Awareness meeting on swine flu held

TINSUKIA, Aug 30: An awareness meeting on swine flu was held at Khonsa recently, in which HoDs and health workers participated. Tirap DC, Ankur Garg who presided over the meeting while appreciating the DMO and his staff for taking the initiative, asked the people to take personal care and told them not to panic. He said that, doctors were aware of the situation and were competent enough to tackle any eventualities. He asked the HoDs to convey to their staff the basic knowledge on how to protect oneself from being infected by swine flu.

Dr P Rakshit, SMO and District Surveillance Officer in his power-point presentation on swine flu said that, swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type of influenza virus adding that, human infection can happen– pig to human and human to human. He said, the main reason for panic among the people was because swine flu is very contagious and that medicines were not available in the market. He further cautioned the people from buying medicines from the market for common cold and cough as it may prove to be counter-productive.

Earlier, in his welcome address Dr S Ronya, DMO threw light on the origin of swine flu and asked the people to be aware of ways and means to protect themselves. He however told the people not to panic, as all required measures have been taken by his department to face the situation. Dr HK Dutta, SMO also spoke on the occasion. THE SENTINEL

Water Resource Minister inaugurates college auditorium

DIBRUGARH, Aug 25: The Water Resource Minister and local MLA Prithibi Majhi inaugurated the newly built auditorium in Lahowal College in Dibrugarh yesterday, amidst the presence of faculty members, employees and students.

Majhi later attended a meeting organized to welcome the new entrants of the college. The Principal of the Tengakhat College Kiran Bora, former President of the All Assam Journalists Union I Ahmed, former Dean of Arunachal Pradesh University and noted writer Sristi Dhar Dutta and Assistant General Secretary of All Assam Students Union (AASU) Rituparna Barua graced the occasion as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi expressed his satisfaction over the standard of construction work of the auditorium and promised to grant more financial assistance from his constituency development fund. The Minister had earlier sanctioned fifteen lakh rupees for the same. He lauded the sincere efforts of Principal Jyoti Dutta in building the college as a centre of excellence and gave him credit on the successful construction of the auditorium.

Majhi also spoke on the measures taken by the State Government for the overall development of the tea tribe students and urged upon the students of the community to avail the facilities and benefits offered by the Government through various schemes for their pursuit to higher education.

Speakers Sristi Dhar Dutta , Kiron Bora and Rituparna Baruah also welcomed the new students and urged upon them to devote themselves to the quest of knowledge under the able guidance of their teachers. President of the college governing body Anil Phukan also addressed the gathering. THE SENTINEL

Financial aid distributed at Tinsukia

TINSUKIA, Aug 25: A meeting for distribution of financial grant by Tea Tribe and ex Tea Tribe Welfare Cell took place at the DRDA meeting hall in Tinsukia recently.

The distribution function was organized by the Tinsukia Sub-Division Welfare Department and was attended by Digboi MLA Rameswar Dhanowar, Tinsukia MLA Rajendra Prasad Singh , Doom Dooma MLA Durga Bhumij and Tinsukia District Tea Cell president Arun Sahu. The objective of the meeting was explained by Sub-divisional welfare officer-in-charge Swapna Dutta Deka. The MLA of Tinsukia and Doom Dooma, RP Singh and Durga Bhumij stressed on the need of proper utilization of the financial assistance.

While distributing the cheques, President of Tea tribe and ex tea tribe cell and MLA of Digboi Rameswar Dhanowar informed that for the students of the Tea Tribe-inhabited areas, more such scholarship will be provided in different phases.

Scholarship cheques amounting to Rs 7,78,900 were distributed among students of the tea tribe areas of Tinsukia sub-division and Rs 77, 560 among the tea tribe areas of Margherita sub-division. Similarly, for self employment in the tea tribe areas, cheques amounting to Rs 8,00,000 each for Tinsukia and Margherita sub-division were distributed.

Non-government schools of the tea tribe areas of Tinsukia and Margherita sub-division were granted an amount of five lakh each. Cheques of Rs 2 lakh each were distributed among the beneficiaries of self-help groups of Tinsukia and Margherita sub-division.

Apart from the beneficiaries, heads of educational institutes were also present at the distribution function. THE SENTINEL

Speed limit set for NH-37

BOKAKHAT, Aug 25: The Kaziranga National Park authorities have taken stringent measures to control the speed of the vehicles on NH 37 in the KNP area in an attempt to protect the animals crossing the highway to take shelter in the forests of Karbi Anglong. Incessant rainfall has submerged a lot of areas in the KNP due to which animals are forced to seek shelter in Karbi Anglong. The speed limit for vehicles have been set at 40 km per hour. Anybody found guilty of crossing the speed limit would be fined by the security guards patrolling the highway. While no animal death has been reported so far, the forest guards are working day and night in order to provide protection to the animals from poachers and flood. As many on eight forest camps have been inaugurated in the park so far. THE SENTINEL

Art competition organized

NAGAON, Aug 23: Nehru Yubak Kendra of Nagaon organized an art competition in collaboration with Jyoti Academy in Jyoti Art School, Nagaon in connection with Sadbhavana Divas. In the programme, the secretary of Jyoti Academy Sujit Das and president of Jyoti Academy Dulal Bora felicitated Dhanajoy Talukdar of NYK, Gautam Kalita, Ashini Sarma and Amitab Das Gupta who graced the programme as guests. An art competition was held in the programme in which more than 500 students participated the competition. The subject for the art competition was ‘Mask’. It is mentionable that Jyoti Academy was established in the year 1999 in Nagaon town.

Truck falls into Kakodonga river, 3 die

JORHAT, Aug 23: Three persons died while one managed to escape while an Air Force truck hailing from Dimapur dropped in to Kakodonga river at Kakodonga bridge on NH-37.
Police source informed that, an Air Force truck carrying Air Force canteen goods fell in to the river failing its control. Four persons along with one Pankaj Kalita, a bill clerk of Air Force drowned in the river. However, the handyman of the truck managed to escape. The body of the driver and the owner of the truck is yet to recover.

Five NDFB cadres nabbed in Bangladesh

GUWAHATI, Aug 18 – With improvement of relations between India and Bangladesh, the Government of the neighbouring country has started taking action against the militants using the territory of the country as safe haven and five militants belonging to the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) were arrested in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) area today. Security sources here said that they do not have any official intimation of the arrests as yet. However, sources pointed out that the possibility of such arrests cannot be ruled out as the NDFB has strong bases in Bangladesh even in the area from where the militants were reportedly arrested.

A report in Daily Star, a premier English daily of Bangladesh, today said that a joint team of the Army and police arrested five NDFB militants from Khagrachari area in CHT of Bangladesh. The arrested persons have been identified as Oadhish Narzary, aged 35, Pabitra Goyari (25), Dhiren Khakori (25), Jonathan Basumatary (35) and Pradeep (30), the report said.

The report of the newspaper said that the arrested persons have been charged with illegal entry into that country and during questioning they revealed before the police that they managed to sneak into Bangladesh through the international border in Tripura. The report further said that over the years, India was alleging that militants belonging to ULFA, NDFB and other groups were taking shelter in Bangladesh and today’s arrests came as a part of growing cooperation between the two countries. Recently, three Indian nationals, working as LeT operatives, were also arrested in Bangladesh, the report said.

Meanwhile, security sources said that according to information available, the anti-talk faction of the NDFB headed by Ranjan Daimary, have strong bases in Bangladesh. The outfit has at least a hundred cadres in their bases in Bangladesh. Though the exact number of camps of the outfit in Bangladesh is yet to be ascertained, it is believed that the outfit is running at least 10 bases in the neighbouring country and some of the bases are in the Khagrachari area from where the militants were reportedly arrested today.

Sources said that the DHD(J) group joined hands with the NDFB with the view to utilize the bases of the outfit in Bangladesh. Foreign secretary of the DHD(J), Frankie Dimasa, who was recently killed in an encounter in Guwahati, was instrumental in establishing the link with the NDFB, sources revealed.

Though the Government of Bangladesh is yet to launch a crackdown against the militants taking shelter in that country, “the comfort level of the militants has definitely come down forcing the leaders to keep changing their bases,” sources added. Sources said that NDFB anti talk faction leader Ranjan Daimary is believed to be still in Bangladesh, but according to information available, he has shifted his base from Dhaka to Sherpur area, where the ULFA and NDFB have their hideouts.

Ranjan Gogoi new acting CJ of HC

Law Reporter

GUWAHATI, Aug 18 – The Union Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Justice) by an order dated August 18 has appointed Justice Ranjan Gogoi as Chief Justice (Acting) of Gauhati High Court from August 17. Justice Gogoi assumed charge of office of the Chief Justice (Acting) on August 17.

Panel on border issue

SHILLONG, Aug 18 – To resolve the vexed Meghalay- Assam border dispute a Special Committee has been constituted comprising officials and government representatives from the two states, reports PTI. The decision to set up the Special Committee was taken during a meeting between Chief Ministers of both the States Tarun Gogoi and D D Lapang in New Delhi last evening.

Both sides agreed to continue the discussions to resolve the inter-state border related territorial issues. It was reiterated by both sides that as agreed earlier, the development works may be undertaken in the disputed areas after informing the other state, Lapang said in a faxed statement from New Delhi.

The special committee constituted would be headed by Assam Health Minster Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya PWD Minister Prestone Tyngsong. It comprises of principle secretaries (Home) of both the states and deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Assam’s Kamrup district and Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district.

Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang had a few days back said the government was contemplating on resolving the dispute through referendum.

In fact, Lapang said the government has asked the village authorities of the Langpih area, the most disturbed disputed area between the two states, to submit a list of villages which want to be with Meghalaya.

Martyrdom of State doctor comes to light

GUWAHATI, Aug 18 – It is in a way a resurrection of a forgotten war hero of Assam laid to rest in Singapore during the height of World War II. Dr Tarani Kanta Roy of Sorbhog in Barpeta district who served in the Medical Corps of the Allied Forces embraced martyrdom on February 13, 1942 when the hospital he was working in suffered heavy bombardment by the Japanese air force. It was only on August 8 this year that the resting place of the brave-heart was stumbled upon by his niece and niece-in-law during their visit to a war memorial in Singapore, the Cranzi War Cemetery. Inscribed on the sepulchre were the words ‘Their name liveth for ever more: Tarani Kanta Roy-doctor and Satya Paul Khosla-doctor.’

“It is unbelievable news for us at the fag end of our own lives – to know where our father is lying in eternal sleep. Perhaps it was destined that way, and all in the family are yet to come to terms with the startling development,” noted theatre personality Dulal Roy, the second son of the late Dr Tarani Kanta Roy, said.

Roy, in fact, never saw his father as he was still in his mother’s womb when his father left for Singapore. “I was told later that he was given a ceremonial send-off by hundreds of villagers on the eve of his departure. Though just into his thirties, my father was as popular as he was respected,” he said.

Reminiscing, Roy said that the Army doctor had a distinguished service before he met with premature martyrdom. “A surviving colleague of his once told us that during the aerial attack on that fateful day, my father was attending his duties unflinchingly even in the midst of the bombardment. He was of the firm belief that the enemy would never target a hospital,” he said.

Roy said that till the discovery of his father’s tomb, it had been rather hard for his family members to accept his demise. “My mother, who survived just four years after his death, never acknowledged it, always believing that he would return,” he said.

The immediate family members of the late Army doctor include, besides Dulal Roy, his elder brother Hemendra Roy and elder sisters Kusum Thakuria and Arundhati Das (all into their 70s now).

“When our niece Bidisha Roy Kalita and her husband Manoj Kalita (they are now settled in Singapore) broke the news, we were dumbstruck and did not know how to react. Now we plan to visit Singapore and pay our homage to our father,” Santichaya Roy, wife of Dulal Roy and an artiste in her own right, said.

His distinguished military service apart, Dr Tarani Kanta Roy had a deep cultural orientation and took interest in arts. “He was obviously culturally-inclined, and among other things wrote poems,” Roy said.

Roy said that the family was planning to do something in memory of the late Dr Tarani Kanta Roy so that his legacy endures.

Govt to enforce truce rules: Gogoi

GUWAHATI, Aug 18 – Barely a day after being pulled up by the Centre for apparently bowing down before the activities of the insurgent groups, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today conceded that violation of ceasefire ground rules is a matter of concern for both the Central and the State Governments and it would go all out to enforce the same. Gogoi, while addressing mediapersons at Assam Bhawan in New Delhi, however also conceded that the State, in spite of facing problem of insurgency, is making commendable progress, which is a positive sign.

He, however, maintained that insurgent groups have lost public support and their strength has diminished.

Drawing comparison with the erstwhile AGP Government, Gogoi reiterated that the number of deaths of both civilians and security personnel were less during the last eight years of Congress tenure than it was during the AGP regime from 2001-06.

On the status of the trouble-torn NC Hills district, the Chief Minister said, “More than a mere law and order situation, it is the sense of alienation amongst the people that has compounded the problem in the hill district.”

“To be very frank, the council had not done anything for the development of the district and most of the Government schemes were also not implemented properly, which further aggravated the law and order situation in the district,” Gogoi stated.

He further informed that as underdevelopment is one of the root causes of the rise in insurgent activities and deteriorating law and order situation in certain areas, the State Government will go in a big way to ensure overall development of the rural areas.

Dwelling on utilisation of police force modernisation fund in the State, the Chief Minister informed that of the Rs 424 crore released, the State till 2000 has already utilized Rs 357 crore.

On the drought-like situation, Gogoi pointed out that the Government has given special stress on Rabi crop cultivation, which he believes, would negate the impact of the loss caused by the existing scenario.

The flood situation, Gogoi said, was also improving, though production up to 20 per cent is expected to get affected.

Government initiatives to check corruption

GUWAHATI, Aug 18: The Hills Social Economic Development Society (HSEDS), an NGO, appreciated the initiative of the government for asking Asom Governor Sayeed Sibte Razi to resign from his post owing to alleged corruption at the place of his earlier posting. The NGO said this type of action inspires and builds up a sense of confidence and trust in the common people for the government to check and root out corruption for overall development of our nation, stated a press release.
The NGO further said it was hopeful that the stringent and prudent action would stop and prevent the ongoing anomalies in the district and thus restore peace and development.

Students’ road blockade

DIBRUGARH, Aug 17: Last flood proves to be the straw that ultimately broke the camel’s back. With the students coming out in large number and demonstrating in front of their respective institutions closing down the arterial Keshab Chandra Gogoi Path for about two hours demanding immediate completion of drains, footpath and roads.

The K Road, it may be mentioned was in dilapidated condition since the last two decades. Various Governments have come and gone, control of the municipality has changed hands, and the high officials of the PWD were transferred and then re-transferred but the condition of the road had gone from bad to worse. In the past years, the students have approached the authority time and again and they were given false promises. The portion of the road from Gavarupathar intersection to the St. Mary’s School beggars description. One single smart shower turns this portion of the road into a ditch of water creating danger to the life and limb of the small school children as well as to the college students. The situation is compounded by the haphazard and unplanned digging up of the roadside in the name of creating a storm water drain-cum-footpath. This exercise is also kept incomplete and the situation has deteriorated to an extent that a teacher of a nearby school falling into a ditch and suffering injuries.

On the other hand, the Indian Railways during their much-touted broad conversion programme has heightened the earthwork opposite the local colleges resulting in water logging in front of the gates of the colleges.

The agitating students lodged their protest by burning car tyres in front of Little Flower School, DHSK Commerce College and DHSK College. The police force headed by Superintendent of Police, Abhijit Bora and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tosheswar Muktiar rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The ADC Muktiar assured the students’ community that the district administration would take necessary steps in fulfilling their demand. He invited all the office-bearers of the college unions at the DC’s office on August 18, for sorting out the ways and means to solve the problems for ever. On being assured by the authority for a permanent solution of the problems, the students lifted their road blockade stir. THE SENTINEL

AATSA contradicts declaration of Universal Enrolment district

JORHAT, Aug 17: Jorhat district Mission Co-Ordinator Dibyalata Gohain announced Jorhat as the Universal Enrolment (100 per cent education for all) district at a meeting held at Dr Pitambor Dev Goswami Auditorium here today. With this Jorhat becomes the second district of the State next to Golaghat, of witnessing such a prestigious declaration by the District Education Department. The programme was presided over by Jorhat Deputy Commissioner LS Changsan and a few bigwigs across the district participated. Addressing the gathering, Gohain termed it as the impressive triumph for the District Education Department as well as the people of the highest literary district of the State. Recollecting her hard experiences to accomplish such an achievement the district officer said that, “It was a dream of us and today our dream comes true”. She also thanked her colleagues and the people of Jorhat district for their valuable contribution for achieving this success.

In her speech DC LS Changsan said that, the department have taken up some new schemes like– ‘Amar Parhasali’, ‘Jyotikendra’, ‘Bridge Course’, etc. to enrol all children in the age group of 6 to 14. They have taken all possible measures to ensure schooling for children in rural and tea garden areas of the district, she added.

The programme was attended by Jorhat Zilla Parishad chairman Putul Buragohain, educationist Upendrajit Mahanta, littereteur Santanu Tamuly, Dr Bolin Kharghoria, former Municipality Chairperson Prasanta Bora, journalist Prafulla Rajguru among others.

Meanwhile, the All Asom Tea Tribes Students’ Association (AATSA) contradicted this declaration made by Jorhat District Education Department and said that, though the Education Department declared Jorhat as the Universal Enrolment district of the State but in reality it is not true. Talking to The Sentinel Aswini Kumar Tasa, member of AATSA central committee and advisor of Jorhat district AATSA said, there are many children particularly in the tea tribes’ populated areas which are still far from schooling and out of school enrolment. Terming the declaration as the mockery of truth by the District Education Department, the student leader alleged that it was better to take more time to review the process, so that the declaration is an authentic one. Pointing out a number of tea gardens namely– Cinnamora, Toklai, Baisahabi, Teok, Hatigarh, Greenview, Gavoru Parbot, Chelleng and Titabor, the student leader reiterated that, the declaration is not based on truth. THE SENTINEL

Efforts on to regain lost glory of Dibrugarh

DIBRUGARH, Aug 14: The Dibrugarh district administration has instructed NF Railway authorities to construct a drain along the newly laid railway track from Banipur to Rojabheta to ensure a hassle-free passage of water of the area. The NF Railway authorities did assure the district administration of complying with the instruction.

Announcing this at the Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting held here on August 12, Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Gyanendra Dev Tripathy said that the people of the area would get relief of rain-fed flood when the drain is completed. He further told the citizens that the district administration would not hesitate to take stern action against erring people or parties to put an end to water-logging in the town.

“Encroachment on drains or government land that caused disruption on natural flow of rain water will be cleared without serving any notice,” the DC asserted. The eviction drive will start soon in all the areas. Terming encroachment of government land and blocking of natural water ways by a section of people is a serious problem in civic life, he called upon the members of the CLG and other citizens to extend their fullest cooperation in the district administration’s bid to bring the old glory of Dibrugarh town back. He assured the members that he would take steps in streamlining the ongoing construction of the drains and footpaths at different parts of the town.
The DC also referred to the cases of a newly formed organization — Asom Jagrata Nibunowa Santha — in forcible collection of money from businessmen. Tripathy said the police has been duly instructed to take action. He also asked the businessmen not to accede to such demands.
Drawing attention to the earlier instruction of the administration that all private lodges and hostels be registered with the administration and regular reports of those taking shelter there should be furnished, the DC has stated that such instructions are being ignored. This has far-reaching implications in view of the present security situation. He called upon all owners of private lodges and hostels to register themselves so as to avoid the risk of their lodges being closed down by the authorities.

IGP (designate) Dr LR Bishnoi was also present at the meeting. He called upon the policemen to keep the humanitarian aspect in mind while dealing with cases. At the same time, he appealed to the public to actively coordinate with the authorities. He stated that police-public ratio in the state is such that without public cooperation, it is difficult for the police to discharge duty.
Dibrugarh SP Abhijit Borah said most of the three-wheelers plying in Dibrugarh town are either without registration and permission or running on an unpermitted road. Strict instructions have been issued to the traffic police department to crack down on such violators of law. This, he hopes, will bring some discipline in the roads.
Earlier, members of the CLG felicitated IGP (designate) Dr L.R. Bishnoi. THE SENTINEL

Health Department gears up to tackle swine flu

DIBRUGARH, Aug 14: The Health Department in Dibrugarh is gearing up to meet any eventuality of swine flu in the district.

A 24-hour special out patient department has been set up at Assam Medical College here to carry out investigation of any patient with suspected symptoms of the disease. A 10-bedded ward has also been opened for treatment of serious patients.

While talking to The Sentinel, Joint Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr PK Hazarika said that tablets of temi flu have been stocked at Assam Medical College. Acknowledging that the present stock is less, he assured that it would be augmented from time to time as the need arose. The Joint Director said that samples of suspected cases would be rushed to RMRC, which will remain open at all times. He further stated that an action plan to impart requisite training to doctors as well as paramedical staff in phases was already in place. Within the next 10 to 15 days, the department would start the training, Dr Hazarika added. He went on to say that the nursing homes have been instructed to rush in any person suspected to have H1N1 virus to the AMC as the provision for treatment was available there only.

The official revealed that the tablets of temi flu would be provided only to serious cases and to the doctors as well as nursing staff working in the particular isolation ward. He said that the medical staff would treat the patients according to the diagnosis. Hazarika further stated that the various symptoms would be treated as per the normal method of treatment, like people with breathing difficulties being put on ventilators.
The Medical Department is specially looking out for patients who have recently returned after stay in countries where the disease has spread. THE SENTINEL

HNLC calls bandh on I-Day

SHILLONG, Aug 12 – The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has called a 24-hour bandh ahead of Independence Day celebrations from 6 pm on August 14 to 6 pm the next day. In a statement issued today, HNLC said the bandh was in protest against Indian colonialism and denial of basic human right.

HNLC spokesman Sainkupar Nongtraw said HNLC was formed to fight for the freedom of the Khasi people. He said HNLC stands firm in fighting against the Indian colonialism.

Curfew in Imphal taking its toll on people

IMPHAL, Aug 12 – Imposition of indefinite curfew in Manipur’s capital city and its periphery areas is taking its toll on the common people, especially the daily wage earners and the student community.

Even though they rushed to sell their wares during the brief curfew respite, women vendors who sell vegetables in the markets to earn a livelihood for their families are facing a huge loss. Piles of rotting vegetables and fishes, etc are lying on the roadside as the women hastily re-packed their belongings to head homewards when curfew was re-imposed.

“My son,when will the curfew come to an end?”, asked a middle-aged woman Ibemmu who has been selling vegetables for the last 30 years under a makeshift plastic-roofed shed in Imphal. The woman sells vegetables for a living in Imphal’s main market – Khwairamband Keithel and is a resident of Bishnupur district.

She said, for us,whatever amount earned from here (selling vegetables) is used for procuring essential commodities for the family. A fish seller from Mayang Imphal also experienced a similar hardship. Hundreds of other women vendors livelihoods have also been curtailed and threatened by the prolonged imposition of curfew.

On the other hand, thousands of students studying in the schools, colleges and university are forced to enjoy a second summer vacation in view of the curfew. All the educational institutions in greater Imphal area have remained closed since August 3 last. Some students who were supposed to sit for half yearly examination are still taking a break at their homes. “our examination is supposed to start from August 8 but it has been postponed due to curfew”, Rajashree, a class XI student said.

All Manipur College Teachers’ Association has been urging the government to bring an immediate solution to the ongoing turmoil in the State. M Lokendro, general secretary of the Association said, imposition of curfew has badly affected government colleges in Imphal and other parts of the State. T Roshnikanta of the rickshaw drivers association reminded the authority of the hardships faced by the people while urging to lift the curfew.

The students of the State’s premier college – DM College here have decided to surrender their books to the State Governor if they are not allowed to attend their regular classes. “Education should be left as a free zone”, said M Bidyaraj Meetei, of DM College, in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

NE Health Ministers to ask Centre for H1N1 testing lab

SHILLONG, Aug 12 – Health Ministers from the North East would approach the Union Health Ministry to equip one medical institute in the region for testing H1N1 virus instead of sending swab samples to Kolkata.

Meghalaya Health Minister, Mukul Sangma, addressing the media after a 17-year-old boy tested positive of swine flu said sending the swab of suspected patients to National Institute for Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata was time consuming.

He informed that Chief Minister DD Lapang has already spoken to Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad in this regard to set up the testing facility in the region.

“We are in touch with Health Ministers of the region and would be requesting the Centre collectively to set up a facility in one of the existing medical institutes of the region to test swab sample of suspected H1N1 patients”, Sangma said.

The Minister suggested that the testing facility could be set up either in NEIGRIHMS here or any other medical institute in Guwahati, which is easily accessible to other States of the region.

In Meghalaya, there were five suspected cases of swine flu. A footballer who returned from England’s Arsenal football club tested positive of H1N1 virus yesterday. Three other tests returned negative while report of another is being awaited, Sangma said.

He also said there should be adequate screening facility at the Guwahati Airport for passengers coming from outside the State. Such facility is required as people are constantly moving in and out of the region, the Minister said.

Asked if the State Government would issue travel advisory to people from the State, Sangma said it is advisable for people not to travel outside the State until and unless it was unavoidable.

Meanwhile, Sangma said there was no cause for panic as the disease was curable, but urged people to take the test if they observe symptoms of the disease.

Women ultra team sneaks into city

GUWAHATI, Aug 12 – A 13-member team of woman cadres belonging to the banned ULFA and anti-talks faction of NDFB has entered the city to trigger subversive activities ahead of the Independence Day, latest intelligence inputs gathered by the Assam Police stated. Sources in the police department while confirming this further stated that operation is on to nab the cadres.

Sources however refused to divulge further in this connection.

It may be mentioned that the insurgent outfits of the region to make their presence felt often try to create law and order problems during the Independence Day celebrations.

AASU asks PM, CM to make stand clear on Accord

The members of the central executive of the AASU in protest against the non-implementation of the Assam Accord clauses have also decided to go for fasting from August 14 morning, which will end a few minutes before the time of hoisting the National Flag on August 15.

Informing this to media persons here today, AASU advisor Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya said, “Both the Centre and the State Government by not paying any heed to the sensitiveness of the Assam Accord, has shown disrespect to non-violent movement, which is very unfortunate.”

“The issue of Bangladeshi infiltration is the biggest threat the indigenous people of Assam are facing. Besides, it has also changed the demographic pattern of the State but no concrete steps have yet been initiated to address the issue by effective and speedy implementation of the Accord,” the AASU advisor rued.

“One fails to understand why the Government has not been able to address issues like detection and deportation of illegal migrants, fencing of Indo-Bangla border and NRC, which has over the years posed a threat to national integrity and sovereignty,” Dr Bhattacharya stated.

“We demand of both the Centre and the State to fix a specific time-frame for implementation of all the clauses of the Assam Accord,” Dr Bhattacharya asserted.

The AASU has termed the Chief Minister’s recent comment on big dams as ‘irresponsible and unscientific’, which came at the diktat of New Delhi undermining the interests of the State.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister recently came out in support of the construction of big dams for tapping the region’s hydropower potential.

AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi and president Sankar Prasad Rai were also present on the occasion.

AASU asks PM, CM to make stand clear on Accord

The members of the central executive of the AASU in protest against the non-implementation of the Assam Accord clauses have also decided to go for fasting from August 14 morning, which will end a few minutes before the time of hoisting the National Flag on August 15.

Informing this to media persons here today, AASU advisor Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya said, “Both the Centre and the State Government by not paying any heed to the sensitiveness of the Assam Accord, has shown disrespect to non-violent movement, which is very unfortunate.”

“The issue of Bangladeshi infiltration is the biggest threat the indigenous people of Assam are facing. Besides, it has also changed the demographic pattern of the State but no concrete steps have yet been initiated to address the issue by effective and speedy implementation of the Accord,” the AASU advisor rued.

“One fails to understand why the Government has not been able to address issues like detection and deportation of illegal migrants, fencing of Indo-Bangla border and NRC, which has over the years posed a threat to national integrity and sovereignty,” Dr Bhattacharya stated.

“We demand of both the Centre and the State to fix a specific time-frame for implementation of all the clauses of the Assam Accord,” Dr Bhattacharya asserted.

The AASU has termed the Chief Minister’s recent comment on big dams as ‘irresponsible and unscientific’, which came at the diktat of New Delhi undermining the interests of the State.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister recently came out in support of the construction of big dams for tapping the region’s hydropower potential.

AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi and president Sankar Prasad Rai were also present on the occasion.

Swine flu toll touches 17

PUNE/NASHIK, Aug 12 – Swine flu pandemic toll today rose to 17 with three more persons – two in Pune and one in Nashik– succumbing to the virus even as schools, colleges and cinema halls in Mumbai were shut down to check the spread of the infection, reports PTI. 29-year-old Shrawani Deshpande and 33-year-old Balu Kuland died due to the disease in Pune, taking the toll in the worst hit city in Maharashtra to 8, officials said.

Nashik registered its first flu death when 38-year-old doctor Rupesh Gangurde died of the viral infection at the Nashik civil hospital this morning.

He was admitted to a private hospital on Monday after he complained of vomitting and fever. His blood sample was sent to Pune and he tested positive for H1N1.

So far, the flu has claimed a total of 15 lives — one each in Ahmedabad, Vadodra, Thane, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, two in Mumbai and eight in Pune.

With the infection spreading fast, the Maharashtra government ordered closure of schools and colleges in Mumbai for a week and theatres and multiplexes for three days.

The decision was taken as part of preacautionary measures to check the infection, a senior state government official said.

Swine flu cases countrywide have crossed the 1,000 mark with 119 fresh cases being reported till yesterday.

In Delhi, two children of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf have tested positive for swine flu and have been quarantined at home. Three other patients with swine flu symptoms have been admitted to the RML hospital in the capital.

With spiralling cases of swine flu countrywide, central teams have been despatched to all states and Union Territories after Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad chaired a meeting of 35 additional secretaries and joint secretaries drawn from various ministries.

He briefed the teams personally yesterday before they were dispatched to the state capitals.

While 14 additional secretaries would go to the big states, the joint secretaries would got to other states and Union Territories.The teams would stay there for two-three days and would return by August 15.

Azad also spoke to all Chief Ministers and told them to step up preparedness.

The health minister requested the Chief Ministers to chair the first meeting of these teams so that on-the-spot decisions are taken for swift implementation, a senior health ministry official said.

The Central teams will discuss with state governments new guidelines issued by the ministry of health and family welfare with record to capacity building issues such as identification of labs for testing and hospitals in private and public sectors for screening, diagnosis and treatment of swine flu patients.
PTI.

Safety awareness survey

From a Correspondent
NUMALIGARH, Aug 11: The National Safety Council of Mumbai will carry a survey to measure safety awareness of Numaligarh Refinery from August 10 to 12. According to sources, on the basis of the survey report, NRL will take necessary steps to fulfil the shortcomings. NRL has already achieved a number of awards with regards to safety because of its well organized policy.

Governor pays homage to WW-II victims

NEWMAI NEWS
KOHIMA, Aug 2 – The newly sworn in Governor of Nagaland, Gurbachan Jagat paid homage to the World War II heroes at the Kohima War Cemetery accompanied by his wife on Friday. In his words, Jagat described the cemetery as solemn and dignified silent tribute to the fallen warriors. “The place evokes both sadness and pride arising from reflections on the human toll and the valour of the soldiers,” Gurbachan Jagat said.

He also laid a wreath as a tribute to the brave heroes who fought the battle of Kohima and laid their lives for our better today fighting against the Japanese invasion.

Earlier, the Governor also paid a visit to the State Museum here. The Governor and his wife were shown around the Museum by the officials of the Directorate of Art and Culture.

The museum officials explained about the history, significance and the characteristic of all the displays, a release from Raj Bhavan, Kohima stated.

Jagat while appreciating the museum said that it is very educative and depicts nicely most of the aspects of Naga life.

Jaswant Singh demands creation of Gorkhaland

GANGTOK, Aug 2 – Accusing the Left Front Government in West Bengal of ignoring the Darjeeling Hills, senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh Friday demanded the creation of a separate Gorkhaland during a discussion in the Lok Sabha.

Singh also demanded more funds under the Cyclone Aila package. Initiating a debate on the Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha, the Darjeeling MP wondered, “What wrong have the Gorkhas done not to deserve a separate State.”

Welcoming the tripartite talks on the issue, Singh said the demand for Gorkhaland has been one of the oldest demands of the region. He said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had also served as a Defence Minister and should understand the special importance of Darjeeling district, which shares international boundaries with Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and China.

Arunachal enters into joint venture for hydel project

ITANAGAR, Aug 2 – Arunachal Pradesh Government has entered into a joint venture with the Jindal group to develop the 4,500 mw Etalin multi-purpose hydro-electric project, the biggest in the country.

Announcing this at a press conference here yesterday, the Chairman of the Hydro-power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh, T G Rimpoche said the joint venture company has been registered recently and survey work for preparing a detailed project report will start soon.

The project was earlier to have been develoed by NHPC but the State Government later opted for a joint venture with the Jindal group after the latter agreed to allow 26 per cent stake to the State Government.

The poject is located in Lower Dibang Valley on the Dibang river in the border State. – PTI

Tehelka exposure sparks anti-govt protests in Manipur

Shouting anti-government slogans and demanding judicial inquiry into the July 23 incident, angry protesters took to the streets of Imphal East this morning. Police fired tear gas shells and used water canon to control the protesters at Lamlong area where a 22 year-old youth Loukrakpam Nanao sustained injury to his right hand.

Meanwhile, Apunba Lup, conglomeration of several organisations demanding immediate punishment to the involved police commandos in the incident and resignation of Chief Minister O Ibobi on moral ground for giving a wrong information in the recently concluded Assembly, has called a 48 hour State-wide bandh from midnight tonight.

“We demand punishment of accused police commandos”, Phulindro Konsam, Spokesman of Apunba Lup said, adding “otherwise we will launch various forms of agitations”.

Holding placards with slogans like ‘We demand judicial inquiry’, ‘Police commandos involved in killing innocent people should be punished’, ‘Stop killing innocent people’, ‘Repeal AFSPA’, ‘Stop fake encounters in Manipur’, ‘Institute judicial inquiry’, etc., volunteers of local bodies including women of Lamdhang and Phayeng villages also staged a sit-in demonstration at five different places in Imphal West district.

In view of the development, security has been alerted in and around Imphal town by deploying armed security men at strategic locations following a high level security meeting with Chief Minister Ibobi in the chair.

The ruling Secular Progressive Front Ministry has instituted a Magisterial inquiry to find the facts and circumstances leading to the incident. Additional Secretary (Home) Yaiskul issued an order in this regard, asking the DC Imphal West district A Ibomcha to submit its report within 30 days.

Manipur Peoples Party has also demanded a judicial inquiry and suspension of the police commandos involved in the incident if the Tehelka report is true.

Wildlife crime: Strong prosecution must to back stringent law

GUWAHATI, Aug 2 – Although the State Government has enhanced the term for a person convicted of poaching by several years and even to life imprisonment in the case of a second offence, the situation vis-à-vis wildlife crime is unlikely to witness any positive change unless the abysmally low conviction rate is improved. Conservationist circles feel that in order to be an effective deterrent, the amendment in the law has to be backed by stronger prosecution because glaring lapses during investigation and trial have invariably been the biggest impediment in securing conviction of the accused.

“The State Forest department has a pathetic record in the matter of pursuance of cases concerning wildlife crime. More often than not, investigation of the cases and prosecution are done very casually and unprofessionally. It is hardly surprising then that the conviction rate is abysmally low in the State,” a conservationist said, adding, “Stronger punishment is always welcome but the preceding stages too need competent and professional handling for punishment to take place.”

According to a senior advocate specializing in wildlife crime, there is an urgent need for the Forest department and the State Government to address the lacunae at the stage of investigation and trial.

“Forest officials rarely attach any importance to the investigation part following the occurrence of a wildlife crime. Lack of coordination with police complicates matters further. All this invariably results in a weak case that is difficult to sustain in the court of law,” he said, adding that ignorance of wildlife laws among forest officials was another constraint.

A forest official, while agreeing with the need to have efficient investigation, said that lack of support from the higher authorities and constraints relating to logistics and infrastructure were at the root of the problem.

“When a wildlife crime takes place in a remote place, we ought to be at the site of the occurrence without wasting any time for gathering evidence. Unhindered movement is essential during the entire investigation stage. Unfortunately, we rarely get the support necessary for facilitating even the basic requirements,” he said, adding that the prevailing situation kills the dynamism and professionalism that field forest officials ought to have.

Pointing out that in many cases investigating agencies file chargesheet after a long period of time causing valuable links in the evidence to disappear and making it difficult to secure a conviction, the senior advocate said that in others the department fails to lead credible testimony and exhibit material objects resulting in acquittal of the accused.

“Unless the department makes out a strong case fortified by unimpeachable evidence collected in the course of a meticulously conducted investigation, the chance of an accused being brought to justice appears remote,” he said.

This apart, lack of requisite expertise and competence on the part of the lawyers entrusted with the responsibility of conducting prosecutions is another factor responsible for poor conviction. Inadequate knowledge of the prosecution staff about the basic process of law, like crime scene documentation, recording and preservation of evidence, and detailed investigation of cases to build up proper case history, invariably weakens the trial.

“The Forest department has to be proactive to secure improvements in the way cases of wildlife crime are investigated and prosecuted. Without this, enhancing the terms of punishment would remain a fruitless exercise,” he said.

Forensic science too can support investigation to a great extent, especially when it relates to parts and products of an animal, which often becomes a matter of dispute, leading to discharge of cases.

Indo-Bangla joint plan on Border management likely

The Assam Tribune that the decision to chalk out a joint border management plan was taken at recent meeting of senior officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). Sources pointed out that if a proper joint border management plan can be chalked out, the situation along the international border would improve considerably and this would also lead to sharing of intelligence between the border guarding forces and restrict the movement of anti-national elements.

Sources revealed that the BSF and the BDR are also likely to start joint patrolling of the vulnerable stretches of the international border. It is now a well established fact that a number of insurgent groups of India have their bases in Bangladesh and they always try to cross over to India to indulge in acts of violence. At present, the international border in Tura sector of Meghalaya is considered one of the most vulnerable because of the rough terrain. If the joint border management plan and joint patrolling by the BSF and BDR becomes a reality, the movement of militants can be checked to a great extent, sources added. Sources further said that if the BSF comes across any intelligence input about possibility of movement of militants, both BSF and BDR can intensify joint patrolling to keep a close watch on the possible routes of the militants to prevent their movement.

At present, the relations between the BSF and BDR are cordial and regular flag meetings between the company commanders of both the forces are held at least once a month. However, there is need for solving the problem of adverse possessions through bilateral talks, sources admitted.

It may be mentioned here that a joint working group comprising senior officials of India and Bangladesh has been formed to clear the hurdles in the way of construction of border fencing. As per an agreement between India and Bangladesh, the border fencing should be constructed 150 yards within Indian territory, but that cannot be done in certain places because of the terrain and other historic reasons. The members of the joint working group are likely to visit those areas in an attempt to settle the problems.

The BSF, on its own, has stepped up vigil along the international border to prevent militants from sneaking into India from Bangladesh before the Independence Day celebrations. Sources revealed that the company commanders of the BSF would camp on the border in the run up to the Independence Day to ensure better vigil. If the senior officers camp near the international border, the troops on the ground would become more alert. The personnel posted at the company headquarters would also be deployed along the border in the run-up to the Independence Day to increase the strength of the force, while, night vigil has been intensified as far as possible. Sharing of intelligence with police and other security agencies engaged in counter-insurgency operations has become a regular feature, sources added.

Meanwhile, sources revealed that though top leaders of different militant groups are still taking shelter in Bangladesh, they have started feeling the heat after the Awami League Government came to power. The insurgent groups still have their bases in Bangladesh, but they are forced to shift their bases frequently and it is reported that the leaders of the militant groups have started looking for other countries to shift their bases. Myanmar is the likely destination for a number of leaders of the militant groups, while, Nepal can become a new destination. It is now an established fact that the Chief of the DHD (J), Jewel Garlosa was in Nepal for some time and the commander in chief of the outfit, Niranjan Hojai is still believed to be in Nepal. The possibility of the leaders of the other insurgent groups shifting bases to Nepal cannot be ruled out, sources added. There were also reports that some members of the anti-talk faction of the NDFB managed to re-establish bases in Bhutan, but the Government of that country denied the reports, sources pointed out.

Assamese body felicitates bright students

SHILLONG, July 31 – The All Meghalaya Assamese Association (AMAA) felicitated 18 meritorious students and four senior citizens from the community recently.

The students were given certificates and cash award for their brilliant performance in the Secondary and Higher Secondary examinations. The four senior citizens - Uttara Das, Girija Lahan, Sushila Phukan and Dr PN Borgohoin were given Pat shawl and citations.

The chief guest on the occasion was Colonel (Retd) Anjan Dutta. Air Commodore Eqbal Hazarika was the guest of honour at the function held at Asom Kristi Kendra here.

Minimum labour wages revised in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, July 31 – In a sop to the working class in Meghalaya, the State Government yesterday revised the minimum labour wages in the State.

Following submissions by various labour and trade union bodies, the State Cabinet decided to enhance the wages of unskilled labour from Rs 70 to Rs 100, the wages of semi-skilled labour from Rs 75 to Rs 120 and that of skilled labour from Rs 85 to Rs 140, an official spokesman said. The revised wages will come into effect from the date of notification.

In a bid to attract private investment in the State, the Cabinet also gave nod for amendment to the ‘Meghalaya Cinema Regulations Rules’ for opening multiplexes in the State, particularly in State capital Shillong. “We would like to have multiplexes with facilities like shopping centre, theatre, restaurants,” Art and Culture Minister BM Lanong said.

The Cabinet also decided to introduce sky-walks in Shillong to ease the traffic congestion and decided to constitute an expert panel to chalk out a blueprint depending on the road parameters. – PTI

Source: Assam Tribune

First case of swine flu detected in Manipur

IMPHAL, July 31 – Swine flu has reached Manipur. This was confirmed by the State Health Director Dr Motilal during a press meet here today.

The victim is a 19-year-old State sportperson from Imphal East district, he informed while declining to give the name of the girl. The girl had recently gone to Singapore for particpation in a championship, and had returned to Imphal on July 23 via Delhi.

The State Government had sounded an alert last week after reports of four fencers, including two from Manipur, and their coach testing positive for the H1N1 virus on their return journey from Singapore, where they joined the recently concluded Junior Asian and Cadet Championship. The team had arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Maintaining that there is no cause for panic as the State has ample stock of tamiflu which can be used for the treatment, Dr Motilal informed that as part of the preventive programme, State doctors have already been deployed at the Imphal airport to check passengers, particularly those coming from abroad.

The State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry department has already imposed a ban on importing pigs from Myanmar.

NNN adds: The victim a school-going girl in Manipur. Giving details about the case, Dr Th Bobonchandra, additional director, RIMS stated that the infected girl was a member of a team of fencers who had gone to Singapore. The team was examined at Delhi Indira Gandhi International airport on July 22, where she was declared uninfected, the doctor continued.

On reaching Manipur on July 23, she started showing swine flu-like symptoms – fever, cough, cold, etc – and on July 27 the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Health Dept got information about her and took her throat and nostril secretion samples and preserved it till July 28, said Dr Bobonchandra. He also said that a team of experts from Delhi would come to impart training to RRT from August 3.

Source: Assam Tribune

Black Day observed

GUWAHATI, July 31 – The Assam Press Correspondents’ Union (APCU) on Friday demanded the intervention of the President and Prime Minister of the country in the Parag Kumar Das murder case to ensure justice to the family of late Das and the entire journalist fraternity.

The APCU today observed Black Day in protest against the recent verdict of the Court of the District and Sessions Judge, Kamrup in the Parag Kumar Das case and the role of the CBI.

BSNL employees stage dharna

GUWAHATI, July 31 – The AIGETOA, an “association of engineers and account officers in BSNL”, has embarked on a protest action against some current policies of BSNL and some acts by “guest deputed officers” holding key policy-making posts in BSNL.

Today, members of the AIGETOA Assam Telecom Circle, organised a half-day dharna in the premises of Chief General Manager, BSNL at Pan Bazar as part of an all-India programme stressing the fulfilment of their demands.

The protesting employees are demanding that there should be no unabsorbed ITS officers in the post of Circle Head and in key posts at the corporate office.

It was also demanded that there should be proper implementation of CPSU pay structure in BSNL and there should be redressal of glaring salary anomalies of large number of graduate engineers and accounts officers. The AIGETOA members further demanded that there ought to be speedy implementation of charter of demands already submitted to corporate office.

Assam Tribune

Hand-made guns found

GUWAHATI, July 31 – Eminent scholar of Assam, Dr Sivanath Barman will feature in the ‘Guest of the Month’ programme of Guwahati Press Club tomorrow. The programme will begin at 2 pm.

Former HoD of Physics dept, Arya Vidyapith College Barman is recognised as a social thinker of repute. Some of his outstanding literary works include Asmoiya Akhar Jotani, Janajati Samasya, Tanka Mamar Anka Sadhu, etc.

Assam Tribune

Hand-made guns found

GUWAHATI, July 31 - Two hand-made guns were recovered from Moriani-Alipurduar passenger train today along with four rounds of live ammunition. The recovery was made by the GRP personnel during a routine check after the train had arrived in Lumding. The GRP first stumbled upon a bag hung from the side of the compartment, which was not claimed by any passenger.

The police investigation is on but no arrests have been made till the time of filing this report, police sources said.