HC notice to Assam, Centre, ex-Governor

HC notice to Assam, Centre, ex-Governor

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Feb 26: The Gauhati High Court today issued notices against the Assam Government, the Central Government, CBI, NC Hills Forest Divisional Officer, former Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh, the Principal Secretary of NC Hills, former NC Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Depolal Hojai and bamboo merchant RS Gandhi on a PIL filed by Assam Enviro-Legal Protection Society that sought CBI inquiry into the multi-crore-rupee scam in the Forest Department in the hill district.

They suffer in their own State!

They suffer in their own State!

Staff Correspondent

DIBRUGARH, Feb 23: The construction work of the gas cracker project being carried out by Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh district came to a halt at the plant site today following clash between two groups of labourers. From the very beginning of the project, an undercurrent of clash between local labourers and labourers imported from outside Assam was prevailing at the project site that witnessed its extremity today. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) resorted to blank fire to bring the situation under control.

According to sources, the clash started with RVR Company bringing some unskilled labourers from outside Assam for works in the project, much to the resentment of the local ones. Sporadic clashes started last night and that reached its crescendo today. According to allegations, some employees of the company assaulted three local labourers and filed a case against them. The three local labourers — Hemanta Phukan, Jantu Phukan and Tarun Phukan — were arrested by the police last night. This morning when the local labourers raised their demand in front of RVR Company site office for unconditional release of the three arrested labourers, a tussle between the local and labourers from outside the State started, leading the CISF personnel to resort to lathi-charge and then blank fire. Police and CRPF personnel soon rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

Abhijit Bora, SP, assured the agitating workers that the labourers guilty of misconduct would be punished. He also invited their representatives to take part in talks with BCPL and RVR Company for a lasting solution to the alleged discrimination by RVR. The irate gathering, however, insisted on unconditional release of Hemanta Phukan, Jantu Phukan and Tarun Phukan.

The agitated labourers alleged that their colleagues had been beaten up by RVR construction manager Radha Krishna Das in connivance with some non-local labourers and CISF personnel on February 22 at the work site near Kachari Gaon. They also told this reporter that Das was instrumental in sending all the three injured local labourers to police custody by lodging a complaint of assault against them. A number of local labourers engaged in the construction work of BCPL said that Das, in connivance with a few others, had initiated a bid to counter the constant demand of local organizations to engage local unemployed youths.

Today’s incident was condemned by several organizations, including the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), All Assam Mottock Yuba Chatra Sanmmilan (AAMYCS) and Dibrugarh district unit of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU). AJYCP organizing secretary Sanjay Baruah and Dibrugarh district AJYCP president Jayanta Handique, while condemning the incident, demanded punishment to the RVR officials and those involved in the assault of local labourers.

Meanwhile, the local labourers were absent from their regular work today in protest against the detention of their colleagues. They have also called an indefinite “ceasework” till three of the workers are released. They have already lodged a complaint at Barbaruah Police Station against the RVR Company and its officials for beating up three labourers. THE SENTINEL

State Govt to wait for CAG report

Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 22 – Faced with the prospect of ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the financial bungling in North Cachar Hills, the State Government in a smart move, today conveyed to the Centre that it first want to wait for the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report before considering handing over the case to the premier investigating agency.

As reported in this newspaper on Monday, the Centre has already asked the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to go for a thorough audit of the accounts of the NC Hills Autonomous Council. Besides, the Accountant General too has been roped in to carry out audits of the other autonomous councils set up under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Talking to newsmen, Union Home Secretary GK Pillai said that State Chief Secretary PC Sarma called him up today to inform that as CAG has already been ordered to conduct an audit of the account of the NC Hills Autonomous Council, depending upon the finding of the CAG, the State Government would consider ordering a CBI inquiry.

The Union Home Secretary revealed that one of the key areas of the proposed amendments would be to ensure that the accounts of the autonomous councils are audited every year and the audited accounts are made public so as to ensure greater transparency in the functioning and expenditures of the councils.

Yesterday, the Union Home Secretary had said that the Centre was planning to bring certain amendments to the Sixth Schedule and one of the key areas of the proposed amendments would be to ensure that the accounts of the autonomous councils are audited every year.

Meanwhile, the Correspondent, Kanhaiah Bhellary, who broke the story told this newspaper that they stood by the story, which had mentioned the alleged involvement of seven ministers of Gogoi’s council of ministers in the scam running to the tune of Rs 1000 crore.

When asked whether they had received any denial from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), he confirmed, they did, but added that a final decision would be taken by the Editor, whether or not to publish the denial.

Meanwhile, former State BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Ramen Deka on Monday dashed off a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to direct the NIA to file a supplementary chargesheet against the accused persons.

The letter released to the media said that it was shameful that huge amounts of funds meant for development had been siphoned off by unscrupulous people. The Union Government cannot be a silent spectator in this matter, as it was the duty of the Centre to monitor utilisation of funds in the State. The Centre should not brush the NIA’s report under the carpet, the letter said. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Call to protect tiger territory in Kaziranga

KOHORA, Feb 21 – The carcass of a male tiger, aged about 4-5 years, was found near the Tarzan camp in Kaziranga National Park recently.

Expressing serious concern over the repeated recovery of tiger carcasses from Kaziranga National Park, which was declared a Project Tiger by the Government of India in 2006, environmentalists have cited different causes of death like infighting between male tiger, poisoning through application of pesticides on cattle carcasses by local villagers and other natural reasons.

Talking to this correspondent, Dr Bhibhab Talukdar, member, National Board of Wildlife, said that the conflict between two male tigers occurs due to growing population of the species in a particular ecological area like Kaziranga, where the population of tiger is estimated to be more than 90. “Here the fittest always thrives. The less the habitat for food, the more the conflict,” he added.

The Director of Kaziranga National Park, SN Buragohain said that preliminary reports suggest infighting between the two members of the species. A team of veterinary doctors, experts from National Tiger Conservation Authority, WWF, Aaranyak are analysing the case, the KNP Director added.

Speaking to this correspondent, NK Vasu, Director, Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, who had also served as the Director of Kaziranga National Park earlier, suggested that the existing corridor of the tiger species should not be disturbed.

The young sub-adult tiger needs to move outside the park along the riverine areas, foothills of Karbi Anglong and other forest areas for self-sustenance, become mature and strong and then return to their original area to replace the older and weak tiger.

Sources also pointed that since the tiger is basically a territorial animal, it does not like another tiger to roam into its area. And that is the cause of conflict between two male tigers.

Normally, younger tigers, after 2-2½ years, separate from their mother and search new territory for survival. Ideally, a male tiger needs about 20-21 sq. km of territory and female an area of 4-5 sq. km.

But given the current population of tigers in Kaziranga National Park, the density is quite high. Since it cannot move outside the park area due to disturbances like the National Highway 37 cutting through the park where vehicle ply to safer sides like the Karbi hills. Consequently, the tigers are forced to stay inside the park and that often leads to conflict with bigger tigers and finally leads to death of one of them.

In 2006, as many as four tigers died. Two of them died in infighting and the other two perished due to natural reason.

In 2007, the same number (four) of tigers died. The cause of death of three of them could not be ascertained. One tiger died due to poisoning.

In 2008, five tigers perished. Of these, two died due to natural causes, one due to infighting and one was hit by a vehicle. The cause of death of another could not be ascertained.

In 2009, nine tigers died. Three tigers died due to infighting, one was killed by a buffalo and one died due to natural causes. The reasons for the death of two could not be ascertained.

Two tigers have perished so far this year.

The killing of tigers by poisoning is normally resorted to by villagers who want to take revenge for the killing of their cattle by the big cats. It is worthmentioning that the State Government’s compensation is only Rs 2,500 each head of cattle killed.

Being a Project Tiger, Kaziranga needs good attention in terms of more frontline staff for proper monitoring and healthy maintenance of the existing tiger corridor.

Kisan Mela at SIRD, Jaysagar

SIVASAGAR, Feb 21 – The Department of Agriculture, Sivasagar organised a two-day Kisan Mela recently at SIRD, Jaysagar centre in coordination with other allied departments under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana scheme.

The mela was inaugurated by Hema Gogoi, president, Zila Parishad, Sivasagar and the function hold for the purpose was attended, among others, by Prabhat Chandra Bhattacharjya, Sivasagar, Arshad Hussain, DAO, Sivasagar, Dr Birendra Nath Sarmah, Deputy Project Director, Extension Reform (ATMA), Dr Phuleswar Nath, principal coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and BC Das, principal, Extension Centre, SIRD, Jaysagar.

Dr Nath and Dr Chandan Hazarika, AAU, delivered speeches as resource persons in the seminar held on ‘Quality seed production’ and ‘Marketing of agri-products.’ A number of SHGs exhibited their products in the mela.

Army medical camp: A free medical camp was organised recently at Dikhowmukh village, Sivasagar district by 287 Field Regiment of 2 Mountain Division as part of ‘Operation Sadbhavana.’ The free medical camp was inaugurated by Lt Col Pankaj Sinha and DK Changmai, ADC, Sivasagar.

The event was received well by the local populace who attended the medical camp in large numbers. In his inaugural address, the chief guest lauded the efforts initiated by the Army in trying to reach out to the population in the remote areas of Sivasagar district.

The event was organised through a joint effort and integrated participation of the military, civil administration and the local village officials. The village authorities presented traditional gamochas to the chief guest and other guests.

The camp was organised to provide free medical aid to the people of Dikhaumukh and adjoining villages. It was attended by more than two thousand people from Dikhaumukh and adjacent villages.

A total of five doctors, which included Army doctors, general physicians and specialists from Public Health Centres and government hospitals in Sivasagar district, participated in the camp.

Somdev qualifies for ATP event in Dubai

DUBAI, Feb 21 (PTI) With Somdev Devvarman qualifying for the singles event, all the members of the Indian Davis Cup team are now set to compete in the USD 1,619,500 Dubai Tennis Championships, beginning here tomorrow.

Seeded seventh, Somdev overcame a fist set lapse to tame Belgian Dick Norman 3-6 7-6(1) 6-1 in the second and final round of the qualifying event to claim one of the four main draw slots on offer. Senior pros Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, as expected, are seeded along with their partners in the doubles event.

Paes and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy are seeded second and will open their campaign against Polish pair of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski.

Bhupathi and his Belarusian partner Max Mairnyi are seeded third and are up against wild card pair of Abdullah Madas of Kuwait and Mahmoud-Nader Al Baloushi of the UAE in their opening round. Another Indian Davis Cupper Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi have been handed a wild card entry. They will play against the formidable combination of Robert Lindstedt of Sweden and Arnaud Clement of France.

Arunachal passenger to get Rs 1 lakh as compensation

NEW DELHI, Feb 21 – The National Consumer Commission has asked the Arunachal Pradesh government to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to a passenger who claimed that he lost his job after his flight was preponed without prior intimation, reports PTI.

The Commission held the state government guilty of deficiency in service by preponing a flight’s departure without prior intimation to its passengers.

The apex consumer court directed it to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the passenger who claimed he lost his job as he could not report to office on time on his first day after missing the flight.

The Commission passed the order on a plea of Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited, challenging Arunachal Pradesh State Consumer Commission’s direction to the state and the company to pay the complainant, Pasang Dorji Sona, a sum of Rs 4.60 lakh jointly and severally.

“We are of the view that preponing the departure time of the flight on October 8, 2001 by 40 minutes without prior intimation to all persons who held confirmed tickets, amounted to deficiency in service,” the Commission, comprising members Justice RC Jain and Anupam Dasgupta, said.

It said a compensation of Rs 1 lakh towards the cost of tickets for the air journey and other costs incurred by the complainant as also because of the physical harassment and mental tension caused to him, would meet the ends of justice in the present case.

But, it refused to consider that such compensation could be linked in any way to the alleged loss of future income to the complainant.

Centre tells State to go for CBI probe

GUWAHATI, Feb 21 – Concerned over the reports of large-scale financial irregularities by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, the Centre has advised the Assam Government to entrust the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate into the irregularities. This was disclosed by the Union Home Secretary, GK Pillai.

Talking to The Assam Tribune, the Union Home Secretary admitted that the accounts of the NC Hills Autonomous Council were not audited properly for years, which is a matter of concern. He said that the Centre has already written a letter to the State Government advising it to entrust the matter of probing into the allegations of irregularities by the Autonomous Council.

Commenting on the investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Pillai pointed out that the mandate given to the agency was very limited. “The NIA was asked only to investigate into a specific case of links between militants and politicians and the agency was not asked to investigate into the financial irregularities committed by the Council,” he added. It may be mentioned here that the NIA, in the charge sheet filed before the Special Judge in November last, had also stressed the need for a CBI probe into the financial irregularities.

The Union Home Secretary said that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has already started a thorough audit of the accounts of the NC Hills Autonomous Council, while, the Accountant General would carry out an audit of the accounts of the other Councils formed under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Pillai said that the Central Government has initiated efforts to bring in greater financial discipline of the Autonomous Councils formed under the Sixth Schedule. He said that steps have been initiated to amend the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to bring in greater accountability of the Autonomous Councils. He said that it would not be possible to bring a bill to amend the Sixth Schedule in the ensuing Budget session of the Parliament, but the Government would try to bring in the amendments within this year.

The Union Home Secretary revealed that one of the key areas of the proposed amendments would be to ensure that the accounts of the Autonomous Councils are audited every year and the audited accounts are made public so as to bring greater transparency in the functioning and expenditures of the councils. Another major amendment proposed by the Government is to ensure devolution of powers to the grass root level by making provisions for village councils under the Autonomous Councils. In addition to devolution of powers to the grass root level, such a move would ensure greater transparency in implementation of development projects by the Autonomous Councils, he pointed out.

Pillai, who recently visited Kokrajhar for an on the spot assessment of the functioning of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), has a word of praise for the Council formed following the singing of a memorandum of settlement (MoS) with militant outfit Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT). He expressed the view that the utilization of funds by the BTC was perhaps one of the best among all the Autonomous Councils. The BTC has been able to create lots of infrastructure including roads and bridges and a University, an engineering college and other educational institutions are also coming up in the BTC area, which is a positive sign, he added.

Printer installed for ultra sonography machine

Printer installed for ultra sonography machine

DOOMDOOMA, Feb 18: A long felt need by the people of Doomdooma and the adjoining villages for a functional ultra sonography machine was today fulfilled with the provisioning of a printer for the machine by 8 Garhwal Rifles of Rupai. The task of provisioning the printer was undertaken by the Rupai based 8 Garhwal Rifles. This gesture of genuine concern for the local populace was hugely appreciated by the locals and doctors alike. Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Dhananjay Joshi stated that the Army was committed towards helping out people in remote areas under Operation Sadbhavana. The situation in Assam was fast returning to normal due to people’s cooperation with the security forces. The need for a printer to put the ultra sonography machine working had long been felt at the hospital as the people had to face a lot of inconvenience in travelling to far off places to undergo treatment. The option of treatment at the private clinics was very costly and the poor people could not afford it. This project will benefit thousands of people of the area who cannot afford expensive private treatment. This is truly a project for the common man. This was stated in a press release.

Mohilary places Rs 397.61 crore interim Budget in Council

Mohilary places Rs 397.61 crore interim Budget in Council

KOKRAJHAR, Feb.17: The Chief of BTC Hagrama Mohilary today placed the Interim Budget of Rs 397.61 crore for the four months on the last day of the BTC budget session at new Assembly building. Mohilary placed the Interim financil budget for 2010-11 before the august gathering with the financial statement of Rs 39761.10 lakh including plan fund of Rs. 10568.12 and Non plan fund of Rs. 16715.17 lakh for the consideration.

The department wise requirement of the fund for the vote on account shows the highest priority on WPT&BC and Minor Irrigation which stand at Rs. 10280.67 lakh and Rs.10110.57 lakh respectively followed by Public Health Engineering at Rs. 2955.74lakh, Flood control and Drainage Rs. 2339.98 lakh and Social Welfare and Nutrition Rs. 2037.29 lakh respectively.

Central Government team visits Majuli

From our Correspondent

JORHAT, Feb 15: The secretary, Central Water Resource Department UN Pandey accompanied by assistant secretary Dr Mitra and the chairman of the Brahmaputra Board have visited the protection projects taken up in Majuli yesterday and witnessed the failures of the government departments with their own eyes. The Majuli Suraksha Mancha, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and some other local people have also handed over a memorandum to the Central Government Secretary mentioning their various demands and allegations demanding early fulfillment and necessary steps in this regard. The organizations also filed a complaint before the Central Government team against the executive engineer of the Majuli Water Resource Division citing his involvement with many anomalies and corruptions on government funds meant for the protection of the riverine island.

However, the secretary of the Central Water Resource Department has assured them to take all possible remedial measures for the protection of the island. He also informed that the Prime Minister also worries over the facts and he pays special attention on the protection of Majuli.

Lack of buyers at Barik’s stall

Lack of buyers at Barik’s stall

From a Correspondent

JORHAT, Feb 14: Tonkeswar Barik’s stall is one among a row of stalls at the Jorhat Trade Fair under way at the JDSA grounds here. What draws the eye is the exquisite craftsmanship of a range of jewellery made entirely of cane fibre interspersed with decorative beads. Pairs of cane slippers in different designs and other handicrafts made of both cane and bamboo also beckon. But there seem to be no takers. What puts off a prospective buyer is the high price. A jewellery set comprising a necklace, a pair of bangles, earrings and even a small ring is priced at anything between Rs 1,000 to 1,400. A pair of slippers Rs 600 to 800. By Indian standards this is high especially for a buyer browsing through the stalls and hoping to pick up something cheap or at a bargain price. But this does not bother Tonkeswar Barik. He has already made his mark in the Trade Fairs and markets of Delhi. “I have gone to Delhi about half a dozen times and most of my stuff sell like hot cakes there and are especially sought after by foreigners,” he states.

Pointing out a row of bland cane jewellery without any beads embedded in them he says that these are the ones preferred by the foreigners. “Cane is eco-friendly and much more durable than other artificially made jewellery and therefore in demand in countries outside” he says. “I have even got an order from America which I have not been able to fulfil due to lack of time,” he claims. Hailing from Gopalpur gaon under Titabor subdivision, Tonkeswar says that this is a family business started by his father in 1991. “I have not received any formal training as such except once by the DRDA which taught value addition by incorporating small colourful beads,” he says. What makes the items costly is the intricacy of the work. The raw material for a jewellery set may comprise only two canes but the time taken may be anything between three to five days, he says.

The canes too are special- they are very likotia (pliable) and found mainly by river banks so that they can be twisted finely into tiny whorls and ringlets.

Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary to see the light of day

Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary to see the light of day

From our Correspondent

MANGALDAI, Feb 14: Nol gahori or pigmy hog (sus salvanius or porcula salvania)- is the smallest and the rarest wild suid in the world and endangered species of khagarikata shaha or hispid hare (caprolagus hispiudus)- is one of the rarest animals of the world. The pigmy hog is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the world, which can only be found in two protected areas of Assam- Manas National Park (MNP) and Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). Similarly, the BWS is also known as one of the few habitats of the hispid hare all over the world. And significantly both the two protected areas are under the territorial jurisdiction of the BTAD. But is any one in our country, State or the territorial council of Bodoland really cares or worried for Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS)? Have the Forest and Wildlife Department taken any initiative for its conservation or protection not to speak of its proper maintenance?

Rock concert held in Dibrugarh

Rock concert held in Dibrugarh

From our Staff Reporter

DIBRUGARH, Feb 11: A rock concert was held at the auditorium of Dibrugarh University recently in aid of a school.

Siddharth Mohan from Delhi performed to a packed hall at the Peace Musical Concert, which was organized by the Art of Living Foundation. The Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, Dr KK Deka, and Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh, GD Tripathi, lighted the ceremonial lamp before the start of the programme.

The concert was held in aid of Sri Sri Gyan Mandir, a school at Mohong Gaon in Kakopathar under Tinsukia district. The village, which has a population of around 800, was once the hotbed of ULFA activities and lags behind in development. The school has been started by the upper Assam chapter of Art of Living Foundation and imparts free education besides providing uniforms and midday meals to the students, who belong to the village and surrounding areas. It is spread over ten bighas. The first academic session started on January 22, this year. Eight teachers engaged in the school were trained at Bangaluru.

At the beginning of the concert, the member of the managing body of the school, Kalpana Khound, made a brief presentation on the school. Students and teachers of the university were present in the three-hour-long programme. THE SENTINEL

Deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants: RSS chief

PANAJI, Feb 3 (IANS): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday asked the Central government to implement the Supreme court guidelines and deport lakhs of Bangladeshi migrants illegally residing in India.

Bhagwat, who was speaking at a public meeting organised by the RSS here, also said petty vote bank politics indulged in by political parties had compromised the security of the nation.

"Bangladeshis illegally staying in India should be sent back to their country. Their names should be deleted from the ration cards and electoral roll," Bhagwat said, adding that theSupreme Court guidelines even specified that such illegal residents be put in internment camps until their deportation proceedings are completed.

"How can we ignore the fact that Bangladesh's vision document which was drafted after its creation, clearly states that since Bangladesh is hard-pressed for land, it would have to claim territory from neighbouring Assam," he said.

"I was in Guwahati before coming to Goa. People there have begun to fear whether Assam will remain in India! Bangladeshis are coming into Assam by the crore," Bhagwat said, adding that the security and stability of the nation was at threat with such rampant influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Fresh Gorkha talks: Centre to decide date, venue soon

As the February 5 deadline for the fifth round of tripartite talks among the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), the Centre and the state governments on the Gorkhaland issue nears, the Centre today said the date and venue will be announced once the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) � of which Mamata Banerjee is also a member � meets this week.

After the fourth round of talks that took place in Darjeeling on December 21 last year, the Centre had said it would announce the next date within 45 days and the GJM would be informed accordingly. "The matter will be placed before the CCPA meeting that will take place this week and a decision taken. All concerned parties will be informed accordingly," Union Home Secretary G K Pillai told The Indian Express over phone from Delhi.

Banerjee, who is likely to attend the meeting, is said to be opposed to any division of West Bengal.

On the GJM's claim that the Centre had agreed to talks at a political level as demanded by it during the December 21 talks, Pillai said the whole issue would be decided at the CCPA meet.

The state government too said the whole matter would be decided by the Centre. "On earlier occasions too, it was the Central government which took the decision, which is binding on us," Subesh Das, Principal Secretary to the chief minister, said.

On the climbdown by the GJM leadership on the areas it wants for Gorkhaland, Das said the state government had not yet received any proposal from any quarter.

The Morcha reportedly sent a proposal to the Central government saying it wanted only those areas which were dominated by Gorkhas. Earlier, the Morcha said it wanted the entire Darjeeling district, the Dooars and Siliguri sub-division in the proposed state of Gorkhaland.

"We are not giving any allowance as such. We want only the areas dominated by Gorkhas and Adivasis," Morcha spokesman Roshan Giri said.

At the CPM state committee meet yesterday, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee reiterated that his government was ready to give more autonomy to the Gorkha Hill Council but said he was opposed to any further division of West Bengal.

In the last round of tripartite talks, Morcha had rejected the offer for more autonomy saying it would not settle for anything less than Gorkhaland.

Pillai who led the Central government team had told them that a political consensus would have to be built in this regard and that respective governments would be consulted and the Morcha would be informed about the decision in 45 days.

Sabyasachi Bandopadhyay

PTI 119 people died due to malaria in Mizoram in 2009

Aizawl, Feb 2 (PTI) Some 119 people including 40 women died of malaria in Mizoram during 2009, state health department said here today. In 2008, 91 people had died of malaria in Mizoram, officials said.

They said 1,71,793 people had their blood samples tested during last year out of which 9,399 were found to be positive. Doctors attributed high malaria deaths to delayed treatment saying that when malaria patients went to doctors for treatment, it was usually too late.

The state received Rs 210.68 lakh and Rs 282.35 lakh in 2007-908 and 2008-09 from the Centre for malaria control under the National Vector Borne Disease Control programme.