Sunday,oct 1,2015

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

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

GOOD NEWS The Eastern Today in Khonsa For Your Copy: HAKHUN DIAGNOSTICS

Bank Colony, Khonsa Contact : 08730849369/ 08471896580/ 03736-222269

Vol. 1

Issue 146

Price -

Dibrugarh, Sunday, November 1, 2015

5.00

Pages- 12

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Governor writes to PM regarding Hollongi Robbers loot jewellery, greenfield airport, CM vows to fight back cash from a residence ○

○

○

in Tinsukia

○

Arunachal greenfield airport controversy

○

○

○

Robberies at all time high in last two decades

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○ ○ ○

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Oct 31

After some sort of a sabbatical of about one and a half year, former Union Minister cum former MP of Lakhimpur Parliamentary Constituency Rani Narah has again set out to regain power by means of the forthcoming State Assembly election. Simultaneously, the former Cabinet Minister of the State Govt, Bharat Narah

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Contd. on Page 4

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○ ○ ○

Dreaded Maoist leader arrested

○

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Oct 31

○

Grenade lobbed at Kherempani TE

○

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○ ○ ○ ○

○

Rani Narah sets out to make a comeback in politics

○

Contd. on Page 4

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

A grenade with average intensity was lobbed here late evening into the premises of Kherempani Tea Factory located at Kheremura in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh which shares common boundary

○

with Tinsukia District of Assam around 2 kilometers further towards the south under Bordumsa Police Station.

According to Arunachal Police, the incident occurred at around 11.14 pm last night when a mild tremor was heard following

Laxman Sharma Bordumsa, Oct 31

Golaghat Police today apprehended a dreaded Maoist leader from Khakandguri under Dergaon PS in Golaghat.

The arrested cadre has been identified as Pallav Charingia Phukan alias Akon alias Phukan who hails from Tinsukia and working as an organiser with the banned organisation.

Contd. on Page 4 ○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Contd. on Page 4 ○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Police arrest ATM robbers

○

Contd. on Page 3 ○

has also accelerated his political activities in his attempts to come back to power. It is worth mentioning that Rani Narah who was the MP candidate for Lakhimpur Parliamentary Constituency, while representing the Congress Party in the last Parliamentary Election was defeated by BJP candidate Sarbananda Sonowal by a huge margin. Similarly, Contd. on Page 4

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Oct 31

In just 48 hours, Jorhat police managed to arrest all five employees of the M/s FIS Payment Solution & Services India Pvt. Ltd’s involved in the robbery at their workplace,

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○ ○

○

Contd. on Page 4

○

○ ○ ○

and distrust. In this connection, sports as a healthy means is being employed especially with one big game at Bapuji stadium, Mariani, a match of the ongoing ‘2nd ATPA Shield Football Tournament 2015’ slated to be played on November 1st (Sunday), said Minu Chetia, the chairman of the organizing committee here today.

Keeping in mind the strained relations between Assam and Nagaland and with the view to foster and maintain age old friendly relations, recently two leading organizations from both the states insisted on preventing unwarranted situations that leads to frequent misunderstandings

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

the Congress and BJP even as it alleged both the parties of employing a regionalism agenda and betraying the people of Assam.

○

Asom Yuva Parishad, the youth wing of AGP, came down heavily on Congress and BJP for allegedly creating a chaotic situation in the regional politics of Assam. Talking to the newsmen, Sunil Rajkonwar, president of Asom Yuva Parishad criticized Padma Hazarika for joining BJP. On Friday, Hazarika, senior leader and three time Sootea MLA formally joined BJP at a function at Jamugurihat in Sonitpur district. AYP strongly criticized

○

○

○

○

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Oct 31

Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Oct 31

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

Asom Yuva Parishad criticizes Padma for joining BJP

○

Contd. on Page 3 ○

○

○ ○ ○ ○

○

○

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

○

○

Page 3 ○

○ ○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, the densest habitat of one horned rhinos in the world located in Morigaon district of Central Assam, has been reopened for both foreign and domestic tourists today morning by Assam Forest Minister Atuwa Munda amidst a huge gathering. Pabitora Wildlife

○

Sanctuary houses more than 90 one horned rhinos, thousands of wild buffaloes, thousands of wild hogs and different species of snakes. The Sanctuary was earlier badly damaged by the Brahmaputra's flood this year; however, the damaged infrastructures were repaired by the forest department and reopened for tourists today.

○

Dalim Phukan Morigaon, Oct 31

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Dhubri, Oct 31: 220 cattle were seized by BSF from various areas of the border in Dhubri district while they were being smuggled out to Bangladesh last night. On the other hand, Golokganj police of Dhubri district also seized 32 cattle on NH 31 at Nandani, a police source said. (Correspondent)

○

○

252 cattle seized

○

○

Duliajan, Oct 31: A dead body has been recovered near the rail line today under Duliajan Police Station, Solakataki by Tinsukia Railway Police. Today, at about 2 pm people informed the Duliajan police about the dead body who then arrived in the scene before informing the Tinsukia Railway Police about it.(Correspondent)

○

○

Dead body recovered

○

Pabitora Wildlife A big game expected to keep age-old Sanctuary reopened friendly legacy alive for tourists

2 dead, several ill due to food poisoning Dibrugarh, Oct 31: Two women Tupuli Konwar, 70 yrs and Sumitra Gogoi died due to a reported case of food poisoning at Kanaigaon in Chabua on Friday. Several others are admitted at the Assam Medical College and Hospitals. According to an information, several people of the village had taken 'prasad' in a function a few days back after which they were having stomach related ailments. (Staff Reporter)

○

○

○

State NCP slams Governor

○

ET CAPSULES

○

○

○

Related News

○

○

○

○

In a reply over the allegations, the Chief Minister while speaking to The Eastern Today said, “To own a land is a crime? I can have land anywhere if I’m the son of the soil.

It is my district, my hometown.

My family has land in Jote village and they are donating for the construction of the film institute. But for this airport project, the land which is acquired belongs to the villagers of Hollongi.’’

hunt has been launched for the robbers.

It is important to mention here that robberies are at an all-time high in Tinsukia town since past two decades while police seems to be clueless most of the time robbers strike.

According to sources, almost everyday robbery incidents are taking place, particularly, in town itself.

○

constructed at the Chakma areas who welcome the airport and so far there was no protest from their side.

○

ØThe main airport will be

○

○

letter that due to vested interest of powerful politicians, including Shri Nabam Tuki and his cousin brother Assembly Speaker Shri Nabam Rebia, whose

○

○

BJP President Tai Tagak alleged that the main land owners at the proposed Holongi site are the Chief Minister, the Speaker and their kith and kin.

Unidentified gang of robbers struck at a house here and robbed jewellery and cash worth several lakhs of rupees after breaking through the window of a locked house on Friday.

The house belonged to one Subroto Mazumdar of Milan patty at Nauphukri in Tinsukia town who was at his shop ○

○

ØThe Governor said in his

while his wife had gone out to take tutions when the incident took place, police said.

The house was under lock and key when the gang of robbers struck by breaking a window in the evening.

"The robbers decamped with Rs 7,000 cash and jewellery worth several lakhs including a gold chain, two finger rings and bengal," a police official said, adding that case has been registered under 457/ 380 of IPC and a man-

Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Oct 31

○

ØAn elderly person of the Chakma community, Gopal Ch. Chakma said that Assembly Speaker has given away his land for resettling and rehabilitation to the affected Chakma families.

○

Ø Tamiyo Taga and State

close relatives/family members own most of the land at Hollongi, the site at Karsingsa was abandoned.”

○

Affected families said there is no land which belongs to CM Nabam Tuki.

They admitted that Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia has a tea garden which is two kilometers on the backside of the proposed airport.

○

The news of the greenfield airport at Hollongi about 20 km from Itanagar, has come into the limelight once again when the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th October, 2015, asking the latter to conduct a thorough scrutiny of all documents of the landowners covered under the acquisition process, ‘by an agency like the CBI’.

The reason of delaying of the construction of the airport is because of the complexities of identifying landowners. The Eastern Today has done a reality check on the ground and there is a contrast between what is seen on paper and what is in the ground.

In 2007, the State Government had chosen Banderdewa, 25 km from Itanagar, as a suitable location for the project.

The then Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, laid the foundation stone on 20 February, 2007 for the project. However, the technical committee of the AAI (Airports Authority of India) rejected the site and recommended Hollongi as an alternative site for the project in 2011. AAI had recommended Hollongi on grounds of operational safety, lower costs of construction and ease of future expansion. The Holongi site lay on flat ground, had better usability in poor weather and offered scope for easy construction and expansion. The Banderdewa site, on the other hand, was surrounded by hilly terrain. The cost of construction was estimated at Rs. 980 crore for Banderdewa, and Rs. 650 crore for the Hollongi site.

Contd. on Page 3

YET ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL ROADBLOCK

○

Pynshisha Nylla Itanagar, Oct 31

WELCOME TO

XIV Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football Tournament, 2015

Organised by District Administration, Lohit under the aegis of Arunachal Pradesh Football Association W.E.F. 2nd November to 12th November, 2015 VENUE: Jubilee Ground and GHSS Ground Tezu, Lohit District

Additional SP misbehaves with media persons ET Correspondent Sivasagar, Oct 31

As a mark of protest against the injustice upon the members of the 1500 teachers of Sivasagar district who have been deprived of their salaries for a consecutive 45 months during their Sivasagar district bandh called on 28th October when police and district administration sent two teachers

to jail on non bail able charges, the united forum of the teachers and about 20 organizations had called for a 36 hour Sivasagar district Bandh with effect from Saturday morning.

However later on in response to the request of several noted personalities of Sivasagar, the bandh was reduced to 12 hours. During the bandh, Contd. on Page 3

is hiring! Ø Asst Manager - Media Ads. Ø Senior Execuitive Advertisment. Ø Online Editor.

For details Log in at:

cmyk

cmyk

www . easterntoday.com/careers

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

APMCC observe Indira Gandhi’s 31st death anniversary PHED, Phura Tsering, minister Electrical, Rajesh Tacho, minister health and family welfare, Tirong Aboh, minister DoTCL, Dikto Yekar, parliamentary secretary, Nyamar Karbak, parliamentary secretary, Tatung Jamoh, parliamentary secretary, Techi Kaso, parliamentary secretary, Tapuk Taku, parliamentary secretary and hundreds of Mahila Con-

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Oct 31: Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (APMCC), Itanagar today observed Indira Gandhi’s 31st death anniversary as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan. The function was attended by Nabam Tuki, chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Padi Richo, minister

gress workers, City Mahila Congress, District Mahila Congress, Block Mahila Congress Committee, PCC office bearers, Youth Congress, Seva Dal, NSUI among others.

Meanwhile, Kamala Lingi president APMCC administered pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony and also to fight anti-social elements threatening human lives and values.

Beesakopie Chhat Increase in Antarctic snow is Puja Committee greater than losses: NASA meeting on Nov 1 ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Oct 31: A meeting of the Beesakopie (Rupai Siding) Chhat Puja Committee of line no. 10 has been scheduled to be held on November 1.

The meeting will be held at 6 o'clock in the evening at the residence of renowned businessman and social worker Bidyasagar Shah near Don Bosco School. In the said meet-

ing, the income and expenditure of the preceding year will be presented and a new puja committee will be formed. The president of the committee Indrajit Jaisawal and secretary Amar Shah have invited participation in the meeting.

The outgoing organising committee has been organising puja on the bank of Beesakopie river since decades.

Indrani, two others sent to judicial custody till Nov. 7 ANI Mumbai, Oct.31: The judicial custody of the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, Indrani Mukherjee, and two other accused, Sanjeev Khanna and driver Shyam Rai, was on Saturday extended till November 7. On Wednesday, Indrani was admitted to J.J. Hospital here, after she showed symptoms of suspected dengue for almost a week. However, the doctors attending her on Thursday said that she was not suffering from dengue

as her tests were negative.

Earlier, this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was given permission by the Bombay High Court to question all the three accused in the Sheena Bora murder case till October 19.

Mukherjea and two others were arrested in Augustend on the charge of murdering her daughter Sheena Bora and disposing of the body in a forest in Maharashtra's Raigad District, in April 2012.

(ANI)

ANI Washington D.C., Oct 31: A new NASA study has revealed that the mass gains of Antarctic Ice Sheet is currently adding enough ice to the continent to outweigh the increased losses from its thinning glaciers. The new study showed a net gain of 112 billion tons of ice a year from 1992 to 2001. That net gain slowed to 82 billion tons of ice per year between 2003 and 2008. Lead author Jay Zwally of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center believes that it might only take a few decades for Antarctica’s growth to reverse. For the research,

Zwally and his team used meteorological data beginning in 1979 to show that the snowfall in East Antarctica actually decreased by 11 billion tons per year during both the European Remote Sensing (ERS) and NASA’s Earth Observing System periods (ICESat). They also used information on snow accumulation for tens of thousands of years, derived by other scientists from ice cores, to conclude that East Antarctica has been thickening for a very long time. Zwally’s team found that the mass gain from the thickening of East Antarctica remained steady from 1992 to 2008 at

200 billion tons per year, while the ice losses from the coastal regions of West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula increased by 65 billion tons per year. Zwally said that the good news was that Antarctica was not currently contributing to sea level rise, but was taking 0.23 millimeters per year away. However, he said that if the 0.27 millimeters per year of sea level rise attributed to Antarctica in the report is not really coming from Antarctica, there must be some other contribution to sea level rise that was not accounted for. The study is published in the Journal of Glaciology.

RSS has created beef issue, says Deve Gowda ANI Bengaluru, Oct. 31: Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Saturday accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS) of creating the beef issue in the nation and added that all these issues pertain to the problems of its own party. “The beef issue is being created by the RSS and also by some of the sitting members of the Lok Sabha. These are all issues pertaining to the internal problems of their own party.

RSS is the mother of all these political wings. BJP is the political wing of RSS. Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad are all political wings,” Gowda told ANI here. Commenting on the growing intolerance in the country due to which many awardees are returning their awards, Gowda said, “The issue is the concerned person who was involved in the assassination has to be stressed upon and he should be punished. The government of Karnataka has taken some steps. I do not want to jump to conclusion.” “If awardees want to return awards, what can I do for that? Whether it is provocated by X, Y or Z; won't answer on this issue.

It is the concern of the state government. I do not want to use any harsh words against anybody,” he added.

Sharma who is smallminded. He is the one who has been serving and buttering up the family in Congress. His reaction has come in bad taste and poor light because it emphasises that these are the people who ignored every soul who worked for the unity of the nation.

They work only to promote a ‘particular’ family,” BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi told

ASTRO FOR YOU Today will be as agreeable as any day can be. You are satisfied with what you have. Besides, you have already planned on what you desire and are moving towards it. A date of romantic nature may turn out to be interesting or it may lead to a controversy; you have to decide on it.

You can expect a pleasant, comfortable day at the office, today. You will be carrying out your work cheerfully and effortlessly. You could, later in the evening, have a strong urge to go out for dinner with your family and friends.

If that does happen, you’re certain to go for an after dinner movie, or an ice cream treat. The day promises you lots of fun and amusement.

You know where you are headed, and will redouble your efforts to reach your goals today. You are full of energy and enthusiasm, which helps you to achieve all your targets. You will receive unexpected gains owing to your hard work.

Bountiful success will be yours at the end of a hard day’s labour.

Sentimentalism will be hinder your path of success. So, give up too much sentimentalism. It can be quite a hazard in the future. You will win over people with the force of speech and polite approach.

You will be filled with extraordinary self-confidence today. You will be able to take firm decisions when it comes to work related issues. You will not face any difficulties in completing your tasks today, and will achieve success. You need to guard against getting into any confrontations with your father or other elders.

You will remain engrossed in personal matters at the cost of professionalism.

Solve your problems today by taking them head-on. Do not let your emotions suppress your enterprising spirit, especially in the evening.

The inner artist in you will come to the surface today and you will showcase your imagination powers too. You will be able to focus on topics of interest today. Those of you in the field of interest will find themselves moving ahead.

There may be signing of beneficial legal deals today for you. Today is going to be a very good and successful day for you.

You will be soaked in your work today. During the day, you may be loaded with duties and responsibilities, however, evening has a different story to reveal. Exciting as ever, a get away with friends may be liberating and relaxing.

Take it as a piece of advice: tough times don’t last; tough people do. The day has a lot of ups and downs in store for you. However, you are the sailor of stormy seas and would sail through all the troubles easily. Take the advice given by your near and dear ones.

Dr Nirmal Sahewal of Dibrugarh delivering speech on the Occasion of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti and a participant ;Payal Goyal is performing Bihu Dance. Pic - Manoj Kumar Ojha

Congress ‘stooges’ have nothing left except attacking PM: BJP ANI New Delhi, Oct. 31: Hitting back at the Congress for accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being ‘small-minded’, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said thatthe ‘frustrated’ opposition clearly had nothing left in their arsenal but to fire blank shots at them. “It’s not the Prime Minister but Anand

A snapshot from the run for unity that was organized by the BJP wing of Golaghat on the occassion of "National Unity Day". Pic - Amit Nagori

ANI. She also accused Sharma of being Congress’ ‘stooge’ saying that the party’s lackeys have nothing left to say except attack the Prime Minister since they had chosen to ignore the contribution of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Criticising the Prime Minister Modi led-NDA Government for focussing solely on

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's anniversary and avoiding mentioning former prime minister Indira Gandhi to their satisfaction, Anand Sharma reminded the former that Sardar Patel was an Indian National Congress (INC) leader.

"They (BJP) remembered Sardar Patel because they have scarcity of leaders who, along with Mahatma

Gandhi, participated in the freedom struggle... It is also true that he was the deputy prime minister and first home minister of the country. I think it is important to remind Narendra Modi and the BJP the fact that Sardar Patel was the leader of the Indian National Congress," Sharma told the media here at a press conference.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873

Your lover is in for many pleasant surprises today. You’ll be in a completely romantic mood, making every wish of your sweetheart your command. Both of you will go shopping, and have fun. Extravagant expenditures will keep you charged up for the day. You will achieve what you had wanted, that is the happiness of your sweetheart. Towards the end of the day, however, you will regret for letting yourself burn a hole in your pocket.

You may receive some good news from the foreign shores today. The day will bring on a positive note and it will remain like that for the whole twenty-four hours. You’ll be in a mood to merry and it will be transformed to everyone around you.

A reckless attitude is the root cause of any downfall. Ensure responsible behavior and actions at every step at your workplace, today. Be alert and focused and you will be able to dodge any incoming trouble. Today is a day of materialization and the projects and other things that you have been working on since a long time will draw close to completion and begin to pay off.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

1-11-15 (SUNDAY) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Sponsored Programme-"Sojai Tooloo Jeewanar Path" 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-00 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 9-20 A.M-Seuji Chora 1-10 P.M-Gharjeuti (Women's Programme) 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Gonya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Chah Chramikar Aasor 7-45 P.M-Juye Poora Soon 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya 8-30 P.M-SAARC News Bulletin 9-30 PM-Bhaona-"Panti Prasad" Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

14 Assam Rifles observe Rashtriya Ekta Diwas ET Correspondent Changlang, Oct 31: 31st October, 2015 was celebrated as “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” alias the National Unity Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Late Sardar Vallabhai Patel. The celebrations was an humble endeavour to remind every citizen of his onerous responsibility to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation. The message of unity and integrity was disseminated by conducting Oath ceremony, “One for All; All for One” Epic Handshake and “Run for unity”. The aspects of unity and integrity are underscored in the organisation of Assam Rifles which has an All In-

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Oct 31 : The state NCP President Gicho Kabak strongly opposed the Governor’s recommendation to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating scrutiny and enquiry vis-a-vis the Greenfield airport at Hollongi.

“The Governor JP Rajkhowa stated that he recommended scrapping of Greenfield airport at Holongi, Arunachal Pradesh to the Prime Minister of India at the request of Tamiyo Taga Opposition leader of BJP, some students and organizations. The Governor should know that Tamiyo Taga and student leaders are not above

dia All Class Composition.

National Unity Day was rightfully celebrated with

great vigour and enthusiasm amongst the rank and file with each soldier pledging the

resolve to dedicate himself to preserving the unity, integrity & security of the nation.

National Unity Day observed at Haflong ET Correspondent Haflong, Oct 31: With rest of the country, to commemorate the 140th Birth Anniversary of Ironman of India Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel and observance of Rastriya Ekta Diwas , the Dima Hasao BJP district committee organised ‘Run for Unity’ here at Haflong on Saturday.

The ‘Run for Unity’ led by Chief Executive Member, N C Hills Autonomous Council Sri Niranjan Hojai along with MACs like Subrata Thaosen, Debolal Gorlosa, Thaisodao Thaosen and other BJP leaders started from the Cultural Institute Hall and marched through Haflong township Synod turning to Veer Sambudhan statue and concluded again in the premises of CIH. This was followed by offering of floral tribute to the portrait of Ironman of India, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Dindayalji and Bharatmata by the CEM, MACs and other BJP leaders and well wishers.

Meanwhile the National Unity Day 2015 was also celebrated with enthusiasm and excitement at Haflong

Town, Dima Hasao today.

NGOs of Haflong including A Ray of Hope, Art of Living, Green Vision Society, O2 and MaD organised a programme at Haflong Lake to contribute towards National Unity and Integrity. School children from Don Bosco School, Haflong and St Agnes Convent School, Haflong also participated in the event.

School children lit up candles as a symbol of their commitment towards unity amongst tribes and non tribes of Dima Hasao and unity of India. The event was open for all and large

number of Haflong denizens participated. All present, lit up candles, and took the National Unity Day pledge followed by singing of National Anthem. The event included Pipe Band Display by Gorkha Battalion and a cracker show.

31st October is the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or ‘National Unity Day’ every year. Sardar Patel, nicknamed the ‘Iron Man of India’, was the first home minister of the country, and is credited with per-

suading more than 500 princely states to accede to the Indian union post-Independence, thus contributing towards unity of the country.

National Unity Day was also celebrated in other places like Umrangso, Gunjung, Maibang, Mahur, Hajaichak, Pailapool and Jiribam with assistance from Assam Rifles. Celebrations included ‘Run for Unity’, drawing competitions, debate competitions, Pipe Band Display by Assam Rifles and cultural programme by all tribes/ non tribes.

Tap Tapuk, Komiso Apralo, Rajib Pulu join INC ET Correspondent Itanagar, Oct 31: Shri Tap Tapuk of 12 Kampurijo Anchal Samiti Block II who has been elected as ZPM from PPA, Shri Komiso Apralo, public leader of New Aropo village, Dibang Valley District

State NCP slams Governor

and Shri Rajib Pulu, GPM (IND) from Etalin along with their supporters joined INC today, in the presence of Hon’ble APCC President Padi Richo, Hon’ble Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Hon’ble Health Minister Rajesh Tacho. All the new

members expressed their full faith in the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Hon’ble President APCC Padi Richo in the State and Hon’ble Health Minister Rajesh Tacho as representative from their Assembly

Constituency. All the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee office bearers witnessed the joining ceremony held in the office of APCC President, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan Itanagar.

the govt. and people of Arunachal Pradesh. Why Governor has not consulted the state govt. before taking such steps,” NCP questioned.

The State NCP termed Governor JP Rajkhowa as antiArunachal. “We as a national political party do not subscribe to it. The process for construction of Greenfield airport at Hollongi has already started with various decks cleared.

The state government is pursuing it with various ministries at the Center and every citizen of Arunachal is waiting anxiously for the project to take off. If there are hindrances coming in the way of the project due to compensation

issues, the state government is expected to clear this in consultation and advice of the concerned union ministry.

There is no way that any sensible citizen of the state would want scrapping of the project,” the NCP asserted.

NCP questions the Governor of his intentions and puts it plainly that ‘even if the Governor has been appointed by the BJP-led NDA Government, it does not mean that he should oppose each and every initiative taken by the Congress-led state government’. “Irrespective of party lines and people of Arunachal Pradesh should condemn action of Governor

and Tamiyo Taga MLA opposition leader of BJP. The Governor JP Rajkhowa should immediately withdraw his letter written to the Prime Minister of India and beg apology from th people of Arunachal Pradesh. JP Rajkhowa should reaffirm himself to work with the state govt. for all round development in the state instead of showing contradictory mindset at the behest of BJP. The Governor JP Rajkhowa and Tamiyo Taga shall bear responsibility if serious law and order problems arise in Arunachal Pradesh in future,” NCP warned.

Governor writes to PM regarding Hollongi greenfield airport, CM vows to fight back Contd. from Page 1

The differences between AAI and the state government caused a dispute that resulted in the project getting delayed.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) eventually stepped in to put an end to the dispute in July 2012 and the Hollongi site was finalized.

In February, 2015, India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests rejected a proposal by Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop a new airport at Hollongi due to the potential for flooding at the proposed site.

In June, 2015, India's Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Central Government will pursue the case for development of an airport serving Itanagar.

On 9th September, 2015, India's Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley said the Government will provide full support to Arunachal Pradesh for the establishment of a new airport at Hollongi.

On 24th September, 2015, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has urged the Centre to fasttrack the process of setting up a greenfield airport at Holongi. Tuki had a detailed meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju requested him to do the needful for getting all clearance for the Rs. 650 crore project.

Despite the revelations of central ministers to pursue the construction of the Greenfield airport, the com-

plexities dealing on the ground is not a small deal.

The BJP leader of the opposition in the Arunachal Assembly, Tamiyo Taga said this Hollongi airport cannot happen.

According to Tamiyo Taga and State BJP President Tai Tagak, the main land owners at the proposed Holongi site are the Chief Minister, the Speaker and their kith and kin. This correspondent visited the spot and interacted with the local owners who are likely to get affected when the airport comes up. They said there is no land which belongs to CM Nabam Tuki.

They admitted that Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia has a tea garden which is two kilometers on the backside of the proposed airport.

This information was divulged by certain individuals belonging to the Karbi tribe.

They were the first settlers in the Hollongi area since 1971.

They are right now cultivating rice on the proposed runway.

As per the information collected first hand, the runway will cover the paddy field of the Karbi people located in Hollongi village, however their residential areas will not get affected. Around 17 families of the Karbi tribe will get affected. The main airport will be constructed at the Chakma areas. The Chakma areas are being divided into 10 blocks, and four blocks that have around 250 families and 2000 population, are covered under the main airport. Around 10 families from Kokila village

occupied by the Karbi tribe will also get affected as their land falls under the airport proposed site.

An elderly person of the Chakma community, Gopal Ch. Chakma who has settled in Hollongi since 1972, said that Assembly Speaker has given away his land for resettling and rehabilitation to the affected Chakma families.

Meanwhile, the allegations of the BJP continue to take center stage as to who own the land and who will get major compensation? The Governor based on the complaint of the BJP said clearly in his letter, “I am told that due to vested interest of powerful politicians, including Shri Nabam Tuki and his cousin brother Assembly Speaker Shri Nabam Rebia, whose close relatives/family members own most of the land at Hollongi, the site at Karsingsa/Banderdewa was abandoned.”

In a reply over the allegations, the Chief Minister while speaking to The Eastern Today said, “To own a land is a crime? I can have land anywhere if I’m the son of the soil. It is my district, my hometown.

My family has land in Jote village and they are donating for the construction of the film institute. But for this airport project, the land which is acquired belongs to the villagers of Hollongi.”

“This is not fair, this project was decided by the central govt. No public can select the site for the airport, it’s the central govt. through

the technical team. So far I have not received any official letter for the ministry over the Governor’s letter, but if this news is true, then it is a grave mistake. We will fight.

We will not leave like this.

This is for our development of our State. Even for the rate of compensation the central govt. has its own norms. Nobody can stop important project that is supposed to come to the State. If the complaint filed by the opposition leader Tamiyo Taga is true then the public will not forgive him. He must tender an apology to the public if he has done something wrong like this. This has to be reconsidered,” the CM firmly asserted.

This Eastern Today understood that there is no problem with land acquisition or land compensation for building the airport. The affected families including the Chakma areas, after a thorough interaction said they welcome the airport and so far there was no protest from their side.

They also revealed that Hollongi is much better than Banderdewa because of the topography.

In a quick reaction to the governor’s letter, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) today termed the Governor as antiArunachalee and demanded his recall of the letter. “It is now crystal clear that the Governor is working at the behest of vested interests and is taking an agenda based approach to block overall development in state,” AAPSU said.

Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary reopened for tourists Contd. from Page 1

Last year, the forest department earned Rs 30 lakhs in

revenue from tourist visits.

This year also, the department expects tourists from foreign countries. Mean-

while, thousands of foreign birds have thronged this sanctuary with the advent of the winter season. Some of

the tourists expressed that they are happy to see the Indian one horned rhinos in the sanctuary after a long gap.

Governor PB Acharya working for BJP, Additional SP misbehaves with media persons alleges former education minister Contd. from Page 1

Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Oct 31: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) spokesperson Ripun Bora today alleged that state governor PB Acharya is playing a vital role and is working for BJP while vehemently criticizing him.

The former education minister and APCC spokesperson Bora also said that PB Acharya on Friday alleged that the state government has misused the fund allocated by the central government which he described as

being totally baseless and self motivated. "The governor who is especially appointed for Nagaland and inCharge governor of Assam, spends most of the time in Assam while serving the interests of BJP." Bora alleged adding that the governor is the constitutional head of the state and he should never indulge in political interference.

On the other hand, Bora said that Acharya recently appointed most of the RSS members in Dibrugarh University from among those

who hail from Maharastra and other states of Northeast especially Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Bora reiterated that of the 12 nominated court members, four have no other background except for being from the RSS. "There is no difference between state BJP in charge Mahendra Singh and governor PB Acharya and since BJP has no strong leader in the state, the Central government deputed him to work for BJP in Assam". Bora alleged and said that such a

Haryana Minister Kavita Jain leads National Unity Day celebrations Sachin Sehrawat Sonepat, Oct 31: On the National Unity Day today, Haryana Women and Child Development Minister, Kavita Jain administered the oath of national unity among the participants and flagged off the Run for Unity march from the local Subhash Stadium. Paying her rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Minister said the iron man Sardar Patel was the main architect of modern

and united India. “Now it is our duty to further strengthen the unity and integrity of the nation and make the nation a developed country in the world,” she added. The participants in the Run for Unity march were led

by DC Rajiv Ratan and SP, Abhishek Garg and it terminated at the local mini secretariat. Besides organizing a Run for Unity march and administering the oath of national unity, families of as

many as 74 CRPF personnel who sacrificed their lives for the unity of the country were honoured by the Additional Director General (Jammu and Kashmir) of CRPF, S.K.Bhagat in a programme, organized in the CRPF Group Centre at Khewra village in the district on this occasion.

Similar programmes were also organized in the universities, colleges and other educational institutes in the district.

move is an attempt made to "saffronise" the state's education system. Bora also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not paying respects to Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 31st dead anniversary today. It may be mentioned here that the ruling Congress party earlier also reacted to the state governor and sent a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee.

CRPF Havildar found dead Sachin Sehrawat Sonepat, Oct 31: Satyanarain (45), serving as Havildar in CRPF, was found dead with head injuries in the fields at his native village Lalheri this morning. He had gone to the fields last evening to irrigate his land in the village. On receiving information, police reached on the spot and after spot investigation, brought his body here in the civil hospital. After postmortem examination, his body has been handed over to his family members residing at Sonepat. Satish Kumar, DSP Gannaur said that a case of murder has been registered on the complaint of victim’s elder brother and four teams have been formed to nab the unidentified accused in the case.

most of the business establishments, schools-colleges and offices remained closed as a mark of support vis-a-vis the miseries of the teachers who have been toiling hard to earn their bread since past 45 months without salary. However the district administration tried to make the bandh inef-

fective by appealing to the public not to support the bandh. Police administration tried their best to suppress the picketers and took many of them into custody. Several of the protesters were physically assaulted by the police under the command of an additional SP. The particular police officer even misbehaved with a camera person of a private news channel who had re-

corded the deed of physical assault upon the protesters by him. Later the journalist fraternity of Sivasagar Sadar undertook a protest demonstration against police administration by wearing black cloth masks.

It may be mentioned that the salary deprived teachers of Sivasagar district had tried their level best from time to time to draw the attention of

the State Government and education department of their pathetic condition but bore no fruit. At a time when the state government still have fund to distribute weaving thread and blankets to beneficiaries, it deems it not necessary to give the teachers of Sivasagar their right even after their sincere service for the past 15-20 years.

Chokpot BDO remains untraced Govt officials deny GNLA’s money disappearance charge Kabir Mondal Tura, Oct 31: No breakthrough has so far been made into the abduction of Chokpot Block Development Officer (BDO) Jude Rangku T Sangma who was taken hostage by GNLA militants from Deku Deganggre village on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, senior government officials from the Garo Hills region have dismissed reports that Rs 40 crore had disappeared from Chokpot block as alleged by GNLA. According sources, the black topping of village roads called the BTRRS project used to be sanctioned for around fifty lakh rupees for two projects, Rs 25 lakh each for a kilometer of village road, and seldom crossed the one crore mark. Chokpot block is said to have received the least funding for road projects.

The highest amount of

money sanctioned for Chokpot block was only Rs 3 crore which was through the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) in 2013-2014.

But that amount was to be released on installments based on the performance of the work in progress and even that funding has since dried up following the scrapping of the BRGF by the new central government in New Delhi. “Whatever amount is trickling in is solely for completion of the BRGF projects which were taken up before the announcement of closure of the scheme,” informed a senior officer who did not wish to be quoted. Chokpot block is also learnt to have the dubious distinction of being the worst performing block so far as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) project is con-

cerned. “It is one of the least non-performing blocks in South Garo Hills for various factors including militancy so question of large sums of money to the tune of 20 crores being released for MGNREGS work is highly exaggerated,” informed a C&RD official privy to the funding in the blocks.

MGNREGS is a demand driven scheme in which villagers have to come up with work proposals and implement the same through manual labour and without use of machines. Two other projects in all blocks, including Chokpot, are the Old Age Pension Scheme and the Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) house construction for widows and the needy. But money for these projects is deposited directly into the individual accounts of the beneficiaries. “Sometime back a sum of One Crore 18

lakh rupees was released for Chokpot block for the IAY project but that money cannot be withdrawn by any BDO or official. It goes into the beneficiary's account,” said the government official.

Another central project is the MPLAD scheme that is routed through the blocks but is dependent on the project approval by the member of parliament who decides on the kind of work required for each area under his parliamentary constituency. Selsella block is known to receive the largest share of funding since it has to implement central and state schemes in one of the most densely populated regions of Garo Hills Rajabala, Phulbari and Garobadha-Selsella. Despite receiving the highest share of government money, funds are still a constraint many a time.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Rampant tobacco sale at Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, Oct 31: Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chaatra Parishad, Margherita Regional Committee expressed concern over the increasing consumption trend and availability of gutkha and tobacco products in the Margherita region with many educated youths and students consuming these products on a daily basis. Kanchan Bora, General Secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee said that one Mukesh of Margherita and another Dharam Pal of Ledo are gutkha and tobacco mafias who have protection of Margherita Administration and Margherita Police. Bora alleged that both Mukesh and Dharam Pal have silenced Margherita Administration and Margherita Police after bribing them a huge amount of money so that they can continue to do business. Many college and school going students of Margherita region are addicted to gutkha and other tobacco products but Margherita Administration and Margherita Police continue to remain mute spectators, alleged Kanchan Bora. If within 72 hours, Margherita Administration and Margherita Police do not take steps in this regard then AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee shall initiate a strong agitation, said Kanchan Bora.

All India NCC Cadets Vigilance Awareness visit North Eastern region Week observed ET Correspondent Margherita, Oct 31: Vigilance Awareness Week, 2015 was observed at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, NEC Borgolai, Ledo College and Margherita College organised in collaboration with North Eastern Coal Fields, Coal India Limited, Margherita today. At the

event, eminent personalities including Pranoti Roy, Principal of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, NEC Borgolai, Dr Debashish Sarkar, General Manager of NECF, Coal India Ltd, Margherita, BB Das, Deputy General Manager (ENM) Coal India Limited, Margherita, Jayanto Das Agent/Manager of Tirap

Colliery, A Billy, Deputy Manager (personnel) Coal India Limited, Margherita, Bhaskar Mandal, Vigilance Officer of Coal India Limited from Kolkata, West Bengal were present. A speech competition was held among the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, NEC Borgolai on the subject "Vigilance and Awareness".

Peace committee formed in the wake of lynching incident Laxman Sharma Digboi, Oct 31: Following the unfortunate death of one Dharmeswar Moran on 26th last after public chastisement on the ground of alleged theft at Gopeneri village and subsequent road blockade on NH 38 along Digboi-Tinsukia Road at various points on two different days shouting various anti-police slogans by disgruntled Moran and Tea tribe bodies for alleged lapses on the part of Police and civil administration, finally a peace committee was formed here at the premises of Digboi Police Station comprising the members of both the aggrieved communities in a meeting held for the purpose under the presidentship of Ajit Borah the President Digboi Thana Committee with Debendra Deka the Commandment 1st Assam Battalion and Circle officer Tinsukia Dhrubojyoti Borah and Chandan Milli on the dias.

Bhuban Hazarika, the Circle Organiser, VDP Digboi Police Station explained the objective of the meeting as eliminating confusions arising between the aggrieved parties and police administration in the wake of the said unpleasant developments and thereby find amicable solu-

tions to overcome the menace of road blockade affecting the general mobilisations.

Meanwhile, discussing at length the every pros and cons of the incident involving the Moran Students' Union, Tea Tribe bodies, Police and Civil administration, public leaders and social workers, the house finally concluded with constitution of an adhoc peace committee to help maintain law and order in case of untoward situations.

The house agreed and consented that law being the uniform instrument of social system should take its own course and people ought not to take the law into their hands to dispense justice arbitrarily.

While answering the allegations of legal loopholes on the part of Mr Milli the inspector Digboi Police Station appraised the house of the code of conduct of the Police administration and as such he didn't respond to the mob as alleged during the blockade in the presence of his superior officials.

According to him, he has been leaving no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book responsible for the death of the victim allegedly attempting to commit a theft at the residence

of a tea tribe individual. He told that the investigation has been unbiased and no interference from any quarters would be allowed to tamper with the legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Diganta Saikia, a social worker of Digboi also lauded the resolutions of the meeting and urged the student bodies in general to avoid steps like road blockade as it adversely affect the normalcy on various accounts.

However, Mr Deka the Commandment of the 1st Assam Battalion who has been the incharge of law and order in Margherita Sub Division also narrated the entire incident and made an analysis of the entire developments and urged the house to co-operate with the police rather than creating turmoil and situation of lawlessness. He suggested forming the peace committee to realise the end effectively in near future to avoid the conflict of interest.

Amongst others to attend the meeting included Chutia Students' Body, various social workers, representatives of women cells, press members, VDPs, tea tribe leaders, Moran representatives, representatives of Digboi Nagarik Committee and so on.

Consumers avoid malls as online shopping gains popularity Chennai, Oct 31: The nationwide growth in smartphone and Internet penetration has fuelled a jump in online shopping, which e-commerce players like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon are tapping into with attractive offers and discounts, luring consumers away from offline retailers. Shopping malls in the Delhi-National Capital Region are projected to see a decline in footfalls of about 55 per cent in the current festival season this year as a result of the surge in ecommerce, according to a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).

According to the survey by the industry body, DelhiNCR has recorded the highest decline in footfalls at city malls. About 120150 malls were opened in the past two years and close to 65-70 per cent of the spaces in many of the region’s malls still remain empty. Several malls, which have been unable to attract an adequate number of retailers, are even shutting down, according to the study. The major factors contributing to the situation are the economic slowdown, online shopping, high interest rates and inflation, Assocham said in the study. Assocham said its research team interacted with about 720 leasing managers, representatives of malls’ management, strategists, marketers and supervisors in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Dehradun.

In the nine major cities, more than 59 per cent of the

GROWING E-SHOPPING POPULARITY The nationwide growth in smartphone and Internet penetration has fuelled a jump in online shopping, which e-commerce players like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon are tapping into with attractive offers and discounts, luring consumers away from offline retailers.

ET Correspondent Digboi, Oct 31: NCC Group HQ Dibrugarh is conducting All India Trek in general area Doomdooma-DigboiLekhapani for NCC Cadets w.e.f. 28 October to 05 November, 2015. Five Hundred NCC Cadets representing Odisha, Kerala, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and also Cadets from Guwahati, Silchar, Tezpur, Jorhat, Imphal, Kohima, Shillong and Tinsukia are participating. The trek will also showcase the cultural, historical, scenic and industrial activities that the region is famous for with the underlying objective of national integration.

The cadets visited Digboi which also marks the beginning of a nations’ journey towards economic self suffi-

According to the survey by the industry body, Delhi-NCR has recorded the highest decline in footfalls at city malls.

About 120-150 malls were opened in the past two years and close to 65-70 per cent of the spaces in many of the region’s malls still remain empty.

The major factors contributing to the situation are the economic slowdown, online shopping, high interest rates and inflation, Assocham said in the study. Assocham said its research team interacted with about 720 leasing managers, representatives of malls’ management, strategists, marketers and supervisors in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Dehradun.

In the nine major cities, more than 59 per cent of the total mall space remains vacant, with Delhi-NCR topping the list with 68.5 per cent, followed by Mumbai at 65 per cent, Ahmedabad at 61 per cent and Chennai at 60 per cent.

A meagre 8-10 per cent of these shopping malls are running successfully in India and facing tough competition from online retailers, who hand-deliver goods to the front doors of consumers.

The festival season this year has triggered a huge increase in online shopping and may cross the Rs. 55,000-crore mark, resulting in the halving of footfalls in malls in places such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad, according to Assocham.

total mall space remains vacant, with Delhi-NCR topping the list with 68.5 per cent, followed by Mumbai at 65 per cent, Ahmedabad at 61 per cent and Chennai at 60 per cent.

According to the survey, several developers have already started giving rentfree period of up to six months for big brands to lure retailers. While some malls are operating at 40 per cent occupancy, others are struggling with less than 20 per cent, mainly due to poor location, poor design and poor parking facilities, the survey found.

Both retailers and consult-

ants seem convinced that the mall magic seems to have disappeared in a puff of smoke on the back of the economic slowdown, poor revenue model, low footfalls-tosales conversion and lack of special purpose malls, adds the survey. For some malls, even the design and construction quality is poor. The remaining malls lie somewhere in between good performing and bad performing malls – average performers, adds the survey. A meagre 810 per cent of these shopping malls are running successfully in India and facing tough competition from online retailers, who hand-

deliver goods to the front doors of consumers. The festival season this year has triggered a huge increase in online shopping and may cross the Rs. 55,000-crore mark, resulting in the halving of footfalls in malls in places such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad, according to Assocham. The study reveals that there may be a fivefold increase in the revenue clocked by the e-commerce websites in categories such as mobile phones, electronics, designer furniture, home decorations, apparel, accessories, jewellery, footwear etc. (Agencies)

highway which is in near future going to be the gateway to immense opportunities in South East Asia in terms of trade and tourism.

The cadets will also be visiting the largest tea producing estate of Tata Group and trek in the picturesque Powai tea gardens before moving forward to the open

cast mines of Tirap colliery and onwards along Patkai Hills to Lekhapani. All India NCC Cadets by their visit to the North East Region are indeed spreading the spirit of peace, unity, brotherhood and thereby also celebrating the National Unity Day.

Robbers loot jewellery, cash from a residence in Tinsukia Contd. from Page 1

While some are reported many thefts goes unreported on the perception and fact that police has very rarely succeeded in cracking loot cases and recovering stolen goods, hence vic-

tims feel that it will add only to their woes and harassment. This has boosted the morale of the robbers who are striking at their will, sources added.

The present case, occurring at a residential area closely packed, is enough to show the confidence of the

robbers and their fear for police. Recently, cases of laptop stolen from a house, motorcycle stolen from 50 metres of Tinsukia police station in broad day light, pick-up van stolen, shops looted in the night has been reported. Not just that in last

3 months robbers has struck Manav Kalyan Road and nearby areas several times but not a single case cracked by police so far. This raises several question on police network and functioning, much of which needs to be answered by the police.

Dreaded Maoist leader arrested Contd. from Page 1 Police sources said that Pallav Charingia Phukan along with his associates were organising a meeting at a place in Khakandguri under Dergaon

PS. Acting on a tip off a special team of Golaghat police led

by Additional SP Numal Mahto raided the spot and apprehended the Maoist. However two other cadres namely Diganta Thamong of Arunachal

Pradesh and Bikash of Karbi Anglong managed to escape from the spot. In the meeting plannings were being made for Rhino poaching with the help of Naga extremists which unveils the Maoist organisation's

link with other insurgent groups in the North East. It is to be mentioned that Golaghat police apprehended the most wanted Maoist leader Aditya Bora from the same place last month.

Grenade lobbed at Kherempani TE Contd. from Page 1 a blast that occurred within the premises of the said factory owned by Rohtas Sharma a local tea businessman of the area. The Police suspected that the act must have been committed by some unidentified miscreants to create a fear psychosis in the mind of the busi-

nessman.

However, no casualties or loss or damage to life and property was reported.

Meanwhile, local sources did not deny the handiwork of militants behind the incident as the entire belt is known for its vulnerabilities and recently formed joint militant group have been carrying out extensive extortion drives in the en-

tire Changlang District.

It may be added here that following the recent entry of a group of banned Ulfa militants in Tinsukia District having their easy hideouts in the reserve forest of the neighboring Changlang and Namsai District, a counter insurgency operation is also being intensified in the said PenagreeBordumsa belt bordering

Tinsukia, Changlang and Namsai District of Arunachal Pradesh to thwart the disruptive activities of the militant group. Meanwhile, Arunachal Police has been carrying out investigation to ascertain the exact nature of the crime. No arrest has been made at the time of filing this report.

Police arrest ATM robbers Contd. from Page 1 the money carrying vehicle SIS prosegur that deposits cash at the ATM counters at various places throughout the state. The five employees engaged in depositing cash at route no 2 were found to be actively involved in the money looting episode with the gang's mastermind being one

Prasanta Bhuyan, said Satyan Gogoi, DIG Eastern Range here today after the recovery.

The DIG said, out of rupees one crore, 64 lakh were recovered. On the other hand police also recovered a 9mm pistol that was thrown into the puthi river, which was recovered after police divers found the pistol while the two single barrel rifle was recovered from Gibbon Wildlife sanctuary besides the Dhudor Ali after the

(driver) Bishnu Prashad Das and (gunmen) Ramesh Bhuyan spotted the site where the pistol and the rifles were thrown. Police also recovered the maruti van AS01T-0137 that was used for carrying the amount from near Mariani Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary to Cholodhara Chariali in Jorhat city while police also recovered the scorpio jeep that Prasanta used to visit and inspect Teok police Station on

Friday last after the crime.

Prasanta Bhuyan, the kingpin has been absconding since 11 am this morning. It may be mentioned that the company under which the five were engaged is registered under the Company Act 1956, and has its registered office at S/405 (LGF), Greater Kailash –II, New Delhi-110048, has been carrying SBI cash from the SBI Head Offices from every district since the year 2004.

Rani Narah sets out to make a comeback in politics Contd. from Page 1

Shopping malls in the Delhi-National Capital Region are projected to see a decline in footfalls of about 55 per cent in the current festival season this year as a result of the surge in e-commerce, according to a study by the Assocham.

ciency and inspiration as the Refinery and the Museum invites one to pause for a moment of time to look back with pride and admiration. The Cadets then paid tributes at the War Cemetery upholding the sacrifice of the soldiers and understanding the importance of the Stillwell Road and the strategic importance of the

Bharat Narah also lost the battle in the last State Assembly Election as MLA candidate to the same party for Dhakuakhona LAC. He was defeated by AGP candidate Naba Doley. But as the countdown starts for the commencement of the State Assembly Election next year both of them cautiously forwarded their political steps in order to come back to the stage while trying to strengthen the organizational base. At the 30th and 19th Annual Conference of NESCO, a socio-cultural organization of North East and Janakalyan, an NGO respec-

tively, held at Boginadi witnessed their calculated moves to back a comeback in politics.

This time Rani Narah has planned to take part in the State Assembly Election under the leadership of the Congress Chairman Sonia Gandhi and Vice Chairman Rahul Gandhi.

She has chosen the Jalukbari LAC in order to prevent Himanta Biswa Sarma who is supposed to be the candidate of BJP in the constituency.

Taking part in the conferences of the both organizations she elaborated the welfare activities rendered by NESCO and Janakalyan for the betterment of the society. Then interacting with the media persons, she admitted that she lost the

last election on account of ‘Modi Wave’ and the internal conflict within the party. She hinted contesting the election from the Jalukbari as daughter of the constituency. However she made a significant comment on the participation in the election as the daughter-in-law and former MP of Lakhimpur too. In such circumstances, the possibility of her participation in the election is higher in case of Jalukbari LAC according to the political observers as the relation between Rani and Himanta Biswa was not satisfactory enough in the past as party colleagues. Moreover Ghana Bura Gohain, the ExMLA will not simply give

away the Lakhimpur LAC for her sake. On the other hand Rani Narah sharply criticized the BJP commenting that the party will achieve only 25-30 seats in the coming Assembly election. She added the party has lost its popularity gradually for its u-turn with regard to different issues. It is to be noted that besides Bharat Narah and Rani Narah, Congress leader Suprabha Medhi, Mukul Borah, DC of Dhemaji district, former Principal of Itanagar Govt College Nripen Phukan were among those who were present in the Conferences.

Lakhimpur SP Brojenjit Sinha inaugurated a blood donation camp held in connection with the programme.

Asom Yuva Parishad criticizes Padma for joining BJP Contd. from Page 1 Rajkonwar told the media persons that Hazarika betrayed the party and the people of Assam after joining BJP adding that now many leaders are joining the national parties to feed their self interests. He is of the opinion that AGP has been trying its best to strengthen regional politics of Assam but parties like BJP and Congress have played spoilsport. “The BJP has been luring the regional leaders to join them thereby destroying the fabric of regional politics in Assam. Before the assembly election, Narendra Modi promised many things to the people of Assam but after winning the election his party has made a U-turn and forgot all about the promises,’’ Rajkonwar said. Meanwhile, many of AGP leaders have

joined the BJP. Earlier, the political scenario in Assam had changed all of a sudden after the fall of the AGP government after being in power in Assam for two consecutive terms due to rift within their own party. The Asom Yuva Parishad said that now the youth of Assam understand the real nature of the BJP and are joining AGP to strengthen regional politics with the view to oust BJP and Congress from Assam. On the other hand, Rajkonwar said that some leaders of All Assam Students’ Union will soon join the party among other leaders.

Recently, many leaders of 14 student organizations of Assam along with their supporters joined the AGP. “Many youth have expressed their willingness to join the regional party because both the governments at the centre and state have failed to fulfill their de-

mands,’’ he added.

Rajkonwar appealed to all the people of Assam to "unite to ‘Save our Motherland’ which has been a paradise for illegal migrants while both the congress and BJP have been playing communal politics".

“Very soon we will organize awareness campaigns in every district of Assam against the Congress and BJP governments for betraying the people of Assam. We will organize a bike rally which we will start from Sadiya to create awareness among the people,’’ he said. On the other hand, Pranjal Rajkhanikor, ex president of All Assam Chutia Students’ Union who has recently joined the Asom Yuva Parishad with his three thousand supporters, while speaking to media, said that before the election BJP government were opposing the Big dam in Assam but after winning the

election they have completely made a U-turn. He said that they are against the Big dam in Assam for the safety and security of the people. He asked why Assam is not declared a tribal state like other states of Northeast; if Assam is declared a tribal state then the problem would be solved because the indigenous people would then have their right to protect their land, he added. “Before the election the BJP have assured to give ST status to the six ethnic communities of Assam, after winning the election they didn’t fulfill their promises,’’ he further added. Along with Pranjal Rajkhanikor, Ananta Bora, ex-Assistant General Secretary of AASU, Jitumoni Moran, General Secretary of All Assam Moran Students’ Union and many others student leaders joined in the AGP.

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Anand Sharma's remark shows Congress's frustration, says Rudy Patna, Oct.31: Minister of State for Skill Development and Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Saturday criticized Congress leader Anand Sharma over his remarks against Prime Minister Modi, and suggested that he was frustrated and should instead focus on improving the condition of the grand old party. "If they ( Congress) are commenting anything on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it only shows his and the party's frustration," Rudy told . " Anand Sharma and other leaders like him have taken their party to such a bad condition. He should focus on improving the condition of the grand old party," he added. Expressing his views on the tweet made by Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and senior party leader Giriraj Singh terming Nitish Kumar as 'Jinnah's jin', Rudy said that he has put forward some facts in his own way and nobody should object to it.

"Giriraj ji is our senior leader. He has put some

facts in his own way and I don't think that there is anything wrong about that. I don't think that people should put forward their objection over it," he said. Sharma had criticised Prime Minister Modi for his speech on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying the former was not suitable for his post, as he lacked knowledge. "He does not know how to maintain the decency of his post. If he would have maintained decency, then he would not have insulted those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation," said Sharma.

(ANI)

REGION

Stakes high for BJP-led NDA in Bihar poll's fourth round Patna, Oct 31: Caste arithmetic will be on test on Sunday as electors in 55 constituencies in Bihar's flood prone fertile belt vote in the fourth round of assembly polls with BJP chief Amit Shah's Pakistan comment muddying the electoral waters. Millions of voters were bombarded with issues like bursting of firecrackers in Pakistan to a conspiracy to steal the job quota of the Dalits and OBCs for a religious community as campaigning drew to a close. The stakes are perhaps the highest for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA. Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi played their cards that linked Bihar assembly polls outcome with Pakistan and raised the old job quota issue for Muslims during their rallies. It is being seen as a last ditch effort to counter RJD chief Lalu Prasad's "backward versus forward" fight in polls and Nitish Kumar's development agenda. No doubt the stakes are also high for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar but the belligerent tone of Modi and Shah, going by their addresses in the last 48 hours, has given strength

BSF extends hand of friendship through cricket

Berhampore, Oct 31: There was a time when rural youths in distress used to bite the bullet while smuggling cattle across the Indo-Bangladesh border under the watchful eyes of the Border Security Force and killing of the poor youths in firing by the border guards hit newspaper headlines quite frequently.

The villages that stood mute witness to such sorry tales of border people's struggle for livelihood a few years back have come forward to script a sort of role reversal, courtesy an initiative by the Border Security Force to improve relationship with the civilians living on the border through friendly cricket matches.

The 130 battalion BSF stationed at the Berhampore

sector headquarters launched a cricket tournament involving the cricket clubs from villages like Kaharpara, Sheikhpara, Ramnagar, Kancharipara, Khamarpara, Ghoshpara, Beledanga, Malipara etc under Raninagar I and II blocks located along the Indo-Bangla international border in Murshidabad district. The Twenty-20 cricket series that ended today saw the BSF team conceding defeat to a local club Rs Barun Sangha of Charmajherdiar, an island off the Padma, in the final match at DN Club ground of Ramnagar at Sheikhpara. "The defeat of the jawans in uniform actually helped BSF to win the hearts of the villagers who earlier used to live in

PAGE 5

fear of possible atrocity by the border guards. The cricket also eased tension, acrimony and hostility from the minds of the settlers living along the border," said Abdur Rashid of the organising club. The deputy inspector general,BSF, Mr.J K Rudola of Berhampore sector, several of his battalion commandants and jawans took part in the concluding session of the BSF's civic action programme carried out as part of golden jubilee celebration of the security force (1965 - 2015) and honoured the rural heroes of the contest with various prizes like trophy, track suits, sports items, T-shirts, caps etc. (Agencies)

to speculations here that BJP-led NDA is not confident of repeating their performance in their strongholds. In the last assembly polls in 2010, when the BJP was in alliance with the JD-U, it won 26 seats alone, and the NDA swept 53 of the 55 assembly seats in the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014, thanks to Modi's wave. Amit Shah during his election rallies said firecrackers would be burst in celebration in Pakistan if the grand alliance - and not the BJPled National Democratic Alliance - formed the next government. Even Modi during his rallies said: "Leaders of the

RJD, JD-U and the Congress are conspiring to snatch away 5 percent of SC/ST and OBC reservation and give it to a religious community (Muslim) for votes. For the BJP, this its strongest belt where it enjoys support of the traditional upper castes along with the Other Backward CasteExtreme Backward Caste, and Dalits. It was evident in the last assembly and the last Lok Sabha polls. "While it would look to maintain that dominance, it is not an easy task," a political watcher said.

As many as 14,739,120 voters are eligible to decide the fate of 776 can-

didates in fray in 55 of 243 assembly constituencies spread over Gopalganj, Siwan, West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur districts.

The NDA candidates are heavily depending on Modi and his plank of development in the belts once notorious for lawlessness, including kidnapping, extortion and murder. Modi and Shah also used the fear factor to woo voters, warning of a return of 'Jungle Raj' if the BJP-led NDA was not voted to power. Before Nitish Kumar came to power in November 2005, Siwan was said to

be under the rule of criminal-turned-politician, former MP Mohammad Shahabuddin. The grand alliance of JD-U, RJD and the Congress wants to make a dent with consolidation of OBCs, EBCs and Dalits along with Muslims by playing the forward versus backward fight and development of poor. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar doesn't fail to remind the electorate that the rule of law has been established and development has reached the people in shape of roads to electricity.

The two-week canvassing saw top leaders of the Grand Alliance of the ruling Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress and BJPled National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as well as six left parties, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party hitting the campaign trail. It was marked by below-the-belt comments and occasionally personal attacks and abuses to score political points. The run-up to the fourth-phase voting saw hectic campaigning by Modi, Amit Shah - camping in Bihar for nearly a month - Congress vice

State agriculture minister Purnendu Bose will visit drought-hit districts Kolkata, 31 Oct: State agriculture minister Purnendu Bose will visit Purulia and Bankura following reports of droughtlike situation in several parts of these districts. According to sources in the agriculture department, farmers of the two districts have complained of problems due to scanty rainfall. The problem has aggravated since many farmers in these districts had opted for paddy cultivation on higher farmlands expecting a good harvest during monsoons.However,most of the districts of South Bengal did not receive the average 20 cm rainfall,which has made it difficult to undertake cultivation in these areas, said an official. Bose will hold a meeting with district administrative and agriculture officials of Purulia on Monday and will hold a similar meeting in Bankura the next day. An assessment is being done on the extent of damage in these dis-

tricts, said an official, adding that necessary measures would be taken to solve the problem. A similar situation has arisen in Burdwan where paddy in 38,907 out of 4 lakh hectares have been damaged. A total of 413 mouzas in Raina, Ausgram, Molgalkote and Monteswar have been affected, of which the

situation of 230 mouzas are worse. Bose said that in order to improve the situation, state government has decided to provide 100 water pumps to the affected families for lifting water from the ponds and transmitting it to farmlands up to three km distance. An assessment is being done on the total

number of water bodies that can be used for the purpose. It has also been found that many pumps are lying defunct due to non-payment of power bills, so the state government has decided to restore them for 15 days against the payment of a nominal fee, Bose added.

(Agencies)

SIMI man Abu Faizal convicted for killing constable

Meghalaya Governor, Shri V. Shanmuganathan flagging off the Run on the occasion National Unity Day a Run for Unity was organized by the District Administration, East Khasi Hills in collaboration with M.A.A at State Central Library premises in Shillong. PiC - UB photos

Bhopal, Oct 31: A special court here on Friday found a Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) man Abu Faizal guilty of killing a police constable of the Madhya Pradesh Police. He had killed constable of Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Sitaram Yadav in 2009 in

Khandwa. The quantum of punishment, however, will be pronounced on Saturday. The sections under which he has found guilty provide maximum sentence of life imprisonment or death sentence. There are also other case against him, including blasts, murder and

dacoity. Abu Faizal had escaped with his other colleagues from Khandwa jail in 2013.

The court found his colleague Mehtab guilty under the Arms Act. Abu Faizal was presented in the court through video conferencing during the hearing. (ANI)

president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati, Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad and JD-U president Sharad Yadav apart from left leaders. All of them addressed large rallies to woo voters. The leaders also played on several issues. The main electoral planks on which all parties are seeking votes include economic development, job quotas and battle against corruption. They also played the caste card and equations to influence voters more than any other issue. The heavyweights in this phase include three ministers of Nitish Kumar cabinet contesting from two constituencies of Raghopur in Vaishali district and Sonepur in Saran district, JD-U's Birshen Patel from Vaishali and BJP's Renu Devi from Bettiah. There are several candidates with criminal records in the fray. Paramilitary forces have been deployed at all polling booths and drones would be used for the first time for surveillance, officials said.

After the fourth phase, the next and final rounds of elections will be held on November 5. Votes will be counted on November 8.(Agencies)

Encouraged people to "act for unity": Mamata Kolkata Oct 31: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she was "saddened" at the level of intolerance in the country and encouraged people to "act for unity".

"Saddened that there is so much intolerance today.

Why so much divide and rule? Let us speak for unity, stand for unity. Let us act for unity," Banerjee tweeted.

The Trinamool Congress supremo paid tribute to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary and remembered Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. "Remembering the Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel ji on his birth anniversary. May his vision of united India be fulfilled," she said.

Banerjee had strongly condemned the police raid at Kerala House in Delhi, and said in a tweet that it was "an unwise and unhealthy attempt to curb fundamental rights of people". Political parties in Bengal had also slammed the Narendra Modi government for interfering with the people's fundamental rights.

On Friday a section of intellectuals and NGOs hit the streets against the rising intolerance in the country, by organising an open beef party. Poets, theatre artists, political leaders took part in the protest programme where speakers railed against recent events like the lynching of a Muslim man in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh over rumours that he had consumed beef, the murder of Kannada rationalist scholar M.M. Kalburgi and the police "raid" on Delhi's Kerala House. The protest saw many of the participants consuming beef and putting the meat into each other's mouth.

However, vegetables and sweets were available for those unwilling to eat beef. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

PAGE 6

Russian plane with over 200 onboard crashes in Egypt

Obamas celebrate Romania night club Halloween at inferno White House

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Cairo, Oct. 31: Egypt's Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has confirmed that a Russian passenger plane carrying over 200 people crashed in central Sinai on Saturday. The Egypt Prime Minister's Office confirmed the news, but Russian media is yet to confirm the tragedy. The passenger jet, travelling from the Egyptian resort

Akhilesh inducts 12 new faces in his cabinet Lucknow, Oct 31: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday inducted 12 new faces in his cabinet.

In all, 21 ministers, including those who have been promoted, took oath of office at the Raj Bhavan here. The state government had earlier sacked eight ministers - five cabinet ministers and three ministers of state (MoS) -- and stripped nine others of their portfolios. Prominent sacked ministers included Raja Aridaman Singh and Shiv Kumar Beria. The move is being seen as a major effort to refurbish the government's image before the state goes to polls in 2017. (ANI)

Amma's Govt. is 'strangling' democracy: Karunanidhi Chennai, Oct. 31: Lashing out at the J. Jayalalithaa Government for arresting Tamil folk singer Kovan over a song criticising her, DMK chief Muthuvel Karunanidhi on Saturday said that it was a classic case of democracy being strangled under 'Amma's' rule. The former Tamil Nadu chief minister in a statement today condemned the arrest of the folk singer and sought his immediate release. Kovan was arrested from his house by the cyber crime department after his video went viral on social media, and was and booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 124 (A), sedition. In his controversial song, Kovan attacked the state government, saying that while the state was reeling from the influence of alcohol, the chief minister was enjoying. The song 'Oorkku oorkku sarayam' mocks liquor shops run by the state government in Tamil Nadu. Further attacking Jayalalithaa, the singer commented on her luxurious lifestyle while the common man was left to struggle. (ANI)

Sharm el-Sheikh to the Russian city of St Petersburg on Saturday, disappeared from radar screens over Cyprus. Egyptian air traffic control said that it had lost contact with the civilian airliner shortly after it took off from the Red Sea resort of Sharm elSheikh to head to Russia. (ANI)

Nitish challenges PM Modi to 'debate' on reservation New Delhi, Oct. 31: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a debate over the 'reservation row' and asked the latter to stop his efforts to 'communalise' the state Assembly elections.

"Modiji I'm ready to debate the issue of reservation with you anyday.

Stop misleading people and your efforts to add communal color to Bihar

Polls," Nitish tweeted.

The reservation battle has been the flavour this Bihar election and is seesawing between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the grand alliance. Prime Minister Modi had earlier stepped up the attack on Nitish over the reservation row saying that the Chief Minister had 'intended to snatch' 5 per cent quota from SCs, STs, OBCs and EBCs and that he

wanted to give reservation only on 'communal' basis.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janatal Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav has been lashing out the Prime Minister over the reservation row, saying 'Modi is playing the communal card on reservation'. Slamming the BJP for their 'continuous' efforts to 'communalise' the nation, Lalu said today that it was the first time the nation had seen such an 'in-

sensitive' Prime Minister.

"He is the king of scams as he has pulled a number of them across the nation.

Even now he is using the money he procured from various scam for the Bihar elections. Let me assure you that Narendra Modi's farewell from this nation is set and no one can save him. It's the first time the nation has had such an insensitive and senseless Prime Minister," Lalu told the media here. (ANI)

Cultivation of Indian hemp or cannabis is outlawed in the country Cuttack, Oct 31: With the help of multi-agency squad comprising excise, revenue and forest officials, the Odisha police have destroyed over 3600 acres of hemp cultivation in the State in 2014-15.

This was revealed at a review meeting of the multi agency squad at the police headquarters here on Friday. At the meeting attended by police officers of at least nine districts, the cops were sensitised to stop hemp cultivation, destroy the plantations and initiate

criminal proceedings against the land owners who are allowing hemp cultivations on their lands.

Suspecting that extensive illegal hemp cultivation in some parts of the state is benefiting the Maoist organisations directly, the Odisha police have taken up cudgels to destroy these cultivations, a senior police official said. Cultivation of Indian hemp or cannabis is outlawed in the country for the intoxicating substances contained in its flowers and seeds.

These substances are

sources of hashish and ganja preparation and those who cultivate cannabis invite a prison term of 10 years, police said.

Police suspect that outlawed Maoist organisations are encouraging hemp cultivations in certain districts of the state and these organisations are reaping rich dividends by this illegal trade, said another official.

Ever since it was perceived that the Maoists are encouraging hemp cultivation in an organised way, the State police have made plans to destroy these cultivations

and block the fund-flow to the rebel organisations. Police said during 2011-12 nearly 1575 acres of hemp cultivations were destroyed by the police in the state and in the following year 1305 acres were in target. However, after forming a multi-agency squad comprising excise, revenue and forest officials, police were able to destroy 3523 acres of hemp cultivations in 2013-14, they said.(Agencies)

Washington D.C., Oct. 31: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama recently hosted a Halloween carnival at the White House.

They welcomed hundreds of kids and treated them to White House Hershey kisses, Halloween cookies, M&Ms, fruit bars, kettle corn and Bo and sunny baseball cards, People magazine reports.

The President was particularly impressed by the Pope costume of one child and responded to him by saying 'Top prize.'

The White House was decked up with various color pumpkins, black twine spider webs and a

kills 27

huge toy spider which lingered on the side of the building. The carnival setting included a trapeze, jugglers and stiltwalkers and whirling ghost performers. The soundtracks that steamed during Halloween festivities included 'Thriller', 'Werewolves of London' and the theme songs of 'Ghostbusters and 'The Exorcist.'(ANI)

PM must do homework before making statements: Congress New Delhi, Oct. 31: The Congress on Saturday came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remark on caste quota, saying that the latter must do his homework before making any such statements. "My advice to the Prime Minister is to redo his arithmetic and his numbers. In his anxiety and desperation for the Bihar elections, he forgot what a child also knows that how to add up numbers," Congress leader Anand Sharma said. "In Bihar, he said that the Mahagathbandhan will give 5 percent each to the minorities, scheduled castes and the backward classes. It makes a total of 20 percent and the whole population of the community he is talking about is 16 percent," he added. Sharma further said, "It makes this clear that he does not even do his homework before

making such a statement.

This is a sick thinking and this will be injurious for the nation. It will be better if he thinks before saying." Prime Minister Modi had on Monday accused the grand alliance of trying to snatch a chunk off caste quotas in favour of a religious community.

"Leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and Congress are conspiring to snatch away 5% of SC, ST and OBC reservation and give it to a religious community. But this son of a poor EBC teaseller will put his life on the line to protect your job quota in its entirety," Modi said at an election rally at Buxar. (ANI)

BJP leaders pay tribute to 'Iron man' Sardar Patel Mumbai, Oct.31: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Saturday paid floral tributes to one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as 'Iron man', on his 140th birth anniversary.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Shipping and Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari paid floral tributes to Patel's statute. In Gujarat and Madhya

Pradesh, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and Shivraj Singh Chouhan also paid tribute to the ' Iron man' respectively.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered floral tributes at Sardar Patel statue on Parliament Street along with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu. Prime Minister Modi while addressing the nation on the

occasion pitched the 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat' programme which would be an effort by states to recognise and learn about other each other's culture and language. Prime Minister Modi also remembered the 'Iron Man's' struggle in unifying the nation under the British rule. "Every decision Sardar saab made was with a certain plan for the nation. His contribution to the nation is priceless.

He did not want the nation to go back to being

'Iron man' Sardar Patel should have been nation's first PM: Naidu New Delhi, Oct.31: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 140th birth anniversary and said that things would have been different in the nation, if the latter had been the first Prime Minister of India. "I believe that had Sardar Patel been the first prime minister of the country, things would have been different.

Whatever happened in the past is okay, but it is our duty to follow his ideals

now and inspire others," Naidu said, while addressing the nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel which has been referred as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. "We should follow the teaching and preaching's of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in our regular lives and inspire others to do the same.

That is the purpose of 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'.

History has not done justice to Sardar Patel and it is our duty to make sure that his memory is remembered forever. He was the

one who united the whole nation and brought those provinces together," he added.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 'Run For Unity' march at Rajpath on this morning to mark the 140th birth anniversary of the 'Iron man'. Earlier, the Prime Minister had offered floral tributes at Sardar Patel statue on Parliament Street along with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Naidu. (ANI)

scattered after he left, that is why during his rule, and he fought every divisive element in the nation and united India in a short time," Prime Minister Modi said. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, M. Venkaiah Naidu also said that things would have been different in the nation, if Sardar Patel would been the first Prime Minister of India. The day is being celebrated as ' Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day) across the country. (ANI)

Naxalites kill two, torch 29 vehicles in Chattisgarh Kanker, Oct. 31: Naxalites killed two people and set ablaze as many as 29 vehicles in separate incidents in Chattisgarh on Friday. In Rajnandgaon district, Maoists killed two villagers, whom they had abducted from from interstate border with Maharashtra while they were returning to their native Kherketta village.

While at Chargaon mines in Kanker District, Naxalites on Thursday night set ablaze 29 vehicles and fired several

rounds of gunshots at security forces. As per reports, 60-70 armed Naxalites cordoned off at Chargaon mines and set ablaze the vehicles, including three JCBs, two tippers and trucks. As per reports, panic-gripped villagers fled from their houses. Maoists have stepped up violence during the last one month in Chhattisgarh, setting ablaze vehicles in tribal Bastar region. Last night, the rebels poured petrol and set ablaze five vehicles at Gumda village

where the work on double line of railways was in progress. In another incident, Maoists set ablaze a passenger bus on National Highway near Bhopalpattanam in Bijapur district. Earlier, Maoists had caused extensive damage to 36 vehicles engaged in road construction work on the national highway. Maoists have been using this tactics to unleash terror and to stall the ongoing road construction activities and other development works in the region. (ANI)

New York, Oct. 31: At least 27 people were killed and 180 injured after a fire broke out in a night club in Bucharest, Romania. The incident occurred when over 400 people were celebrating Halloween at the 'Colectiv' nightclub. A metal band 'Goodbye to Gravity' was performing at the club when a spark on stage ignited the polystyrene decor, reported.

According to one of the victims, there was total chaos after the fire broke out. People started fainting due to the smoke and a stampede broke out as people trampled each other to get out of the club. This tragedy could have been avoided if more and proper emergency services were provided, the victim added.

Raed Arafat, a government health ministry official said that those who have been injured were treated mainly for burns, smoke inhalation and lesions at various hospitals around the capital. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated that "he was shaken and deeply hurt by the tragic event.

"It is a very sad moment for us all, for our nation and for me personally," the President added.

(ANI)

BJP isolated from 'drama politics': Shaina NC Mumbai, Oct. 31: Giving no hints about the much rumoured growing differences between them and the Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said that the nation knows who is doing 'drama politics' and who is working in the interest of the people of Maharashtra. "Everyone can say what they want to say in a democracy but the people know who is playing to the gallery, who is doing drama politics and who is actually working in the interest of the people of Maharashtra," BJP leader Shaina NC told here. "Take 'Jalyukt Shivar', even Rajendra Singh said it is a monumental project and it's a game changer. You take 'Aaple Sarkar' where people can interact with the government. You take Right to Services which has reduced corruption. The conviction rate has gone up for fold.

You take the investment which has come up to Maharashtra, which is 66,000 crores, which is only the beginning. I don't think we need to get bogged down by any commentary," she added. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday fired fresh salvos at his alliance partner, the BJP in Maharashtra, while threatening to pull out of the BJPled government. Addressing a mass rally for the Kalyan-Dombivili elections here yesterday, Thackeray said, "I told PWD minister Eknath Shinde that he didn't need to resign from the Maharashtra Government.

If they (the BJP) have become so arrogant, I will very soon ask all Sena ministers to resign from the government." (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Minor boy attacked with acid in Khanewal Khanewal, Oct 31: A five-year-old boy and his father suffered acid attack at their house in Punjab's Khanewal district early Friday. Unidentified masked men trespassed into Iqbal's house and threw acid on

him and his five-year-old son Irfan, hospital sources said. The duo was rushed to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital but considering their serious burns, doctors at the facility referred them to Multan's

Nishtar Hospital. Doctors at Nishtar Hospital told DawnNews that the the boy received 60 per cent burns while his father received 10pc. The boy is said to be in critical condition. District police has arrested one sus-

pect in the case so fair while raids are being conducted to catch others in what police is describing as an old family feud, police sources said. A practice rampant in Pakistan, women and children are the biggest vic-

tims of acid throwing incidents used as a revenge tactic in domestic disputes. India and Pakistan have the highest rates of acid attacks with other countries in the league being Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia,a

Nepal and Uganda. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) for the year 2014, 114 acid attacks were reported across the country in the previous year, involving 159 victims.(Agencies)

Afghan women find sustainable livelihood in India

Chinese premier arrives in Sindh, Punjab vote in LG Seoul for 3-way summit polls after 10 years Seoul, Oct 31: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a three-way summit with South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aimed at repairing relations strained from historical and territorial issues. A day before the summit, Park and Li were set to hold a separate meeting today with a likely focus on trade issues between two of the region's closest economic partners. Li might also seek some sort of assurance from Park that Seoul, a key US ally, will keep a neutral stance over the recent flare-up between Washington and Beijing over the US Navy's freedom of navigation operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, analysts said. Tomorrow's trilateral summit will be the first since 2012.

The meetings were shelved after Japan's ties with its two neighbors deteriorated over disputes stemming from its wartime aggression and territorial claims. Park will separately meet Abe on Monday in the first formal bilateral summit in more than three years.

Japan and China have

Territorial dispute with Philippines: China adamant on stance Beijing, Oct. 31: Even as the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague announced on Thursday that it would handle the case filed by the Philippines over Beijing's territorial claim for almost the entire South China Sea, China said it would "continue boycotting proceedings" at the court. The Philippines, along with Vietnam,Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, is contesting China's claims. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday, saying "the decision is invalid and has no binding power on China".

Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin told reporters that the decision was "unjust" because it ignores China's rights. Liu said the Philippines filed the case not to resolve the dispute but to have its interests acknowledged and Chinese interests denied. (ANI)

been gradually resuming exchanges following 2012 tensions over the control of disputed islands in the East China Sea. The rift began healing after diplomats agreed to restart contacts last November, when Chinese President Xi Jinping briefly met and shook hands with Abe. Park has met Xi six times since she took office in 2013, in efforts to further strengthen ties with China, South Korea's largest trade partner which also has unusual leverage with the hard-to-read, nucleararmed North Korea.

However, Seoul's ties with Tokyo have been persistently icy after hawkish Abe came to power in December 2012, as the countries struggled to settle disputes stemming from Japan's brutal colonial

rule of the Korean Peninsula in the early 20th century. China has similar gripes with Japan. The US wants Japan and South Korea, important allies in the region, to be on better terms to counter China's growing geopolitical influence, including in the South China Sea, and also to strengthen security cooperation against North Korea. The US Navy earlier this week sent a warship in its most direct challenge yet to China's artificial island building that has upset other claimants in the South China Sea, including the Philippines, a close US ally. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, but Washington says the waters are international territory and must be open for navigation. (Agencies)

China warns US: Minor incident could lead to war

million citizens will exercise their right to elect local government (LG) representatives in 12 districts of Punjab and eight of Sindh.

Other districts in the two provinces will go to polls in two phases to follow.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has clarified that holding expired computerised national identity cards (CNICs) does not invalidate the voters from casting their votes. The Central Control

Room of ECP is monitoring the polling process,reported Radio Pakistan. The control room will continue functioning till compilation of the results. Complaints about the polling can be registered on the control room's telephone numbers: 051-9204342 and 9210816-9. The last LG polls were held during the era of Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf in 2005.(Agencies)

18 Bangladeshi peacekeepers released by Sudan rebels Dhaka, Oct. 31: 18 Bangladeshi peacemakers have been released from captivity by the South Sudan rebels. However, 12 United Nations contractors who were travelling with them on the Nile Rivers are still imprisoned by the rebels. On Monday, over 100 heavily-armed

rebels detained the peacekeepers along with the crew of a barge carrying fuel for the UN mission, north of Malakal, the Daily Star reported. They were later taken by the rebels to the town of Kaka, in Upper Nile state, where the contractors have been kept.

According to spokesman

Stephane Dujarric, UN has called on the rebel leader Riek Machar to uphold his commitment to the organisation by immediately releasing all of the crew members unharmed and unhurt. Attack against UN peacekeepers is punishable as a war crime, he added. (ANI)

New Delhi, Oct. 31: Many Afghan women migrants in India have learned embroidery skills to earn livelihood for their families. An NGO named 'Access' helps to train these women and provide them employment. The NGO is also partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). "We have started this work with a hope to support our family and meet out financial needs. This work will help me to feed my little kids. So, I am happy to work," said Huma, a migrant from Afghanistan.

Another migrant

Parwana said that they shifted to India due to threats from the Taliban.

"My father was killed by Taliban militants and we do not have anyone to look after. Taliban also threatened to kill my brothers and other family members. So we shifted to India," she said.

"I am trying best to learn this embroidery work and financially support my husband and son. Their income is not sufficient to meet family expenses.

This work will add to our income. I want my children to go to school and my husband to be employed," added another migrant Zarmina. (ANI)

China mulls allowing individuals to invest abroad Shanghai, Oct 31: China is considering relaxing limits to allow individuals to invest overseas in stocks and property, the central bank said, which would potentially unleash a flood of money if the government loosens strict capital controls. The country keeps a tight grip on outflows of funds due to worries capital flight could disrupt the economy and weaken its control. The People's Bank of China said it was

studying letting "qualified" individuals invest abroad in industry, property and financial products through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, according to a statement released on Friday. "These policy initiatives are another important step toward complete capital account liberalisation," Zhou Hao, a senior economist at Commerzbank in Singapore, was quoted by Bloomberg News as saying.

China's premier free trade zone in the commercial hub Shanghai was set up in 2013 with the promise of a range of financial reforms, but foreign investors especially have expressed disappointment over the pace of change. Chinese citizens are now only allowed to convert the equivalent of USD 50,000 from the domestic yuan currency under an annual quota, state media said, which creates a limit on

overseas investment though many evade the barrier. Individuals are allowed to legally invest in stocks in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, through a special link with accounts on the Shanghai stock exchange.

The central bank announcement, which gave no timetable for the move, followed a toplevel Communist Party meeting which discussed the country's develop-

ment plans for the next five years. China also wants the yuan to join the International Monetary Fund's "special drawing rights" basket of currencies and is pursuing reforms to help gain the coveted status. In August, the central bank suddenly devalued the yuan, allowing it to lose nearly five percent of its value over a week, in a move which raised alarm over the state of the world's second largest economy.(PTI)

Pak to 'retaliate strongly' if Phoenix-shaped airport Saudi's sovereignty is harmed to come up in Beijing Beijing, Oct 31: Construction work has begun on a new phoenix-shaped airport in Beijing which is expected to be functional by 2019, the media reported on Saturday. The project includes four runways, 150 parking aprons for passenger jets, 24 parking aprons for cargo aircraft, 14 maintenance areas and a terminal building with a floor area of 700,000 sq metres. Located about 65 km from Beijing Capital International Airport, the new airport will take the shape of a phoenix, which echoes the shape of dragon that Terminal 3 of the Capital International Airport. According to The Third Railway Survey and Design Institute Group Corporation, the new airport line will take over 39 km with a total investment of $4.5 billion, making it $100 million per km. The new airport is to handle 72 million passengers, 2 million metric tonnes of cargo and 620,000 flights in 2025. In a long term, it is expected to handle 100 million passengers and 4 million metric tonnes of cargo annually after 2040.(Agencies)

London, Oct. 31: China has warned the United States that its dangerous provocations in the South China Sea can lead to 'a minor incident that sparks war'. Chinese Navy, Naval Commander Admiral Wu Shengli issued a warning to his US counterpart Admiral John Richardson during their video conference and stated that if such provocations continue then it could be a critical situation between the forces. Hopefully such incidents can be avoided in future, the Guardian quoted him as saying. The high-level talk between both nations was held after US Lassen guided-missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles near ManMade Islands in South China on Tuesday. (ANI)

US agency under fire over 'inaccurate' data of Afghan hospitals Kabul, Oct. 31: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has come under scrutiny after a federal watchdog exposed that the agency has given "substantial inaccurate" data about the location of twenty three US-funded health facilities in Afghanistan.

Special Inspector Gen-

Karachi, Oct 31: Voters lined up outside polling stations as voting for the first phase of the much-delayed local body polls in 20 districts of Sindh and Punjab went underway on Saturday. Polling started at 7.30am and will continue till 5.30pm without any break.

In some polling stations, polling began late as presiding officers were not aware of the notification that polling was to be started at 7.30am. Over 25

eral for Afghanistan Reconstruction's (SIGAR) inspection revealed that only 19 out 40 centres actually existed. It stated that the locations of the 23 facilities in Herat province were up to 6 miles from the GPS coordinates provided by USAID. The inspection also revealed that many of the medical

centres lack basic necessities including wat e r a n d e l e c t r i c i t y.

Mohammad Asif Kabir, acting health director of Heart said that Afghanistan Government did not have any knowledge about the accuracies and if corruption has happened then the foreigners would be accountable for it. (ANI)

Macao customs director found dead in public toilet Karachi, Oct. 31: In further attempts to boost the ties betweenPakistan and Saudi Arabia, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif warned that there will be a strong response from Islamabad if there is any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Arab nation. General

Sharif during his visit to the National Counter Terrorism Centre, stated that both the nations have strong bilateral and brotherly ties with a long history of deep rooted cooperation. During his visit, he also experienced the culmination of Pak-Saudi Joint Training Exercise ' Al-Shibab'. The exercise shows the joint

commitment of both the nation to eliminate terrorism and insurgency, he added. A six-member highlevel delegation of the Saudi military, headed by the Commander special forces of Saudi Arabia General Mufleh Bin Saleem Al-Otaibi were also present during the occasion. (ANI)

Beijing, Oct 31: The body of Macao Customs Service Director Lai Minhua was found in a public toilet in the city, a media report said on Saturday. According to Chief Executive of Macao Cui Shian, the director's body was found on Friday in a public toilet in Ocean Gardens area as reported. The cause of death remained unknown, but initial investigation termed it as suicide, Cui said. Commission Against Corruption of Macau reported no involvement of Lai Minhua in any case under investigation. There was no conspicuous suicidal sign shown by Lai Minhua. She was to attend a security meeting later on Friday, Cui added.(Agencies)

Pakistan provinces vote in local government polls Islamabad, Oct 31: Voters lined up outside polling stations on Saturday as voting for the first phase of the much-delayed local body polls in Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh provinces. Polling started at

7.30 a.m. and will continue till 5.30 p.m. as reported Over 25 million citizens will exercise their right to elect local government (LG) representatives in 12 districts of Punjab and eight of Sindh. Other dis-

tricts in the two provinces will go to polls in two phases to follow. In Punjab, 40,101 candidates are in the run for 1,578 union councils and 1,118 wards of 60 municipal committees, while 774

have been elected unopposed. In Sindh, over 10,000 candidates are vying for 2,333 constituencies falling in various tiers of municipal units. The Election Commission has clarified that holding expired

computerised national identity cards does not invalidate the voters from casting their votes. The last LG polls were held in 2005 during the reign of former president Pervez Musharraf.(Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Preventive Vigilance as a tool of Good Governance Misuse of Over Rs 417 Lakhs Manipur Animal Husbandry Dept The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, in its audit has indicated that altogether Rs. 417.25 lakhs is believed to have been misappropriated in the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Manipur.

As per report available it is learnt that the Government of India provided assistance to states and union territories for control of economically important diseases of livestock and poultry by way of immunisation, strengthening of existing states veterinary biological foundation units and state diagnostic laboratories, holding workshops/seminars and in service training to veterinarians and Para-Veterinarians. The programme was to be implemented on 75:25 sharing basis between centre and the state. However, 100 percent assistance was provided by the centre for training and seminar workshops. As per Utilisation Certificates (UCs) submitted to the Ministry, the expenditure incurred for implementation of the schemes during 2009-10 to 2013-14, it reportedly came to light that during 2011-12, the centre had released its share of rupees 150 lakhs. As against this, the department could utilise 22.77 rupees only.

The non-utilised fund of 127.23 lakh rupees was revalidated by the centre for utilisation in 2012-13. Nonutilisation of available fund of 134.45 lakhs in 2011-12 was indicative of inefficient management of funds by the department, said the audit report. Audit records at the Directorate showed the following deficiencies in implementation of the scheme starting from fiscal year 2012.

During 2012-13 vaccines and appliances worth 136.72 lakhs rupees including 65.87 lakhs for 17 general medicines, 70.85 lakhs for 52 generic medicines and appliances, were procured for implementation of the scheme.

As seen from the stock register, none of the medicines procured were distributed to the veterinary institutions.

Thus, inspite of having sufficient stock of medicines, the department failed to take the required measures for controlling/prevention of animal diseases in the state during 2012-13, it mentioned.

Similarly in 2013-14, vacancies and appliances worth 280.52 lakhs rupees including 140.19 lakhs for 14 general medicines, 140.33 lakhs for 33 generic medicines and appliances, were procured for implementation of the scheme. It was however noticed that only three of the items procured were fully distributed by the department.

The balance stock of 44 different items worth 83.74 lakhs was not distributed.

The department did not maintain vital information of the medicines and vaccines procured such as batch number, expiry date, manufacturing date, chemical analysis report of the vaccines and medicines procured, it said.

As such, expiry of the medicines and vaccines could not be ascertained.

It has been informed that during exit conference, the department stated (October 2014) that though materials procured were distributed, records could not be maintained due to lack of manpower. To this the Comptroller and Auditor General found the reply was not acceptable as the relevant record for the distribution such as indents, signature of acknowledgement for receipts, APRs stock verification certificates etc. were not available.

Thus, in the absence of the aforesaid records, the authenticity of distribution of the medicines and appliances of value 417.25 lakh rupees including 280.53 lakhs, 136.72 lakhs could not be ascertained.

China to Abolish One-Child Policy Relax the restriction on family size China's ruling Communist Party has decided to abolish the country's one-child policy and allow all couples to have two children. The restriction was introduced in 1980 as a way to curb the population and limit demands for water and other resources.

The controversial policy restricted most couples to only a single offspring, and for years authorities argued that it was a key contributor to China's economic boom. It was enforced by a dedicated national commission with a system of fines for violators and often forced abortions, leading to heartrending tales of loss for would-be parents. The policy led to sex-selective abortions or infanticide targeting girls, because of a centuries-old social preference for boys.

Rural families were already allowed two children if the first was a girl, while ethnic minorities were allowed an extra offspring, leading some to dub it a "one and a half child" policy.The Communist leadership met in Beijing to discuss ways to put the country's stuttering economy back on a smooth growth path as it struggles with structural inefficiencies and outdated social policies. Known as the fifth plenum, the conclave discussed the next Five-Year Plan for China -- the 13th since the People's Republic was founded in 1949. Over four days of meetings the 205 members of the Central Committee, plus around 170 alternates, examined the specifics of the plan, which will be approved by the country's rubber-stamp legislature next year.

China has enjoyed a decades-long boom since the ruling party embraced market economics and opened up to the rest of the world from the late 1970s. China's working-age population, those 15 to 64, grew by at least 100 million people from 1990 until a couple of years ago.

But that expansion is petering out, and more people are living longer, leaving a greater burden on a shrinking work force. Now, about 10 percent of the population is 65 or older, and according to earlier estimates, that proportion is likely to reach 15 percent by 2027 and 20 percent by 2035. The party decision to relax the restriction on family size will not take effect immediately. Like the previous relaxation of policy in 2013, this policy change must first be endorsed and refined by the central government and then implemented by provinciallevel governments, which can introduce their own variations on the general policy. That could take many months. Demographers and economists say the cost and difficulty of child-rearing are likely to deter many eligible couples from having two children despite the relaxed rules.

Pranjal Kumar Phukan Preventive vigilance could broadly be described as a package of measures to improve systems and procedures in a way so as to reduce scope for discretion and eliminate corruption. Good governance is about the processes for making good decisions and their effective implementation.

Preventive vigilance ensures clean and prompt administrative action towards achieving efficiency and effectiveness of the employees in particular and the organization in general. If adequate attention is paid to preventive vigilance, many vigilance cases will not arrive. Preventive vigilance calls for constant review of rules, procedures and practices which afford scope for corruption.

Good governance is about making the best possible policy decision and implementing them in the most effective manner. It is the best way to ensure that public funds are actually and effectively utilized for its purpose for which they are sanctioned and that government welfare measures actually reach the intended people.

An important step for Good Governance is simplification of procedures and processes in the Government so as to make the entire system transparent and faster. The push towards self-certification in place of affidavits and attestations is another indicator of the relationship of trust between the citizens and the Government.

Doing away with cumbersome and outdated legislations which no longer

have relevance is another focus area. Governance encompasses the process, structures and organizational traditions that determine how power is exercised, how stakeholders have their say, how decisions are taken and how decision - makers are held to account.

Vigilance is not something external. It should be accepted as an essential part of management.

Vigilance connotes watchfulness. It is not the purpose of vigilance to wait for lapses to be committed and then try to conduct post mortem. What is more important than punitive vigilance is preventive vigilance. In short, management should be interested in preventive vigilance measures. If adequate attention is paid to preventive vigilance side, many vigilance cases will not arise.

Transparency International, a Berlin based non-profit organization, devoted to the cause of promoting corruptionfree transactions in public dealings, have accorded 85th rank to India among 180 countries surveyed by them with Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of 3.4 in their Annual Report of 2008.

Here, CPI denotes a spectrum of corruption perception by business people about the country with 10 being highly clean and 0 highly corrupt. With this, the country has long way to go in setting-up clean Governance Systems to ensure corruption-free transactions in different public businesses. Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) account for a major share of procure-

ments by the Government agencies, which is the most vulnerable area for corruption. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the apex statutory body in the country to oversee curbing of corruption in the Central Government organizations.

Oxford English dictionary defines 'Vigilance' as keeping careful watch to avoid possible danger or difficulties. For example, parents keep a watch over their young children to avoid any untoward incident or accident. In the context of an organization, Vigilance means keeping a watchful eye on the activities of the personnel and taking prompt action to promote ethical practices and ensure integrity and honesty in the official transactions.

Vigilance is an integral part of the management.

It provides important instruments for improving performance of an organization. This includes promoting clean business transactions, professionalism, productivity, promptness and ethical practices. It also assists in systemic improvements in curbing opportunities for corruption. Therefore, vigilance helps in improving efficiency and effectiveness of the personnel as well as the organization.

Vigilance angle has been defined in Chapter 1 of Vigilance Manual, Volume I (6th edition: 2005). Briefly, it is present in the individual's acts of: 1.

Demanding and/or accepting gratification for an official act or influencing others; 2. Obtaining valuables with-

out consideration/with inadequate consideration from someone in officials dealing directly/ indirectly; 3. Receiving himself or for others valuables or pecuniary benefits by corrupt or illegal means or by abusing power; 4. Possessing assets disproportionate to income; 5. Misappropriating, cheating forgery etc.; and 6. Carrying out other irregularities which cast doubt on one's integrity. Vigilance organization takes up such matters for investigation and follow up punitive/ corrective actions, which have vigilance angle.

Vigilance functions are carried out in mainly three ways: 1.

Preventive Vigilance i.

Simplifying rules/procedures; ii.

Curtailing discretions iii.

Improving transparency iv.

Bringing in fairness, competitiveness and accountability v.

Promoting awareness among clients vi.

Educating/Sen-

sitizing the officials; and vii.

Ensuring posting of officials with clean integrity on sensitive posts 2.

Reactive Vigilance that incorporates 3.

Surveillance and Detective Vigilance that entails Four cardinal principles of vigilance and these are: 1.

Transparency i.e. not hiding any facts or matter from all those who are stakeholders in/ for the decision 2.

Fairness i.e. applying same principles to all concerned under similar conditions 3.

Competitiveness i.e. encouraging competition in the interest of the organization; and Accountability i.e. if there is any deviation from the laid down rules/procedures in the business interest of the organization that should be clearly recorded upfront rather be used later as justification.

The accomplishment of preventive vigilance is

going to bring a large scale change in India. With corruption expected to be subsided with such efforts, it is also going to contribute to good governance by increasing better law enforcement, transparency and efficiency. The governance in future will also have to envisage an ever increasing level of foreign direct investment or FDI in infrastructure projects.

Mobilization and management of FDI are going to be facets of governance that will attract kickbacks and corruption, if not handled with care.

To conclude, it may be said that all these procedures could work well only if there is a total commitment and honesty on the part of management in implementing them. Let us therefore dedicate our selves to be honest to implement the vigilant procedures effectively to make these public sector undertakings function in an effective way so that they could reach the commanding heights in the economic and social development of the country.

India's First New Stealth Submarine Begins Sea Trials The first of six Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines started sea trials in Mumbai this week.

Franz-Stefan Gady

The Scorpene-class diesel electric submarine Kalvari has begun extensive sea trials in the waters off Mumbai this week, as per a leading Daily newspaper report.

The Kalvari was set afloat on Wednesday at the state-run Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, where it has been built in close collaboration with the French shipbuilder DCNS.

"The accomplishment of this milestone will initiate commencement of sea trials which will eventually lead to the commissioning of the boat into the Indian Navy in September 2016," rear admiral RK Shrawat, the chairman and managing director of MDL told reporters.

The Indian Navy is slated to receive six Scorpeneclass submarines by 2020. MDL officials said that they will deliver one new boat every nine months.

The 67-meter long submarine with a 6.2 meter

diameter will be equipped with an air-independent propulsion system, which allows the boat to stay submerged longer making it more difficult to detect.

In October 2005, a $4.16 billion contract (known as Project 75) was awarded to the French industrial group DCNS to build six Scorpene-class submarines (with an option to build six more) at MDL. The deal involved extensive technology transfer agreements. Only thirty percent of the submarine has been made in India.

For example, the

Kalvari's pressure hull has been manufactured

by MDL. The Sorpene-class submarine program has faced repeated delays over the last couple of years. The latest delay in February was due to difficulties in procuring certain technologies from foreign suppliers.

The 1550-ton Kalvari will be deployed for a wide range of activities including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, special operations, intelligence gathering, minelaying, area surveil-

lance, and strikes against land-based targets.

The sub, boasting six 533 millimeters torpedo tubes, can be equipped with both conventional anti-ship torpedoes and missiles (e.g., SM-39 Exocet ), as well as sea mines.

India is in the process of modernizing its aging submarine fleet with readiness rates purportedly to be below 40 percent.

The Indian Navy recently announced that it will lease another nuclear-powered submarine, the Kashalot K-322 nuclear-powered attack submarine (NATO

classification Akula IIclass) from Russia At the moment, the fleet consists of 15 boats: nine Russian SSK Kilo-class (Sindhugosh), four locallybuilt SSK U209 Shishumar-Class, the leased INS Chakra SSN, and the INS Arihant.

The INS Arihant will be the lead vessel of the Indian Navy's future fleet of four (some media reports say five) Arihant-class SSBNs. The INS Arihant is based on the Russian Project 971 Akula I-class nuclear-powered attack submarine.

Whither Congress

Sir, One of the most powerful and the oldest national party of India that played pivotal role in bring independence to India is gradually decimated. Many reasons can be attributed to the party's gradual downfall.

Perhaps, people become disillusioned with the dynastic rule, the naming of so many institutions or places of eminence after the names of the members of the particular family and rampant corruption. The

family's son-in-law, Robert Vadra by amassing huge wealth through corrupt means is the latest addition.

Bir Bhadra Singh, the Octogenarian Chief-minister of Himachal Pradesh who was charged for corruption could escape scot-free, thanks to the intervention of the congress High Command. But this time, the table is turned and it remains to be seen what lies in store for him. In our opinion, each and every minister of Assam who amassed huge 'Benami' wealth should not escape scot-free. We understand, a drowning man catches a straw, as a last resort Assam's Chief-minister in a bid to remain glued to his coveted seat, kept appealing for a 'Mahajot' inviting all the non-BJP Parties to be a member of that 'Grand Union' (Mahajot) but much to his dismay his appeal was turned down by all. Of course, we are yet to witness the 'Last Game'.

The grotesque scenario, we have witnessed is the Bihar election, where Sonia Gandhi led congress is playing second fiddle to the likes of Lalu Prasad yadav and Nitish Kumar. Needless to add, Progress of the nation is stunted, when a corrupt party is in power. We feel like quoting Franklin D. Roosevelt, "The taste of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little". Will con-

gress take pain to learn, instead of resorting to corruption?

Yours etc Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

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

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Job & Career

Prima HR Management Services (P) Ltd. Recruits "Asst. Manager- Accountant" (Location - Guwahati) Name of the Organisation: Prima HR Management Services (P) Ltd Post:: Prima HR Management Services (P) Ltd. Recruits "Asst. Manager- Accountant" (Location - Guwahati) Job Category: Accounting Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Dear Candidates, We have an urgent opening for the position of "Asst. Manager- Accountant" for one of our leading client o Male/Female o Local candidate of Guwahati is preferable o Qualification: B. Com/M.com o Experience: 3-6 years o Salary: 20K - 30K (Per Month) o Job Location: Guwahati Interested candidates can send their updated resume to- prima.hrms@gmail.com "Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview" You Can Contact: Prima HR Management Services (P) Ltd Mob: 9085013266 Please send your Resumes to:: prima.hrms@gmail.com

IT SOLUTION recruits DATA ENTRY OPERATOR in Guwahati Name of the Organisation: It Solution Post:: Data Entry Operator Job Category: Data Entry Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Urgently required Back Office Data Entry Operator under NSDL PAN Card dizitized process on commission basis.Candidate must have good typing speed in English and basic computer knowledge.Interested candidate may contact following numbers or send their resume in e-mail id. Contact No- 9864120197,9706027266 Please send your Resumes to:: ritudas020@gmail.com

AxomNet Broadband recruits Sales Executive in Guwahati Name of the Organisation: AxomNet Broadband Post:: Sales Executive Job Category: Marketing Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Candidate is required to generate leads and Sell Internet connections to corporate and SMB segment. Full time MBA, Good communication Skills, Presentablepersonality, and knowledge of internet is mandatory. Organisational information can be obtained from www.isnp.in Salary 2,40,000 P.A. + Incentive. We prefer persons with own two wheeler. Conatact : Parijat Purkayastha mail toparijat@isnp.in Please send your Resumes to:: parijat@isnp.in

Binod Nissan recruits Sales Consultant in Mangaldai

Telecom Industry (Location: Guwahati)

Name of the Organisation: Binod Nissan Post:: Sales Consultant Job Category: Sales Job Job Location: Mangaldai Job Description: 1. Must possess a two-wheeler 2. Responsible for generating sales of NISSAN Cars in the field (Outdoor Sales) 3. Achieving Sales Targets 3. Organizing and Participating in events and activities 4.

Product demonstration and Customer Handling 5. Inquiry Management 6. Selling Value added services 7. Handling deliveries and ensuringcustomer satisfaction Please send your Resumes to:: hr@binodnissan.co.in

Job Category: Telecom Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Dear Candidates, We have an urgent opening for Customer Relationship Officer/Office Executive for one of our leading client (Telecom Industry). Only Female candidates can apply Qualification: Any Graduate Experience: Fresher's or experiencedSalary: 6000 (Per Month) Job Location: Guwahati Interested candidates can send their CV's with recent photograph to- prima.hrms@gmail.com Contact: Rafiqul Ahmed Prima HR Management Services (P) Ltd Mob: 9085013266 Please send your Resumes to:: prima.hrms@gmail.com

Job Opportunity for Sales Officer in a leading FMCG company Name of the Organisation: Kaapro Management Solutions Pvt.Ltd. Post:: Sales Officer Job Category: Sales Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Job Opportunity for Sales Officer in a leading FMCG Industry. Job Description: Designation: Sales Officer. Qualification: Graduate. Experience: 2 to 3 yrs. Salary: Negotiable. Job Location: Guwahati. Preference Candidates: Candidates should have experience in FMCG & Beverages industry and also should have working experience in Institutional Sales. Interested candidates can send resume at guwahati@kaapro.co.in or Contact @ 9854062264.

KL Grroup recruits Microbiologist in Guwahati Organisation Name: KL Grroup Urgently required one(1) young Smart Female Microbiologist at Satgaon, Guwahati in Beverages Company. 1.Minimum experience 6 months to 1 year at Food/Beverages industry . 2.Educational-Qualification BSC or MSC with Microbiologist subject. 3.Salary start from Rs.10,000.00 to‌.. as desire candidate The prospective candidates are requested to read through the Jobs details and after that send the CVs to-hrd@klgrroup.com.

Hiring Interns for Business Data Mining for a Leading logistics company in Guwahati We are hiring interns for Business data mining for a leading logistics company in Guwahati. Freshers/Graduation/ Post Graduation pursuers can apply for the post.

Stipend 8000 for full time and 5000 for part time. Interested candidates can mail their resume on jobcomet1@gmail.com

Careers in Beauty and Cosmetology Patricia Mascarenhas With people getting more self conscious, cosmetology has become one of the most sought after branches in medicine.

Patricia Mascarenhas cuts into the career opportunities that come with it.

In this modern world, more and more people seek ways to slow down the appearance/visibility of ageing or improve parts of their body they are dissatisfied with. The idea of growing old gracefully-wrinkles and all- seems anathema and self improvement has become a necessity. Skin care, exercise, and nutrition are important but can only do so much. Real structural change requires more. This is where the cosmetic procedures industry comes in. "Cosmetic surgery provides people an opportunity to change or enhance their personality and physical appearance through surgical or non surgical techniques," says

Dr. Mohan Thomas, chief surgeon, The Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Mumbai.

In India, the industry is booming and the demand for professionals is on a high rise. "It has doubled over the last five years.

Earlier, we operated only on patients from metropolitan cities but now we have people from all backgrounds," says Dr. Manojkumar J Manwani, cosmetic surgeon. Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetologist, chairperson and founder, Blush Clinics also agrees, "The demand can be gauged by the fact that there is a cosmetology clinic in almost every block, much like there used to be a general practitioner (GP) in each block in earlier years," she says.

Today, a career in cosmetology/dermatology is lucrative. Most hospitals now have dermatology/ cosmetology centres and the increased awareness in people has ensured a rise in demand for treatments. But the path to becoming a good surgeon

Page 9

is a long and demanding one. "You have to be patient because there is a long waiting period till you start earning and the learning will never stop," says Manwani. Students must complete many levels of training and education before they start practicing. "Having an MBBS degree is very important. Apart from this, there are also courses at the diploma level, which can be pursued after graduation or completion of 10+2. However, these are not qualified doctors," she informs. "Having knowledge of the subject is not enough you need to have surgical skills and know the art of cosmetology," says Dr Rashmi Manjunath, MD dermatology, Nu cosmetic Clinic. "You need to enter this discipline not with a business mind but with great awe or else you'll end up being just another carpenter," advices Thomas.

Having an eye for beauty is no easy task. Some say this is one of most demanding form of surgery.

continue to work for a hospital or start their own clinics. The earning depends on how well and how much he/she is doing.

"A good qualified doctor can expect Rs 70,000 to 1, 00,000 a month," informs Manjunath.

At the end of it there is no magic or sweet talk that can keep one in business.

It's only the earnest respect for the discipline and a passionate desire to help someone feel good about themselves.

Did you know?

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery data, 191,439 surgical procedures and 274,792 non surgical procedures were conducted in India in 2011 Hair restoration, aesthetic genital Surgery, arm lift, eyelid surgery, body contouring after weight loss, breast augmentation, male breast reduction, are some of the popular surgical procedures in India.

Popular non surgical procedures include Botox, chemical peels, contour threads, fillers, Injection lipolysis, face lift, Thermage, etc.

Name of the Organisation: BICT Post:: sales executive Job Category: Sales Job Job Location: jorhat, golaghat and sivsagar Job Description: Must be a graduate with computer knowlegde and having sales experiance of min 1 year. Need to visit schools and colleges and give presentations on govt sponsorship programes Please send your Resumes to:: madhurjya80@gmail.com

A reputed pvt ltd construction company need One Sr. Accountant in Guwahati A reputed pvt ltd construction company need One Sr. Accountant who can handle the followings.

1. Service Tax related all associates works 2.

VAT 3.

TDS 4. Waybill /C Form 5.

Income Tax Return Note : Only those can apply who knows the above. acjob37@gmail.com For any details Contact, Job Consultant 8876714607

Stretching the Belief Suresh Raina

"The stress and pressure one has to endure when beautiful patients come seeking more enhancements is not easy especially when the doctor is not experienced," informs Thomas. Everyone wants to look better but that that does not mean that it is advisable for everyone to get surgical or non surgical options. These doctors need to know the patient's history and make sure it is in her/his best interest.

"We have many young kids that come in to get various treatments just because they have either gone through a breakup or are suffering from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) where they obsess over their body and get many procedures done," says Thomas adding that these patients need to be advised and counseled correctly.

To be able to counsel patients to seek the right direction one needs experience. "After qualifying, students should begin their careers as assistants to an expert or in clinics at least for a year," advices Manawai. After all the nurturing, they can either

BICT recruits Sales Executive in Jorhat, Golaghat and Sivasagar

Leadership is taking up the challenge and when you are done, to be able to say that you took on challenges and did not cruise, says Suresh Raina Whether, as a leader you are maximizing your growth potential or not will be determined by how comfortable or stretched you feel in your current role. People act and work differently based on their culture, thinking, upbringing, personality, competency, and of course genes etc. At the same time education and practice continue to have an impact on intellect. Myth: IQ for an individual is fixed.

Most experts now agree that genes require inputs from environment to develop IQ properly.

As a leader, how do you handle failure? Do you enjoy a challenge, does it drive you or does it pull you down?

Does it instil a fear of failure?

Do you think you are failing or do you view it as a learning opportunity?

Your perspective on handling a challenge will determine both the outcome of the task as well as your own personal development as a leader. If you are not stretching yourself, should you expect to grow?

Unfortunately that is not how society views failure. And this varies according to one's country, culture and organization. This in fact starts from the primary school itself. We can either encourage our kids to accept challenges and embrace failure or alternately, propagate the safe confines of succeeding at all costs. This is why people who start the smartest may not necessarily end the smartest. Psychology plays a big role in making a person what s/ he desires to be. Everywhere - in classrooms, careers, and relationships- people want to look

smart. They want to succeed at all costs. They dislike losing and fear failure.

Organizations and society perpetuate this thinking.

Whether an organization encourages failure or not is what will primarily determine if you will be able to foster a culture of innovation in the organization and in your team. Considering that 95 per cent of new ideas generally fail, the moot question is will the organisational appreciate or avoid this?

Passion to stretch is the tenet of growth. It may appear that failure springs up as a direct result of one's competence and you start thinking negative, even to the extent of giving up.

A leader however, ought to be viewing it only as a small setback and an opportunity to learn and improve. S/he would gear up to cope up with the fresh demand. Like in sports, playing with better players is a step towards winning, even if you lose in the beginning.

When you play with better players, better companies, better opponents, you learn and develop.

Risk and effort are linked for people who eventually grow in their life. The love of challenge, resilience and growth helps you to stay positive. It makes the difference between giving up vs. desire to learn; where you are not caught up with success, but more with developing yourself; where

failure is not about rejection, rather about being smart, it is more about building yourself.

Success is more about learning than proving to the world that you are smart. Children do not worry about humiliation because of failure. For a child, simple acts that we take for granted as adults such as walking and talking are enormous but s/he is not deterred by failure, and goes on to eventually master both skills. Why does it have to change for an adult?

We view CEO's as demigods, as perfect leaders, always making the right decisions, never falling. The need is to change this mindset to accept the failures of a CEO in pursuit of a long term objective. A leader is surrounded with people who protect him/ her.

Or should s/ he keep trying to be qualified for the job because a safer alternative would be to stay focused on the quarterly profits and demonstrate success in the short term.

Leadership is taking up the challenge and when you are done, to be able to say that you took on challenges and did not cruise, sometimes stretching so far that one can actually accomplish the impossible. The recent success stories of Flipkart, Makemytrip or Indigo Airline are good examples of stretching the brief.

-The author is senior partner, Hunt Partners

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

PAGE 10

Sale of gold Significant growth in country's renewable energy sector bonds on Nov 26 New Delhi, Oct 31: Country's renewable energy sector has reported significant growth in new capacity addition during the first half of this fiscal. The sector added 1,629 MW of new capacity from various sources during April-September 2015 as against 1,094 MW in the same period previous year, posting a rise of about 49 per cent.

Besides, 58 MW of offgrid/ captive power generation capacity was also added during the period.

During H1 of this fiscal, wind sector contributed about 933 MW (865 MW in H1 of last year) and solar sector added 593 MW (135 MW), while the rest was contributed by small hydro and waste-to-power segments at 92 MW and 12 MW respectively, according to Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

With the capacity addition in H1, India's cumulative grid-interactive renewable energy installed capacity stood at 37,414 MW as on September 30, 2015. Overall, wind sector accounted for 65 per cent (24,376 MW) of India's total green power installed capacity. Solar has contributed 4,345 MW. Bio-power (com-

prising biomass and gasification and bagasse cogeneration), small hydro and waste to power contributed 4419 MW, 4147 MW and 127 MW respectively. Meanwhile, the first half capacity addition was only about 37 per cent of the target set for this fiscal. The government has fixed capacity addition target of 4,460 MW for this fiscal.

Of this, wind is expected to contribute 2,400 MW, followed by solar (1400 MW), small hydro (250 MW), Bio-power (400) and waste-to-power (10MW). However, going by the data a provided

by MNRE on upcoming solar capacities under various schemes, it is estimated that solar sector itself may see an addition of over 4000 MW by March 2016, which will be the highest ever annual addition of capacity in the segment. In 2014-15, renewable sector surpassed the target after missing the capacity addition target in the previous two years. Share of renewable energy in overall power capacity addition in the country was 15 per cent. "India has among the highest solar market potential and has a pipeline of 15 GW of solar capacity that is ex-

17% rise in Grasim's Q2 net profit New Delhi, Oct 31: Grasim Industries for the second quarter ended September 30, 2015 has reported consolidated net profit of Rs.488.5 crore compared to Rs.416.3 crore for the same period last year, up 17 per cent. The company's consolidated revenue has grown by 6 per cent to Rs.8,393 crore compared to Rs.7,943 crore in the same period last year.

VSF revenue increased 13 per cent driven by higher sales volume aided by business development activities. During the quarter, the company's Vilayat plant reached 100 per cent ca-

pacity utilization.

EBITDA grew by 40 per cent to Rs.211 crore. In the Chemical business, revenue was up by 26 per cent with a volume growth of 20 per cent in Caustic Soda and 68 per cent in Epoxy. EBITDA was higher by 17 per cent at Rs.93 crore wth the ramping up of production. ECU realisation remained stable in line with international markets, the company said. (Agencies)

Chennai, Oct 31: The Government recently announced that it will issue n Country's renewable energy sector added 1,629 MW of new capacity from Sovereign Gold Bonds, a various sources during April-September 2015 as against 1,094 MW in the part of its Gold same period previous year, posting a rise of about 49 per cent.

Monetisation Scheme, on November 26. Applican Besides, 58 MW of off-grid/ captive power generation capacity was also tions for the bonds will be added during the period. accepted between November 5 and November n During H1 of this fiscal, wind sector contributed about 933 MW (865 20. "The Government of MW in H1 of last year) and solar sector added 593 MW (135 MW), while India, in consultation with the rest was contributed by small hydro and waste-to-power segments at 92 Reserve Bank of India MW and 12 MW respectively, according to MNRE. (RBI), has decided to issue Sovereign Gold n With the capacity addition in H1, India's cumulative grid-interactive re- Bonds. The Bonds will be newable energy installed capacity stood at 37,414 MW as on September 30, issued on November 26, 2015.

2015. Applications for the bond will be accepted n Overall, wind sector accounted for 65 per cent (24,376 MW) of India's from November 05, 2015 total green power installed capacity. to November 20, 2015," the Government said in a n Solar has contributed 4,345 MW. Bio-power (comprising biomass and notification. "The Bonds gasification and bagasse cogeneration), small hydro and waste to power con- will be sold through tributed 4419 MW, 4147 MW and 127 MW respectively. banks and designated post offices as may be notified. n Meanwhile, the first half capacity addition was only about 37 per cent of The borrowing through the target set for this fiscal. issuance of the Bond will form part of market born The government has fixed capacity addition target of 4,460 MW for this rowing programme of fiscal. Of this, wind is expected to contribute 2,400 MW, followed by solar Government of India," the (1400 MW), small hydro (250 MW), Bio-power (400) and waste-to-power notification added. The (10MW). gold bonds will be restricted to resident Indian pected to catapult it to the operational challenges. needs to build expertise in third largest global solar These policy measures low cost manufacturing, of market over the next two mean that India can show- grid-integration years. Through various case solar, in particular, to renewables and smart grid policy measures such as emerging markets and management. Coordinatreverse auctions and gov- lead the way in sector de- ing R&D efforts and comernment owned solar velopment," according to ing up with a credible Bengaluru, Oct 31: parks, India has been Tobias Engelmeier, technology sharing proBengaluru-based Travel able to bring down the Founder, Bridge to India, cess can bring measurable Tours Group (TTG) has cost of solar power and solar energy consulting benefits for all stakeholdacquired an online travel address some daunting firm. "However, India ers," he added. (Agencies) firm for an undisclosed sum to increase its focus on domestic holiday goers. TTG, which is in the travel and tourism business for 37 years, has acquired the stake from marquee investors Ronnie Screwvala and K. Ganesh.

Currently, Pune, Oct 31: Insurance Travel Tours owns 100 company Future Generali per cent stake of the priIndia recently said it expects to see a 20 per cent growth vate entity. Shravan in premium collections in Gupta, Managing Directhe current financial year. tor Travel Tours Group, "We are expecting the oversaid: "We are the largest all business to grow at 20 per wholesaler of travel prodcent during the year and ucts. Inbound tourists achealth portfolio should be count for 80 per cent of growing at 50 per cent," the our business and we were company's Chief Operating looking to improve our Officer Easwara Narayanan domestic tours business.

M said during the launch of a new health insurance This company is focused product 'Health Total'. Mr. new products. The com- fers a maximum cover of on domestic holiday Narayanan also said that the pany, which is a joint ven- three years. According to package tours and the health insurance segment ture between India's Future Mr. Narayanan , policy marquee investors were currently contributes 14 per Group and global insurer holders will get planning to exit. After the cent to Future Generali Generali, had a gross writ- hospitalisation cover, restocompletion of the deal, we India's total business and ten premium of around ration benefits, and a 50 per will retain the company's this should increase to 20 Rs.1,480 crore in 2014- cent cumulative bonus for brand name." He also said per cent in the next few years 2015. The company's new every claim free year. that Travel Tours would on the back of addition of health insurance product of- (Agencies)

REMARKABLE GROWTH

Premium collections of Future Generali expected to grow 20% this year

HEAVY LOSS Ø Nestle India has reported a 60.1 per cent fall in its

stand-alone net profit at Rs.124.20 crore for the third quarter ended September 2015, hit by the ban on its popular Maggi instant noodle brand.

Ø The company had posted stand-alone net profit of Rs.311.29 crore in the same period last fiscal.

Ø During the period under review, net sales stood at Rs.1,736.2 crore, down 32.1 per cent over the same period in 2014 largely due to the impact of the Maggi noodles issue. Ø Export sales decreased 6.4 per cent, which are impacted

by the Maggi noodles issue and lower sales to Nepal due to the blockade of the border in the last week of September 2015.

Ø Nestle India had reported a stand-alone loss of Rs.64.40

crore in the second quarter for the first time in the last 15 years.

company follows January-December financial year. Due to the ban on Maggi, Nestle India had reported a stand-alone loss of Rs.64.40 crore in the second quarter for the first time in the last 15 years. Nestle India said it's "faced with an unusual situation and continued to deal with it

bonds can be used as collateral for loans, the notification said. While announcing the Union Cabinet's decision to approve the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme and the Gold Monetisation Scheme on September 9, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the two schemes combined could potentially bring into the economy an estimated 20,000 tonnes of idle gold lying with Indian consumers. The schemes are also aimed at reducing India's dependence on gold imports. (Agencies)

Online travel firm acquired

by Travel Tours Group

Maggi ban resulted in 60% fall in Nestle India Q3 net profit Mumbai, Oct 31: Nestle India has reported a 60.1 per cent fall in its standalone net profit at Rs.124.20 crore for the third quarter ended September 2015, hit by the ban on its popular Maggi instant noodle brand. The company which appointed MD Suresh Narayanan its chairman to perform the dual role, had posted stand-alone net profit of Rs.311.29 crore in the same period last fiscal. During the period under review, net sales stood at Rs.1,736.2 crore, down 32.1 per cent over the same period in 2014 largely due to the impact of the Maggi noodles issue Nestle India said. "Export sales decreased 6.4 per cent, which are impacted by the Maggi noodles issue and lower sales to Nepal due to the blockade of the border in the last week of September 2015," the company added. The

entities including individuals, HUFs, trusts, Universities, charitable institutions. The tenure of the Bonds will be eight years, with an exit option after five years. Those buying the bonds will not be allowed to buy less than two grams-worth or more than 500 grams per person per financial year.

The government also said that the price of the bonds will be set in rupees, based on the previous week's average closing price of gold published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association. The

during the quarter as well." In June, FSSAI had banned Maggi noodles, saying it was "unsafe and hazardous" for consumption after finding lead levels beyond permissible limits.

The company had withdrawn the instant noodles from the market.

(Agencies)

join hands with two leading private sector banks to launch co-branded Travel Currency card. "It is most useful for those travelling quite frequently.

Lots of IT companies have started using the Travel card. One can pre-load the currency on the card. Currency can be reloaded by anyone from any part of the world. It is safe as it comes secured with four-digit PIN. Replacement of stolen card is done within 48 hours," he said. On Friday, he inaugurated the foreign exchange

wing on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai. For the current year, the group is planning to clock a turnover of Rs.750 crore against Rs.515 crore registered for the corresponding period last year. Revenue from foreign exchange accounts for Rs.250 crore to Rs.300 crore and TTG aims to increase it to Rs.1,000 crore

by March 2017. Mr. Gupta said that they have drawn up plans to open 20 forex outlets within a year.

(Agencies)

16 per cent rise in L&T Q2 net profit Mumbai, Oct 31: Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported consolidated net profit for the second quarter ended September 30, 2015, has gone up by 16 per cent to Rs.996 crore compared to Rs.840 crore in the same period last year. "The growth in profit was primarily on account of exceptional gains of Rs.309 crore due to the disinvestment of L&T's 5 per cent stake in L&T Finance Holdings and sale of stake in one of its vendor's firms," R. Shankar Raman, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) L&T said.

He said though the domestic macro-economic parameters showed some early indications of recovery due to various initiatives of the government including reforms and increased public expenditure, the financial markets remained volatile and the overall investment climate stayed subdued.

Considering that the eco-

nomic recovery is taking more time than expected due to various procedural delays, L&T has scaled down its earlier revenue guidance from 15 per cent to around 12 per cent.

"Domestic revenues have not shown any tendency of picking up. We would be short of guidance at the end of this financial year," Mr. Raman added. Elaborating L&T's Deputy Managing Director & President S.N. Subrahmanyan said: "At the beginning of the year we were optimistic. Now

we see off-shoots of revival in several fronts but certain issues like the land acquisition need to be sorted out. Even if the intent of the government is positive and many decisions have been taken, the processes are taking time.

This is something one cannot get away with."

L&T said the ground level inputs indicate that it may take further time for significant pick-up in business opportunities.

Given its large order book, the company said it is now focusing on prof-

itable executions as its business strategy. During the quarter the company's net sales income has gone up by 11 per cent to Rs.23,393 crore compared to Rs.21,159 crore in the same period last year. The company secured fresh orders worth Rs.28,620 crore at the group level during the quarter. International order inflow during the quarter at Rs.10,973 crore constituted 38 per cent of the total order inflow. Major orders during the quarter were secured by the infrastructure segment. The infrastructure segment achieved revenue of Rs.10,668 crore, registering year on year growth of 11 per cent.

The power segment recorded customer revenue of Rs.1,404 crore, up 21 per cent over the same period last year.

Customer revenue of the metallurgical & material handling segment showed a decline of 27

per cent to Rs.568 crore. The heavy engineering segment achieved revenue of Rs.630 crore, down 22 per cent from the same period last year mainly on account of delay in receipt of orders, reduced opening order book and slower progress of jobs under execution. The electrical and automation division reported revenue of Rs.1,198 crore, down 1 per cent while the hydrocarbon segment reported 7 per cent year-on-year growth at Rs.1,935 crore in revenue. The Information Technology and Technology Services segment reported 23 per cent growth in revenue at Rs.2,288 crore while the developmental project segment registered a revenue growth of 37 per cent at Rs.1,351 crore. Revenue from the financial services sector grew by 16 per cent to Rs.1,863 crore. (Agencies)

"I am delighted and eager for the action to begin in the 6th Hockey India National Championships from January 2016. These championships have brought forward the future stars of Indian hockey and its nothing less than an honour to see how youngsters from all corners of the country are working hard towards making a career for themselves in the sport. I am confident that the national championships next year are going to unearth some bright future stars for Indian hockey."

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

PAGE 11

Hockey India Secretary-General Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad

Ultimate FC, Upper Changlang FC register victories Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Oct 31: On the six day of the tournament, Ultimate FC defeated Jukhi FC in a closely contested mmatch 2-1. The first goal of the match was scored by Hudson Mossang of Ultimate

FC in the 16th minute.

Mossang did well to get the ball into the goal after Ultimate FC to were given a corner. Jukhi FC drew level in the second half through Ishman Jugli’s goal from long range. The match winning goal came from

Mungwar Kedap in the 78th minute when he converted from just outside the penalty box.

The match was witnessed by hundreds of people were absolutely enthralled all the level of football they witnessed.

The second match of

the day was played between Changlang FC and Youngs XI FC. It was unlike the first match of the match as it was completely one sided. Changlang FC dominated from the beginning of the match and never allowed

Young’s XI to get a hold of the proceedings.

The winners scored their first goal in the 7th minute, second in the 42nd minute, third in the 48th minute, fourth in the 76th minute and the fifth in the 89th minute. The goals were

scored by Pegu, Sonthung and Shaan.

Sonthung and Shaan accounted for four goals with both scoring a brace. Young’s XI FC consolation goal was scored by Jongkam in the final minute of the match.

ANI London: Jose Mourinho has said that he is not worried about his future as a Chelsea manager even if the rest of the football world is happy to see him in danger of being sacked.

Mourinho lashed out at his critics, saying he doesn't understand why some people eagerly want to see him quitting his job. The 52-year-old manager, however, is concerned about qualifying for the next round

Snap shots from the matches played today. Pix - Salman Mungrey Rosberg tops Mexican GP second practice ANI Johannesburg: Mercedes' Nico Rosberg emerged as the fastest driver at the second practice session for this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix on Saturday. Rosberg, who failed to stop his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton from clinching his third world title at the US Grand Prix, was 0.430 seconds quicker than the Russian rival Kvyat. Meanwhile, Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished third ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamiltion. Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen finished at fourth and fifth place respectively. Earlier, Toro Rosso teenager Max Verstappen topped the opening practice session by finishing 0.305 quicker than Russian Daniil Kvyat of Red Bull.

ANI New Delhi: Hockey India has announced the dates for the 6th National Championships 2016, starting from January 29 at Nagaon, Assam. The tournaments are an annual event featuring the best hockey players across India in the senior, junior and sub-junior categories. The Sub-Junior division of the 6th Hockey India National Championships will be played in two

Sports Association.

Players born on or after 01-01-1998 are eligible to participate in the Championship. Entries should reach on or before 17-11-2015 to The Hony. General Secretary, Assam Volleyball Association, c/o Guwahati Sports Association, R. G. Baruah Sports Complex, Nehru Stadium, Guwahati-7.

categories viz; A & B for the women at Guwahati and Nagaon in Assam from the January 29 to February 16, while Imphal in Manipur would host the men from the May 6 to May 22. The senior division matches similarly would be played at Saifai, Itawa in Uttar Pradesh from April 11 to May 1 for the men's teams and at Bengaluru from April 19 onwards for the women's teams. The

junior division matches would be held at Raipur from the April 12 to April 24 for the men's teams and Ranchi, Jharkhand would host the women's teams from the April 24 onwards.

Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India Secretary General Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad said, "I am delighted and eager for the action to begin in the 6th Hockey India National Championships from January 2016. These championships have brought forward the future stars of Indian hockey and its nothing less than an honour to see how youngsters from all corners of the country are working hard towards making a career for themselves in the sport. I am confident that the national championships next year are going to unearth some bright future stars for Indian hockey."

The 6th edition of the Hockey India National Championship will see the Railways Sports Promotion Board defend their titles in both the Senior Men and Senior Women categories.

Similarly Hockey Odisha would play to defend the Junior Men title while Hockey Haryana would be defending the Junior Women title. Hockey Odisha and Hockey Punjab would be defending the Sub - Junior Men and Women category respectively. The tournament this year is expected to be a preferred hunting ground for various selectors from across the country, given the recent upsurge of the sport of Hockey in India thanks to a consistent performance from the Indian men and eves and them qualifying for the much awaited Rio Olympics 2016.

De Villiers rescues Proteas with fourth tour ton ANI Mumbai: Swashbuckling batsman AB de Villiers scored his fourth century of the tour to steady the sinking ship as South Africa ended the two-day warm-up game against the Indian Board President's XI in a draw

at Mumbai on Saturday.

Replying to Board President's XI's first innings score of 296, South Africa were reeling at 111-6 before De Villiers (112) and Dane Vilas (54) added 115 runs for the seventh wicket. The hosts then scored 92-0 in their

second innings, with KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara remaining unbeaten on 43 and 49. After losing both the T20 and ODI series, India will aim to bounce back when they will take onSouth Africa in the first Test on November 5 at Mohali.

ship to be held at Philobari from 20 to 22 November, 2015. Interested players born on or after 01-01-1998 are asked to turn up at the venue at 2.30 pm with their birth certificates in original.

ANI New Delhi: Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis clinched 2015 WTA- Year-End number one doubles ranking on Saturday. Mirza and Hingis have won eight women's doubles titles this year, including two Grand Slam titles

atWimbledon and the US Open, since joining forces in March at the BNP Paribas Open. The Swiss great described their achievement as 'incredible', adding that ending the year with number one rank was beyond her expectations. Meanwhile, Mirza said that she is really glad to attain one of

her main goals to end the year as number one. The Indo-Swiss pair is just one win away from clinching their ninth women's doubles title of the year following their 64, 6-2 triumph over Chinese pair Hao Ching Chan and Yung Jan Chan in the thrilling semi-final clash.

Imphal East DFA register win against Shan FC

Cook backs Taylor to thrive on Test return ANI London: England captain Alastair Cook has backed James Taylor to make a strong comeback on his return to the Test fold after a gap of three years. Taylor, who played his last Test against South Africa in 2012, has replaced wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for Sunday's must-win third Test against Pakistan in

Sharjah. The 25-year-old right-handed batsman earned his place back with a solid domestic season that saw him hit a career-best 291 before scoring his maiden international hundred in the one-day series with Australia. Reflecting on Taylor's Test return, Cook said that the righthander was ready for his England return in the long-

est form of the game and insisted that he has become a lot different player to what he was in 2012. While praising Taylor for his brilliant ODI hundred against Australia earlier this summer, the captain insisted that the returning batsman has proved his mettle in the domestic circuit as he averages 47-48 in first-class cricket.

Trials for selection of Tinsukia District Team Don't blame PCB for illegal bowling actions, says Mohammad Akram Sports Correspon- Volleyball Championdent Dibrugarh, Oct 31: A trial camp will be held on 1st and 2nd November, 2015 at TDSA Stadium, Tinsukia to select Tinsukia District Boys & Girls team for 51st Junior Inter District

of the Champions League. Mourinho, who had signed a contract extension with his club until June 2019, said that he wants Chelsea to go back to the position where they normally used to be. Chelsea have been struggling with the form in the ongoing Champion League, with just one win from the four games they have played. They will now lock horns with Dynamo Kyiv on November 5 at Stamford Bridge.

Hockey India announces dates for Mirza- Hingis clinch WTA Year-End No.1 ranking 6th National Championships

51st Junior Inter District Volleyball Championship Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Oct 31: The 51st Junior (Boys & Girls) Inter District Volleyball Championship will be held at Philobari High School Playground, Philobari from 20 to 22 November, 2015 to be hosted

by Philobari Sports Association under the aegis of Tinsukia District

'Not concerned about losing Chelsea job', says Mourinho

ANI Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cannot be blamed for bowlers with suspect actions, said former cricketer Mohammad Akram. Commenting on the recent case of Bilal Asif, PakPassion.net quoted Akram, as saying that ef-

forts are being made to root out this problem by checking players at the Under 16 and Under 19 level. He said players with illegal actions are being told that they won't be allowed to play if they don't rework their suspect bowling actions.

Akram, who recently resigned from the National

Cricket Academy for family reasons, said Pakistan coaches fail to spot suspect actions because they don't have the required equipment to do so. Bilal was reported for his bowling actions by ICC match officials after third ODI against Zimbabwe, where he claimed five wickets.

ET Correspondent Haflong, Oct 31 : Imphal East DFA defeated Shan FC 2-1 in a closely contested match of the 11th CEM’s Cup Carnival invitational football tournament, 2015 organized by Dima Hasao Sports Association here today at N.L. Daulagupu Sports complex in Haflong.

The match was full of fluctuations as both teams battled hard for supremacy.

The first goal of the match came early in the first half

as T. Romio scored for Imphal East DFA in the 13th minute when he scored from the left plank. However, the match was back on level terms with Remlien scoring in the 16th minute from just outside the penalty box. There were penalty of attempts on goal from either side in the first half but neither were able to find the back of the net. In the second half as well, the match was played at a competitive level but goals eluded either side.

The match saw the winner

come in the late minutes of the match with MD Siraj scoring from the left plank.

The match sometimes threatened to boil over with as many as five players being Yellow carded namely, W.Nadeshwar in the 15th minute, L Abung in the 54th minute, Obet Rosanglun Neingate in the 59th minute, Worchuipei Kasungnao in the 60th minute and S.Bisheswar in the 89th minute. Tomorrow, Muolhoi FC will lock horns with Rolling FC.

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

ASSENG/2015/64205

Mizoram witnessed Abbacy's 'First Step' Fashion Show

n the last week of October, a few hours' drive from Aizawl, Mizoram, at the Zaingen Hall, the people of Khawzawl witnessed the grand launch of "Abbacy", at an impressive and explosive fashion show, themed "First Step". This was the initiative of Abbacy Lalhmangaihzuali, a 19 years old girl from Khawzawl, Mizoram, who, on completion of her diploma in fashion design-

I

ing at the Vakiria Institute of Fashion Designing (VIFT) and a 2 year stint of work, took her "First Step" towards being an independent fashion designer.

Lalrinliana Sailo, MLA, Chief Guest of the show gave a speech encouraging the younger generation to pursue their dreams. In between the sequences of the fashion shows, top artists like Li'l zo, Marilyn, Mami Sailo etc performed their hit songs to which the audience

responded with enthusiasm. The show comprised of 3 sequences showcasing her unique designs and interpretations. The 1st sequence showed flattering crop tops and wraparounds which is the root of Mizo traditional dress.

The 2nd sequence is a black and white collection which is elegant with a slight touch of edginess. The 3rd sequence is a Christmas themed boxy design, with the color red and silver. In all, it was a major success, showcasing beautiful models wearing the creations of the "Abbacy" label , and had all the attendees talking about the show days later.

Abbacy has been awarded Best Craft Endorsement in Fashion Fusion 2013 and a finalist in North East Ethnic Fashion Fusion 2013-2014.

Assamese Movie Khel Firehouse to - The Game released perform in Jowai on December 12 on October 30 W

orld renowned rock band Firehouse is set to play at the football ground at Panaliar in Jowai, Meghalaya on December 12, 2015. Interestingly the Panaliar Dorbar Shnong is responsible for bringing the band to Jowai as opposed to most other international acts that have graced Meghalaya who have been brought in by major event managers. The Panaliar Dorbar Shnong has officially released the tickets for the show which will be sold as per the capacity of

he Assamese thriller film 'Khel'- The Game was released on October 30 across the state. Starring Barsha Rani Bishaya in lead this Assamese film is being produced and directed

by Ashok Kumar Bishaya under the banner of Laxmi narayan films. This production

T

house has provided some of its most memorable films of the industry, like Jouwone Aamoni Kore, Bukur Majot Jole and Senai Mur Dhulia etc. Khelthe game is one the most waited films of the year.

Based on a case of murder, the story and screenplay of the movie is written by Rajdweep. Music

ine movies across six Indian lan guages, aside from Malayalam, will be screened at the 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) this December. National Award-winning Assamese filmmaker Manju Bora's film in the Bodo language, 'Dau Huduni Methai' (Song of the Horned Owl) has been selected to be screened in the 'Indian Cinema Now' section. Headlining the 'Competition' category is Raj Kahini (No Man's Land), a Bengali film delv-

ing into the grim history of the 1947 Partition. Helmed by multiple National Award-winning director Srijit Mukherji, the movie deals with the consequences of the arbitrarily-drawn Radcliffe line on the 11 residents of a brothel through which runs the line that separates West Bengal from the East. 'The Violin Player', Bengali director Bauddhayan Mukherji's Hindi feature debut about a day in the life of a Bollywood session violinist whose artistic expression finds voice in a most un-

likely place, is the other film in this category. This section also boasts a strong field of international and Malayalam movies. Besides Manju Bora's 'Dau Huduni Methai', the other films, finalised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KSCA), to be showcased in the 'Indian Cinema Now' section are Debesh Chatterjee's Bengali film 'Natoker Moto' (Like a Play), Manikandan Mathialagan's Tamil movie 'Kutrame Thandani' (Crime is Punishment), Bengali movie 'Cinemawallah' by Kaushik Ganguly, 'Capital I',

TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS Crispy Baby Corn Ingredients: n 2 cups Baby corn n 1 tbsp Maida (All-purpose Flour) n 1 tbsp Rice Flour n 2 tbsp Corn Flour n 2 tsp Lime Juice n 1 tsp Soy Sauce n Salt (to taste) n Black Pepper Powder (to taste) n 1 Capsicum (cut into thick cubes) n 1 Onion (cut into thick cubes) n 1 Onion (finely chopped) n 1 tsp Ginger (finely chopped) n 1 tsp Garlic (finely chopped) n 1 tsp Chili (finely chopped) n Oil (for frying) Method: n Mix together maida, rice flour, corn flour, salt, lime juice, soy sauce and baby corn. n Add some water, if required, to bind the ingredients. n Deep fry the baby corn (coated with the maida mixture) until golden brown in color. Remove and set aside. n Place a wok on fire and heat oil in it. n Add chopped onion, ginger, garlic and chili and sauté well. n Add capsicum and onion cubes and sauté for 2 minutes. n Lastly, add in the salt, black pepper and fried baby corn. Mix well. n Serve hot.

an Odia feature by Amartya Bhattacharya, 'Nanu Avanalla Avalu' (I am not He… She) by Kannada film-maker B.S. Lingadevaru and Bengali film-maker Satarupa Sanyal's 'Onyo Opalaa' (Opalaa… The Journey of a Woman). The movies were shortlisted by a jury comprising film-makers Mohan and Joseph Mathew, documentary maker M.R. Rajan, screenwriter Deedi Damodaran and writer-critic Neelan. IFFK 2015, Kerala's premier film festival, will run from December 4-11.

SRK and Sallu Bhai’s fight not over yet The rumours that the 'Badshah of Bollywood' and the 'Dabangg' Khan will have a reel-life clash next year have been confirmed as Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Raees' and Salman Khan's 'Sultan' will be released on Eid 2016.Talking about the clash, 'Raees' producer Farhan Akhtar said that this has happened in the past when there have been two big releases on the same day and both of them have done well, so this depends on the audience, reports the Express tribune.He further said that it's the right of a filmmaker to release a film on a chosen date and he hopes that both of them will have enough followers and admirers to watch both the films.Farhan explained that if a person makes a good film, then it will work no matter which film it's chasing and added that if 'Raees' and 'Sultan' turn out to be good films, both will do equally well at the box office.

the football ground. These tickets are available at Shillong, Jowai, Khliehriat and the office of the Panaliar Dorbar Shnong and are being sold at Rs. 700 each. Those who prefer to be seated for the show can opt for the tickets to the Gallery which are being sold at Rs. 2000. It may be mentioned here that this is the first time that the band will be playing at Jowai and the concert is expected to draw fans from the entire North East region and beyond.

is composed by Dhruba Phukan, Jayanta Pathak, Kamal Rashid and Subil Barg. Key roles in KHEL - the Game are played by Barasha Rani Bishaya, Ankur Kumar Bishaya, Jayanta Das, Puja Hazarika, Debashish Bhattacharya, Nikumoni Bora, Prankrishna Mahanta and Manoj Martin.

Youths trained in conservation by Assam's video MLTR touring documentation hub

Manju Bora's film to be screened at International Film Festival of Kerala N

PAGE 12

Guwahati and Dimapur this D December

anish pop rock band Michael Learns to Rock (also known as MLTR) will be touring Guwahati on 13th December and Dimapur on 15th December, as part of their upcoming 2015 India Tour dates. Although no official press releases have been issued about the said tour by the band, their upcoming concert posters were put on display at North East Festival 2015 in New Delhi earlier this month.

Confirming the report, "The tour dates are confirmed. However, due to some venue issues in the North East we have asked the band management to keep it on hold for few more days. The Delhi show will happen at Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon on 11th December", disclosed Ramngachan Kazingmei Shimrei, partner and sound engineer at 7 Sisters Entertainment, who is managing the entire

D

MLTR tour production.

They have brought down to India; FireHouse, Higher on Maiden and a couple of other international acts in the past.

Michael Learns to Rock has already toured India twice. Their live album titled "The Live Musical Adventures of Michael Learns to Rock-I Walk This Road Alone" featured 14 live audio recordings mostly from their September 2005 concert at Shillong.

Formed in 1988, the band has recorded eight studio albums and sold over 11 million records worldwide, mainly in Asia, and their single "Take Me To Your Heart", a remake of 1993 popular Chinese classic Jacky Cheung´s "Goodbye Kiss" garnered over 6 million paid downloads, which was awarded the "most downloaded single of the year 2006", says the official MLTR biography.

i g i t a l l y archiving wildlife and envi ronment is a key resource in conservation, says environmental filmmaker Rita Banerji, who kick-started northeast India's first youth and community based video documentation centre in Tezpur, Assam. The Green Hub centre in Tezpur trains as many as 20 youths in video documentation, editing and photography to aid in recording the en-

scientists who engage in conservation. "Everybody who is working on ground has a camera and when they shoot wildlife they have a lot of footage lying around so the aim was how can we make use of those and make them openly accessible to the community so that they can protect their resources," explained Banerji. The Delhi-based filmmaker, who now divides her time between the national capital and the northeast, wishes to

vironment, wildlife, biodiversity and communities in northeast India.

"The first batch of students is now making short films and videos and a digital archive is being created. We offer a twoand-a-half month fellowship for which youngsters from remote and marginalised communities are selected. Experts in conservation coach them." Banerji, who won the Panda Award (Green Oscar) in 2010, alongwith co-director Shilpi Sharma for the film "The Wild Meat Trail", said recording existing and disappearing biodiversity helps keep track and provides valuable information to stakeholders like NGOs and

branch out to other regions, like the Odisha coast, for the video documentation hub. Odisha coast has one of world's largest nesting sites for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles and is also Banerji's focus areas. "Turtle Diaries: The Olive Ridley Turtle" by Banerji, which won the 'Film for Children' award at the just-concluded eighth CMS Vatavaran festival, captures a stunning mass nesting event and shows how communities are assisting in conservation locally. "The biggest threat to the turtles and wildlife in the coastal region is the disappearance of beaches due to development projects," added Banerji.

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

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

cmyk

cmyk

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