Wednesday, august 26,2015

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Malaria in Golaghat Golaghat, Aug 25: After Japanese Encephalitis, now it is Malaria which is widely spreading in Golaghat creating a fear psychosis in the district.

According to the reports of the Health Department, about 47 persons have been tested Malaria positive in the district. Two youths hailing from Uttar Pradesh who live as tenants at 3 No. Railway Gate area of Golaghat town were found Malaria positive. The health department set up health check up camps in the area and tested blood samples of the residents and found these two positive cases. The concerned authorities have been taking necessary measures in this regard.

(Correspondent)

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capital cities, Seppa (suicide in Kameng River by a young lad this week) and other regions of the state. Life is not to take others' life nor to give up easily. It's to live for the family and the society," said Biri Kakum, ANYA President.

Further, ANYA once again appealed to the concerned authorities in the twin capital cities and of the Nyishi belts in particular to help repair the dilapidated roads that have worsened owing to the incessant rainfall this week; in areas like Koloriang, Seppa, Daporijo, C/tajo and various remote villages of the Nyishi belts.

Contd. on Page 3

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Contd. on Page 4

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India achieved freedom when thousands like us decided to give their lives for

BUSINESS

REGION

NEIGHBOURS

EDITORIAL

impact supply, thus hitting Indian metals, mining and resources firms hard. Commodity prices hit their post-crisis peak in early 2011, and have generally been sliding since then. They are now down to where they were in 1999, before the 2000s commodities boom began.

their country not fearing of any bitter consequences.

Some among them lives even today through the history books while their were some long forgotten with no mention in the pages of history.

tests against a new constitution. The government deployed the army and announced an indefinite curfew in parts of Kailali district, a day after protestors attacked police with spears, axes and knives and also the home of a paramilitary officer, killing his son.

even before they could formally start. But the Modi government managed to convey the message that it has been successful in reshaping the terms of New Delhi's engagement with Islamabad, perhaps forever.

A Seismic Shift in India's Pakistan Policy The much-hyped National Security Adviser (NSA)-level talks between India and Pakistan scheduled for this week may have collapsed

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Arunachal Pradesh tribal bodies want Naga Accord to be made public Forum (AITF), a conglomeration of all apex community based organisations in the state, and the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal (IFCSAP) during its meeting here yesterday resolved not to compromise with territorial integrity of the state, a release said today. "When

PTI Itanagar, Aug 25

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The department of education, govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has awarded certificate of merit_gold medal with cash Rs.4'000/_(Rupees four thousand) only to Shri Ovijeet ○

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Tribal bodies in Arunachal Pradesh have asked the Centre to make public the content of the recent peace agreement between the Government and the NSCN (IM). The Arunachal Indigenous Tribe's

the NSCN (IM) has clarified their stand about its principle of negotiations that it will not compromise its demand of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Naga inhabited area including some parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the opinion is likely to affect the people of the state and must

be addressed before signing the final peace accord," the release said. The meeting also decided to appeal the state government to restore the sanctity of all religious places in Arunachal Pradesh by protecting them from encroachment and other natural calamities, the release added.

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Gawang Sumpa Khonsa, Aug 25

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The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has strongly condemned the recent murder of Yapu Dong at Daporijo.

Also ANYA applauded the immediate action taken by the Police to nab the culprits at the earliest.

ANYA appealed to the people in the state to refrain from such heinous crimes and disgraceful acts. “The appeal also includes the message to the budding youths to refrain from acts like suicides which has become common these days as witnessed in the twin

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College boy dies in road mishap

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8 undergoing treatment after consuming poisonous mushroom

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hailed from Kakodunga village, in Golaghat district. The SP said, the victim (Biraj) was riding with one of his friend Bedanta Kumar Baruah a scooty, and when they overtook the army vehicle travelling in the same direction, came in contact with the army vehicle which caused them to slip and fall on the road from the speeding scooty. The army vehicle following them did try hard to steer clear the front wheels, but could not prevent the rear wheels from running

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Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Aug 25

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A first semester college student of the CKB College, Jorhat died in a tragic road accident when a speedy army vehicle ran over his body on the busy KB Road near Jorhat Christian Medical Centre (JCMC) here this afternoon today, informed Amanjeet Kaur SP Jorhat.

The boy was identified as one Biraj Gogoi (18). He ○

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over the victim's body, leaving him dead on the spot. The other rider Bedenta sustained minor injury in the mishap.

Biraj was on the way towards Jail Road Borbheta after attending classes today to check out a rented house as he was planning to stay at Jorhat because he had been attending classes after travelling from his home every day. He was a brilliant, polite and gentle student, said Dr Poresh Borah, the principal of CKB college, Jorhat. ○

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State Awards to Achiever Ovijeet Sengupta

A free fall engulfed commodity markets globally with prices falling to their lowest levels since 1999 on concerns that a slowing Chinese economy would

PM Modi remembers the freedom fighters forgotten, inaugurated Gaindinliu centenary celebrations

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Contd. on Page 4 ○

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Due to alleged irresponsibility of North Lakhimpur Sub-Divisional office of Assam State Electricity Board, two assistants of the office

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have been undergoing medical treatment in North Lakhimpur Civil Hospital (NLCH) after getting electrocuted while on duty. According to information received, Mohendra Marang, an assistant sustained serious injury after getting

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Aug 25

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Contd. on Page 4 ○

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2 electrocuted assistants undergoing treatment at NLCH

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cence, adamant, illiteracy and lack of awareness, leads to such deaths.

On the other hand health sources further stated that due to lack of medical staff at the grass root level is the main reason for such sky high infant mortality rate in the largest river island Majuli.

The pregnant lady as well as lactating mothers not following/ getting the actual prescribed dos and don’ts from the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM),

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Over 40 infants died after surviving for 12 to 24 hours in Majuli island in past four months according to official recorded at the Sub-divisional head quarter at Garmur, Majuli , informed Dr Mobidur Rahman , Joint Director of Health and Family Welfare, Jorhat (Government of Assam) here today.

The Director said that the infant mortality rate has gone up in the island and it has be-

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come a matter of concern, we have taken it as a challenge to keep the rate below as compared to national rating, yet the mortality rate for the state in Assam is much below the rate compared to other states.

The recorded death rate officially has gone up to forty in four months, but unreported may be more which may touch to fifty to fifty-five, official health sources further added.

The Director further added that proper investigation is going on over the reason, actual cause not revels that due to superstitousness, inno-

Bijoy Shankar Handique Majuli, Aug 25

In a spine chilling incident in Assam, a 13 year old girl was allegedly gang raped by two persons inside a bus in Baksa district of Assam. The minor girl was travelling to Bihali in Sonitpur from

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In four months over 40 newborn dead in Majuli island

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Guwahati while she was kidnapped by the driver and conductor of a bus. She was taken to Uporikhuti in Baksa district and the duo raped her inside the bus on Saturday night. On Sunday morning she managed to escape from the abductors.

ET Correspondent Guwahati, Aug 25

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at one time his (Sarma`s) enemy, become close now?"

Asked if the Congress faced the prospect of defeat in next year's assembly elections in Sarma`s absence, he said: "We had lost even when Himanta was there in the party. In last year`s Lok Sabha elections, the Congress won only three seats (in the state}." Regarding reports that Sarma felt threatened when Gogoi launched his son Gaurav Gogoi into politics, the chief minister asked: "Why is he scared of Gaurav Gogoi?" He also said that Sarma's exit would not affect the Congress

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strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (BJP) national president Amit Shah and they have accepted it," the former health and education minister of Assam told the media outside Shah`s residence after the meeting.

He later said that he took the decision after being humiliated in the Congress for the past 13 months.

Asked about this, Gogoi on Tuesday said, "If he felt humiliated, why was he in the party for so long?"

The chief minister also said that Sarma was a selfish person. "How can Modi, who was

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today lashed out at his former state ministerial colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma at New Delhi, and said Sarma does not have any ideology. "Himanta does not have any ideology. That is why he has joined a communal party," said Gogoi Sarma on Sunday met BJP president Amit Shah at the latter`s residence and announced his decision to join the party. "I expressed my willingness to work under the ○

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ET Correspondent Itanagar, Aug 25

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File picture of Assam Police personnel patroling during the 12 hour Dibrugarh bandh on Monday. Pic - UB

Nepal town tense after protests kill child and seven police Hundreds of security personnel patrolled a tense town in western Nepal today after an 18-month-old boy and seven police died in violent pro-

Commodities crash to '99 level on China fears

cmyk

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Contd. on Page 3

ANYA condemns recent case of murder, asks authorities to repair roads

ET Correspondent Guwahati, Aug 25

Golaghat, Aug 25: The students of Hemo Prova Borborah Girls' College took out a unique rally in the town today. One of the oldest women education centres of upper Assam HPB Girls' College today observed its 47th foundation day. On this occasion the students took out the rally where slogans and placards were raised against crime against women, apart from demanding equal status for women and the disabled.

Various traditional and cultural events were also performed as part of the rally. (Correspondent) ○

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CM Tarun Gogoi says 13-year-old girl allegedly gang raped Himanta Biswa Sarma does not have any ideology

Unique rally

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A whopping Rs 986 Cr. has been allotted for the 32 state government departments for developmental activities by the State Development Council (SDC) during its 1st phase of meetings that started on 18th of this month and concluded here this evening under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

The decision to switch over

Contd. on Page 4 ○

from the erstwhile State Planning Board (SPB) to State Development Council (SDC), marking structural changes in the state planning process, has begun showing impressive results with many departments witnessing quantum leap in their budget estimates for 2015-16 from the previous years.

Visibly happy Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries,

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Aug 25

lifted from 6 am today as there were no reports of any violence during the night. On the other hand, curfew was relaxed for 3 hours from 10 this morning in the areas under Barbaruah police station of the

Demow, Aug 25: One youth has died in a private hospital in Dibrugarh 6 in the morning today. The name of the deceased is Pratim Neug, son of Khogen Neug, who lived at Demow Modhupur under Demow police station. According to sources, the youth was suffering from fever and body pain during the last few days and he became critical yesterday. So his family admitted him in the hospital for further treatment. The doctor examined the patient and gave him treatment however he died in the morning hours today. The youth got married one year earlier and is survived by his mother, father and sister.

(Correspondent)

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First phase of SDC meetings conclude, 986 cr allotted for 32 departments for developmental activities

Night curfew on in Barbaruah

One youth dead in Demow

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Pages- 12

Normalcy has fast returned to Dibrugarh town today following last night’s curfew imposed by the administration.

The curfew imposed in the Dibrugarh sadar police station areas since 8 pm last night was

Golaghat, Aug 25: Two cases of theft on the same day at Golaghat town has exposed the inefficiency of police in the town. According to reports, in the first case, a motorcycle bearing No. AS03-N-7714 belonging to Saurav Das was stolen while he was having tea with his friend. In the second case another new motor cycle was stolen from Santipur. Both the cases happened on Monday night. (Correspondent)

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5.00

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Aug 25

Two theft cases on same day

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Price -

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Additional forces rushed in as normalcy returns to Dibrugarh

ET CAPSULES

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Issue 84

Sengupta, son of Prabir Sengupta and Sujata Sengupta on 11th June,2015 who has been adjudged qualified for Dera Natung Award for excellent academic performance in AISS exams from KV (Kendra Vidyalaya), Khonsa in the academic session 2014-15.

The achiever Ovijeet Sengupta secured 100 of 100 % during AISS,2014_15.

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ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Aug 25

A total of eight persons are undergoing medical treatment at North Lakhimpur Civil Hospital (NLCH) after consuming poisonous mushroom. According to information received, Biren Nath, Pallav Nath, Monu Nath, Niranjam Pegu, Bimala Nath, two children Pankaj Nath and Kakali Nath along with another person are permanent residents of Thekeraguri-Na Ali under Boginadi Police Outpost who have been going through this ordeal.

It is to be noted that in the month of May this year, five persons of Dongibil under Bihpuria circle had to undergo treatment for the same reason.

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Gold hovers below seven-week high as dollar, equities recover Taipei, Aug 25

Gold hovered below a seven-week high on Tuesday as equity markets and the U.S. dollar rebounded from a brutal selloff in the prior session that was fuelled by fears over the fate of the Chinese economy.

Contd. on Page 4

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY ØGold hovered below a seven-week high as equity markets and the U.S. dollar rebounded from a brutal selloff in the prior session that was fuelled by fears over the fate of the Chinese economy.

ØMost Asian stocks recov-

ered in tandem with U.S. futures and Chinese shares pared losses.

ØThe dollar rose 0.6 percent versus a basket of currencies after falling the most since 2011.

cmyk

Vol. 1

Every Thursday & Sunday

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Govt. lacks ideas to handle economy, says Congress ANI New Delhi, Aug 25: The Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday cornered the NDA Government over the sharp decline in the Sensex and Nifty yesterday, saying that the latter had no idea how to handle India's economic

interests. "This government has no idea how to handle India's economic interests, the rupee is depreciating the price of onion is rising and the government is totally intoxicated in power," Tewari told. The Congress leader further said that in 2013

when rupee had tumbled due to the external factors the opposition had accused former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying he had lost his grace. "Today the situation is that that the rupee is losing its value and Prime Minister has no grace," he added. The BSE

List Of Phone Numbers Of Nursing Homes Tinsukia City Hospital & Research Centre AASU General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi flag off a NRC awareness rally organised under the banner of Tinsukia district unit of AASU. Pic - Arjun Mishra

Free homeopathic camp organised ET Correspondent Golaghat, Aug 25: As part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar School, a free homeopathic medical camp was organised by Jorhat JK Saikia Homeopathic College, Sri Sathya Sai Sewa

Samiti and PMJ Trust Golaghat. 22 doctors from Jorhat and 72 medical students along with doctors of Golaghat assisted and examined 450 patients and gave medicines too. The camp was inaugurated by Dr Prakash Baruah.

UTI Mutual Fund launches two new equity ETFs, looks to tap EPFO funds Mumbai, Aug 25: With an eye on the cash-rich Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), UTI Mutual Fund today launched two new open-ended exchange-traded funds – UTI Nifty ETF and UTI Sensex ETF. The New Fund Offers (NFOs) which opened today will remain open for subscription till August 26 and will be traded on both the exchanges from September 3. Currently, SBI MF is the only fund house which has an approved equity ETF while LIC Nomura MF has applied for five such funds. The EPFO, largest institutional investor into equities after LIC, sits on around Rs 6.5 trillion, contributed by its over 6 crore subscribers. The retirement fund body is now set to invest around Rs 5,000 crore in equity ETFs by fiscal-end, of its total annual investible fund of around Rs 1 trillion. To begin with, EPFO has chosen two index-linked ETFs -- SBI Nifty ETF and SBI Sensex ETF --to invest from August 6. The UTI

Manjhi elected HAM's president, resigns from JD-U Patna, Aug 25: Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha`s leader, was elected national president of the party after resigning on Tuesday from the primary membership of the JD-U and from the Bihar assembly. "Manjhi has formally resigned from JD-U`s primary membership and as a legislator. He was unanimously elected national president of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) in a meeting of the national executive here," HAM`s spokesperson Danish Rizwan said here and has pledged to ensure the defeat of Nitish- Lalu alliance.

(Agencies)

Nifty ETF will invest in securities which are constituents of Nifty, whereas UTI Sensex ETF will invest in securities which are constituents of the Sensex. Both will be investing in money market instrument in accordance with the asset allocation pattern. "Both of our ETFs, which were launched today, are approved ones and now it's up to the EPFO to decide the quantum of its investment into them, though we are already in talks with them for the same," said Suraj Kaeley UTI AMC President for sales and marketing. "ETFs launched

by UTI are well suited for institutions and PF trusts who over a period of time will benefit from the growth in the Indian economy," he added.

"We have filed for five equity ETFs which include Junior Nifty, Nifty, CNX 100, CNX Banking and Sensex and we are already in talks with EPFO for investing in these funds," Saroj Dikhale LIC Nomura MF MD and Chief Executive said. (Agencies)

Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Gnb Road Near Bujhuri-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2333349 Fax :0374-2350026/2339974

Dr.Bawaris Nursing Home Jeevan Jyoti Nursing Home Category: General Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Parvathiya Road Hospital Address: Parbatia,Opp Hindi Girls High School-786125, Assam Tinsukia-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :(0374)2339756 Phone Number :0374-2336319 Fax :0374-2335334 Fax :0374-2350131

Pinewood Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Subothoni Road Moniam Dewan Nagra-786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2300730 Fax :0374-2339730

Help-Line APST BUS SERVICE Ph: 0360-2212338, 0360-2351490 NIGHT SERVICES Name of Routes Departure Distance(km) Bus Fare 1) Itanagar- Shillong ( Daily service) 5:00 pm 510 460/2) Itanagar-Nyapin(Mon, Thu, Sat) 2:00 pm 325 400/3) Itanagar- Aalo (Daily service) 2:30 pm 325 350/4) Itanagar-Daporijo (Daily service from Nlg)12:00 noon 432 470/5) Itanagar - Yingkiong (Alternate day) 01.00 pm 436 550/6) Itanagar - Seppa (Alternate day) 12:00 noon 385 420/7) Itanagar - Khonsa (Sun, mon, wed, thur) 1:00 pm 677 620/8) Itanagar - Namsai (Daily service) 1:00 pm 655 580/9) Itanagar - Koloriang (Alternate day) 2.30 pm 334 400/DAY SERVICE 10) Itanagar - Guwahati (Daily service) 6.00 am 395 350/11) Itanagar - Pasighat (Daily service) 6.00 am 270 250/12) Itanagar - Tirbin (Mon, thu & sat) 5.30 am 328 330/13) Itanagar - Bomdila (Daily except Fri) 6.00 am 346 320/14) Itanagar - Aalo (Daily service) 5.30 am 325 350/15) Itanagar - Sagalee (Sun, Tues & Thur ) 7.30 am 121 135/16) Itanagar - Pakke Kessang (Mon, Wed & Fri)7.00 am 160 200/17) Itanagar-Mengio (sun, tue &Thur) 6.00 am 198 230/18)Itanagar-Kimin/ H-Camp (Daily except Sat)12.00 noon 94 80/19) Itanagar-Gerukhamukh (Daily except Fri)12.00 noon 134 120/20) Itanagar- Balijan (Daily except Sun) 12.30 pm 105 105/21) Itanagar - Sonajuly (Daily except Sun) 01.00 pm 70 80/22) Itanagar - Jote (Daily except Sun) 07.00 am & 01.00 pm 22 30/23) Itanagar- Lakhimpur (Daily Service) 3.30 pm 64 70/-

Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

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

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

Assam Medical College

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

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

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

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

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

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

Ramdev Sharma (Deponent) S/o Hari Prasad Sharma P.S Merapani Golaghat

ASTRO FOR YOU You will pay attention to the voice of your inner self today. This will help you implement all your plans perfectly. You will not only be jovial, but you will also not let disappointments cow you down. You can summon this quality whenever you like, not only today.

You are likely to stick to basics instead of letting your imagination run wild today. At work, you may feel some pressure from your peers to do things differently. Think things out and be certain before you take any decision.

Along with your house, family and business matters, you will also be busy with your social obligations today. You will be afforded the co-operation of those around you. New ways of thinking will flourish within you. Make full use of the opportunies you get today.

There is every possibility that today, you will be probing and prying about your future. A visit to a well-known astrologer cannot be ruled out. Also, you are likely to consult a doctor. It is all due to your bad lifestyle and habits. You had better improve your lifestyle.

A lucky day is in the offing. You will taste success in all your endeavours. You will be extremely creative. You will contribute a lot of new ideas in meetings.

You will be able to talk about your love without any hesitation today.

Today is a mixed bag of values and pragmatism, and if there were to be a competition for the most humanitarian person, you would be likely to win hands down. You would do well to make plans to increase your productivity. Try to look at the big picture, which should not be so difficult for you as you already have a broad perspective.

It’s a spiritual and harmonious mood that grips you today. You may want to focus on meditation, as you essentially seek peace. This may have something to do with the fact that at work, your subordinates may attempt to throw around their weight to force you to make drastic changes. But do not let it bother you too much. Just ensure that you consider all things at hand before you take any decision. Tackle things with tact, and remember to be calm. Breathe!

It is more than likely that you will find yourself in a tricky situation today. You may start the day feeling lonely and empty but yet, at the same time, you will have some responsibility that will prevent your from showing it. Try to keep your mind off negative thoughts. Work and friends will help you cheer up later in the day.

Personal grooming will be on your mind today. A small fortune may be spent on enhancing the way you look, especially on a new hair-do. Retail Therapy is on the cards, and you may indulge spending on clothes and jewellery.

Unless you be calm and patient, your tendency to act impulsively will get you into hot water. Your image on the minds of your colleagues and bosses will remain intact, though. You will keep on climbing up the ladder and come closer to success, but don’t get too excited if everything is turning out as per the plan.

Keep your focus on your target, so that you don’t miss a step on the ladder.

Most of the time it is your way or no other way, especially when you charging towards your goal. Today, you will push your limits to achieve what you have desired. You are talented, hard working, creative, and icing on the cake is your luck which is favouring you big time. You are determined to succeed and you will take up the tried and tested route of hard work.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

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

since Jan. 7 2009. It earlier hit a low of 7,769.40, its lowest since Oct. 17, 2014. The rupee fell to as low as 66.74 per dollar on Monday, its lowest since September 2013, as Asian markets reeled under fears of a China-led global economic slowdown.

By an Affidavit before the Notary Golaghat dated 24/08/15 I would like to declare that I have changed my name from Sri Ramdev Sharma to Sri Rohan Sharma for all intend and purposes .

Fear is a part and parcel of life, and while it can not be eliminated, it can certainly be tamed, and that is what you will be doing today. All your suppressed audacity will be on full display.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals

Sensex dropped 5.94 percent yesterday, its biggest daily percentage fall since Jan. 7, 2009. The index fell to as low as 25,624.72 at one point, its lowest intraday level since August 11, 2014. Meanwhile, the Nifty lost 5.92 percent yesterday, also its biggest fall

Name change

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 26-8-15 (WEDNESDAY)

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 9-30 P.M-KRAMASHA: (Serial Novel Reading)-Novel-"Bahire Rong Chong Bhitore Koowa-Bhaturi",Written by Hem Chandra Baruah (Episode-3) Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Anti-opium awareness meetings in Wakro and Tezu ET Bureau Tezu, Aug 25: An antiopium awareness meeting was jointly organised by the district administration and the cultural and literary society of Mishmi (CALSOM) on 22nd and 24th August at Wakro and Tezu respectively. The objective of the meeting was to sensitize the people about the adverse socioeconomic impact of opium addiction afflicting some sections of the Mishmi society and to highlight the need to explore alternatives for their sustainable livelihood to make the society self-reliant.

Shri Gautam Hazarika, SDO, Tezu who graced the progamme as chief guest exhorted the massive gathering to give up opium cultivation and opt for alternate source of in-

EAC conducts surprise check on ticket selling counters

come, which is legal and sustainable. He further, urged the younger generation to shun addiction and devote their time and energy in studies to compete with the rest of the country and become worthy citizens of the society. The guest of honour, Er.L. Khimhun, EE, power department expressed optimism that good sense would prevail upon and the addicts would renounce addiction and the Mishmi society would be free from all vices in the near future.

The resource persons from the narcotics control bureau (NCB), zonal office, Guwahati, categorically stated that opium comes under the narcotics substance and it's consumption, cultivation and trafficking amounts to contravention of the

NDPS act, which entail severe punishment.

Hence, they advised the people to shun addiction and cultivation of opium in their villages.

The resource persons from the departments of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, textile and handloom highlighted the various schemes implemented by them, which could be availed by the villagers for their income generation to replace opium cultivation.

All the resource persons were of the view that the vast fertile Mishmi region is suitable for various cash crops like orange, large cardamom, ginger, etc. and the cultivation of these cash crops could substantially improve the economic status of the Mishmis.

Er. L. Kri, CE, PHED, Dr.

S. Tawsik, Dr. S. Nayil, Shri. S. Minin, EAC, Shri D. Riba, EAC Wakro, Shri. Somadang Tawsik, social activists were some of the prominent speakers, who issued a clarion call to the people to join hands in their fight against the opium menace and the house resolved to gradually eradicate the menace, which is posing a serious threat for the existence of the Mishmi society. The awareness meetings which was first of its kind was attended by people from all walks of life comprising of the elites, CALSOM Executive Members, PRI Members, Gaonburas, Students and Villagers of the Mishmi Society. The meeting at Wakro was held in the Badminton indoor stadium and the meeting at Tezu was held in the DC's Conference Hall.

Sushanta Roy Diphu, Aug 25: Barely nine days after declaration of the formation of West Karbi Anglong district by Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam on Independence Day, Karbi Anglong district BJP has opposed the state government’s largesse, supposing that the administrative division of the intrigued sixth schedule autonomous zone of Assam through the unilateral decision of Assam government is a barefaced violation of the Indian Constitution’s provision of 6th Schedule through which the autonomous district was created.

Airing their opposition for taking such a drastic step the BJP mentioned in its press release that the state government should have consulted the Executive Committee of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to decide the finer points and the impact of isolating a unique governmental setup created in 1952 for protecting the socioeconomic interest of the 6th scheduled tribes of India.

It may be mentioned here that besides BJP no other political party has made this particular protestation so far; in an unusual mode both Hill State Democratic Council and CPI (ML) without any opposition has described the Congress' move as a step forward towards fulfillment of Memorandum of Understanding signed between erstwhile Karbi radical organization United Peoples Democratic Solidarity, state government and the Center.

Indrajit Tingwa Namsai, Aug 25: The Central Eastern Youth Association (CEYA), a conglomeration of youths from 12 (twelve) districts of the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh held its second meeting here at the Poi Pee Mau Ground, Namsai today. This was a follow up meeting of the maiden one held at Likabali on 28th June last. The districts which come under the umbrella of CEYA are Upper Siang, Lower Siang, West Siang, East Siang,

ET Bureau Itanagar, Aug 25: Under the chief minister’s flagship programme on Skill Development and Employment Generation the Department of Skill Development and Employment Generation has organized a briefing cum send off programme in Udyog Sadan, Itanagar for 45 youth who are selected to undergo skill development training in Hospitality at Orion Edutech in

Kolkata. The team is slated to leave on 25th of this month. The selection of the trainees was done through recent District level Job Mela-cum-Skill Development Awareness and Selection Rally held in every district headquarters throughout the state.

Subu Tabin, Director, Skill Development and Employment Generation along with K. Sarma, Dy Director (Skill Development), J.

Riba, Asst. Director and representative of Orion Edutech briefed the youth about the training programme, train journey, essentials to acclimatize in a new place, food habits, security/precaution, dedication, discipline, etc. to be a successful trainees to find a suitable job immediately after 5 months training. All of the candidates are going out of the state for the first time.

The cost of the training in-

ET Bureau Itanagar, Aug 25: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has issued a Party Whip on

cluding travelling both ways, training fees, boarding & lodging, etc. are being borne by state Govt. under Chief Minister’s skill development mission. Orion Edutech will impart 5 months training both theory and practical including soft skills like spoken English, communication skill, internet browsing, etc. At the end of the training the candidates will undergo an assessment to be conducted by an empanelled and professional organization.

The trade certificate will be provided to successful candidates by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), New Delhi. State Govt. has signed MoA with Orion Edutech the training providers for imparting training and to ensure minimum of 70 per cent placement (Job) at minimum monthly salary of Rs. 8, 000/- in hand immediately after successful completion of the training.

Script writing workshop held at SCCZ

ET Bureau Ziro, Aug 25: The Department of Mass Communication of Saint Claret College held a

two-day workshop on Script Writing which concluded today. The Workshop was directed

by Mr. Moji Riba, assis-

tant professor of Mass Communication at Rajiv Gandhi University and was attended by all students of Mass Communi-

cation at SCCZ. The workshop had both theory and practical sessions on various techniques of script writing. Demonstrating different techniques and through diverse activities, Mr. Riba helped the participants gain insight into the art and science of script writing. The workshop included screening of short documentary and fictional films and analysis of their scripts.

The participants were trained in the use of Idea Sheet and Idea Flow Chart as well as the dynamics of characterization and ethical imperatives in script writing.

The participant learning was assessed through various assignments. All in all, the workshop was a rich learning experience for the 35-strong participant contingent.

29th National Fortnight on Eye Donation observed Aalo, Aug 25: The 29th National Fortnight On Eye Donation was observed at Govt. Middle School Pakam West Siang District amid keen participation by teachers and students today. Presiding over the inaugural function, Dr. Marbom Basar DMO cum member Secretary DHS (DBCS) Aalo advised the teachers and students on the importance and significance of eye care and appealed

them to disseminate the message among the public. Taking the advantage of the gathering he also dwelt on Dengue, JE prevention, precaution and use of mosquito net as precautionary measures in the process.

Dr. Bai Bam Eye Specialist General Hospital gave a detailed power point presentation on the various corneal diseases and eye donation after death and its social value. (DIPRO)

Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Tirap, Changlang and Longding.

Representatives from Lohit, Anjaw and Namsai shared their views and suggestions for the successful functioning of the new association while welcoming the views expressed by the Working President Sri Nyakar Taipodia.

The meeting also unanimously appointed Chow Amat Namchoom and Sri Noami Pul as the Working General Secre-

tary and Assistant General Secretary (Administration), respectively.

It was also informed that more office bearers will be appointed to make the functioning of the association more smooth and better.

The Working President Sri Nyakar Taipodia, speaking exclusively to this correspondent informed that the main aim and objective of the association was to give a platform to the eastern sector of Arunachal Pradesh to voice their aspirations and demand

for their rights. He also added that equality in economic and other developmental avenues for the people of east Arunachal was their main demand as of now.

He summed up their stand saying that the people of Arunachal who are on the eastern side have been given a step-motherly treatment by the state government and that the association demands equality in all aspects of governance and benefits emanating from development activities.

APCC issues Party Whip to Lower Subansiri District's INC ZPMs

Youth sponsored to under skill development training in Kolkata

ET Correspondent Ziro, Aug 25: EAC Mokar Riba along with police personnel conducted a surprise check on counter/agent licences for selling tickets to passengers in and around Ziro township where eight counters were sealed for operating without proper documents. More such surprise checks are expected in the near future.

BJP KA district unit opposes formation of West KA district

CEYA holds second meeting at Namsai

August 24, 2015 to a host of seven INC ZPMs of Lower Subansiri District to present, vote and support in favour of Shri Hage

Kobing, present INC Zila Parishad chairperson, Lower Subansiri District in the No Confidence Motion to be held on August 31, 2015 in

Hapoli. APCC said failure to comply would invite disciplinary action which may lead to their disqualification of membership.

Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association renamed Boxing Arunachal, governing body reconstituted

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Aug 25: The Arunachal Amateur boxing Association has now been renamed as Boxing Arunachal and its governing body reconstituted for better management

of the association and promotion of Boxing Sports in the State. Meanwhile, Boxing Arunachal have granted permission to Capital Boxing Club to organise the 2nd State level Boxing Championship.

The key post holders in the newly formed governing body are DK Thongdok (Chief Patron), Techi Atum (Patron), T Thongdok (President), and Smt. Pema Wangjom Dinglow (Technical Director).

Pension Adalat conducted at Itanagar BSNL SSA

ET Bureau Itanagar, Aug 25: The Department of Telecommunication (DOT) conducted Pension Adalat at its BSNL, Itanagar SSA where lots of petty queries were sorted out for persons who are on the verge of retirement. Speaking on the occasion G Shabong, CCA, Shillong said that they are here to sort out the problems related to the pensioners on a rotation basis across every state of the NE Region quarterly. They are here at Itanagar

after a gap of 1 ½ years. The DOT conducted Pension Adalat is being monitored by the Controller of Communication of Accounts. She emphasised on the service rendered by the Deptt, for the benefit of the BSNL staff in particular. She also said there has been no specific complaint against the DOT (BSNL) since the last quarter. Some of the complaints which were received so far were sorted out on the spot.

The helpline No.

18003453000 is functional throughout the day from 10 AM to 6 PM right from Monday to Saturday. She said that they are also inspecting Telephone Kiosks, Village Panchayat Telephone (VPT), Broadband for the welfare of its subscribers and Deptt at large.

Dilip Siram, GMT, BSNL, Itanagar SSA also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the process of pension and its activities in the Deptt under Itanagar SSA so far.

First phase of SDC meetings conclude...

Contd. from Page 1

Commissioners, Secretaries and Head of Departments expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the first phase of the SDC meetings and exuded confidence that the 2nd phase would be equally fruitful.

“Replacement of AOP system by State Annual Development Agenda is another important step by the Government making space for the departments to work efficiently to realise the desired goal of overall development,” quipped a senior bureaucrat. Apparently, unlike the State Planning Board, the SDC provided ample time and space to the departments to place and advocate their proposals by increasing the number of

days for the meetings. The departments made presentations before the council with brief description of proposed schemes and projects while informing about the desired target in both physical and financial terms.

The SDC had initially directed the departments to formulate broad guidelines for implementation of various schemes incorporating monitoring mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability.

Skill development and employment generation got the major stake during the week long SDC meeting as maximum schemes and programmes were targeted to provide self employment to unemployed youths.

While winding up the 1st phase of SDC meet, the

Chief Minister appealed all the departments to put all out effort to make the state and central government programmes cent percent successful with fruits of development reaching every nook and corner of Arunachal Pradesh. He called for concerted and dedicated workforce of the state machinery to embark on a new and fresh development journey.

The 1st phase SDC meetings chalked out the one-year road map for departments having no or very small component of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

The second phase, scheduled to be held soon, would cover departments that have a major share of CSS and programmes.

ANYA condemns recent case of murder...

Contd. from Page 1

“Its worth mentioning here that town like Seppa is facing acute shortage of rice and LPG only due to the poor road condition, that has been worsened by the heavy downpour these days. The sudden blockade of Seppa to

Chayangtajo road by the M/s Gammon India under the direction of the PWD should also be verified thoroughly by the authorities concerned, as voiced by ZPM C/tajo Lama Bagang, earlier, as the sudden halt of the works in this 81 KM of road has created a kind of

havoc to the dwellers of Upper East Kameng,” ANYA said in a statement.

It appealed to the concerned authorities to look into the matters and act swiftly to mend the roads for the well being of all in the state and those of the poor in particular.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Books distributed among poor students ET Correspondent Golaghat, Aug 25: Under the leadership of the president, Maheshwari Yuva Manch Amit, a team went to Hindi Vidyalaya Golaghat today and provided two poor meritorious students presently studying in Class 10 with the additional books of their course. Social worker Sushil Jasrasaria took the leading role in this regard and handed out books to the two students namely Jyoti Shah and Rohan Sahini in the presence of Principal Madan Singh and Manmohan Rathi today. The MYS is slated to continue to hand out books in other schools of the town too.

The idea behind this initiative is to help the poor students.

Dowry victim files case with Police, culprit not yet arrested ET Correspondent Margherita, Aug 25: Farhana Begum, 22, daughter of Late Kasim Ali and resident of Alubari, under Margherita Police Station was thrown out of their house by her husband and family members on 11 October, 2014. It is alleged that Farhana Begum after getting married to Abdul Majid Halim, resident of Bogapani under Digboi Police Station, was physi-

cally and mentally harassed for dowry to the tune of Rs 5,00,000.

Farhana Begum told this correspondent that her husband Abdul Majid Halim and his family members after 3 months of marriage physically started harassing her to bring Rs 5,00,000 from her father's home. Again on 24 October, 2014, her husband dropped her off at her father's home and warned them that if they don't pay him Rs

5,00,000 she will have to live at her father's house permanently, said Farhana Begum. On 24 August, 2015, a case has been registered at Digboi Police Station with case number 229/15 by Farhana Begum and her family members. Digboi Police have not arrested Abdul Majid Halim even after 24 hours have passed after registering the case at Digboi Police Station, said Farhana Begum.

Assam CM advocates creation of dedicated fund for skill development to address NE infra gaps ET Correspondent Guwahati, Aug 25: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi strongly advocated for creating a dedicated fund for skill development to address infrastructural gaps in the North East. Addressing the fifth and final meeting of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development at NITI Aayog Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday Gogoi said proper skill development training must be imparted with linkages to industries for absorption of the created pool of skilled manpower. “We need to approach skill development with maturity and wisdom to ensure that it becomes an integral part of the grand framework of India’s growth and prosperity,” he said. Citing unemployment problem as the root cause behind social unrest, ethnic conflict and insurgency, Chief Minister Gogoi pitched in for greater strengthening of State Skill Development Mission to ease the unemployment problem in the State. “Skill development

without absorbing the skilled manpower will not be meaningful unless public and private investments are not forthcoming,” he added.

Gogoi also said that natural calamities like flood and erosion, climate change have compounded problems. “Every year flood and erosion devastates the economy of the State. 4 lakh hectare has already been eroded with an average loss of 8,000 hectare per year. As a result there has been a mounting pressure on land due to rise in population,” he added. In tune with the efforts of skill development, Gogoi also emphasised on reorientation of education system to address the serious problem of school drop-outs at the primary and secondary levels. In this context, the Chief Minister pointed out that low education levels at primary and secondary stages have had impacted the Government’s initiatives for creating skilled manpower. “All skill-related efforts should be coordinated and harmonized

between the Centre and the States,” Gogoi said, adding that the State Government has set up the Employment Generation Mission and decided to launch the Assam Skill Development Mission to attain the objective. Gogoi also said that the State Government has set up a target to generate employment opportunities for 7 lakh youth under different sectors this year.

In sync with skill development activities, Gogoi underlined the need for restoration of Special Category State status through allocation of Central funds either on a 100 per cent or on a 90:10 basis to bolster development in the North Eastern Region. “Resumption of North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy should also top the agenda of the Centre for the development of the North East,” he added. In view of low private sector investment in education in the North East, Chief Minister Gogoi also advocated for setting up of more institutes like IITs, IIMs and NITs in the backward North East-

ern Region. “These types of institutions should be set up only in the backward and Special Category States and especially in the North Eastern States where there are huge manpower shortages. For this the Central Government should provide special incentives,” he said. Gogoi also called for enhancing the number of seats allotted to students of the region in the national level institutions considerably.

The Chief Minister underscored the need for greater representation of the NER in the nation’s paramilitary forces besides utilization of regional training centres such as the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) as a training partner to enhance the representation of the NER in the paramilitary forces. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister of Punjab and convenor of the Sub Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development Parkash Singh Badal was attended, among others, by the Chief Ministers and members of Niti Aayog.

Vijayawada to host World Coconut Day 2015 ET Correspondent Vijayawada, Aug 25: Vijayawada, which is also called as the 'Land of Victory', is all set to host World Coconut Day 2015 at Swarna Vedika in MG Road on 2nd September 2015 in a grand manner. Organised by Coconut Development Board, the event will be based on theme “Coconut for Family Nutrition, Health & Wellness”. September 2 has been designated Coconut Day by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) headquartered at Jakarta, Indonesia. APCC's foundation day also falls on September 2. APCC is an intergovernmental organisation of 18 member countries mandated to promote, coordinate and harmonize coconut developmental activities of the Asian Pacific region to achieve maximum economic development. All major coconut-growing countries including India are members of APCC. The celebration is aimed at creating awareness about the importance of coconut and its potential in alleviating poverty, encouraging investments and promoting the develop-

ment of coconut industry in the member countries.

Around 500 farmers from all coconut growing states are expected to attend the function and out of which 75 per cent farmers are from Andhra Pradesh. This would be a good platform for the farmers to get first hand knowledge about the new initiatives of the Board.

An exhibition has also been arranged at the venue showcasing latest technologies in coconut sector and various value added coconut products including Neera. Neera and value-added products are being promoted through farmer producer organisations formulated in the country. Four Coconut Producer’s Companies from Kerala would be showcasing their products at the exhibition. The inaugural session will be followed by a technical session which will be attended by the who-is-who of the industry. Board officials and management experts will present the status and growth of coconut industry on theme based subjects.

As per the latest statistics of Horticulture Division, Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation,

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Govt. of India for coconut for the year 2013-14, the state of Andhra Pradesh occupies the first position in coconut productivity (14997 nuts /ha) and the fourth positions both in area (1,21,920 ha) and production (1828.46 million nuts) among the major coconut growing southern states in India. Since 1990, CDB has been implementing various developmental schemes in the state of Andhra Pradesh for expansion of area under coconut, improving the production and productivity of coconut holdings and promoting value addition and marketing of coconut. Presently, CDB has also facilitated the formation of three tier Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with the objective of aggregation of farm produce, farm level primary processing, value addition and marketing for augmenting the income of small and marginal coconut farmers.

As on date, 610 Coconut Producer Societies, 49 Coconut Producer Federations and three Coconut Producer Companies are formed in the state

Additional forces rushed in as normalcy returns to Dibrugarh Contd. from Page 1

district which was worst hit during Monday’s violent protests. Later, as situation improved with security forces maintaining a strict vigil, curfew was further relaxed to 5 pm in the evening. Curfew once again came into force after 5 pm in the Barbaruah police station area as a preventive measure.

M. S. Manivannan, DC, Dibrugarh said that additional forces have been requisitioned to boost the morale of the existing security forces and the administration is on the job to ensure that there are no loopholes in the security system. Five miscreants were held by the police. “Four additional companies of Assam Police battalion headed by 5 DSPs have been deployed in the sensitive areas of the district to prevent any untoward incident”, said Satyen

13-year-old girl allegedly gang raped

of Andhra Pradesh. Further, CDB has set apart Rs. 1284.32 lakhs for implementing various developmental schemes in the state during the year 201516. Shri Thota Narasimham, Contd. from Page 1 Member of Parliament and Member, CDB; Shri Koneru An FIR was lodged by Sreedhar, Worshipful Mayor, VijayawadaMC; Shri Kesineni Adivashi Students Union at Sreenivas, Member of Parlia- Suwagpur police station in this Police have identified the ment; Shri Gadde Ram Mohan regard. bus as ‘Pallab’ bearing registraMLA, Vijayawada East; Shri tion number AS-01 FC-4207. No Bonda Uma Maheswara Rao, arrest have been made so far in Vijayawada Central; Shri T. this regard. Meanwhile in anVijaya Kumar IAS, Special other incident on Tuesday mornChief Secretary to Govt., ing, an woman was seriously inAndhra Pradesh; Shri Satya jured as a speeding city bus Prakash Tucker IAS, Agricul- crushed her in Bamunimaidam in ture Production Commissioner; Guwahati. The incident took place in front of Anuradha cinShri Babu A, IAS, District Col- ema hall while the rickshaw she lector & Magistrate, Krishna was travelling in was hit by a Dist., Vijayawada; Shri scooter. She fell off from the rickChiranjivi Chaudhary IFS, shaw and the city bus run over Commissioner of Horticulture, her. The woman was seriously Hyderabad; Dr. B.M.C. Reddy, wounded and immediately taken Vice Chancellor, Dr. to the nearest hospital.

Y.S.R.Horticultural University, West Godavari Dist, AP; Shri Sugata Ghose, Chief Coconut Development Officer, CDB; Shri T. K. Jose IAS, Chairman, Contd. from Page 1 CDB; Shri Johar Khan, Member, CDB and Shri Rajiv P. electrocuted while inGeorge, Director, CDB would stalling a transformer of 11 be present at the function.

Sonowal lays foundation stone of multipurpose hall A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Aug 25: Yesterday, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Sports Minister, laid the foundation stone of a multipurpose indoor hall at Government Boys’ Higher Secondary school under a centrally sponsored scheme 'Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme'.

Sonowal said that after one year the work on the multipurpose indoor hall would be started and Rs 6 crore will be sectioned for this project. Sonowal told the media persons that this would provide a platform for the youths of the region to showcase their talent.

Winners of various competition organised by Marwari Mahila Samity in Sonari recently. The competitions were organised to mark the advent of the ospecious month of Sawan the fourth month of hind calender.

Pic - Mritunjoy Das, Sonari.

Gogoi, DIG (Eastern Range) who is camping in Dibrugarh to monitor the situation. Violence broke out on Monday following angry protests by the people of the Borpathar area of the town who were demanding stringent punishment to the killers of Babul Dutta who were murdered a few days ago. Three youths have been arrested in this connection and investigations are on. A peace meeting was also held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall at this evening during which the DC M.S.Manivannan appealed to all the people not to believe in rumours and to maintain peace and tranquility. “The administration and the police has identified certain rumour mongers and strict action will be taken against them”, the DC said. Dr. Nagen Saikia, former President of Asom Sahitya Sabha and a prominent resident of the town too appealed to all the

citizens to maintain peace and not to pay any attention to rumours. He also urged the administration to be proactive and ensure that such incidents do not happen in future. Meanwhile, the press fraternity in Dibrugarh and Dibrugarh Press Club has strongly condemned the incident during which Avik Chakraborty, Staff Reporter of ‘The Eastern Today’ and a stringer of ‘The Telegraph’ was manhandled by a miscreant in the Panchali area on Monday while on covering news. In a statement, Manash Jyoti Dutta, general secretary of Dibrugarh Press Club while condemning the incident had demanded immediate arrest of the culprit and strict punishment.

Chakraborty along with Manoj Pandey, reporter of ‘Purbanchal Prahari’, a hindi daily was trying to click pictures of some armed miscreants in the Panchali area when

Chakraborty was threatened and roughed up by the collar of his shirt. “The miscreant also threatened me to kill with the long sword which he was carrying. Fortunately, Azad Khan’s son who rushed to the spot rescued me from the miscreant”, Chakraborty said. The Eastern Today, too severely condemns the incident on one of its reporter and employee and has urged before the administration and the police to immediately arrest the culprit. “The culprit since had been clearly identified must be arrested without any delay and strict punishment must be handed over to him”, Ripunjoy Das, the editor of The Eastern Today said.

Meanwhile, all schools, banks and other financial institutions, shops and business establishments remained open today clearly showing signs of fast normalcy returning to the town.

In four months over 40 newborn dead in Majuli island Contd. from Page 1

on the other hand the health workers too in the island is responsible for death rate informed the Joint Director Health Dr Das. He said the Asha workers were suppose to look into the problems of such patients in their respective areas, though we from the NRHM side provided all required medicines and others.

But several Asha workers claim and blame the patients for not following their advice, they reach the health centre

after a gape of two to three days that is after a gap of 24 to 72 hours, blame their husbands or elders to be absent from their houses as they busy at their paddy fields, even the husband does not follow the advice of the health workers, which lead to the death of the infants in a day or two, the Joint Director added.

Such a record, the Ministry of Health recently opened a High Dependent Unit, that is a critical unit, so called ICU for such pregnant ladies to keep the challenge to reduce the infant mortality rate reduce, as compared to other states from the country, the

increase in infant mortality rate has created a great concern among the islanders as well as the health department from the district.

The death recorded at respective centers of Majuli ,as referred to Jorhat Medical College Hospital and recorded at various health centers like in KamalabariCentral Health Centre, Garmur – Sub Divisional Central Hospital, Jangraimukh-MPHC, Bongoan State Dispensary, Sriram Chapori-Sub Centre, Rawanpara-SubCentre and Ratanpur- Sub Centre etc so far statement from the Joint Director Office stated here.

2 electrocuted assistants undergoing treatment at NLCH

KV line at Japisojiya in the presence of departmental lineman Ajit Dutta, contractor Surya Gogoi and JE Faruk Ahmed. Similarly,

another assistant Indreswar Gogoi too sustained such injury on August 6 while he was on duty at Bengalmora feeder of Bihpuria circle.

Both of them are now undergoing treatment at the NLCH are said to be in serious condition. In the face of such adversity, it came to

be known that the concerned authority has paid no heed with regard to providing adequate treatment to the victimes. In this regard, Moria Youth Students' Union of the Lakhimpur district today alleged that the irresponsibility of the department has

added insult to injury as far as the victims and their families are concerned.

Moinul Ali, president and Rekib Khan, general secretary of the organisation demanded an enquiry into those accidents and disciplinary action against the responsible officials.

Gold hovers below seven-week high...

Contd. from Page 1 After Monday's rout, most Asian stocks recovered in tandem with U.S. futures and Chinese shares pared losses. The dollar rose 0.6 percent versus a basket of currencies after falling the most since 2011.

"If that remains the case over the course of this session then buying interest in gold could dry up," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. Spot gold was flat at $1,154.60

an ounce by 0240 GMT. It closed a tad lower on Monday after a five-day rally that lifted it to $1,168.40 on Friday, its loftiest since July 7. U.S. gold for December delivery was also flat at $1,154 an ounce. Gold was among the least bruised by Monday's selloff, dropping half a percent versus a 6 percent slide in Brent crude and a 2 percent decline in copper. A near-9 percent dive in China shares sent global stocks and commodity prices tumbling overnight. That helped gold hold up as uncertainty over

the global economy boosted investor appetite for safe-haven assets.

"Gold should continue to hold its value during the current market turbulence, however a material surge higher is unlikely as participants find liquidity by selling all asset classes, including precious metals," MKS Group trader James Gardiner said in a note.

Also potentially limiting gold's upside potential, a key Federal Reserve official stuck to his view that a U.S. interest rate hike would happen this year.

Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart said the Fed will likely begin raising rates "sometime this year," even as the steep drop in oil prices clouds the inflation outlook. Two weeks ago, Lockhart said he was "very disposed" to a rate hike in September. Spot palladium fell to as much as $555.50 an ounce, its lowest since July 2012, before paring losses to trade at $564.25, down 1.1 percent. Platinum gained 0.5 percent to $993 an ounce and silver rose 0.8 percent to $14.90. (Agencies)

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REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

PM Modi remembers the freedom fighters forgotten, inaugurated Gaindinliu centenary celebrations

More than 100 people hit by landslides in a Naga village

Kohima, Aug 25: India achieved freedom when thousands like us decided to give their lives for their country not fearing of any bitter consequences. Some among them lives even today through the history books while their were some long forgotten with no mention in the pages of history. As such PM Modi on Monday recalled the contribution og 'Rani' Gaininliu to India's freedom struggle and expressed deep regret for them who fought for one sole cause but had not been "remembered adequately".

Inaugurating the birth centenary celebrations here of Gaidinliu, a spiritual and political leader, the prime minister said India must remember the glorious heritage of the freedom struggle and ensure that the legacy of the struggles and achievements of our freedom fighters is passed on to succeeding generations. "It is our misfortune that people such as Rani Gaidinliu have either not been remembered adequately, or have been deliberately forgotten," he

Kohima, Aug 25: The rain-triggered landslides have affected more than one hundred people atPhesama along NH-2, the main road link between Manipur and Nagaland. Besides damage to the road and farmland, 23 houses affecting 30 families have been destroyted, officials said adding that more houses impacted by the landslides would be pulled down today as

MODI RECALLS GAINDILIU

Ø Inaugurating the birth

centenary celebrations here of Gaidinliu, a spiritual and political leader, the prime minister said India must remember the glorious heritage of the freedom struggle and ensure that the legacy of the struggles and achievements of our freedom fighters is passed on to succeeding generations.

Ø Rajnath Singh said as Durgawati and Rani Laxmi Bai w e re mentioned in the history of the freedom struggle, the name of Gaidinliu should have been given t h e s a m e p ro m i n e n c e .

"Historians have failed to do justice with Rani Gaidinliu," the minister said.

said in his address. He said the Northeast has given birth to several great personalities and had people learnt about their contribution, issues like alienation would not have crept in.

Modi said that even after India got Independence, the

"Rani maa", as he referred to Gaidinliu, was kept in jail for another three-four months. She was put behind bars by the British during the freedom struggle.

PM said she could not go to her village for "political reasons" as she was a nature

ØA brochure brought out by the Culture Ministry said Rani Gaidinliu was also associated with organisations such as Kalyan Ashram, VHP and Vidya Bharti. The Prime Minister also released Rs. 100 commemorative coins and Rs. 5 circulation coins on Rani Gaidinliu on the occasion. Modi also credited Gaidinliu with spreading the message of Mahatma Gandhi in the North Eastern region. ØModi said that even after

India got Independence, the "Rani maa", as he referred to Gaidinliu, was kept in jail for another three-four months. She was put behind bars by the British during the freedom struggle.

worshipper. "Her philosophy has the answers to the issue of global warming and other environmental matters which we face today," he said. He termed as "important" the decision of the Congress party then to have passed a resolution for her

release from jail in its Haripura session in 1938. It was Jawaharlal Nehru who gave the name 'Rani' (queen of the people of the northeast) to her, speakers at the function said. A brochure brought out by the Culture Ministry said Rani Gaidinliu was also associated with organisations such as Kalyan Ashram, VHP and Vidya Bharti. The Prime Minister also released Rs. 100 commemorative coins and Rs. 5 circulation coins on Rani Gaidinliu on the occasion.

Modi also credited Gaidinliu with spreading the message of Mahatma Gandhi in the North Eastern region.

Blaming lacunae in the system, the Prime Minister lamented that "either we forgot about some great personalities or they were deliberately forgotten". Modi said Gaidinliu's thoughts on living in harmony with nature could provide an answer to the problem of climate change being faced by the world today. Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minster Arun

Bengal teen's suicide: Women commission seeks report Kolkata, Aug 25: The West Bengal Commission for Women on Tuesday said it has sought a report from police on a girl's suicide after allegedly being molested and publicly assaulted in the city's outskirts. According to the victim's family, the prime accused Pritam De often accosted the girl, proposing to marry her. When she brought the matter to the notice of De's relatives they publicly

'No action against Shatrughan Sinha before Bihar election' New Delhi, Aug 25: The BJP will not take any action against its defiant Lok Sabha member Shatrughan Sinha till after the Bihar election, a senior party leader said on Monday. Sinha -- popularly known as "Shotgun" -- had recently called Nitish Kumar the country`s best chief minister and has been continuously embarrassing the BJP through his statements. Sinha had recently expressed unhappiness over the suspension of 25 Congress members by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. He was also among the around 200 celebrities who had urged President Pranab Mukherjee to reconsider the mercy plea of 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon. The BJP leader said the main issue of the Bihar election would be the "unholy" alliance of the JD-U with Lalu Prasad`s Rashtriya Janata Dal and claimed that Nitish Kumar can do anything for power. He also said none of the ministers in the Narendra Modi cabinet will fight the Bihar polls.(Agencies)

humiliated her and even tore of her clothes. After setting herself on fire, the 18-yearold -- a resident of Baranagar

-- succumbed to her injuries at a hospital early Sunday.

While the police have arrested six people including four women, the prime accused Pritam is still at large.

"We have reasons to suspect that the police are not acting in the way they should be.

The precious life of the girl wouldn't have been lost had the police acted in time. We have sought a report from Barrackpore commissioner

of police," commission chairperson Sunanda Mukherjee said. Meanwhile, police said they have launched a manhunt for nabbing Pritam. "We have interrogated several of his relatives and friends to ascertain his location. We have launched a manhunt for him and Pritam will soon be arrested," said investigating officer of the case Tanmay Sen. City-based rights group

Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) said it is seeking the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). "We are preparing a report on the entire matter and today (Tuesday) our team will meet the victim's family and others in the locality. We will send this report to the NHRC seeking their intervention," said APDR secretary Ranjit Sur. (Agencies)

Jharkhand Assembly plagued by alleged corruption charges traded between ministers The Speaker had to adjourn the session for an hour and also rejected other adjournment motions brought by separate opposition parties including the regularisation of jobs of para (ad hoc) teachers The charges by the minister against the former chief minister came after the JMM moved an adjournment motion against him demanding his resignation as he "misguided" the Election Commission during filing of nominations and accused him of committing irregularities in the Harmu Housing Board allotments.

Ranchi, Aug 25: The Jharkhand Assembly on Monday witnessed stormy scenes as state Urban Development Minister CP Singh and Leader of Opposition Hemant Soren traded corruption charges. Amid opposition shouts and slogans, Singh alleged that Soren had illegally purchased tribal land, accusing his sister-in-law and JMM MLA Sita Soren of receiv-

ing money from a candidate during a Rajya Sabha election. The charges by the minister against the former chief minister came after the JMM moved an adjournment motion against him demanding his resignation as he "misguided" the Election Commission during filing of nominations and accused him of committing irregularities in the Harmu Housing Board al-

lotments. Denying both charges, Singh said he had purchased a 3,000 sq ft plot from a person in a transparent manner and asserted that all property-related documents and IT returns had been submitted to the EC during the 2009 and 2014 polls. Rejecting the adjournment motion, Speaker Dinesh Oraon told the House that the minister had the right to respond to

the allegations against him, but it would be in his individual capacity and would not be taken as a reply from the government. All the while opposition members trooped into the Well and raised slogans against the government, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for an hour from 11.30 am. The ruckus continued even after resumption of the House and Speaker Oraon adjourned the House till tomorrow after the minister's reply and Parliamentary Affairs minister Saryu Roy tabling the supplementary budget.

The Speaker had also rejected other adjournment motions brought by separate opposition parties demanding regularisation of jobs of para (ad hoc) teachers and scrapping of an FIR against a Congress MLA. (Agencies)

Didi arrives to launch 'Clean and Green Darjeeling', Bimal postpones trip Darjeeling, Aug 25: Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) chief Bimal Gurung on Monday postponed his preplanned tour to Delhi and Vindhyachal, even as chief minister Mamata Banerjee arrived here to launch the 'Clean and Green Darjeeling' programme on Tuesday.

"As the GTA chief, he thought that he should be present at the Clean and Green Darjeeling programme which is mainly being organized by the GTA on 24 August at Chowrastha. Moreover, he wants to honour

the chief minister as she is our guest. That is why he postponed one of his important tours," said Col Ramesh Allay, the deputy chief of the GTA. Gurung was supposed to leave for his DelhiVindyachal tour on Monday afternoon. It may be mentioned that the GTA chief had said on 20 August that he will be not be able to meet Banerjee during her three-day stay in Darjeeling as he will be leaving for Delhi and Vindhaychal on his pre planned pilgrimage.

Sources however said that the reason behind Gurung's decision to postpone his scheduled

tour was to avoid any strains in his 'good relationship' with the chief minister. "We have to maintain a good relationship with the state government," Gurung had said on the 23rd Nepali Bhasa Diwas celebration in

Darjeeling last week. It may be mentioned that Gurung was not supposed to be present during the launch of the Clean and Green Darjeeling Project which was postponed from 6 August to 24 August due to another pil-

grimage tour that he was in at that time. Banerjee, who arrived in the town at 5.30 pm on Monday, will be launching the 'Clean and Green Darjeeling' programme, a joint initiative taken by the GTA and the West Bengal government at Chowrastha here on Tuesday.

The initiative can be looked upon as a symbol of good relationship between the GTA and the state government. According to sources, the chief minister will announce a 'huge' financial assistance for the execution of the 'Clean and Green Darjeeling project'. Sources added that Banerjee will also be conducting a meeting with the Tribal Advisory Council on 26 August, a day before she leaves Darjeeling. (Agencies)

Jaitley also spoke on the occasion.

Rajnath Singh said as Durgawati and Rani Laxmi Bai were mentioned in the history of the freedom struggle, the name of Gaidinliu should have been given the same prominence. "Historians have failed to do justice with Rani Gaidinliu," the minister said. He further said that the Naga accord will usher in peace and the wish of Rani Gaidinliu of a prosperous and peaceful Northeast will be fulfilled.

Born on January 26, 1915, Rani Gaidinliu joined her cousin Haipou Jadonang's movement at the age of 13 to drive out the British from Manipur. Following this the Heraka religion also came into being.

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya, Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang, Manipur chief minister O. Ibobi Singh, union ministers Mahesh Sharma and Jitendra Singh including legislators from Nagaland attended the programme held at Vigyan Bhavan.

(Agencies)

precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the Southern Angami Students Union has informed all the day scholars of St Joseph's College that accommodation would be provided for those who wanted to stay temporarily in Jakha town and at Viswema village. For the students of Japf Christian College, accommodation would also be provided by Kigwema village, the union said. (Agencies)

Farewell function for Rangpo teachers Gangtok, Aug 25: A farewell function for retired and transferred teachers of Rangpo bazaar junior high school was organized today at the school complex.

Kalpana Pradhan, Kala Pradhan and S. Wangchuk retired from service, while headmaster Kailash Thapa along

with teachers Pramila Devkota, Bhim Pandey, Uden Tamang, Kunjini Thapa, Srijana Bardeva, Jinita Lohagan, Dorji Bhutia and T.N. Sharma have been transferred.

All the retired and transferred teachers were today presented with mementos and shawls.

(Agencies)

Tripura student apprehended for the murder of a woman doc Agartala, Aug 25: An engineering student from Tripura has been arrested by the Chennai police in connection with the murder of a woman doctor, who was found dead with her throat slit in her rented house at Kilpauk a few days ago.

Police said Harindham Debnath, was studying at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute at Maduravoyal, killed the medico, S Sathya, while he was trying to steal her mobile phone on Thursday. As they found jewels and the mobile phone of Sathya missing from the scene of crime, the special police team tracked the mobile with the help of its IMEI number. Harindham was residing on the second floor of a house where Sathya

was staying on rent. Sathya, who was sleeping in the house, caught him redhanded when he tried to steal her phone. When she

raised an alarm, he killed her by slitting her throat with a knife and escaped with her cellphone, according to the police. (Agencies)

GHADC extension is the "wishful thinking of the CM": NPP Shillong, Aug 25: Hitting out at Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for extending the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the opposition National People's Party (NPP) on Monday said it was the "wishful thinking of the Chief Minister." The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), whose extended term expired on August 17, was put under Administrator's Rule as the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule including increasing the strength of the ADCs, was pending with the Centre. "Whatever Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is saying may be is his wishful thinking as whatever he is saying is not the rule of law," NPP spokesperson James K Sangma today said. "The increase in the number of seats is a constitutional matter and the Sixth Schedule has to be amended by the Par-

liament for that," he said. The Chief Minister had said the term of the GHADC was extended because it was waiting for the Centre to implement the provisions of the Peace Pact signed with the militants groups ANVC and ANVC-B on increasing the number of seats. "It is been two years the CM had been saying the number of seats are going to be increased... When it is not in his purview," the NPP leader said.

On the poll scheduled in October later this year, the NPP

said they were open to pre-poll alliance with like-minded parties and individuals. "Discussion and negotiations are taking place and we are confident that within this week we will be able to close to a decision," NPP working president Conrad Sangma told reporters after party meeting here today. "We have received more than 70 applicants and the party will be meeting in the last week of this month to finalise the list of candidates," he said. Welcoming the decision of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to contest all seats, Sangma said "Being partners, we are trying to figure out if there are any ways we can work together, but are open to all options."

Elections to the 29 seats of the GHADC would be held on October 12, while the date of counting was October 15.

(Agencies)

Shri V. Shanmuganathan Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya calling on the Defense Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar at RM Office. Pic - UB

Kejriwal to discuss the issues of power tussle New Delhi, Aug 25: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss several issues, including the issue of power tussle between his government and the Centre.

"I told prime minister that we may have ideological and political differences, but for Delhi's growth, the union and state governments need to work together," Kejriwal said after coming out from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

"Our orders and decisions are instantly declared null and void by the central government," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said.

Kejriwal also requested the prime minister to give two years' time to his government to fulfill his ambitious

projects of Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan and Digital India.

"I told Modi that we will fulfill Swachh Bharat, Digital India in Delhi, but for fulfilling all these aspirations of the union government we need better communication with them," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal on Tuesday arrived at the PMO along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to meet the prime minister.

The meeting lasted for 20 minutes. The AAP government has, on several occasions, locked horns with the union government over the issue of appointing officers in the national capital. The state government's power tussle with Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has been going on for quite some time now. (Agencies)

Congress to support GST Bill, with conditions: Shakeel Ahmad ANI New Delhi Aug 25: Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad said here on Tuesday that the Goods and Services Tax Bill (GST) will be supported, if the Government accepted three of its conditions. Shakeel Ahmed said that the Congress had put forward three demands: tax cap shouldn't be more than 18 percent tax, extra one percent levy shouldn't be there and there should be a mechanism for redressal.

He pointed out that when GST was started by the Congress, Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley had opposed it but they think it's good for India today. "We will still approve of it if the changes are made," he

Sushma urged her counterpart to intervene for the early release of six Indian seamen New Delhi, Aug 25: Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is visiting Egypt, has urged her counterpart Sameh Hassan Shoukry to intervene for the early release of six Indian seamen detained in the country since February 2014. Sushma, who held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Monday, thanked Foreign Minister Shoukry for facilitating the process for transfer of two Indian prisoners who are serving life terms in Egyptian jails, said an official statement. Sushma, who is visiting Egypt at the invitation of Shoukry, also held talks with Nabil El-Araby, Secretary General of League of Arab States on Monday.

She met with the representatives of the Indian Community in Egypt on Sunday.

President Sisi extended a warm welcome and highlighted the importance that

SUSHMA'S VISIT TO EGYPT

ØSushma and Secretary General of League of Arab States El-Araby reviewed India-Arab relations as well as regional issues.

ØSushma thanked Foreign Minister Shoukry for facilitating the process for transfer of two Indian prisoners who are serving life terms in Egyptian jails. ØShe also renewed the invitation to him to participate in the India-Africa Forum Summit-III in October 2015 in India.

he attaches to Egypt-India relations and his desire to take the relations to a higher level. Sushma Swaraj conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings and congratulated him on the completion of the New Suez Canal. She outlined the preparations for deepening and expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas. She also extended her condo-

lences on the passing away of his mother. President Sisi mentioned that he was very impressed by the recent economic developments and scientific and technological achievements in India, which he sees as a model for all developing countries. He also hoped for closer cooperation in fighting terrorism and promoting security cooperation and defence R&D

added. The Government is expected to convene a special session of Parliament to pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill - a constitutional amendment only after a consensus is arrived at among all political parties, including the Congress and the Left.

Kathmandu, Aug 25: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in violence in Nepal linked to the drafting of a new constitution.

In a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Modi expressed concern that political and social instability

would seriously compound the tragedy caused by the deadly April earthquake in Nepal. Twenty people, including 17 policemen, were killed and more than 100 injured in western Nepal's Kailali district in clashes on Monday between security forces and protesters demanding a separate Tharuhat prov-

As onion price has climbed to Rs.90 per kg in Delhi, in neighbouring Faridabad or Ghaziabad it is selling at Rs.50 a kg.

ince. According to a statement from the Indian government, Modi called for restraint and restoration of peace and order in the landlocked nation. He urged the government, political parties and the people of Nepal to eschew violence and maintain social harmony. The Indian leader also lauded the historic

of DPMC workers led a protest outside the BJP headquarters against the sky high price of onions and other commodities. "Price rise has focused the women to be put on the streets with empty plates and spoons. We request the government to take

acton against price rise as promised," said Dr Onika Mehrotra, president of DPMC. She also stressed on the urgent need to cut down on essential products by the Central government. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president, Mr Satish Upadhyay,urged

the Delhi government to take onion crisis seriously. Even as onion price has climbed to Rs.90 per kg in Delhi, in neighbouring Faridabad or Ghaziabad it is selling at Rs.50 a kg. "The Kejriwal government should ensure availability of onions at all

Mother Dairy booths and at least two spots in every municipal ward at Rs.30 per kg from 6 am to 7 pm," said Upadhyay. The Kejriwal government failed to tackle the situation even as vegetable traders and vendors are taking advantage of government's callousness, alleged Upadhyay. He said earlier the state government used to press into service over 100 mobile vans to sell onions apart from selling through PDS shops. "Unfortunately the Kejriwal government is still not very serious on onion crisis and hardly 10 mobile vans have been put into service to cater to a population of 1.5 crores.Nobody knows where the cheap government onions are sold as Delhi government has not publicised any list," added Upadhyay.

(Agencies)

Setback for Italy and India as UN tribunal suspends trial of two marines ANI Hamburg, Aug 24: Even as India on Monday asked a UN Tribunal to reject Italy's plea for the handing over of two Italian Marines who have been accused of killing fishermen in Kerala into its custody, the tribunal ordered a suspension of the ongoing trial. In its ruling, the tribuinal asked both India and Italy to submit a report to it by September 24, and added that there was still a question over which country had jurisdiction over the case that has been going on for more than three years. Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, the Italian marines accused of killing unarmed Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012. India had earlier

and joint production, said the statement. Sushma held extensive bilateral talks with Shoukry, who also hosted lunch in her honour. They noted that our shared values and experiences form a strong foundation to further expand cooperation on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. They discussed ways to develop an agenda to deepen and expand cooperation to take our relations to a higher level. Shoukry accepted Sushma's invitation to visit New Delhi to cochair the seventh meeting of India-Egypt Joint Commission in January 2016 and also hold Foreign Office Consultations at secretary level in November 2015.

Sushma renewed the invitation to him to participate in the India-Africa Forum Summit-III in October 2015 in India. Both sides inked two agreements, including an MoU on Cooperation in

the field of Tourism and an MoU between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India and the National Research Center (NRC) of Egypt for Scientific and Technical Cooperation. It was also agreed that the Agreement on Maritime Transport, the text of which had been finalised would be signed soon.

Sushma requested her counterpart's intervention for the early release of six Indian seamen, detained in Egypt since February 2014 and thanked Shoukry for facilitating the process for transfer of two Indian prisoners who are serving life terms in Egyptian jails.

Sushma and Secretary General of League of Arab States El-Araby reviewed IndiaArab relations as well as regional issues. Both sides noted that India's traditionally close links with the Arab world have been strength-

PM Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in Nepal

DPMC protested against the inflated onion prices

New Delhi, Aug 25: The Delhi Pradesh Mahila Congress (DPMC) on Monday protested against the inflated onion prices protested against the Centre, while the BJP protested against the Aam Admi Party (AAP) government in Delhi. Scores

PAGE 6

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

asked the UN tribunal to reject Italy's plea, asserting that it has full jurisdiction as the incident took place in its exclusive economic zone. A UN tribunal delivered its ruling today on Italy's plea that two of its marines accused of killing Indian fishermen in 2012 should be handed over by India and tried in their own country. Italy has based its appeal on a UN law that grants jurisdiction in such cases to the country that owns the ship involved in any incident at sea. The country has asked the International Tribunal on Law of the Sea to restrict India from taking action against its marines. Latorre and Girone were on board the oil tanker "Enrica Lexie",

and are accused of killing two unarmed Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast on February 15, 2012. Italy maintains that the shooting took place in international waters and that the fisher-

men were mistaken for pirates. Sergeant Girone is out on bail in India and sergeant Latorre has been given permission by the Supreme Court to stay in Italy for another six months for

medical treatment. India's representative told the tribunal that the marines "used automatic weapons without warning and shot in head and stomach of the two fishermen...This case is not covered by Article 97 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea but rather a double murder at sea."

The Italian government's version was short, straightforward and misleading, India said in the tribunal hearing at Hamburg.

India has also challenged Italy's contention that it has kept Sergeant Girone as a "hostage". "It is surprising that Italy is insensitive to the interests and plight of the victims of crime and is adopting a discriminatory attitude," India said in its submission.

progress that Nepal had made in the peace process and while drafting its constitution. He urged Nepal's leaders to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue between and through the process of widest possible consultation, including with the public.

They should arrive at "solutions that reflect the will

ened further in recent years.

They welcomed the success of special events such as the India-Arab Cultural Festival, India-Arab Media Symposium and India-Arab Partnership Conference. They agreed that the First Senior Officials Meeting of the India-Arab Cooperation Forum held in New Delhi and the first India-Arab Ministerial Conference to be held in Manama later this year would give further momentum to our expanding relations, said the statement. Sushma Swaraj is to deliver a lecture on 'India's relations with Egypt and the region' at the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, which will be attended by strategic thinkers, academics, diplomats, intelligentsia and media.

She will also interact with a number of Egyptian Ministers, and policy makers.

(Agencies)

BJP 'mishandled' IndoPak talks: Manish Tewari

and accommodate the aspirations of all citizens of a richly diverse society within a united, peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal", the statement said. As a neighbour, India would do all it can for Nepal's security, he added. Modi told Koirala that India's only desire was to see the emergence of a peaceful, secure, stable, democratic and prosperous Nepal. (Agencies)

OROP: Hospitalised veteran stable, protest continues

New Delhi, Aug 25: Col. Pushpender Singh, who was hospitalised after fasting for nine days over One Rank One Pension (OROP), is stable, doctors said on Tuesday. The veteran was rushed to the Army Research and Referral Hospital after his health deteriorated on Tuesday. "He is stable now and recovering," a hospital spokesperson said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over the issue. The govern-

ment had urged the protesting veterans to wait till Aug 26 before scaling up the protest. The three veterans who continued the fast unto death, retired Havildars Major Singh, Ashok Chauhan and Saheb Singh, who replaced Col. Singh on Monday, were fine. Tuesday is the 72nd day of protest and relay hunger strike.

There are around 24 lakh retired servicemen in India and around 6.5 lakh widows who will benefit if OROP is implemented. (Agencies)

ANI New Delhi, Aug 25: Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday alleged that the botched manner in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conducted itself in the run up to the NSAlevel talks has unnecessarily given publicity to the Hurriyat. "The BJP has mishandled the issue.

In Ufa, they gave equivalence to Pakistan on issue of terror," Tewari told. "The botched manner in which they conducted themselves in the run up to the NSA-level talks has unnecessarily given publicity and respectability to the Huriyat," he added. Pakistan called off the NSAlevel talks with India on Saturday. A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office said the proposed talks will not serve any purpose if conducted on the basis of what it called preconditions laid down

by India.

NHRC notice to govt over corporal punishment in school New Delhi, Aug 25: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Delhi Chief Secretary in a matter of alleged corporal punishment inflicted on an eightyear-boy by a teacher at a government-run school in the Shalimar Bagh area here. The Commission issued the notice after taking suo motu cognisance of a report that a guest teacher

at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya pushed the student of class III on the ground as he had refused to "massage" the former's legs. "Allegedly, the teacher beats all the boys a lot. He harasses them, hits them with bottles, places pens between their fingers and presses them. The Commission has observed that the report, if true, raises serious questions of violation

of human rights of the young, school-going children," NHRC said in a statement here. It has called for a detailed report from the Chief Secretary within four weeks. It was further alleged that the teacher had forced the injured boy to walk when he has finding it difficult to do so and that the principal of the school had tried to hush up the matter. (Agencies)

Obama, Modi establish secure phone line to elevate U.S.-India strategic-plus partnership ANI New Delhi, Aug 25 : Reflecting the close ties between the U.S. and Indian democracies as outlined in the January 25, 2015, Delhi Declaration of Friendship, U.S. President Barack

Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modiagreed to establish secure phone lines to further discuss their commitment to a long-term partnership for prosperity and peace for the global community. The leaders' ability

to make secure phone calls illustrates the elevation of the strategic plus partnership between the White House and the Prime Minister's Office. "Chalein saath saath; forward together we go!" (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

NEIGHBOURS

Four Held in SL Journalist Murder Case Colombo, Aug 25: On the eve of the visit of Nisha Biswal, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, to discuss human rights violations during Eelam War IV, the Sri Lankan police arrested two army officers and two other ranks for alleged involvement in the disappearance and murder of noted cartoonist and political journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda.

"At the request of the CID, we have released two offic-

ers and two other ranks to undergo investigation," military spokesman Brig Jayanath Jayaweera told media. On August 11, the media reported that a Sergeant and a Major, along with two former members of the LTTE belonging to the breakaway Karuna group, Kanapathipillai Suresh and Sumthipalan Suresh, were arrested. According to reports, the Sergeant had abducted Eknaligoda on January 24,

2010, two days before the 2010 Lankan Presidential election and tortured him at an army camp at Girithale.

A vocal supporter of Gen Sarath Fonseka, the then Joint Opposition Candidate against sitting President mahinda Rajapaksa, Eknaligoda had written a controversial booklet in Sinhalese entitled "Family Tree" which is believed to have led to his abduction and disappearance. (Agencies)

Court orders judicial probe into Arju's death Dhaka, Aug 25: A Dhaka court has ordered a judicial probe into a case filed in connection with the killing of Chhatra League's Hazaribagh unit president Arju Mia in a "gunfight" with RAB.Metropolitan Magistrate Shahriar Mahmud Adnan passed the order after taking the case into cognizance today morning. On August 23, Arju's brother Masud Rana filed the case against four including three RAB officials on charge of abduction and killing of Arju. The four are RAB 2 Commanding Officer Colonel Masud Rana, Deputy Assistant Director Shahidur Rahman, Inspector Wahid and RAB informant Ratan. Several unnamed persons were also

accused in the case. Arju was the prime accused in a case filed over the brutal beating of 17-year-old Raja on theft allegations in Hazaribagh, who succumbed to his injuries on August 17.The Chhatra League leader died on August 18 in what RAB said was a gun battle.In the case statement, Masud mentioned that Arju was kidnapped by the accused RAB officials the day Raja died as part of a plan to kill the young student leader.

Arju's mother Joytunnesa earlier told the media that Arju and his friends beat up Raja after suspecting the boy of stealing mobile phone and laptop .She said Raja's death was caused by Arju's friends who along

with Arju beat the minor boy up.RAB arrested Arju after a complaint was lodged by Raja's sister Reshma Akhter following the death of the minor boy while the shootout took place when the RAB team headed to Baroikhal area to arrest Arju's associates.

(Agencies)

Myanmar's military chief says armed forces will respect vote

Yangon, Aug 25: Myanmar's powerful commander-in-chief has reiterated that the military will respect the outcome of the country's Nov. 8 election, seen as a crucial test of Myanmar's reform process.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the main concern of the armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, is that the vote is carried out fairly and that the result is respected by

everyone - even if Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) wins a majority."We wouldn't mind even if the NLD won in the next general election, as long as it is free and fair," he told members of the Myanmar's Interim Press Council, a media support group, during a meeting held yesterday.

Myanmar's recent elections have been plagued by mili-

PAGE 7

tary interference. In 1990 the NLD won in a landslide but the vote was not recognized by the military. The 2010 ballot was widely seen as rigged and boycotted by the NLD. Myanmar's military ceded power to a quasi-civilian government in 2011, ending 49 years of military rule but the military still looms large in the country's political arena. A quarter of all of the country's parliamentary seats are reserved for unelected military officers.

Changes to Myanmar's 2008 military-drafted constitution require at least 75 percent of support from lawmakers, giving the military an effective veto power over changes to the charter. Efforts to lower this threshold of support failed in June. The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which contains a large number of former military officials, saw a major shake-up earlier this month when the party chairman, Shwe Mann, was dramatically ousted by President Thein Sein. (Agencies)

Blasts at Afghan gas storage facility kill 11: Officials

Nepal town tense after protests kill child and seven police Kathmandu, Aug 25: Hundreds of security personnel patrolled a tense town in western Nepal today after an 18-month-old boy and seven police died in violent protests against a new constitution. The government deployed the army and announced an indefinite curfew in parts of Kailali district, a day after protestors attacked police with spears, axes and knives and also the home of a paramilitary officer, killing his son. The boy`s father, Netra Bahadur Saud, told media he was sitting on his porch when protestors fired at him, killing his 18-month-old son."My son was playing in front of me, all of a sudden I heard bullet fire," Saud said."Within seconds my son fell to the ground with

head injuries. I rushed him to hospital but he was already dead."The shooters targeted me, my son was innocent. Why was he killed?" he said. Anger has been building for weeks in parts of Nepal after lawmakers struck a breakthrough deal on a new constitution, spurred by April`s devastating earthquake. The constitution was meant to draw a line under centuries of inequality, but plans to divide the country into seven provinces have sparked fury among historically marginalized communities, who say the new borders will limit their political representation. The latest clashes broke out in the town of Tikapur, 420 kilometres (260 miles) west of Kathmandu, when activ-

ployed in the area," said Nepal police spokesman Kamal Singh Bam."The death toll from yesterday`s street clashes is seven officers," Bam told media, revising earlier figures that counted eight fatalities among the security forces."Nepal`s government is squarely to blame for its failure to engage with the local community and address its concerns, which led to this horrific escalation," said Brad Adams, Asia Director of Human

Rights Watch, in a statement."The government needs to take immediate steps to restore order and prevent retaliation by the police."District officials said no further clashes were reported overnight.

Work on a new national constitution began in 2008; two years after the end of a Maoist insurgency that left an estimated 16,000 people dead and brought down the 240year-old Hindu monarchy.

(Agencies)

Sri Lanka briefs U.S. on domestic human rights mechanism

Over 700 arrested in polls related police raids

¢ Ethnic communities in western Nepal, while demanding statehood, clashed with the police yesterday with spears and knives ¢ Hundreds of security personnel patrolled a tense town in western Nepal today after an 18-monthold boy and seven police died in violent protests against a new constitution ¢ The government deployed the army and announced an indefinite curfew in parts of Kailali district

Colombo, Aug 25: Sri Lanka's new Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera today briefed two top visiting U.S. State Department officials about the measures taken by the government to address the human rights concerns following the over three-decade-long civil war with the LTTE.Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski met Mr. Samaraweera as they became the first foreign officials to visit Colombo after the recent parliamentary elections."Now that we have achieved political stability, I outlined measures being taken to address concerns regarding the alleged human rights violations including independent domestic mechanisms," Mr. Samaraweera said. "We discussed steps taken by the government to promote reconciliation and strengthen the rule of law, this is part of the government's overall objective of ensuring good governance, respect for hu-

ists from the Tharu ethnic minority held a protest to demand their own separate province. The Tharus have struggled to overcome decades spent as bonded slaves to high-caste landowners. Officials in Kailali said more than 40 security officers were wounded in yesterday`s clashes, but gave no details of casualties among the demonstrators."The situation is calm for now, hundreds of police and army personnel have been de-

Colombo, Aug 25: The police said that over 700 people were arrested in election related raids conducted by the police from the time nominations were called for till yesterday. According to the police media unit, 334 raids were conducted by the police and 739 people had been arrested. The arrests had been made for violating election laws, the police media unit said in a statement today. The police said that 408 complaints had also been received in relation to election law violations or violence and 185 suspects had been arrested. The police had also seized 254 vehicles during this period. (Agencies) man rights and strengthening our economy," he said.The two-day visit of the U.S. officials assumes significance as the U.N. Human Rights Council is due to release its war crimes report on Sri Lanka in Geneva next week.The new Sri Lankan government opted for a domestic mechanism to address hu-

man rights concerns raised in the resolution when the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration was in power.The official visit is aimed to further strengthen the bilateral economic ties and promote reconciliation and justice in Sri Lanka. Ms. Biswal will head to New Delhi on Wednesday. The U.N rights body's report was delayed

from March as a show of goodwill to the appointment of Sirisena as the new President in January this year.The report covers investigations on the alleged human rights violations by Mahinda Rajapaksa government and the LTTE during the final phase of the military clashes which ended in 2009. (Agencies)

Pakistan militants strike checkpoints in tribal area, at least 11 dead

Kabul, Aug 25: At least 11 people including several children were killed in a series of explosions at a gas storage facility on the edge of the western Afghan city of Herat; officials said today. The explosions triggered an inferno which spread to a nearby camp for internally displaced people where most of the deaths occurred .It was not immedi-

ately clear whether the blasts were an accident or caused by a militant attack."Around midnight a gas tanker exploded which triggered blasts in a gas storage plant, killing 11 people and injuring 10 others," Herat police spokesman Abdul Rauf Ahmadi told media.

Ihasanullah Hayat, spokesman for the governor of Herat, confirmed

the toll and said several children were among those dead. Herat province, bordering Iran, is a relatively peaceful province in a country convulsed by an ascendant 14-year Taliban insurgency.Domestic gas cylinder explosions are an almost daily occurrence around the country, where safety standards are poor and fatal accidents not uncommon. (Agencies)

Islamabad ,Aug 25: At least five soldiers and six Taliban militants have been killed after raids on Pakistan army checkpoints in the restive tribal area of Waziristan, security officials say, as the military presses on with an offensive in the Shawal Valley. Pakistan began a ground offensive in the deeply forested ravines of the valley, a historical smuggling route which straddles the border between North and South Waziristan, on Friday. Today morning, a group of militants attacked a checkpoint in the Pir Ghar area,

Kashmiri leaders not a 'third party', says Pak PM Nawaz Sharif

Islamabad, Aug 25: Asserting that Kashmiri separatist leaders are not a "third party", Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that any dialogue process with India which does not include Kashmir issue will be futile. "Kashmiri leaders are not the third party but an important party to this issue. Any decision on their future cannot be made without their opinion and

consultation," Sharif said during a cabinet meeting on Monday. The prime minister told the cabinet that any dialogue with India without Kashmir issue would be futile. Sharif's comments came just days after Pakistan called off the National Security Advisers-level talks at last minute after India asked it to give a commitment that it would not meet Kashmiri separatist leaders.

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz briefed Sharif and cabinet colleagues over the cancellation of talks. The cabinet also discussed the security situation in the country.

Aziz was scheduled to travel to India on August 23 for the first-ever NSA-level talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval but he called off the visit just hours before the proposed dialogue.

(Agencies)

adjacent to Shawal, killing at least three security personnel, security officials in the area told media."Militants attacked with heavy weapons, including [Rocket Propelled Grenades] and machine guns. Forces replied to the attack we are checking for the militants' casualties," a security official told media on condition of anonymity.

Hours earlier, two security forces personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in an exchange of fire with militants in the Shawal valley, Pakistan's military said in a statement .At least

six militants were also killed in that exchange, the military said. Both attacks were claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, who the army has been battling in North Waziristan since it launched a full-scale military operation in the area in June last year."We will not let the army enter Shawal under any conditions," Azam Tariq, a Taliban spokesperson, told media, adding that dozens of Taliban fighters had been involved in the raids. The Shawal offensive marks the latest phase of a military operation in Waziristan,

which the army says has resulted in the deaths of more than 2,700 militants and the clearance of most of North Waziristan, a historical hotbed of militancy. Today, the military said it had destroyed a militant training camp and ammunition dump in gunship helicopter strikes in the Gurbaz area of Shawal.The Pakistani Taliban has been battling the Pakistani state since the group's formation in South Waziristan in 2007, and has the ultimate goal of enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law on the country. (Agencies)

Bangladesh to bring back 125 illegal migrants from Myanmar Dhaka, Aug 25: Bangladesh authorities are set to bring back 125 illegal migrants rescued at sea by the Myanmar navy. According to sources, the illegal migrants will be repatriated after a flag meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Myanmar's immigration department today. International Organisation for Migration (IOM) National Programme Officer Asif Munier said they have completed all formalities for the repatriation.He added that one or two more people could be included in the list to be handed over to the representatives during the flag meeting.The list includes 20 to 25 adolescents; the IOM official said adding that they would provide humanitarian help for them until they reach home.

Myanmar Navy rescued 208 boat people on May 22 and another 727 on May 27.Bangladesh brought 501 of them back in four phases on June 8, June 19, July 22 and Aug 10. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Rural development in Assam Development of Assam depends on development of the rural In Assam, about 86 per cent of the total population lives in 26,395 villages. The living conditions of the vast number of rural populace are remarkably backward. From the perspective of the paradox of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalisation (LPG), the majority of the people of Assam are facing formidable challenges such as extreme poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and lack of skill needs to earn. 34.4 per cent of the total population of Assam lives below the poverty line of which 91.50 per cent lives in rural areas.

Keeping this in view, right from the inception of Five Year Plans, the Government of Assam has implemented both centrally sponsored as well as State Sponsored Rural Development Programmes (SSRDPs) to address the dehumanizing socio-economic conditions of the rural people of Assam.

Meanwhile, the World Bank defines rural development "as a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of a specific group of people the rural poor, including small and marginal farmers, tenants and the land-less". As per 2011 census, the total population of Assam stood at 3,11,69,272 of which 86 per cent inhabits in 26,395 villages. The rural population largely comprises of small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, artisans, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The living conditions of the vast number of rural people of the state are significantly very poor. As a majority of the people are living below poverty line there is a need to support skill development of the rural people so that they might be able to earn and check various formidable socio-economic challenges. In fact, the socioeconomic conditions of the vast number of rural people are dependent on agriculture which is the backbone of the state's economy. Though agriculture is the primary source of occupation of the rural poor, this sector in Assam has not been developed sufficiently so far. Again, as per Tendulkar Committee statistics, overall 34.4 per cent (97.7 lakhs) of the total population of Assam was BPL, with 91.50 per cent (89.4 lakhs) in rural areas and 8.50 per cent (8.3 lakhs) in urban areas. The percentage of population in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) segment is the third highest among the seven north-eastern states. Among all the 35 States and Union Territories across India, Assam has the eighth highest proportion of population in the BPL segment.

Hence, it becomes imperative on the part of the government to adopt on a priority basis the objective of attacking the rural problems for a better quality of rural life towards self-sustenance and achieving sustainable rural development and rural transformation in the state. Unfortunately, like most other initiatives by our government, SSRDPs too are being considered a total failure. Unless and until corruption and systemic shortfalls are done away with from this land of ours, development would continue to remain a distant dream for all of us. And, it is crystal clear that Assam can only develop if its rural areas and rural people are developed as a whole.

Deforestation directly linked with migration Searching for answers through NRC Migration of population is an international phenomenon. Since ancient times, people had been migrating from one place to another in search of better livelihood. As far as migration in north east India is concerned, a new trend was witnessed at the beginning of the 19th century. The colonial masters encouraged migration to north east India to meet the needs of shortage of labour. These migrants gradually settled in the forest areas and subsequently put pressure on the forests with their activities. They cleared the forest areas and turned it into agricultural land. Thus large scale deforestation occurred during the colonial rule in India. Again unrestricted migration from neighbouring countries especially from Bangladesh affected the rural economy of north east India. Migration has often been described as a factor directly linked with deforestation in north east India as well as in Assam, in addition to having distinct socio-economic impact. In north east India, there have been both internal and external migrations, since the times of British occupation of Assam in 1826 A.D. Illegal migration from across the borders has continued unabated for over five decades. However, the government of India is yet to take stern measures to check it which is a potential threat to national security. Today, India is home to about 15 million Bangladeshis, 2.2 million Nepalese, 70,000 Sri Lankan Tamils and about one lakh Tibetan migrants. Assam has lost forest cover in recent years. The actual forest cover of the total geographical area of the state has decreased from 26.50 per cent in 1969-70 to 24.58 per cent in 2003. There has been large scale unabated encroachment in the reserved forests by the new settlers, people displaced by floods, etc. while ethnic clashes in the State have become a norm. As a result, excessive dependence of the people in rural areas on the forests has led to deforestation. Large scale deforestation in Assam as well as in other parts of North east India has posed a serious threat to the environment.

Although depletion of forest cover which is not a new phenomenon is said to have begun with the commercialization of forest resources during the times of the colonial rule, increasing population has also always played an important role in deforestation. In north east India large scale immigrant population from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh coupled with natural increase of indigenous population has led to population explosion, thereby putting tremendous pressure on the forests. Deforestation has also been a major cause of climate change all over the globe. In view of the above, the Government of Assam has introduced the scheme of NRC according to which they can easily make it out as to who are real citizens of Assam. Migration should be immediately controlled by the administration and only then deforestation can be effectively checked.

A Seismic Shift in India's Pakistan Policy New Delhi has shifted its approach toward talks with Pakistan. The implications stand to be huge ?......Harsh V. Pant The much-hyped National Security Adviser (NSA)-level talks between India and Pakistan scheduled for this week may have collapsed even before they could formally start. But the Modi government managed to convey the message that it has been successful in reshaping the terms of New Delhi's engagement with Islamabad, perhaps forever.

This is a seismic shift in India's Pakistan policy and should be recognized as such.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif met in Ufa, Russia on the side-lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit last month.

They issued a joint statement in which they "condemned terrorism in all its forms and agreed to cooperate with each other to eliminate the menace of terrorism from South Asia." It would have been an ordinary meeting but for the fact that the two leaders were meeting for the first time since May 2014 and their meeting came after increased border hostilities in the past few months and the backdrop of India having cancelled secretary-level talks last year. When Modi held his first meeting with Sharif in Delhi soon after becoming the Prime Minister in May 2014, the two decided to hold secretary-level talks which were scheduled for August 2014. But those talks were cancelled by India after Pakistan's engagement with Kashmiri separatists. So after more than ten months, the Modi government's decision to reengage Pakistan was seen by

some as New Delhi's "on again, off again" inconsistent approach towards Pakistan while others hyped it as being a "gamechanger" and a "breakthrough."

At Ufa, Modi and Sharif agreed to hold a meeting of their top security advisers to discuss terrorism. But there were other steps as well, including meetings of the Director Generals of India's Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers to stabilize the border, release of fishermen in each other's custody, and a mechanism for facilitating religious tourism. Additionally, Modi accepted Sharif's invitation to the South Asian regional summit, which is going to be held in Islamabad next year. The trip will not only be Modi's first visit to Pakistan after coming to power but it would also be the first time an Indian leader would visit Pakistan since Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2004.

Pakistan's agreement to expedite the 2008 Mumbai terror attack trial and no specific mention of Kashmir was viewed as a major diplomatic victory for India and a sign of changing mind-set in Pakistan. But the euphoria collapsed within hours as Pakistan went back on a number of its commitments.

Sharif's national security adviser made it clear that more information would be required to resume the trial of Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Lakhvi, operational commander of the now banned organization Laskhar-eTaiba (LeT), is among seven persons charged with planning and helping carry out the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Much to India's consternation, he was released from jail in April, after a court order dismissed detention orders issued against him.

Islamabad also reiterated

that there could not be any dialogue with India unless the issue of Kashmir was on the agenda.

Days before this week's meeting of the two NSAs, it had seemed that both sides were provoking each other to cancel the talks. Pakistan expected that India would allow its national security adviser Sartaj Aziz to meet with the Kashmiri separatist leaders during his visit to Delhi. And India made it clear that it would not be "appropriate" for Aziz to meet the leaders and briefly detained and released some of them to buttress its point.

And finally, Pakistan decided to call off the talks after he Indian foreign minister reiterated that bilateral talks could not take place if Pakistan's national security adviser did not drop plans to meet Kashmiri separatist leaders.

Ever since coming to power in May 204, the Modi

government has been gradually reshaping underpinnings of India's Pakistan policy. It appears to have recognized from the very beginning that a quest for durable peace with Pakistan is a nonstarter. All that matters is the management of a neighbor that is more often than not viewed as a nuisance by Delhi. For India, the real challenge is China which has pledged $46 billion worth of investment in Pakistan and recently blocked India's move to seek action against Pakistan for release of Lakhvi in the Mumbai attack trial at a meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee.

After years of ceding the initiative to Pakistan, the Modi government wants to dictate the terms for negotiations. It has reached out to the Pakistani civilian government even as it has decided to underline to the Pakistani military the costs of its dangerous escalatory tac-

tics on the border with massive targeted attacks on Pakistani forces along the border. And now with its latest move of drawing clear red lines for Pakistan, it has sent out several signals to various interlocutors. To Pakistan, the message cannot be clearer that there are only two parties involved in the dispute. The separatists leaders of Kashmir have no locus standi in the matter and India retains the levers to marginalize them should the need arise. In one stroke, New Delhi has made separatists hardliners redundant and Pakistan will find its old tactic of wooing the separatists will no longer pay it any dividends.

The Modi government has also underscored, for the international community, the Pakistani Army's continuing primacy in setting the agenda for Islamabad's India policy. Nawaz Sharif, however well-intentioned, is yet to demonstrate that he can take on the all-powerful military when it comes to India.

This was soon evident when border tensions rose soon after last month's meeting with Modi and even suggestions from the Pakistani Army that it has shot down an Indian drone which later turned out to be Chinese made DJI phantom 3.

At a time when Indian foreign policy horizons are widening and New Delhi is self-confident about its own role in the world, the Modi government has decided to leave it to Pakistan to decide if it wants to engage with India. If it's only instrument of choice remains terrorism, then Indian military is enough to tackle it. Indian diplomacy has more important things to worry about.

After Sanjiv Bhatt’s Termination From Duty: A Modest Proposal For Mr. Modi

?......Abhishek Jha

The run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections saw Modi’s public image metamorphose from that of a tainted chief minister accused of deliberate inaction during riots to the man who could salvage India from all its problems, deliver and develop. It would be unthinkable now to be reminded that this man, who is an instant favourite with industrialists, had once been questioned and mistrusted by them due to the riots. Since then, however, he worked hard to bring the metamorphosis to fruition. The Tata Nano plant set up at Sanand, the hiring of the lobbying firm APCO Worldwide for strengthening brand Gujarat, the Vibrant Gujarat summits were all part of the project. It also helped that the SIT submitted that it did not find enough evidence to proceed against him, which was immediately dubbed ‘a clean chit’ and cleared the path to the final throne.

But the hot seat hasn’t been as comfortable and empower-

ing as Modi would wish. One last thorn persists and those who feel that justice remains undelivered in the 2002 carnage have put all their weight behind that last thorn, namely Zakia Jafri. To bury the ghosts of 2002 and to emerge spotless, Modi needs to delegitimise that force. To that end, the work has been relentless. The probe initiated against Teesta Setalvad regarding exhumation of corpses of riot victims, who as a member of Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) is assisting Zakia Jafri in her case, is a case in point. In 2012, the Supreme Court bench had said the following about it: “This is a hundred percent spurious case to victimise the petitioner (Setalvad)” and that “this type of case does no credit to the state of Gujarat in any way.”

A year earlier, in 2011, Sanjiv Bhatt, an IPS officer who had submitted before the SIT that Modi had asked his administration to “let Hindus vent

their anger“, was suspended for dereliction of duty and insubordination. He had failed to report at his post as the principal of the Police Training College, Junagadh, because he was “to appear in the various court cases and [before] the G.T.Nanavati-Akshay Mehta judicial commission“.

In the same year he was arrested within 48 hours after he filed another affidavit claiming that Modi and Amit Shah had asked him to destroy documentary evidence regarding the murder of Haren Pandya. Interestingly, Pandya, a minister during Modi’s chief minster-ship, had testified undercover before the Krishna Iyer tribunal in 2002 that Modi had wanted Hindus to vent their anger after the Sabarmati Express was set on fire.

On July 14 this year, just a few weeks before the hearing on Zakia Jafri’s revision plea was to begin, CBI raided Setalvad’s office and residence citing FCRA violations

even when demands for a thorough probe in Vyapam case were being raised with great frenzy. The CBI went so far as to demand custodial interrogation of Setalvad and her husband. Bombay HC, however, denied CBI the custody saying that it did not “find any threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the state or a threat to its security or economic interest” if the couple remained free and even granted them anticipatory bail. “A citizen may conduct social activities and may have a different point of view, which may not be liked by the government. However, in a democratic state, a citizen may have his or her point of view,” Justice Mridula Bhatkar said last week. Soon after the suspended IPS officer, Sanjiv Bhatt, was sacked.

The Union Home Ministry termination order, following a recommendation from the Gujarat government, signed on 13th August had 11 charges against Bhatt similar

to the ones that had led to his suspension. Bhatt tweeted after he learnt of his termination: “Finally removed from service today after serving 27 years in the Indian Police Service.

Once again eligible for employment. :) Any takers?” His son’s letter praising him for his courage has gone viral.

Setalvad is cheered every time she comes clean before the courts. Both Setalvad and Bhatt do have the sympathy of a large group of people in the country. It is not unique to those who stand against Modi. Durga Shakti Nagpal, the IAS officer who took on the sand mafia in UP, got a lot of support when she was suspended. A lot of people look up to such officers as honest people fighting a corrupt and powerful system.

Their everyday struggles against this system makes them identify with them.

Of course, whenever such action takes place, the state argues that it is in accordance with guidelines, statues, laws,

procedure, etc. One would also like to believe that that is true. However, few people who have held the high office of the Prime Minister have invested as much energy in building their public image as Mr. Modi has. So, in the rare case that the charges being filed against these people are false, are spurious, wouldn’t it hurt his public image?

Maybe in the enthusiasm of defending the country against anti-national people, of freeing the country of people who do not follow procedure and orders, a case or two might have been exaggerated. He should understand that this is a mistake. Every charge that emerges to be “hundred percent spurious” is likely to weigh against him if the courts give a green signal to a fresh investigation after hearing Jafri’s plea. In the public eye, it has already begun to tarnish him again and maybe the industrialists will start to groan again. A little humility can save him that.

Himanta Biswa joins BJP Sir, Ahead of the assembly elections in Assam next year, the BJP managed to poach a prominent Congress leader Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sarma, who will be joining the BJP, is a former health and education minister in the state.

The party has been working on the deal for a while now.

Barely a month after the BJP accused him of being a key suspect in the alleged 2010 water supply scam in Assam, at its parliamentary party meeting on July 22, the BJP had released a booklet - 'Saga of Scams in Congress-ruled States' - in which it termed Sarma as "key suspect" in the alleged Guwahati water supply scam involving the Congress-led state government and Louise Berger International Inc, which worked as a consultant. Congress leader Himanta Biswa Sarma met BJP president Amit Shah Sunday and announced that he would be joining the party.

BJP sources said Sarma, who was accompanied by Assam BJP chief Siddhartha Bhattacharjee to Shah's residence, would join the party "soon".

Once a close associate of Chief Minister Gogoi, Sarma had resigned from his ministry last year following differences. The BJP national leadership believes that the entry of Sarma, a prominent face of the Congress in Assam, would be a boost to its electoral prospects in the state, which is going to polls next year. In February this year, the BJP had swept the civic elections in Assam, winning 38 of the 74 municipal boards and town committees.

Sarma, who has been representing the Jalukbari assembly constituency since 2001, played a vital role in bringing the party to power in Assam in the last three consecutive elections. Sarma had since 2011, been expressing dissent and demanding a change in the state leadership. He resigned from the Tarun Gogoi cabinet in 2014.

It however remains to be seen how things pan out for both Sarma and BJP in general. Many a theory in this connection has already been put forth.

Yours etc.

Sobha Gupta Tinsukia

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

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

Op

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

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Importance of Passion for Career Ranjan K Baruah Passion is something which we do out of our interest.

All of us have some hobbies and we like to indulge in them, similarly we must try to follow our passion to be successful in life. Instead of following passion many are trying to follow jobs where there is money.

Success does not come overnight and hence everyone needs to have perseverance and patience. Following passion is rare amongst many students and young people who do not follow passion might be frustrated in future. There must be strategic planning/ effective career planning to become successful. People who have followed passion are always successful and happy in their life.

Most of us have seen a movie named 3 idiots. This movie tells us how passion is important in life. If we follow our passion then everyday would be a happy day for us. Initially there might be some challenges but with planning and dedication and determination we can become successful. Students need to take SWOT analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses.

I would like to make an appeal to aspirants and students to have faith on themselves and have confidence because following passion is difficult but not impossible. I can assure that if a person follows their passion with planning then s/ he is sure to be successful in life. Don't listen to negative people because they will advice negatively, read positive stories and be posi-

tive and act positive.

Exam Update: ¢ CTET: The Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi will be conducting the 8th Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on 20.09.2015 (Sunday) for candidates to be eligible for appointment as teacher for Class I to VIII. ¢ CAT Exam: CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted by IIMs (Indian Institute Of Managements) for its admission to Post Graduate (PG) Programmes and Fellow Programmes. Apart from the

IIM's, various other Management Institutes use the CAT score for shortlisting the candidates. Online registration has started and it shall be closed by 20th September. Exam would be held on 29th Nov. ¢ Indian Navy: Opportunities for unmarried men and women in Short Service Commission in Executive Branch/Technical Branches of the Indian Navy. Last date for applying is 22nd September. ¢ IBPS: The online examination for the next Common Recruitment Pro-

cess for selection of personnel for Clerical cadre posts of some of the banks is scheduled in December and January. Last date for submitting application is 1st September. This is conducted by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.

Scholarships Update: ¢ Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, introduced its scholarship programme in many countries including India in the year of 1983 with a view to promote professional education among Muslim com-

Speed, Competition, Pressure: The World That Awaits You After A Degree In Mass Media Jessie Yarrow From the microphone wielding reporters to blaring radios, from the gigantic headlines to the constant tweets and videos, no one is unaware of the power of media in voicing the public opinion and delivering news to the masses. The sheer thrill of finding the truth, the challenges which follow in delivering it and the rewards and satisfaction it brings are enough reasons to attract youth towards this exceedingly challenging, highly adventurous and extremely demanding stream.

Communication has always been an undeniable power, both for individuals as well as the masses. Three hours of a well-directed movie can leave even the most strong hearted with teary eyes; a five minute video song can induce motivation even among the most dejected minds which even long speeches cannot do. A simple photograph can speak volumes and spark a reaction among those who view it.

Even in the older days when the concept of democracy was not known and the people were more or less a

controlled herd, mass communication was considered a weapon and was highly censored by those in power.

When power was decentralized and people became their own masters, media and mass communication became even more dispensable as it became the sole medium through which people can make their voice heard.

As the time moved on and technology advanced, media and mass communication evolved into several spheres and adapted itself rapidly to the changing discourse of the world, on economic, political and social levels.

A degree in mass communication offers a lot of professional opportunities. Students who pursue courses in mass media are trained in mass communication, advertising, publishing, print and audio-visual journalism, film making and many other disciplines.

According to employment news weekly (a portal run by the government of India), more than 2, 50,000 people are currently working in the advertising and publicity stream alone. With more news channels and media organizations emerging in

India, the demand for media professionals is on a rapid rise.

The streams which have branched throughout the media industry are: advertising, corporate media, electronic media, telecommunications, visual communications, entertainment etc.

Students who study mass communication have a varied choice of professions in which they can excel. The industry is on a look out for not only news correspondents, reporters and news editors, but is also looking

for people with technical skills such as visual artists, photographers, sound engineers etc. Those with a degree in mass communication can also work as public relations officers, media planners, publicity agents, research analysts and advertising managers.

A career in media is highly demanding as it requires the combination of courage, sharpness and pace. The media field is filled with action and speed. The change is constant, the pace is fast and the competition is massive. Not to say the glamour which usually accompanies it and the pressures that cannot be shaken away.

Media and mass communication is a field which has the capability of making or breaking whole governments. It's an arena which harbours the toughest and the strongest with a competition which is brutal and ruthless. It's one of those few careers which have both executive as well as creative professions. In fact, a career in mass communication not only offers a chance to practice your creativity, but also exposes it to the whole world. A career in Mass Communication & Journalism promises a dazzling future if fuelled with the heat of passion.

munity. The objective of the programme is to provide opportunities for the academically meritorious and financially needy students to pursue studies in professional degree courses in the approved areas in order to become competent professionals with dedication and commitment to the development of the community and the country. Aspirants may contact Muslim Education Trust, New Delhi for further details. ¢ National Scholarship for Higher Education of Schedule Tribe (ST) by

Government of India: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India offers scholarships for meritorious Schedule Tribe (ST) Students from 158 Top Class Institutions Identified by Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the scheme of 'Central Sector Scheme of National Scholarship for Higher Education for ST Students' through National e-Scholarship Portal. The Scholarship is awarded to the selected students for pursuing Graduate/Post Graduate level courses in areas such as Management, Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Law and Training, etc. in identified institutions of excellence, Govt. and Private.

Last date of applying is 31st August. ¢ The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a programme started in 1999 by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India to encourage students of Basic Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to take up research careers in these areas. This programme strives to assist the students to realise their potential and to ensure that the best scientific talent is developed for research and growth in the country. Generous scholarship and contingency grant are provided (up to the pre-Ph.D. level) to the selected students.

Aptitude test will be held on 1st November, Sunday, at different centres in the country and the last date of applying is 30th August. (Aspirants may call 98640 55558 for any career related queries and further details)

Foodology The point is we eat so that we live while the other way round is we live to eat. A total life-cycle it is, which is a total global thing, isn't it. Very well perceived when we are reminded; one cannot buy happiness but we can buy ice-cream and that is a kind of happiness.

This summer we make it up to you with a collection of some delicious recopies of noodles, soups, steamed food. You guessed it right.

Chinese food it is! A recent survey suggests that Chinese cuisine is one of the "Three Grand Cuisines" in the world together with French and Turkish cuisines.

So, as a matter of fact the Chinese lovers tend to pay a visit in restaurants to comply with their taste buds. One such restaurant which deals totally in Chinese cuisine can be named as "Xiao Long" (the little dragon restaurant). It had it's opening in the year 2014 and is situated in Chowkidingee, Dibrugarh.

Although new in town, with a total of 43 different Chinese items, the menu of the restaurant has some distinct collection of food items which has been introduced by the restaurant itself. The chef suggests trying out "Pork Hot Pot" which is cooked with mushrooms and capsicum, and tastes a little spicy.

Walking on my way in the evening

Dr. Tilock Saikia Dibrugarh, Assam I am walking and walking On my way, sometimes By the river side and sometimes On the streets and footpath Of a half city and sometimes by the market places…

I carry on with me a fear Of being hurt by a Speedy motor bike, a speedy Rickshaw and falling down from the broken footpaths But I carry on and on…

I walk on to a big beautiful bazaar Where I am greeted by well dressed boys and girls Who are covering their ugly attitude with beautiful attire But I carry on with me a confusion Of choices to fix the rates for High or low: to run thirty days With my money earned.

I walk on by the river side And I try to feel the flow of a river where I swam with childhood friends and fishes hit our almost naked bodies.

Here I see a river flowing Without water but plastic Garbage and an air of bad smell.

Here buildings are big, roads Are thin and jammed with cars.

Here rivers are without water Shops are packed with customers Footpaths are busy with passersby.

But there are no men or Women with heart so warm To beautify the world.

Here air is full of sounds of music.

But we are walking fast: Music is without lyrics We are breathing without breath, Life without love I am walking and walking My way

Vairabi Rajbonshi If you think it's over, then let us let you know that they also deal in Traditional Chi-

It seems 21st century has a new culture, the food culture and with this

"Pork Chinese Green" this would be low on spice and as the dish is a boiled steamed one, a little high on

nese Food which consists of whole Duck Roast, Duck with yum, Flavoured Duck, Steam Chicken, Canton

herbs and sauce. The special menu ranges from 200 to 220 which is a complete delight on your pocket too.

Fish. So next time your appetite grows don't wait up just go and grab your bite at this place.

Dibrugarh has ushered in a whole new range of street food all over the corners of the city. People munch, socialize and live.

KF the restaurant which has opened recently in Dibrugarh, during the month of March this year is the talk of the town because of its service and quality food. It deals in different cuisines which include Chinese, Indian, Continental, Thai. With a total of more than 250 food items it also has a separate menu as "KF Combo" where you get a combination of food items at a fixed price. Complete satisfaction would entail having your Sunday brunch with friends or dinner with your family, a serene ambiance just to serve your appetite right. With Chinese lovers in mind, the menu has some 50 items of Chinese dishes. From Thai cuisine to Shanghai they count it all to serve the customers' purpose. Among these "the golden fried prawn" is a special delicacy and one should try it once. They also have the main course for a serious lunch, and to end the meal, hot chocolate brownie with ice-cream. Yummy isn't it! So say 'yes' and be glutton on mode. Go Grab your meal, contentment would be the deal.

PAGE 10

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Stocks will be unpredictable, warn experts Mumbai, Aug 25: The stock market will remain volatile in the coming days after the benchmark indices crashed nearly 6 per cent on Monday due to both global and domestic factors. So retail investors should trade cautiously, said experts. "The sustained weakness of the Indian currency against the U.S. dollar is adding to the woes of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs). The Nifty is likely to remain extremely volatile in the current week, more so on account of the August series F&O expiry," said Hitesh Agrawal, Head, Research, Reliance Securities.

Investors should avoid trading in extreme volatile situations, cautioned experts. "Short-term market moves are largely dependent on fund flows. A large number of portfolios are designed to reduce exposure during turmoil and a rise in volatility. Therefore the risk of overshooting expected threshold rises in such times. Increased exposure in a more volatile market may expose investors to unwarranted risk and compromise long-term investment," said Sahil Kapoor,

Volatility is not going to be everlasting: Jaitley New Delhi, Aug 25: As the stock and currency markets crashed on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told presspersons that Mr. Modi was mulling over new steps to further strengthen the economy.

"The volatility is not going to be everlasting‌.but for impact on currency and stock markets, all other parameters of India are on sound footing," he said. Earlier, as the rupee sank, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan too sought to reassure investors that India is better off than other emerging economies. Its macroeconomic factors are under control and the country has $380 billion in forex reserves that can be used to quell rupee volatility, he said. (Agencies)

Easier norms for IPO anchor investors Pune, Aug 25: With an aim to boost fund raising through primary markets, Sebi recently approved relaxed norms for public offers by removing restriction on maximum number of anchor investors. The board of Sebi has approved the removal of current restriction on the maximum number of anchor investors (currently 25) for anchor allocation of public issue worth over Rs 250 crore.

However, the requirement of number of anchor investors for allocation of up to Rs 250 crore remains the same.

In case of public offers worth more than Rs 250 crore, Sebi said, "there can be 10 additional investors for every additional allocation of Rs 250 crore, subject to minimum allotment of Rs 5 crore per anchor investor." An anchor investor in market parlance refers to a qualified institutional buyer (QIB) making an application for a value of Rs 10 crore or more through the book-building process. (Agencies)

Chief Market Strategist, Edelweiss Financial Services He said volatility is here to stay but it will create an opportunity for the patient participant looking to benefit from the long term Indian growth.

"Therefore it is prudent to let this period of volatility subside and use a less volatile period to build positions," Mr. Kapoor said.

Some experts have advised traders to focus on less volatile counters to benefit from such a situation.

"Though it was one of the biggest single day falls in absolute terms as benchmarks slipped almost six percent, the silver lining is that India is better off compared to emerging market countries and there are no apparent domestic factors involved," said Jayant Manglik, President, Retail Distribution, Religare.

"The two important factors which led to Monday's chaos is the sharp fall in the rupee due to the increase in risk to Emerging

Markets currencies and the high demand to the Offer For Sale of the Indian Oil Corporation requiring a total outflow of Rs. 9,400 crore. The sudden collapse in the developed equity market in the last three trading days due to continued breakdown in Emerging Markets has led to the carnage in India," said Vinod Nair, Head, Fundamental Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd. (Agencies)

Rupee fall likely to make foreign tours costly

Pune, Aug 25: The falling rupee is likely to make outbound travel packages expensive, which may see some shift in destinations from international to domestic. Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com, said that the falling rupee will increase all the land expenses, which include accommodation and local transportation. "Definitely, it will have an impact. If you consider a holiday package, the land portion is dependent on the foreign exchange. Airlines typically take a little bit of time to react and revise prices.

So, of the total package, around 50% of the cost will be dependent on forex," Dhall said. He said that while there will be an impact on the land portion, the

impact on the package would be fairly limited. "If rupee goes down 5%, the impact on package cost would be 2-3%," he said, adding that some foreign destinations have not witnessed much increase in prices of hotels and other accomodations on the back of a range of inventories that came in. "The adding up of more hotel inventories in markets such as Europe and Southeast Asia have resulted in not much increase in prices of accommodation," he explained.

Since August 11, the day China announced the devaluation of its currency Yuan, rupee fell by almost 4% to close at 66.65 against the US dollar on Monday.

The currency fell sharply by 82 paise on Monday, its

biggest single day fall this year. However, according to an industry official, people planning a foreign vacation are unlikely to change the destinations, since a 4% change in rupee will impact a package cost by only Rs 4000-8000. "People keep that buffer with them," the official said.

Shiju Radhakrishnan, founder and CEO of iTraveller's says, "The rupee depreciation has a remarkable effect on the tourism industry.

The flow of queries for foreign destinations has lowered to from 25% in June to 18% in August. All international hotels quote prices in US dollar and hence, the rupee depreciation has resulted in increased hotel rates as well."

(Agencies)

INR 186 drop in gold futures on weak global cues New Delhi, Aug 25: Amid a weakening global trend, gold futures traded lower by Rs 186 at Rs 27,262 per 10gm on Tuesday as speculators trimmed their positions. Gold for delivery in October dropped Rs 186 or 0.68 per cent to Rs 27,262

per 10 gm in a business turnover of 277 lots at the multi commodity exchange. In a similar fashion, the metal for delivery in far-month December was trading down Rs 187, or 0.68 per cent to Rs 27,667 per 10gm in one lot. Market

analysts said the fall in gold futures was mostly in tune with a weak trend overseas and profit-booking by speculators at prevailing levels.

Meanwhile, gold prices fell 0.47 per cent to $1,154.90 an ounce in New York on Monday. (Agencies)

GOLDEN FALL Amid a weakening global trend, gold futures traded lower by Rs 186 at Rs 27,262 per 10gm on Tuesday as speculators trimmed their positions.

Gold for delivery in October dropped Rs 186 or 0.68 per cent to Rs 27,262 per 10 gm in a business turnover of 277 lots at the multi commodity exchange.

In a similar fashion, the metal for delivery in far-month December was trading down Rs 187, or 0.68 per cent to Rs 27,667 per 10gm in one lot.

Meanwhile, gold prices fell 0.47 per cent to $1,154.90 an ounce in New York on Monday.

Indian crude oil basket now dips below $43 per barrel Ahmedabad, Aug 25: As global crude oil prices plumetted to fresh six-year lows, the Indian basket also fell to $42.97 per barrel from $45.21 on the trading day before, as per official data released on Tuesday. The Indian basket -- comprising 73 percent sourgrade Dubai and Oman crudes, and the balance in sweet-grade Brent -- fell to its lowest since December 2008 when the prices

averaged $40.61 for the month, as per data with the government-run Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell. The Indian crude oil data comes with a lag of one day. Two key benchmarks, Brent and Western Texas Intermediate (WTI), were trading lower in the Asian markets at $43.13 per barrel and $38.67 per barrel, respectively, as per midsession reports of Tuesday. (Agencies)

Commodities crash to '99 level on China fears Mumbai, Aug 25: A free fall engulfed commodity markets globally with prices falling to their lowest levels since 1999 on concerns that a slowing Chinese economy would impact supply, thus hitting Indian metals, mining and resources firms hard. Commodity prices hit their postcrisis peak in early 2011, and have generally been sliding since then. They are now down to where they were in 1999, before the 2000s commodities boom began. The Bloomberg Commodity Index of 22 raw materials from oil to metals lost as much as 2.2% to 85.8 points, the lowest level since August 1999. Crude oil, aluminium, iron ore, copper, zinc, coal and other industrial commodities looked at a rout due to weaker demand from China, one of the world's largest consumers of raw materials. China accounts for over 40% of global consumption of such commodities. Brent for October settlement declined as much as 5% to

$43.28 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, the lowest price since March 2009. Copper, an indicator of global economic activity, lost around 4 % to $4,855 a metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange, the lowest since 2009. Iron ore, which has more than tripled since November 2008 and reached its record high of $191.90 a tonne in February 2011, ended at $55.60.

Among Indian commodity stocks, shares of Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd, one of the world's largest diversified natural resource majors with operations across zinc, lead, silver, oil & gas, iron ore, copper and aluminium, Kumar Mangalam Birla's metal flagship firm Hindalco Industries, Gautam Adani-led Adani Enterprises, crude oil producer ONGC, Cairn India and steel producers such as Tata Steel and SAIL India hit took a big hit to touch their 52-week lows.

Vedanta shares crashed to touch its 52-week low before closing at Rs 80.

Hindalco closed at Rs 76 while Adani Enterprises shares crashed to Rs 71.

India's largest crude oil producer ONGC shares too touched its 52-week low of Rs 226 before closing down 11% at Rs 227. It's private sector peer Cairn India, India's largest private sector oil producer, also saw its stock touch its 52-week low of Rs 121 before clos-

FREE-FALLING COMMODITY STOCKS The Bloomberg Commodity Index of 22 raw materials from oil to metals lost as much as 2.2% to 85.8 points, the lowest level since August 1999.

China accounts for over 40% of global consumption of such commodities.

Brent for October settlement declined as much as 5% to $43.28 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, the lowest price since March 2009.

Copper, an indicator of global economic activity, lost around 4 % to $4,855 a metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange, the lowest since 2009.

Iron ore, which has more than tripled since November 2008 and reached its record high of $191.90 a tonne in February 2011, ended at $55.60.

Vedanta shares crashed to touch its 52-week low before closing at Rs 80.

Hindalco closed at Rs 76 while Adani Enterprises shares crashed to Rs 71.

India's largest crude oil producer ONGC shares too touched its 52-week low of Rs 226 before closing down 11% at Rs 227.

ing down 13% at Rs 123.

Steel firms Tata Steel and state-owned SAIL India too touched their 52-week low of Rs 202 and Rs 49.3 respectively. The fall in crude oil prices is a blessing for the Indian economy as it would reduce the current account deficit, aid infrastructure development and help in saving precious forex reserves. However, the fall in prices - especially in the base metals sector will hurt producers like Vedanta Ltd and Hindalco Industries, feel analysts.

Some commodities appeared to be rebalancing, with coal perhaps leading the pack and down only 6.7% since January 2, indicating that despite a worsening demand outlook, prices may be close to a floor. (Agencies)

Companies looking for passive talent through social media Chennai, Aug 25: As companies - both start-up and otherwise - step up their hiring, a new buzzword is doing the rounds in HR circles, passive recruitment. With the rise of social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, companies are increasingly looking to source talent from online platforms where subscribers log in to explore opportunities and network. Passive talent or talent that's not necessarily actively looking for a job accounts for a whopping 75 per cent of all professionals worldwide.This constitutes a major portion of the talent pool that remains potentially untapped.

Recognising this potential, several companies including start-ups are adopting means to tap passive talent.

"The passive job seeker is a richer talent pool and thanks to social media, we have greater access to such profiles," Kunal Sen, senior vice president of recruitment consultancy Team

Lease said. Industry sources say social media allows them to tap passive talent that would otherwise not be accessible to the recruiter. Varun Khaitan, cofounder of Gurgaon based UrbanClap said, "We spread the word across the friends group on our Facebook page and get references. We also do postings on social media feeds or postings on groups such as Just IITians or Just Start ups. Such profiles are never available on job sites as these candidates are normally passive job seekers."

UrbanClap which commenced operations last December has a staff strength of 85 and almost all profiles have been sourced from Facebook. "Our studies show that the longevity of a candidate increases by 20-25 per cent if he is hired through the passive channel," said Pankaj Bansal, CEO and founder of PeopleStrong HR Services Pvt Ltd, a human resource outsourcing service pro-

vider. "Since a passive candidate is hired on account of pull hiring rather than push, his decision to join a company is a much more conscious choice and he is likely to stay on for longer."

So we are part of many groups in LinkedIn, like hotels, hospitality and airlines. At the junior level, we need people who are polished and effective communicators," director of Eco Rent a Car Aditya Loomba said. The company which has 430 people on its rolls has sourced 5% of its recruits from social media.

Moving forward, the company is looking to get 30ent per cent of its new hires this year through this channel."At the end of the day, talent sourced through media like Facebook and LinkedIn offer a more personal touch to the overall recruitment process than job sites," Loomba said.

That personal touch is important because skill over scale has taken the forefront in the hiring

market."Almost 80 per c of our applicants have come in from social media. Tools like postings on Facebook, endorsements and recommendations in LinkedIn by previous bosses and colleagues help us get the right fit," Shiju Radhakrishnan, founder and CEO of travel platform iTraveller said.

The company has an employee strength of 50 of which 12 have come in through the social media.

Tapping social media for recruitment is understandable given the penetration of these platforms. As per India@Digital.Bharat, a report jointly issued by The Boston Consulting Group andInternet and Mobile Association of India, roughly 40 million Indians use the internet everyday spending about 40-45 hours every month. India has the third largest internet population in the world and is the second largest market for social networking giants like LinkedIn and Facebook.

(Agencies)

Foreign ETFs, emerging market funds register net sale of over INR 5,000 crore Mumbai, Aug 25: Manic Monday's record Rs 5,275 crore net selling by foreign funds in the stock market was led mainly by foreign exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and some emerging markets funds, which are witnessing some redemptions. However, long-term players like pension and endowment funds, family offices and sovereign funds are not selling out India, brokers dealing with FIIs said. Dealers who interacted with foreign fund managers during Monday's market crash said that most fund managers feel that given the fall in crude oil and commodity prices, India, one of the largest consumers of these items, stands out as one of the long term winners. "With prices of crude oil and commodities down, in overall

scheme of things, India will benefit the most in the long run. Lower crude and commodity prices can bring down inflation which I turn can lead to rate cut. At the same time our substantially large foreign exchange reserve could give stability to the rupee," said Dharmesh Mehta, MD, Axis Capital.

"What we need now is push for reforms. If we can have that, once the dust from the current global sell-off settles, India to be the biggest beneficiary from the current market situation," Mehta, who heads one of the leading domestic brokerage houses catering to FIIs, said. An institutional dealer with another domestic brokerage said that some of the emerging market funds - which were heavy with Chinese stocks after some record setting IPOs in

that market between April and June - incurred heavy losses in the last few weeks.

As a result, when redemptions hit those funds, fund managers tried selling those stocks in which they were in profit. "Unfortunately some of those stocks were from India," the dealer said. So far in the month, FIIs have net sold around $1.5 billion in the

secondary market, the first such monthly outflow since May this year when they had taken out net $1.4 billion, at a time when the controversy about MAT on FIIs was at its height. Although on Friday government indicated that of all probability MAT will not be charged to FIIs, the market barely noticed the same on Monday. (Agencies)

"When you start your first game with a new club and everything goes wrong for you individually you need to go back to work and bounce back and this is what I tried to do,"

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

PAGE 11

Petr Cech

ISL: Former Liverpool defender Riise joins Delhi Dynamos

New Delhi: Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise will join Frenchman Florent Malouda and Brazilian Roberto Carlos at the Delhi Dynamos for the second season of the Indian Super League, the club announced on Tuesday. "I am a person who loves a new challenge, to see and experience different cultures," the former Norway international said in a club statement. "Roberto Carlos has been one of my heroes growing up as a left back.

I'm honoured to have him as a coach, and can't wait to give my all for him and the team," added the 34year-old. Riise received the Indian Super League outfit's jersey from Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

Riise was a free agent after his contract with Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia was terminated by mutual consent. Riise joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2001 and scored on his debut as the Reds beat Bayern Munich 3-2 to win the European Super Cup at Monaco's Stade Louis II. The fullback spent seven years at Anfield, during which time he made 334 appearances,

winning an FA Cup, a League Cup and the Champions League in 2005.

Delhi's marquee player/ manager Roberto Carlos had high expectations from the former Roma and Fulham player. "Riise is a great player, very experienced and a true leader on the field. He is definitely going to help on the development and evolution of the team in the competition," said the former Real Madrid defender.

FC Pune City also bolstered their defence by signing former Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruna defender Diego Colotto for the second edition of the eightteam league beginning on October 3. Argentine Colotto, who moved to Espanyol from Deportivo La Coruna in 2012, will join former Chelsea forward Adrian Mutu at the Pune team managed by former England captain David Platt. The ISL got off to a rousing start last year with Brazilian Zico headlining the managers' list and its marquee players including Italian duo Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Materazzi, and Frenchman Nicholas Anelka. (Agencies)

Splendid Cech denies impressive Liverpool at the Emirates London: Liverpool's 100 percent start to the season ended with a hard-fought goalless draw against topfour rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. Arsenal were indebted to goalkeeper Petr Cech, at fault for West Ham United's goals in a 2-0 openingweekend defeat in the first half after he produced a string of stunning saves to keep an impressive Liverpool at bay. Arsenal improved, and enjoyed the better of proceedings in the second half but were unable to breech a stingy Liverpool defence which has yet to concede in three matches this season. "When you start your first game with a new club and everything goes wrong for you individually you need to go back to work and bounce back and this is what I tried

been humbled 4-1 on their last visit to the Emirates Stadium, Liverpool made an early statement on a wet night in north London with Philippe Coutinho rattling the crossbar in the third minute. That early scare brought Arsenal to life and only the narrowest of offside decisions denied Aaron Ramsey an opening goal five minuets later. Arsenal were without experienced defenders Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny and their replacements Gabriel Paulista and Calum Chambers looked nervous against the physical Christian Benteke and skilful Coutinho. Arsenal commanded the majority of possession but it was Liverpool who carried the

greatest threat against the hosts' disjointed defence.

Cech was called into action to deny first Benteke, with a stunning reaction save, and Roberto Firmino in quick succession. Cech had to be at his brilliant best again to tip Coutinho's goal-bound shot onto the woodwork as Arsenal desperately held on before halftime. The Gunners came out with far more conviction after the break and Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud combined to create space for Alexis Sanchez to fire against the post.

Liverpool were proving a tough nut to crack with Giroud, Ramsey and substitute Alex OxladeChamberlain were all denied by Simon Mignolet as the visitor's defence stood firm. (Agencies)

Out-of-form Anand loses again, goes bottom

Wawrinka rant earns Kyrgios 28-day ban, fine

St. Loius: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand suffered his second defeat in as many games losing to Alexander Grischuk of Russia in the second round of Sinquefield Cup, a part of the Grand Chess tour. After losing to Hikaru Nakamura of United States in the opening round, Anand was in for another shock as Grischuk was better prepared for his first victory against the Indian ace in classical chess. The day produced some more fascinating battles and drama after all decisive games in the first round. World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway was lucky to get a full point against American Fabiano Caruana while Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria continued with his winning ways, crushing Nakamura in what was certainly the game of the day. The other

to do," Cech said. Liverpool sit third with seven points, two behind early pace-set-

two games in this tenplayer round-robin event ended in draws with Dutchman Anish Giri settling for the half with Filipinoturned-American Wesley So and Maxime VachierLagrave signing peace with Levon Aronian of Armenia.

With seven rounds still to come, Topalov is the sole leader on two points and is now followed by Aronian,

ters Manchester City while Arsenal, touted as serious title contenders before the

Vachier-Lagrave and Giri half a point behind.

Carlsen, Nakamura and Grischuk share the fifth spot with one point each and they are a half point adrift of Weslet So. Caruana and Anand are at the bottom of the table as both are yet to open their account. It turned out be another bad day in the office for Anand who simply

Former F1 driver Wilson dies after IndyCar wreck Pennsylvania: British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died on Monday after suffering a severe head injury during a wreck in the closing laps of a race the previous day at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, IndyCar officials said. He was 37. Wilson, a former Formula One driver and seven-time winner in IndyCar racing, had been in critical condition in a coma at a hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, before his death. "This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole," Mark Miles, chief executive officer of Hulman & Co, the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said in

a statement. "Justin's elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility -- which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock," Miles added.

Wilson's family said in a statement that he was a "loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers". Wilson was the first IndyCar driver to die following a race accident since fellow Briton, Dan Wheldon, was killed in a fiery crash in Las Vegas in October 2011. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson," Wilson's Andretti Autosport team said in a statement. "He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport. While Justin was only part of the Andretti lineup for a short time, it only took a second for him

to forever become part of the Andretti family. His life and racing career is a story of class and passion surpassed by none. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Wilson family and fans worldwide."

Wilson's car careened out of control and into a wall after he was hit by a large piece of debris from the car of Sage Karam on the track in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Karam, 20, was leading the penultimate race in the IndyCar Series when his car spun out on lap 179 of the 200-lap race, and smacked the outside wall, sending pieces of the car airborne. He was taken to the same hospital as Wilson with heel and wrist injuries but was released on

Sunday. Karam will be reevaluated before being cleared to drive, IndyCar officials said. "I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family," Karam said in a statement on Twitter, followed by the hashtag #RIPJustin. Wilson's accident was reminiscent of a 2009 incident when Brazil's Felipe Massa was struck in the helmet by a spring from Rubens Barichello's car during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix and had to undergo surgery. Wilson, a native of Sheffield, England, who lived in Longmont, Colorado, is survived by his wife and two daughters. (Agencies)

There is no corruption in football, reckons FIFA chief Blatter Zurich: Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes his critics will realise they have been wrong and will recognise his achievements once he has left soccer's world governing body. In an interview, the 79-year-old Swiss defended his record at the head of scandalplagued FIFA and said he was respected in many parts of the world. Blatter noted he was often subjected to hostile treatment on social media but said: "Go to the world, go to Asia, go to Africa... go to China, ask them what they think about FIFA and Blatter, that's different. At least (I am) respected because I have

done a lot. Not only me but FIFA has done a lot and I have served this FIFA. I am sure this will be recognised, that the big job that has been done by FIFA and by myself... (over) 40 years." Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term on May 29 but four days later announced he would lay down his mandate as FIFA was engulfed in the worst crisis in its 111-year history.

FIFA was thrown into turmoil when 14 sports marketing executives and soccer officials, including several from FIFA, were indicted in the United States in late May on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud

charges involving more than $150 million in payments. Seven of those accused were arrested by Swiss police in a dawn raid on a luxury Zurich

hotel two days before the FIFA Congress where Blatter was re-elected.

Blatter's replacement is due to be elected at an extraordinary Congress

on Feb. 26. Blatter, often looking uncomfortable during the 20-minute interview at FIFA headquarters, reiterated that it was individuals rather than FIFA who were under investigation. "The institution is not corrupt... there is no corruption in football, there is corruption with individuals," he said. He also repeated his criticism of the method for choosing the FIFA executive committee, whose members are elected by the continental confederations rather than the FIFA Congress. "I have to take people, they are not my people," he said. "I cannot be morally responsible for other people." (Agencies)

season, have had an indifferent start and are ninth with four points. Having

hasn't got in to the groove here thus far. The Indian ace came to the event with high expectations with a string of fine performances but is struggling with his form. It was a not-so-popular queen pawn opening by Grischuk although the Russian said he played it many times. The opening was a repeat of the blitz game between the two in Norway Chess tournament earlier in June but this time Grischuk had his plans in place.

Anand got in to a difficult position in the middle game and his position worsened when he lost pawn. The attempts to create counter play did not materialise and it was all over in just 35 moves.

There was huge drama in Carlsen's game against Caruana wherein the fortunes fluctuated many times.

The Norwegian thought he was fine after the opening and then in the middle game

the world champion was facing a severe crisis. Caruana blew up his advantage falling under time pressure and then Carlsen again was staring at a lost position when on the 40th move, with two seconds on his clock and one right move to make, the American Grandmaster blundered and lost. Topalov is recently showing the glimpse of his glorious past when he won the World championship match tournament in 2005. After winning the first part of Grand chess tour in Norway, the Bulgarian seems unstoppable as Nakamura learned the hard way. The Ruy Lopez as white yielded Topalov a small but lasting advantage that he built with time and deft manoeuvres.

Nakamura found himself in a difficult endgame and Topalov was spot on grinding out a win after 73 moves. (Agencies)

Olympian Sushil Kumar's coach nominated for Dronacharya Awards Wrestling coach Anoop Singh and Paralympics coach Naval Singh were among the five names officially approved by the Sports Ministry for the prestigious Dronacharya Awards this year. Based on the recommendations of the Committee and after due scrutiny, Anoop and Naval's names were approved on the basis of current performance (20112014), while Nihar Amin (swimming), S R Singh (boxing) and Harbans Singh (athletics) were selected in the 'Lifetime Achievement Category' in which achievements over a period of 20 years is taken into account. The Dronacharya Award, instituted in 1985, are given to honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams and enabled them to achieve outstanding results in international competitions. Threetime national champion and international wrestler, Anoop has guided top grapplers such as Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar

Dutt, Satyawart Kadian, Bajrang, Amit Dahiya, and around 58 wrestlers to achieve their dream. Romeo James (hockey), Shiv Prakash Mishra (tennis) and TPP Nair's (volleyball) names were approved for the Dhyan Chand Award.

For Rashtriya Khel Protsahana Purushkar, Directorate General of Military Training was selected in 'identification and nurturing of budding/young talent' category, while Coal India Limited has been nominated in 'encouragement to sports through corporate social responsibility' category. Sports Coaching Foundation, Hyderabad has been in 'sports for development' category.

Dronacharya Awardees and Dhyan Chand Awardees will receive statuettes, certificates and award money of Rs 5 lakh each.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar awardees will receive certificates and trophies. The awards will be handed by the President Pranab Mukherjee on August 29, the National Sports Day. (Agencies)

Montreal: Australia's tennis badboy Nick Kyrgios was on Monday handed a suspended ban and fine by the ATP for his lurid verbal attack on Stan Wawrinka at the Rogers Cup in Montreal. In a statement the ATP found 20-year-old Kyrgios guilty of "aggravated behaviour" and served him with a 28-day ban and $25,000 (21,450 euros) fine.

But both punishments will be waived if Kyrgios avoids any fines for verbal or physical abuse at ATP events over the next six months. "Once the player has met those conditions the penalties will be formally dismissed," the ATP confirmed. "If the conditions are not met the penalties will be invoked after any appeals process is exhausted." Kyrgios made headlines around the world after crude remarks concerning Wawrinka's reported girlfriend, teenager Donna Vekic, during a match against the Swiss ace in Montreal. Kyrgios, who was fined $10,000 by the ATP for his courtside sledge at the time, issued a statement apologizing for his remarks, insisting they were made "in the heat of the moment". The ATP's head of rules and competition Gayle David Bradshaw said: "This incident was egregious and reflected poorly on our sport. Nick has expressed regret, and the best result would be that he learns a lesson from this incident and that he understands he is responsible to the Tour and to fellow players for both his actions and his words. It is with these factors in mind I feel he should have the opportunity to 'earn' his way out of additional sanctions." Wawrinka had called on the ATP to take "major action this time" against Kyrgios last week. (Agencies)

Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado to Juve London: Chelsea have decided to offload Juan Cuadrado just eight months after signing him. The Colombian forward is heading to Italian champions Juventus on loan. The Stamford Bridge side signed Cuaraddo on a big money move in January but the Colombian fell out of favor with Jose Mourinho, and failed to cement his place in the Chelsea side. The arrival of Pedro from Barcelona meant all his hopes ended.

Juve, on the lookout for a midfieloder after selling Arturo Vidal to Bayerrn Munich, and having been failed to sign Schalke's Julian Draxler, made the move.

Hertha Berlin sign German youth international Stark

Hertha Berlin have signed Germany's former Under-19 European champion Niklas Stark on a four-year deal from

second division Nuremberg, the Bundesliga club said.

The 20-year-old Stark, who is now an Under-21 international, trained with the squad after completing his medical. "A young player who has great potential has joined us," said Hertha CEO Michael Preetz in a statement. "He is a midfield player who can also be deployed as a central defender.

We are happy he decided in favour of our club." The tall Stark captained Germany to the Under-19 European title last year. He has won three caps for the Under-21 team.

Hertha have got off to a good start in the Bundesliga with four points from their opening two matches and sit in seventh place. (Agencies)

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Page 12 DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

TI R O H

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HORTICULTURE

TI R O H

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Potato cultivation and its different phases North-East India consists of the seven sisters Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura states and now Sikkim has also been added. The region lies between 21째 and 29' North latitude and 89째 and 98째 East longitude. NE region covers almost 9% of the area of the country, and about 4 5% of its population. About 10% of the Indian potato area lies in the North-East India. The area under potato in the region as a percentage of the net cropped area is about four times the national level.

Although the yield level is quite low due to various reasons but the per capita availability of potato in the region is higher than at the national level. The main reasons for the-low potato yields are inadequate availability of important inputs like fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, healthy seed and poor management practices, and prevalence of serious diseases like late blight and brown rot, and pests like potato tuber moth and white grubs.

Organic potato production generally fits into a planned rotation on an organic farm. It is possible for a specialist potato farmer to grow organic potatoes on an organic farm. It may also be possible to have a single field in organic crop production, provided it operates a suitable planned ro-

tation, and organic potatoes can be adequately isolated from any other potatoes grown on the farm. Organic potato production is of interest to many farmers as the crop: nIs in demand from consumers nCan be profitable nCan be a starting point for a break crop from grass in the rotation n Requires cultivation which help control weeds Challenges of organic potatoes Organic potato production has a number of challenges that must be tackled: nProviding adequate nutrients nPreventing potato blight nWeed control Organic producers have to rely on alternative approaches rather than artificial fertilizers and synthetic chemical herbicides and fungicides.

Cultural practices Soil The soil should be friable, porous and well drained.

The optimum pH range is 4.8 to 5.4. It is a cool weather crop. Potato is mostly grown as a rain mfed crop. It is cultivated in regions receiving a rainfall of 1200 - 2000 mm per annum.

Propagation Use disease free, well sprouted seeds weighing 40-50 grams. Plant the tubers at 20 cm apart. Seed rate is 3000-3500 kg/ha.

Selecting potato varieties

In selecting varieties for organic production there are two simple rules: nGrow varieties suited to organic production nGrow varieties which best suit the intended market as with all organic produce, grow what will sell, not what you want to sell Kufri Swarna, Kufri Giriraj and Kufri Chipsona-II are suited for organic farming since they are resistant to blight and nematode.

Preparation of field Prepare the land to fine tilth. In hills provide an inward slope of 1.40 in the terraces. Provide drainage channel along the inner edge of the terrace. Form ridges and furrows with a spacing of 45 cm between the ridges either by hand hoe or ridger.

Irrigation Irrigate the crop 10 days after planting. Subsequently irrigation should be given once in a week.

Manuring nGreen manuring with lupin 60 days before planting nSprinkling horn manure to the soil at 75 g/ha by dissolving it in 40 litres of water at the time of land

preparation nApplication of well decomposed farm yard manure at 50 t/ha at the time of land preparation n Application of biodynamic compost at 5 t/ha at the time of land preparation n Application of vermicompost at 5 t/ha at the time of land preparation nApplication of neem cake at 1250 kg/ha at the time of land preparation n Application of biofertilizers like Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria at 25 kg each/ha at the time of land preparation nSpraying cow pat pit at 5 kg/ha in 100 liters of water on 45th, 60th and 75th day after planting nTo increase the pH of the soil, application of dolomite at 10 tonnes/ha should be done After cultivation The critical period of weed competition is up to 60 days and it is essential to keep the field weed free during that period. Take up the first hoeing on 45th day without disturbing stolons.

Second hoeing and earthing up should be done

at 60th day. As no herbicides are permitted, weed control is carried out by: nChoosing fields with no major weed problems nFlame weeding of weed seedlings before the potato tops emerge - this can be expensive nMechanical weed control just before tops meet between rows nLimited hand weeding of any large invasive weeds Growth regulators n Foliar spraying of panchagavya at 3 per cent at 10 days interval from 1st month after sowing nSpraying 10% vermiwash 5 times at 15 days interval from one month after sowing nFoliar spray of horn silica at 2.5 g/ha in 50 litres of water on 65th day after sowing Plant protection Pests Aphids nFoliar spray of 10% nettle leaf extract on 45th, 60th and 75th day after sowing "Foliar spray of 10% garlic- chilli extract on 45th, 60th and 75th day after sowing "Foliar spray of 3% neem

Potato Cultivation in Meghalaya Potato is one of the most important crops grown in the hilly regions of Meghalaya state in Northeast India. Potato occupies a major place in the cropping pattern. Hence, it significantly contributes to the rural agrarian economy of Meghalaya hills. In addition, potato forms an integral part of

the dietry habits of the people of the state. The per capita availability of potato in the state is 73 kg per annum which is comparable to many of the European countries. Potato crop is grown on over 18,000 ha of land and it shares 8.56% of the total cultivable area of the state, which is highest among all the potato pro-

ducing states in India.

Potato crop is grown in the state in two seasons in a year - summer and autumn.

Summer is the main potato growing season that prevails from February to June/July. Autumn starts from July/August and ends in November/December.

The crop area is comparatively less during autumn

than in summer.

The state of Meghalaya primarily consists of mountainous terrain and different crops including potato are cultivated predominantly on the slopes. Land preparation for potato cultivation is carried out in an indegineous or traditional way, locally called Nur Bun method. "Nur" is the agri-

cultural land unit in the local Khasi language and refers to one raised bed, which is usually 1-1.25m wide and 2-7m long.

"Bun" refers to the method of preparation of these raised seeds. Nur Bun method is basically a type of ridge and furrow method, which has been modified to suit difficult mountainous hilly terrain and high rainfall conditions during the potato growing season.

This method for potato cultivation by burning the dried material along with the soil is perceived to be highly benefial for the tribal farmers of the state in several ways. It has been repeatedly experienced by them that bun method of land preparation has a positive impact on improving the physical condition of the soil that makes the hard and compact forest soil cultivable.

The soil in this method becomes light, friable, and

oil Cutworms nInstall light trap during summer to attract adult moths nInstall sprinkler irrigation system and irrigate the field in day time to expose the larvae for predation by birds nApplication of pyrethrum bait in soil White grubs nSummer ploughing to expose the pupae and adults nInstall light traps between 7 pm and 9 pm in April May months n Hand pick the adult beetles in the morning nHand pick the 3rd instar grub during July - August n Application of Metarrhizium anisopliae at 20 kg/ha at the time of land preparation Potato tuber moth nAvoid shallow planting of tubers. Plant the tubers at 10 - 15 cm depth nInstall pheromone traps at 20 numbers per hectare nEarth up at 60 days after planting to avoid potato tuber moth egg laying in the exposed tubers nTo control foliar damage, spray 5% neem seed kernel extract porous as the ash of the materials burned, that is, twigs, shrubs, leaves, grasses, etc, is added to soil.

Potato is an important cash crop in Meghalaya and grown in two crop seasons in a year. Besides being well integrated into the cropping systems, it acquires a better place in the dietary habits of the people in the state. Potato cultivation in Meghalaya hills is carried out using the traditional Nur Bun method, which is a modified from of Jhum cultivation that is

nKeep pheromone traps in godowns nIn godowns cover the upper surface of potato with Lantana or Eupatorium branches to repel ovipositing moths Diseases Potato blight Potato blight cannot be cured and particularly in an organic situation, avoidance is definitely the best policy. nBlight is not generally a problem with early harvested, early varieties n Plant early varieties if suitable/possible nPlant healthy, blight free seed nSelect varieties with high blight resistance nListen for and pay attention to blight warnings nIf the blight pressure is high apply a permitted fungicide nRemove ground creepers which serve as a source of infection nSpraying Agni Hotra ash (200 g Agni Hotra ash soaked in 1 liter cow urine for 15 days and diluted in 10 litres of water before spraying) 3 times at one month interval from one month after planting Brown rot nSelect disease free seeds nGive proper drainage facilities nRemove and destroy the affected plants Virus diseases nUse virus free potato tubers

nRogue the virus affected plants regularly nControl the aphid vectors by spraying 10% nettle leaf extract on 45th, 60th and 75th day after planting Nematodes n Avoid growing potato year after year in the same field nFollow rotation of crop with vegetables and green manure nFor cyst nematode, a resistant variety called Kufri Swarna can be grown n Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 kg/ha can be done nSow mustard as intercrop at the time of potato planting and harvest the mustard greens on 45th day for the control of potato cyst nematode Haulm removal Only physical means of haulm removal are permitted. These include: a) Flailing (haulm chopping) b) Haulm pulling c) Flaming Chemical methods of desiccation or application of sulphuric acid are not permitted.

Harvesting Crop should be harvested soon after its maturity. Preferably, harvesting should be done on bright sunny days.

All the damaged and rotted tubers' should be sorted out and marketable tubers should be graded in different size, packed in gunny bags and kept In cool place till it is marketed.

still practiced in NEH region of India. Several researchers have worked on soil nutrients, insect pest infestation, disease incidence, etc. in Jhum. However, only limited empirical evidences on the modified metho of jhum, i.e., Nur Bun method, which is the main method of potato cultivation in Meghalaya, is available. The effect of soile burning, which is an important aspect of traditional potato.

Cultivation method in Meghalaya, has not been thoroughlty probed. Stud-

ies, therefore, could be taken up on aspects like effect of soil burning on the kinetics of soil nutrients, pathogen populations, host parasite relations, weed infestation, etc. on spatio-temporal basis so that the farmers' rational relating to these indigenus potato cultivation methos could be validated. In addition, the economics of the Nur Bun method of potato cuoltivation in the light of farmer's rationale outht to be worked out.

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