NE students find supporter in Rahul

NEW DELHI, Oct 29: Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he will fully cooperate with the Northeast Students’ Organization in its efforts to check the rising instances of crime against women and men from the north-eastern States.

Sira Kharay, convener of the Northeast Students Organization, said: "We went to meet Rahul Gandhi today to seek his support in fighting the rising crime against the north-eastern community. Not only did he show his keen interest in the matter but also promised us full cooperation. We had a list of demands to fight this dangerous trend of targeting the north-eastern community and Rahul Gandhi said that he will publicly announce his views on our demands very soon. He also said that he will be in regular contact with us."

Union minister Agatha Sangma also condemned the attitude of the general Delhiites towards women from the Northeast. She said incidents of women from the Northeast being molested in Delhi have been quite rampant and the situation in Delhi has been disgraceful.

Meanwhile, Northeast Congress general secretary Sarif Ujaman Lasker told a press conference that they put some demands before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and sought his immediate intervention into the plight of Northeast students in Delhi.

"We have 15 specific demands from the government in order to safeguard the north-eastern community in the capital, and elsewhere in the country from racial bias. One among them is that there should be a 24/7 police control vehicle in vulnerable areas like Munirka in south Delhi where such crimes are often reported from," another student leader said, and added: "We also demand that there should be a special committee to look into cases of crime against north-eastern women. The nodal officer in the police force, who is meant to look into these crimes, should be a person from the Northeast, and there should be certain points included in the IPC (Indian Penal Code) whereby racial discrimination is absolutely not tolerated anywhere in the country." THE SENTINEL

We eliminated Purnendu for his design with Muslim immigrants, says Hojai

SILCHAR, Oct 29: Niranjan Hojai, the ‘commander-in-chief’ of the Jewel Garlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD-J), admitted that the outfit had eliminated Congress leader and the then North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Purnendu Langthasa in order to put an end to his design to give settlement to illegal Muslim immigrants in the hill district.

In an exclusive interview with The Sentinel today, Hojai said: "We used to collect money from the contractors. Though we had the support of the Dimasas, they are too poor to help us financially. Purnedu Langthasa, former NCHAC CEM was killed by the DHD (J) as he had reportedly taken an initiative to give settlement to illegal Muslim immigrants in NC Hills for his political design. We also eliminated a Muslim high school teacher, who was an ISI agent. He used to run a fake currency racket in NC Hills. We had a suspicion on the design of some Muslim immigrants in NC Hills."

Hojai argued that the DHD-J was erroneously called ‘Black Widow’. "Black Widow was a group of Dimasa youths who took up arms during Hmar-Dimasa ethnic clash. Once the clash was over, a good number of the Black Widow cadres joined the pro-talk faction of the DHD led by Dilip Nunisa. However, a few Black Widow cadres like Daku Sing Dimasa did join our outfit. From the very beginning we called our outfit as Dimasa (J), as ‘J’ stands for Jewel Garlosa, our leader who was dethroned by power-hungry Dilip Nunisa."

"Jewel and I are buddies from our tender days. However, I was not, by any means, associated with the DHD. When Jewel was thrown out of the outfit, one day I came to know that Nunisa had sent his men to assassinate me. On the same night, I left my home, my wife and family," Hojai said, and added that he was first taken to Manipur where Kuki militants used to impart them guerrilla training. From there, they came in contact with the NSCN (IM). Hojai admitted that NSCN (IM) helped them in many ways. "But later we realized that they were actually using us to fill up their own coffers," he said.

On the delay in the works of the Silchar-Lumding Board Gauge Project, Hojai said the contractors are deliberately delaying the construction work by putting the blame on the DHD (J) in order to get the benefit of price escalation.

Hojai is hopeful that the Government will keep its promise of fulfilling the demands of the outfit within 100 days. In the first week of November, they will have the first round of talks with the government when the release of their leader Jewel Garlosa will top the agenda. THE SENTINEL

SSB recruitment date extended

SSB recruitment date extended
GUWAHATI, Oct 28 – The Assistant Director (Admn), FTR Hqrs, SSB, Guwahati in a press release informed that the last date of receipt of application for recruitment of constables in “Sashastra Seema Bal” (SSB) has been extended for the candidates of NE States up to November 15 next instead of October 31.

White Cane Day celebrated

GUWAHATI, Oct 28 – Amway Opportunities Foundation (AOF) celebrated International White Cane Day on October 20 countrywide and distributed over 3000 white canes to the visually challenged people.

At Guwahati, Additional DGP Dilip Borah inaugurated the celebration at Guwahati Blind School in presence of Amway northeast area manager Bikramjit Paul and Bhaben Burman, principal, Guwahati Blind School. Over 75 white canes were distributed among the students.

On the occasion, AOF also donated Braille text books to the school as per commitment towards project Sunrise. AOF chairman WS Pinckney said in a message that “This series of functions is a reiteration of AOF’s and indeed Amway’s commitment to the visually challenged children in India”. – Staff Reporter

Malaria deaths in Mizoram

AIZAWL, Oct 28 – Malaria remains the biggest killer disease in Mizoram and has claimed 111 lives till August this year as compared to the 91 deaths during 2008, state Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, informed the state Assembly today.

Sailo said Aizawl district recorded the highest number of 40 deaths due to malaria in the first eight months of the year.

Funds received from the Centre for malaria control under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme was Rs 210.68 lakh and Rs 282.35 lakh in 2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively, he added. – PTI

Manipur journalists intensify agitation

IMPHAL, Oct 28 – Churachandpur-based the Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union (MHJU), in an emergency general body meeting, decided to extend support to the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), in its ongoing agitation protesting the action of police commandos on two reporters on the fateful night of October 10 last, till the government met all their demands.

MHJU has urged the government to fulfill all demands of AMWJU latest by November 1.

The MHJU has also decided to launch various agitational programmes like surrender of DIPR issued I-cards from November 1 and boycotting all activities ofthe government relating to development.

On Tuesday, about 150 scribes and editors of the local dailies went to the DIPR office from the Manipur Press Club and surrendered their identity cards issued by the DIPR, to the director T Silthou at his office.

AMWJU general secretary Henry said the ongoing agitation will not be relaxed till the ruling Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government takes some visible action against the police commandos who harassed and threatened to kill two local scribes on October 10 night at Khwairamband bazar.

If no visible action is taken in the coming few days, the AMWJU might arrive at the extreme step of surrendering the Press Club building tothe government, he said adding that mediapersons will be holding a mass rally on November 1 and a protest sit-in at Keishampat junction.

News agency relaunched in Arunachal

Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Oct 28 – The media in Arunachal Pradesh got a boost with the relaunching of a multi-lingual news agency, Hindustan Samachar, at the state capital here last evening.

The over six-decades-old news agency, which was established in New Delhi, has found its way back in this land-locked State after more than three decades following its launch in Arunachal in the year 1978.

Set up in 32 centres across the country, Hindustan Samachar is catering to information seekers in 14 languages, including Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujrati, Nepali, Sindhi, Kannad, Malayalam, Tamil and Telegu.

Rajiv Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof KC Beliappa, who inaugurated the news agency by lighting the ceremonial lamp at an Itanagar-based hotel, said that with the revival of this news agency, the state will get a fillip in media sector.

Legislator Tani Loffa has said the print media, without being “capital-centric”, should enhance its reach to all areas.

PM asks Pak to show sincerity

PM asks Pak to show sincerity

ANANTNAG, Oct 28 – Asking Pakistan to destroy terror groups operating from its territory, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said if it showed sincerity and good faith, India will not be found wanting, reports PTI. “I hope that the Government of Pakistan will take the ongoing actions against the terrorist groups to their logical conclusion. They should destroy these groups wherever they are operating and for whatever misguided purpose,” he said at the inauguration of the Anantnag-Qazigund rail link.

Calling upon the people and the Government of Pakistan to show their sincerity and good faith, he said, “As I have said many times before, we will not be found wanting in our response.”

Sending a clear signal, Singh said it was a “misplaced idea” that one could reach a compromise with the ideology of terrorists or that they can be used for one’s own purpose.

“Eventually they turn against you and bring only death and destruction. The real face of the terrorists is clear for the people of Pakistan to see with their own eyes,” he said.

He said India will press Pakistan to curb the activities of those elements that were engaging in terrorism in this country.

“If they are non-state actors, it is the solemn duty of the Government of Pakistan to bring them to book, to destroy their camps and to eliminate their infrastructure,” he said.

Singh said the perpetrators of the acts of terror must pay the heaviest penalty for their barbaric crimes against humanity.

The Prime Minister said he strongly believed that the majority of the people in Pakistan sought good neighbourly and cooperative relations withIndia. “They seek a permanent peace. This is our view as well,” Singh said.

On India extending a hand of friendship to Pakistan in 2004, the Prime Minister said the country’s readiness to discuss all outstanding issues expressed then was not “because of weakness but from a position of strength.” “We had the most fruitful and productive discussions ever withthe Government of Pakistan during the period 2004-07 when militancy and violence began to decline. Intensive discussions were held on all issues including on a permanent resolution of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir,”Singh said.

For the first time in 60 years, people were able to travel by road across the Line of Control. Divided families were re-united and trade between the two sides of Kashmir had begun. The overall trade with Pakistan had increased three-fold during 2004-07.

The number of visas issued to Pakistanis doubled during this period and an additional rail link was re-established.

“These are not small achievements given the history of our troubled relationship with Pakistan. Inside the valley, as militancy declined, trade, business and tourism began to pick up. We were moving in the right direction. For the first time there was a feeling among the people that a durable and final peace was around the corner,”Singh said.

Xatra not to celebrate Raax

JORHAT, Oct 28: The Bengenauti Xatra at Majuli struggling for survival against impending catastrophe due to erosion has decided not to celebrate Raax this year.

The monastic head– Xatradhikar Bhabananda Deva Goswami told this correspondent over telephone that severe cash crunch and worries about where and when to shift the xatra if the necessity arose precluded a mood of celebration.

Prior to this one or two occasions, the xatra had not celebrated Raax– one of the most celebrated festivals on Majuli, for the same reason.

The Bengenauti Xatra which has already shifted three times due to severe erosion is once again imperilled by the Brahmaputra which is now flowing about 400 metres away and is moving closer to two xatras– Bengenauti and Bhogpur– at Jengraimukh on the island every year.

During the monsoons, huge chunks of land are gobbled up by the marauding river and the Brahmaputra Board entrusted with protecting the island from erosion has totally failed to contain the menace at Jengraimukh.

Though Sri Bhabananda Deva Goswami had informed the Government of the problem and sought an alternative land where it could shift, there has been no response to this request till date.

“We do not have the means nor the land to shift on our own and spending money on festivities, however, important they may be for the people here, seems to be a frivolous expenditure”, Sri Goswami said.

“We will of course hold some sort of function on the day”, he further said.

A couple of months ago, the Bengenauti Xatra had sought divine help by offering puja to the Brahmaputra on the occasion of Janmashtami– Lord Krishna’s birthday.

Raax celebrates the divine love between Krishna and his consort Radha and almost all the extant xatras– around 21 out of 66– enact portions of the life and love of Lord Krishna on Raax, which falls on November 2 this year. The celebrations and merry making by the largely Vaishnavaite population and even the dominant Mising tribe usually continue for three to four days. THE SENTINEL

LICI incident: Inquiry divulges police atrocity

JORHAT, Oct 28: Additional Chief Secretary PP Barma has submitted the inquiry report of Jorhat LICI incident before Assam Human Rights Commission. According to the information in the inquiry report containing ten-pages the police, engaged on duty have been held responsible for the incident and the report divulged the police atrocity on common people. The report also said that, the police have made some false evidences before the inquiry commission fearing to disclose the real matter.

Indicating three top police officers of Jorhat district as the accountable officials of the incident, the report further explained that, consequent to killing of an LICI official in a road mishap by a truck, the local people along with the LICI employees became angry that resulted the setting fire to the truck. Although, a police officer along with a number of other police personnel were present at the spot but failed to control the mob. Of late, an Additional Superintendent of Police rushed to the spot and assaulted the LICI employees in their office. In the police attack, one person lost his eye and many others were injured.

The Assam Human Right Commission has taken a case in this regard and ordered to institute an inquiry on the matter. The Government appointed Additional Chief Secretary PP Barma to make an inquiry over the incident and many people of Jorhat placed their evidences before the inquiry officer in this regard. THE SENTINEL

Assam’s man-elephant conflict attracts UK filmmaker

JORHAT, Oct 27: Tom Robert, a renowned British filmmaker, will make a film on “man-elephant conflict in Assam” for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The herd of wild elephants that graze in the three upper Assam districts will play the key role in the film.

Robert arrived in Assam yesterday with a year-long preparation to make the film. He will visit the elephant-affected areas in the three upper Assam districts — Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Jorhat — to take snapshots and talk to the people who were displaced due to elephant menace. He visited the elephant-affected areas in Dibrugarh district today and is scheduled to visit Jorhat tomorrow. He will also visit Majuli to talk to the elephant-affected people there. He will take snapshots of elephant depredations. Robert has made more than 100 documentaries on various topics in Britain and a number of films in Hollywood.

Talking to The Sentinel over telephone, Robert said: “I’m here to make a film for BBC on Assam’s widely highlighted man-elephant conflict. It’s a BBC trip for me to cover Assam’s unique man-elephant conflict.” On Assam and its people, Robert said: “Yeah, Assam is a very beautiful State, gifted with the bounties of natural. Its people are very loving.”

An over 100-strong elephant herd has been creating havoc in the three upper Assam districts for more than a decade. According to the reports of the State Forest Department, the herd of elephants had come from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh in 1997. Of late, the herd got divided into two — while a herd of 30 elephants entered the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and is now staying in the Agoratoli area, the other group has been staying at Borborua near Panidihing reserve forest. This herd is a threat to the people nearby. THE SENTINEL

Bangladesh-NE for better economic relations

SHILLONG, Oct 27: Entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and India are looking to the existing trade avenues in both countries to further the Northeast India trade links with Bangladesh. Many of those who took part in the interactive session organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Shillong were unanimous on the need to exploit the existing markets and to further up the economic ties between the two countries.

Harping on Bangladesh markets for Meghalaya products and the advantages, the president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Anisul Haq today, said: “This potential needs to be exploited for our mutual economic benefits.”

Mentioning about the horticultural products and power as the new markets that Bangladesh can offer, the IBCCI president, however, felt that a transparent government policy and frequent people-to-people contacts can turn this aspiration into a reality. The IBCCI president also offered the booming textile products of Bangladesh as one of the items to India’s Northeast.

President of the India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Abdul Matlub Ahmad said let today’s interactive session to have a road map for India’s Northeast trade links with Bangladesh have a new beginning for mutual benefits. “We have an age-old socio-economic ties and its revival is imperative from whichever point that we wanted to start”, stated Ahmad. The Indian side represented by the Frontier Chamber of Commerce, the Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and top government officials endorsed the Bangladeshi views. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong spoke about better economic ties between the Northeast and Bangladesh for mutual benefits, but it was State Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee’s statement about the reopening of border haats (markets) as a possible turning point to the quest for mutual economic benefits. Chatterjee said, “It will be better to transform these border markets in special economic zones in and around 20 km radius of the international borders”.

Earlier, a delegation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and the Indo-Bangla Chamber of Commerce led by the President of FBCCI, Annisul Hud, today met the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr DD Lapang in his office chamber to discuss the improvement of trade relations between Bangladesh and India through Meghalaya.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong, Forest and Environment Minister RC Laloo, GAD Minister Prestone Tynsong, Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee and Commissioner and Secretary, Industries, A Som.

The meeting discussed the issues of improvement of trade ties between India and Bangladesh via Meghalaya and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors in the State. THE SENTINEL

Ministry-making: Delhi the epicentre

ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Suddenly the epicentre of political activities has shifted from Itanagar to New Delhi. As of now, the national capital is heating up with the advent of more and more ruling party legislators hoping to secure a Cabinet berth.

While, officially Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu is alone at Delhi to finalize the list of his Cabinet members, unofficially several top State Congress leaders have tagged along with him. According to sources, Khandu has already met senior leader and AICC general secretary in-charge of Arunachal Pradesh V. Narayanswamy, and submitted a list of names to be inducted in his new cabinet team. However, the list is to yet to get the final approval from AICC president Sonia Gandhi. Sources said, the entire exercise is likely to be completed in the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, another source from Guwahati informed The Sentinel Arunachal that this morning about 20 legislators landed at Guwahati en-route to Delhi. The temporary but frequent exodus to Delhi hasn’t surprised many as, another source adds from New Delh that it may be because, allegedly a few young Turks, besides some second timers are trying to use all means to secure berths in the cabinet. The source without divulging much also alleged that money worth crores of rupees were on offer in return for a Cabinet berth. However, party insiders have rejected the allegation as false and ill-intended. When contacted, APCC Chairman of the Public Grievance Cell, Hariyom Bam refused to comment and suggested to get the truth from the horse’s mouth.

BJP spokesperson Tai Tagak, while eluding the ‘money-on-offer’ issue, urged the legislators to keep the State’s interest in mind before indulging in corrupt games. While maintaining that it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to decide on composition of the Cabinet, Tagak said, “Capable and competent persons need to hold key portfolios besides giving adequate representation to all the districts.” He, however, added that it was an internal matter of the Congress and the party leaders would decide on it. THE SENTINEL

Ministry-making could be tight-rope walk for Khandu

Jarpum Gamlin

ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu with his chosen ‘42’ is oozing with confidence and comfort. No wonder that Khandu indicated about retaining the same old team with two additional new faces in lieu of Lombo Tayeng and Tatar Kipa. Sources close to the Chief Minister confided before The Sentinel Arunachal today since he would like to keep his ‘chieftains’ happy, he would obviously go by their advice. That is exactly what he did last time when he became the Chief Minister for the first time.

In his last team, five districts - West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley - were not represented, while there were 2 representatives each from 3 districts viz., Tako Dabi and Lombo Tayeng (East Siang), Takar Marde and Tanga Byaling (Upper Subansiri) and CC Singpho and Chowna Mein (Lohit).

This time, however, the Chief Minister has grown wiser to the fact that denying few districts their ‘legitimate share’ of ‘the ministerial cake might not taken by Congress workers and the supporters in those constituencies or districts lying low. With little choice, Khandu will have to tread carefully in at least three districts of Kurung Kumey, West Kameng and Upper Siang. Despite overall poor electoral performance of the Congress in these districts, the party has retained the sitting MLAs in each.

With the apex student body of Kurung Kumey district already gunning for its share of cabinet representation, a political observer commented that this could be the beginning of real show in the entire electioneering process. Also, within the newly elected Congress legislature party, there are several are disgruntled members because of the greater importance given to a few ‘chieftains’ by the Chief Minister and those in the helm of affairs in the State party, despite they not having substantially contributed either to the party and the government.

It appears that Khandu, though has had a smooth drive in the chief ministerial race without any opposition, may not have as smooth a drive in the ministry-making exercise. But sources said, having grown that much wiser from the relatively short but quite eventful tenure as the chief minister, he is more focused on the greater interest of Arunachal Pradesh than on small-time politics at the district level.. Therefore Khandu may have in mind a fair distribution of the ministerial portfolios to every district but the Lower Dibang Valley, from where there is no Congress legislator.

Nevertheless, the question remains as to whether the Chief Minister would succeed with his ‘appeasement strategy’ with just ‘12+2’ berths to flaunt before the 40-odd aspirants. Practically, he has two options to choose from and decide, that is he has either to rely on political wisdom or adopt and apply what is known in Congress parlance, the ’quantitative methodology’. The latter option could be more convincing vis-à-vis first one. However; the second option too is fraught with attendant risks, particularly when the situation is so tricky and sensitive subject. Besides, there are two ways of going about applying the so-called quantitative methodology:

One, if the ‘ratio’ based formula of the Congress high command is to be followed, five districts, namely Kurung Kumey, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley and Anjaw would go unrepresented in Khandu’s team, while three districts- West Siang, Tirap and Changlang- would lap up with 2 posts each. That’s the similar situation as it had obtained during the last team composition exercise. But it is in the realm of great speculation if the Chief Minister would afford to drop the finance minister in the outgoing cabinet in the process. Secondly, if performance (cut-off: 50% strike rate of Congress) is taken as the basis for district-wise allocation; then again five districts-West Kameng, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Siang, Lower Dibang Valley- would go unrepresented . These districts are represented by stalwarts like TN Thongdok (though new yet a known technocrat), Kumar Wai, RT Khunjuju, Atum Welly and JK Panggeng. Thus, the situation would lead the Chief Minister back to square one.

Coming back to the first option of relying on ‘political wisdom’, it may look to the best option in the given situation. But can Khandu afford to offer 2 posts to certain districts like in his previous tenure, while ignoring more deserving districts like Tirap, Changlang and West Siang. Besides electoral performance, Tirap-Changlang and West Siang needs greater focus to counter increasing activities of the extremists..

Whichever way he decides, Khandu has to keep the greater challenges ahead of Arunachal in mind, and accordingly decide on the composition of his team. Till he decides, concerned citizens too would join him in splitting their hair to solve the zig-saw puzzle of five districts with nil and three districts with two representations respectively. THE SENTINEL

Taking on Pakistan

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s repeated claims that India is fomenting trouble in that country will perhaps have no takers among ordinary Pakistanis themselves. They are aware of the ground reality: that the process of collapse of their country is a consequence of their military’s dream ‘‘strategic depth’’ project in Afghanistan in tandem with the US, which has necessitated offensive with huge collateral damages against the Taliban, the Pakistan Army-ISI’s own child-turned-Frankenstein’s monster. What does Malik have to say on the people of his own country who now want to leave their beloved motherland because they want to live a few more years? Yet, in course of a television interview, he has had the temerity to blame India for backing the Taliban to destabilize Pakistan. In response to a question as to whether India is among the ‘‘hostile agencies’’ provoking instabilities in Pakistan through the Taliban route, Malik said: ‘‘Yes, of course, I am convinced. I have no doubt about it. I was very open. If the interior minister of India or anyone else wants to confront me, I will be happy to confront them because I know what I am saying.’’ Last week Malik had said that Pakistan had ‘‘solid evidence’’ of India’s alleged involvement in fomenting unrest in Balochistan that could be shared with Indian ministers or representatives at any forum of their choice.

These are wild allegations. The Pakistan government, under the influence of the military establishment as always, is inventing issues to put a grand vesture about its failure to prevent the hijack of governance by the Taliban. No country will be so foolhardy as to facilitate Pakistan’s takeover by the savage Taliban forces, especially because it is a nuclear state and nuclear weaponry is what the Taliban-Al Qaeda combine is desperately seeking to teach ‘‘infidel’’ and modern nation-states a lesson. As we have said here before, given the fact of geography, a nuclear-armed Taliban would launch an assault on India first as a prelude to worldwide barbarity. And a completely anarchic Pakistan, towards which it is going despite the pompous claims of the Pakistan Army to the contrary, will doubtless imperil India far more, with the networked jihadi infrastructure — where only the names of outfits will differ — dedicated exclusively to target ‘‘Hindu India’’ as they say, besides targets in the West. India’s mere rebuttal to Pakistan’s allegations as ‘‘baseless’’ will not do now, nor will the much-iterated, post-Mumbai 26/11 stand that Pakistan must first dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory before the derailed peace process between the two countries is put on track. For, Pakistan is not at all bothered about Indian concerns stemming from the many exclusively anti-India jihad factories running successfully under the ISI’s patronage. It is now high time that India, being an influential player in the comity of nations, embarrassed Pakistan at every major global forum without having to be concerned about the ritual of courtesy and meaningless diplomacy. Pakistan must be forced to act responsibly. For the moment, however, a simple poser will suffice: How are Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) publications back in circulation in Pakistan under new names, despite a ban on both the groups, and how could the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), an avowed anti-India jihadi group, establish a new madrassa in Bahawalpur, JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar’s home base? Is not the ISI sponsoring them in the full knowledge of the helpless civilian government? THE SENTINEL

At the Nuke Gate

The Pakistan chapter of the Taliban, Tehrik-e-Taliban, is wreaking vengeance on its very creator — the Pakistan Army. Suicide missions carried out by Taliban fighters are now a routine affair. Only the other day did the Taliban eliminate a top Army officer, Brigadier Moinuddin Ahmed, former Director General of Military Operations who was serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan — the second Brigadier to be killed in a series of attacks carried out by the Taliban in the last fortnight, leaving about 190 people dead. The Taliban is baying for the blood of the Pakistan Army for its offensive in the Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan, where it controls half of the territory, with the rest in the grip of various tribal groups; nowhere in South Waziristan does Islamabad’s writ run, and almost all the recent terror attacks in Pakistan have had their origin in the anarchic Waziristan salient. And it is from this jihad hub that the Taliban is trying to get hold of Pakistan’s nuclear weaponry — the suicide attack on a security checkpost near the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, where aircraft carrying nuclear warheads are believed to be parked, is a pointer. Despite the assurance of the Obama administration that Pakistan’s nukes are safe and that the US is closely monitoring them, India has reasons to worry. The immediate choice of a nuclear-armed Taliban will obviously be India, which the medieval-age jihadi group wants to take on after taking over Pakistan. Given the gravity of the situation, it is now all the more incumbent on the US, unlike in the past when Pakistan’s nuclear assets were safe, to seriously intervene in that country and fortify its nuclear arsenal. It is no longer Pakistan’s internal affair. It is a global jihadi affair, and the Taliban-Al Qaeda combine has pledged to wipe out every ‘infidel’ settlement from the face of this planet. The world cannot let it happen. THE SENTINEL

Secure NE First

As the Government of India intensifies its focus on the Look East Policy, it is imperative that all-out efforts are made on securing the Northeast from being run over completely by anti-national, terrorist organizations out to destabilize the region. Unfortunately, however, the Centre still seems to be just grappling with the problem, without any sign yet that a firm system of internal security, complete with modern weaponry, intelligence-gathering and sharing mechanism, fully trained forces etc, would be in place by the time the Look East Policy actually gets going. For one, the government and India Inc cannot gloss over the fact that the Northeast, because of not just its close geographical proximity to the ASEAN countries but also the socio-cultural and historical ties between the two peoples, would play a crucial role in effecting the policy. In fact, if the policy has not taken off yet, it is primarily because India has not readied the ground yet, which is to say that the country has not laid as much focus on securing the Northeast to create a congenial environment for investment. The ministries concerned, on the other hand, still seem to toy with the idea that big players in the national economy from the rest of the country alone could implement the much-hyped policy, as project after joint-venture project is sought to be pushed through, to benefit such players and so-called mainstream States. The government must get its vision of the Look East policy clear — it cannot hope to move an inch on the policy if it continues to ignore the Northeast.

This brings us to the equally fundamental issue of securing the Northeast. The region continues to be the entry point for smuggled weaponry, drugs and terrorism. It is not that the Government of India — especially the agencies concerned — does not know their entry points along international borders, such as with Bangladesh and Myanmar. But the government even today cannot vouchsafe that it has secured the borders of the Northeast. And it also knows quite well by now that this is in sharp contrast to borders with Pakistan. But there still seems to be no urgency to rectify this criminal mismatch in the country’s defence and foreign policies in the Centre’s scheme of things. The problem with the Look East Policy emanates basically from the fact that India has had to adopt it under compulsions of the fast-changing global economic scenario, but about which it is still not ready perhaps. Is it because the hangover of trading with the West in the past so many decades is still too strong for our policy-makers to look up and actually look East? Whatever be the case, the fact remains that the Centre must now make amends for its grave mistake of having treated the Northeast as the country’s hinterland since Independence. And make it fast if it has not to miss the ASEAN bus. THE SENTINEL

Tezpur gets ready for journalists’ meet

TEZPUR, Oct 25: The cultural town, Tezpur gets ready to welcome the renowned litterateurs, journalists in the 1st fifty yearly general conference of the Sonitpur Zila Sangbadik Karma Parishad on November 7 and 8 in the Distirct Library, Tezpur. As per the agenda, the parishad flag will be hoisted by Bichitra Narayan Mahanta, president of the zila parishad at 10 am on November 7 and at 10.30 am respects to the martyrs. The executive committee and subject committee meeting will be held from 11 am. Padmasree Dr Sheela Barthakur will inaugurate the competition of Diha Naam at 2 pm and cultural programme by local artistes will be held at 5 pm. On October 8, discussion on the subject– ‘Sampratik Assamat Sanghad Madyan Sangbadik Nirjatan Aru Iear Pratikarar Upaya’ (Journalism in Assam at present, atrocities on journalists and remedial measures on it). The noted thinker and writer Ismail Hussain will deliver the inaugural speech at 1 pm and the souvenir– ‘Alokpat’ will be opened by the State general secretary of the parishad and Sr. journalist Pran Mahanta. At 6.30 pm ‘Akhan Kola Pataka’ (A black flag) written by poet, dramatist and journalist Prabin Saikia will be staged on the direction of lyricist, dramatist, and Moon Light Media awardee Mukut Patangia. The organizers cordially invites all sorts of help and co-operation from all sections of people. THE SENTINEL

BJP to protest against

GUWAHATI, Oct 25: In retaliation to Government’s inaction over abnormal rise in the prices of essential commodities, the State BJP will stage dharnas on October 26 in all the districts of the State. The district committees of the BJP will submit memoranda through the Deputy Commissioners addressed to President Pratibha Patil, seeking her intervention on the matter.

In this connection, State BJP spokesperson Charan Deka accused the Gogoi led Government of accumulating funds through price rise. He also suspected that the traders may have increased the prices of goods in order to meet their liabilities of paying election fund to the Congress party. THE SENTINEL

Prabin Boro and other AGP members join BPF

KOKRAJHAR, Oct 19: Former president of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and one of the influential leaders of the AGP Prabin Boro today formally joined the BPF along with around 400 AGP members at a function held at Kokrajhar District Sports Association (KDSA) Indoor Stadium.

Boro and his party were warmly welcomed by leaders of the BPF at the special function where top leaders of both Parent, Youth and Women wing leaders were present. Boro who was accompanied by his wife and AGP workers were received by different cultural group and band party in front of the KDSA.

The president of the BPF and chief of BTC Hagrama Mohilary received Prabin Boro with traditional Aronai and expressed his hope that the BPF will be able to fulfil all the aspirations of the people of the region if everyone comes forward to work together for the development of the area as well as other regional issues. He conveyed his gratitude to all the members who have joined the BPF today and called upon all to extend support to make the party strong and sound.

In an interview, former AGP leader Prabin Boro said, he joined the BPF because he was not satisfied with the AGP leaderships for which they decided to quit from the party. He, however, divulged to give details about the internal fact of the clashes or misunderstanding.

While asked as to why he joined the BPF without joining other national or powerful regional party, Boro said the BPF emerged as a powerful regional political party and he has believe that it will be the only stable political party in the region. Besides, he has local sentiments towards BPF as being the regional party, he said, adding that he want to work with this regional sentiment. He also hoped that they will be given opportunities to work with the BPF in the days to come.

The welcome ceremony was also attended by EMs- Derhasat Basumatary, Mono Kr Brahma, Hitesh Basumatary, Sabharam Basumatary, Emmanuel Mashahary, Lwmsrao Daimary, MCLAs and leaders of Youth and Women wing BPF. THE SENTINEL

Legal aid camp held

KOKRAJHAR, Oct 18: A legal aid-cum-awareness camp was organized by the intermediate students of Kokrajhar Law College in association with North Eastern Human Welfare Society (NEHWS) at Jwngma Bodo Foraishali, Patgaon recently under the presidentship of Mesorsing Basumatary, Head of School Governing Body.

The programme was attended by the Principal of Kokrajhar Law College IP Brahma, lecturers and students of the Law College, village headmen and local people as well as NGO activists. The general secretary of Kokrajhar District Committee, ABSU Lawrence Islary also attended the function and made the programme impressive by putting some questions over the legal issues which are very important for the people. The president of the Patgaon Anchalik Committee, ABSU Rupban Basumatary also made some questions over the solution of legal issues found in and around Patgaon area.

The Principal of Kokrajhar Law College, IP Brahma, lecturers of the college– PK Aditya, AK Ahmed, P Singha and Chandana Narzary spoke on the occasion regarding legal issues in the locality and to bring awareness.

They called upon the people to join hands in solving various legal issues found in the area with the Legal Aid Authority. Nion Mashahary, In-charge of legal aid-cum-awareness camp also attended the programme. THE SENTINEL

Assamese inducted in national companies

DIBRUGARH, Oct 18: It is a noteworthy information that all total fifty youths of upper Assam who after completion of their three months training at National Academy of Construction at Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh have been inducted as regular employees of Bajaj Electricals and Indu Group of Companies.

Giving this information from Hyderabad over phone, the president of the Youth Welfare Association (YWA) stated that the YWA in association with the district administration of Dibrugarh and Sivasagar sent a total of one hundred and seventy unemployed youths of upper Assam region to the National Academy of Construction at Hyderabad for three-months training on various trades, of which 50 students got regular jobs in Nationally reputed companies like Bajaj and Indu Group on the completion of their training.

Expressing satisfaction over his organization’s success in providing employment to 50 youths of the region outside the State, president of YWA Subash Dutta recalled the help and guidance received from Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh, Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, DC of Sivasagar, Nawab Mahmud Hussain and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar, Jogesh Baruah, in sending the youths to Hyderabad for training of various trades like masonry, plumber, electricians, etc. THE SENTINEL

Asomiya professor invited to Bangkok

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: Professor of Department of Instrumentation Science (USIC), Gauhati University, Dr Pranhari Talukdar, has been invited as a visiting faculty member at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok for its M Tech course. Talukdar has been deputed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. THE SENTINEL

Crafts and textiles exhibition

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: A North East Crafts and Textiles exhibition has been organized by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) at the NEDFI HAAT in Ambari from October 20 to October 31. The exhibition aims at promoting the craftsperson and weavers of the North Eastern region, creating awareness in favour of handicrafts of the NE region and launching new and innovative products and designs for trail and promotion. The exhibition will benefit 25 artisans from all over the Northeast region. It will be inaugurated by noted artiste Indira PP Bora and solicit the presence of officials of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India, Ministry of Textiles, dignitaries and artisans and weavers of the region. This was stated in a press release. THE SENTINEL

Letter writing competition

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: A letter writing competition among school children has been organized by the Department of Posts, Guwahati. The topic of the competition is ‘Gandhiji writes a postcard’, wherein school children can write letters in the guise of Mahatma Gandhi on any burning topic. The competition will be held in two categories: class III to V in the first category and class VI to VIII in the second category. Interested students will have to purchase competition postcards directly from Head Post Offices and Mukhya Dak Ghar Offices of the Guwahati circle, write a letter on a current topic in English or Hindi and post it to The Chief Postmaster General, Assam Circle, Guwahati-01, Post Box no. 159, Guwahati-GPO, along with particulars such as name, age, class, school, date of writing and address. The minimum word limit is 25 words and the last date for posting the entry is October 30, 2009. Prizes will be given to three winners in each category at the Circle and National level. This was stated in a press release. THE SENTINEL

BK Nath heads linguistic minorities board

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: The State Government today constituted the Assam Linguistic Minorities Development Board with editor-in-chief of Bengali daily Dainik Juga-sankha, Bijoy Krishna Nath, as the chairman and nineteen other members. The Board will study the progress made by the District Rural Development Agency and other institutions for the welfare of the linguistic minorities and review the policies pursued by Government with respect to linguistic minorities, stated a press release. THE SENTINEL

Controversy over GU election

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: Controversy surrounded the election result of Gauhati University’s Post Graduate Students’ Union (GU PGSU) as Abhijit Borah, an NSUI supported candidate, made it to the post of general secretary beating girls’ candidate Pallavi Saikia by a marginal vote of six. Pallavi Saikia has alleged foulplay in the results as she was leading the votes count initially. She and her supporters gheraoed the office of Election Officer and demanded re-counting of votes. Meanwhile, NSUI State president Joy Prakash Das has thanked the students for the victory of their party-backed candidate. AASU backed Montu Kumar Borah has been elected the vice president of GU PGSU. THE SENTINEL

Diwali bang: Loss for State Government?

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: With the forthcoming Diwali celebrations, illegal trade of Diwali crackers and explosives is also on the rise in the State, resulting into a major loss of revenue and road tax for the State Government. While crackers and explosives worth crores of rupees are being transported to the State from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu and also from Kolkata, no steps have been taken by the State administration to put a check on the illegal trade.

Although the State Government imposes a ban on high-decibel crackers and conducts raids across the State every year in a bid to stop illegal trade, it seems to be just an eyewash, sources said. As a result, many traders sans license continue to sell Diwali crackers without any hindrance.

Sources also said four transport companies and agents supervise the Diwali crackers business in the State. While crackers are transported in the name of a few license holders, they are sold in the market to several other traders who do not have license. This has led to a loss of 80 per cent revenue for the State Government. Despite this, no action has been initiated to curb the illegal practice.

While every year crackers worth crores of rupees are sold in the market, how effective is the ban on the sale of high-decibel crackers and the so-called raids by the Government? THE SENTINEL

Udalguri flare-up: Panel takes Sarkar’s statement

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: In its hearing today, the Justice PC Phukan Commission that has been probing the communal flare-up in Udalguri and Darrang districts last year took the statement of Asom Irrigation Minister Nurzamal Sarkar.

After the hearing, Sarkar said: "I told the Commission what I had to say. As a minister, I will cooperate as much as possible with the inquiry commission. What, however, irks me is that for being a minister from the Muslim community, the people have a wrong notion that I have nexus with some anti-national Muslim organizations. This is unfortunate. I am always in favour of communal harmony in the State. I’m in no way associated with any organizations that do politics in the name of religion. It’s unfortunate that even before the commission’s submission of report, the public has projected me as a guilty."

In the last hearing of the Commission, Sarkar could not attend it and requested the Commission to summon him on a convenient date later on. There were allegations at that time that Sarkar was avoiding the inquiry commission.

There had been allegations of involvement of Sarkar and associate Congress MLA Idris Ali in the road blockade that had been called by the Muslim United Students’ Association (MUSA) on August 14 last year, a day before the communal flare-up erupted in Udalguri and Darrang districts. THE SENTINEL

BJP names Sofiqul Hussain as candidate for S Salmara

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: The BJP today named Sofiqul Hussain, an English professor of Dudnoi College, as its candidate for South Salmara constituency. Asom BJP president Ramen Deka made this announcement in New Delhi today. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and APCC president Bhubaneswar Kalita had a discussion on party candidates for the by-polls at Gogoi’s residence today. According to sources, Bhimananda Tanti, Hiranya Bora, Rathindra Dey and Kajal Bora are the front runners for Congress tickets.

The steering committee of the AGP is also meeting tomorrow to have a discussion on party candidates for the by-polls. There are as many as eight contenders for party tickets, and they include Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya, Shiba Sahu and MP Joseph Toppo’s daughter Ranjita Toppo. THE SENTINEL

Repoll in 24 polling stations across 16 constituencies

ITANAGAR, Oct 15: Notwithstanding Chinese claims on Arunachal Pradesh, the State witnessed one of the best voter turnouts in Assembly polls of recent times with about 75 per cent of its citizens casting their votes to elect a new government. However, not less than 13,622 (minus two booths in Nacho Assembly segment) of Arunachal’s electorates are yet to exercise their adult franchise officially, courtesy disruption in poll process by unruly elements on October 13 forcing election authorities to recommend repoll in 34 polling stations across 16 Assembly constituencies.

The dates of repoll, however, is yet to be decided by the Election Commission.
According to latest information from the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) here this evening, interestingly, most of the commotions and violence that disrupted the polls are confined to Arunachal West Parliamentary segment that comprises 36 Assembly constituencies. Except for six polling stations in four of the remaining 24 constituencies that fall under Arunachal East polling was completed successfully as scheduled. Repoll has been recommended in two polling booths in Kanubari and one each in Longding-Pumao and Pongchou-Wakka Assembly constituencies of Arunachal East.

The worst-affected constituency is Palin in Kurung Kumey district where repoll has been ordered in six polling stations. This is a constituency, which has been witnessing a political turmoil between BJP-turned-INC MLA Balo Raja and Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy.

Raja defeated Sanjoy, the then sitting MLA, contesting as a BJP nominee in 2004.
While Sanjoy was recuperating in the APCC ranks, Raja successfully made inroads into the Congress camp along with 11 of his BJP compatriots. This left two MLA aspirants from the same party from the same constituency, which was supposedly resolved when Sanjoy got elected as a Lok Sabha MP in 2008. But trouble brewed when Sanjoy’s brother Takam Tagar emerged as a replacement to Sanjoy and played all cards to garner a Congress ticket to contest this election.

The Congress, however, gave the ticket to Raja in the eleventh hour, which forced Tagar to challenge the decision on a PPA ticket. To make the battle more interesting, the NCP fielded Charu Tanam to play spoilsport to both the warring heavyweights and may be walk away with the trophy.

With the fate almost sealed, the vote of 1,046 electorates of the four polling stations where repolling has been ordered would be crucial. While Kamrung is reportedly a Raja stronghold, the rest can be expected to favour Tagar.

The other strongly fought constituency is Raga in Lower Subansiri, which has an equal number of polling stations slated for repoll. At least 1,730 people of the four polling stations would decide the fates of Nido Pavitra (INC), Talo Mugli (AITC) and Aath Tacho Kabak (NCP). While veteran leader Mugli belongs to the Congress camp originally, he had to switch over to AITC to keep his MLA aspirations alive after denied the INC ticket. Kabak, by the way, is one of the most original of NCP members in the State and an old-hand in State politics. His only problem is that he is yet to break the jinx of losing each time he fought an election.

Both the BJP and the INC, which are against each other in a straight fight from Dumporijo Assembly constituency, would die to get the 1,162 votes yet to be accounted for in four polling stations where repoll has been recommended. Sitting MLA and Deputy Speaker Takar Marde is facing a well-poised challenge from BJP warhorse Lompak Paksok. If the BJP’s words are to be believed, Paksok has been hounded by the ruling party in connivance with government authorities. It has even complained that its candidate has been detained by the police without reason when he ventured to sort out a commotion instigated by Congress supporters.

At Daporijo Assembly constituency in Upper Subansiri two polling booths with total voters of 803 are scheduled for repoll. This constituency is facing a five-cornered contest with INC’s Yari Dulom leading the pack followed by sitting MLA Daklo Nidak re-contesting on an AITC format. Last election he had contested as an Arunachal Congress (AC) nominee. Other major contenders are veteran Tapen Siga of BJP, former students leader Maji Marjing of NCP and new-comer Takir Kurdu of JDU.

Kanubari has senior journalist Gabriel D Wangsu (PPA) against sitting MLA and Cabinet minister Newlai Tingkhatra (INC) in a straight fight. From Chayangtajo Karya Bagang, wife of Tara Bagang, arch rival of senior politician and sitting MLA Kameng Dolo, is giving a tough time to INC contesting on a AITC ticket.
THE SENTINEL

Repolling in Palin objected

ITANAGAR, Oct 15: The polling agent of INC candidate and sitting MLA Balo Raja contesting from Palin Assembly constituency today objected to the reported recommendation for repoll in one of the polling stations in the constituency.

INC polling agent Gokia Madang today submitted a complaint letter to the State Chief Electoral Officer objecting to the recommendation by the Returning Officer for repoll in 37-Restariang polling station under Palin Assembly segment in Kurung Kumey district.

Madang claimed that the RO had deposited the EVMs from the concerned polling station on October 14 after concluding the poll process successfully the earlier day. He submitted that the polling officials were airlifted to Koloriang, the district headquarters, after concluding the poll process at Restariang and they had at no point of time complained of any unfair means or disturbance to the Chambang Assistant Returning Officer.

Further, Madang asserted that the RO did not consult the said ARO before recommending for repoll, which has taken the INC supporters and the authorities by surprise. He urged the CEO to investigate the basic facts leading to the RO’s recommendation, and in the meantime to withheld the repoll at Restariang. THE SENTINEL

State BJP protests Chinese objections

ITANAGAR, Oct 15: The State unit BJP today condemned the reported Chinese objections to Prime Minister’s visit to the State and claimed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

In a statement here, the party unit said the State is governed by a democratically elected government under the Constitution of India since 1978 and has elected representatives to the Parliament since 1977. It blamed the UPA Government for not ruling out any prospects of territorial adjustment with China in respect of Arunachal’s territory. It said the Congress party’s lack of political will is encouraging and the Left’s inability to intervene imaginatively in the foreign policy have exposed the Centre’s position in the repeated Chinese claims and objections over the visit of the Prime Minister to the State.

The party maintained the Chinese stand has reaffirmed the demand for immediate pro-action measures through Comprehensive Border Management Policy Programme along with substantial financial grants for the State.

Towing the same line with its national counterpart, the State unit called upon the State Government to convene an all-party meeting and constitute a State-level coordination committee on the issue with representatives from all political parties, NGOs and student organizations to take up the matter with the Centre. THE SENTINEL

Arunachal is like any other Indian States: Rahul

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: The Centre should immediately expedite infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh to ensure better surveillance over Chinese activities, said MP from Arunachal Pradesh Takam Sanjoy.

In a press conference today, Sanjay said, “The Government of India should expedite development of infrastructure all along the border with China in the interest of security of the nation. India should not forget the past, and the international border with China should get more attention along with the other border areas.”

Sanjoy further said the Chinese forces have made several incursions into the State in the recent months. “We request the Centre to strengthen the existing infrastructure in the forward locations to ensure better surveillance and preparedness,” he added.

Meanwhile, AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday brushed aside Chinese claims over Arunachal Pradesh saying that Arunachal Pradesh was like any other Indian States. Gandhi made the remark when journalists wanted his reaction on China’s protest against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Sanjoy said Chief Minister Darjee Khandoo and parliamentarians from the State will meet the Prime Minister Manmoham Singh on Monday to demand better infrastructure in the bordering State.

When asked, the MP said the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the world and he should be allowed to visit any part of India. He said China has no reason to oppose the proposed visit of the Dalai Lama to Tawang. He said thousands of Buddhists are living in Arunachal Pradesh and they are eagerly waiting for the visit of the Dalai Lama and his visit should not have any ramification on the relations between India and China. He further said that the Dalai Lama had visited in Arunachal Pradesh earlier three times, in 1963, 1999, and 2003. THE SENTINEL

ABSU distributes suggestion letters

KOKRAJHAR, Oct 15: As part of its ‘Mission Quality Education Programme’, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) today distributed suggestion letters to the school students appearing in the coming High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination.

The Kokrajhar District ABSU visited Mwiderkhoro Swrang High School and distributed the suggestion letters to the students. The letter includes guidelines and suggestions on character building, health care apart from study. Mention may be made that the ABSU had announced Rs 50,000 to the students securing position in top 20 merit list. THE SENTINEL

Water inside LPG cylinder

KOKRAJHAR, Oct 15: Even as the common public were complaining over scarcity of cooking gas and forced to buy LPG cylinders in black market at a much higher rate, the recovery of water in the LPG cylinder has taken everybody by surprise in Kokrajhar.

A customer in Kokrajhar was taken by surprise when he found water instead of gas in the cooking gas.

Suraj Basumatary of Tengapara bought the cylinder recently from Manas Gas Agency. When he tried to light the gas it did not work. Basumatary first thought regulator of the burner has gone out of order and even hired a burner from a neighbour but still it did not work. So he brought it back to the agency for exchange. It was later found that the cylinder is filled with water much to the surprise of the people present. THE SENTINEL

Bar Association’s dharna

KOKRAJHAR, Oct 15: Concern over the rise in prices of essential commodities, the Kokrajhar Bar Association today staged a sit-in demonstration at Court complex here in Kokrajhar.

The Bar Association were protesting the abnormal price rise of all essential commodities in the district and submitted a memorandum to the Asom Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner, Kokrajhar and urged the Chief Minister to take appropriate measures in checking the price rise.

With the prices of essential commodities touching all time high, the common citizens in Kokrajhar are facing a hard time to make both ends meet.

The people too are voicing their concern and are worried over the high price of vegetables and other commodities like dal and rice saying that it is making their life miserable. THE SENTINEL

DBA observes sit-in strike

DIBRUGARH, Oct 15: In response to the call given by the All Assam Lawyer’s Association, the lawyers of the Dibrugarh Bar Association (DBA), observed two-hour sit-in strike today at the court premises in protest against the State Government’s utter failure in containing the unprecedented price hike of essential commodities.

Later, a delegation headed by the secretary of DBA, Satyabrata Sarma submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and urged him to take urgent steps to this effect. THE SENTINEL

Reaction to mining

SHILLONG, Oct 14: Like the embedded uranium ore that is caught between the warring anti and pro-mining groups, there are common people in uranium deposit sites whose voice is embedded with bamboozling thoughts over the issue. The sentinel’s visit to the proposed uranium mining villages unveiled the people’s perplexity.

Amidst claims and counter-claims by the warring groups, there are people in the area who are still not committed either to the pro or the anti-uranium groups because they are still unaware of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed uranium mining. A resident of Mawnore said on condition of anonymity, “Although, my priority is to see development of our neglected places, yet I am in a dilemma because two different groups gave different explanations over the issue”.

Another group of people from Nongtnger village also expressed their concern over possible health hazards, ecological destruction and threat of influx; yet the developmental packages promised by UCIL is too tempting. UCIL has promised Rs 209 crore pre-mining development package to uranium mining belts of West Khasi Hills as a precursor to the Rs 10,000-crore uranium mining project.

Expressing his catch-22 situation that a section of people is facing on the issue, B Marthong, a local resident, said, “We don’t know which between the two projected contradictory facts to be embraced”. His view was endorsed by his friends, who maintained their wish is not to take the middle path but to take a decision only after they are convinced with the facts on the issue.

Moreover, there are residents in the uranium mining belts who are also going along with any boisterous voice. During interaction with them it was apparent, there are quite a number of them who are getting swayed by the voice of the majority.

The proposed uranium mining belt is in and around Mawthabah-Nongbah-Jynrin. While Friday’s public hearing indicated land owners are ready to accept the uranium mining project, the anti-uranium lobby termed the public hearing conducted by the Assembly Committee on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as a farce. UCIL has earmarked Rs 10,000 crore for the uranium mining project to extract 9.22 million tonnes of uranium ore in 30 years. THE SENTINEL

Ampareen keen to regain glory of Shillong

SHILLONG, Oct 14: Meghalaya is exploring different means to seek more investment in the educational sector in order to make the State an educational hub in the region. This decision was taken during the task force meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister DD Lapang. Disclosing the resolution of the meeting held at the State secretariat today, the Minister in-charge of Education Ampareen Lyngdoh said that fresh initiatives to rope in private sectors would be taken to regain the lost glory of the State as an educational capital.

“More impetus is needed to attract the interest of private players into this sector that has enough potential of being an industry in the State,” said Lyngdoh. She also indicated the government is considering to extend permission to private institutes and universities to impart education in the State with special emphasis on current prospect in education like Petroleum and Energy Studies and also cautioned that every university would be given a time frame of five years as gestation period to prove their worth in fulfilling laid down criteria. Claiming that the State has an outstanding record of providing maximum accessibility to students and also on SSA implementation, the minister decided to act in consonance with the UGC recommendations on the pay packages to teachers. THE SENTINEL

JAC to file FIR against CCF

SHILLONG, Oct 14: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF) and the War Jaintia Students’ Union (WJSU) has decided to file a complaint to the police against Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) TTC Marak for alleged misuse of funds meant to upgrade the Syndai Park located at Amlarem civil subdivision in Jaintia Hills.

Alleging misuse of Rs 30.60 lakh, the JAC today told a news conference that Marak had deposited the amount to his personal account. Stating that an RTI filed by the JAC led by JYF president DL Rymbai can substantiate its claim that the money was sanctioned by the Border Area Department (BAD) to the Forest Department for improvement of Syndai Park.

Rymbai said that the RTI clearly defined that Marak had withdrawn Rs 10.60 lakh in 2003, Rs 10 lakh in 2004 and Rs 10 lakh in 2005. “In all the three occasions, the money was withdrawn from his personal account,” he said, adding that the amounts were the first instalment sanctioned for the park. The total amount sanctioned by the BAD for the park was Rs 60 lakh, Rymbai said.

Stating that the Forest Department established the ‘truth’ that Marak had deposited the amount in his personal account by instituting a departmental inquiry, the JAC said, adding that he was even asked to return the money. According to the JAC, Marak had returned Rs 69.24 lakh to the divisional forest officer (Social Forestry) in Jowai, but stated that Marak also claimed to have returned Rs 6.76 lakh to contractor of the park, James Shullai.

“Despite being a tainted officer, the government is planning to promote him (Marak) to the post of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF),” Rymbai said.

Rymbai further said that the JAC would file an FIR against Marak at Muktapur police station and a complaint to the Chief Secretaries of Asom and Meghalaya as he (Marak) is a Meghalaya-Asom cadre IFS cadre . “We will not allow Marak to be promoted, because he is a tainted officer,” the JAC said. THE SENTINEL

Laloo does a volte-face

SHILLONG, Oct 14: If radiation is dangerous and can harm the living cells of a body and can break up the chemical composition and chemical bonds in cells and disrupt genetic development cells to develop cancer, the same thing also applies to Meghalaya politics when Forest and Environment Minister RC Laloo took a sudden U-turn to support the cause of uranium mining in the State.

It may be recollected that in his statement on May 16, 2008 in the State Assembly, he categorically said, “There should be foolproof protection to the people of the State before initiating any move to go for uranium mining.” Laloo had moved a resolution in the House on May 8, 2008 which reads: “This House does now resolve to urge the government to make a comprehensive study/report on the merits and demerits of uranium mining in the State.”

However, today as a Congress spokesperson he confidently announced the State Congress unit has unanimously decided to support the government on its stand on the uranium issue posing questions on the veracity of such political statements. “The MPCC has unanimously endorsed the government’s decision after Chief Minister Lapang briefed us on Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) funded pre-mining development projects,” said former lecturer of Pollution in North Eastern Hill University (NEHU)-turned politician.

After the Assembly session, Laloo told media that he had taken up the issue of uranium mining while adding the question on radiation effects still remained to be answered.

Laloo had even urged the then Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) Government to prepare a comprehensive report on the merits and demerits of uranium mining, and said, “We are laymen and we do not understand much. Let us get expert advice before informing the people about the merits and demerits of uranium mining in the State.” Taking a very strong anti-uranium stand, Laloo had even questioned the whereabouts of the environment impact assessment report of the public hearing held on June 12, 2007 at Nongbah-Jynrin. “Where is the assessment report now? It should have been made public so that we can know and be able to explain it to people,” he said and questioned, “If it is available with the government, why it has been kept as a secret?”

Alluding to the fact that uranium mining would meet power needs and bring in development, he stated if uranium mining brings in development and aid the need of nuclear energy without harming lives and the environment it should be allowed to go ahead. However, the top most priority according to him then was to look after the welfare and interest of the people. When asked about his stand on the issue at present, Laloo said he has to go according to the decision of the party. THE SENTINEL

Chinese claims baseless and illogical: Tuki

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki today slammed the Chinese Government for its recent rhetoric against the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh on October 3 last. On October 13, Chinese Foreign Affairs spokesperson said China was “seriously dissatisfied” by the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese spokesperson said India “ignored China’s concerns by visiting southern Tibet”.

Terming the Chinese government’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh as baseless, immature and illogical, Tuki said China is jealous because “we have a vibrant democracy.” He said: “We are first class citizens of India, and such statements from China are uncalled for”.

The Prime Minister visited Pasighat in East Siang district to campaign for a Congress candidate in the Assembly elections. Recalling earlier instances of visits of former prime ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1960s, Indira Gandhi in 1972 and 1984 and Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 and HD Deve Gowda in 2003, Tuki said Arunachal had and would remain an integral part of India. He said the statement made by the Chinese authorities was to confuse the people on the day of elections.

Urging the Central Government and the two MPs of the State to lodge a strong protest to the Chinese authorities against the statement made by them on the Arunachal Pradesh visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. THE SENTINEL

Aviation infrastructure development in Arunachal

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: An apex committee has been formed by the Government of India to look into important aviation-related infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. Air Vice Chief Air Marshal PK Barbora has been appointed to head the committee.

Talking to The Sentinel today, Air Marshal Barbora said the Rs 2,000-crore project will entail renovation of the existing helipads and advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh. “Once completed, it will ensure better air maintenance of local population of Arunachal Pradesh, supply to the paramilitary forces and hopefully boost tourism traffic to Arunachal Pradesh,” Air Marshal Barbora added. THE SENTINEL

International Trade Fair under way

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: The 3rd Asom International Trade Fair, organized by the North East Trade Promotion and Development Council (NETPDC) got under way at the Khanapara playground in Guwahati today. The fair was inaugurated by State Social Welfare Minister Akon Bora. Inaugurating the trade fair, Bora said, ‘‘Under the leadership of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Asom has witnessed rapid industrialization. We are making efforts to make Asom an investment friendly destination which will surely help young entrepreneurs in the near future.’’ The 13-day fair will feature nearly 400 stalls, besides participation of 13 foreign countries. The organizers have also lined up a cultural bonanza to attract people. Meanwhile, the DoNER ministry in association with the NETPDC will organize a two-day seminar on October 23-24 in Guwahati. The seminar will be attended by ambassadors of South East Asian countries. THE SENTINEL

Ethnic food fest concludes

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: The two-day workshop-cum-food fest of ethnic Northeast Indian cuisine concluded at Shilpgram in Guwahati today. The fest was organized by Quaint Essence in coordination with the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

The second of workshop today was chaired by member Morningkeey Phangshu. The session with a deliberation on Asomiya herbs and khar, in particular, by Jyoti Das. Author of three books on cuisine, Das has carved a niche for herself in the field of ethnic Asomiya cuisine.

Managing Editor of Dainik Sambad, Paramita Livingstone, spoke on various aspects of traditional Tripuri cuisine. Living-stone writes for various publications, including a Sunday recipe column in her newspaper. President of the Bishnupriya Manipuri Writers’ Forum, DILS Lakshmindra Singh spoke on various facets of traditional Bishnupriya Mani-puri cuisine.

Meanwhile, a foodie, Villoli Achumi who did her kitchen training in The Oberoi, New Delhi, spoke on traditional Naga food. The workshop concluded with the screening of a documentary on Naga cuisine. The workshop-cum-food fest was organized with the objective of analysing the relation of varied forms of Northeastern cuisine with the lifestyle and culture of the people residing in the region, besides providing a treat to traditional gourmet lovers. THE SENTINEL

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction observed

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was celebrated across the globe today. The day holds significance in the wake of increasing disasters due to natural as well as man-made reasons resulting in huge damage of life and property in recent times.

One of the key areas to be highlighted in this regard is the vulnerability of children and the risk therein. The probability of damage during emergency is very high as children do not have adequate knowledge about the do’s and don’ts in dealing with such situations. Most of the children even do not know how to express their feelings, resulting in a communication gap. Considering the increasing threats in this regard, it is wiser to be ready to fight in case any untoward incident takes place.

Health care issues are of considerable importance. Utmost care should be taken so that public health centres as well as institutions giving primary and secondary treatment are safe from disasters. Safety of hospitals during disasters is very important. Considering the sensitivity over the issue, the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction along with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, marks the International Day for Disaster Reduction by highlighting the 2008-09 World Disaster Reduction Campaign dedicated to the safety of hospitals from disaster.

The WHO guidelines to make health facilities safer can be taken into consideration in this regard. These include: develop and implement national policies and programmes to make health facilities safe in emergencies, select a safe site for the health facility as well as to design and construct safe health facilities, assess the safety of existing health facilities, protect health workers, equipment, medicines and supplies, ensure that health facilities receive essential services, develop partnerships between health facilities and the community, develop an emergency risk management programme for individual health facilities, develop an emergency response plan for each health facility, test and update response plans with drills and exercises, train the health workers to respond to emergencies and lastly, evaluate and learn lessons from past emergencies and disasters. THE SENTINEL

SGBG demands city’s rapid modernization

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: ‘‘The State Government is simply not interested in solving the problems faced by the residents of the city,’’ said Dhiren Barua, president of Save Guwahati, Build Guwahati (SGBG), at a press meet in Guwahati today.

No doubt, the State Government has initiated development works in the city, but these are not enough in view of the problems faced by the residents at large, Barua said.

‘‘While the GMC, GMDA, PWD and GDD are responsible for carrying out development works in the city, there are loopholes in one way or the other. While the GMDA’s infrastructure is incomplete, the GMC is a powerless body. The PWD is also not clear on the concept of urban development,’’ he said.

Drinking water crisis is a major problem in the city and nothing substantial has been done in this regard. Although the Central Government had sanctioned an amount of Rs 280 crore from the JNNURM fund long back, the State Government has started the work only recently.

In view of the ever-increasing problems of the city denizens, SGBG today submitted a memorandum to the Asom Chief Minister, Deputy Commissioner (Metro), GMC Commissioner and PWD (Roads) Chief Engineer demanding solution to the problems at the earliest.

Their list of demands include creation of open spaces along the bank of the Brahmaputra, relocation of residences of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to other areas, development of Bir Lachit Borphukan Uddyan along the bank of the Brahmaputra in the lines of Kamala Nehru Uddyan in Mumbai, clearing of encroachment near the water outlet areas, development of a better city transport system, introduction of circular train system, evacuation of slums along the railway lines starting from Panikhaiti to Maligaon, introduction of a water transport route from Chandrapur to the DC’s office, initiation of research and survey on water-logging problem, relocation of the Paltan Bazaar fish market in the greater interest of people, development of Adabari bus stand, launch of a city bus service from Latasil to Guwahati Refinery Sector II, completion of alternative roads at the earliest, demolition of unsafe buildings in Pan Bazaar, prevention of illegal cutting of trees and illegal earth cutting, steps to prevent illegal encroachment, to name a few.

The organization has also opposed the final Master Plan 2025. In this regard, Barua said, ‘‘The final master plan is not acceptable as it is against general public interests.’’ He appealed to the Government to review the master plan and come up with an alternative plan in the greater welfare of the city dwellers. THE SENTINEL

Talks with ULFA after laying down of arms: Chidamabarm

SRINAGAR, Oct 14: Union Home Minister P Chidamabaram today said the Centre will hold talks with the banned ULFA only after it lays down arms and warned that otherwise security forces will take “appropriate action”.

“We will hold talks with ULFA only after they lay down their arms. If they do not lay down their arms, the security forces will take appropriate action,” he told reporters here.

His remarks reflect the government’s tough stance regarding the militant outfit which has been continuously engaged in subversive activities.

On January 1, Chidambaram, during a visit to Asom, had said security forces would deal “decisively” with banned outfits in the Northeast which threaten peace and integrity of India but felt talks could be held with ULFA if it gave up its sovereignty demand. PTI

Prabin Boro gave nothing to party: Patowary

GUWAHATI/NALBARI, Oct 14: When the AGP celebrated its 24th foundation day all over the State today, its joint secretary and former student leader Prabin Boro quit the party. In his resignation letter sent to party president Chandra Mohan Patowary today, Boro said he is not satisfied with certain activities of the AGP.

Reacting to Boro’s resignation, Patowary said: “The AGP gave a lot to Boro who failed to deliver any goods. He was made a joint secretary of the party a few days after his joining it. He was then made party spokesman. In the 2006 Assembly elections, even the president of Asom Mahila Parishad was denied party ticket only to field Prabin Boro, but he came fourth in the battle of ballots.”

Meanwhile, talking to reporters at his Barama residence today, Prabin Boro said that he would join the BPF with 300 AGP workers.

Political pundits in the State feel that with veteran Mahila Parishad leader Rekharani Das Boro coming back to the AGP fold, Prabin Boro sniffed a bleak political prospects for him in the AGP as both Das Boro and Boro are potential candidates for the Barama LAC. THE SENTINEL

Aviation infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: An apex committee has been formed by the Government of India to look into improvement of aviation-related infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. Air Vice Chief Air Marshal PK Barbora has been appointed to head the committee.

Talking to The Sentinel today, Air Marshal Barbora said the Rs 2,000-crore project will entail renovation of the existing helipads and advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh. “Once completed, it will ensure better air maintenance of local population of Arunachal Pradesh, supply to the paramilitary forces and hopefully boost tourism traffic to Arunachal Pradesh,” Air Marshal Barbora added. THE SENTINEL

Call all-party meet on China policy: BJP to PM

NEW DELHI, Oct 14: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to call an all-party meeting to discuss India’s relationship with China a day after Beijing protested the Prime Minister’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Party spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said: “The BJP demands that the Prime Minister must call an all-party meeting at the earliest to have a wider consultations and consensus on the entire design of China, nature of our relationship with the neighbouring country and the kind of response required to be given.”

China on Tuesday expressed “strong dissatisfaction” over Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. “China is strongly dissatisfied with the visit to the disputed region by the Indian leader disregarding China’s serious concerns,” Xinhua quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu as saying.

The BJP leader further said the language of protest used is not only fit to be condemned strongly, but is part of a pattern showing rank belligerence against India and its strategic interest. However, the BJP is dismayed to notice the almost apologetic tone and tenor of the response of the External Affairs Minister of India; which raises serious doubt in the minds of the people of the country about the Government’s will and capability to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country, he said. For the last nearly two years, China is increasingly demonstrating its hostility against India and the claim on Arunachal Pradesh is being repeated not only by their Ambassador, but also by their political leadership at the highest level including on multilateral forums, he added.

“The aggressive posture of China is being met with not only timid response, but there is a deliberate attempt to downplay it. China is increasing its pressure on the Himalayas through incursions all across, but the Government of India has put a curb on all information relating to it. Some stray official comments suggest that there is no significant increase in comparison to last year in incursions, but the exact number of increase is not being disclosed. We need to remember that in 2007 the number of incursion was 140 which rose to 270 in the year 2008. Whether the rise is significant or not would be known only when the number is released officially. The BJPs demand that the number of incursions must be disclosed,” Prasad said.

He said the BJP favours a “good relationship with China, but not at the cost of the territorial integrity” of the country. The BJP appealed for wider consultation and national consensus on a very strong response against what he called the aggressive designs of China. THE SENTINEL