Tax-free deficit Budget presented in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, June 23 – Meghalaya Finance Minister Mukul Sangma today presented a tax-free deficit Budget of over Rs 400 crore for the current fiscal and said additional resources would be raised to tide over the deficit.

Sangma said the government would try to raise additional resources by introducing cess on coal, limestone and other Excise levies as per the recommendation of the task force committee on mobilization of additional resources.

The Finance Minister added additional revenue could be mobilized by increasing rate of tax under the Passengers and Goods Taxation Act and rationalization of tax rates on works contracts.

These measures are expected to bring additional resources to the tune of Rs 25 crore during the current year, he said.

He said the estimated deficit was due to rise in establishment cost because of implementation of the recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission and other expenditures.

The Planning Commission was yet to finalize the annual Plan size. However, the State Government was presenting a tentative State Plan Budget of Rs 1,880 crore for the current fiscal, he said.

On law and order, Sangma said, the situation was improving for the past few years. He added special attention was being paid to internal security after the Mumbai attacks.

Moreover, a crisis management group headed by chief secretary as its chairman and a coordination sub-group headed by Director General of Police has been constituted to deal with any threat.

Further, all Deputy Commissioners would be stringent in issuing licenses to the owners of explosives used in the mining areas so that such explosives do not fall in the wrong hands.

He further highlighted the priorities of the Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) Government to improve power generation, transmission, grid connectivity and rural electrification. A tentative plan outlay of Rs 446.90 crore has been earmarked for the Power sector to boost the sector.

Improving the agriculture and allied sectors with emphasis on Horticulture has been listed as the MUA Government’s other priority. An amount of Rs 154.25 crore has been earmarked for this sector.

In the education sector, a tentative plan outlay of Rs 151.22 crore was earmarked while Rs 1.30 crore has been earmarked for improving the jail administration after the government drew criticism for the May 31 Shillong jailbreak.

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Army Chief on NE visit

IMPHAL, June 23 – Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor was in Manipur today for a first-hand review of the security situation in the State. The visit comes at a time when the Army, in conjunction with other forces, is conducting stepped up operations against a number of banned militant groups in the North East.

Soon after their arrival, General Kapoor and the top brass of the Indian Army drove straight to Assam Rifles complex at Mantripukhuri where he was briefed by Major General Choudhary on the security situation in Manipur.

Later, the Army Chief met Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat. The Army chief launded the efforts of the soldiers in fighting terrorism in the State and asked them to continue the good work in a professional manner. Later, General Kapoor left for 3 Corps headquarters in Nagaland’s Dimapur in the afternoon. It is learnt that General is likely to review the entire security situation of violence-hit Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He may also oversee the violence in Assam’s North Cachar Hills district.

Problems of small tea growers discussed

NORTH LAKHIMPUR, June 23 – The small tea growers of Lakhimpur district received a timely boost following the visit by a tea expert to their plantation sites recently. Deepak Baruah, a retired executive of Assam Tea Corporation, visited some plantation sites of Lakhimpur located in Bhitarpam area of Nowboicha on June 13, to offer on-the-spot counselling. He was accompanied by the adviser of Lakhimpur District Small Growers’ Association, Prof Nripen Phookan. A small public reception was organised for that occasion at one plantation site where Deepak Baruah was felicitated by the local tea growers.

Speaking on the occasion, the tea expert offered valuable advise to the small tea growers of that region. He gave important instructions concerning use of fertilisers and application of various pesticides in tea plantations. He also gave tips on proper plucking of the leaves and identification of healthy and ill-affected leaves and matters concerning rainfall, drainage, shade and sunshine on plantations. Particularly he stressed the need of keeping a rain gauge device and a manual of daily activities of the plantation.

He also personally inspected the plantation sites and examined the quality and condition of tea leaves of the small tea growers. The adviser of Lakhimpur District Small Tea Growers Association, Prof. Nripen Phookan expressed his concern for the loss of hectares of plantation land in Bhitarpam due to the annual erosion by Singra river. He also demanded the immediate construction of the bridge connecting Doolahat with the plantation sites of Bhitarpam that had been causing problems for the transporting of plucked tea leaves to Deejo Tea Estate. He thanked Deepak Baruah for his visit to the site and his valuable suggestions and advice to the small tea growers.

Western classic screened: Lakhimpur Chapter of Cine Arts Society, Asom (Cine ASA) screened the all-time favourite classic western movie The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in North Lakhimpur recently. In its second serenading programme after its formation since March, 2009, the Lakhimpur Chapter of Cine ASA showed the film at the auditorium of Lakhimpur Commerce College. The screening show was inaugurated by Dr Mukut Chandra Baruah, adviser of Cine ASA at a simple ceremony. Leading citizens of North Lakhimpur, cultural activist, members of the teaching community of the college were present on that occasion, besides the members and office-bearers of Lakhimpur Cine ASA.

The film directed by noted Italian director Sergio Leone in 1963 created a sense of nostalgia among a section of the audience whose favourite films included this one. The Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Clef-starrer western classic also drew applause from young audiences who have been deprived of cinema halls in North Lakhimpur. Earlier, the guests and audiences of the screening were welcomed by Cine ASA Lakhimpur’s secretary, Farhana Ahmed.

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Seminar

GUWAHATI, June 23 – A UGC-sponsored national seminar on ‘Global Financial Crisis and its Impact on Indian Economy with Special Reference to the Northeast’ will be organised at Guwahati College here on June 26.

Farmers to be trained to grow milky mushrooms

GUWAHATI, June 23 – In a bid to make mushroom cultivation more profitable for the farmers, the Mushroom Development Foundation along with the State Horticulture Department has decided to provide them with seeds and training to grow milky mushroom.

Cultivation of milky mushroom is ideal as well as profitable in summer as it grows up in a temperature of 30 to 40 degree centigrade.

“We are looking forward to make mushroom a year-long sustainable crop for the farmers, so that they do not have to sit idle in the summer season, as other varieties of mushroom do not grow adequately in high temperature,” said Pranjal Baruah, executive co-ordinator of Mushroom Development Foundation.

A workshop on cultivation of milky mushroom along with a speech competition on the topic ‘Need of Mushroom in Formation of Farmers Federation’ is being organised by Mushroom Development Foundation with Sonapur Anchalik Kathfulla Krishi Samity, funded by Horticulture Department, Government of Assam, under Horticulture Technology Mission.

Milky mushroom oozes out milk which acts as a defence mechanism against insects.

Total 2,000 packets of mushroom seeds would be distributed among the farmers of Sonapur area during the workshop to be organised at Trysem Hall, Block office Sonapur on June 24. At least 4,000 kg fresh mushrooms could be obtained from the seeds earning the farmers around Rs 40 per kg.

The hands-on training will be conducted in the respective village committees.

“We work with small farmers to raise their income by growing mushrooms at low cost and access market directly. In 50 village clusters of Sonapur we have organised 1000 small farmers into a three tier federation of which, 200 farmers have already started to grow mushrooms commercially. The federation is organised into 10 village committee and one central committee to control the collection and distribution system,” said Baruah.

Taking inspiration from the mushroom farmers of Tamilnadu, seeds of milky mushroom were developed in a State laboratory, to bring more sustainability in mushroom cultivation.

“The speech competition has been organised to instill confidence among the farmers to present their problems and achievements on a public forum. Farmers from ten village committees have enthusiastically registered their names for the contest,” he mentioned.

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Registration of female births shows declining trend in Kamrup

GUWAHATI, June 23 – If government records are any indication, then Assam’s biggest city could be witnessing fewer births of females compared to males, a fact also noticed in the urban and rural areas of Kamrup district .

Offices registering births and deaths hint that for some time now more birth certificates have been issued to male babies than females. The Ulubari office that covers births and deaths in a large area in the heart of the city showed that from January to May this year, it was only in February that more female births were registered. In that month 128 female babies were registered while male births totalled 122.

In January, the birth of 110 male babies was registered, whereas the number of female babies was 100. In March, births of 104 male babies were registered while births of only 80 female babies were reported. The next month registration showed 140 males and 133 females being born. The gap widened further in May when 118 males were born and the number of females dipped to 80.

Records in private nursing homes are compatible with government data. In a nursing home in the city’s Bamunimaidan area, 13 males were born in May but the number of females was four. In one of the oldest nursing homes in the city, during the period spanning May 1 to 15, a total of 23 births took place of which just eight were girls.

Sources in the office say that the figures are credible as people have become aware of the need for registration of births and deaths, and more institutional deliveries were taking place.

The trend of fewer girls being born is witnessed in large parts of Kamrup district. Data maintained at the district level revealed that in Kamrup rural district, a total of 1,405 birth registrations took place in 17 registration centres. Among the new-borns were 620 females against 785 males.

A matter of concern could be the situation in the Kamrup (Metro) district, where in the month of May registration of births showed 970 males but only 408 females.

A senior doctor at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital said that though the situation is not alarming, it might further make the sex ratio of the region more pronounced. “A sex ratio that is not in favour of girls could also affect the demographic profile in the long run,” he said. It may be mentioned that the sex ratio in the State is 935, while for the country it is 933.

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DoNER to boost infrastructure projects

NEW DELHI, June 23 – Work on infrastructure projects in the North-east is all set to gather momentum, with Ministry DoNER firming up a road map for finalisation of projects and preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), within the first 100 days of the UPA Government. The projects covering all eight North Eastern States (NES) are linked to the Rs 500 crore earmarked in the 2008-2009 Budget. The Union Finance Minister had announced sanction of Rs 500 crore for implementation of specific infrastructure development projects. They were yet to be identified.

Addressing newsmen, Union Minister for Mines and DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique today unveiled his Ministry’s 100 days agenda, in keeping with the new UPA Governments initiative.

Selection of projects and preparation of DPRs would be completed covering all eight NES within 100 days, declared Handique.

Perhaps the most important initiative is the promise to revise the guidelines for sanctioning projects under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources, a major bone of contention between the North Eastern States and DoNER.

Guidelines for sanctioning these projects are being revised so that new projects could be sanctioned within 45 days of submission of DPRs. Arrangements are being made for processing of DPRs in the Ministry itself by creating its own technical wing. Specific action plans are also being prepared for completion of all ongoing projects, he said

Handique announced a slew of initiatives touching different sectors proposed to be undertaken by his Ministry in the first 100 days.

Identifying lack of connectivity as one of the prime reasons for backwardness of the Region, the Minister said concerned Central ministries would be impressed upon to firm up master plans within 100 days for enhancing connectivity. The sectors include roads, railways, airways, waterways and telecommunication.

As part of the North East Vision 2020, preparatory work for the master plans of connectivity for the North-east Region was initiated, claimed the Minister.

On the Look East Policy, a key component of Vision 2020, an action plan for the next five years would be prepared during the fist 100 days, he said.

About the measures he proposed to take to ensure smooth flow of funds from 50 non-exempted Central Ministries that are mandated to contribute 10 per cent of their budgetary allocation to the region, he said the Ministry shall strengthen the monitoring mechanism to ensure that these ministries do spend the earmarked funds.

The NEDFi would enhance disbursement of loans to the extent of Rs 100 crore during the current year. NEDFi would endeavour to broad base its activities by opening new branch at Silchar and representative offices in Goalpara districts and Arunachal Pradesh in the first 100 days.

The Minister also has plans to revive sick PSUs like North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC). The PSU would strive to set up a cashew processing plant of four TDP capacity at Mancachar in Assam.

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Disaster averted, 6 bombs recovered near Tezpur

GUWAHATI, June 23 – The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested one HUJI activist from Dhubri district, while, a major disaster was averted following the recovery of six powerful bombs by the Army near Tezpur this morning. Army sources told The Assam Tribune that this morning, the Army received a tip-off that some explosives were being transported in a public bus and a mobile vehicle check post was established on the Dipota bridge near Tezpur town. The bombs concealed in vegetable bags were recovered from a bus approaching Tezpur town from Kharupetia.

Army sources said that each of the bombs weighed around five kilograms and could have caused major damage.

Meanwhile, the BSF arrested one HUJI activist Maniruddin Sheikh, aged around 32 years from Panbari area of Dhubri district and recovered 72,700 Bangladeshi Taka and two mobile phones, one with a Bangladeshi SIM card from him.

Giving details of the incident, BSF sources said that the personnel of the border guarding force received an input that some Muslim fundamentalist elements were taking shelter in the Panbari area and managed to arrest Maniruddin. Sources said that during questioning, Maniruddin admitted that a Bangladeshi national was staying with him but he managed to escape.

BSF sources said that the arrested fundamentalist element admitted that he had visited Bangladesh a few times and it is believed that he was involved in helping militants in bringing in weapons to India from the neighbouring country. Further questioning of the arrested person is on.

BSF also admitted that frequent use of SIMs of mobile networks of Bangladesh by the people living near the international boundary, both in Assam and Meghalaya has become a matter of concern. Sources pointed out that very often SIM cards of the mobile service providers of Bangladesh, particularly of Grameen Phone are recovered inside India and smugglers, militants, anti-national elements and even common people are using the same as the signal of the Indian mobile service providers are not very strong along the international border. BSF officials are of the view that the use of SIMs of Bangladesh by the anti-national elements might prove to be a security threat to India in the days to come and efforts must be made to check this menace. “The Government of India can also consider the feasibility of putting up jammers of other technical devices to stop anyone from using SIMs or Bangladeshi mobile service providers inside Indian territory,” one senior BSF officials expressed the view.

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CM inaugurates new hotel

GUWAHATI, June 16 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the ‘Ginger Hotel’ near Borbari in Guwahati today. The 70-room hotel of the Tata Group, has several facilities.

While inaugurating the hotel, the chief Minister said that it would boost the infrastructure in the hotel industry of the State. “Our Government has accorded top priority on the infrastructure so that more and more companies can invest in the State,” he said.

Prabhat Pani, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Roots Corporation Limited, said that the new hotel would immensely benefit the State. “We are keen to invest in the region to explore its potential,” he added.

The hotel is equipped with all modern facilities. The company is also planning to expand its wings to other areas in the region.

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Swimming course

GUWAHATI, June 16 – A special 21-day crash course in swimming will start from July 1 at the BP Chaliha Swimming pool. Admission forms will be issued from June 20 at the BP Chaliha Swimming Pool office.

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Manipur ready to felicitate ace boxers

IMPHAL, June 16 – The sports fraternity of Manipur lauded the recent performance of Mayengbam Suranjoy and Thokchom Nanao in the just concluded Asian Boxing Championships at Zhuhai city, China.

At Suranjoy’s native village, Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, in Imphal West district, there was joy after Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports Minister N Biren announced a grand reception for the boxers when they reach Manipur.

Nanao’s father, Thokchom Totobi, told The Assam Tribune that he hopes next time his son wins the gold for the country.

Vice-president of Indian Amateur Boxing Federation and general secretary of the All Manipur Boxing Association (AMBA) Khoibi Salam hailed the outstanding achievements of the two boxers. He said that both the pugilists have a bright future. “We know of their talents and the AMBA would be organising a grand reception at Imphal for the two boxers,” Salam said.

S Sakhigopal, a functionary of the Billiards and Snooker Association said the extraordinary performance of the two State pugilists would prove to be a big impetus to sports not only in Manipur but in the entire North-east. Both Suranjoy and Nanao reached New Delhi today.

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Chandmari Cricket Club relegated

GUWAHATI, June 16 – Chandmari Cricket Club faced relegation to the GSA B Division Cricket League after they were inflicted a 75-run defeat by City Cricket Club in the Madhav Ram Bora Trophy at the Nehru Stadium here today. In reply to City Cricket Club’s 123 for 8 in 20 overs, the Chandmari outfit scored 48 runs all out in 14.5 overs. The finals of the tournament will be played tomorrow between Navajyoti Club and Bud Cricket Club.

Brief scores: City Cricket Club-123/8; Prasana Kumar Barua 22; Romario M Sharma 22; Rakesh Nath 2/14. Chandmari Cricket Club-48 all out; Ashok Talukdar 2/8, Debojit Subha 2/8.

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Free health camp

GUWAHATI, June 16 - A free health check-up camp was organised with the joint initiative of Narengi and Birkuchi regional committees of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) at Birkuchi Primary School premises on June 14, stated a press release.

Besides treating around 300 patients, medicines were also distributed in the camp.

The Guwahati city committee of AJYCP added that more such camps would be organised by it in different remote areas of the city.

UGC-sponsored remedial teaching course introduced at Kampur College

KAMPUR, June 16 – The UGC-sponsored remedial teaching course was inaugurated at Kampur College auditorium in the presence of the teachers, students, members of the college governing body and educationists recently.

The course is likely to benefit the poorer and backward students who cannot get themselves admitted in time because of poverty and other circumstances. Students who are slow learners as well as those having the aptitude to learn more would also be benefitted by the course or remedial teaching.

The keynote address on this occasion was delivered by Dr Arun Kumar Rontroy who is in his speech dwelt on about the need based education which would definitely save time and energy of the student in order to channelise their abilities in a proper and purposeful way.

Inaugurating the course RM Borthakur, president of Kampur College Governing Body urged the students to get themselves prepared with knowledge and information to face the rapidly charging competitive world.

SR Mazumdar, former principal of Kampur College, PR Saikia, principal, Kampur Higher Secondary School, Rohini Barua, GB member, Sanmin Ahmed, HoD, Political Science, Prof Hussain, HoD Education etc took part in the seminar on Remedial Teaching and enlightened the audience with their valuable speeches.

Plabika Neog, HoD, Economics who is also the co-ordinator of the UGC sponsored Remedial Teaching course rendered a detailed description of the entire scheme at the beginning.

New magazine to hit stands on July 1

GUWAHATI, June 16 – A youth magazine titled Eai Prajanma will be launched on July 1, a press release said.

The objective of the magazine will be to cater to the intellectual needs and tastes of the present generation in the fields of current affairs, national and international events, sports, films, music and other topics of interest.

The magazine will have Akashitora as chief editor along with SK Priyanka as executive editor. Contributors have been advised to send their write-ups to Eai Prajanma, Flyhi Publications, IB, Rohini Apartment, Chandmari Colony, Guwahati-3, the release added.

Assam Tribune

PM asks Zardari to halt cross-border terror

YEKATERINBURG, June 16 – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today bluntly told President Asif Ali Zardari to take action to stop terrorism against India emanating from his country’s soil as the two decided that their Foreign Secretaries will meet soon to discuss steps taken by Pakistan, reprots PTI. At the first top-level contact since the Mumbai terror attacks in November, the two leaders also decided to meet again in Egypt on the sidelines of NAM Summit next month to take stock of the outcome of the Foreign Secretaries meet.

Setting the tone for the meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Singh, shaking hands with Zardari, bluntly told him in front of television cameras that “my mandate is to tell you that Pakistan territory should not be used for terrorism against India.”

An apparently embarrassed Zardari told the Prime Minister “please let them (media) go” out of the room before they can have detailed discussion.

Briefing the media on the 40-minute meeting, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said: “The Prime Minister conveyed to the Pakistan President the full extent of our expectation of strong and effective steps to prevent use of Pakistani territory for terrorism against India.”

Menon made it clear that meetings between Singh and Zardari and the Foreign Secretaries did not mean resumption of dialogue.

“Foreign Secretaries will discuss the primary issue of terrorism and what Pakistan has done... We would like to hear what they have done to end terrorism directed against India,” he said.

Menon said relations between India and Pakistan were under “considerable stress” and the prime cause for it was terror acts coming out of Pakistan.

During the meeting, Zardari explained “some of the efforts” made by Pakistan to deal with terrorism and the “problem” Pakistan faces in this regard.

As a follow up to today’s deliberations, Foreign Secretaries of the two countries would discuss “what Pakistan is doing and what can be done”, Menon said adding, that the conclusions will be conveyed to the respective leaders so that they can take a view on it.

During the meeting, Singh is also believed to have conveyed India’s disappointment over release of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafeez Mohammad Saeed, a prime accused in Mumbai attacks.

On Pakistan’s contention that it is also a victim of terrorism, Menon said: “There is terrorism in Pakistan but that is not an issue here. What has paused the dialogue is terrorism coming out of Pakistan against India like Mumbai attacks.”

On Pakistan’s insistence on resumption of dialogue, Menon said “we too would like the dialogue, but the issue (terrorism directed against India) has to be addressed.”

In this regard, Menon referred to Prime Minister’s statement that it was in India’s interest to try to make peace with Pakistan “but it takes two hands to clap.”

Menon said India has never said it will not talk to Pakistan but the issue of terrorism has to be addressed.

To a question, he said there have been assurances by Pakistan in the past also but it has to be ascertained how much they have been fulfilled.

Assam Tribune

12 killed in NC Hills violence

GUWAHATI, June 16 – Despite deployment of additional forces, there is no sign of improvement of the law and order situation in North Cachar Hills district as 12 persons were killed in a gruesome attack this morning, while the miscreants also set ablaze around 20 houses. Police sources said that at around 12 noon today, a group of armed miscreants attacked the Michidui village under Haflong police station and started opening indiscriminate firing killing 12 persons including eight minors on the spot. Two others were injured in the attack and were shifted to Haflong for treatment. Sources said that the miscreants also burnt down 20 houses of the village.

Police said that the village, inhabited by Zeme Naga people, was abandoned following the recent incidents of clashes and the villagers took shelter near a camp of the Assam Rifles camp located around three kilometers away. But only recently, the villagers started going back to the village during day time for cultivation and the armed miscreants took advantage of the situation to attack them. Interestingly, Assam Rifles personnel were guarding the village at night and they also came back to the camp in the morning. The identity of the assailants is yet to be ascertained but it is sure that they belonged to some militant group as they used sophisticated weapons.

It may be mentioned here that there was improvement of the situation in the district following deployment of additional forces and arrest of Black Widow group chief Jewel Garlosa. At present, around 70 companies of forces including Army, CRPF, Assam Rifles and personnel of Assam Police battalions are deployed in the district to deal with militants but even after that the militants have been able to attack innocent villagers.

Our Haflong correspondent reports: The Assam Rifles personnel heard sounds of gunfire and rushed to Michidui village, located around 22 kilometres away from Haflong only to see houses being burnt down. The Assam Rifles men opened fire and managed to chase away the miscreants. During a search operation of the village afterwards, the bodies of 12 persons killed in the attack including those of eight minors were found. The death toll may go up as a through search of the area is being carried out.

Police sources said that the possibility of miscreants getting hit during firing by the security personnel also cannot be ruled out.

Repair, maintenance hit power consumers in Jorhat

JORHAT, June 14: The Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) seems to have found new and innovative names for incessant load shedding. These are “repairs” and “maintenance.” If any part of Jorhat is without power for the major part of the day, pat comes the reply from the control room that repairs are being conducted in that area. And the cycle is repeated for the next week with the word “repairs” being replaced with “maintenance”. And then if there is a short sharp shower, “wires have broken” and the overhead has tripped. So hang on for a few more hours. And so much for the constant repairs and maintenance for the last couple of months.

The ASEB is also very particular about advertising in which area the power will be cut for the day, in one particular newspaper. But if you don’t read that then you just try to guess whether this is a load shedding or “repairs and maintenance” and whether there will be no electricity for about seven to eight hours at a stretch. But it hardly makes any difference as Jorhatians have learnt to accept with stoic resignation anything that is doled out by the ASEB.

Yesterday, power was switched off from 10 am to 5.30 pm. And then the Choladhora, Gayangaon and Gowalgaon areas had to put up with an additional 45 minutes as “a cable had broken”. The incessant load shedding has resulted in water being supplied only for about a couple of hours in the morning and that too at a trickle. The Urban Water Supply pleads helplessness due to the poor power position and the blame is squarely put on the shoulders of the ASEB. THE SENTINEL

Crores of revenue loss

GUWAHATI, June 14: In June 1998, the Revenue (Settlement) Department had issued instructions to all deputy commissioners for realization of land revenue in respect of tea estates at the rate of Rs 15 per bigha. This was followed by another notification in October 1999 reducing the rates of land revenue from Rs 15 to Rs 12 per bigha in the revenue circles under the Brahmaputra Valley and from Rs 12 to Rs 9 per bigha in the revenue circles under the Barak Valley for the period from July 1998 to June 2003.

As a case study, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) checked the records of Lakhimpur Deputy Commissioner in the Brahmaputra Valley and found that though the department had not extended the reduced rate of land revenue beyond June 2003, the DC continued to levy land revenue at the reduced rate of Rs 12 per bigha on 47518.56 bighas of land till March 2007. This error on the part of the district administration led to the short realization of revenue amounting to Rs 8.84 lakh in Lakhimpur district alone.

When the case was pointed out, the Deputy Commissioner said in May 2007 that the matter had been pending with the government. No report of further development on the matter was received till October 2008. The CAG reported the case to the department and government in November 2007, and the reply is awaited. This is the situation in just one district. According to sources, when such short realization in other districts of the State are taken into consideration, the amount exceeds Rs 3 crore. THE SENTINEL

Seven militants, including four NDFB cadres, shot dead

GUWAHATI/TINSUKIA, June 14: As many as seven militants, including four NDFB cadres, were shot dead, a contractor was shot at and injured and a kidnapped businessman was found dead in Asom since last night.

Following an intelligence report that the Ranjan Daimary faction of NDFB has prepared a blue print for serial blasts in lower Asom, including Guwahati, security personnel have intensified their operations against the outfit and killed about 30 of its cadres in a month.

Acting on a tip-off that a group of NDFB cadres had forcibly taken shelter in a house at Dakshin Jhargaon in Goreswar in Baksa district yesterday, a joint team of Uldaguri police, Baksa police and Army rushed to the spot and engaged themselves in an encounter with the militants. While three of the NDFB militants died on the spot, one of them, M Ranjan alias Ranjan Mushahary, sustained injuries, while another cadre, Dharmendra Boro, was arrested. Ranjan Mushahary succumbed to his injuries at Naokata PHC. Two of the three dead NDFB cadres have been identified as Bir Dang and Mritunjoy. Three .9 mm pistols, 12 cartridges and two mobile hand sets were recovered from them. According to police, the group was on an extortion drive.
The same team of security forces arrested another NDFB cadre, Mena Mushahary (25), from Tengajan this morning.

In another incident at Tamulpur in Rangia, the police recovered as many as seven grenades from a bus coming from Bhutan and picked up one Uttam Basumatary of Dhekiajuli for interrogation.
In yet another incident at Basugaon in Chirang district, Rakesh Jain, a contractor, was shot at and injured by miscreants this morning. He is under treatment at Bongaigaon Civil Hospital.
Meanwhile, tension refused to die down in trouble-torn NC Hills district where a DHD-J cadre was shot dead by the Army at Langma under Mahur PS in Maibong last night.

The situation is not peaceful in Karbi Anglong district either, where ANLA ‘commander’ Daria Munda alias Bayu Munda was shot dead by the Army at Bengenabeel in Bokajan today. The body of businessman Gopal Parikh, who had been kidnapped from Bokajan recently, was found at Khaijungjan today.

An ULFA militant, Babul Gogoi alias Dodo Gogoi, was also shot dead by the Army at Jonai in Dhemaji district yesterday.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) started its investigation in NC Hills. According to sources, the investigating agency collected files of the PHE, PWD, DRDA and Agriculture departments. Sources said the NIA has also sealed some of the offices. THE SENTINEL

Sonaram Chutia feted on his 94th birthday

JORHAT, June 11 – Noted scholar of Sankari culture Sonaram Chutia has completed 94 years of his life. On his birthday, he was honoured at his residence at Malow Ali here in a programme presided over by Rudra Bora, president of Sankar Sangha, Jorhat.

Amidst hundreds of his admirers the aged scholar became nostalgic while recalling some past experiences. Rana Goswami, MLA of Jorhat constituency, honoured him in the programme.

Chutia was born in 1915 at Kakojan Bam Kukurachowa Gaon. He was a brilliant student and passed his matriculation with letter marks in five subjects. Then he obtained his graduation from Cotton College and started his career as a teacher.

During the freedom movement of India, he followed the path of non-violence directed by Gandhiji and was imprisoned by the British government.

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Applications invited

DIBRUGARH, June 11 – Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Educational Welfare Society has invited applications from financially weak HSLC passed students of Dibrugarh district to award onetime financial assistance for their higher education. The financial assistance will be given to first 20 students, a press release stated.

The students are required to submit application in a plain paper giving name, father’s name, full address, phone number and marks obtained in the last HSLC examination. The applicant must have secured 70% or above marks.

Moreover, the applicant must attach family income certificate from circle officer or panchayat. The applicant must also attach with the application his marksheet attested by a gazetted officer and a passport size photo. The selected candidates will be awarded financial assistance on the fourth anniversary of Brahmaputra Hospital to be solemnised on July 28, the release stated.

The last date of submitting application is June 20. Applications may be sent to Brahmaputra Hospital Educational Welfare Committee, Shahid Nyash Bhaban, Chowkidinghee, opposite DCs residence, Dibrugarh.

Source: Assam Tribune

HC revokes notification on DMB administrator

DIBRUGARH, June 11 – The BJP here expressed a sense of relief at the revocation of the earlier notification of the Department of Urban Development, Government of Assam that appointed an administrator of the Dibrugarh Municipal Board (DMB), following a Gauhati High Court judgement.

The alleged arbitrary appointment of the administrator with the ruling party background at the expiry of the term of the elected Municipal Board, flouting the norms and not holding elections to the Municipal Board was disturbing to the BJP, who could not but challenge the appointment. The Dibrugarh Nagar Mandal Committee of the BJP considers the High Court order a moral victory of the people and an assurance of the rule of law.

It was to the great relief of the party when the local MLA Prasanta Phukan, who is also an ex-officio member of the Municipality, decided to challenge the government notification in the court of law, a press statement of the Nagar Mandal committee of the BJP said.

Phukan through a writ petition WP(C) No. 613/09 in the High Court challenged the appointment of the administrator in Dibrugarh Municipality. The High Court after hearing the petitions had on May 29 last directed the State Government to appoint government officials in place of administrator with immediate effect and hold fresh elections to the Urban local bodies within a set time frame.

It may be mentioned that following the court’s judgement, the department of Urban Development, Government of Assam issued notification No. UDD (M) 10/2009/129 dated June 6, 2009 revoking its earlier notification on the appointment of the administrator. However, the party expressed surprise that despite the notification, the administrator in question continues to hold the office till date.

Assam Tribune

AJYCP dharna over problems of public sector schools, colleges

GUWAHATI, June 11 – Members of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad today staged sit-in demonstrations all over the State in support of their demands for solving the problems facing public sector schools and colleges. They also demanded solution to other basic issues concerning the student community of the State.

The AJYCP said in a press release that permanent headmasters/ principals of the schools and colleges should be appointed and venture institutes should also be provincialised. Besides, the vacant posts of teachers in the public sector educational institutions should be filled up, decision to hike the tuition fees of these educational institutions should also be revoked, it said.

It has also demanded introduction of Geography and History as compulsory subjects at the secondary level.

The members of the organization sent their memorandums to the Chief Minister through the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Subdivisional Officers (SDOs).

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Dumbur Lake likely to get Ramsar site tag

AGARTALA, June 11 – The Dumbur natural reservoir in South Tripura district is likely to get Ramsar site tag with Tripura Wetland Authority gearing up to send a proposal to the Centre.

The decision to send a proposal demanding the Dumbur Lake be declared as Ramsar site has been taken at the state wetland authoritys meeting. The meeting was held yesterday.

In the meeting, it has been decided that Water Resource Department and Brahamputra Water Board would be requested to prepare a project on Dumbur natural reservoir, said Forest Minister Jitendra Chowdhury here on Thursday.

He said that the Ministry had hinted at considering the demand to protect the natural reservoir. The project-proposal on the Dumbur will be sent to the Ministry as early as possible. The Centre will pump enough money to protect the Dumbur natural reservoir, Mr. Chowdhury said.

Earlier, Neermahal at Melagarh had been declared as Ramsar site by the Ministry of Forest and Environment. In spite of having the prestigious tag, the Neermahal and Rudra Sagar are losing its glory with every passing day. Human activities in and around the lake have emerged as major threat to the existence of Neermahal and its surroundings.

It may be noted that any wetland that fulfils guidelines of Ransor Convention held in Iran in 1971 is supposed to get the prestigious Ramsar site. The Ministry of Forest and Environment will bear all expenditure to protect a particular wetland if it gets the prestigious tag.

In the meeting, it has also been decided to constitute a committee headed by PCCF to identify new wetlands in the state. The panel will have to submit its report within next four months. As of now, the state has 129 wetlands.

Chowdhury said that another committee would be constituted for treatment (Management Action Plan) of wetland catchments. This panel will have to submit its report within next four months to take necessary steps, he said.

Assam Tribune

Malaria claims 17 lives in Mizoram

AIZAWL, June 11 – Seventeen people died of malaria during January to April this year in Mizoram, a Health department statement said here today.

The statement said that the death toll during January to April surpassed last year's figure of seven by ten during the same period.

April this year witnessed the highest malarial death toll as eight persons fell pery to the disease transmitted through the bite of female mosquitoes.

Hospitals and health centres across the state, which tested 27,682 blood samples found as many as 893 positives out of which 615 were identified as positive malaria PF (plasmodium falciparum), the statement said.

The Health department urged the people to take utmost preventive measures during the onset of monsoon as monsoon brings more pandemic malaria cases from almost all over the state and also asked the public to make maximum use of the 1,283 Drug Distribution centres from where malaria drugs are distributed to the affected people free of costs. – PTI

Bodies of AN-32 victims being airlifted to Jorhat

ITANAGAR/SHILLONG, June 11 (PTI) – The bodies of 13 defence personnel killed in Tuesday’s AN-32 aircraft crash in Arunachal Pradesh were being airlifted today from Tato in Arunachal to Jorhat in Assam, IAF sources said.

The bodies, too mutilated to be identified, were strewn around the site and would be brought to Rowriah air base near Jorhat, the sources said.

“Paramilitary personnel who spotted the wreckage are carrying the bodies to Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG), from where they would be airlifted,” Defence spokesman Wing Commander Ranjib Sahoo at Eastern Air Command in Shillong said.

Seven IAF and six Army personnel were on board when the cargo aircraft crashed.

A joint search party of Army, ITBP and police recovered the bodies from the mangled aircraft on Rinchi hill, 50 km off Mechuka.

Wing Commander Sahoo said the cause of the crash could be ascertained after the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (also called black box) were found and a search for them was on.

The Russian-made AN-32 aircraft, after delivering supplies to the Army establishment, took off from Mechuka to Jorhat but lost radio contact soon after and went missing.

The flying crew included two Wing Commanders and two Squadron Leaders and one Flight Lieutenant of the IAF.

The wreckage and the bodies were found on the Rinchi hill near Heyo village, north-west of Tato in West Siang district.

The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the incident and the probe team is likely to visit the crash site after being briefed by the ground search party about the site and wreckage.

Officials at the EAC here have not ruled out the possibility of a technical snag, with local villagers near the crash site informing the search team that they saw a fire ball in the air that was followed by a huge sound.

The plane had started its sortie from Mohanbari in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district carrying essential commodities to the army base near Mechuka.

ASSAM TRIBUNE

Top ULFA leader killed in Garo Hills

TURA, June 11 – A top ULFA militant and his aide was killed in a joint operation by West Garo Hills police and army personnel from the 3rd Sikh Regiment near Aidoba area on Thursday morning.

The ULFA leader in charge of Garo Hills, Mega Hajong, was shot dead along with another militant, Tarun Ch Rabha, during an encounter by Special Operations Team (SOT) commandos of the district police and army personnel at Deokashra village, two kms from Aidoba, which is close to Assams Mancachar area at 8:30 am.

The police-army personnel raided the hideout of the militants and a brief exchange of fire took place in which six other ULFA militants managed to escape.

Police recovered from the site of the encounter an AK-81 rifle with three magazines and 123 rounds of live ammunition, two large Chinese hand grenades, magazine of an M20 pistol, 14 detonators and one and a half kg of explosive powder, demand notes and three mobile phone sims of Airtel, Cellone and Bangladeshs Grameen phone.

Mega Hajong was the operational commander of the ULFA in Garo Hills for the last two years and is involved in several cases of extortion and abduction. He took over the outfits operations after the killing of their leader, Madan Koch, who was gunned down by SOT commandos and the army in 2007.

He was involved in abduction of civilians from Jengjal and Selsella area of Garo Hills, robbery of over eight lakh rupees from a cement company and for waylaying a senior police official (DSP) who escaped unhurt while the latter was returning to Tura.

Mega Hajong hailed from Selsella area and his deceased colleague was from Goalpara area of Assam.

The ULFA frequently uses the Garo Hills corridor for shipment of arms to Assam and movement of their cadres to neighbouring Bangladesh. Large scale forest cover and the inaccessible terrain along the Assam-Garo Hills border have been used as an advantage for the outfit.

Source: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1209/ne1

Dharani Kataki dead

From our Correspondent
NAGAON, June 10: Veteran stage actor, a sportsman of yesteryears and Assam Cooperative Apex Bank retired zonal manager Dharani Kataki died recently due to old age ailment at his Haiborgaon residence. Kataki was 83.

He was born at Juria about 10 miles from here in 1926 and established himself as a successful litterateur of repute.

After retirement, he dedicated his time for the welfare of the society. He was also the vice president of Nagaon District Committee of Bharatiya Janata Party for a period.

He leaves behind his wife, three daughters and three sons. His death was widely mourned in Nagaon. THE SENTINEL

Last rites attended of ATTSA members

DIBRUGARH, June 10: Hundreds of people attended the last rites of the five ATTSA members, who were cremated near Sessa River here yesterday.

The student leaders were killed in a road accident at Tezpur on June 7. The driver of the vehicle also lost his life. The secretary and president of Dikom unit of ATTSA, Binanda Patar and Narayan Das, president of the Dikom Sessa unit, Samu Patar, the assistant secretary of Dibrugarh unit, Ajit Munda, and ATTSA member, Papan Kurmi, were travelling to Dibrugarh after participating in a meeting of the organization at Lakhimpur when the incident happened.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the organization’s office at Dikom, where people congregated to pay their last respects. The Water Resource Minister, Prithibi Majhi, Zila Panchayat president, Meena Teli, the president and secretary of ATTSA, Prahlad Gowala and Pallabloshan Das respectively, also offered their last respects.

The Dikom, Bokel, Chaulkhowa, Bokpara and Jalan South tea gardens did not function at all yesterday. Meanwhile, the Asom Chah Mazdoor Sangha also expressed deep grievance over the untimely deaths of the ATTSA leaders. A condolence meeting was held at the main office of the organization yesterday under the chair of secretary in-charge, Dileswar Tanti. THE SENTINEL

Citizens demand rail gate near Kampur station

KAMPUR, June 10 – The people of entire Kampur Revenue Circle have been demanding a railway gate on the western side of Kampur Railway Station in view of a number of educational institutions being situated along the railway line causing a great deal of risk to the school going students while crossing the railway line.

Very often the students have to stop low to cross a waiting train, which is very dangerous. A number of accidents have taken place when students are in haste to reach the school.

The conscious citizens of Kampur area feel that the railway authority should immediately construct a railway gate with at least a foot bridge on the western side of Kampur railway station for safety of the students and general public as well.

Inaugurated: A newly constructed school building of Kameswar Barthakur MV School was inaugurated by RM Barthakur, retired principal in the presence of a sizeable number of education and local public, besides a good number of teachers and students.

The building was constructed with a grant of Rs 6.06 lakh sanctioned by Sarva Siksha Mission to cat to the needs of increasing number of students in the school.

The century old MV School is one of the oldest in undivided Nagaon District which has played a vital role in disseminating primary education in the southern part of Nagaon district. The main building of the school is now in a very dilapidated state necessitating immediate renovation.

Radha Bora, headmaster of the school in his speech narrated in detail the account of expenditure in cured in construction of the school building.

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Tribune employees to observe Rabha Divas

GUWAHATI, June 10 – The Assam Tribune Employees’ Union will observe Bishnu Rabha Divas with a three-day programme from June 20.

The objective of the occasion is to spread awareness on the ideals of the multi-faceted Rabha, the organisers stated.

The first day’s programme will start at 11-30 am at the Tribune campus with a smriti tarpan by TG Baruah, chairman of the Assam Tribune group of newspapers. The next day will feature a drawing contest at 9 am at the Tribune campus.

On June 26, a competition on Rabha Sangeet will be held at the Tirthanath Sarma Hall from 9 am. The drawing and song contests will be confined to the members of families of employees of the media including newspapers, AIR, Doordarshan, etc. A seminar will follow at 3-30 pm the same day on the topic ‘Role of Rabha in uniting peasants and workers.’ Eminent litterateur-journalist Dr Lakshminandan Bora will preside over the meet.

Essay contests on ‘Bishnu Prasad Rabha – Jivan Aru Kriti’ (Class VIII to X, word limit 1,000), and on ‘Bishnu Prasad Rabhar Motadarsha Aru Ajir Halowa-Hojuwa-Bonuwa’ (Class XI to degree level, word limit 1,500) for both Assamese and English medium students have also been organised.

Interested participants have been asked to contact members of the convenor committee.

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Citizens facing acute water shortage

GUWAHATI, June 10 – Residents of many Guwahati areas are complaining acute shortage of drinking water for the past several years due to the phenomenon of rapid sinking of ground water table. The virtual non-existence of municipal water supply scheme has added to the problems of these people. They are now left to the mercy of the private water suppliers.

Jitu Paul, a resident of Narengi, complained that the people of his area have been facing acute shortage of drinking water for the past about six months. “Most of the house holds in the locality have wells. But the sinking ground water table in the area has been making the people buy water from the private suppliers,” he said.

It needs mention here that the private water suppliers charge Rs 180 against a tanker of 600 litres in the area.

Nabin Deka of Pub Sarania said that though his area is connected with a municipal water supply scheme, the amount of water supplied by the Municipal Corporation is not adequate for the household requirements. “The area gets water only for half an hour in the morning,” he said, adding, on occasions, the taps remain dry for two to three days at a stretch.

Kanak Barman of Geeta Nagar said that the Botgostal area was not covered by any of the municipal water supply schemes. Some of the Geetanagar areas are covered by the water supply scheme of the Assam Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board, but the water supplied by the scheme is not at all safe for drinking, Barman said.

GMC sources said that the authorities have plans to combat the drinking water-related problems of the Guwahatians with a permanent solution to all such problems.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) has sanctioned Rs 280 crore for the municipal water supply network for the western part of the city. The areas proposed to be covered under the scheme include GMC Wards 1 to 13 in this part.

For the northern and central parts of the city, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has sanctioned Rs 1500 crore against a similar project, whereas, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has come forward to extend financial assistance for another such project to benefit the residents of the eastern part of the city.

“It will require over five years to complete the projects,” sources said, adding, after completion, the projects would help supply water to the Guwahatians on a round the clock basis, sources said.

The GMC has been trying to help the residents of those areas, which are not covered by its water supply network, by pressing into service its water tankers against a nominal charge of Rs 15 per 1000 litres. But the actual carriage charge of the tankers comes out higher for the distant locations, said the sources.

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Wreckage of missing IAF aircraft found

GUWAHATI, June 10 – The wreckage of the AN 32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which went missing since last afternoon was found today in a jungle area in Arunachal Pradesh and it is feared that all the 13 men on board were killed in the crash. Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Col R Kalia said today that the wreckage was found in a dense forest area five kilometers north west of Tato in Arunachal Pradesh at around 3 pm today and “it is feared that there is no survivor.”

Col Kalia revealed that the aircraft with 13 persons on board left for Jorhat from Menchuka base in Arunachal Pradesh yesterday and it went missing since 2 pm, a few minutes after its take off. The craft was on a routine sortie and those on board the craft included six crew members and one ground staff of the Air Force and six Army personnel, who were coming to Jorhat from their base. During such routine sorties, it is common for the Air Force to carry passengers, particularly defence personnel.

A massive manhunt was launched this morning and at first attempts were made by helicopters to find the wreckage of the missing craft early in the morning. But that attempt failed as the helicopters sent out in search of the missing craft had to turn back because of bad weather. Later, patrols of Army and ITDP personnel were sent out and the wreckage was located this afternoon.

Defence sources said that the persons who were on board the ill fated craft included Wing Commander Bhutalia, Squadron leader P Siddharth, Flight Lieutenant Varun Kumar, Wing Commander Shaji, Squadron Leader Manas Mishra, MWO Ramesh and AC Sanjoy Kumar of the Air Force and Army personnel Vijay Singh, AK Tirki, K Kumar, S Kumar, R Wangchuck and N Whegh.

Though the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, Defence sources said that overloading was not a cause. Such cargo crafts can carry up to 40 persons on board. Sources also said that the craft might have faced rough weather on way but “it is a fact that the weather conditions must have been all right when the craft took off as no aircraft takes off unless the weather conditions are found suitable at the time of taking off.”

AssamTribune

Temperatures soar in NE

GUWAHATI, June 10 – NE areas have been recording two to four degrees above the normal maximum temperature these days. This condition is expected to last for few more days, as, there is no indication of incessant rain in the prevailing weather system of the region, said Regional Meteorology Centre (RMC) Director H Pathak here today. According to Pathak, a cyclonic circulation has been observed present over Jharkhand and adjoining areas and it is extending up to 0.9 km above the mean sea level. Rainfall is expected at few places over the region during the next 24 hours under the influence of the above cyclonic circulation in association with local conditions.

But, as the monsoon activity over the region is not discernable, incessant rainfall activity over the region is not expected over it, he said.

Guwahati recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2 degree Celsius, against the normal of 31 degree Celsius, while Dibrugarh recorded a maximum temperature of 31.3 degree Celsius, against the normal of 31 degree Celsius.

Tezpur recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degree Celsius, against the normal of 31 degree Celsius; Silchar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6 degree Celsius, against the normal of 31 degree Celsius and Dhubri recorded a maximum temperature of 31. 8 degree Celsius, against 30 degree Celsius, said Pathak.

AssamTribune

Free training for BPL women

GUWAHATI, June 8 – Dawn Educational and Charitable Society is going to organise training programmes of three and six-month durations for the educated unemployed women of North East who are below poverty line (BPL), a press release stated. As many as seven seats in fashion designing and eight seats in cutting and tailoring are on offer. Two seats are reserved for widows.

Such training programmes for self-employment are conducted every year under the charity scheme of the Society. The practical-oriented training programmes will be conducted at Art & Design School, Madi, Bishnu Rava Nagar, Noonmati. Interested candidates have been asked to submit their resume on or before June 15. Free accommodation will be arranged for ST candidates coming from outside Assam, the release added.

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Call to preserve State’s performing arts

GUWAHATI, June 8 – The third phase of the discussion process initiated by Kalakshetra Society to preserve and promote Bhaona and Ankia Bhaona concluded recently in the premises of the Kalakshetra. The three-day programme was inaugurated by vice chairman of Kalakshetra Society, Ratna Oja.

Sattradhikars from across the State participated in the discussion which revolved round acting and use of mask in Ankia Bhaona and Bhaona. The sattradhikars agreed that a qualitative deterioration had crept into the performing arts and called for concerted efforts for preserving the performing arts in all their former grandeur as well as making them relevant to changing tastes and preferences.

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Central team lauds State Govt, GMC

GUWAHATI, June 8 – The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission team on survey and inspection of reforms implementation in Guwahati has lauded the work done by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and the State Government in several fields. The remarkable works under the Community Participation Fund (CPF) have also been appreciated by another team of experts from National Institute of Urban Affairs.

“So far, the performance of both the urban local body (GMC) and the State Government is remarkable and it is better than many other cities of the country,” said Dr Devolina Kundu of National Institute of Urban Affairs, who is on a visit to the North-east to inspect and survey the reforms under the JNNURM along with another team member.

“Bringing down the stamp duty from 12-14 per cent to 5 per cent for women and 6 per cent for men at one go is a remarkable achievement of the GMC. Both the State Government and the ULB are in tune with the basic requirements of the project,” said Dr Kundu.

“The rent control reform, property title certification and 20-25 per cent land to the economically weaker section in any newly developed area are some of the reforms, where best practices by other States could help the Assam government and the ULB to understand the proper implementation process,” she added.

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Call to fight pollution

GUWAHATI, June 8 – World Environment Day was observed in Ward No. 24 of the city with an environment awareness meeting, cleanliness drive and plantation programme.

Addressing the awareness meet organised by Ward No 24 Congress Committee at Purbanchal Hindi Primary School at Kacharibasti near Ganeshguri, Captain Robin Bordoloi, MLA, Pub-Guwahati LAC and Chief Administrator, Guwahati Municipal Corporation, dwelt at length on growing need to fight against pollution. He stressed creating public awareness about a healthy environment.

Several others including Nayan Talukdar, Haren Boro, Deepa Das, Jona Das spoke on the significance of World Enviornment Day. Social acitivist Deba Kanta Saikia presided over the meeting. This was stated in a press release.

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City school foundation day

GUWAHATI, June 8 – The foundation day of National School, Amgaon Bonda, Narengi was celebrated recently, a press release said.

Some of the oldest members, MM Boro, Gopi Sarma, Achyut Sarma and Dilip Gogoi of National Educational Society, which runs the school, were present at the meeting. The school was affiliated to CBSE, Delhi in 1993. This year 24 students appeared in the AISSE and 13 students secured 1st position and 11 students secured 2nd position.

Patriotic songs and dance were presented by Class IX and Class X students. Sushma Shah Kalwar, principal of the school, offered the vote of thanks.

National School also celebrated World Environment Day in association with Kaziranga Wildlife Society.

The school is going to hold a Bihu workshop during the summer vacation in the school campus in association with noted dhul exponent Somnath Borah to seek entry into Guinness Book of World Records, the release added.

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New train service from June 12

GUWAHATI, June 8 – The NF Railway will introduce a new tri-weekly special train between Dibrugarh town and Kamakhya junction from June 12 on an experimental basis for one month, stated a press release.

The train, numbered 0568 Down, will leave Dibrugarh town at 5.15 am every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and will have stops at New Tinsukia, Namrup, Simaluguri, Amguri, Mariani, Furkating, Dimapur, Lumding, Chaparmukh and Guwahati before arriving at Kamakhya Junction at 5.35 pm.

The train, numbered 0567 Up, will leave Kamakhya Junction at 6.55 am at 5.15 am every Thursday, Saturday and Monday to arrive at Dibrugarh town at 9.15 pm, the release added.

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Guwahati chapter of Young Indians launched

GUWAHATI, June 8 – Prof Gautam Baruah, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, formally launched the Guwahati city chapter of Young Indians (Yi) at a programme held at Vivekananda Kendra here today, a press release stated.

Yi is an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), formed in 2002, with an objective of creating a platform for young Indians to realise the dream of a developed nation. Yi has over 900 direct members in the existing city chapters and engages another 10,000 members through its district chapters, corporate chapters, farmers’ Net and students’ Net. With the addition of the Guwahati chapter, Yi will have 18 city chapters.

Dr Rahul Mirchandani, national chair, Young Indians, and executive director, Aries Agro and Dr Bhupati K Das, chairman, CII Assam State Council and Managing Director, Numaligarh Refinery Limited addressed the gathering.

At the programme, Ajay Agarwal, partner, Singhi & Co and Atreyee B Thekadath, director, Web.Com (India) Pvt Ltd were nominated as the chapter chair and chapter co-chair of the Guwahati city chapter respectively, the release added.

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37 houses torched in NC Hills

HAFLONG, June 8 – At least 37 houses belonging to Dimasa people of Lailing village under Mahur Police station and of Diduki village under Maibang police station were burnt down by miscreants in two separate incidents today. According to the police two houses at Lailing village some 7 KM from Mahur were burnt down by the miscreants early morning and no casualty was reported so far. Again at about 1 PM a group of gunmen wearing black dress and helmet came to the Diduki village and fired indiscriminately and torched 35 houses out of 45 houses of the village. It is learnt that the security personals yesterday took away all the licensed guns of the villagers and the miscreants took the advantage of the situation.

Till the filing of this report no report of casualty has been confirmed by the police.

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2 hacked to death in Doomdooma

DOOMDOOMA, June 8 – Atleast two persons were hacked to death and another injured last night following differences over a trivial matter such as slapping two minor girls to break up their fight in their own home at Jutlibari under Doomdooma PS in Tinsukia district. Police sources said Magen Moran, a neighbour of Manoj Mura, had come visiting, and following an altercation between Manoj Mural’s minor daughters, stapped both of them.

Incensed over his daughters being stapped Manoj Mura took out a machete and dealt blows to Magen Moran who was critically injured. A relative, Naresh Mura (65) who also received several blows with the matchete succumbed on his way to hospital.

Manoj Mura who had by then lost his senses rushed out of his house and also dealt a fatal blow to Sajjan Tanti (35) who happened to come along that way.

DC and SP Tinsukia rushed to the area following tension between two communities.

Assam Tribune

No Tobacco Day observed at Pandu College

PANDU, June 8 – The National Service Scheme (NSS) of Pandu College , Guwahati in collaboration with Kokilaben-Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Research Institute, Mumbai and district administration, Kamrup (Metro) organised a free cancer treatment camp at Pandu College to mark the World No Tobacco Day on May 31 last. Noted cancer surgery consultant Dr Rajesh Mistry, former chief of thoracic/head and neck surgery, Dr Mandar Nadkarni, former consultant, breast surgery of Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, both presently consultants of Kakilaban Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai (Reliance ADA Group), Dr Dibya Jyoti Das, Saurav Basu, Dr Dipankar Das and Dr Saurav Das offered their expect opinion to a large number cancer patients from Assam North East.

Dr Bhubaneswar Bora, principal, Pandu College and Dimbeswar Kalita, ADC, Kamrup (Metro) inaugurated an art and poster competition, organised to spread the anti-tobacco awareness among high school and college students, in which Gakul Medhi of Pandu College, Manoj Barman of Sualkuchi BMS College and Ujjal Paul of Pandu College won the first, second and third prizes respectively.

The NSS Volunteers of Pandu College took out an anti-tobacco procession on May 30 and presented a street play Dhapatar Bhayabahata directed by Jayanta Banik at Maligaon Chariali.

Mani Saikia, OC Jalukbari police station also extended full cooperation to the NSS unit of Pandu College to bring out an appeal signed by the OC principal & NSS programme officer, Pandu College asking the pan-cigarette shop owners within the jurisdiction of 100 yards of any education institution under Jalukbari PS to stop selling of tobacco items, in any form immediately. This type of venture was never adopted earlier in any part of the city.

The open session of the World No Tobacco Day observation was conducted by Shantanu Roy Choudhury. Programme officer, NSS, Pandu College and attended by the team of cancer experts, besides Dimbeswar Kalita, ADC, Kamrup (Metro), Masood Alam, junior consultant of National Tobacco Control Programme, Assam, Madhuri Kuzur, Asifa Ahmed, Minakshi Mahanta from District Tobacco Control Cell, Kamrup (Metro) and some other social activists. Dimbeswar Kalita, Dr Rajesh Mistry and Dr Mandar Nadkarmi presented the prizes of the art competition.

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Motocross challenge

GUWAHATI, June 8 – The Naba Bikash Sangha organised North East Night Motocross Challenge 2009 was held at the Assam Engineering Institute ground here on last Saturday with participation of 45 riders from different part of the region.

The results: Novice class: 1.Mahibur Rehman (Guwahati), 2. Partha Pratim Baruah (North Guwahati), 3. Partha Pratim Saikia (Nagaon).

Intermediate class: 1. Kabeerul Razzak (Guwahati), 2. Siddhartha Sankar Saikia (Nagaon), 3. Bhaskar Phukan (Guwahati).

Expert class: 1. Anthony Lyngdoh (Shillong), 2.Diganta Baruah (North Guwahati), 3. Zoheb Ahmed (Nagaon).

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World Environment Day celebrated

TURA, June 8 – Several organisations, NGOs, schools and colleges took part in celebrations of the World Environment Day in the Garo Hills. The day-long event was marked with several tree plantation programmes in various places even as young school children took part in painting competitions on preservation of trees.

The “Green Day” celebrations took place at the campus of NEHU, ICFAI and several schools and colleges. Cleaning drives were also organised in several localities. A tree plantation programme was conducted by ICFAI University at its proposed new campus at Walbakgre, Tura, to comemorate the celebrations. “Plant trees and make the world greener,” was the theme of ICFAI celebrations.

Over two hundred saplings were also planted by NEHU students in and around their campus. Far-flung villages were also enrolled into the tree plantation programme. A number of NGOs organised separate tree plantation drives.

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50 pc tea land remains vacant in Tripura

AGARTALA, June 8 – In a bid to ensure optimum utilisation of land, Tripura Government has constituted a high-level committee to ascertain the actual area under tea cultivation and vacant land in the tea estate areas.

Preliminary reports suggest, of the total 13,371.77 hectares of land meant for tea plantation, more than 50 per cent land remains unutilised. Only 6,611.08 hectares of land is covered with tea plantation in 58 tea estates across the State.

The government is on the move to outline its future plan for revival of tea industry after getting final report from the panel, said Industries Minister Jitendra Chowdhury.

Addressing an interactive session with tea estate owners at Prajna Bhavan here on Thursday, Chowdhury strongly advocated for optimum utilisation of land allotted for tea plantation.

There are reports of huge land lying unused in different tea estates. This should not happen to ensure optimum utilisation of land as expansion of tea industry, he said.

Chowdhury also made it clear that absolute control of tea estate owners over the allotted lands should not be permitted as demanded by them.

Sudip Kumar Roy, Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce tried to address all the proposals put forward by tea estate owners.

On the desertion of tea labourers due to NREGA, Roy exhorted the tea estate owners to offer best possible financial package to stop the tendency.

It has been observed that a sizable number of tea labourers have started deserting the tea gardens to get job under the national flagship programme NREGA causing acute shortage of manpower in tea gardens.

On the shortage of fertilizer, Roy said if any garden owner comes forward with a concrete proposal to bring fertilizer directly, the government will render all possible help.

However, the government will not offer a blanket tax waiver to the tea estate owners, he said adding that the tea garden owners could negotiate with TNGCL to use gas for processing tea at their factories.

Executive Director of Tea Board, Rakesh Saini, Binoy Kakoti, Scientific Officer of Tea Research Association (TRA) and TAI secretary PK Biswas also attended the interactive session.

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Sikdar receives Achievers Award

GANGTOK, June 8 – The Indian Achievers Award for Industrial Development and outstanding contribution in the field of water and waste water treatment was conferred by Sikkim Governor BP Singh to Sutapta Sikdar, Director of Shree Balaji Water and Power Engineers Private Limited, Gangtok, the only Indian organization to receive such outstanding award in this field.

Indian Economic Development and Research Association, a nationally and globally recognized organization promoting national economic and social development, organized the 52nd National Seminar and award function on June 6 at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi, in association with World Economic Progress Society, International Achievers Conference.

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5 AATSA men killed in mishap

TEZPUR, June 8 – In a tragic road accident five All Adivasi Tribes Students Association (AATSA) activists died, four of them on the spot, and nine others seriously injured when a truck bearing registration No. AS-25-C-5451 collided head-on with a Tata Sumo with registration No. AS-06-F-5754 hired by an AATSA workers team, at Tezpur Baruachuburi on NH-52 near Kocharigaon Police outpost at about 10.45 pm last night. AATSA workers team was coming back from Lakhimpur after attending the Martyrs’ Day programme of the organisation held in Lakhimpur.

Though at first the injured were rushed to the Tezpur Kanaklata Civil Hospital following critical condition, five of them were shifted to GMCH. One of them reportedly succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased were identified as Ajit Munda, asstt. general secretary of Dibrugarh district, AATSA, Narayan Das member, Dikom Regional Unit, AATSA, Babu Patra and Raja Baidya driver of the vehicle) while the injured were identified as Prakash Kurmi, Dipjyoti Kurmi, Buten Kurmi, Kamal Kurmi, Niranjan Rajwar, Kison Munda, Pabitra Das and Binanda Patra.

The person who died in GMCH is yet to be identified.

Meanwhile, following the incident a pal of gloom prevails among different organisations and Prahlad Gowala, president of the organisation and AASU, AJYCP of Sonitpur District committee conveyed their deep condolences to the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has mourned the tragic death of the AATTSA leaders. In a condolence message, the AASU has conveyed its sympathy to the members of the bereaved families.

The students’ body has also mourned the death of its former executive committee member Mukesh Agarwalla of Morigaon.

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Call to reorient priorities for NE

NEW DELHI, June 8 – Calling for reorientation of priorities in overcoming the imbalance between the North Eastern Region and the rest of the country, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has identified connectivity through Bangladesh, tour-ism, hospitality, wellness, IT, agriculture and allied activities, renewable energy, education and trade advisory services as some of the thrust areas. Presenting an Economic Agenda to Minister DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique, a delegation of ICC officials led by the chairman of the North Eastern Advisory Council, M. K. Saharia, made a plea for providing entrepreneurs and investors with requisite advisory services to facilitate trade and investment and create enabling conditions for the FDI.

The Chamber has said that the Region could gain from both ‘Look East’ and “Look West” policies in terms of access to the vast and higher income markets, as well as superior technical know-how and skills by prioritizing the focus areas.

Currently, only two per cent ASEAN trade is with India.

Pursuing a concerted “Look East” policy by promoting South-South trade and investment with this trading block the region would have an added benefit of reducing dependency on the saturated and highly competitive markets of the developed economies. The SAFTA and BIMSTEC agreements would also be helpful in this direction, the Chamber feels.

Source: Assam Tribune

Karia Munda new LS Deputy Speaker

NEW DELHI, June 8 – Veteran tribal MP from Jharkhand Karia Munda was today unanimously elected as the new Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying it was a reflection of the “growing empowerment” of the downtrodden sections of society, reports PTI. 72-year-old seven-time MP Munda was elected by a voice vote after motions to elect him were moved by Leader of Opposition L K Advani, Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, NCP’s Sharad Pawar and others.

The Prime Minister said soon after Meira Kumar’s election as the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Munda has been elected as Deputy Speaker, which “augurs well for the country”.

Observing that both Kumar and Munda belonged to the “disadvantaged” sections, Singh said the move reaffirmed the commitment towards empowerment of the downtrodden.

Mukherjee said since 1977, the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has been offered to the Opposition, while ruling alliance decides its nominee for the post of Speaker.

Leader of the Opposition L K Advani moved the first motion proposing Munda’s name for the post of Deputy Speaker. It was seconded by Rajnath Singh.

After his unanimous election, the Prime Minister, Leader of the House Mukherjee and Leader of Opposition Advani walked up to the opposition benches where Munda was sitting, wished him and escorted him to the front row seat meant for the Deputy Speaker.

The Prime Minister said Munda had a “wealth of experience”, being elected to the House seven times and also being a member in the Union Cabinet. He said the new Deputy Speaker was a “multi-faceted personality” who had worked for empowerment of women and also written a book on Rabindranath Tagore.

Describing Munda as “a parliamentarian, administrator and social reformer”, Mukherjee said his election to the post would “not only lighten your (Speaker’s) burden but also guide us in orderly conduct of the House.”

He said it was a “healthy practice” since 1977 that the Speaker would be nominated by the ruling party and the Deputy Speaker by the Opposition. This was still being continued, Mukherjee said.

BJP leader Advani recalled that he himself and Munda had worked as Ministers with Kumar’s father Jagjivan Ram in the cabinet of Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

He said the unanimous election of Kumar and Munda as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, as well as the 2009 parliamentary polls, had shown that Indian democracy had matured.

“Whoever may have won or lost, but Indian democracy has won”, Advani said adding that both the ruling and opposition parties had cooperated to make the elections to the two top parliamentary positions unanimous.

Congratulating her Deputy, Speaker Meira Kumar said her own election and Munda’s were “a testimony to the maturity of the people and parliamentary system. It shows that India is the largest working democracy in the world inspite of various problems”.

She appealed to all parties to strive for unanimity in all issues, as was reflected in the two elections as it was their duty to come up to the expectations of the people who had elected them.

Assam Tribune

House panel for direct flights

NEW DELHI, June 8 – Moved by the plight of international air travelers, a Parliamentary Panel has recommended introduction of direct international flights from Guwahati to Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China and Malaysia. The recommendation comes amidst frequent complaints of long stopovers by passengers. There was only one international flight from Guwahati to Bangkok on every Wednesday and the route was Guwahati-Bangkok-Guwahati due to which the passengers had to face inconvenience, as they had to stay in Bangkok for six days.

The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce made several significant recommendations concerning promotion of trade between North Eastern Region and neighbouring countries.

It underlined the need for extension of six per cent concession on rail freight to cover export of rakes from ICD, Amingaon, being operated by the CONCOR. This concession is currently provided by the Railways for full rake movements from in and out of the North-east.

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the air passengers, the Parliamentary Panel said that international flights from Guwahati to the five South East Asian countries should be introduced, as the direct air connectivity would considerably improve international trade and tourism.

There was a large air cargo complex for EXIM, with sufficient cold storage, for storing perishable horticulture and agro products, the Panel noted.

Guwahati was a big business hub in the North-east. Though there was also international airport, yet it seemed to have been overlooked in terms of infrastructure that matches international standards. Due to lack of proper focus and promotional policies on the part of government, people of the area had been deprived of moving to international destinations, to sell out their products, the Parliamentary Standing Committee commented.

The River Brahmaputra, for which the Government had allocated an amount of Rs 270 crore to develop it into a better navigational system, could be used effectively for commercial purposes, so as to get closer to the Bay of Bengal, which, in turn could help the people reach international destinations, the Committee headed by Dr Murli Manohar Joshi.

Noting that Inland Container Deport (ICD) Amingaon was the only serving ICD in the entire North Eastern Region, it commented that in terms of location, it was at a disadvantageous position, as the nearest seaport Kolkata was at a distance of 1,100 Km.

The primary item of export is tea and there is hardly any import and the exporters had to pay even for bringing empty containers from Kolkata to load their exports, it said.

The Parliamentary Panel also focused on the Land Custom Stations (LCS) at Moreh and Agartala. A sub-committee was constituted to study the problems faced by these LCDs reported that huge quantities of various items were being exported illegally through Moreh.

It was suggested that to promote Indo-Myanmar bilateral commerce, trade fairs might be organized in both the border towns including Moreh and Tamu. Myanmarese should be allowed to visit North-east through the Moreh land route without restrictions like India and Nepal.

It was also suggested that Myanmarese should be given seat quota in educational institutions including medical institutes in the North-east mainly Manipur. It was also further suggested that patients from the neighboring country should be allowed treatment at RIMS and J N Hospitals at Imphal on completion of simple official formalities.

Businessmen from North-east should be allowed to visit up to Mandalay in Myanmar through Moreh land route for market survey.

About the LCS at Agartala, the Panel said that it lacks the basic infrastructure to meet the growing trend of trade. There are no proper roads, either on the Indian side or on the Bangladesh side, which, during rainy season, which creates hardships for the traders. Adequate arrangements for proper electrification are not there and the entire area of the L CS after the sun set is in darkness.

The situation becomes grim during the winter season, when days are shorter. Further, there are no warehouses either private or public. Thus the infrastructure conditions at the LCS were extremely poor, it observed.

Assam Tribune

Sukhoi 30 to land on June 15 in Tezpur

GUWAHATI, June 8 – The airfield of the Tezpur Air Force station, constructed during the Second World War, is all set to see landing of the Sukhoi 30 MKi aircraft and the airfield will also soon be open for civil aircraft. The first landing of the Sukhoi 30 aircraft is scheduled for June 15 and gradually a full squadron of the aircraft will be kept in the air base.

The Sukhoi 30 MKi aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1997 and during this period of time some modifications were made into the craft as per the requirements of the force. The Sukhoi is a two cockpit, multi-role and all weather craft and gradually a full squadron of 18 aircraft is scheduled to be kept in the Tezpur Air Force Station, which is now being commanded by Air Commodore PK Nair, a fighter pilot of repute. The Air Officer Commanding in Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal SK Bhan is scheduled to attend the formal ceremony of first landing of the Sukhoi in Tezpur.

Giving a detailed history of the Tezpur air field, Defence Public Relations Officer, Col R Kalia said that the field was constructed by the British during Second World War in 1942 and aircraft like the Vampire and Toofan were the first craft to land in the field. The airfield was used extensively during the World War.

The airfield was upgraded into a full-fledged air force station in 1959 and crafts including Hunters used to operate from the base. Subsequently, MiG 21 craft of the Indian Air Force used to operate from the field and gradually it was transformed into MiG Operation flying training unit. A fleet of MiG 21 craft was kept in the air base for training of the new recruits of the Air Force and according to Col Kalia, the training of new pilots went on for around 25 years in the air base. The airfield was also used for landing of civilian aircraft.

However, for renovation of the airfield, it was closed since September, 2007 and the Mig fleet was shifted to the Chabua air base of the Air Force. During the process of renovation, the length of the airfield was also increased. The length of the field was around 9,000 feet, which can be used for landing of all types of craft used by the Air Force, but during the process of renovation, its length has been increased by 400 feet. The process of renovation of the air field is now complete and the Tezpur Air Force station is now waiting for the first landing of the Sukhoi aircraft in the North East region.

But till date, it is not yet decided as to when civil airliners will start operations from Tezpur airfield. Col Kalia said that the airfield would be ready for operation of civil passenger planes immediately after June 15 and it is up to the airline companies to decide as to when they would like to resume operations

NF Railway engineers’ meet concludes

GUWAHATI, June 7 – The two-day 7th biennial general meeting of NF Railway Engineers’ Association (NFREA) ended at Rang Bhawan here today. The meeting discussed redress of the problems faced by engineers of NFR, informed T Chatterjee, president, NFREA. The central executive meeting of All India Railway Engineers’ Federation was also held at Rang Bhawan. The meeting was attended by various senior officials and representatives of Indian Railways.

Celebrations to mark three years in power

GUWAHATI, June 7 – The State Government has resolved to celebrate three years of its existence in power on June 16 with a day-long colourful programme at the Sarusajai National Games Stadium.

This decision was adopted at a meeting held by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his Khanapara official residence with the Ministerial colleagues, senior Government officials, among others.

The Government is likely to announce a number of developmental schemes during the celebration, said official sources here on Saturday.

Governor confirms deployment along border

ITANAGAR, June 7 – The Centre’s move to deploy more security forces along the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh is to develop the country’s capability to effectively meet the future security challenges, said Governor, General (Retd) JJ Singh.

“It was a part of planned augmentation of the security forces capability to defend the country and to meet its future security challenges,” confirmed the Governor, while talking to mediapersons here yesterday in the sidelines of the valedictory function of a five-day golf orientation camp, organized at the Raj Bhawan Golf Course.

The former Army chief said that increase of the force level, improvement of weapons, fighting platforms, intelligence acquiring and other equipments were aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the personnel to effectively meet any sort of challenges.

He said two divisions of Army, each

comprising around 25,000 to 30,000 personnel, along with supporting elements including artillery, medicine, signals, engineering, etc would be deployed along the international borders.

The exercise would be done in a phased manner in the next few years along with development of roads and other infrastructure along the borders, he added.

BSF gets Rs 8,000 crore improvement fund

SHILLONG, June 7 – The world’s largest border guarding force, the Border Security Force (BSF), is getting larger with the Union Home Ministry sanctioning a whopping Rs 8,000 crore to raise additional battalions, headquarters and other assets, most to be located in the North East.

BSF Director General ML Kumawat said, the Home Ministry wants the BSF to upgrade its border management and therefore the necessary allocation to increase its assets and headquarters were made.

Altogether, 509 new Border Out Posts (BOPs) would be raised, of which 383 would be in the North East. Assam sector would have six new BOPs and Meghalaya 17. Another new 29 battalions, nine DIG offices and three new frontier headquarters would be raised within the next four years, the DG informed. This upgrade is an all time high for the BSF, Kumawat said during his visit to the (Assam-Meghalaya) Frontier headquarters here.

The Western sector now is relatively well-fenced so most of the new BOPs and offices would be in the North East, the DG said.

Kumawat said the Union Home Ministry wants to decrease the distance between two BOPs ideally up to 3.5 kms and so the new BOPs were being raised.

The fencing work between Indo-Bangla border would also be expedited and should be completed within the next four years. There are some problematic areas when it comes to fencing in the North East and that is being sorted out by the Centre with the help of State Governments, Kumawat added.

When asked what lessons were learnt from BDRs mutiny, the DG said BSF was trying to improve not just quantatively but also qualitatively.

About 400 BOPs in the country has now been provided with electricity also emphasis is being made to provide safe and clean drinking water to the men on the borders in the aftermath of BDR’s mutiny, Kumawat informed.

Moreover, the BSF has revived the pension scheme to its jawans. There has been hike in pay and allowances, housing and now there are more chances of promotions for the jawans, Kumawat stated.

Meanwhile, the BSF DG who would be visiting Dhaka next month said, the Bangladesh Government was taking action against NE militants sheltering in that country. He added perhaps ULFA chief Paresh Barua was on the run following the crackdown.

The DG also said he had no knowledge if the missing BDR men were providing training to NE insurgents in that country. Some (BDR mutineers) are still missing that’s all we know, he said.

On Pakistan, Kumawat said it was laudable that the neighbour was taking action against terrorists. A democratic and stable Pakistan is far easier to deal than hostile fragmented Pakistan, the DG observed.