SOLDIER DIES;

Madikeri May 18, 2006

A soldier serving at Border security Force, Assam died of ill health, sources said.

A native of Chikka bettageri village near Kushalnagar, 56 year old, Ailapanda Nanaiah was serving in the BSF since thirty years. According to sources, he was undergoing treatment in a hospital at Coimba6tore yesterday for some illness.

His body would be brought to Kodagu today for cremation.

LOCUST FOUND IN BALELE;

The dreaded Locust eating leaves is now found at Balele.

A coffee planter from Balele, Suja Poonacha stated to this correspondent that locust began to attack his coffee plants and destroyed green leaves. He said that using pesticides was useful and the locust died as he sprayed it.

Locust was first found in estates near Virajpet causing panic among planters, a fortnight ago. The Agriculture department had said that the Locust found here might not migrate. Contrary to the above statements, they are being located in different parts. The planters feel that the government should do something to control the menace. Planter Suja Poonacha has also said that he has noticed eggs beneath leaves, which could be of Locust.

MERCHANTS BANK SHOWS PROGRESS;

President of the Merchants Bank, T.P.Ramesh has said that the bank has earned a profit of rupees 6.38 lakh with a turnover of rupees 7.26 crores during the last fiscal.

He said that the bank has improved its transactions without raising any loan. It is also giving a high 8% interest on deposits, he informed. The Bank is collecting Pigmy from many town of the district, he said.

CoC president Girish Ganapathy and others were also present.

KADYA TEAM BAGS VOLLEY BALL CUP;

Kadya team won the Kattemane volley ball tournament cup.

In the finals held yesterday at Maragodu near here, kadya team beat Baladi team by 28 to 26.

Bidrupade ladies team won the tug of war tittle by defeating Kudupaje team.

MLA K.G.Bopaiah inaugurated the tournament. Different sports events were held on the occasion.