Pema passes floor test, Thongdok elected as Speaker
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: The four-day-old Pema Khandu government in Arunachal Pradesh today passed the floor test in the Assembly with 46 MLAs voting in favour of the Chief Minister and 11 members from opposition BJP voting against it.
Governor Tathagata Roy hurriedly summoned the day-long session of the Assembly late last night asking Khandu to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
When the House assembled in the morning with Deputy Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok in the chair, Chief Minister Pema Khandu moved the motion 'This house expresses its confidence in the council of ministers' which was seconded by former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.
Forty-four Congress MLAs and two Independent members voted in favour of the government.
Later addressing the members, Khandu appreciated them for reposing faith in his leadership and also thanked senior party leaders, including Tuki and Kalikho Pul.
He said his prime duty was to bring equal development for all the communities of the state which was largest in the north-east region with 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes.
Asserting that he would work across party lines, Khandu said all members of the House would be given enough financial power so that they can concentrate on their respective constituencies for development to percolate.
The Chief Minister, while appealing to members not to rake up issues of the past, said he would fix responsibilities on every minister of his Cabinet and those who fail to perform would face action.
"I will take all the MLAs together as 'Team Arunachal' to fulfil the aspirations of the people," he announced, adding that his priority would be to complete all important schemes.
Khandu was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister on July 17 after months of political turmoil in the state. In a dramatic turnaround in this land-locked state on July 16, Congress replaced Tuki by choosing Khandu as the new CLP leader, who staked claim to power on the basis of support of 45 party MLAs along with two Independents.
In fast-changing developments, Khaliko Pul, rebel-turned chief minister, who was unseated by the Supreme Court, returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs.
Hours ahead of a scheduled floor test in the Assembly, which Tuki was directed by the governor to take, the Congress Legislature Party met and elected Mr Pema, son of late chief minister Dorjee Khandu, as its new leader.
Tuki proposed the name of Khandu while Chowna Mein, sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, seconded it, which was unanimously accepted by 44 MLAs who were present. In the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58, Congress now claims the support of 47 MLAs, including two Independents, while opposition BJP has 11 members.
Meanwhile, the house unanimously elected former deputy Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok as new Speaker of the Sixth Legislative Assembly. The motion was moved by MLA Bamang Felix and seconded by MLA Pani Taram. The opposition BJP legislators also supported the motion to elect Thongdok as Speaker. (PTI)
Bury political differences, forgive and forget, says MLAs
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: The members of Legislative Assembly on Wednesday unanimously resolved to bury political differences and move on for the greater interest of people and the state. The turmoil that lasted in state’s political history has not only appalled the common people but seemingly perturbed the legislators too, as BJP MLA Japu Deru puts it, “Thaak geya (tired of political unrest)” in the State Assembly.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for burial of political differences as he sought for cooperation from every member particularly from BJP in bringing funds from center to make Arunachal a better place. Chief Minister also assured that his council of ministers will be allocated with fixed responsibility to perform, assuring that action will be followed against non-performing minister.
In his speech former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that it was time to “forgive and forget”.
“New chapter has began, no point of digging the past. This is time for reconciliation, reconstruction and beginning of new era” Tuki said while appealing every member cutting across party line to cooperate and support Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s government. Former CM was the centre of political see-saw in the state.
Asserting that his party will be constructive opposition to Pema Khandu led new Congress government, Leader of Opposition Tamiyo Taga said, “ We will be constructive opposition, but don’t come with bluff and lies”. Leader of Opposition made fervent appeal to the Congress to have impartial and uniform approach in terms of fund distribution.
“Our image in rest of country is that of commodity in the market that can be sold easily. We should restore and uphold the dignity of legislators and stop this culture” former Speaker Nabam Rebia said. “For political gain, we do negative propaganda which should be refrained” Rebia appealed.
Another former speaker Wanglin Lowangdong also viewed that in the past six months the members have let the people down.
Ex-Arunachal Speaker moves SC for review of verdict
NEW DELHI, Jul 20: Former Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking review of a portion, dealing with the power of the Speaker, of the historic verdict of the Constitution Bench which had restored Congress government in the hill state.
The move to seek review of the judgement coincides with the fresh attempt of nine rebel Uttarakhand Congress MLAs, including former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, pleading for a stay on their disqualification by the Speaker by relying on the Arunachal verdict.
The Uttarakhand rebels, now BJP leaders, have filed a fresh plea in their pending appeal seeking a stay on the Speaker's decision to disqualify them and they have contended that the apex court has held that the Speaker, facing motion for removal, cannot disqualify lawmakers who are part of the motion.
In the review plea, Rebia has challenged the findings recorded in para 175 of the judgement in which the power of Speaker under Article 179 (c) of the Constitution is discussed.
Justice J S Khehar, in the verdict, had said, "We are satisfied, that the words 'passed by a majority of all the then members of the Assembly', would prohibit the Speaker from going ahead with disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule, as the same would negate the effect of the words 'all the then members', after the disqualification of one or more MLAs from the House.
"The words "all the then members", demonstrate an expression of definiteness. Any change in the strength and composition of the Assembly, by disqualifying sitting MLAs, for the period during which the notice of resolution for the removal of the Speaker (or the Deputy Speaker) is pending,
would conflict with the express mandate of Article 179(c), requiring all "the then members" to determine the right of the Speaker to continue," it said.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Uttarakhand Speaker, today said that a review has been filed by the then Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly as the verdict severely compromised the Speaker's status in the Constitution.
He said the Speaker's power to adjudicate in cases relating to defection of MLAs cannot be taken away by political actions and now, anybody can move a motion and cripple the judicial power of the Speaker.
"The (Arunachal) matter was never argued like that. The expression, 'all the then members of the Assembly' (in the Article 179 (c) of the Constitution) does not mean and include disqualified MLAs or vacant seats," he said. PTI
Flying Squad Team conducts checking drives
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: The Itanagar Flying Squad team comprising of Itanagar, CO, Marina Siram, Medical Officers, Dr. Kabak Tamar, Dr. Jennifer Tayeng and Dr. Tadar Khampu Likha, Station Superintendent, Tuter Dulom and Women Police Station OC, NC Bui along with Police personnel conducted checking drives in many shops/ghumtis of Vivek Vihar and Chandra Nagar area to ensure strict implementation of COTPA (Cigarette and other tobacco products Act) 2003.
In the state Section 4, 6A and 6B of COTPA is being currently implemented that prohibits smoking in public places, selling of cigarette and tobacco products to minors below the age of 18 years and prohibits selling of cigarette and tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards from any educational institution.
The shopkeepers were also asked to refrain from selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors.
The team also visited the Gyan Ganga School and Arunodaya School and interacted with the Principals of both the schools and asked them to generate awareness regarding COTPA among the students. Raids were also conducted in the shops falling within a radius of 100 yards from these schools and were left with a warning. They also briefed the shopkeeper regarding mandatory display of No Smoking in their shops.
Earlier in the day, a meeting was also conducted under the chairmanship of Itanagar EAC, Jiken Bomjen wherein, Dr. Tamar presented a micro plan for the strict implementation of COTPA. (DIPRO)
Angry over erratic power supply, PPWC serves ultimatum
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Jul 20: Annoyed at erratic power supply in and around Pasighat township, the Pasighat Peoples Welfare Committee (PPWC) has served an ultimatum of seven days to the authorities to improve the power scenario.
Besides the ultimatum, the PPWC in a meeting chaired by ZPM Okom Yosung with the consumers adopted resolution to launch phase wise agitation by calling 12-hr Pasighat Bandh on August one in case the authority fails to supply uninterrupted electricity in the township and its adjoining areas.
The PPWC said that the callousness and indifferent attitude on the part of the authorities of Power Department is compelling the public to go for agitation.
DA initiates to prevent post-flood diseases
NAMSAI, Jul 20: The district administration has started initiative to prevent water borne diseases aftermath of the monsoon flooding in Mahadevpur by distributing safe drinking water and other water purifying chemicals among the affected people.
The officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Namsai in coordination with 186 Battalion of CRPF are distributing potable water and water purifying chemicals, like chlorine and Iodine tablets among the flood affected people of Mahadevpur I & IV.
PHED assistant engineer B. Khamyang said the department has started providing safe drinking water with help of CRPF water tanker and chemicals in relief camps from Tuesday under the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MLA Chow Zingnu Namchoom and DC RK Sharma.
The department will continue to provide all possible help to the flood affected people, Khamyang, who was accompanied by Comdt. Anil Minz and Assist. Comdt. Y. Shimray during the distribution, said.
The recent flood in Mahadevpur not only affected the people but also submerged most of the water sources causing scarcity of safe drinking water. DIPRO
DC inspects damaged road, seeks fund for maintenance
ZIRO, Jul 20: Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen on Wednesday inspected the stretch of the road from Potin to Yazali, which has been severely damaged at several locations due to incessant rain over last few days.
Though the stretch of the road between Yazali Police Station and Yazali town has been damaged badly the road has been kept open for traffic thanks to the efforts of the local administration, the PWD Yazali and the PRI leaders of the area.
After thoroughly inspecting the road, the DC appealed to the government to provide fund to repair the damaged road.
He also informed that the damaged road stretch from Ziro to Boasimla was repaired and maintained by the district administration from its own resources.
Deputy Commissioner Lollen was accompanied by Yazali CO Likha Radh, DDMO Nima Drema, OC Appa Phasang and the AE (PWD and PRI members. DIPRO
Pangin - Tuting road to be improved to double lane
YINGKIONG, Jul 20: Brig CC Jaleel, Chief Engineer of Project Brahmank of Border Roads Organisation said that Siang Valley would soon see a spurt in road construction activities as the 280 km long road from Pangin to Tuting has been approved for improvement to National Highway Double Lane (NHDL) specifications.
Brig Jaleel, who inspected the roads in Siang Valley from July 18 to 20, said that a holistic approach is being taken to beef up the departmental capability of 761 BRTF, which is entrusted with this task of infrastructure improvement on the valley so that the double laning is completed as scheduled. It is huge challenge to improve these roads to NHDL specifications in a time frame of six years, the Chief Engineer said.
He also informed that Ditte-Dimme to Yingkiong Road will also be improved to double lane.
He stressed on the need for holistic development of roads so as to have good riding surface along with road safety device and signs for smooth traffic movement in the valley both- military and civilian.
Traffic safety devices like cat’s eyes, delineators, crash barriers, wide fencing etc are needed along the 280 Km long Pangin-Tuting road at appropriate places where there is sharp bends, land slide zones, sinking areas, to caution drivers.
Brig Jaleel also interacted with Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki and sought his active cooperation in the matters of land acquisition for double-lane projects and allotment of quarries for extraction of stone boulders, sand etc required for construction activities.
He expressed concern over the damages inflicted by OFC laying agency (A to Z infrastructure) along the road without suitably restoring the surface to proper standards. He instructed the agency to complete the works at the earliest.
While planting a tree in the premises of the newly constructed office complex of 761 BRTF, he exhorted all GREF personnel to put in their best to undertake the challenging task ahead.
He appreciated the efforts put in by 761 BRTF in improving the stretch from Moying to Janbo and hoped that more stretches would be improved in this Financial Year. DIPRO
Lohit administration sounds flood alert
TEZU, Jul 20: The Lohit District Administration has sounded flood alert in the district after incessant rain led in increase in water level of all the rivers. Water level of all the river are flowing turbulently but below the danger level.
Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf directed all the administrative officers, WRD officials, State Police and DM Cell to keep strict vigil on flood situation in the district.
He also directed to alert all the people residing near rivers, low lying and flood prone areas.
Man and machineries under the supervision of WRD have been pressed into service to stop over flooding of Durra river towards Changliang village. However, inclement weather is hampering the work.
Apprehending that the situation may get worse if the rain does not recede, the DC advised all administrative officers and other stakeholders to identify safe shelters for flood victims.
It was reported that power lines at Changliang from Durra nala MHS was damaged while massive erosion at PWD rural link road between Changliang and Durra nala MHS is threatening the Changliang village under Tezu circle. However, there was no reports of flood related untoward incident so far.
Electrical Department restored emergency power supply at noon in the district.
SDO, DDMO and outpost administrative officers have been directed to remain alert and keep strict vigil on water level in the district.
DC also directed DUDA authorities to keep all drainage system of Tezu township clean so that flood water drain off easily without obstacle.
Estate Officer has been also directed to dismantle illegal encroachment in the township area which prevent normal water flow.
BRO authorities were advised to take necessary action to keep surface communication through in between Tezu - Tinsukia via Parsuram kund.
All the Nodal Officers for Disaster Management in the district are being alerted and advised to save life and property of the common people at any cost in wake of incessant rain. (DIPRO)
East Siang appeals for UD Funds
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: Pasighat East MLA Kaling Moyong along with Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk and Deputy Chief Councilor Kaling Darang on Wednesday called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and requested him for release of Rs. 2 crore sanctioned by Ministry of Urban Development for conducting consultation programmes.
The trio in a memorandum submitted to the chief minister stated that an amount of Rs 2 crore was sanctioned by MoUD, Govt of India for preparation of smart city proposal and conduct of other citizen’s consultation programme, but they are yet to receive the fund despite burgeoning debt.
They also appealed for release of remaining fund for construction of PMC office building as per the estimated cost lying with the state government.
Meanwhile, the PMC also called for creation of 30 sanitary staff for solid waste management along with corresponding fund support and deputation of fully fledged MEO and FAO.
They informed that the CM assured to look into matters on priority.
State ready to roll out RHC portal:NHM Director
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: National Health Mission (NHM), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh Director PN Thungon informed that the state is ready to roll out RCH Portal state wide--a web based application for RCH—which will replace the existing MCTS portal.
Informing that an integrated Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Register has been developed as a service delivery recording tool for eligible couples, pregnant women and children at village and field level, Thungon urged the DRCHOs to take the responsibility to ensure that only the correct data is collected and entered in the portal.
He was addressing the health functionaries on the first day of the two days state level orientation workshop on state wide roll out of RCH Portal at RCH training centre at Naharlagun on Wednesday.
Explaining the importance of the roll out of the RCH register, Thungon told to the participants that this register will replace four existing registers thereby reducing the workload of ANMs of maintaining bulky and separate registers on various parameters.
Thungon informed that an enhanced version of the MCTS application called RCH Application is designed and introduced to meet the diverse requirements of the state to maintain uniform standard at the core of the application.
After successful implementation of the RCH Portal state wide, the state would propose for implementation of Tablet (Android) based application for RCH, wherein the ANMs will be provided with tablets with the application ANMOL. The application is a multifaceted mobile tablet-based android application of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for early identification and tracking of the individual beneficiary throughout their productive lifecycle, informed Thungon.
Director of Health Services Dr. Moji Jini exhorted the DMOs and DRCHOs to coordinate with each other and work in tandem to achieve the objective and to ensure that the datas sent by districts are properly analyzed and correct one.
Arunachal has the second highest prevalence rate for blindness
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: As per the RAAB Survey of 2003, Arunachal Pradesh has the second highest prevalence rate for blindness (2.28%) among all the states of India (national average: 1%). Though there are four eye collection centers in Arunachal Pradesh, there has been not a single eye donation, whereas the state of Mizoram often exceeds the annual target.
This was informed in a preliminary meeting on raising awareness on blindness and the need for eye donation (corneal donation) held at the initiative of Saint Claret College, Ziro at the Bishop’s House here on Wednesday.
In the meeting attended by Fr. (Dr.) George Kannanthanam, CMF of The Project Vision, a Claretian missionary ministry, Bangalore and the State Program Officer of the National Program for Control of Blindness, Dr. Taba Khanna, it was decided to introduce awareness programs targeting population through the churches, schools, colleges, and various NGOs.
Rev. Dr. John Thomas, Bishop of Itanagar, officials of Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA), Principal of Saint Claret College, Ziro and members of Claretian social ministry were also present in the meeting.
DC to approach Govts. for JNV at Tezu, Wakro
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: Lohit Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf said that he would approach both the State and Central Governments for opening Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (school) at Tezu and Wakro circles.
The Deputy Commissioner, who attended the vidyalaya (school) management committee meeting (VMC) at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tezu, assured this when the members of the VMC requested him to look into the possibility of establishing a JNV at Wakro.
They opined that opining of good educational institute and health facilities can be best tool to tackle opium menace in Lohit,
The meeting discussed on various strategies for improving academic standard and infrastructure of the school.
DC Ashraf emphasized on the need to expose the students to govt. offices like hospital, police etc for their overall development. He emphasized on better co-ordination among school officials and district administration for better understanding of administration and civic sense among school children.
The further stressed on better implementation of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Yoga classes, proper health sanitation practices etc.
Principal of the KV Pushpendra Singh, Dr. A. Wailong of District Hospital Tezu, Safiur Rahman from Horticulture Dept, Asstt. Prof of IGG College Madhusudan Sharma were among other members present in the meeting.
IMC outsource solid wastes collection
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: Chief Municipal Executive Officer, Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) Habung Lampung has informed that IMC is outsourcing the primary collections of municipal solid wastes (Door to door) to the NGOs/SHG for the ward number 5,8,9,10,12„15,16,18„21,23.24, 28,29 and its contagious areas within the jurisdiction of the IMC. The CMEO further added that in this regard, Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting interested NGO/SHGs to participate have already been floated and details regarding the proposals are available in the office of the ltanagar Municipal Council, Naharlagun.
The CMEO further requested the citizens to help the IMC in keeping the Capital Complex clean. He has also appealed the citizens to cooperate with the IMC in door to door collections which is already functioning on trial basis in Ward no 25 of Naharlagun and Ward No 15, 16, and 18 of Itanagar. He appealed to the public not to throw the garbage in dustbins in these wards where the municipal vehicles are collecting garbage from door to door. DIPRO
APWWS opposes grant of bail
Aalo, Jul 20: The Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, West Siang Unit and Galo Ane have vehemently opposed granting of bail to alleged rapist Martin Bagra. They said that criminal cannot be allowed to roam freely in the society to harm other members of the society.
The court and judicial system should take stern view of such heinous crime, they added. The two organizations appealed that no leniency should be shown by the court of law to such habitual offenders. (DIPRO)
Outreach camp on non-communicable diseases conducted
YUPIA, Jul 20: People from all walks of life benefited from a day-long outreach screening camp on non-communicable diseases, conducted by the district NCD Cell, Yupia under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cancer, Cardio-Vascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) at the Indoor Stadium, here on Wednesday.
During the camp free blood pressure check up, blood sugar intimation, BMI (Body Mass Index) and ECG were conducted by team of doctors led by District Programme Officer (NPCDCS) NCD Cell, Yupia, Dr. RR Ronya and staff.(DIPRO)
Jairampur celebrates 67th Vanamahotsav
Correspondent
JAIRAMPUR, Jul 20: The 67th Vanamahotsav was observed in Jairampur by planting saplings along the road from Jairampur police gate to new forest IB.
ZPM Tusam Longri along with DFO C Loma, ADC K Riba, RO T Kamsi and hosts of dignitaries planted more than 100 saplings.
Later, an awareness meeting was held wherein ZPM Tusam Longri appealed to the villagers to plant trees wherever possible.
DFO C Loma and RO T Kamsi spoke about importance of forestation and significance of Vanamahotsav celebration which has become an annual event. They also urged the public to plant as many trees as they can.
Pangin -Aalo road restored
PASIGHAT, Jul 20: The road between Pangin and Aalo has been thrown open for traffic this afternoon after two days of obstruction by affected land owners.
The restoration works was not possible until the Siang Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh convinced and assured the affected land owners that they will be provided/granted genuine and admissible compensation.
The land owners were obstructing the restoration works since Tuesday demanding compensation.
Singh, who was personally monitoring the situation, appealed them to remain calm and cooperate with the administration in the restoration work.
All the debris were cleared by TK Engineering to facilitate traffic movement between the two neighbouring districts.
DC Singh while appreciating the tireless efforts of TKE asked them to position men and machineries at all vulnerable points that are prone to landslides. DIPRO
ATMA holds training for farmers
TAWANG, Jul 20: Agriculture Technology Management Agency of Tawang conducted a district level training on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the farmers at Kitpi to make known about different aspects of the scheme.
Around 40 farmers, PRI leaders and HoDs of Tawang attended the programme.
Highlighting about the scheme, ADO and training in charge KB Kayastha sought co- operation from all stakeholders for successful preparation of the District Irrigation Plan.
Participating in the programme as resource person, DRDA Project Director Gombu Tsering spoke about IWMP scheme and other agriculture based programmes executed by RD Department for the welfare of the farming community.
The Manager of Tawang branch of SBI NR Sharmam, RFO T Haniya and ASM Shernup Kesang also addressed the farmers.
Later, an interaction session was also held wherein the farmers were informed about various programmes implemented by the participating departments.
Similar programmes would also be held at Pamaghar and Bomba next week. DIPRO
Delay in hostel renovation resented
Aalo, Jul 20: The Paktu Ao Youth Welfare Association has expressed their concern over halt in renovation of hostel of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Aalo. In a memorandum submitted to the West Siang Deputy Commissioner the association raised this issue.
They informed that untold problems are being faced by the students of Govt. Hr. Secondary School Aalo on account of inordinate delay in repairing the hostel. The work has been going on for the last two months. Association has appealed to the district administration to direct the concerned executing department and contractors to complete repairing work urgently without any further delay. (DIPRO)
Union demands shifting of KVK office to its permanent site
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: In a memorandum submitted to the state Chief Secretary on Tuesday, the All Maro Baririjo Area Students’ Union (AMBASU) has appealed to her to direct the concern authorities to shift the office of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, which is currently functioning at Daporijo to its permanent site at Maro within 60 days. It has threatened to resort to democratic action in case its demands are not met within stipulated time.
Firing practice at Raneghat
PASIGHAT, Jul 20: East Siang Deputy Commissioner has granted the Officer Commanding CACT-VI, JN College to conduct firing practice at Raneghat firing range near Dangoria Baba Mandir, Sille River, Pasighat area on July 21 and 23.
The Deputy Commissioner has advised all, including the people of Bogong area to ramain stay at safe distance during the firing practice from 9 am to 4 pm. She also directed head of departments/institutions to prohibit movement of human and domestic animals within the firing range during that period to avoid any accident. DIPRO
21st State level Karate C’ship
ITANAGAR, Jul 20: All Lower Subansiri Karate Do-Association in a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and ZPMs on Tuesday decided to organize the 21st State Level Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior and Senior Karate Do Championship at Multipurpose Indoor Hall Hapoli, Lower Subansiri district from November 4 to 6, 2016.
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Correction
The 1st Tadak Dulom Memorial District Badminton Championship is being organized coinciding with the 14th death anniversary of the former minister from July 24 to 26 at Singhik Hall, Daporijo. It was wrongly mentioned as “birth anniversary” of the former minister in place of “death anniversary” in a news item published in this daily (Page -8) on July 20. The inadvertent error is deeply regretted.
