible for accessing a patients health needs and diet limitations, helping clients manage or prevent certain diseases through proper diet and developing and evaluating meal plans. Dietitians typically work full-time in establishments, such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools and cafeterias. Some positions may be freelance or part-time. Hours could vary depending on clients' schedules.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree Through a CP or DPD Program A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement needed to work as a licensed or certified dietitian. The two main pro-

gram options for students are a coordinated program (CP) in dietetics or a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) that's accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Other relevant majors include foods and nutrition, food service management and clinical nutrition. Students in a CP program complete classroom lessons along with a supervised internship and are eligible to sit for the licensing examination upon graduation.

Those enrolled in a DPD program will only receive classroom instruction and must complete an internship or ACEND-accredited practice program after graduation. Coursework for these programs typically includes chemistry, biology, physiology, psychology and nutrition science.

Success Tip: " Earn a competitive GPA in prerequisite courses. Schools offering degrees in dietetics and related programs are highly competitive and select a limited number of students.

Students must meet the minimum overall and prerequisite course GPA requirements. Some schools re-

quire that students receive a minimum of a 'C' in all prerequisite courses and have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75.

Complete an ACEND-Accredited Internship After receiving a bachelor's degree in dietetics or a related field, aspiring dietitians that have completed a DPD program must participate in a supervised experience. Students participating in a dietetic internship (DI) will typically complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice over 8 to 24 months. The total length of the program varies based upon the availability of a part-time schedule. Most DIs use a computer matching system to place students into an internship program. DIs that do not use online matching typically only accept applications from individuals currently employed by the organization. Since the application process for DIs is competitive, students should first contact their DPD program director and DPD faculty members for valuable information on where to apply and how to navigate the online matching process.

Success Tips: " Perform well in all

undergraduate classes. A 3.0 GPA is often the minimum requirement for most DIs, although students with a higher GPA will have a much greater chance of being selected by a program. " Get volunteer or paid work experience. It's important that students seek these opportunities in facilities that are related to nutrition and health. To increase their chances of being accepted for a DI, students should participate in volunteer or paid experiences that also offer internship programs. " Develop strong communication skills. Verbal and written communication are important factors when applying for DIs. Students should take the necessary time to craft professional and flawless cover letters and personalize them for each program to which they they apply.

Become Licensed or Certified The majority of states require dietitians to be licensed, while others only require certification or have no state regulations. Earning the registered dietitian (RD) credential is a common way to achieve licensure. Although not every state will

require dietitians to become RDs, the credential is highly preferred, or even required, by many employers. The path to becoming an RD involves obtaining a bachelor's degree, completing a supervised practice program and taking the registration examination for dietitians. The exam is computer-based and tests a variety of knowledge, including nutrition screening and assessment, medical monitoring and evaluation, nutrition diagnosis and menu planning. After successfully completing the examination and becoming licensed or certified, RDs must complete continuing education courses to maintain their credentials.

Consider a Specialty Certification Dietitians looking to advance in an area of specialty have several certification options to demonstrate competency. The Commission on Dietetic Registration offers specialty certifications in oncology, gerontological, renal, and pediatric nutrition as well as sports dietetics. Individuals interested in working with athletes for example, can pass an exam to earn Board Certification as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics.

National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, established in the year 1958, is an Indian Public Health, Biotechnology and Translational Research Centre located in Hyderabad, India. NIN offers advanced education courses and PhD program for nutrition and laboratory animal sciences.

J. D. Birla Institute of Home Science, Kolkata J. D. Birla Institute is a private unaided college established in the year 1962 and is affiliated to Jadavpur University, Kolkata. The institute has an A grade rating (CGPA of 3.61) from NAAC. Only female candidates are eligible for admission to the Science graduate and postgraduate courses.

Top 5 Nutritionists in India Rujuta Diwekar

This Delhi based nutritionist has an MBBS degree and was initially an allopathic doctor but her increased interest in health and lifestyle soon drew her towards nutrition and preventive medicine. She has studied Ayurveda extensively and set up her own clinics where she diagnoses the medical problems by the body constitution. The diet chart is co-created by her and her team of nutritionists.

Lady Irwin College Lady Irwin College is a women's college established in the year 1932 and located in New Delhi, India. It was managed by the All India Women's Education Fund Association and got affiliated to the University of Delhi in the year 1950. The college offers graduate as well as post-graduate courses in Home Science and graduate courses in Food Technology.

S.N.D.T. Women's University

Raksha Changappa Raksha Changappa is an Indian dieticiancum-nutritionist based in Bangalore. She is a published nutrition author, a nutrition panellist and a dietician honoured with multiple awards and accolades in the country. She specializes in rare disorders like phenylketonuria, systemic lupus, avascular necrosis and treats better-known disorders like obesity, diabetes mellitus too.

Hailing from Mumbai, Rujuta Diwekar is the dietician behind Kareena Kapoor's size-zero figure. Diwekar was born into a health-conscious family and made aware of nutrition at a very young age. She was athletic in school and developed an interest in fitness and lifestyle. Diwekar has a postgraduate degree in sport science and nutrition from SNDT University, Mumbai. She studied yoga and Vedanta at Rishikesh.

Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University (SNDT) is the first women's university in India as well as South-East Asia. The SNDT University is located in Mumbai, India and was founded by Maharshi Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve in 1916. The University offers graduate as well as post-graduate courses in Home Science, Food. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics.

Anjali Mukerjee Ishi Khosla Ishi Khosla is the founder of Whole Foods, a one-stop shop for nutrition needs. She hails from Delhi and suffered from obesity at a very young age. She then started applying self-devised weight loss methods on herself and slimmed down.

That got her interested in nutrition. She refused to take her MBBS exams and has an advanced degree from Lady Irwin College in Food and Nutrition. She had a productive career as a nutritionist in the preventive cardiology unit of Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi, which she quit to set up Whole Foods.

Shikha Sharma

Anjali Mukherjee started her own company, Health Total in 1997. She is the "official nutritionist" to the Miss India contestants. She started her clinical practice in 1984 and is an alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Mumbai. She also has a degree in clinical nutrition from the American Academy of Nutrition. She was not initially interested in nutrition but her effectiveness at the same piqued her interest in it and now she is a committed professional practising in Mumbai.

All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health is the only Post-Graduate Institute of its kind in India established in the year 1932 in Calcutta. Its is devoted to teaching and research in various disciplines in the health and related sciences and is the oldest school of public health in South-East Asia region

NATION

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Akhilesh, Shivpal cross swords at SP's silver jubilee bash

Not in race for Goa CM post, says Parrikar

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Lucknow, Nov 5:l Festering antagonism in Samajwadi Party's first family was on public display again today as the warring party satraps Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal shot barbs at each other at an event called to celebrate SP's silver jubilee, barely two days after putting up a united show.

Uttar Pradesh's ruling party has been witnessing a fierce fight between Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal, state SP chief, despite repeated attempts by party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav to broker peace.

With top leaders of socialist-leaning parties present at the event, a move seen as an attempt by Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav to forge an alliance ahead of the assembly polls hardly a few months

With swords out at the event literally, Akhilesh hit back when his turn came. away, the two exchanged cutting remarks that exposed the deep divisions within.

Shivpal fired the first salvo when he, in not so subtle manner, hinted at Akhilesh having got the chief minister's chair as he was Mulayam's son.

"Some people get things because of fate, some through hard work and some as part of inheritance. But some keep doing hard work through their lives and don't get anything," he said.

Asserting that he had done good work and cooperated

Smog chokes Delhi, municipal schools closed New Delhi, Nov 5: Nearly 17,000 schools running under the three municipal corporations of Delhi were today closed in view of the heavy smog, the worst the national capital has witnessed in 17 years.

"All municipal schools under the three corporations were closed due to the heavy smog and pollution. The order for closure is only for today as of now. As per the situation, we may decide to close them later as well," Leader of Opposition in SDMC, Subhash Arya said.

About 10 lakh students are enrolled in the schools administered by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), Nouth Delhi Municipal Corporation

(NDMC) and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC).

The decision was taken yesterday at a meeting of civic officials held in the wake of severe pollution Delhiites are reeling under.

Recently, the National Green Tribunal had pulled up the Centre and AAP government for "shifting blame" and not taking steps to tackle the alarming air pollution level in Delhi, saying what a "terrible" future are we giving to our children.

The national capital was facing the worst smog in 17 years, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had said on Thursday, while asking the Delhi government to issue health alerts and convey that children

should stay indoors as there was a state of health emergency due to peaking air pollution.

Peak level of respirable pollutants PM 2.5 and PM10 had also violated the safe limits by over 15 times at places like R K Puram. The prescribed standard of PM 2.5 is 60 micrograms per cubic metre, but it touched 955 in real-time during early morning hours.

Admitting that the enforcement of rules for tackling air pollution was "weak", the Environment Ministry yesterday had asked states to "strictly" implement a host of measures, including checking spread of fly ash from Delhi's Badarpur plant and shutting down of old brick kilns. (PTI)

Bhopal Encounter: MP Government Puts Cash Reward for Cops on Hold

File photo of MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Bhopal, Nov 5: The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to put on hold the cash rewards it had earlier announced for the police personnel who had participated in the alleged encounter killing of eight SIMI activists.

Talking to PTI on Saturday, a highly-placed official said, "After the announcement of judicial probe into the incident, the government cannot give cash rewards to anyone till the completion of the inquiry."

"The cash rewards were announced prior to the announcement of the judicial probe and therefore, it is logical that it can't be given till the inquiry gets over," the official added.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had an-

nounced a reward of Rs 2 lakh each for those policemen involved in the shootout. He had made the announcement on the occasion of the state's Foundation Day on November 1, a day after the alleged encounter of the SIMI men.

However, rights activists had demanded withholding the cash reward.

"The government should at least wait till completion of several enquiries it has instituted to probe the encounter to justify the reward," Abdul Jabbar, a social activist associated with Bhopal gas leak tragedy victims, had said.

"Government is known for its credibility and if that is compromised then there is no point of having it (reward)," he said.

Jabbar said on the one

hand the government has instituted several enquiries to probe the encounter and on the other it is rewarding those involved in it. "It (the reward) can't be justified till the probe is complete and all questions raised on the issue are properly addressed," he said.

Transparency Internati onal's Ajay Dube had also questioned the "rationale" behind announcing the reward at a time when the state is under the scanner over the veracity of the encounter.

"The government should have waited for the outcome of the judicial enquiry it has instituted into the encounter.

Announcing (rewards for policemen) before it (conclusion of inquiry) amounts to giving them a clean chit and to influence those involved in it (the probe)," he said.

Eight activists of the banned outfit were killed in an alleged encounter on the outskirts of the city hours after they killed a head constable and pulled off an audacious escape from the high-security central jail in the wee hours of October 31.

The state government has ordered a judicial probe into the sensational jail-break and the alleged encounter. The probe will be conducted by retired High Court Judge Justice S K Pandey. (Agencies)

with Akhilesh in the last four years, an emotional Shivpal said," I want to tell popular CM Akhilesh that whatever sacrifice you want from me, I will make.

I never want to become Chief Minister. You can insult me, sack me as many time (as minister) as you want, but I am prepared to give even my blood for the party."

With swords out at the event literally, Akhilesh hit back when his turn came.

Pointing towards Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, a minister in his government who he had sacked over graft allegations but later reinducted on Mulayam's insistence, Akhilesh said," Prajapati has presented me the sword. You give me sword and don't want me to use it." The Chief Minister was apparently hinting at opposition from Shivpal's camp over sacking of ministers facing corruption charges.

He had also sacked Shivpal Yadav from the ministry in a tit-for-tat action after Mulayam expelled cousin Ram Gopal Yadav. Ram Gopal, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been backing the Chief Minister in his fight against his uncle.

Apparently rejecting criticism over his lack of political and administrative experience, Akhilesh said,"If you want to put me to test I am ready for that.

Our target is to defeat BJP and BSP in 2017 elections.

This UP election will decide future of the country".

With the party he founded facing tough times ahead of the crucial assembly polls a few months from now, Mulayam, who had brought son Akhilesh and brother Shivpal together for the flagging off the Chief Minister's 'Vikas Se Vijay Ki Ore' rath yatra on Thursday, chose to keep silent on the internecine strife. (PTI)

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Panaji, Nov 5: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said he is not in the race for Goa Chief ministers post as he intends to continue as a Union Minister.

"I am holding the charge as Defence Minister in the Union Government. This means I am having responsibility of the entire country. I will continue as

Defence Minister and will not be contesting as the Chief Minister candidate of the state," Parrikar told reporters in Panaji in the presence of Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

Replying to a question, he said the decision on next Chief Minister of Goa would be taken by partys national president.

In 2012, the Goa BJP had

fought the polls under the leadership of Parrikar, who became the Chief Minister for the third time. His first stint as CM was on 24 October 2000, but his tenure lasted only till 27 February 2002. On 5 June 2002, he was re-elected and served another term.

In 2014, Parrikar had to resign from the post of chief minister after he was asked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the Union Cabinet.

Parrikar said he is happy with Parsekars performance so far. He said since his induction into the Union cabinet happened all of a sudden, he could not get time to explain to Parsekar the nitty-gritty and demands of the CM post.

"I have been in touch with him for the next 6-7 months giving him feedback about the discussions, which were left midway during my term as CM," he said. (PTI)

14 killed as bus falls Only 5% Army veterans facing into Beas river in problems over OROP: Parrikar Minister says problems faced by remaining Himachal Pradesh Defence 5% cent will be resolved in next two months Mandi, Nov 5: At least 14 people were today killed and over two dozen injured when a private bus plunged into the Beas river near Vindravani in Mandi district, about 155 km from here.

The ill-fated bus with over 40 passengers on board was travelling to Kullu from Manali when it veered off the road while trying to avoid a motorcyclist and fell into the turbulent Beas, police officers said.

The incident, in which 14 people were killed, took place hardly 3 km from Mandi, police said.

Unconfirmed reports, however, put the toll at 16.

The victims are yet to be identified. The injured people, over two dozen of them, were rushed to the zonal hospital at Mandi. The condition of two of them is stated to be critical. The bus was close to the banks of the river which made rescue operations easier, police

said. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam and IGAjay Yadav immediately reached the spot along with rescue teams Though there was only a remote possibilityof passengers getting washed away in the river, divers have been called in as a precautionary measure to locate missing persons, if any.

The Mandi DC said rescue operations were in progress and all possible help is being provided to the victims. Transport minister G S Bali expressed deep shook over the accident and said an inquiry would be launched to ascertain its cause. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who is in Delhi, has been informed about the accident, he said. Most of the people travelling in the bus were from Mandi and Kullu and other places on the Mandi-Kullu National Highway 21. (Agencies)

IAS officer turns chauffeur on driver's retirement day Nagpur, Nov 5: In a touching gesture, a district collector drove his chauffeur to office in his government vehicle on the latter's retirement day.

G Sreekanth, the District Collector of Akola in western Vidarbha, gave a pleasant surprise to Digambar Thak, who retired on Thursday after serving as a driver in the Revenue Department for more than 33 years, by chauffeuring him to office on his last working day.

As per his daily routine, Thak reached Sreekanth's official residence in the morning to drive him to office.

But a pleasant surprise awaited Thak, who has worked with Sreekanth for the last one-and-a-half years. He saw the official car decorated with flowers.When the IAS officer offered to drive him to the office, and told him that this was his farewell gift, Thak was overwhelmed.

He pleaded with the bureaucrat to change his decision but to no avail.

Sreekanth took to the wheels and Thak sat at the back seat.

"I don't have words to

describe my feelings. I feel I must have something worthwhile in my service to deserve this honour," Thak told PTI in an emotion-choked voice.

During his service, Thak had seen many bosses, but 31-year-old Sreekanth's gesture had left him overwhelmed.

The district collector did not stop at this. On reaching office, the IAS officer made Thak sit on a chair next to him and then felicitated him and his wife in presence of all Collectorate employees.

"He also gave me gifts," Thak said with a big smile on his face. He has a son and daughter, both married, and owns a few acres of farm land in Akola.

Thak's colleagues were impressed when Sreekanth asked them to make arrangements for his felicitation, but the gesture of driving him to office made them feel honoured.

"Not only Thak, but all staffers of the Collectorate also felt honoured by the gesture," an employee working in the Collector's office said. Sreekanth could not be reached for comments. (Agencies)

New Delhi, Nov 5: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said 95 per cent of retired defence personnel have benefited from the implementation of the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme and problems being faced by the remaining 5 per per cent will be resolved in the next two months.

The comments by Parrikar came against the backdrop of a row over suicide by an ex-serviceman from Haryana over the OROP issue and amid the ongoing war of words between ruling BJP and Opposition parties, including Congress.

"More than 95 per cent people (ex-servicemen) are benefiting from (en-

hanced) pension after the implementation of One Rank One Pension. There are only 4-5 per cent who are facing difficulties in getting their pensions (as per OROP).

"Most of these are old exservicemen, including veterans from 1962 and 1971 wars, whose records are untraceable," Parrikar told reporters here.

"Since their records are old, the Pension Department does not have them.

The most important record for pension is the years of service put in by veterans.

That is not available.

These are old pensioners.

In many cases, their families are getting the pension," the Minister said.

Parrikar said he has given

special instructions to officials concerned to get the records within a month and if required, they (beneficiaries) will be asked to file affidavit.

Problems being faced by them will be resolved in the next two months, he said, adding there is no discontent among the exservicemen over the pension issue.

"I have held meetings with the ex-servicemen associations which have said they are happy with the (OROP) implementation."

Replying to a question, Parrikar said, "Only those ex-servicemen who have joined politics are now acting like politicians.

(PTI)

Minor sideway collision between two metro trains at depot New Delhi, Nov 5: The new trains, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, are equipped with advanced anti-collision technology.

The incident occurred yesterday at 3:45 pm during the pre-commissioning phase, but inquiry has been ordered into the case, a DMRC official said.

"A train, which was under complete control of Hyundai Rotem for commissioning, was moved perhaps inadvertently in reverse direction by the Rotem staff," Delhi Metro Rail Corporation spokesperson Anuj Dayal said.

The Delhi Metro currently spans an operational network of over 210 kms. Botanical Garden-Janakpuri West corridor (Line 8 or Magenta Line) is slated to become operational by next year.

"There was no need to worry as it was in a depot, and one train just grazed against the other sideways.

Also, the speed of the train was 2-3 kmph thus minimising the impact of the side-rubbing, and no one was hurt in the incident," the DMRC official said.

"Responsibility for the in-

In a freak accident, two Delhi metro trains had a minor sideway collision at Kalindi Kunj depot on the underconstruction Botanical Garden to Janakpuri West Line, but no one was hurt in the incident.

cident is of Rotem and prima facie it appears to be negligence on the part of the Rotem staff," Dayal said.

"However, a detailed inquiry is being conducted

by Rotem to look into this lapse for suitable action," he said. Hyundai Rotem, a South Korean company, is responsible for commissioning, among other carriages, the standard gauge cars of the Delhi Metro.

"Our mainline train operations are fully safe and there is no scope of any such collision there due to provision of ATP (automatic train protection) and ATO (automatic train operation) during passenger services," the official said.

"These new trains are fully equipped to provide most reliable and safe service to public after commissioning even without train operators," he said. (Agencies)

Ancient stone Shiva lingam unearthed in Puducherry Puducherry, Nov 5:A five-ft tall stone Shiva Lingam, believed to be more than 300 years old, has been unearthed by a farmer in neighbouring Poornanku ppam, officials said.

Puthupattan (56) was digging his field with an earthmover when the machine suddenly hit a hard object about four feet beneath the earth. The

farmer and other locals dug up the pit and found the Lingam, local revenue officials said.

He immediately informed the nearby revenue office and a team of officials rushed to the site, they said.

The officials said a preliminary study indicated that the lingam was more than 300 years old. However the exact period to which

it belonged could be ascertained only after inspection by experts from Archaeological Survey of India on November 7, they said.

Meanwhile people from nearby villages flocked to the spot on hearing about the Lingam. Some of them performed poojas and sprinkled flowers on it, they said. (PTI)

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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

P11 PTI Pune, Nov 5: Antonio Habas will have to keep his emotions under check as FC Pune City host former champions Atletico de Kolkata in a Hero Indian Super League clash at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium here tomorrow.

Habas guided Atletico de Kolkata to the ISL title in 2014 and then ensured the team made it to the semi-finals last season, losing a fierce contest against eventual champions Chennaiyin FC. This season Habas decided to move over to FC Pune City but things have not really gone the way he would have liked. Serving a four match suspension at the start, Habas saw his team win just four points from the first four matches and since his return to the technical bench for the last three matches, Pune City picked up only two points.

"The team is working hard.

They tried to score but they failed but they fought to the last minute. That's a good thing. Always the same problem though for us."

Habas said after his team were pushed to the bottom following their solitary goal loss against FC Goa. With a match in hand, Pune City can jump to the sixth position above FC Goa and Kerala Blasters if they defeat Atletico de Kolkata. However, given Pune's poor run at home and ATK's strong showing this season, the visitors should start as favourites.

Atletico de Kolkata have 12 points from seven matches and will occupy the top spot with a win in Pune. Coach Jose Molina, who replaced Habas at the start of the season, has helped the team dish out some fine performances and the return of marquee player Helder Postiga has boosted ATK's confidence.

After an injury-forced absence of four matches, Postiga scored his first goal through a delightful header to script a spectacular comeback win against NorthEast United FC. Interestingly, Postiga was chosen as a marquee player

by Habas last season but he could only play the opening match where he scored two goals and limped out with an injury. Will Postiga now return to haunt Habas?

"The most important thing is to rest well and then put in a good effort in training and it is going to be a good game.

This league is very competitive and Pune is a good team.

I know how Antonio (Habas) thinks but it is a tough game for us," said Postiga.

Atletico de Kolkata have retained the maximum number of international players for this season. Habas knows all of them quite well and it will be interesting to see how he sets up his team to thwart the visitors and plot Pune's resurgence.

Jackichand caps off first start with Riyan Parag's century helps a winner against NorthEast Assam end Day 1 at 241/9 Guwahati, Nov 5: Mumbai City FC went top of Hero Indian Super League 2016 with a 1-0 win over NorthEast United FC in front of almost 30,000 fans at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday evening. Making his first start of the season, Jackichand Singh scored the only goal of the match in the 45th minute after a goalkeeping error led to an easy finish for the winger.

Diego Forlan threaded a beautiful ball to play Jackichand in on goal as early as the sixth minute. The Indian winger got to the ball before an onrushing Wellington Gomes, however, his shot flew agonisingly wide of the target to the delight of the home faithful.

Forlan put in a dangerous freekick from the left eight minutes later to find Leo Costa for a free header inside the sixyard box. Mailson Alves though did just about enough to prevent Costa from keeping his effort on target.

The Highlanders’ first opportunity came in the 20th minute after Katsumi Yusa put Holicharan Narzary in on goal with a delightful through ball.

Narzary controlled the ball and narrowed in on goal before sending a left-footed strike wide of the target.

NorthEast started to grow into the game with Katsumi setting up Emiliano Alfaro 10 minutes later. The Uruguayan produced a brilliant first-time goal-bound volley but Albino

Match Awards: Club award:

Mumbai

City FC

Fittest Player of the Match: Emiliano Alfaro Winning Pass of the Match: Sony Norde Swift Moment of the Match: Albino Gomes ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Jackichand Singh

Hero of the Match: Jackichand caps off first start with a winner against NorthEast Gomes was equal to the task and pulled off a spectacular save.

The visitors went in front on the stroke of half-time following a goalkeeping error by Wellington. NorthEast’s Brazilian custodian got caught with the ball at his feet by Sony Norde, who set up Jackichand for an easy finish to put Mumbai 1-0 up at the break.

Mumbai came close to doubling their lead 11 minutes into the second period as Krisztian Vadocz headed a cross from the left fractions wide of NorthEast’s goal.

Costa had another effort on goal in the 72nd minute but once again the Brazilian’s effort failed to test the goalkeeper.

The hosts upped the tempo with 15 minutes to play and the pressure nearly paid dividends. A goalmouth scramble in the 76th minute was somehow put behind for a corner.

The resulting corner from Katsumi was met by substitute Seityasen Singh, who headed straight into the grateful hands of the goalkeeper.

With the game getting increasingly stretched, another substitute could have found his name

Lucian Goian on the scoresheet. Forlan found Matias Defederico with a beautiful pass to put him goal-side of NorthEast’s defence in the 79th minute. The Argentine’s shot, however, trickled tantalisingly wide of goal as the score stayed at 1-0.

Mumbai kept more of the ball in the closing stages and continued to draw fouls from the tiring Highlanders as they ran down the clock. NorthEast were finding joy in the wide areas, however, Mumbai’s well-drilled backline defended the balls coming in from the wings in resolute fashion to do the double over Nelo Vingada’s men. (Agencies)

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Dibrugarh, Nov 5: Assam ended Day 1 at 241 for nine in 87 overs in their Group A match against Himachal Pradesh of the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy at DDSA stadium in Dibrugarh today.

Put into bat, Assam rode on the innings of opener Riyan Parag. Riyan scored 126 off 196 slamming seventeen boundaries and five sixes. He dominated the opposition bowlers from the very onset. He was well supported by middle order batsman Sandip Paul Mazumdar and Abhishek Thakuri who chipped in with 27 and 19 runs respectively.

Though the wicket was a good one to bat on, the Himachal bowlers managed to keep the Assam

Riyan Parag batsman in check with overs. Apart from him, some disciplined bowl- PG Kashyap and DB ing. For Rangi Himachal Cooch Behar Trophy managed Pradesh, t w o AS Jamwal scapled wickets at the expense five wickets giving of 56 and 20 runs reaway 77 runs in his 28 spectively.

BCCI should implement 85 percent of Lodha recommendations: Shastri

Golfer Chikka eyes Manila Masters title IANS Manila, Nov 5: Young Indian golfer S. Chikka of India believes he has what it takes to try for a maiden Asian Tour title at the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters being held here from November 10 to 13.

The 23-year-old Indian has been in sparkling form of late, finishing top-10 in his last three starts on the region's premier Tour where he sits in the 30th place on the Order of Merit with $127,649.

His tied-third place finish in Macao last month, which marked his best result ever on the Asian Tour, was timely as he went on to claim a victory on the Indian domestic circuit a week later.

"The win was a huge relief, having been in contention for three weeks and not getting to the top. It gave me the much needed motivation to strive for the better and push myself harder," Chikka said in an Asian Tour

release.

"It was also special to return home after three weeks and win an event."

The young Indian will be looking to extend his fine form and leave his mark on Asia's elite circuit when he heads to the highly acclaimed Manila Southwoods Golf and

Country Club.

"I am feeling good about the game. I spent some quality time back home with my coach. It's a great layout at Manila Southwoods. I played there last year and it suits my eyes. I am really looking forward to the week.

"I think a win is around the corner for me. I just have to

stay patient. I think my game has gotten better over the last three events so I just need to focus on what I need to do and things should fall in place," said Chikka.

Chikka, a two-time winner on the Asian Development Tour, will feature in the event alongside countrymen Gaganjeet Bhullar and S.S.P Chawrasia, the man whom he will partner for India at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf later this month.

Chinese Taipei's Chan Shihchang and local hotshot Miguel Tabuena, ranked fifth and sixth respectively on the Order of Merit, will headline the elite field.

Also in the fray are Mardan Mamat of Singapore, who won the event in 2014, Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who claimed a breakthrough victory in Macao last month, as well as local stalwart Juvic Pagunsan, Asian Tour Order of Merit champion in 2011.

England seamer Anderson Real Madrid repays state aid deemed unlawful may play second Test vs India

IANS Mumbai, Nov 5 : Ahead of the gruelling five-match Test rubber against India, the England cricket team received a much-needed shot in the arm after pace spearhead James Anderson passed a final fitness test on his shoulder injury and is set to join the squad ahead of the first Test from November 9 at Rajkot.

England skipper Alastair Cook, who conceded that his side are the "underdogs" coming into the series, said Anderson's return will boost the side, who lost to Bangladesh in their last outing.

Sports Reporter

"It's really good news," Cook told reporters after Anderson was cleared to join the squad.

"He's probably about a week ahead of where we thought he would be. He's worked incredibly hard to get back. He's got the all clear. Now he needs to come out here and acclimatise and get some overs in the nets."

"He's put the effort in and rather than take the easy option and come back in July he wants to make a difference this series."

Anderson, who is yet to join the squad may miss out of the playing XI for the

opening game but Cook hoped that his leading pacer will be fit enough for the second Test at Visakhapatnam.

"We have to see him but chatting to him yesterday the second Test is a good possibility," said Cook.

Cook, who led England to a 3-1 win during their previous tour to the sub-continent, however, admitted that his side will start the series as "underdogs", considering No.1-ranked India's brilliant run in the longest format of late.

"These are different conditions, but being underdogs takes a lot of pressure off us. Any time you play the No.1 or the No.2 ranked team in their backyard, who are very comfortable in their conditions, it's a huge task for us," Cook said.

But the southpaw, who has scored four centuries on Indian soil backed his side to do well, despite many members of the squad playing their maiden series in India.

"We have played really good cricket in big series.

Last year, we went to South Africa and won away from home when they were No.1," he said.

IANS Madrid, Nov 5: The local government of Madrid acknowledged the receipt of 20 million euros ($22.6 million) from Spanish football club Real Madrid as repayment of aid which the European Commission had deemed to be unlawful.

A city government statement on Friday said that the municipal treasury had received the payment in one of its bank accounts, reports Efe. "Madrid City Council has received an amount exceeding 20 million euros from Real Madrid as repayment of aid deemed irregular," the statement said.

The statement added that the city government's finance department had required the payment in order to comply with a decision handed down by the EC "on illegal state aid granted in 2011."

The commission in Brussels had said in a statement published on July 4 that Real Madrid had in 1998 agreed a transfer of land then worth 595,000 euros ($662,949) from

the city of Madrid.

"Eventually, the transfer did not take place," the EC statement said.

In order to compensate the club for the absence of the promised land, the city government compensated Madrid to the value of 22.7 million euros ($25.2 million).

However, the value of the land in question had been boosted by a re-evaluation so that Real Madrid obtained an advantage of 18.4 million euros ($20.5 million) from the compensation, the EC statement said.

"The Commission's investigation showed that Real Madrid was entitled to compensation of 4.3 million euros (approx $4.8 million)," the statement said.

The payment amounted to unlawful state aid, the commission concluded.

The city's finance department had urged the club in September to make the payment of 18.4 million euros ($20.5 million) plus interest, giving it two months in which to deposit the amount sought.

IANS New Delhi, Nov 5 : Former India team director Ravi Shastri has said that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should implement 80 to 85 percent of Justice R.M. Lodha Committee's recommendations that are related to administration, governance, finance and election process.

"80 to 85 percent of Lodha Committee recommendations should be implemented, but problems can arise over remaining 15 percent recommendations due to practicalities," Shastri was quoted as saying by India TV. "Reforms in cricket are needed and 80 to 85 per cent recommendations of Lodha Committee should be implemented. In some cases, we should give 'danda' (be stern), it is needed," he added.

However, Shastri said, appointing only three instead of five national selectors from the five zones would be a wrong decision.

"If you want fair selections, in a big country like India, which has more players than the players combined in other cricket-playing countries, at least five national selectors representing five zones are needed,

along with 10 talent scouts, two for each zone," Shastri said.

Similarly, Shastri questioned the Lodha committee's recommendation for a threeyear 'cooling off' period for administrators with a fixed tenure of three years.

"If you want to appoint cricketers, then you need continuity. Appoint them for a minimum five-six years, then a three-year cooling off period, and they can be reappointed for another six years."

"If an administrator is doing good work, why should he be removed after three years? Where is the guarantee that his successor would carry on the good work of his predecessor?," the 54-year-old said.

"Even now there can be a dialogue (between BCCI and Lodha committee)."

Shastri further asked: "If you think BCCI was that bad, how come we won three World Cups and we gave cricketers like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar to the world?".

The former India skipper also spoke highly of Test captain Virat Kohli, who has hit a purple patch in the last couple of years.

"I am truly enamoured of Virat Kohli. India should be

proud of him. Even M.S. Dhoni has said, time will come when Virat will have to lead India across all three formats of the game. Kohli has sheer consistency and is a great role model for youngsters."

"At the age of 28, Kohli has made 26 or 27 centuries in one-day, he has made 35 to 40 international hundreds.

He has ten more years of cricket, and if he continues to play, without injury, then anything can happen. But we should not put pressure on him because Sachin Tendulkar has a marvellous record (100 centuries).

"You get men like Sachin once in a lifetime. Now that Kohli has 40 international hundreds, and he has ten years more to play, nobody knows what can happen," he added.

With calls of Kohli taking over the mantle of the limited overs side growing by the day, Shastri felt Dhoni still has a lot of cricket left in him.

"Now, Dhoni has a lot of cricket left in him, his fitness is also good. He was facing pressure as captain for the last 10-12 years, now the time has come for another player to take over his responsibility in the next 12 to 18 months," Shastri said.

Comparing Kohli with Dhoni, Shastri said: "Dhoni is cool, but Kohli is young, totally different from Dhoni, Kohli is instinctive, a very expressive lad, if he has disappointment or happiness you can notice it on the field in two minutes. If he plays a bad shot, his body language will show he is disappointed with himself. But he has matured a lot now."

"On the other hand, Dhoni knows Kohli is a deadly player and how to extract the maximum out of him. They are, in a sense, both 'alpha males' in a single dressing room. Yet they have tremendous respect for each other."

Over 40,00 kids to run in Salwan Marathon PTI New Delhi, Nov 5 : Over 40000 children from more than 800 schools will participate in the 21st edition of the Salwan Marathon to be run at the Army Equestrian Centre here tomorrow.

The run this year has seen an increase in registrations of over 40 per cent from students from rural areas over the last year.

The number of special children

participating in the marathon will also see an increase as over 2500 visually impaired and differently-abled children have already confirmed their participation.

Boxer Shiva Thapa, and runners Manpreet Kaur and Khushbir Kaur will be seen at the run along with volunteers, cheering for the runners.

Samrata Diwan, Spokesperson, Salwan Marathon, said,

"Our biggest challenge is to ensure the safety and security of each and every child and have a fair and clean race, and we are fully geared up for that."

As part of the initiative to ensure an even playing field for all participants, the organisers have put in place stringent mechanisms to root out any possibility of doping and fudging by participating school children.

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All eyes on Habas as Pune face ATK

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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

P12 Shraddha Kapoor nervous to shoot 'Haseena' with brother Siddhanth Kapoor

Will Karan Johar have to mute the remarks on Mohammad Rafi in 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'?

Just a few days after its release, Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' has managed to stir another controversy and this time the aggrieved party was none other than legendary singer, Mohammad Rafi's family.

In one of the scenes in the films in which Anushka Sharma's character, Alizeh tells Ranbir Kapoor, "Mohd.

Rafi gaate nahi rote the."

Mohammed Rafi's son Shahid Rafi took offense to Anushka Sharma's dialogue from the film and has now apparently consulted CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) chief Pahlaj Nihalani, to take action against this.

According to reports, CBFC is still trying figure out how they didn't spot this error in the film while viewing it. It was only after the uproar that the censor board realized they had missed the insult to the legendary singer.

Reports also suggest that Karan Johar may now be asked to beep out the dialogue from the film all across theaters in India and abroad.

Shraddha Kapoor will be seen sharing screen space with her brother Siddhanth in the upcoming biopic 'Haseena' and the actress is a bundle of nerves even before filming.

The film is a biopic on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's sister Haseena. The 'Baaghi' star will be seen in the titular role in 'Haseena The Queen of Mumbai' while her brother will be seen as Dawood.

"I am very excited and nervous because I've been thinking if I have to do a scene with him, I've to forget that he is my 'bhaiya'. He is the character in the film who is also my brother," she said in

Jacqueline Fernandez goes for Guinness Record in 60 seconds

We should do what we want, wear what we want and not let the world dictate our personal choices!" she exclaims. "With age, looks fade, health doesn't."

Neha Dhupia says she's very secure Neha Dhupia of 'Singh Is Kinng' and 'Dasvidaniya' fame, admits she's in a calm and serene place as compared to other actors. The actress, who completed a decade in the industry, told a publication the reasons for this. She said the she had been raised by secure parents and before she came to Mumbai for work her father told her to always keep her head between her shoulders and walk with her head held high. Understandably, the Bollywood industry is a tough, competitive place with a lot of pressure and she confessed that she would be lying if she said she didn't get secure, but she added that it was a relative term. She said she was very secure and compared to what others go through, she had her own friends and her own things to do. She also added that a person is responsible for the content he or she delivers.

Priyanka Chopra proud of her debut Marathi production Actress Priyanka Chopra is looking forward to the release of her maiden Marathi production 'Ventilator' and she said she is very proud of the film.

Actress Priyanka Chopra is looking forward to the release of her maiden Marathi production 'Ventilator' and she said she is very proud of the film.

The film is directed by Rajesh Mapuskar, who previously directed "Ferrari Ki Sawaari". The movie stars actor-turned-filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker alongside several veteran Marathi film and theatre actors. It releases this Friday. "#Ventilator, my first Marathi venture, is a film I'm truly proud of, and I can't wait for you guys to see it! #Nov4," Priyanka tweeted.

John, Sonakshi pay tribute to unsung heroes at Amar Jawan Jyoti

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Actors John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha on Thursday paid tribute to the armed forces and unsung heroes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate here.

The actors, who were here for a promotional event for their forthcoming actioner 'Force 2', placed a wreath near the Amar

Jawan Jyoti and appealed that spies who lose their lives in safeguarding the country also get the recognition and status that martyrs get in India.

They attracted a huge crowd at India Gate and flaunted an important message via their T-shirts: "Respect the Indian forces."After the event, Sonakshi and John tweeted: "At Amar Jawan Jyoti paying respect to the true heroes of our nation, our armed forces! Jai Hind 'Force2'."The film's team is keen that the names of these unsung heroes should get recognised. They also plan to take this petition to the

President.

John had previously said: "Even today, there are many unrecognised and forgotten martyrs from various intelligence agencies who need to gain recognition, if not celebrated." He said that the film's story is inspired from true life events.

"It's our humble request to the system to recognise those who have sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. It's disheartening that these people put their lives at stake, without giving second thoughts to whether their efforts or sacrifice will ever be recognised.

Rohit Shetty, who has been in search of a leading lady for the fourth installment of 'Golmaal', has allegedly zeroed down on Parineeti Chopra. After 'Meri Pyaari Bindu' and 'Takadum', she has now reportedly been signed on for 'Golmaal Again'. Grapevine suggests that Rohit was undecided between Parineeti and Shraddha Kapoor, but

decided to get Pari on board after seeing her enthusiasm about being a part of the franchise.

According to reports, the character is that of a bubbly girl who cannot be seen by anyone except Ajay Devgn's character.

The role required quirkiness and Parineeti supposedly loved it.

Meanwhile, Shraddha in a recent interview denied being offered the film at all and stated that she would love to be a part of an out-andout comedy.

Pooja Chopra: Opportunity doesn't land in your lap

Alia Bhatt's fans makes her 'Dear Zindagi' better

Actress Alia Bhatt is delighted for scoring 10 million followers on Instagram and she The 23-year-old star, who will next be seen alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Gauri Shinde's "Dear Zindagi", has shared the news on social media, thanking her fans for their love.

"Ten million followers on Instagram! Millions of thanks, you guys, you make my #DearZindagi even better! #10MillionOnInsta," she wrote. said her fans have made her "Dear Zindagi" even better with this achievement.

Alia has now become the third most followed Bollywood actor on Instagram after Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, who hold number one and two positions with 12.6 million and 11.8 million followers, respectively.

There are grey shades to SRK's character in 'Raaes': Rahul Dholakia

Actress Pooja Chopra says it is not easy to get a break in Bollywood as she had to wait for three years after her debut film 'Commando' for another opportunity.

"Even after winning Miss Indiaand getting a debut in 'Commando', I didn't get a good break for three years. That shows opportunity doesn't fall into your laps," Pooja said at the press interaction for the success of short film 'Ouch' on Friday.

"So many people across the country come to Mumbai after being attracted to the glitz and glamour. I feel it is important to be realistic, set a certain period and have something as backup," she said.

"However, when you get that one opportunity you hold on tightly and leave no stone unturned to get people to notice you. The good part is if the industry notices your talent, they accept you even if you are an outsider," she said.

On being asked if she misses the big screen, she said, "Yes too much. I think every actor wants to have a release every Friday.

Acting is not a monotonous job. It is a beautiful process. Of course, I missed it. I want to get back as soon as possible."

Responding to what made her do a short film like 'Ouch', the 30year-old actress replied, "Neeraj Pandey. Even if it would have been a cameo or guest appearance, I would have grabbed the opportunity without even thinking."

Sharing the experience of working with Manoj Bajpai, Pooja said, "I was scared. Already there were so many things going on my mind as I portrayed a matured woman who was having an extra-marital affair. However, when I met Manoj Bajpai for the first time, he broke the ice. He was cool and supportive. In fact he was the first who called me after the final cut and appreciated my work."

Neeraj Pandey's short film 'Ouch', starring Manoj Bajpayee and Pooja Chopra, is a light-hearted take on a complex relationship where both protagonists are involved in an extra-marital affair with each other.

Director Rahul Dholakia says the audience will be surprised to see Shah Rukh Khan in a role with grey shades in his upcoming film 'Raaes'.

"There are a lot of grey shades to his (Shah Rukh's) character. He is playing an interesting character. He has done a great job. He is brilliant in the film... people will be amazed to see him like this," Rahul said in an interview.

"It's a big film for me. One needs to do his best and I have given my best," he said.This is the first time that the 'Parzania' helmer has teamed up with SRK, whom he found to be a very humble person."He is very nice, sweet, humble and loving person. There is a reason why he is up there, its not because of the actor that he is but it is also to do with the person he is," the the National award winning director added.According to Rahul, the promotions of 'Raaes' will kick start soon.

"The marketing team is working on the promotional campaign and all."Rahul also wished SRK on his 51st birthday.

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Editor: Prahlad Hammey

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On Sunday, Jacqueline Fernandez with several hundred women will try to set a new Guinness World Record by holding an abdominal plank for 60 seconds at a garden in BKC. The 31-year-old actress, who has always promoted healthy living and eating, will headline the `Do You' campaign which is close to her heart.

"It's a movement which aims to inspire confidence in young girls, encouraging them to express their inherent beliefs, follow their instincts, find their best self, and be who they are, unapologetically," Jacky told Mirror, pointing out that fitness is her way of loving herself.

The actress who plans to run the marathon next year is disturbed by the need to diet amongst young girls, pointing out that any kind of dieting without an exercise regimen to boost it is a waste of time. "Our bodies shouldn't feel punished when we try to lose or gain weight. It's only when the body is happy and satisfied that we inch towards fitness," her explains.Jacky is glad that with advancement in technology a woman doesn't need to squeeze herself into a corset or slip into a killer pair of stiletto to look presentable. "Today, it's easy to find a pair of heels that are comfortable while making you feel like a diva on!" says the youth icon who can't remember the last time she went into a tizzy over what not to wear or complained of sore feet.

"Times have changed and so has the idea of fashion.

Parineeti Chopra roped in for 'Golmaal Again'?

an interview.

"But ultimately I think it'll help that we are brothers and sisters. I hope that bond translates on screen," she added.

The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia. Sonakshi Sinha was initially roped in for the biopic but the actress dropped out of the project.

Shraddha, 29, says her brother has already started shooting for the film and she will join him soon."I've not started shooting with him as yet but he started a schedule.

I'll be joining soon. I think this is the first time ever that a real life brother sister have come on screen as reel life brother sister."The film will chronicle the journey of Haseena from teenage to the time when she is 40-year-old.

Shraddha meanwhile, will be next seen in 'Rock On 2'.

Also starring Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli and Shashank Arora, the film will arrive in theatres on November 11. It has been helmed by debutant Shujat Saudagar.