Wednesday, 14 dec 2016

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

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

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

Classified at Rs: 10/- per word

Call Jutish Kamal : 9863941475 Gourav : 8399934707 Ashok : 9706289816

10 ROAD TRIPS FROM GUWAHATI TO MOST SURREAL PLACES IN THE NORTHEAST!

ET CAPSULES Insufficient cash in Dibrugarh SBI A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec. 13: Wage payments in many tea gardens may be delayed because of insufficient cash in Dibrugarh State Bank of India.

Dibrugarh SBI today expressed its inability to pay cash to many tea gardens against the cheques issued by the District administration for the fortnight wages payments to the garden laborer. As per SBI sources, it may take two days time to arrange the cash for the tea gardens.

Student dies under mysterious circumstances ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 13 : A student identified as Rinku Mishra was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Tribeni Path in Birubari area of Guwahati on Tuesday morning. The student has been identified as being a native of Segunbari. The police have began investigations into the matter and further reports on this are awaited.

Assam girl to take part in Miss World 2016 paegant ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 13: Assam girl Priyadarshini Chatterjee will represent India in the 2016 Miss World pageant to be held on December 18. The 66th edition of the event to be participated by 117 contestants would be held at Merryland in the United States of America.

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. II

Issue 146

PAGE 12 Dibrugarh, Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Innovation CSR application in the Supply Chain Business

P7

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

Villarreal beat Atletico Madrid 3-0, up to fourth in La Liga

P6

P12

Congress demands immediate drop of Rijiju from the Union cabinet for alleged corruption A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 13

Soon after news of corruption to the tune of Rs 450 crore in construction of two dams for 600 MW Kameng Hydro Electric Project, involving Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju surfaced in a national daily on Tuesday, the Congress in Arunachal Pradesh demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi drop the MoS from the Union Cabinet at the earliest.

There are allegations of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju's involvement in the corruption to the tune of Rs 450 crore in construction of two dams for 600 MW Kameng Hydro Electric Project APCC president Padi Richo demanded immediate dropping of Rijiju from the Union Cabinet, a CBI probe into all the irregularities and a white paper on the alleged Rs 450 crore scam

Arunachal Pradesh state BJP has termed the allegations of being without any iota of truth.

Addressing reporters at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Padi Richo demanded immediate dropping of Rijiju from the Union Cabinet, a CBI probe into all the irregularities and a white paper on the alleged Rs 450 crore scam.

NEEPCO officers, including its CMD and the West Kameng district administration of being involved in an “elaborate conspiracy” hence, causing a corruption of up to Rs 450 crore.

Richo said that the 129page report by Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Satish Verma, sent to the CBI, CVC and the Ministry of Power on July last has alleged MoS Rijiju, his cousin brother Goboi Rijiju (also a sub-contractor of the project), several top

Verma, a Gujarat IPS officer, was pulled up by NEEPCO for “unauthorized absence,” and transferred to the CRPF in Tripura soon after his report. He attributes the “absence” to his investigation, the Congress state president claimed.

Richo further added that

Verma’s report claimed several fake and inflated bills by contractors to allegedly siphon off money in the name of transporting rocks for dam construction.

“Not only was the transportation cost decided arbitrarily, but many transport challans and records provided by the constructing agency, Patel Engineering Limited (PEL), were found to be fake. For example, thousands of tonnes of rocks were found to have been carried to the project site, at least on paper,

on scooters, bikes and cars even as several registration numbers provided by PEL were found to be nonexistent. In some cases, same vehicle number or the same driver appeared many times in different challans claiming to have begun the journey from different quarries situated 70-km away on the same date just half an hour apart,” Richo quoted, mentioning the report.

claimed Richo adding that NEEPCO later did allow partial payment to June and July pending bills of PEL with concurrence from Verma and the dam work had began in March last.

Echoing Richo, party spokesperson Hayeng Mangfi was of the opinion that the matter would be suppressed by the Central government as no FIR has so far been lodged in the matter.

Reimbursement of these bills, which primarily belonged to the period between May and July 2015, to PEL was stopped by NEEPCO after Verma sent an advisory to head of project flagging the alleged irregularities, he added.

These are not just mere allegations but facts. NEPCO building dams in the West Kameng district, to which Rijiju belongs and he (Rijiju) using his power and position to award works to his near and dear ones clearly indicated the motive behind the scam, claimed Mangfi.

He further claimed that the November 04, 2015 edition of The Indian Express quoting records claim that Rijiju wrote a letter to Power Ministry to release funds to the contractor (Goboi) who had gone to meet Verma.

Verma’s report also has the audio CD of a purported conversation he had with Goboi Rijiju on December 29, 2015, in which the latter is heard pushing the officer to clear the payments and offering “any help you need from Bhaiya (the Minister),

Rijiju is the sole culprit in this scam and moreover, he is the publicity boy of the BJP as he talks more and does nothing. The BJP government at the Centre talks about clean governance buy what we don’t understand is why they are still keeping a tainted person in the ministry, he questioned.

Former chief minister Nabam Tuki who apprehended that the scam would have a cascading

negative impact particularly on Arunachal Pradesh as the project is in the Arunachal West parliamentary constituency has demanded an independent judicial probe headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge to clear Arunachal's name.

Arunachal boasts of NE India's largest hydropower 405-MW Ranganadi HEP and 600-MW Kameng HEP, scheduled for commissioning in 2012 would have added another feather in sate's cap but because of Rijiju and his close relative it got delayed for four years. Rijiju has been taking too big all these days but his true colour has been exposed now and his voters would judge him in right perspective now, Tuki added.

Rijiju, said Sanjoy.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi who often repeatedly points out that "mein na khaunga, na khaney dunga" (Neither I would involve myself in corruption nor I would allow), why has he allowed his minister to be corrupt, Sanjoy questioned.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh state BJP has termed the allegations of being without any iota of truth.

Stating that it is too early for someone to come to a conclusion on the allegations, BJP state president Tapir Gao on Tuesday told reporters that “it is not necessary that all allegations leveled would always turn up to be true.”

Former Lok Sabha member and senior Congress leader Takam Sanjoy too has demanded Rijiju's resignation on moral ground alleging the latter of selling out the trust and verdict of his voters.

While denying to comment elaborately on the report Gao urged upon the Central government to constitute a probe into the matter so that the truth in unearthed in “black and white”.

Giving baseless denial in media and terming the episode as politically motivated would not save Rijiju as the 129-page report of CVO Satish Verma clearly vindicates the charge against Rijiju and his cousin Goboi

Neither I, nor the party will support Rijiu or any person for that matter if the allegation turns out to be true.

However, if it is not the case, then the BJP will not hesitate to unleash it wrath on the persons circulating these reports, averred Gao.

Rise of Cataract Wakro land donors halted N. K. DESIGN & PRINTERS erection of Tower to protest OFFICE: Sharda Complex, New Market, Tinsukia (Assam) surgery, a quest against delaying compensation 8811073544, 7002514537 for Dr Wailong Frustrated local leaders and villagers who cooperated and obliged to donate their valuable land as per the land acquisition process in the year 0f 2014 decided to halt all erection work at the Wakro circle.

After a meeting held under Dr BM Mishra DC we found cheated over the inordinate delay when the Power Grid

Bishnu Rana Tezu, Dec 13

Blurred vision, glare, and difficulty reading can be easily cured in a simple surgical operation, says Dr Wailoang Eye Surgeon. The most predominant cataract disease is a eye disease in which the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, causing a decrease in vision , the lens inside your eye that has become cloudy is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL) to restore clear vision.

The procedure typically is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or other care facility.

cmyk

We operate 50 to 53 cataract patients in a year. In a month it goes to 2 to 3 cases. Every year

a free eye camp has been observed to operate cataract which is growing at large.

We have adequate apparatus and manpower in this General Hospital to operate a cataract patient. Regrettably we don’t have well furnished separate Operation Theater (OT) and therefore performed at the general OT. Although we have separate OT but left defunct due to minor affordable hitches. “If made functional we would have performed much better surgery in comfortable number”, hopes Dr Wailong.

Though the General Hospital gears up in leap and bound in facilitating health care facilities still more need to be done. Everyone associated with the hospital have been extending relentless helping hand to give better shape for the largest interest of the bereaved patient.

Cooperation Ltd failed to pay the adequate compensation till day as committed several years back, alleges the letter.

In a written complaint to the Deputy Commissioner Lohit, the deprived land owners of Wakro Circle jointly submitted letter protest against Power Grid to stop all ongoing erection work at the sites. “We will raise our voice till our grievance is met. The then DC in front of Power Grid officials resolved to compensate our acquired land under revised rate. Unfortunately despite

completion of maximum erection work of towers till day the Cooperation failed to stand in their word and the villagers are given no care or intimation regarding the compensation”, rues Soto Thalai land donor Wakro.

We feel dejected and disheartened by their dilly delaying tactic and out of it we decided to halt all the in swing works at the site. Unless all compensation dues is cleared there won’t be any work, threatens Soleng Rangmang.

Assam to raise four battalions for IndiaBangladesh border IANS Guwahati, Dec 13

KEY POINTS

The Chief Minister said the four proposed battalions will form the second line of vigil and patrolling along the IndiaBangladesh border and will assist the Border Security Force (BSF), which has been guarding the International Border so far.

Contd. on Page 3

Designing, Paper Printing Works, Advertising, Flex Banner, Sign Board, Photography, Photo editing, Graphic Design, Pre–Ink Stamp, Self–Ink Stamp School Projects, Carry bag Printing, Visiting Card Wedding Card, New Year Card & Calender Diary, Key Ring, Name Plate & Many More

SPECIALIST IN : ID – CARD, SMART CARD, BADGES.

KHALSA TRADERS

In a bid to intensify surveillance and security along the India-Bangladesh Border, the Assam government has decided to raise four new battalions of border police.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said this on Tuesday after reviewing the law and order situation with top Home department officials.

E-mail: ntdptsk1996@gmail.com I Website: www.nkdesign.weebly.com

OFFICE : Sharda Complex, New Market, Tinsukia (Assam) H.O. : Bholanath Nagar, Tezab Mill Shahadra, Delhi – 32

08285654314 E-mail : kskanna4@gmail.com

Assam government has decided to raise four new battalions of border police.

Four proposed battalions will form the second line of vigil and patrolling along the IndiaBangladesh border and will assist the Border Security Force (BSF). ·

The battalions will be deployed in four districts namely Cachar, South S a l m a r a - M a n c a c h a r, Karimganj and Dhubri, which has international border with Bangladesh.

Mfg. Of: School Uniform, T. Shirt Tie, Belt, Sweater, Blazer Badge, School Bag, Coat, Track Suit, Shocks, School Shoe Medals & Many More School Items…

The Commandants of these four battalions will also be acting as Superintendents of Border Police

cmyk

Bishnu Rana Wakro, Dec 13

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

P2 Aries The key today is action, Aries. There's a great deal of force pressuring you to get the ball rolling. One of these forces may come from a romantic interest waiting for you to make the next move. You may have many projects on the table and be unsure where to focus your energy. Don't feel like you need to concentrate on any one thing. They key is to maintain balance among all.

Taurus Ignite the fire in your heart, Taurus, and make it burn more brightly than before.

Keep in mind that you may need to make compromises in order to be on the same page with your lover in the way you relate emotionally. Make sure everyone gets a chance to be on center stage. Don't hog the podium. Maintain a working balance by letting others have their turn in the spotlight.

Gemini There are a couple important issues that you may need to resolve, Gemini.

Take an active role in the department of love and romance. Feel free to be aggressive about having your needs met. Make sure you're comfortable with the situation or else stand up and change it. For you, the day is all about taking action. Strive to create peace through honest assertiveness.

CM to inaugurate solar project in Dibrugarh dream project initiated by SSRDP nationwide. This is one of the biggest projects in Assam following which a total of 287 households will be benefited.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 13: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will dedicate the solar project at Muluk Gaon in Dibrugarh district for the people on December on Wednesday.

The solar project has been initiated by SSRDP, a trust of The Art of Living. Sri Sri Ravishankar, a humanitarian, peace ambassador and the founder of The Art of Living is keen on development of the

CM Sarbananda Sonowal North East region of India, and has therefore guided many projects. ‘Light A Home’ is a

Though the project was designed to have a central solar power station from where distribution through cable was planned, but approval was not granted by the ASEB as during the rainy season the area is flooded and may thus cause danger to innocent lives.

Along with the solar project, two skill development training centres are also planned, namely tailoring training and computer centre, which will provide opportunity for self employment. In order to provide clean drinking water, 100 water filters will be distributed among the needy people during the function. Further, SSRDP is planning to train local cultivators for undertaking organic farming, the release added.

Thief at Naharkatia mobile store Bikul Bikash Gogoi Naharkatia, Dec 13: A mobile store was looted by unidentified men at Naharkatia in Jaipur Tinali in the wee hours of Tuesday. The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) installed inside the showroom has captured the images of a suspect.

Pravu Bhartia who had arrived at his mobile showroom G.D.Enterprise in the morning on Tuesday to find

the ceiling broken and was shocked to find mobiles valued at around Rs 2 lakhs missing. The CCTV camera showed a men of age 20 years entering the showroom at around 2 am.

Bhartia informed the Naharkatia police who reached the showroom and inspected footages of the CCTV. An F.I.R has been lodged and the police is leaving no stone unturned to nab the thief.

Erosion threat to villages of Doomdooma

Cancer

You should enjoy a good mood today, Cancer, and you will find that things will go well for you in general. Perhaps the only sticky situation that could arise is one that stems from an aggressive approach in the department of love and romance. This impatient urge or petty argument by one or both parties may result in an all-out war. Try to maintain a level head in all situations.

Army camp Dangri inauguration of class room

Leo Circumstances of the day may result in some tricky situations for you, Leo. You could be caught between a rock and a hard place. The instinct to make war or peace with any given issue is making you restless. On the one hand, you may want to smooth things out in a reasonable manner. On the other, there is a part of you that is eager to declare all-out nuclear warfare.

Virgo Things should go well for you today, Virgo. Your romantic nature is piqued. You will find that an aggressive approach toward your loved one is just what's needed to jumpstart the relationship. If you're single and looking for love, this is a good day to get out and ask someone to dance. Neaten up your appearance and wear a snazzy outfits, regardless of the situation.

Libra Stand up and take action, Libra. Forces may be pulling on you from all angles, and your challenge will be to maintain a healthy balance among all of them. You have a chance to accomplish a great deal by directing your energies outward instead of inward. Other people may be punchy. Counteract this by being patient. Your contribution to the group will be appreciated.

Scorpio You will find that you relate very well to others today, Scorpio, and your communication will prove to be quite valuable.

You may find yourself in the position of arbiter simply because you have the detached mind that people need to resolve disputes. Take an active role in the lives of those around you, and see how your own life benefits from the generosity of your actions.

Sagittarius You may be tempted to shift into high gear today, Sagittarius, but you're likely to be unsure where to focus your energy. You may be revved up and anxious to get moving, but feel lazy and unmotivated to do anything but sit back and wait for the excitement to come to you. Whatever you do, don't retreat into a hole. Dress up and show off your outer as well as inner beauty.

Capricorn There's apt to be tension between your heart and your general mood, Capricorn.

Your romantic nature will incline you to adopt a selfish, impatient attitude, while the prevailing tone of the day calls for peace and balance. Try to maintain an equal amount of give and take. There's enough love to go around. Don't feel like you need to be possessive in order to maintain others' loyalty.

Aquarius Adjustments may be in order for you to flow easily with the energy of the day, Aquarius.

The prevailing tone calls for a more outwardly directed solution to all situations. You will discover that it's easy to start up new projects today, especially those involving creative or romantic elements. The tricky part will be follow-through. This is your specialty, so don't worry about it. You've got that part covered.

Pisces The prevailing tone today is a mix of conflicting energies that might put some stress on your heart. It's nothing you can't handle, Pisces. In fact, if anyone can make the most out of today, you can. Tap into your aggressiveness and act boldly toward the object of your desire. Make sure there is harmony among those around you and everyone's needs are taken care of.

Manoj Kumar Ojha Doomdooma, Dec. 13: Baghjan and Dighaltarang, two vast villages and Dighaltarang Tea Estate of Assam Tea Company under Hapjan mouza of Doomdooma Revenue Circle in Tinsukia district have been facing a great threat due to heavy erosion caused by the river Brahmaputra and Ananta Nallah.

Already vast tracts of land of both the villages and the tea estate have been submerged by the river. Several families of Koliapani area of Baghjan village had to lose their home and hearth due to the erosion.

The families of Gopal Das, Ratan

Das, Haralal Das and several others who are mostly fishermen have been passing sleepless nights as the river has already reached their lawns.

"At present, the intensity of erosion has slowed down, otherwise we would have already become homeless," Gopal Das told this correspondent.

"Koliapani Shashtriji LP School was also submerged by the river along with paddy fields and small tea gardens," said Rajani Hazarika, the gaonburha of Baghjan village.

Similarly, several hectares of tea plantation of Dighaltarang Tea Estate have also been submerged by the river, the gaonburha added.

Bikul Bikash Gogoi Naharkatia, Dec 13: Besides continuously executing their operational tasks, officers and men in counter insurgency areas have been making sincere efforts to Hemanta Moran, a local youth and give a human face to their the principal of Rupkonwar Jatiya role in insurgency affected Vidyalaya told this correspondent areas. In 1992 when army that river Brahmaputra had been operation in Assam were moving in the southward direction ordered to be suspended from west. If it is not checked now, temporarily, it was decided it will pose a threat to Tinsukia to get more closer to the town also. He urged the Government to take effective measures to check the erosion immediately.

Barun Moran, the president and Jantu Moran, the secretary of Baghjangaon Milanjyoti Yuvak Sangha said that if the Government doesn't take any immediate measure, in the next monsoon season there will be no trace of vast tracts of land of these two villages.

AJYCP protest in Margherita Mithun Baruah Margherita, Dec 13: Activists of Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad Margherita unit on Monday took out a Torch light rally at Ledo town in protest against the failure to open Ledo ITI School and to provide 50 Beds to Ledo Mini Public health Centre. More than 100 activists of AJYCP were present at the torch light rally who shouted various slogans against the BJP led Government of Assam. Kanchan Bora General Secretary of AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee said that Ledo ITI was started during Congress regime where the construction work has completed but the classes have not started still, where on 4 June a memorandum was given to Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma but un-

people under Operation Sadbhavna which includes activities like medical camp, adult education, setting up of hand pumps and screening and preparing of people to join Indian army.

Keeping this tradition of army, today army camp Dangri Kumar of DA0 division conducted inauguration of class room of (20x18) with 3 varanda un-

der Operation Sadbhavna.

The inauguration of class room at LPS Nalbaria, Charaideo by Mr Tupidar Duaras, Gaon Buda Pashchim Nalbaria Gaon and Hbokanta Dadomia, headmaster LPS Nalbaria Gaon was witnessed by students of the schoolteachers and villagers. The inauguration was followed by cultural program by the students.

Pipeline gas consumers want online payment of bills

ET Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 13: At a time when the whole country is propagating the initiative of online payment system to ride out the massive difficult phase since demonization of the currency notes, the Duliajan based Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL), on the other hand, seems to multiply the cash crunch for common people by not introducing online mode of money transfer for domestic pipe-

line gas consumption. It is alleged that the banksAllahabad Bank and State Bank of India - authorized to collect the pipeline gas bills, owing to public pressure otherwise, have been unable to clear the cheques on time.

The organization appears to be less concerned towards the Digital India initiative of the Government of India by accepting pipeline gas payment only by cash and

cheque. The consumers' interest is at stake as they cannot readily make cash arrangement, rather being convenient with electronic payment which will ease the currency crisis stress and also avoid inconveniences faced in the banks in the wake of demonetization.

The pipeline gas consumers feel that AGCL should immediately launch online payment of bills to mitigate harassment meted to consumers.

Jorhat geared up for 2nd Sabda National Drama Mohotshav Activists of AJYCP Margherita regional committee took out a torch rally. Photo by Mithun Baruah

fortunately all in vain.

“We demand that Ledo ITI Class should be started immediately and 50 Beds should be provided at Ledo Mini Public Health Centre and if the demands doesn't

get fulfilled at the earliest than in the coming days AJYCP Margherita Regional Committee shall start strong agitation programme at Margherita”, said Kanchan Bora.

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 13: Jorhat gears up for second Sabda National Drama Mohotshav from 20th of December that will be held in Jorhat District Library which has been organized by Sabda in collaboration with Jorhat Sanskritik Kendra. Nine dramas from various parts of the country were supposed to participate in the 2nd Sabda National Drama Mohotshav.

The Mohotshav will open with Ujjal Powgam story and Direction 'Oichiri'.

On 21st of December based on the story of Sarat Chandra, converted by

Prashanna and directed by Bharati Sharma's "Rangdoot", Bhupala's "Darpachurna", Neelem Chetia's "Pratibimba" and "Satru" will be performed.

Written by Hillol Pathak and directed by Gunakar Deba Goshwami's "Ekelaibya", and based on story of Saurav Chaliha and directed by Ujjal Powgam "The Interior will be performed on 22nd December.

On 23rd of December, based on the story of Hiranya Sabhapandit and directed by Rafiul Hussain "Lalilang", "Katha Mritunjay", "Aar Kapur", based on story and directed by Dhiraj Lahkar

"Tajmahal" will be performed.

On 24th of December based on the story of Vikhari Thakur and directed by Praveen Gunjan "The fact Rangmandal", Bihar's 'Gabbar Gisor" and Nilotpal Mohan's "Rakta Sewak" will be performed.

It should be mentioned that many known artist will be taking part in this massive event.

On 18th of December an art competition will also be held in Assam Sahitya Sabha central office of Jorhat on 11am as mentioned in the press release.

SPORTS

CCD win by 6 wkts Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec. 13: Cricket Club of Dibrugarh defeated Evergreen Club by six wickets in the senior division cricket league tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium here today.

Electing to bat first, Evergreen Club were all out for 88 in 21.1 overs.

Umesh Raut and Manash Dutta scored 20 runs each respectively.

one six while Tridip Das scored 12 off 16 balls with two boundaries.

For CCD, Phanindar Sonowal scalped four wickets for 16 runs in 5 overs. Arafat Nazir took three for 22 in 6 overs.

For Evergreen Club, Uday Pandit picked up three for 28 in 5.4 overs. Umesh Raut took one wicket. Phanindar Sonowal was adjudged man of the match.

In Reply, CCD scored 89 for four in 12. 4 overs.

Kalyan Gogoi remained unbeaten 42 off 26 balls with seven boundaries and

Tomorrow, Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre will play Namrup Cricket Academy.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

P3

Khandu urged DC’s and SP’s to perform their duties without any fear in a conference held at Itanagar A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 13: Chief Minister PemaKhandu today beckoned the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to perform duties without fear of anyone, not even of political bosses.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. Take action on anyone who breaks the law or is involved in corruption even if he or she is a government official or a politician,” he said speaking at the annual conference of deputy commissioners and superintendents of police here this morning at Banquet Hall.

Hailing the DCs and SPs, who are caretakers of their respective districts, as ‘eyes and ears’ of the government, Khandu said success of the government will be measured only on the success in implementing welfare projects and maintaining law and order in the districts.

He advised the officers to maintain transparency in their dealings with line departments as well as the public.

‘Due to reasons known to all, development process slowed down during the last two years. Now we have to make up the loss by working twice as hard while maintaining transparency and accountability,” the Chief Minister said.

Emphasizing on the growth of IT sector, Khandu said that it has become a necessity to take IT facilities up to panchayat levels.

“With the introduction of GST and Direct Benefit Transfer, even block levels will have to be integrated through IT. And this calls

CM Khandu delivering his speech during the conference for active role of the deputy commissioners,” he pointed.

Underscoring the role of deputy commissioners in successful implementation of all central and state government schemes, the Chief Minister informed that he will take review on latest status of ongoing schemes through video conferencing with deputy commissioners once every month.

“DCs will be informed of the project/subject to be reviewed at least 15 days ahead, so that they can be prepared with every detail and updates,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein in his address, gave to priority to maintenance of law and order. He said in-spite of being a peaceful state, the policedepartment has to improve its statistics in view of Arunachal turning into a budding tourist destination with increasing inflow of visitors and investors.

Mein urged the district administrations to expedite land acquisition and other clearances as various developmental projects but stands delayed due to

lengthy process. He urged them to complete the process in a time bound manner and as perguidelines.

Meincalled for regular monitoring of all the State Plan and CSS Schemes, Programs and Policies and for timely submission of Quarterly Progress Report (QPR), Utilization Certificates and Completion Certificates. He informed that Government of India has taken serious note on the delay in submission of QPR, UCs and with regard to Centrally Sponsored Scheme leading to undue delay in release of subsequent instalments adversely affecting the progress of several projects.

The DCM also called to rationalize Chief Minister’s Flagship schemes and urge upon all the Deputy Commissioners to see that the CM flagship Programs are effectively implemented. He also said to increase revenue generation and advised them to devise formulas to plug revenue leakages.

He further urged upon the Deputy Commissioners to

educate people on cashless transactions/ e-transactions by organizing mass awareness programmes by tying up with the bankers as the country is moving towards cashless transactions as envisaged by the Prime Minister NarendraModi.

With a view to make governance more transparent, he also stress upon the District Administration towards Adhaar Card registration and its subsequent ceding to avoid duplicity and to successfully implement schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in various sectors which will particularly help the students and the farming community.

As the in charge Minister of Finance and Planning, DCM request all the DCs and SPs to come up with innovative ideas and schemes and present before the Govt. as the state govt under the leadership of Chief Minister is planning to present a participatory budget in the up-coming budget.

He further expressed hope that DCs and SPs will continue to propel the engine

AAPSU calls on CM Khandu A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 13: A student delegate of AAPSU led by President Hawa Bagang and General Secretary Tobom Dai called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu at his office here today.

The Chief Minister congratulated the newly elected members of AAPSU and advised them to work for the welfare of the students. Responding to the 17-point memorandum submitted by the student union, the CM expressed happiness that the issues raised were genuine and were mostly focused on education.

Asserting that the present government is keen to provide transparency in its functioning, the Chief Minister urged the union to work constructively and raise constructive issues.

He said even the legislators should raise issues against department anomaly and misconduct.

Khandu said the present government is trying its best to mend the ailing education sector by rectifying the recruitment process of the teacher. He informed that the government is attempting to prevent all back door entry in the employment process admitting candidly that sometimes politicians do succumb to public pressure to give them undue favour.

Taking cognizance of the irregular calendar for recruitment process conducted by the Arunachal Public Service Commission (APPSC), the Chief Minister said to correct such past practices, a person of high reputation and dignity, former civil servant Tajom Taloh has been appointed as the chairman of the commission. He said that unlike in the past where people from political background were selected as chairman, this time

AAPSU delegates posing with CM Khandu a person from civil service background has been appointed. The Chief Minister said that state government is attempting to conduct recruitment process of all departments through the commission only. This will prevent all those back door channels through which illegal recruitment is conducted, and people pursuing for such methods will be discouraged.

Also the Chief Minister informed that education department has been instructed to rationalise all teachers posting so that overcrowding of teachers in urban areas can be minimised and shortages of teachers in rural areas can be met. He asserted that the state government will not compromise in quality service for health and education sector.

Pointing out that due to opening of numerous schools in remote sparsely populated area, Khandu said that many such schools were non-functioning due to non-availability of students. To rectify such cases, he informed that the department has been directed to collect list of such schools that are running without adequate numbers of students or where there are none. Accordingly, all Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to verify such

schools so that non functioning schools can be clubbed so that non-availability of students can be sorted out and teachers engaged meaningfully.

On SSA teachers, the Chief Minister informed that state government is also working out mechanism to regularise their job. He informed that department has been instructed to work out a mechanism to absorb performing teachers possibly through some form of competitions amongst them.

He also informed that state government has released the pending salaries of the SSA teachers.

To make Arunachal University at Pasighat a fully fledged one, the Chief Minister informed that for infrastructure development, Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned. Also he said that education Parliamentary Secretary had visited the institute to take stock of the present status of the University.

Regarding Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act implemented in the state, the CM admitted on the stand of the union that much of the unlawful activities could be prevented through the existing CrpC and IPC codes.

He, however, said if the citizens are law-abiding, people

have nothing to fear from such acts. Further to derive consensus on the issue, the CM said an all party meeting and meeting of community based organisations will be called soon.

On objection of AAPSU to the 50:50 one-time recruitment policy for APST and nonAPST candidates in teachers recruitment for science and maths teachers, the Chief Minister assured the matter will be examined through the department.

Regarding usage of Aadhar card for student stipend, the CM said the state is trying to move towards cashless economy, which is as per the directions from Prime Minister of India.

He said the use of Aadhaar will minimise corruption in stipend disbursement, as the account will be directly linked with the student. Also it will cut off the illegal intermediary means through which funds are siphoned off.

To cover maximum citizens under Aadhaar card, the CM said the state government has procured enough machines so that more number of people can be covered. Also he said DCs have been instructed to help people avail Jan Dhan scheme and open bank accounts.

Assam to raise four battalions for India-Bangladesh border Contd. from Page 1 Sonowal directed the department officials to work towards the immediate steps to raise the four battalions and said that these battalions will be deployed in four districts namely Cachar, South Salmara-Mancachar,

Karimganj and Dhubri, which has international border with Bangladesh.

Sonowal said the Commandants of these four battalions will also be acting as Superintendents of Border Police in their concerned districts.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the activities of 120 watch towers located along the India-Bangladesh border and asked the officials to take steps to modernise these towers for better surveillance.

Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to put in efforts to prevent any fresh bid of illegal encroachment in the char (river sandbars) areas.

Sonowal also asked the Home Department to issue directive to the Deputy

He said that the concerned district SP or the DC must undertake regular inspection tours to the char areas.

of development with their innovative ideas and take the administration to the doorstep of the people.

Home Minister Kumar Waii urged better coordination between deputy commissioners and superintendents of police for overall development of the districts. Being the RWD minister in-charge, he said high compensation demands have adversely affected implementation of PMGSY schemes and sought proactive role of the DCs in resolving such issues.

Home Parliamentary Secretary PaniTaram emphasized on better coordination of the district administrations that share boundaries with Assam and Nagaland to thwart differences with neighbouring states. He suggested regular meeting and social interaction with people residing along the inter-state boundary for peace and harmony.

In an interactive session that followed, several issues like land acquisition for trans-Arunachal highway, civilian terminus in ALGs, GST, etc were discussed.

Also present during the inaugural function of the conference were the Chief Secretary, Director General of police, PCCF, Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Home, Commissioners and Secretaries of various departments.

The two-day conference will take up district-wise review of hydro power projects, aadhar coverage, DBT, education, health, central and state-sponsored programmes, PMs flagship prohrammes, TransArunachal Highway, digital India programme, etc.

Shri Tajom Talo, IAS (Retd) sworn-in as the APPSC Chairman A Staff Reporter Itangar, Dec 13: Tajom Talo, IAS (Retd) has been sworn-in as the Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri V. Shanmuganathan administered the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to Shri Talo in a function in the Gandhi Hall of Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 13th December 2016.

Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, Cabinet

Tajom Talo sworn in as new APPSC Chairman Ministers, former Chief Minister Shri Nabam Tuki, members of State Legislative Assembly,

senior officers, special invitees and distinguished guests attended the function.

AUPOWF protest against practice of deputation in the State A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 13: The Assistant Urban Programme Officer ’s Welfare Forum (AUPOWF) today staged a protest at Indira Gandhi Park to display its displeasure with the practise of deputation currently on in the state.

AUPOs of the Department of Urban Development & Housing from all divisions and subdivisions arrived at the state capital to demand immediate repatriation of Bamang Rai and Toko Tatam to their parent department, and immediate promotion of senior AUPOs and surveyors to the vacant posts of UPO and AUPO. It also demanded yearly conduct of DPC so that everyone has a fair chance at promotion.

Speaking to reporters, AUPOWF president Engineer Y Aam said that they had to resort to the peaceful dharna as the memorandum submitted to the Minister of UD & Housing on Novemebr 9 last, yielded no results.

He said that despite eligible incumbents in the department, the Department of UD & Housing has deputed other officials from other departments into the UD & Housing department on several occasions.

On learning about the new deputations, the AUPOWF submitted a memorandum to the Minister of UD & Housing on December 9 citing that

it was unnecessary to place Rai, a JE in the PWD to the post of Urban Programme Officer and Tatam, a WC Surveyor as AUPO on the basis of deputation to the UD & Housing department when there are already eligible incumbent officials with required service years.

Earlier on January 17, 2012, the AUPOWF had submitted a memorandum to the then Secretary of UD & Housing for abolition of deputation system and repatriation of deputed unregularized UPO, where the Secretary and chief engineer cum director of UD & Housing had given a verbal assurance to put a complete halt on deputation process, and the forum suspended its scheduled agitation movement.

However, in 2014, the department deputed one Techi Yami as Junior Engineer, Sagalee Division, Public Works Department (PWD). She is currently posted at Pasighat Municipal Council as Assistant Engineer and her position in the Department of UD & Housing is still unclear, and her position in the seniority list has not been cleared by the department.

Recently in November, the department inducted UPO Rai on deputation from PWD and appointed WC Surveyor Tatam from other works department to the post of AUPO in the Department of UD & Housing and the AUPOWF wrote to its

concerned minister.

“We have well experienced AUPOs and surveyors who are working tirelessly for the flagship programmes of the department, and illegal movement of officials from other departments deprive us of our rights as workers”, he said, and hoped that the government would heed to their demands this time around.

The members also claimed that the DPC has not taken place for almost a decade now as most AUPOs have been working for 12 to 13 years and have not been promoted yet.

Deepak Gyadi, district coordinator of AUPOWF said that there are currently 9 functional UPOs and 60 AUPOs in the department, who resent the deputation move.

“Junior Engineers in stagnant departments like the PWD are eyeing for vacant posts in our department, which is why we are suffering. If the department brings officials from different departments, it shows that authorities are undermining their own officials,” Gyadi said and questioned, “If we are not qualified enough then why were we hired as AUPOs?” Saying that it is a breach of trust by the department authorities, the AUPOWF informed that it if the government and the department failed to take action, then they would resort to other means of democratic movement soon.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

P4

Assam Human Rights Villagers urged SBI and RBI authority Commission asks govt to give Rs to give exemplary punishment to cor1lakh each to shootout victims rupt officials of TMC Branch of SBI. ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 13: Taking suo motu cognizance of the recent shootout in the city in which a policeman shot at two persons for not letting his vehicle to 'overtake' on the road, the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) asked the state government to grant immediate interim monetary relief of Rs 1 lakh to each of the victims.

On December 7, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Basistha Police, Golap

One died on mishaps in Tezpur ET Correspondent, Tezpur, Dec 13: One Rajib Das (23) of Gutlung here under Mahabhariab Police outpost died on the spot this morning at around 8.45 a.m., when he knocked down a truck bearing NoAS-25-AC-1056 with his motorbike bearing Registration number-AS-12-E6744 at Nikamul area. In the incident one cyclist was injured. He was admitted to the Kanaklata Civil Hospital here.

Jail inmate dies in Karimganj ET Bureau Silchar, Dec 13: An inmate of Karimganj District Jail died under mysterious circumstances on Sunday. Naru Majumdar (51) died at 8 pm inside the jail. This angered other inmates who alleged that Naru died due to negligence of jail authorities. They even prevented the authorities concerned to bring out the body from the cell.

Later, the body was allowed to be sent to Karimganj Civil Hospital.

Additional SP (Karimganj) Navin Singh said Naru, a resident of Badarpur in the district, was in jail for the last 18 years for murdering a woman in his village.

Singh said this is a case of custodial death and inquiry will be conducted under the existing procedure. The cause of his death will be known only after getting the autopsy report, he added.

Konwar, allegedly shot the driver and helper of a hydraulic excavator vehicle for not giving passage to his vehicle near the Borbari area here. Rupesh Thakur, the driver, and helper Rakesh Kumar sustained bullet injuries.

Later, Konwar was arrested

by Dispur Police.

An AHRC single-bench comprising Tarun Phookan took suo moto cognizance of the incident of alleged violation of human rights by the ASI whose duty is to

protect people and prevent any sort of violation of human rights.

the commission within 30 days."

The rights body also directed the Kamrup (Metro) district administration to institute an inquiry into the matter. In a notice, it said, "The AHRC directs the district magistrate of Kamrup (M) to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the incident and to fix the responsibility, if any, on the part of ASI for the firing on the two persons and grievously wounding them and submit a report to

Deeming it fit that the incident has not only caused physical injury but also affected the victims mentally and financially, the rights body ordered, "Under Section 18(C) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, since amended in 2006, AHRC recommends the state government to grant immediate interim relief in the form of monetary compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the victims."

Campaign against drunken driving ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 13: The Advertising Club, Guwahati, on Monday launched the first-ever integrated public service announcement campaign in the northeast region on raising awareness for drunken drivingcalled 'Don't Drink and Drive' along with the city police.

The one-month campaign is aimed at curbing drunken driving and raise awareness about it.

The campaign has been supported by the Guwahati

Image for Representation purpose.

Police Commissionerate.

Police commissioner Hiren Nath lauded the initiative by the advertising industry and pledged the support of city

police to this campaign.

Advertisements on television, newspapers, radio and social media are part of the campaign.

were not shown separately in the survey. Besides, 37% were using other modern methods not shown separately in the survey.

Only 17.2 % of health workers ever talked to female non users about family planning and 55.1% of current users were ever told about side effects of current methods.

The survey also revealed that 32.6% of women between the age of 20 and 24 years were married before the age of 18 and 23.3% of men between the ages of 25 and 29 years were married before the age of 21.

"Child marriages remain the biggest challenge. The state government is working on measures focusing on women education, empowerment and development. It is quite important that women, especially rural women, are brought within the purview.

We have to focus on char and tea garden areas," said a fam-

ily planning expert and a member of the new committee.

Last week, the National Health Mission (NHM) had organised a workshop where issues like teenage pregnancies, maternal health, rural healthcare and other issues were discussed.

Experts termed the increasing trend in teenage pregnancies as one of the biggest challenges.

They said the problem has reached such a level it has become quite common for teenage brides to lie about their age.

They agreed that this has led to a vicious cycle that in turn results in babies being born as unhealthy, anaemic and diet-deficient.

"We need to break the cycle through a balanced approach," said Sikha Bothakur, an expert on behaviour change communication (BCC).

Assam boy wins award for developing mobile app ET Correspondent Silchar, Dec. 13: From fantastic trek to lush jungles, gurgling waterfalls to natural caves and much more, the North East of India is replete with many delightful spots to catch any traveller’s fancy. And tapping this perspective, Bilash Dutta, a 19-year-old boy from Silchar developed a mobile applicationtitled ‘NE Moves’ to boost the tourism prospects, which has fetched him the prestigious Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Award 2016 from the President of India.

“I had a keen interest in exploring new territories within the North East, which is blessed by Mother Nature. I also loved working on the internet to know new aspects of developing mobile applications. The thought to develop an app crossed my mind when I was a student of Class-XII. As I progressed, I came up with the application with no idea of it being recognised at such a big level. I am in-

engaged manager of the Branch of SBI in Tezpur Medical College, Dipankar Bordoloi and other official Lakhi Das over the last few months. It is also to be mentioned that since the Tezpur Medical College started functioning it was facilitated with two special branches of SBI and United Bank of India (UBI) for all sort of transaction of the people of the area including the doctors and other employees of the very Medical College.

Moreover, since there is no other financial institution in the greater area apart from the Pithakhowa Gramin Vikash Bank these two branches were instructed to cover all section of the people besides the villagers of the area with the needed bank facilities.

However, the annoyed people of village Saraka alleged that instead of giving them services, the bank manager had many a time misbehaved with them when they approach him for

different banking works.

Disclosing how the bank manager deceived the educationally backward people of the village they alleged that he is in nexus with the massager of the branch and has collected a sizeable amount of money from altogether seventeen persons of the village including Hemlata Devi, Jinti Devi, Numali Devi, Jitumoni Devi, Jinti Devi, Gulapi Devi, Lakhipriya Devi, Phuleswari Devi, Malati Devi, Suneswari Devi, Mukheswari Devi, Saniram Nath, Junmoni Devi, Mina Devi, Bijita Devi, Mira Devi and Deepali Devi with a commitment to open account against them. “The manager has received the account opening forms supplied by him having attached with all sort of the required documents from us. Also he has taken Rs. 1000/- from each of us in return of opening the account. But later we have come to know from the reliable SBI sources that he

took the money illegally from us. More irritating thing is that the manager received the forms about six months back from us, but till date we have not received any pass book or account number that had to be incorporated from the very branch of the SBI.” The victims alleged adding they will give complains to the higher authority of the SBI and the RBI, Guahati seeking quick action against the manager and the messenger of the Branch. “Since this branch is under Mission Chariali Regional Branch of business, we informed them regarding the issue, but no any result is achieved, we feel this branch is not for helping out the common customers, it is only for earning few extra pennies from the poor villagers by the accused bank manager. Yet we are optimistic enough that the concerned authority will take initiative in this regard to show their sincerity and customer oriented service towards the people.”

Railways announces measures to prevent jumbo deaths

Govt faces daunting task to check growth of population in Assam ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 13: The state government's ambitious move to check population growth is not without challenges with Assam, as per the new National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS), recording only 9.5% female and 0.1% in male sterilization.

The state government recently formed a new committee to oversee population stabilization in the state by roping in experts.

A target of achieving a 2.1 Total Fertility Rate (TFR) from the present 2.2 has already been set by the committee.

The indicators of current use of family planning methods (currently married women aged between 15 & 49 years) in NFHS- 4 revealed that 2.2% adhered to the use of IUD/PPIUD, 22% used contraceptive pills and 2.7% used condoms.

In the same indicator, 52.4% adhered to measures that

Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 13: At time when the government of the India is in full swing for maintaining transparency in every field of the government’s work for delivering a good governance to the people including the much discussed demonetization process, the unethical act of taking bribe from the easy-going and down to earth villagers for opening account and other transaction work by the manager and the messenger of the TMC Branch of SBI has shown a very uneasy picture thereby dissatisfying all concerned.

It is worthmentioning that the people of the greater Saraka and Niraiati area under Bihaguri Police outpost in Sonitpur District have expressed their total dissatisfaction over the alleged mismanagement and unethical demand of bribe for providing mandatory services like account-opening and other transaction works by the temporarily

ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 13: The railways will exercise extra caution to prevent the death of jumbos in the elephant corridors after a series of tragic incidents of elephant deaths occurred in Assam, Union minister of state for railways Rajen Gohain said.

"Speeding trains can't be stopped suddenly if elephants come in front of the train. Railway officials have, therefore, been instructed to reduce train speeds to 30 km per hour when crossing elephant corridors. Railways will put in all efforts to prevent elephant deaths on the rail tracks," Gohain said.

Recently, three elephants two of whom were pregnant - were mowed down by a

train at Jugijan in central Assam's Nagaon district.

Two days later, another elephant was found dead near railway tracks in Goalpara district. More than 10 elephants have died in the state since November, the primary cause of which has been manelephant conflict.

State forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma held a review meeting with senior officials of the state forest department and the railways a few days ago after the tragic train accident killing pregnant elephants caused serious concern among conservationists.

Usually, the railways runs trains at restricted speeds of 30 to 50 km per hour in the elephant corridors, but even after being cautious, the trains had knocked down elephants in some of the elephant corridors adjoining the hills in the last few years.

Sources in the railways said the state forest department has to provide the railways a new list of locations through which elephants are crossing over often. As per records, there are 29 locations across the northeast where there are restrictions on train speed limits following an advisory by state governments in the north-

east, but there are many more locations in which elephants are crossing rail tracks.

"In Assam, we are facing a new challenge in preventing jumbo deaths as the elephant herds are crossing railway tracks in different locations which are not earmarked as vulnerable in the state forest department's advisory list. Some of the recent train accidents involving jumbos occurred in Assam at those locations which are not mentioned as vulnerable by the state forest department. A concerted effort is required to tackle the jumbo death issue, which is becoming serious with growing human-elephant conflict," said a senior railways official.

Police alerts banks to keep track on currency exchange by militants ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec. 13: With the possibility of militant outfits in Assam trying to convert their old currency into new post demonetisation, police urged banks to keep strict track of transactions.

The Police asked the banks to be careful especially regarding huge deposits in places where it is mostly unlikely, officials said on Tuesday.

During a recent meeting, Police asked 14 major banks in Assam, including Reserve Bank of India's Guwahati office, to keep a lookout for ways in which militants may possibly get their money converted into new currency notes.

The meeting was chaired by Special Director General

(Law and Order) Kuladhar Saikia.

The banks have been told to alert the state police in case there is any exchange of money through contractors and traders involved in business across the border.

Keeping in view the modus operandi in earlier cases, the bankers have been told to be alert about sudden huge money transfers to accounts of companies, firms and business entities if there was an attempt at extortion.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8 evening, he stated curbing terror funding as one of the objectives behind the move.

The banks in Assam have

also been told to inform police in case there was an extra submission of school fees termed Children Education Allowance either for the children of militants or the children of their kin.

Banks officials have also been told to strictly monitor third party transfers which is what militants could resort to get their money exchanged.

"Scarcity of cash has handicapped the ultras in terms of extortion. Any sort of covert or overt collusion with militants in collecting the money and extortion could be taken as part of facilitating terror financing," Saika told media.

Informed sources said that eagerness among the militant groups in Assam to get their money exchanged is

more as some of them are trying to regroup themselves on a common platform.

According to Assam police, districts like Charaideo and Dibrugarh have witnessed apprehension of militants while collecting money through various means recently.

Similar cases were also witnessed in Bodo Territorial Area Districts of the state leading to the arrest of a number of militants and recovery of arms.

The militant groups currently active in the state are the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) and a number of Karbi militant outfits.

AATSA PROTEST

Bilash Dutta with his parents spired,” Bilash, a student of Physics honours at GC College told reporters.

Elaborating on the mobile application, Bilash, seated alongside his mother Anika Dey Dutta, a school teacher, said that it took him three weeks to develop the app.

“I have developed the application which will have games as well as information on tourist spots of the North East with a little bit of description on each loca-

tion covering the eight States of the region. It is still in the initial stage and I hope to complete it by 2017 so that it is available in Google play store for Android Windows and IoS systems,” Bilash mentioned.

He was quick to add that he wishes to foster the tourism prospects of the region, including Barak Valley via his application.

I never expected that my son could achieve this huge

feat. I am overwhelmed,” Anika Dey Dutta reacted, saying that Bilash’s father Bimal Dutta accompanied him to the award ceremony held recently in New Delhi.

It may be mentioned that National Innovation Foundation is a wing of the Union Department of Science and Technology, which organised a competition-cum-exhibition for the budding innovators across the country in which the awards were presented.

AATSA protest for wage increment of Rs. 300 on Sunday for daily wage tea garden workers in Jorhat today.

Photo by Nekib Ahmed

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

REST OF

Blockade in Manipur a gross violation of law : MHA warns New Delhi, Dec 13: With the indefinite blockade of highways in Manipur by a Naga group (UNC) creating crisis, the Centre on Monday warned that no one will be allowed to take the law in their hands and denounced the "illegal" action as a crime against humanity.

In a statement, the Home Ministry voiced concern over the ongoing blockade in Manipur and the consequent shortages of essential commodities faced by the people of the State.

It asked the United Naga Council (UNC) to remove the blockade, saying all contentious issues need to be settled peacefully by democratic and lawful means.

"The Government of India is firmly committed to maintaining rule of law. It considers blockades any-

The Government of India expects all to cooperate with the Government of India's resolve to both maintain rule of law and supplies of commodities to Manipur

where in India a gross violation of law and a crime against humanity causing untold suffering to countless humans. No individual or organisation will be allowed to take the law into their own hands," the Ministry said.

It is hoped that State Government will act with responsibility and maturity to ensure both maintenance of supplies to Manipur as well as social harmony. Ministry of Home Affairs will provide

additional forces to the State Government if necessary, it said. Manipur is facing an acute crisis of essential commodities and petrol due to the indefinite blockade called by the UNC in the State.

The blockade has continued for more than 40 days, bringing transportation services to a standstill due to scarcity of petrol, apart from hampering other businesses. It has adversely affected the people of Manipur, par-

P5

NORTHEAST

ticularly those living in the Valley.

The statement said that the Centre has remained committed to ensuring that the routes to Manipur are open and remain accessible to all including supplies of petroleum products, and other essential commodities including foodstuff.

Accordingly, it had placed 15 companies (around 100 personnel in each company) of Central forces stationed in

Manipur at the disposal of the State Government.

Last week, another 15 companies of Central forces were made available to the State Government to enable the State Government to have the blockade lifted.

"The Government of India expects all to cooperate with the Government of India's resolve to both maintain rule of law and supplies of commodities to Manipur," the statement said.

It also appealed to the United Naga Council to remove its illegal blockade in view of the difficulties faced by the people of Manipur. "All contentious issues need to be settled peacefully by democratic and lawful means," the statement said. (PTI)

Rio lauds N.N. Nagi School on 2nd annual day

Dimapur, Dec 13: N.N. Nagi School, located at Kuda 'A' Village, celebrated its 2nd Annual Day here on Monday with Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Rio said he was moved by the planning and commitment towards imparting quality education to children.

Rio whose granddaughter is also a student of the school remarked that the

best gift parents could give to their children was quality education.

He also commented on the Accredited Christian Education (ACE) curriculum being taught at N.N. Nagi School saying it was important to inculcate Christian ethos in the young children.

The chief guest also added that since we live in a global village, such education would equip a child to become a global citizen.

Headmistress of the

school, NingupheĂź Nagi highlighted the activities and future plans of N.N. Nagi School.

She said the school was "all about learning, not teaching." She also informed that the school would be upgraded to high school and higher secondary in the near future in a campus stretching over 27 acres that would have world-class facilities including a FIFA standard football stadium.

Retired director, Art & Culture and former CIC RTI Nagaland, Kevinino Meru rendered 'Reflection of the school'.

Proprietor, Belho Nursing Home Dimapur, Dr. T. Belho, whose grandchild studies in the school, performed 'Because He lives.'

During the function, the students performed songs, play, and recitation etc.

Earlier, the function started with invocation by pastor Kuda Village Baptist Church, Rev. M. Sakhrie.

Welcome address was delivered by school administrator, Pete Nagi.

(Agencies)

Senapati, Dec 13: The Naga people's consultation convened by the United Naga Council (UNC) at Senapati today and attended by Naga tribe councils', frontal and regional organisations, intellectuals, Church leaders, Parliamen- tarians, social leaders and members of the general public has rejected the creation of 7 new districts by the Manipur Government.

The Naga people then endorsed the executives of the United Naga Council to use all possible means towards intensifying the people's protest for safeguarding the rights, land and resources of the Naga people.

In this regard, the UNC executives in consultation with the presidential council will constitute a working committee with members from amongst senior activists.

One of the recommendations of today's consultation said, "It is the position of the Naga people that the land and people are inseparable. The people's movement was launched against the Government of Manipur's plan to bifurcate our land. The Government of Manipur 's response was to arrest our leaders treating them as criminals".

Another recommendation of the December 12 consultation sated that the declaration of 7 new districts by the Government of Manipur on December 8, 2016 on the pretext of administrative convenience without consulting the stakeholders is utter disre-

spect of the 4 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the Government of Manipur with various Naga organisations and assurance given by the Government of India and in violation of the Constitution by wilfully bypassing the Hill Area Committee.

"The Naga people condemn this as an act of administrative hegemony of the communal Government of Manipur. The creation of new districts which affect the interest, land and resource of the Naga people is therefore rejected".

The consultation also recommended that "in the sharp social divide on communal lines in the present State of Manipur where it is impossible to protect our rights, land and resources, the Congress Government of Manipur will be wholly responsible for any violence and communal clash that may take place due to the unconstitutional and arbitrary creation of new districts".

It has been the demand of the Naga people that the Government of India must expedite settlement of the Indo-Naga issue, another recommendation added.

"With the signing of the 3rd August, 2015 Framework Agreement and the progress made towards settlement of the IndoNaga issue, the communal Government of Manipur has imposed the creation of new districts to put a spanner in the peace process for political mileage

and extending its hegemonic rule over the Nagas and tribals," the consultation further recommended.

According to the Naga people, the ongoing IndoNaga dialogue and Framework Agreement are for a "settlement and it would go against this very spirit to allow the Government of Manipur to vitiate the environment for a peaceful settlement". It also stated that the Government of India "must ensure that the intensifying communal design of the Government of Manipur is not allowed to ignite the explosive situation".

It then said that the "Naga people also place the onus upon the Government of India for any eventualities that may arise from this sensitive situation while demanding immediate imposition of President Rule in the State".

Vice-president of the United Naga Council, the general secretary of United Naga Council, the president of Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO), the president of Naga People's Organisation (NPO), the president of Tangkhul Naga Long, the chairman of Zeliangrong Baudi, president of Naga Women's Union, the president of All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), the convenor (South) of Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) jointly signed the recommendations. (Agencies)

(Inset) Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio. Students performing 'Hello to all the children of the world'

NEEPCO's Monarchak Governor meets power plant starts full jail administration Nagas under UNC reject dists creation commercial generation Agartala, Dec 13: NEEPCo's Monarchak thermal power project in Sonamura subdivision has started its commercial generation and reached full generation and touched the mark of 101 MW as the steam turbine reached its optimum generation capacity on Sunday.

The commercial generation of power from Monarchak plant has started after 10 months.

After several reschedules of gas supply from ONGC, the NEEPCO started its commercial generation on November, 2015 and but, ONGC once again stopped its supply of gas on February, 2016.

After ten months ONGC once again started supply of gas from November 25, 2016 last and full potential commercial generation of power started on

December 9 from Monarchak power plant.

The Monarchak power plant has also installed solar plates in its vast plant and started generation of 5 MW power form it.

Now, its total power generation stand at 106 MW including gas turbine, stream turbine and solar plates.

Sources said that Monarchak plant on Sunday generates 35 MW power from its stream turbine and gas turbine has been generating 67 MW commercially since November 25 last.

The plant generated power from stream turbine on trial basis and the entire generated power has been acquired by Tripura State Electrical Corporation Limited (TSECL).

NEEPCO sources said NEEPCO in its

Ramchandranagar plant near Kahyerpur area of Agartala has also installed a 46 MW capacity stream turbine, which also start generation of power, which included a total 130 MW power generations from Ramchandranagar thermal power plant.

Sources added that the 101 MW combined cycle of Monarchak power plant on December 7 last started its stream turbine, after ONGC has started the supply of 0.5 MMSCMD gas to the Monarchak plant as the ONGC Tripura Power Company run Palatana power plant went off grid for a month long annual maintenance drill. The gas supply would be continued even after Palatana project resumed operation, said sources in ONGC Tripura asset.

(Agencies)

Policy will jeopardise peace process : NSCN Imphal, Dec 13 : Taking serious note of the 'incessant assault on the political and historical rights of the Nagas by the Government of Manipur backed by the Central Government,' the NSCN (IM) has today declared that this 'treacherous policy will lead to endless confrontation and will surely jeopardize the ongoing peace process.'

In a statement issued to the media today, the NSCN (IM) said that they represent the Naga people and their political aspirations and therefore take full responsibility of their well being and protection.

Stating that the Nagas have come to the negotiating table with the honest intention to sincerely resolve the decades old conflict, the NSCN said that it was in this line that the Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015.

However despite the serious negotiation and the significant progress, the declaration of disturbed areas in the hill areas of Manipur and sending the Central forces to Naga areas has taken the Nagas totally by surprise, said NSCN (IM).

"Is this a sign of sincerity or seeking peaceful political situation ? We are compelled to ask this question

to the Government of India,' added the NSCN (IM).

"We conclude that the Central Government and the Government of Manipur are deliberately joining hands to divide and suppress the Naga people.

This treacherous policy will lead to endless confrontation and will surely jeopardise the ongoing peace process," declared NSCN (IM).

"The creation of seven new districts on December 8 out of Naga areas or slicing Naga areas to other districts in Manipur is not only disrespecting the authority of the Indian State that is on talks with the NSCN/GPRN but it shall be construed as a communal threat to the Naga people," further said the outfit.

Taking pot shots at Chief Minister O Ibobi, NSCN (IM) said that it has seriously taken the agenda of Chief Minister O Ibobi to communalise the vote banks of the Nagas on the one side and the Meiteis and Kukis on the other side.

"It is a deliberate conspiracy to gain political mileage because of the impending 2017 election in Manipur," further said NSCN (IM).

Fully endorsing the protest

of the Naga people under the aegis of the United Naga Council, NSCN (IM) said that the 'sinister attempt of Ibobi Singh to divide the Nagas in Manipur by dislocating and weakening them in different districts shall not be accepted by the Naga people.'

The Nagas have been defending their lands, population and politics through blood and tears over the centuries and this will remain as the tallest call to the very last soul of Nagas, declared the NSCN (IM).

Slamming the arrest of UNC president Gaidon Kamei and publicity secretary SK Stephen, NSCN (IM) said that the Government of India must initiate sincere and positive steps for the unconditional release of the UNC leaders and withdraw all Central forces and initiate political dialogue with the UNC and the Naga people.

The Nagas will not accept any form of imposition or division of land in the name of administrative convenience or development or any other hidden agenda, said the statement and added that 'this kind of policy by the Government of India is too treacherous.

Nagas will not accept nor will they bow down come what may.' (Agencies)

Nagaland governor, PB Acharya Dimapur, Dec 13: Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, who convened a meeting with various departments including the advocate general of Nagaland to discuss about the jail administration in the state, has directed all responsible departments to ensure that under-trial prisoners were not kept in jails for prolong periods. According to PRO Raj Bhavan, Acharya also directed the concerned departments to work out the modalities where petty criminals or criminals involved in

minor crimes could be released at the earliest and also to provide legal aid to all criminals who cannot afford lawyers. Asserting that welfare of prisoners and their physical and mental health were very important, Acharya therefore suggested providing sports and games facilities to the prisoners. Meanwhile, governor also called for opening Jan Dhan Yoajana and one rupee premium insurance for all prisoners.

(Agencies)

AAP slams BJP 'double standard' Shillong, Dec 13: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has slammed the alleged double standard of the BJP and expressed serious doubt over the claims of the party that it will form the next government in the State.

Speaking to media persons here on Monday, AAP state legal cell secretary Peter A Dohkrut said that the BJP often claims itself to be a secular party but its actions do not reflect the same. "The banning of beef in several parts of the

country is testimony to this fact," he said. Stating that though the saffron party boasts of fighting corruption, it is inducting people who were part of a "corrupt government" into the party fold.

Meanwhile, Dohkrut informed that the constitution of the AAP binds anybody who joins the party to file affidavits that if they break the rules, they will be asked to voluntary resign from the party.

(Agencies)

Rich tributes paid to Nupi Lan heroines Imphal, Dec 13: Manipuris though small in number were known for their valour and they could fight unto death for truth and this was exemplified by the Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939, asserted Chief Minister O Ibobi.

He was speaking as chief guest at the 77th Nupi Lan anniversary held today at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex here where Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam was also seated on the dais as functional president.

The present generation can never overlook the heroic struggles of Manipuri women against British colonial rulers, said the Chief Minister.

"We must salute all those brave mothers who fought without any arms against injustice done to the people of Manipur by British colonial rulers", Ibobi stated.

Manipur is now a full fledged State and there is a

Manipur is now a full fledged State and there is a democratically elected Government. democratically elected Government. The best option to raise a demand or resolve an issue is through dialogue, without resorting to any form of violence, continued the Chief Minister.

He also expressed keen desire to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue rather than rais-

ing impractical or impossible demands which only bred untold misery to the public.

He also appealed to all the people to follow the footsteps of those brave mothers of Nupi Lan era in order to bring uniform development, peace, stability, harmony and unity in the State.

In his speech, Gaikhangam remarked that Manipuri women have been taking pro-active roles in trade and commerce activities, domestic works, grooming children and many other socio-economic and political issues.

The historic Nupi Lans signified Manipuri people's stiff opposition to repressive and exploitative measures of feudalism and colonialism.

"It is the bounden duty of all us to pay deep respects to all those brave, selfless mothers and follow their footsteps", Gaikhangam exhorted.

He also expressed keen desire to observe the Nupi Lan anniversary in a grander and more elaborate manner.

Later, Khongjom War Memorial Society's play Nupi Lan was also staged.

Led by Chief Minister O

Ibobi, Ministers, MLAs, high ranking officials and students paid floral tributes to the Nupi Lan statue.

Students of Shree Shree Bal Vidya Mukunda Dev Government Music College also presented a song eulogising the historic Nupi Lan. The 77th anniversary of Nupi Lan was also observed at Gouranagar Sanskrit Ved Vidyalaya, Hojai district Assam under the aegis of the All Assam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (AAAMPL), Hojai district committee.

Offering of floral tributes to the Nupi Lan patriots was the main feature of the commemorative function.

Hojai AC MLA Shiladitya Dev and AAAMPL Hojai district committee president Thokchom Thoibi Devi graced the function as chief guest and president respectively. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Today's quote

“

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

– Bernard M. Baruch

Beyond the court's remit In its recent order banning liquor sale and consumption in three districts in the State, the Uttarakhand High Court has drifted outside the confines of law and entered the domain of morals and desired behaviour. The court has crossed its legal remit by extending a government policy of prohibiting liquor outlets in the vicinity of places of worship, to cover Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi from April 2017. It has also banned tobacco products within a five-km radius of three gurdwaras. The court has assumed the power to make regulations on its own even after observing that the State government "has taken laudable measures to prohibit the sale of liquor in specified areas". The petitioner had not sought any such ban. The court has used a petition challenging the grant of a bar licence at a location near Haridwar as an opportunity to moralise on the evils of drink.

Ironically, the Division Bench has found no illegality in the grant of licence as the bar concerned is situated outside the municipal limits where the prohibition operates. However, it has clothed itself with the power to give "sanctity" to the government order that prohibits liquor in the vicinity of the Char Dham (four holy shrines) by clamping judicial prohibition in the whole of the three districts.

The court has cited Article 47 of the Constitution, which says it is the duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living of the people and improve public health, and to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs. In general, courts refrain from enforcing Directive Principles, though some judicial decisions are based on combining their underlying goals with aspects of Fundamental Rights. The Bench cites several judgments that hold that engaging in the liquor business is not a Fundamental Right. However, these precedents invariably arise from challenges to government policies regulating or prohibiting the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol. In fact, earlier this year the Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition seeking a nationwide ban on alcohol, observing that this was a matter of policy into which it cannot venture. It is one thing to cite constitutional goals to justify state action against liquor or drugs; it is quite another to cite them as a justification for judicial directions. Earlier this year the Supreme Court cautioned judges against assuming powers based on individual perceptions or notions. Howsoever noble an idea may be, courts should be wary of making rules on their own, as it would amount to transgressing into the policy domain.

Turkey's derailed war on terror Turkey is facing a multi-dimensional security crisis. Its forces are deployed on two battlefronts - in the southeast, where most of the country's 15 million Kurds live, to fight the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK); and in Syria to face off threats from the Islamic State (IS) as well as Kurdish rebels. But these operations have hardly helped the country secure its cities from terror attacks, as seen in Saturday's blasts in Istanbul that killed 44 people, mostly police officers. The attack has been claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), a splinter group of the PKK, which said they were taking revenge for the ongoing military operation in the southeast and the continuing imprisonment of Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK leader.

The unrelenting terror attacks over the past few years show that something is wrong with law enforcement and security arrangements in Turkey, a country otherwise known for functional institutions and a tough security regime, or a deep state. Even at the height of the civil war with the PKK, violence was largely confined to the southeast. So what went wrong for Ankara? Part of the problem was the reckless handling of foreign policy and internal security by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The IS grew in strength under the watch of the Erdogan government which, driven by its hostility towards the Syrian regime, looked away as its border was being used by the jihadists. By the time Turkey started focussing on the IS, it was too late. It could still have launched a coordinated, focussed campaign against the IS. Instead, the government abandoned a peace process initiated with the PKK and opened another front.

Over the past year, the Turkish security forces have turned several cities in the southeast such as Diyarbakir into battle zones. This exposes Ankara's security dilemma: whatever it does to defeat the Kurdish militancy is deepening the crisis further. Even the ties between the TAK and the PKK are in dispute. Though the TAK calls Mr. Ocalan its leader, it has severed organisational ties with the PKK saying the latter's "passive struggle methods" are not acceptable. But Ankara is going after every Kurdish organisation whenever the TAK carries out an attack, mostly on security personnel. In recent months, many Kurdish politicians, including Selahattin Demirtas, leader of the largest Kurdish political party, the People's Democratic Party, were arrested. There is a dangerous pattern in Turkey's approach towards these security challenges. On the one side it is complacent in the fight against the IS, perhaps because of its geopolitical calculations; on the other, it is using collective punishment tactics to deal with the Kurdish militancy. The current security situation will vouch for this policy's failure.

EDITORIAL

P6

Innovation CSR application in the Supply Chain Business Pranjal Kumar Phukan Executive Summary In general, the known four traditional arguments are the moral argument, the license-tooperate argument, the sustainability argument, and finally the reputation argument. While acknowledging that these are solid arguments in support of CSR, the article further argues that another solid reason for pursuing a strategic CSR program is that it could lead to innovation in an industry. The article highlights the value chain analysis that we have developed to tackle the suppliers' issues, risk to society, business risk and risk to economic development showing how it has led to innovations that are not only helping the company, but also addressing the societal issue at a regional and national level, while also making our business safer and more profitable in the medium to long term. In conclusion, the article argues that CSR should not just be considered an expense, but rather an inSegmenting the Supply Chain Segmentation allows companies to focus on the most critical elements of the supply chain. Good segmentation is a balance between acknowledging that some risk will always exist but that specific risks need to be addressed to avoid negative impacts to the business and to society.

I along with my team effectively segmented its supply chain with translation of risks to types of suppliers. Being a chemical company we have found that many of its highest risks are focused on the raw minerals that are used in manuExpanding market access By engaging in communitysupport programs, we are able to connect with our target consumer and establish relationships with key business partners in the local market. These CSR programs help guide business decision-making processes by acquainting us with cultural norms in the host community and enabling better assessment of public expectations. The insight gained helps ensure that we gets recognized as a good corporate citizen within the community. We have also found that community involvement reduces local regulatory obstacles, provides access to the local political process, generates positive media coverage, and increases access to markets for their products and services.

Intermediate producers are becoming more sensitive to and aware of CSR. If they choose not to adopt and implement basic CSR policies, they may lose markets. By embracing CSR, on the other hand, supply chain contractors can differentiate themselves and possibly attract new clients. Suppliers can reduce obsolete inventory, cut delivery time and streamline management systems, but adjusting supply chains to implement CSR policies is trickier. The concept of supply-chain innovation can be extended to include CSR. Supply chains are constantly being reviewed/updated to optimize costs and performance.

Therefore implementation of CSR policies have been given consideration at the stage of our supply chain planning.

Most studies only address implementation of CSR practices at the level of first-tier suppliers in global supply chains. But we have taken the challenge to enable more suppliers to implement CSR standards more easily and to monitor compliance beyond the first level of intermediaries.

By making CSR products competitively priced and available at our local outlets Pan India, We are addressing some of the constraints that have made consumers reluctant to shift on a larger scale to "green" products, while at the same time capturing attention and consumer loyalty.

Many suppliers operate on thin margins and short-term business horizons. Com-

vestment for the benefit of the society.

Introduction According to the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary (2007), innovation means "the introduction of something new" or "a new idea, method, or device: novelty." Therefore, perhaps the most interesting and difficult - part of integrating CSR initiatives to achieve innovation is the very nature of the enterprise itself. After all, innovation implies discovery and history has shown that many of the most important contributions to science and medicine have been accidental.

Therefore, an innovation that could satisfy the needs of the local community represents such an opportunity for using CSR to a company's advantage, again providing that the otherwise strictly altruistic nature of the enterprise is not lost on the company's consumers and potential consumers. Commu-

nication is the key here.

Innovative companies are thinking and acting in terms of a 'triple-bottom-line' ethic, which goes well beyond the drive to maximize shareholder value by incorporating environmental quality and social justice considerations into their business decisions. To refuse the challenge implied by the triple-bottom-line is to risk extinction".

come out with new, innovative products that out-pace most of their competitors. In order to better understand how major companies have been able to successfully innovate as a result of their commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility let us look at the case of the Polymer industry located in the remotest location of India.

Companies that have sustainable policies tend to be technological leaders, as they seek imaginative new methods for reducing pollution and increasing efficiency. In many cases, these companies are able to

Innovation and Supply Chain business BCPL, a highly sophisticated Petrochemical with a global reach, was commissioned in February 2016 for producing High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Linear Low Density

Myself as head of supply chain and member of CSR team have started realizing new commercial opportunities through factoring in market change considerations throughout its business - what the company calls its "operations and the value chain" work. With energy prices continuing to rise, and market competition change routinely at the top of the business agenda, we have recognized the growing market for technology that reduces costs and quality impacts.

Other risks are strategic such as supply chain strategy doesn't account for the scarcity

of resources that are essential to the operations - like hydrocarbons - then the organization actually undermining the company's long-term success.

Therefore, we have taken care of another strategic risk area by taking up CSR efforts which are essential to attracting millennials to the company and to supply chain roles. This action is based on research which shows that institutional investors - the firms that may be the organization's biggest shareholders - know that companies are running complex, global supply chains in a volatile, resource-constrained world.

They want assurance from us that we are making choices in supply chain that account for ESG risks and position those companies for long-term success.

At BCPL, we describe supply chain transformation and maturity journeys as opportunities to gain an "outside-in" perspective and get closer to the customer. The goals are to gain insight and add supply chain capabilities that enable us to create shared value. Although CSR conversations may start with focus on concerns about risks, they lead to really innovative ideas for new products, new differentiating processes and new market opportunities.

address potential business ethics, labour and business continuity concerns. Some risks, such as greenhouse gas emissions, packaging waste and environmental management in logistics and transportation are common to our industry, and depending on the scale of activity, requires innovative interventions.

In order to address environmental, health and safety impacts throughout the company's supply chain, we have started a programme to enable knowledge and best practice sharing with suppliers. A detailed questionnaire was sent to all suppliers. This provided the basis for understanding the current an obligation to contribute to community needs. While it may be challenging for corporate leaders to make a coherent argument for how philanthropic activities contribute to a company's business strategy, in general these activities enhance a firm's reputation in the

processes in the supply chain and the level of the environmental challenges, such as effects of irresponsible waste disposal. Suppliers were then categorized as follows:

ØSupplier with non-process or/and non-dangerous operations with EMS/OHSAS certification

Ø Supplier with hazardous process and dangerous operations with no EMS/OHSAS certification

Suppliers in categories A & B were determined to be top priorities for the company's continuous improvement programme.

quired standard in areas identified as per the requirements.

Where control of CSR initiatives cost is a priority, on-site monitoring is made by external independent monitoring firms which reduces costs by streamlining the travel and maintenance of large internal departments of company auditors.

Indeed, we have successful in implementing externally imposed codes of conduct. We made sure of zero child and forced labour, and gave priority to fulfilling an order according to the requirements of time, cost and quality with adequate amount of patience for CSR policies regarding standard working hours, overtime facilities, and support to workers who aims to form unions in spite of intense competition and time pressures.

local community and provide a degree of insulation from unanticipated risks.

sources to its Women development program to provide business and management skills to underserved women.

Philanthropic giving through CSR to sustain supply chain business Corporate philanthropy may be characterized as the "soul" of a company, expressing the social and environmental priorities of its founders, executive management and employees, exclusive of any profit or direct benefit to the company.

Within privately held companies, the values of the controlling owners often determine the company's philanthropic priorities, while charitable endeavors for publicly held companies may be influenced by boards of directors and executive management. Within this theatre a business engages in CSR because it is a good thing to do, motivated by the logic that since the corporation is an integral part of society it has

Focusing on the philanthropic initiatives, we have supported through NGO foundations for early childhood education program and initiatives to train and support women entrepreneurs in downstream plastic industries. Both CSR efforts are a direct expression of the companies' respective business strategies. With $150 million in funding for over a five-year period, we intend to provide critical school readiness resources to underserved populations of the locality where we operates, in turn creating stronger communities, potential future employees and BCPL brand loyalty. Furthermore, by integrating the child education program into our management training and employee volunteer programs, we have created a broad corporate commitment

facturing the products. Therefore we have focused on our supply chain sustainability programme at the base of its supply chain programme.

Other highest risks occur dur-

ing transportation of hazardous chemicals when the integrity of its quality, safety and storage might be at risk. We therefore make it mandatory for its logistics suppliers to

pounded by low barriers to entry in labor-intensive industries leading to overcapacity in the supply chain, and the high costs involved in adopting different codes of conduct for different clients, they are often wary of CSR. While some supply chain partners are beginning to appreciate the opportunities for greater market access provided by CSR, most are sellers of intermediate or generic final goods (where CSR compliance is not a visible attribute associated with their own brand) and hence are less likely to feel threatened by challenges to their reputation for non-compliance with codes.

develop longer-term relations with a smaller number of suppliers.

One way we have addressed the potentially high costs to small producers of participation in CSR initiatives is for industry associations by assuming some of those costs on behalf of their members. Progressive industry participants have shown an interest in such schemes to the extent that they can limit the risk of negative publicity spillovers from less responsible industry participants. Our industry has developed an industry-wide program aimed to prevent child labour and exploitation of weaker sections of the society.

Monitoring Supply Chain CSR The outsourcing trend has stretched supply chains around the globe. The different players in the supply chain are at different tiers in the process, and each has different capabilities and incentives to implement a given MNC's CSR program, making management of the supply chain increasingly intricate. Management aside, the issue becomes complex due to the pressure from multiple stakeholders requiring the corporation to be more responsible through the lifecycle of the product. The pressure from some quarters is to ensure a sustainable product lifecycle, from environmental and social impacts arising from material extraction and manufacturing, to product use and disposal. This is a challenging task that requires additional company investment.

Monitoring suppliers from around the world requires significant financial and human resources. Partly as a response to CSR pressures, but partly also for competitiveness reasons, the overall trend is to collapse the supply chain and

Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Poly-Propylene (PP). The company bases its business model on innovation driven by science and technology and because of this the company's response to latest methods in manufacturing and operations and the direction that its innovation is taking is instructive.

According to our website, company's "vision is to emerge as a dominant petrochemical player in the northeast region, providing value to stakeholders, offering best-in class products & services, contributing to economic growth while remaining environmentally conscious".

We are monitoring our supply chain by using a self-assessment questionnaire. We then works collaboratively with suppliers to achieve the re-

We have contributed $110 million annually to a variety of environmental, educational and humanitarian organizations through company and NGO Foundation. Other examples of in-kind giving includes donations of computers, books and white boards for class rooms through our welfare societies.

We also contributed through cash funding, in-kind donations provide important, and often critical, goods and services to nonprofit organizations and needy local populations. Such types of philanthropic giving has reflected our core competencies and business priorities, as illustrated by our regular social obligations.

Ø Supplier with hazardous process or/and dangerous operations with EMS/OHSAS certification ØSupplier with non-hazardous process or/and non-dangerous operations with no EMS/ OHSAS certification to the initiative. In keeping with the organization's global view of economic growth, our internal team honed in on the idea of expanding the benefits of globalization to other underdeveloped regions of the state.

Our company also devotes significant amount of CSR re-

Organizing for strategy development of CSR Ideally, well-managed CSR creates social and environmental value, while supporting a company's business objectives and reducing operating costs, and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders and customers. It has become imperative of us to establish a CSR unit whose primary responsibility is to coordinate and integrate initiatives in all three areas in which our company is engaged in, even if responsibility for the various initiatives remains dispersed throughout the company. This CSR unit, however, headed by a person who has senior management rank and holds the position as his/her primary responsibility.

It is mandatory for our CSR offices which is headed by managers to devote on CSR and no other corporate responsibilities is being assigned to him, such as head of Human Resources or Operations. The remaining professionals devote devotes primarily to their functions, leading supply-chain initiatives, and their remaining hours are spent on supervising and managing CSR initiatives.

This highlights our commitment to the strategic aspects of CSR with well-crafted and implemented company-wide CSR vision with our senior manager, and his/her staff, committed to and focused on this priority.

We have organized our suppliers by control level. Suppliers are categorized into five levels depending on their impact on the company's CSR initiatives and ability to sustain production.

Benefits of CSR in Supply Chain networks We have got the results due to collaborations resulting in reduced packaging, joint recycling of parts and components, and process changes that reduce the use of hazardous materials. Also the results have shown in past that it has led to reduction in transaction costs and improvements in our to supplier manufacturing performance. Our involvement in CSR collaborative arrangements has also enhanced our competitive urge and profitability. CSR has potentially decreased our production inefficiencies, reduced cost and risks and at the same time allowing us to increase sales as a result of low costs, lower risk and becoming more profitable day by day.

Indicative potential performance gains from CSR activities that we pursued continually have resulted in cost savings, reputation risk mitigation and increased market penetration. In contrary to the notion that companies see CSR as a means for damage control or public relations, we are increasingly realizing that CSR activities offer opportunities to create value to us. Falck and Heblich (2007) as cited by Cruz and Wakolbinger (2008) indicate that the practice of CSR "is an investment in the company's future, as such, it must be planned specifically, supervised carefully, and evaluated regularly". Kogg and Mont (2012) also concur when they stated that sustainability issues have resulted in a shift of focus by companies from own operations to improving the performance of the supply chains.

We have found that sustainable supply chains has resulted in productivity improvement and innovation which are achieved by examining processes up and down the supply chain to increase material conversion, to increase energy efficiency, and to look for ways to convert waste into useful by-products.

It is to be pointed out that due to the fact that sustainable issues result in integrated supply chains, we are able to mitigate the debilitating effects of supply chain dynamics such as the bullwhip effect by developing efficient flow of information and materials up and down the supply chain.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

TRAVEL & TOURISM

P7

10 Road Trips from Guwahati To Most Surreal Places In The North-East!

Arundhati Roy

North-East India, has recently come under the spotlight, thanks to the innumerable blogs and travelogues that has been lately coming up related to this humble region. I know many of you dream of doing a tour of the North-East but aren't sure about how to go with it. Well, don't worry!

There are more than a dozen places that you definitely need to check out…infact every place is mysteriously beautiful to the eyes, but we have managed to jot down a list of 10 places that you definitely need to check out on your next trip to 'heaven'!

Since the Assamese city of Guwahati is the most accessible of all the places, it is suggested to plan your trips from Guwahati.

Kaziranga The only home of one horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is merely 225 kms away from Guwahati city which can be covered on a 4 ½ hours' drive. A beautiful national park, covered in greenery Kaziranga can be considered to be an option for a night-stay in the nature lap, away from the city.

Several resorts are also available for this purpose. The road is comfortably made with 4 lanes and is dotted with many food joints and dhabas for your pit stops. Along with rhinoceros, you can also spot tigers, elephants, buffaloes, etc. You can further take a 2 hours' drive from Kazinranga to Sibasagar town, which is the ancient Ahom kingdom and get a glimpse of the rich history of Assam.

Majuli The world's largest river island deserves a mention int his list for the obvious purposes. This heavenly adobe can be reached from Guwahati by two ways: One is by Neematighat (Jorhat, Assam) and then by ferry service from there to Majuli

which takes about an hour's time. Other is via Lakhimpur (Assam), which is somewhat taxing because of longer route. Since the former one is a better idea, we would suggest you to take that route.

This island is home to the

river Brahmaputra which flows through the heart of Assam. Majuli can be still considered to be a virgin spot among the tourist places in India and a road trip (along with a 'river' trip) to this mesmerizing place needs to be visited before the commercialization sets in.

Cherrapunjee via Shillong A trip from Guwahati to the abode of clouds, that is, Shillong can be achieved only in 2 ½ hours which covers a distance of 100 kms. The well developed 4 lane highway to Shillong starting from Khanapara is a delight for drivers and back-seaters alike. A snack stop at Nongphu is a must and there are several stalls on the way which sell deli-

Tawang A trip to the lap of nature, nestling in the valleys of Arunachal Pradesh is something that one should experience once in a lifetime! A drive from Guwahati city would take approximately 14 hours covering a distance of 566 kilometers. The drive, although a little rough, can be eased into by stopping over at Dirang which is an attractive valley town on the way. If not Dirang, then you can also make a pit stop at Tezpur and enjoy some of the cultural history of Assam with several ruins dotting the place.

When in Tawang, you would not want to miss the mountains and morning prayers. Tawang is truly the home of Buddhist cultural marvels in the North-East. A perfect opportunity for photographers, the Guwahati-Tawang drive will make you go gaga over the beauty of North-East!

Dawki The distance from Guwahati to the ancient trade route border town of Dawki is 195 kms which would take you approx 4 hours to cover. The splendid drive covers a beautiful spread of deep gorges and

Darjeeling The road to Darjeeling is of 491 kms and would easily take you more than 6

ravines and is an extremely thrilling experience! The Umngot River in Dawki is an attraction and is possibly India's cleanest river!

The water is so clear that you can never find out its depth unless you look very

cious pineapples and locally made pickles of various kinds. .

When you do reach Shillong, make sure to walk around the town at most times since it is the best option. The road going downhill and uphill simultaneously makes up for the unique experience of the city.

A further drive up to Cherrapunjee covers 53 kms but once you're on

the road, you will realise why the state of Meghalaya is called the abode of clouds. Bridges welcome you with a cool breeze and clouds covering your way ahead. It is mystifying to see such a heavenly place exist amid us. Beautiful landscapes cross you on your way which includes pasture lands, cliffs, forests and yes waterfalls too! This place is one to be definitely visited!

closely. The annual boat racing also takes place on this river during Spring time.

Once you're here, you'll automatically feel like you have been dropped into the nature's arms and you'd never want to leave it behind!

hours of drive. But hold on to it, because it is going to be one of the best experiences of your life, with roads covered in mists, you'll feel like you've reached heaven.

Ziro Ziro can be reached from Guwahati within 9 hours 17 minutes which covers a distance of 464 kms. The road changes between different land-

India-Burma border This is perhaps one of the most daring road trips to take on. A place called Jairampur needs to be

reached before the IndoBurma border and the drive to Jairampur can be made on the NH 153 throughout the year. Through Jairampur, one can reach the Pangsau Pass on the border. The dis-

scapes and provides a breath-taking view with a pleasantly surprising change of air as well.The roads beautifully ascend up on hilly roads and the drive to Ziro is definitely an exciting one!

The Ziro valley is in Arunachal Pradesh and has a spectacular view of the mountains! The layered landscapes of ricefields and rivers present a picture which is worthy of a postcard.

take 554.7 kms. Some of the roads are critical and dangerous but the fun to drive on them is double the fear. 8 kms away from Gangtok, you can reach a place called Tashi which provides a spectacular view of the

s n o w - p e a k e d Kanchenjunga, for the sunrise where you can see the peaks dazzling with changing colours. A beautiful destination for nature lovers, Gangtok will leave you spellbound.

tance that needs to covered is 578 kms which would take an 11 hourss drive. It is one of the most underestimated road trips but if one has the will to go for it, then there is nothing like it.

Thailand Not very far, in 2016, if you find yourself driving from Guwahati to Imphal and Moreh via Dimapur, you will actually be driving on the Asian Highway (AH 1) which is a part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway that will connect Moreh to Mae Sot in Thailand, via Mandalay and Yangon in Myanmar.

If you do decide to take the roadtrip, it would take 14 days to cover the 4,500 km once-in-alifetime drive! You will undoubtedly experience a beautiful shift in the landscapes as it changes from Assam to Meghalaya to Myanmar and eventually to Thailand. This road trip should be number 1 on your 'road trip list'!

Gangtok There are two ways to reach Gangtok from Guwahati: one is through NH 31C which takes 528.8 kms and the other is through NH 37 and NH 31C which would

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Less loan distribution in Muslim areas, says Owaisi Mumbai, Dec 13 : Attacking the Modi government over demonetisation, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that adequate bank network was missing from Muslim areas. “In many Muslim areas, banks are not present in the manner they should be. The proportion of loan distribution is also less (compared to other areas),” Owaisi said, after a meeting at Udgir in Latur district of Marathwada region on Monday.“ATMs are not there. This is what is happening. People in the entire country are facing prob-

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. (File) lems,” he said.

“ATMs in Muslim-dominated areas were not functioning. If a bank is open

(in Muslim areas), it is declared ‘red zone’,” the MP from Hyderabad further said.

Protest over detention of 12 for disrespecting national anthem Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 13 : A group of persons on Tuesday staged a protest in front of a theatre here, protesting police taking into custody 12 persons for being ‘disrespectful’ to the National Anthem at cinemas screening movies of the International Film Festival of Kerala.

“The national anthem is not a digital song. National flag is not an audio visual. Cinema is primarily an entertainment. Cinema hall is a place to sell entertainment,” a placard held by protesters at Tagore Theatre, the main venue of the ongoing festival, said.

“Please don’t degrade my national anthem,” another placard said.

“We love Bharat. Nationalism cannot be imposed,” the protesters said.

In two separate cases, 12 persons were on Monday taken into custody (AFP) Read: National anthem in cinema halls not real test of patriotism In two separate cases, 12 persons were taken into custody for being disrespectful to the national anthem in theatres connected to the festival on Monday night.

They refused to stand up while the national anthem was being played, police said, adding, cases under IPC section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) had been registered.

Those arrested were later released on bail, they said.

Rahul, Chidambaram step up attack on govt over demonetization PTI Nagpur, Dec 13 : Congress today unleashed a dual attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over note ban woes with Rahul Gandhi accusing him of "waging a war" against the poor by rendering them "cashless" and P Chidambaram calling it a "biggest scam" of the year that needed to be probed.

Flagging the impact of demonetisation on the ground, Chidambaram dubbed it as a "thoughtless move", "the worst assault" on the poor and worse than natural calamity for them while Gandhi said Modi's vision of a cashless economy has rendered the poor "cashless", robbing them of their hard- earned money.

Before banning high-value notes, Chidambaram said Modi should at least have consulted his "own man" Yashwant Sinha, a former union finance minister, so that the "monumental mismanagement" could have been avoided.

Taking a vox-pop-style referendum on

demonetisation among people standing in a bank queue in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi charged that the announcement by Modi on November 8 has enabled the conversion of black money into white.

The Congress Vice President alleged that the NDA government has "blocked" the money of the poor through currency ban to favour a "handful of industrialists" and to recapitalise banks that have extended loans worth "Rs 8 lakh crore" to them.

Addressing a gathering at a wholesale market, Gandhi said, "The Prime Minister has brought honest people on the streets while the rich and the corrupt are taking money through the backdoor of banks.

"It was done to ensure that the poor deposit their money in the banks, which will be used to repay the debt of around Rs 8 lakh crore owed by these industrialists to the banks.

Modiji wants the money of the poor to remain in

UP polls: Uma Bharti refuses to comment on being in CM race

SP favouring a tie-up proves its in bad shape in UP: Mayawati

BSP supremo Mayawati PTI Lucknow, Dec 13 : Taking a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav favouring an alliance for the coming Assembly elections, BSP supremo Mayawati today said it proves that ruling Samajwadi Party is in a very bad shape in the state.

"SP had transferred its vote in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to BJP after which its (SPs) condition has been very bad and this is the reason as to why the Chief Minister has been

repeatedly talking about an alliance," a BSP release quoting Mayawati said here.

"It needs to be pondered seriously as to why the chief minister who fought the 2012 Assembly polls alone feels the need for an alliance in the coming elections," she said.

Mayawati said Akhileshs statement on ticket distribution in SP also indicated that the ongoing tussle in his party is far from over and Muslims should not waste their votes on SP.

Akhilesh has said, "Tickets are changed till last moment. We will only field those who can win elections. I will give my suggestions and advice on Assembly tickets to the party president."

Vote to SP would eventually help BJP which has forced hardships on the people through its "immature decision" on demonetisation, she said.

The BSP president reminded the SP leadership that though her party failed to win a single seat in the last Lok Sabha polls, it emerged as the third biggest party after BJP and Congress on the basis of votes percentage.

Continuing her attack on the Centre over demonetisation, Mayawati asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers to themselves go among the people to see their plight.

"They need to review their decision or else people will punish them for this action of theirs when the time comes," she warned.

Modi, Sonia, Manmohan pay tribute to martyrs of 2001 Parliament attack

PM Narendra Modi, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders pay homage to the martyrs of 2001 Parliament attack. (Photo: PIB) New Delhi, Dec 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other parliamentarians today paid tributes to the martyrs of the 2001 attack on Parliament.

Along with Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, former

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla, and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien, were among those who paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

Congress leaders Ghulam

P8

NATION

Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma, BJP MP Satyanarain Jatiya were among other members who attended a solemn ceremony held in the premises of Parliament on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the attack. he Prime Minister also met some of the martyr's family members who were present. The Parliamentarians also observed silence in the honour of the martyrs.

On December 13, 2001, five heavily-armed gunmen stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire, killing nine persons.

The martyrs included five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) official, two Parliament watch and ward staff, and a gardener.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Uma Bharti.

PTI Bhopal, Dec 13 : Union Minister and senior BJP leader Uma Bharti today parried questions on her prospects of becoming a contender for the Chief ministerial post in Uttar Pradesh but expressed confidence of her party forming the government in the state, which is going to polls next year.

"I can't comment about the claim on the chief minister's post but the BJP is surely going to form a government there," Bharti said when asked about reports of being the claimant for the top post in UP. The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation was talking to journalists after offering prayers at Ganesha temple at Sehore, about 55-kilometers from here.

In reply of another query about Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's 'Narmada Sewa Yatra,' Bharti said that this campaign would save the future of this river.

"Mining has been the biggest impediment in the conservation of Narmada.

A mining ban on the banks of Narmada would naturally conserve and save this river," she added.

Bharti said she would extend all possible help to the state government in the campaign to conserve Narmada river.

"Narmada has been the cleanest river of the country.

After Chouhan's efforts, the river would continue to be free of pollution.

Plantation on both sides of the river would further beautify it," she added.

Man held for keeping pets at his house sans permission PTI Mumbai, Dec 13 : A 36-year-old man was arrested for allegedly keeping pets in his residence without permission in suburban Jogeshwari, police said today.

Acting on complaint filed by an NGO, police recently raided the house of the person. He was found in possession of two monitor lizards and squirrel, a senior police official said.

The monitor lizards and

squirrel were found to be in good health. The person had kept them as pets but did not have necessary permissions and so he was apprehended, said the officer.

A case under section 9 (prohibition of hunting), 39 (protection of specified wild animal), 40 (certificate of ownership) and 44 (dealings in animal articles without licence prohibited) of the Wild Life Protection Act was registered in this regard, he said, adding a probe was on.

Rahul Gandhi the banks for the next six to eight months," he said.

Gandhi said the measure will "injure" the country.

He also accused the Prime Minister of shifting goalposts over the issue by listing the objective of the measures ranging from unearthing black money to curbing counterfeit currency.

"Only 2 paise out of Rs 100 is counterfeit. Two days after Modiji made the announcement, terrorists, after they were slain, were found having new currency. Then he says he

will make the economy cashless. He has made it cashless indeed, with the poor having no cash," he said.

Chidambaram while terming the exercise as "absurd" and "thoughtless" in a scathing attack on the Modi government sought to know how many economies in the world are cashless.

"This is the worst assault on the poor in the country.

Demonetisation has broken the back of 45 crore people. It is punishing the

poor. I see no rich man affected by the ban," the Congress leader told a press meet in Nagpur.

"Daily wagers are out of work. Village markets and mandis have been shut for the last 30 days " Chidambaram said.

"World over small transactions are done in cash not by cards. To assume that India will go from 3 per cent to 100 per cent cashless in a matter of a few months, is an outlandish expectation," the former union finance minister said.

It was an illusion that demonetisation was created to hurt the rich and help the poor, he said.

Highlighting the woes of the people in remote areas, he said, "The pain in rural areas is indescribable."

The Congress leader while seeking a thorough probe by the SIT on the matter said that recent cash seizures in Rs 2,000 notes across the country point to the "biggest scam" arising out of the note ban.

Manohar Parrikar Defends Goa CM For Sacking MGP State ministers Panaji, Dec 13 : Backing Laxmikant Parsekar's decision to sack two Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party ministers from Goa Cabinet, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said they were ousted for not having trust in the Chief Minister.

"I feel that it is immoral to be in the Cabinet and make statement against the Chief Minister. They were sacked because they had no trust in the Chief Minister," Parrikar told reporters, following the removal of MGP ministers Sudin Dhavalikar and Dipak Dhavalikar from the state Cabinet.

Sudin recently accused Parsekar of taking the state 10 years backward during his two-and-half year rule.

"The action against the ministers has been taken by the Chief Minister under article 161 (1) of Indian Constitution. We as a party support the decision of the Chief Minister," Parrikar said.

He also said BJP's alliance with MGP in the state is continued and both the ministers were relieved from the Cabinet post as "they had no faith in the Chief Minister".

"The alliance with MGP is continued. What has happened (sacking of Dhavalikar) is a part of government's process, at party-level the alliance is on. The recent developments are hindrance to the alliance but it is not a deadlock," the former state chief minister said.

File photo of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

(GETTY IMAGES)

"From our side we have not terminated the proposal of the alliance, they can send the proposal and we will respond appropriately," he said.

Referring to the demand of MGP to replace Parsekar with any other leader to have pre-poll alliance talks, Parrikar said, "If it had not come through media we would have definitely discussed.

There are many issues that need to be settled one-to-one and then go to the media."

"The alliance was formed between the parties (in the past and continues), so there is still window open if they want to make any proposal but not through media," he said.

Asserting that BJP has the strength to fight all alone in the Assembly polls due next year, Parrikar said, "We feel that alliance will be in the interest of Goa and both of us."

"If they had issues, they should have sorted it out with the Chief Minister.

There is no hundred per cent comfort any-

where. If there are doubts they need to sort it out," the senior BJP leader said.

Parrikar said that the statements made by Dhavalikar brothers against the state government were unwarranted, and "if they had any issue with the chief minister, they should not have gone public but discussed with him (CM)".

"He (Sudin) has criticised from the public platform, so it is for the Chief Minister to take action. The kind of statements that they made, the Chief Minister suggested to the party that they be removed and we agreed to it," he said.

Parrikar also said the party (BJP) was since some time in talks with MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar for alliance.

"The discussions were going on since last three months. I was discussing about alliance with Sudin Dhavalikar. Two-three weeks back, it was inprinciple agreed to have pre-poll alliance with MGP," he said.

Hawala operator arrested, Rs 5.70 crore in new currency seized New Delhi, Dec 13 : CBI on Tuesday arrested an alleged hawala operator K V Veerendra in connection with seizure of Rs 5.70 crore of new currency notes of Rs 2000 denomination from his premises in Karanataka.

The agency sources said CBI has registered a case against officials of four banks — State Bank of India, State

Bank of Mysore, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

They said Veerendra was produced before Special court in Bengaluru which has sent him to six days of CBI custody for questioning.

The sources said during preliminary probe names of several persons have been taken by Veerendra

and it is trying to gather material evidence linking the alleged hawala operator with them.

The sources said during the six days of questioning CBI will confront him with documents recovered from his premises and will try to get the source of these funds which may unravel alleged involvement of senior bank officials in the case.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

RBI to inject significant amount of currency in coming days: Arun Jaitley Union finance minister Arun Jaitley defended his government's demonetisation drive, while blaming the Congress for ignoring the issue of black money and corruption New Delhi, Dec 13: Union finance minister Arun Jaitely on Monday said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon inject significant amount of liquidity into the system.

"Despite transient problems, we are rapidly remonetising. RBI to inject significant amount of currency in coming days.

Taxes to be recovered at much higher rates now; agencies watching unscrupulous elements who will pay a heavy price," said Jaitley, as quoted by PTI. Jaitley also defended his government over the demonetisation drive and instead blamed the Congress Party for ignoring the issue of black money and corruption.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitely.

"Congress did not take a single step against corruption or black money in 10 years. Corruption, scams peaked during UPA, given its scandalous record, it is not surprising Congress is uncomfortable with NDA

campaign. In 2004-14, high denomination currency increased to 80% from 36% of total currency. Our strategy is to move to a low cash economy," he added.

(PTI)

Hyundai India to raise prices by up to Rs 1 lakh from January Earlier in the day, Nissan Motor India said it will increase prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 30,000 from next month

Hyundai Tucson.

New Delhi, Dec 13: Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Tuesday said that it will hike prices up to Rs 1 lakh across models from January to offset higher input costs, fluctuating exchange rates and marketing expenses.

"In these challenging yearend market conditions, we are constrained to consider price increase on account of factors like increased input costs, fluctuating exchange rates and increasing marketing expenses," HMIL Senior Vice President, Sales and Mar-

keting Rakesh Srivastava said in a statement.

"The proposed price increase will be up to Rs 1,00,000 and will be effective from January 2017 across all models from Eon to Santa Fe," he said.

The company sells a range of passenger vehicles, from entry level small car Eon priced at Rs 3.27 lakh to SUV Santa FE priced which costs Rs 31.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Earlier in the day, Nissan Motor India said it will in-

crease prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 30,000 from next month to offset higher input costs.

The company sells a range of vehicles under the Nissan and Datsun brands starting with entry level small car Datsun Go priced at Rs 3.28 lakh to SUV Nissan Terrano Rs 13.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Tata Motors had on Monday announced that it would hike passenger vehicle prices by Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 from next month in order to offset increased input costs.

Renault India has also announced plans to increase prices of its vehicles by up to 3 per cent from next month for the same reason.

Earlier, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) had announced hike in prices of its vehicles by up to 3 per cent from next month to offset increased input cost and consistent upward trend in foreign exchange rates. (Agencies)

Bank credit plunges by Rs 61,000cr in post note ban fortnight Mumbai, Dec 13: The demand destruction unleashed by the November 8 demonetisation drive saw the bank credit shrinking by a whopping Rs 61,000 crore, or 0.8 per cent, during the fortnight to November 25, show the latest RBI data.

But at the same time, the note ban also had a positive effect, as borrowers, including some default accounts, paid back as much as Rs 66,000 crore during the same period.

In sharp contrast, during the same fortnight, banks received huge inflows as people deposited as much as Rs 4.03 trillion into the accounts, which as of December 9 crossed Rs 12 trillion, putting all calculations of the Government into a tizzy.

Analysts supporting the cash recall move initially claimed that at least 20 per

cent, or a little over Rs 3 trillion - out of the total Rs 15.4 trillion of the banned banknotes - would not come back to the banking system, helping the Government net a windfall from the exercise whose stated aim is to root out black money and curb corruption.

This, they claimed, would be achieved by writing off a similar amount from the balancesheet of the central bank and then transferring the same the Government as surplus. But with the near total return of the banned notes, all these calculations have gone out of the window.

The outstanding credit of banking system stood at Rs 72.92 trillion as of November 25, according to the Reserve Bank data.

The year-on-year credit growth was just 6.6 per cent, down from 9.3 per

cent a year ago.

Bankers say there has been a sharp plunge in credit demand as the economy began to feel the adverse effects of the decision to withdraw legal tender status of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

This plunge in bank credit came after another Rs 59,000-crore dip in the previous fortnight to November 11, showing the initial impact of the November 8 announcement to decommission high value notes.

The deposits banks rose by 4 per cent in the fortnight to Rs 105.177 trillion, pushing the annual growth to 15.9 per cent as against 9.8 per cent a year ago. In the fortnight to November 11, deposits grew by Rs 1.31 trillion or 1.3 per cent, according to the RBI data. (PTI)

No decision still on ways to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore: Fortis Healthcare New Delhi, Dec 13: Fortis Healthcare, which has already got nod from its shareholders to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore, today said its board has not taken any decision over the mode, amid speculation that its promoters Singh brothers are in talks to sell 26 per cent stake to a PE firm.

"The board of the company had approved the enabling fund raising options up to Rs 5,000 crore

including but not limited to qualified institutional placement, foreign currency convertible bonds or any other method and recommended the same to shareholders for their approval," Fortis Healthcare said in a BSE filing.

"The company is still evaluating the best possible way to raise the funds and no firm decision in this regard has been approved by the board till date." The said

P9

BUSINESS

proposal was approved by the shareholders of the company at the AGM held on September 27, it added.

The company was clarifying to the BSE on reports that the promoters are in talks with private equity firm TPG Capital to offload around 26 per cent stake.

The stock of Fortis Healthcare was trading 2.76 per cent up at Rs 174.90 on BSE. (PTI)

'2 Indians in US' Richest Entrepreneurs Under40 list New York, Dec 13: Two Indian-origin men have figured in Forbes magazine's second annual list of wealthiest entrepreneurs under the age of 40 which is topped by Facebook founder Mark Zuckeberg.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a successful biotech entrepreneur has been ranked 24th on 'America's Richest Entrepreneurs Under 40 2016' list with a networth of 600 million dollars and Apoorva Mehta stands at 31st spot with a 360 million dollars networth.

Ramaswamy, 31, a Harvard University and Yale School of Management alumnus, continues to make waves in the biotech business with his deals and drug development plans, Forbes said.

He was behind the biggest biotechnology initial public offering of 2016, Myovant Sciences, which raised USD 218 million

listing its shares on Nasdaq in October, it said.

Last year, Ramaswamy pulled off the biggest IPO in the US biotech history by listing shares of Axovant, a company that is trying to develop a new Alzheimer's drug.

He runs Roivant Sciences, a biotech holding company with an innovative financial strategy to develop drugs, often by purchasing drugs that have been forgotten or abandoned by the pharmaceutical industry.

Forbes called Mehta one of Silicon Valley's youngest immigrant success stories.

Born in India, Mehta and his family moved to Canada in 2000, where he studied engineering at the University of Waterloo before working at Blackberry, Qualcomm, and then Amazon. In 2012, he cofounded Instacart, a grocery delivery service

Gold prices fall to Rs 28,450 on cash woes, Fed rate hike talk

Image for Representation purpose.

New Delhi, Dec 13: Gold prices were down by Rs 100 at Rs 28,450 per 10 grams today, hit by a subdued trend overseas and weak domestic demand due to cash crunch sparked by demonetisation.

Silver, however, strengthened by Rs 100 to Rs 41,500 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers.

Traders said the global weakness of gold can be attributed to a firm dollar ahead of the two-day US Federal Reserve meet, which kicks off today.

There is speculation that the rate-setting panel would go for policy tightening sooner than later that would push up bond yields.

Globally, gold fell 0.09 per cent to $1,160.90 an ounce in Singapore.

A considerable drop in demand from jewellers and retailers in view of the ex-

isting cash crunch too hit the sentiment, they said.

On November 8, the government had announced its decision to demonetise 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to flush out black money, leading to the cash drought.

In the national capital, 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity gold drifted lower

by Rs 100 each to Rs 28,450 and Rs 28,300 per 10 grams, respectively.

The yellow metal had gained Rs 100 yesterday.

Sovereign, however, traded higher by Rs 100 to Rs 24,200 per piece of eight grams in scattered deals.

On the other hand, silver ready advanced by Rs 100 to Rs 41,500 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 270 to Rs 41,490 per kg.

Silver coins remained unaltered at Rs 72,000 for buying and Rs 73,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

(PTI)

Rupee softens 6 paise against dollar

Image for Representation purpose.

Mumbai, Dec 13: The rupee shed 6 paise to 67.48 against the US dollar in early trade today at the Interbank Foreign Exchange following fresh demand for the American currency from banks and importers amid dismal output data for October.

Moreover, the US dollar's gains against some currencies overseas put the rupee on the backfoot, forex dealers said. However, a higher opening of the domestic equity mar-

ket capped the rupee's fall.

The rupee had retreated from near one-month high by falling 6 paise to close at 67.42 against the US currency on Friday as sentiment turned bearish ahead of Fed rate decision. Forex market had remained closed yesterday for Eid-e-Milad.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 96.57 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 26,611.81 in early trade. (PTI)

Vivek Ramaswamy and Apoorva Mehta. that partners with grocery chains.

Customers can order groceries through a mobile app, and pay fees of typically under USD 10 to get deliveries in an hour or two from Instacart contractors. The company is valued at an estimated USD 2 billion, and most recently raised funding from Whole Foods Market in

March 2016, it said.

The list has been topped

by Zuckerberg, whose Facebook shares and net worth soared to new heights. He is now worth USD 50 billion, up USD 2.9 billion from a year ago.

Newcomers to the 2016 ranks include NBA stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and boxer Floyd Mayweather as well as

pop star Beyonce and actress-turned-consumer products marketer Jessica Alba. The last two are the only women among the top 40 under 40.

All five of these superstars have net worths that range from USD 275 million to USD 350 million, Forbes said.

The richest under 40 newcomer is Bryan Sheffield, who has struck it rich in the Texas oil patch. Sheffield is worth USD 1.45 billion.

Another new billionaire is Kevin Systrom, cofounder of photo-sharing app Instagram.

To be eligible for the list, individuals had to be under the age of 40 as of December 12. These entrepreneurs also have to reside in the US and substantially have made their own fortunes in this country, Forbes said.

(Agencies)

Not hankering for office, fight is to save soul of Tata group: Cyrus Mistry Mumbai, Dec 13: Facing the axe from the board of Tata Group's crown jewel TCS, ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry on Tuesday said he is not hankering for office and his fight is to save the soul of India's largest conglomerate.

Mistry, who was yesterday ousted as director from the board of Tata Industries, told shareholders of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in a letter that "good governance" has been thrown to the wind in the past several weeks and replaced by "whims, fancies and personal agenda".

"We have witnessed an unmatched erosion of ethical values and the very foundation of the institution being put to grave risk by the conduct of a few," he said.

Mistry's statement was read out at the EGM by the company secretary.

Mistry was on October 24 abruptly removed as chairman of Tata Sons - the holding company of the $103-billion salt- to-software group. His predecessor Ratan Tata was brought back in the interim, who has moved

quickly to consolidate his position by seeking Mistry's removal from boards of key listed and unlisted group companies.

By virtue of its over 73% holding, Tata Sons removed Mistry as chairman of TCS last month and ordered the company to call an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders to consider his ouster as director on the company board.

EGM of TCS was held today while the same for other operating companies is scheduled for the next week.

"Since the requisitionist's stake in the equity share capital of the company (TCS) is over 73%, the outcome in this particular meeting is a foregone conclusion," he said.

He said his refusal to go without resistance has been mischaracterised as a measure of retribution for how he was treated at Tata Sons, a fight for control over operating companies and a hankering for office.

"None of the above is true," he said. "The fight is a matter of principle rather than facing the

foregone outcome."

Stating that the very future of TCS hinges on good governance and ethical practices, he said that can flow only from the promoter and needs to permeate into the board of management.

"In the past several weeks, we have seen good governance being thrown to the wind in every sense of the term, replaced by whims, fancies and personal agenda. We have witnessed an unmatched erosion of ethical values and the very foundation of the institution being put to grave risk by the conduct of a few," he said without naming anyone.

He said he was "fighting to save the soul of the Tata Group".

"Whatever be the decibel level of the voice that would drown your vote, I call on you to vote with your conscience and send a signal that catalyses a larger discussion on governance reform, to save the very fabric of what we have all inherited - the Tata Values that our founders handed us," he added.

(PTI)

Market brushes aside Fed rate hike signal, jumps 183 points Mumbai, Dec 13: Market today shrugged off a widely expected US interest rate hike as the benchmark Sensex bounced 183 points to close at 26,698, with auto, IT, oil and gas shares keeping up the momentum.

At the close, Nifty retook the key 8,200-mark, driven by gains in RIL and ONGC stocks.

Consumer price indexbased retail inflation is scheduled for release on Tuesday.

Buying picked up after Asian stocks recovered from early bouts of weakness to end higher ahead of the start of a two-day US Federal Reserve meeting, which is due to start later on Tuesday.

The rate-setting panel is widely expected to hike its key interest rate after a two-day meeting that begins later on Tuesday.

After a positive start, the Sensex hit a low of 26,494.23 as investors locked in gains. It surged to a high of 26,724.97 before settling at 26,697.82, up 182.58 points or 0.69 per cent.

The gauge had lost 231.94 points in the previous session.

The 50-share NSE Nifty closed higher by 51 points, or 0.62 per cent, at 8,221.80. Intra-day, it hovered between 8,228.85 and 8,155.80.

From Sensex and Nifty constituents, Tata Motors emerged as the top gainer by rising as much as 3.48 per cent to close at Rs 470.35 on the BSE on talks of block deals in the counter at an up to 10 per cent premium to Monday's close.

Other prominent gainers included Adani Ports, Axis Bank, Wipro, RIL, L&T and Sun Pharma.

In line with the broader trend, shares of state-run oil marketing companies such as BPCL, HPCL and IOC staged a comeback to close higher by up to 2.53 per cent after yesterday's steep fall due to a jump in global crude.

Sectorwise, BSE auto index climbed the most by rising 0.98 per cent, followed by IT (0.85 per cent) and oil and gas (0.81 per cent).

The broader markets,

however, suffered as investors booked profit by liquidating their bets. The BSE mid-cap index fell 0.43 per cent while midcap shed 0.07 per cent.

Meanwhile, foreign funds sold shares net worth Rs 94.45 crore yesterday, as per the provisional data.

Overseas, Asian markets ended higher ahead of the US Fed two-day policy meeting while European shares were down in their late morning trade.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei ended at its highest level for the year by gaining 0.50 per cent. Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.07 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.06 per cent.

Indices in Europe such as France, Germany and the UK were quoting lower between 0.07 per cent and 0.92 per cent.

Back home, of the 30share Sensex, 21 scrips ended higher.

However, GAIL fell by 1.34 per cent followed

by Tata Steel 0.79 per cent, Lupin 0.71 per cent and Hindustan Unilever 0.41 per cent.

(PTI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

INTERNATIONAL

P10

India-Pakistan legislators meet in Dubai

UK-funded anti-migrant wall completed in Calais: Official

The topics on the agenda were the role of media in improving relations between Pakistan and India and how to positively take forward the 'Fight Poverty' agenda.

Dubai, Dec 13: Amid a chill in Indo-Pak ties, political leaders and prominent journalists from the two countries have met here and underlined that the only way forward to improve relations was through a "candid and consistent" dialogue. The fifth round of 'PakistanIndia Legislators and Public Officials Dialogue' was held on Sunday and facilitated by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT).

Under the leadership of Mani Shankar Aiyar, former MP and union minister, delegates from India included MLAs from Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana. Some prominent journalists from India also attended the event.

The topics on the agenda were the role of media in improving relations between Pakistan and India and how to positively take

Amid a chill in Indo-Pak ties, political leaders and prominent journalists from the two countries have met here and underlined that the only way forward to improve relations was through a "candid and consistent" dialogue. forward the 'Fight Poverty' agenda.

The participants underscored that while media can play a role in positively influencing ties between the two countries, the essential responsibility to chart a course in this regard remains with elected leadership in both India and

Pakistan.

"It was also recognised, at the outset, that while dialogue is the only way forward for two countries to improve relations, candid and consistent dialogue aimed at conflict resolution can only take place when the two states recognise and address the

issues such as those included in the Composite Dialogue 1997 and the Comprehensive Dialogue 2015," a statement said.

The participants observed that in inter-State relationships, due consideration, courtesy and diplomatic protocol must be observed. And media should be given access without hindrance to cover all such events.

They recalled the earlier Joint Communique of March 10, 2016 that urged media in both countries about objective and professional reporting, upholding the core values of journalism and avoiding sensationalism and negative hype.

Participants highlighted the continuing issue of inability of news organisations in India and Pakistan to appoint reporters in each other's countries.

They underscored that lack of access for media

to locations in the other country and obstacles in obtaining visas for journalists of both countries remain key issues hampering an informed portrayal of each country.

Participants highlighted that the phenomenal growth in new digital media has enormous potential for positive engagement between Pakistani and Indian citizens.

Noting that resolution of disputes between Pakistan and India can free-up resources for poverty alleviation, the participants stressed that poverty offers a critical challenge for both countries which should share successful policies and practices in alleviating it.

Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan at the LoC and got escalated after the cross border terror attack on an army base in Nagrota in Jammu. (PTI)

At least 84,000 people displaced World Bank 'pauses'

by Indonesia earthquake: official Indus treaty processes As the scale of the disaster continues to unfold, the number of of India, Pakistan those displaced has nearly doubled to more than 83,800, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

An Acehnese man and a police officer survey the damage after an earthquake in Ulhee Glee, Aceh province, Indonesia, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016.

Thousands of people in the Indonesian province of Aceh took refuge for the night in mosques and temporary shelters after a strong earthquake Wednesday killed a large number of people and destroyed dozens of buildings.

Jakarta, Dec 13: The number of people left homeless after an earthquake struck western Indonesia has soared to nearly 84,000, leaving authorities struggling to care for the victims, an official said on Tuesday. The shallow quake last week killed more than 100 people and injured many more when it struck Aceh province, one of the areas worst affected by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Thousands of homes, businesses and mosques were

levelled by the 6.5-magnitude quake, which struck at dawn as many in the predominantly Muslim region were preparing to pray. Hospitals and field clinics were quickly overwhelmed by the injured, and kitchens and shelters swamped by people left with nothing.

As the scale of the disaster continues to unfold, the number of those displaced has nearly doubled to more than 83,800, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. "People

are afraid and worried about aftershocks, so feel more comfortable in the evacuation shelters," he said in a statement.

"The problem with water supply at some of evacuation points is not good," he added, saying wells had been left dry since the quake. Aid has begun reaching the worst-hit areas but there was still an urgent need for more food, clothing and sanitation products, the agency said. Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited the province last week, pledging to rebuild the area's devastated communities.

The archipelago nation experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. A huge undersea earthquake in 2004 triggered a tsunami that engulfed several countries around the Indian Ocean, killing more than 170,000 people in Indonesia alone, the vast majority in Aceh.

The province lies on the northern tip of Sumatra island, which is particularly prone to quakes. In June, a 6.5-magnitude quake struck off the west of Sumatra, damaging scores of buildings and injuring eight people.

(Agencies)

Malaysia enthrones new king Sultan Muhammad V in lavish ceremony Kuala Lumpur, Dec 13: Malaysia, on Tuesday, installed its 15th king, Sultan Muhammad V, a relatively youthful monarch known for his fondness for four-wheel driving and other extreme sports. In a ceremony steeped in pomp and centuries of tradition, the 47year-old Sultan, dressed in gold-coloured traditional Malay formal wear, took the oath of office in the national palace in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony, marked by honour guards and Islamic prayers, was televised nationally and attended by Prime Minister Najib Razak and hundreds of guests decked out in Islamic finery.

Sultan Muhammad V, currently the ceremonial ruler of the conservative Islamic northern state of Kelantan, takes the national throne under the rotating monarchy in place since independence from Britain in 1957. In a unique arrangement, the throne of the Muslim-majority country changes hands every five years between the rulers of the nine Malaysian states still headed by Islamic royalty.

Sultan Muhammad V studied at St Cross College at Oxford and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, according to official media. He is known for a

Sultan Muhammad V, currently the ceremonial ruler of the conservative Islamic northern state of Kelantan, takes the national throne under the rotating monarchy in place since independence from Britain in 1957 relaxed public persona, taking part in walkathons to promote health, and has been photographed wearing a baseball cap backwards. The Sultan "fills his free time by reading and has an interest in extreme sports such as four-wheel drive expeditions and endurance challenges and shooting," Bernama news agency said.

Despite the merely ceremonial role, Malaysia's Islamic royalty command great respect, especially from Muslim Malays, the country's majority group, and criticising them is strictly forbidden. Portraits of the king and queen adorn

government buildings throughout the country. The king is also the symbolic head of Islam in the nation, as well as the nominal chief of the military.

Malaysia's sultans trace a lineage back to Malay sultanates of the 15th century. The king is referred to as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or "He Who Is Made Lord". Sultan Muhammad V replaces Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah from the northern state of Kedah, now 89, who was king previously in the 1970s and became the first person to hold the position twice. (Agencies)

Washington, Dec 13: In a significant development, the World Bank has paused the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.

"We are announcing this pause to protect the Indus Waters Treaty and to help India and Pakistan consider alternative approaches to resolving conflicting interests under the Treaty and its application to two hydroelectric power plants," World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said.

The pause was announced

by Kim in letters to the finance ministers of India

and Pakistan. It was also emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty.

Pausing the process for now, the Bank would hold off from appointing the Chairman for the Court of Arbitration or the Neutral Expert - appointments that had been expected on December 12 as earlier communicated by the Bank.

India had taken strong exception last month to the World Bank's decision to set up a Court of Arbitration and appoint a Neutral Expert to go into Pakistan's complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

(PTI)

Migrants walk past a Calais city limit sign.

Paris, Dec 13: A wall funded by Britain to try and stop migrants from the former Calais "jungle" camp reaching its shores has been completed -seven weeks after the site was cleared, a French official said.

The four-metre-high (13foot) wall runs along a kilometre-long stretch of the main road leading to Calais port, next to the area that used to house the sprawling camp.

The concrete barrier -estimated to cost 2.7 million euros ($3 million) -aims to prevent new arrivals stowing away on trucks bound for Britain.

Work on the wall, which is covered with plants on the traffic side, began in September. The squalid camp was razed after thousands of migrants were taken to shelters around France in October.

The structure is complete, a spokesman for the local

prefecture told AFP late Monday.

The wall was built to boost a network of wire fences that had failed to prevent near nightly attempts by migrants to waylay trucks en route to Europe's second-busiest port.

This year alone, several migrants died after falling off trucks or being run over.

Calais has for years been a staging post for attempts by migrants to sneak into Britain by stowing away on trucks or trains crossing the Channel.

The Jungle camp was first demolished in 2009 only to sprout up again in 2015 when migrants from the Middle East and Africa began pouring into Europe in unprecedented numbers.

Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart attempted to stop construction of the wall, saying there was no need for it once the camp was cleared. (PTI)

Turkey detains 2 more pro-Kurdish party MPs Ankara, Dec 13 : Turkish police detained two more proKurdish lawmakers hours after arresting over 200 people accused of links to Kurdish militants, their party said early today.

The two women, Caglar Demirel and Besime Konca, who represent the largest Kurdish-majority city of Diyarbakir and Siirt in the southeast respectively, were detained as part of a sweeping anti-terror probe, state news agency Anadolu said.

"Head of the party's parliamentary group Caglar Demirel and Siirt MP Besime Konca were unlawfully detained in front of our (Ankara) headquarters," the leftwing pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said on Twitter.

However, neither the party nor Anadolu provided further detail on what the MPs are accused of.

Their detention comes after twin blasts hit Istanbul on Saturday killing 37 police officers and seven civilians.

The attacks were claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), which is seen as a radical offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

In response to the bombings, police launched a countrywide operation on Monday to detain individuals accused of PKK links or of producing propaganda for the group proscribed as a terror organisation

by Ankara, the European Union and the United States.

The interior ministry said 235 people were detained while the HDP said late Monday that at least 291 of its members had been taken into custody in less than 24 hours.

Last month, 10 of the party's MPs -- including co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen

Yuksekdag -- were arrested, sparking international condemnation. They are currently in pre-trial detention over alleged links to the PKK. In May this year, the Turkish parliament adopted a bill that lifted immunity for dozens of MPs, which government critics feared would see HDP MPs face criminal prosecution and lose parliamentary seats.

The government accuses the HDP of having links to the PKK, a charge that the HDP denies.

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 during which over 40,000 people have been killed.

Violence surged last year after the collapse of a two-and-ahalf-year ceasefire, sparking almost daily clashes between the PKK and Turkish security forces, mainly in the southeast.

(AFP)

Pakistan International Airlines ChairCrash Afghan Official: Road- man Resigns After Fatal Plane before take off at Multan air-

side Bombing Killed 2 Police Officers

Kabul, Dec 13: An Afghan official says that at least two Afghan police officers have been killed when a roadside bomb detonated near their patrol in eastern Kunar province.

Abdul Ghani Musamim, spokesman for the provincial governor in Kunar, said on Tuesday that the explosion killed Abdul Wali Khan, a unit commander for the border police, and his bodyguard.

Musamim added that the attack took place in Dangam district late on Monday night when the police unit was on a foot patrol.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban insurgents frequently use roadside bombs or suicide attacks targeting the Afghan security forces in different parts of the country.

(Agencies)

Situation in Aleppo worsening: WH Washington, Dec 13: Expressing deep concern over the increasing violence in rebel-held Aleppo, the White House today said the "terrible situation" in Syria's eastern city is worsening despite America's "best diplomatic efforts."

"The US government continues to be deeply concerned about the situation in Aleppo and the violence there is only increasing.

The risk facing innocent civilians has been grave for some time. It continues to worsen," Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters.

Despite America's best diplomatic efforts to reduce the violence and increase the flow of humanitarian assistance, the Bashar alAssad government, backed by the Russians, continues to try to bomb innocent civilians into submission, he alleged.

"It's a terrible situation that does not appear to be getting better," he said.

Responding to a question, Earnest conceded that the US is still looking for a cease fire with Russia.

"The goal was to try to end the bombing. The few in-

nocent civilians that remain, try to get them out of harm's way, and try to allow the flow of humanitarian assistance to these communities that have been shut off from the outside world for a long time," he said.

"So those were the goals all along. In the months and years that we've been negotiating to try to find a diplomatic solution, we've been rebuffed by the Syrians because, with the backing of the Russians and the Iranians, they've continued to wage this war with virtual impunity," he rued.

Earnest said the door for a ceasefire with the Russians remains open. "We continue to be interested in trying to find a diplomatic solution to the situation not just in Aleppo, but in Syria, because we know that there's not a military solution that can be imposed on the situation," he said.

"We are still interested in diplomacy. We still are open to and interested in trying to find a diplomatic resolution. But optimism is not high," he acknowledged. (Agencies)

A Pakistani soldier walks near the wreckage of a Pakistan International Airline (PIA) plane, which crashed a day earlier, in the village of Saddha Batolni near Abbotabad, Pakistan Islamabad, Dec 13: The chairman of Pakistan's embattled national carrier has resigned following a fatal plane crash that killed 47 people last week, one of the country's deadliest air disasters.

Muhammad Azam Saigol tendered his resignation on Monday due to personal reasons, PIA spokesman Danyal Gilani told AFP, but declined to comment further.

Saigol's resignation came after

a Pakistan International Airlines plane crashed into a mountain on the way to Islamabad from the city of Chitral after one of the aircraft's two turboprop engines failed, killing everyone on board.

On Monday PIA grounded its 10 remaining ATR turboprop planes for thorough testing in the wake of the crash and another incident in which a plane was recalled to its parking bay after experiencing a fault just

port.

"The process of carrying out shakedown tests of PIA's ATR aircraft has now started. CAA and PIA's Quality Control department are taking part in this thorough examination in which PIA's all ATR aircraft will be inspected one by one," a PIA statement said Monday.

ATR is a Toulouse, Francebased turboprop aircraft maker and "the world leader in the market for regional aircraft up to 90 seats", according to the company's website.

The company was established in 1981 and is a partnership between two European aeronautics firms, the Airbus Group and Leonardo.

Its ATR 42-500 is a twin turboprop plane that carries 48 passengers in standard configuration and is capable of operations on both paved and unpaved strips. The engines are built by Pratt & Whitney Canada, a division of the US manufacturer.

ATR has so far declined to comment while Pakistani authorities investigate the causes of the crash. (Agencies)

Egypt Arrests Four Over Deadly Church Blast Cairo, Dec 13: Egypt said on Tuesday it had arrested four people suspected of involvement in a devastating bombing of a Cairo Coptic church, as grief stricken mourners gathered for the funeral of the dead.

The health ministry said 25 people had been killed in the bombing at the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church yesterday.

It was the deadliest attack in recent memory on the Christian minority, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population.

President Abdel Fattah alSisi, speaking at the funeral, said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who had been identified as 22 year-old Mahmoud Shafik Mohamed Mostafa. One of the four people arrested was a woman, Sisi said, and authorities were looking for

two other suspects he did not identify. Most of the victims were women, authorities have said. The attack occurred during Sunday service at the church adjacent to Saint Mark's Cathedral, the seat of Coptic Pope Tawadros II. There has been no claim of responsibility for the bombing, but Coptic Christians have been previously targeted in Egypt.

Wooden coffins, each bearing a cross, were covered with the country's flag and lined up at the Saint Mary and Saint Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church in the Nasr City district today.

A woman who lost two daughters in the attack cried and fell to the ground next to their coffins as other mourners prayed silently.

In the streets of Nasr City, Sisi and Tawadros led black-

clad mourners behind soldiers carrying the coffins of the victims.

Troops marched to the sound of military music.

"This blow has caused us a lot of pain, but never will we let it break us," Sisi said.

Pope Tawadros II said: "We are hurting from this evil."

Yesterday's blast was the worst attack on the Coptic Christian community since a 2011 suicide bombing killed more than 20 worshippers outside a church in the coastal city of Alexandria.

The health ministry said in a statement late today the death toll had risen to 25 after a 40-year-old woman died of extensive injuries.

Copts have faced persecution and discrimination dating back to the 30-year rule of Hosni Mubarak, who was toppled by a popular uprising in 2011. (Agencies)

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

SPORTS

P11

Dynamos aim to overturn deficit PV Sindhu receives BWF Delhi Most Improved Player award against Kerala Blasters to enter final

PV Sindhu receives BWF Most Improved Player award Agencies Dubai, Dec. 13: Indian badminton sensation PV Sindhu added another feather to her cap as she was named the 'Most Improved Player' by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) during the seasonending awards at the Players' Reception and Gala Dinner in Dubai on Monday. The 21-year-old became the first recipient of this award that was inaugurated this year after her stunning performances throughout the season.

"I didn't expect to get this award, so I'm excited and happy," said the Rio Olympic silver medallist after receiving the award from HE Dawood Al Hajri, President of UAE Table Tennis and Badminton Association.

The young Indian qualified for the prestigious World Superseries Finals for the first time after a stellar season that saw her

clinch the Olympic silver, the China Open Superseries Premier and the Malaysian Masters Grand Prix title besides reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open Superseries.

"It's good to be here in Dubai. It's my first time at the Dubai World Superseries Finals," the Pullela Gopichand protĂŠgĂŠ said about her experience at the gala event for the first time.

Meanwhile, the men's singles World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei was conferred the BWF Male Player of the Year award. The Malaysian had captured the Rio silver medal besides annexing three Superseries titles. The Female Player of the Year award went to Japan's numero uno women's doubles teammates Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi, who were jointly honoured.

The Japanese women are the reigning Olympic gold

medallists, and also won four Superseries titles this year.

Among other recipients was 19-year-old Chen Qingchen of China, who grabbed the Eddy Choong Award for Most Promising Player of the Year. The teen had stormed through the doubles circuit, winning as many as eight titles.

In the 'Best Dressed Player' section, Denmark's Rio Olympic bronze medallist Viktor Axelsen and Malaysia's Woon Khe Wei were the winners in the male and female categories respectively.

The Olympic gold medallists across all five categories were felicitated with a gold shuttle and a watch.

The award ceremony was held ahead of the seasonending Superseries Finals that starts tomorrow. PV Sindhu begins her campaign against the second seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan.

PTI New Delhi, Dec. 13: Speculation can be a futile exercise but Delhi Dynamos, notwithstanding a one-goal deficit, are expected to hold sway when they host Kerala Blasters in their second leg Indian Super league (ISL) semifinal.

Quiet for the past fortnight since the 5-1 drubbing of FC Goa, the setting is apt for Delhi Dynamos to unleash the attacking brand of football that made them such a dangerous proposition in the third season of the franchisebased league.

An explosive forward line, led by the mercurial Marcelinho, could hold the key for Dynamos as they eye a maiden ISL final berth at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the fortress, where the Lions have not lost a single game this season.

Delhi Dynamos suffered a 01 defeat away in the first-leg semi-final but as they lock horns again, they will have enough reasons to believe they can overturn the deficit and make it to their first-ever final.

Heading into the must-win game in front of what should be a good turnout, Delhi have a few things they can take confidence from.

Besides being the only team to have not lost a home game, Dynamos have scored 18 goals at JLN, the most by any team in ISL this season.

"When we play at home, it is an advantage for us. To play in front of our fans is an advantage, and we are fortunate to have the second match at home and it is a good opportunity for us. I hope we are able to utilise this opportunity," said Delhi

Delhi Dynamos are the only team not to lose at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and have scored 18 goals this season. ISL Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta.

Delhi were disappointing in their away clash as they failed to trouble Kerala defence with strikers like Marcelinho Pereira and Richard Gadze having little impact on the game.

Even marquee player Florent Malouda, also the captain, was found wanting but as they return home, all of them can be expected to find form if they are to avoid another disappointment like last season when they lost to FC Goa in the semi-finals.

On Tuesday, Malouda will look to assert himself and dictate play and provide able support to the trio of Gadze, Kean Lewis and Marcelinho.

Interestingly, Delhi have scored just one goal in three ISL knockout matches.

Kerala Blasters need only a draw to qualify for their second final in three years.

They will be keen to overcome Delhi or at least hold them as they will then return

to Kochi for the grand finale.

That they have an unimpressive record away, is matter of concern for Kerala Blasters. Steve Coppell's side has conceded 11 goals away from home this season, the most among four semi-finalists, and managed to score just four on the road, the fewest by any team.

"We will just go out and play and I don't think you can set out and decide that we will defend or counter-attack and the game has an ebb and flow to it. But at home knowing that they have to score goals and beat us, so they might have more urgency in their play and we might be pressurised a little bit more and there is no way we will go there thinking we are 1-0 ahead. We will defend it but we will just go there and play and see what happens," said Coppell.

Kerala Blasters are the only away team which failed to score in Delhi this season.

Besides, they are on a four-

match winless run away from home. Even if they fail to score again and fail to win, it will be fine with Coppell. All that his team needs to do is ensure Delhi Dynamos do not win to return to Kochi for one final battle.

Blasters midfielders Mehtab Hossain and Azrack Mahamat have gone about their job diligently, and Coppell also relies a lot on forwards C S Vineeth, Duckens Nazon, Kervens Belfort and Mohammed Rafi. For sure, the in-form Vineeth will be the man to watch out for.

The impressive Sandesh Jhingan, as usual, will have his task cut out on the right.

Up against the fluent Delhi forward line, the role of men like Aaron Hughes and Cedric Hengbart at the back will be key. Delhi will hope the defensive duo capitulates under pressure.

Arsenal will reach Champions League last 16: Wenger IANS London, Dec. 13: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident that his team will be able to progress beyond the last 16 stage of the Champions League this season.

The former English Premier League (EPL) champions have been knocked out at this stage of Europe's most prestigious club competition for the last six seasons.

Such a poor success rate might be enough to discourage most managers, but a philosophical Wenger is confident that Arsenal will be able to upstage former European champions Bayern Munich and advance to the quarter-finals this season.

"They said they made the world in seven days, this is the seventh day for us, so we have to get a special day.

Many times (in the past) we were in a position where we played at home and we wanted to make the difference and after 10 minutes we conceded a goal and after you think already, 'Oh no'.

"This time the advantage is that we play first away from home," Wenger was quoted as saying by the official Arsenal website on Monday.

Arsenal will face Bayern in the first leg of the last 16 stage in Munich on Thursday.

Wenger is hoping to get a good result away from home and maintain the momentum in the second leg at home.

"If we can keep our strength away from home that can help us -- let's have a good first game then we can finish the job at home.

"I must tell you the best way to have momentum when we go in the Champions League is to have a good position in the league and (ensure) the belief is high. I am convinced that is absolutely vital because I have had experience of it."

Inzamam criticises Anderson PSG 'ready' to face Barcelona Villarreal beat Atletico Madrid in Champions League last 16 3-0, up to fourth in La Liga over comments on Kohli

cmyk

PTI Karachi, Dec. 13: Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has criticised James Anderson for his uncharitable comments about Virat Kohli's technique, saying that the England pacer should first take wickets in India before questioning the Indian skipper's capabilities.

Anderson had recently said Kohli's technical deficiencies were not at display during the ongoing Test series between India and England because the pitches in India are devoid of bounce and there is lack of movement.

"It is surprising to me that Anderson should question Kohli's runs and ability because I haven't seen him take too many wickets in India," Inzamam said on the Geo Super sports channel here last night.

"Does Anderson mean to say that if you get runs in England you get some sort of certificate that makes you a quality batsman. Don't the English and Australian players

struggle when they play in the sub-continent?

Does that mean they are bad players or weak teams. To me it does not matter where you get runs because in Test matches runs are runs," the former Pakistan skipper added.

Inzamam, who played against the golden breed of Indian batsmen, rated Kohli highly.

"I always judge a batsman by seeing how many times the runs he scores leads to his team winning matches. In my opinion if a batsman scores 80 and it helps his team win, it matters more to me than someone scoring 150 and his team still losing.

"He is a quality player and when he is getting runs his team does well. That is important to judge or classify a batsman's value.

There is hunger in him for runs," he said.

The veteran of 120 Tests lamented that the Asians have a habit of questioning their own teams and players while England and Australia always back

IANS Paris, Dec. 13: French football champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) club President Nasser AlKhelaifi has said they have the utmost respect for their Champions League last 16 opponents FC Barcelona.

PSG were again drawn against the La Liga giants on Monday. It was the third time in the past five seasons that PSG and Barcelona would meet in the knockout stages of the competition, with Barcelona having previously advanced twice at the expense of PSG, reports Efe. "Once again we have drawn FC Barcelona, a team we have a great deal of respect for. We played against them six times in the last four seasons so this is becoming a classic Champions League fixture," Al-Khelaifi told PSG's website soon after the draw was

view with local broadcaster beIN Sports 2, calling the fixtures against Barcelona "two huge matches".

"Barcelona are a really good team, but we have our strengths too.

We have played on numerous occasions, and each time they have been fantastic matches," he said on Monday.

"At the Parc des Princes and at the Nou Camp - they will be two huge matches. We know we'll be up against a great team, but it won't be simple for them either," concluded the former Dutch international.

PSG coach Unai Emery, who joined the side this summer from three-time Europa League winners Sevilla of La Liga, agreed and said his side is looking forward to the match.

"Barcelona are a huge team and it will be an amazing fixture. But it

Villarreal beat Atletico Madrid 3-0, up to fourth in La Liga IANS Villarreal (Spain), Dec 13 : Villarreal thumped Atletico Madrid 3-0 to vault into the fourth place in La Liga football, dropping them to sixth.

Adding to Atletico's misery, midfielder Tiago and goalkeeper Jan Oblak left the match in the first half with injuries here on Monday, reports Efe. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute, when Manu Trigueros took advantage of a mispass by Tiago and beat Oblak with

PSG midfielder Lucas made in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday.

"Barcelona are a team that our Spanish coach and players know well and we are excited about the prospect of facing them," he added.

"It will be two great matches and we will be ready for them at the Parc des Princes in February.

With our fans behind us, we are confident of progressing through to the next round of the Champions League," he continued.

The club's director of football Patrick Kluivert echoed AlKhelaifi's sentiments in an inter-

will be tough for both teams.

We're happy to be taking on a side like Barcelona in the round of 16. We'll work hard, get super-motivated and try to qualify by playing two huge matches," he said.

PSG midfielder Lucas added: "We'll have to play well, as they're a big team with great players - a team that wins a lot.

But we believe in ourselves, and I think we can turn in two huge performances and win. We'll do our best to have two big games and qualify."

an angled shot.

Stung by the goal, Atletico did their best to respond and Antoine Griezmann would have equalised but for a fine stop by Villarreal keeper Asenjo.

Oblak set up the home side's second goal with a poor clearance that ended up at the feet of Jonathan Dos Santos, who hit the post once before putting away his own rebound to make it 2-0 in the 38th minute.

Asenjo needed to be sharp again at the start of the sec-

ond half to stop Kevin Gameiro's shot off a cross

by Juanfran.

Atletico fought hard to make it a contest, but a disciplined Villarreal held the visitors at bay until Roberto Soriano settled the matter with a third goal for the hosts in stoppage time.

The outcome brings Villarreal to 26 points from 15 matches, the same as the fifth-placed Real Sociedad, but with a significant advantage on goal difference.

Atletico Madrid has 25 points.

International Biathlon Union to appoint experts on doping report IANS Salzburg (Austria), Dec 13 : The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has decided to appoint an expert working group to deal with the fresh doping allegations in the second part of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) McLaren report.

The working group will consist of members with experience in legal and antidoping work, reports Sputnik.

The latest iteration of the WADA doping scandal began with last Friday's pub-

lication of the second part of the McLaren report on alleged Russian doping abuse, revealing manipulations by athletes in 30 sporting disciplines.

"The IBU received the McLaren report and other relevant documents from WA D A o n D e c e m b e r 9 .

With this new information in hand the IBU Executive Board has decided to appoint an expert working group consisting of members with the necessary and relevant experience from

both legal and anti-doping work," the union said in a statement on Monday.

The group will be tasked with giving the IBU Executive Board an advice on the doping allegations in the light of WADA's code.

In September, the IBU picked the Russian city of Ty u m e n t o h o s t t h e Biathlon World Championships 2021. WADA then asked the union to clarify its decision given the ongoing Russian doping scandal.

cmyk

Inzamam-ul-Haq

their cricketers.

"If they don't do well there we start questioning the ability of our teams and players ourselves. We must not forget Australia lost 3-0 in Sri Lanka, we beat England 3-0 in the past in the UAE." Meanwhile, Inzamam revealed that during his captaincy he feared Virender Sehwag the most among the Indian batsmen.

"Sehwag was a dangerous player because if he scored 80 odd runs it meant his team would end up scoring 300 or more in a Test or ODI. The more time he spent time at the crease the more he dented the morale of the bowlers, which was worrying for me as captain," said Inzamam.

On the suspension of bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India, Inzamam said it has hurt Pakistan cricket a lot.

"Overall it is not good for cricket and for both countries not to play bilateral series. But from a Pakistani perspective it has done us more damage as already foreign teams are also not touring Pakistan and our young players are not getting chances to play matches against international sides before playing for the senior team.

"People want to see IndoPak matches but there is nothing one can do about it until things are normal at the government level.

Personally I always enjoyed the challenge of playing against India and it made a better player. To me a Indo-Pak series has always been even bigger than the Ashes," concluded Inzamam.

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

P12 Mohun Bagan could play Bengaluru FC in the group stages Agencies Kolkata, Dec. 13: Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup campaign will begin with a preliminary round match against Colombo FC on the 31st of January. The Mariners will travel to Sri Lanka for the first leg of the tie, with the second leg at home on 7th February.

The winner of that tie will face the winner of the tie between Bhutan's Thimphu FC and Club Valencia from Maldives in the playoff round. One of the four teams that qualify will be placed in Group E in the first round of the AFC Cup, proper.

It is still unclear where the Mariners will play their homes games, though. All their AFC Cup home games last season were played at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.

Bangladesh's Abahani Dhaka and Maziya from Maldives are two teams confirmed to have a place in Group E. Should India's champions Bengaluru FC fail to qualify for the AFC Champions League, then they too will be placed in Group E. Bengaluru face two single-legged away ties in their bid to progress to the group stages of Asia's premier club football tournament. They face Jordan's AlWehdat in the first playoff round. Should they win that, they will take on Al Wahda of UAE in Abu Dhabi on February 7th. If Bengaluru lose any of those two games, they will be placed in Group E of the AFC Cup. But if they win both those games, they will be in Group D of the AFC Champions League against traditional continental heavyweights from West Asia. Persepolis from Iran, Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal and the Qatari club, Al Rayyan are the other teams who are in that group.

If Bengaluru qualify for the AFC Champions League, though, East Bengal will directly take their place in the group stages. Bagan's fierce rivals have been named the standby club for Group E.

Kapil takes jibe at Anderson, India's T20 star Harmanpreet says Kohli will score everywhere making waves in Australian WBBL PTI New Delhi, Dec 13 : Taking a dig at James Anderson for his controversial comments on Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev has come out in strong support of India's Test captain, saying he has not seen a cricketer like him and the star batsman can score in all conditions.

Anderson triggered a controversy by saying Kohli had made a mountain of runs in Indian conditions, which according to the England pace spearhead, "take any flaws out of the equation".

When asked for his take on the subject, World Cup winning captain Kapil said Kohli can and will score runs in all countries including England, where he endured a tough time two years ago.

"Virat can very well play in all conditions. He is simply playing fabulous cricket. It is great to see an Indian play like this. I have never seen a cricketer like him," said Kapil at the launch of optical store Envee Optix here today.

In a lighter vein, Kapil went on to say that Kohli can even score runs with his sunglasses on, considering he is in the form of his life.

Kapil takes jibe at Anderson, says Kohli will score everywhere

The 28-year-old has already scored 41 international hundreds and averages more than 50 in all three formats.

Is he good enough to break Sachin Tendulkar's records and is he better than his peers -- Joe Root and Steve Smith? Kapil said, "All I would say is look at Virat's record. That speaks for itself. The records show that he is the best at the moment," said Kapil.

However, he said that it is too early to judge Kohli's captaincy even though he has managed to win five successive series. "It is too early. He has got a long way to

go."

The former India allrounder also lauded the effort of star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who alongside Kohli has been instrumental in the team's recent success.

"He is one of the fabulous bowlers we have seen.

Rather than he breaking my record or anyone else's, what target he would set for others is more important," he said.

Former India coach Madan Lal was also part of the gathering. He too praised Kohli besides expressing surprise at England's abject failure in the ongoing five-match series.

"I was a bit surprised with

England's performance.

They played very badly.

They have not even played 30 percent of their calibre despite winning the toss a couple of times.

India simply outclassed them," Lal, who represented India in the 80s, told PTI. On Kohli, he added: "He has created new passion in the team and has given confidence to all the players. A leader has to give a lot of confidence to the players and he has done that. His batting form has been phenomenal. Let people like Anderson say whatever they want, it doesn't make a difference," Lal added.

Agencies Sydney, Dec. 13: Harmanpreet Kaur is proving to be a big hit in her maiden season in the Women's Big Bash League as the Indian T20 captain produced a superb all-round performance to help her team Sydney Thunders outclass Melbourne Stars by eight wickets, in Albury, on Tuesday.

After smashing an unbeaten 47 off 28 balls albeit in a losing cause on her WBBL debut, Harmanpreet produced another impressive showing for Sydney.

She grabbed four for 27 with the ball and followed it up with a quickfire 30 not out off 21 balls to win the Player of the Match award in her second appearance in the T20 tournament.

Melbourne captain Meg Lanning opted to bat bit but her team could only manage 116 for nine in their 20 overs.

Bowling her gentle medium pacers as the

fourth change b o w l e r , Harmanpreet first dismissed Jess Cameron

(36)

in the 1 6 t h over and two overs later, she accounted for the wickets of Lily Bardsley (2) and Katie Mack (0), before scalping

Danielle Hazelle (5) in the final over.

It was her wonderful bowling at the death that helped Sydney keep the Melbourne batters in check towards the end.

Harmanpreet, who walked in at No. 4 with 39 runs still needed off as many balls, scored 24 runs in boundaries off seven scoring strokes with three fours and two sixes in company of another Australia international and Sydney skipper Alex Blackwell (21 not out).

During the first game, none other than Australia's wicketkeeping Adam Gilchrist had tweeted a b o u t Harmanpreet.

"Seriously impressed with @ImHarmanpreet in last nights #WBBL02 Classy, skillful.

A wonderful addition to the tournament."

Udita to lead India U-18 squad for Women Asia Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo voted best in the world, wins fourth Ballon d'Or award AP Madrid, Dec. 13: After giving a European Championship title to Portugal and another Champions League trophy to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo ends 2016 with something just for himself his fourth world player of the year award.

Ronaldo on Monday won his third Ballon d'Or award, which this year is being handed out by France Football magazine separately from FIFA. Ronaldo also took home the Ballon d'Or prize in 2013 and 2014, and the FIFA award in 2008 while still playing for Manchester United.

The Portugal forward is also in contention for FIFA's prize this year, along with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, who finished second and third to Ronaldo on Monday, respectively.

"This was likely the best year of my career, individually and collectively," Ronaldo said in a pre-recorded video. "It was unforgettable."

Only Ronaldo and Messi have been voted the best in the world since 2007, when Kaka won the prize.

Messi won a record fifth award last year.

"For me it's a great honor to receive my fourth golden ball," Ronaldo said. "I never thought in my mind to win (it) four times, so I'm so pleased, I'm so happy. I have to thank all my teammates,

Cristiano Ronaldo the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, all the players who helped me win this individual award."

Messi was runner-up for the fifth time in his career, while Griezmann finished third after a remarkable year with France and Atletico Madrid. Luis Suarez was fourth and Barcelona teammate Neymar fifth in the results announced by the Paris-based magazine.

Ronaldo teammate Gareth Bale, who led Wales to the semifinals at Euro 2016, was sixth. Leicester had Riyad Mahrez finishing seventh and Jamie Vardy eighth. Madrid defender Pepe and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon tied for ninth.

The 31-year-old Ronaldo

was picked from a list of 30 players by a group of international journalists selected by France Football, which for the previous six years awarded the coveted prize in partnership with FIFA. Football governing body, which relies on the votes of coaches, team captains, journalists and for the first time an online poll of fans, will be handing out its own award in January.

"I'm happy because I worked very hard to win this," Ronaldo said. "It's not easy to stay at a high level year after year. You can count on one hand the players who can do it, there are very few who can, and I do it year after year. That makes me very proud."

Ronaldo is receiving the

Ballon d'Or award a month after his contract with Madrid was extended until 2021, keeping him in Spain until he is 36 years old.

It has been an up-anddown season for him so far, but he couldn't have finished the previous one more strongly.

Ronaldo converted the decisive penalty kick in a shootout against rival Atletico Madrid in the final of the Champions League, helping the Spanish powerhouse win the tournament for the second time in three seasons.

Ronaldo also won the Champions League title with Manchester United in 2008.

Ronaldo scored a record 11 goals in the group stage of the European

competition last season and finished with a total of 16, one short of the record he himself set in 2014. He is the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 95 goals, and is two away from becoming the first player to score 100 goals in European club competitions.

It was with Portugal that Ronaldo achieved one of his greatest feats, helping the nation win its maiden European title after several close calls, including a runner-up finish at home in 2004 when it lost to Greece.

"To win a title for the first time with Portugal was something that was missing from my resume," Ronaldo said. "It was one of the most important moments of my life."

Ronaldo scored one of the goals for Portugal in the 2-0 win over Wales in the semifinals at Euro 2016, then watched from the bench as his teammates defeated France 1-0 in extra time. Ronaldo played only 25 minutes of the final at Stade de France in July before being substituted because of a left-knee injury.

Ronaldo also won the European Super Cup with Madrid, as well as UEFA's award as the best player in Europe last season, a prize he also won in 2014.Ronaldo is with Real Madrid in Japan to play in FIFA's Club World Cup.

Salima Tete will be Udita's deputy during the upcoming tournament.

(Source: Hockey India) PTI New Delhi, Dec. 13: Midfielder Udita will be leading an 18-member squad for the 4th Women U-18 Asia Cup, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from December 16 to 22.

Salima Tete will be Udita's deputy during the upcoming tournament, Hockey India (HI) announced.

Fresh from her stint with the national side in the recently concluded series against Australia, 14-yearold Salima will be a key member in the Indian defence that will be held by Ritu, Neelu Dadiya, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Gagandeep Kaur, along with goalkeepers

Divya Thepe and Alpha Kerketta.

The midfield will see young talents such as Manpreet Kaur, Jyoti, Mariana Kujur, Mahima Choudhary and Lalremsiami, besides skipper Udita.

The forward line will include the likes of Sangita Kumari, Poonam, Leelavathy Mallamada Jaya, Rajwinder Kaur, and Mumtaz Khan.

Udita said the girls were upbeat and confident about doing well in the tournament.

"This is a very good learning opportunity for young players like us. The team is really looking forward

to playing in Bangkok. We are playing well as a unit and will put our best foot forward against the opponents," she said.

Squad: Goalkeerpers: Divya Thepe, Alpha Kerketta.

Defenders: Salima Tete (Vice Captain), Ritu, Neelu Dadiya, Suman Devi Thoudam, Gagandeep Kaur.

Midfielders: Udita (Captain), Manpreet Kaur, Jyoti, Mariana Kujur, Mahima Choudhary, Lalremsiami.

Forwards: Sangita Kumari, Poonam, Leelavathy Mallamada Jaya, Rajwinder Kaur, Mumtaz Khan.

India's chief pistol coach Syed Wajid Ali no more PTI Pune, Dec. 13: India's chief pistol coach Syed Wajid Ali passed away at a hospital in Pune after he suffered a severe heart attack in Pune's Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex during a national shooting championship.

Ali, 59, who hailed from Delhi and was currently the chief coach of the Indian team (pistol category), had

come to the 60th National Shooting Championship Competition (NSCC), underway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex in Pune, as a chief range officer and jury.

"At around 8 PM yesterday he suffered a severe heart attack in the shooting range and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital, where he was declared

dead at around 9 PM," said Pavan Singh, the convener of the competition and former coach of Indian team (rifle category).

Ali had come as a chief range officer and was here to conduct the championship, Singh said.

The deceased's family has been informed and they have reached Pune, he added.

Printed and Published 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

Editor: Prahlad Hammey

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : 0373-2327517