Renovated municipal hall inaugurated

DIBRUGARH, Dec 27: Sitting MP Pabon Singh Ghatowar yesterday formally inaugurated the renovated municipal hall, at a brief function held yesterday with the Chairman of Dibrugarh Municipality Board (DMB), Chandra Kanta Baruah in the chair. Ghatowar while inaugurating the hall called upon the people to help and extend full cooperation to the new DMB Chairman and his team of Ward Commissioners who have been trying to give minimum civic service to the people of Dibrugarh. The meeting was also addressed by Water Resource Minister, Prithibi Majhi, sitting MLA, Prasanta Phukan, Chairperson, Zila Parishad, Meena Teli, and former Chairman of DMB, Dr Kamini Ranjan Baruah. Majhi in his address while lauding the work of new Chairman of DMB, Chandra Kanta Barua disclosed that the State Government has released rupees eight crore and Rs 12 crore for development of drainage system of the town. He also called upon citizens of Dibrugarh to help DMB in making the town clean.

Army attachment camp held

Army attachment camp held

From our Staff Reporter

DIBRUGARH, Dec 25: A weapons and equipment display was held here today as part of the Army attachment camp being held by the Dah Division. It is part of the training schedule of the senior division NCC cadets from 26 Assam Independent Company, Digboi and 10 Assam Battalion NCC, Dibrugarh.

Manipur wakes up with no newspapers

IMPHAL, Dec 23: After a decision to protest against the “diktat” of a militant outfit by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), newspapers in Manipur today failed to hit the stands. As a result, none of the newspapers published from Manipur came out today as scribes were protesting forcible publication of press hand outs of a particular militant outfit.

The decision was taken in a meeting of AMWJU last evening, following a statement issued by the militant outfit, a spokesman for the body said. While a section of the outfit wanted the statement to be published in newspapers, another section of the same outfit warned the dailies with dire consequences if the statement was published, he said.

Journalists in the perennially restive State had been facing pressures from all quarters to publish press handouts resulting in frequent confrontations. Journalists, at meeting discussed the publication of news-related items especially of organizations with several factions at logger heads with each other.

The media body decided not to publish any statement issued by the outfit while appealing the public not to disturb the functioning of the media in the State. “This is not the first time that militant outfits have disturbed the smooth functioning of the media in Manipur,” the spokesman said. On earlier occasions also, dailies had failed to hit the stands because of various pressures from different militant outfits, he said.

Editors and members of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) has strongly opposed the infringement of the freedom of the press. (Agencies)

Railways launch scheme for RO water in NE stations

AGARTALA, Dec 21: In order to ensure better passenger amenities, Ministry of Railways has announced to make available free quality drinking water round-the-clock at railway stations in the northeastern states through Reverse Osmosis (RO) process. Railway officials here said a similar scheme was introduced in other parts of the country recently and it had yielded a better result.

Under this scheme, the private parties would be allowed to install and operate water vending machines through commercial advertising route. The machines should be required to dispense only RO processed drinking water, officials said, adding that the provider would be allowed to advertise on the machines or on the frame used for covering it, as per the approved guidelines with respect to aesthetics, public morale among others.

“The Ministry launched the scheme following mushrooming of packed water supplying companies in the railway stations across the country,” officials in Northeast Frontier Railway said. The water provided through these machines will not be allowed to be packaged. No charge shall be levied either from the passenger or from the Railway, sources stated. The Railway will provide only electricity and water supply free for the processing of water, sources added. (UNI)

IPS probationers complete army attachment

IPS probationers complete army attachment

IMPHAL, Dec 19: Twenty-two IPS probationers, including six lady officers, underwent a nine day training with the army under the aegis of Red Shield Division from December 10. It culminated with an interaction of the IPS officers with Maj Gen DS Hooda, GOC Red Shield Division here today at the Headquarters at Leimakhong.

Tripura demands 1.83 lakh meningitis vaccines from Centre

Tripura demands 1.83 lakh meningitis vaccines from Centre

AGARTALA, Dec 18: Following a report of fresh cases of Meningococcal Meningitis in remote locations of North Tripura, the state government has demanded 1.83 lakh vaccines from Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, State Health Minister Tapan Chakraborty said.

Talking to mediapersons here today, Chakraborty said two deaths were reported so far this month from Meningitis-affected Rajdhar area under Dhalai district while seven cases had been reported. He said besides operating a make-shift hospital, which had opened early this year, a specialist medical team was sent to the affected areas. “Altogether 285 cases of Meningococcal Meningitis have so far been reported and the toll has been recorded at 62 this year,” he said.

Chakraborty said after long persuasion the Centre had sent a three-member expert team from National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) led by Dr Pankaj Singh who studied the situation in the wake of spread of the disease.

Following the recommendation of the Central team, the health department requested the ministry to supply 1.83 lakh vaccines in September, as the experts advised that the recurrence of the disease might continue for next three-four years and mass vaccination would be the best remedy.

“Unfortunately, since the previous government’s tenure we have been demanding for supply of Meningococcal vaccines because of our fund crunch, but nothing was done and finally we procured about 30,000 vaccines from open market,” he added. The State Government issued public advertisement asking the people to come under hospital medication immediately if they complained of fever, body ache, sudden itching or allergy while advising them to keep safe distance from other patients and undertake all possible precautions. (UNI)

Fate of Mizoram Reang refugees uncertain

Fate of Mizoram Reang refugees uncertain

AGARTALA/AIZAWL, Dec 16: The much-awaited process of repatriation of 35,000 Reang tribal refugees from Tripura to Mizoram hangs in the balance despite pressure from the Centre, the Tripura Government and rights bodies on the Mizoram Government to resolve the 12-year-old ethnic crisis.

A fact finding team (FFT) from the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in New Delhi visited Mizoram and Tripura during December 8-15 to facilitate a resolution to the ethnic conflict between Reang tribals and the majority of Mizos in Mizoram.

Tripura Assembly adjourned over CM’s statement

AGARTALA, Dec 15: Following protests against Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar’s statement alleging nexus between opposition Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) and banned militant outfits today, the Speaker adjourned the day’s business, preceded by two subsequent brief adjournments.

The opposition members demanded a probe in the wake of the Chief Minister’s statement on the floor of the House at the beginning of Question hour, but the Speaker attempted to manage the situation by making repeated appeals to the members. However, he was compelled to adjourn the House for 10 minutes.

But the opposition members raised the demand again after resumption of the Assembly’s proceedings and the House was adjourned again for 20 minutes. The opposition remained adamant on their stand and finally the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.

Later, addressing mediapersons, Leader of the Opposition Ratan Lal Nath condemned the attitude of the Chief Minister and criticized the State Government and ruling party for “irresponsible” activities, while alleging that there were several instances of CPI(M) and militants’ linkage.

He accused the Chief Minister of indulging in corruption, nepotism and insurgency in the State for the sake of his chair and said, “The way he commented against INPT without any proof or record has established his political immaturity and disrespect towards the Indian Constitution and we demand him to withdraw the statement.” Nath said the statement had triggered reaction in political circles and if there was any communal tension, the Chief Minister will be “solely responsible.”

Sarkar stated in the Assembly yesterday on the recent militant attack in Kanchanpur where at least nine surrendered extremists and their relatives had been killed. He said the State Government had apprised the Union Home Ministry about the issue of INPT-militant relations.

He also accused the Chief Minister of “murdering” former Health Minister Bimal Sinha and alleged that he was always protecting criminals. (UNI)

Sikkim holds exhibition to showcase environmental heritage

GANGTOK, Dec 14: The Forest Department of Sikkim organized an exhibition to showcase the environmental heritage of the State in Gangtok this week. Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling inaugurated the daylong exhibition, which presented the rich biodiversity of the State, at Saramsa Garden recently.

The occasion marked the concluding ceremony of “100 years of Sikkim Forestry.” The exhibition also introduced people to the State’s rich flora and fauna, comprising of heritage trees, landscapes, endangered wildlife, water bodies and the river network.

Centre to amend NRA for setting up HC in Tripura

AGARTALA, Dec 14: The Centre has initiated a move to amend North-eastern Re-organization Act, 1971 (NRA) to consider the demand of setting up a separate High Court in Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said today.

Replying to a query in the State Assembly, Sarkar said Union Law Ministry had informed the development regarding the demand of establishing separate High Court in the state early this year that it was referred to Union Home Ministry and necessary steps were taken including the proposal of NRA amendment.

Sarkar, however, underlined that the State government had also been pursuing for filling up the vacant post of judges in Guahati High Court for long time besides, appointing more judges from Tripura but nothing has come out yet. Three posts of judges against the sanctioned post of 24 were still vacant.

Tripura adopts new strategy for forest conservation

AGARTALA, Dec 13: The Tripura Government has adopted a new strategy for protection of forest land, besides promoting settled agriculture among the tribal communities.

Addressing convocation in Tripura Forest School here today, State Forest Minister Jitendra Choudhury said about 1.5 lakh hectares of forest land had already been distributed among about 84,000 forest dwellers under Forest Rights Act and it was duty of the foresters to protect the core zone.

“Forest officials are not only responsible for maintaining the office documents, but also accountable for take care of the demarcated forest land,” Choudhury said, adding the State Government had initiated several projects for economic rehabilitation of the tribal people.

Chamling tables Bill seeking regulation of financial establishment

GANGTOK, Dec 11: A new Bill and two amendment Bills were introduced today in the first day of the winter session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government. The new Bill, Sikkim Protection of Interests of Depositors (In Financial Establishments) Bill was tabled by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

“The Bill seeks to provide suitable legislation in public interest, in order to regulate the activities of financial establishments that are not covered by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934) and to safeguard the interest of the depositors,” said Chamling in his statement of objects and reasons while tabling the Bill.

“There has been in the recent past, emergency of a number of financial establishments not covered by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 with the sole object of collecting money as deposits from the public, mostly middle class and the poor, on the promising of paying very high rates of interests and with no guarantee or obligation to return the deposits to the depositors on maturity. Many such financial institutions have defaulted in return of deposits on maturity, thereby inviting public resentment, socio-economic problems and law and order problems,” said Chamling.

MP demands separate HC for Tripura in LS

AGARTALA, Dec 10: Lok Sabha member representing Tripura Khagen Das urged the Centre to speed up the process of setting up a separate High Court in the State. Das stated in Parliament yesterday that Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and the Tripura Legislative Assembly and Bar Association of Tripura (BAT) had been demanding a full-fledged High Court instead of a permanent bench of the Guwahati High Court in Agartala for past few years and several memos were sent to the Law Ministry and the Chief Minister also met Prime Minister on the issue but no positive action was taken so far.

“It has been a long-standing demand of the State and last year a team of lawyers met the Prime Minister urging for a separate High Court. Despite assurances, nothing positive came out of it increasing the number of pending cases in the State,” Das underlined.

Tripura housed a separate High Court even in the royal regime but with the enactment of the Northeastern Areas Re-organization Act, the Union Law Ministry brought Tripura under the Guwahati High Court and in 1992 a bench for Tripura was opened,” he stated and sought immediate intervention of the Centre on the issue. (UNI)

Blast in Assam market kills four

Guwahati, Dec 10 (IANS) Four people were killed when a powerful blast rocked a market in Assam’s Sonitpur district Thursday.

The blast took place at around 3 p.m. at Missamari, about 200 km from here.

DT Lepcha to take charge of Upper Burtuk

GANGTOK, Dec 9: To drape the intra-party contention following its dissident legislator PS Tamang’s thumping announcement yesterday, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) today took another bound forward by appointing DT Lepcha as the party’s incharge for Tamang’s Upper Burtuk constituency in East Sikkim. According to a communiqué from the party’s General Secretary (Administration) SK Pradhan, the move has been taken in exercise of the power conferred upon him vide Para five of the Article 20.1 of the SDF party.

John Abraham to campaign on AIDS awareness in Nagaland

KOHIMA, Dec 8: Noted film actor John Abraham will visit Nagaland on December 18 to grace the final event of “Live Drive,” a multi-media awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS.

President of Rattle and Hum Music Society (RHMS) Theja Meru told UNI that John Abraham will arrive in Kohima on a three-day visit on December 17 and the next day he will grace the final event of “Live Drive” at Kohima. He will leave for Mumbai on December 19.

The Live Drive programme has been organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) with an aim to create awareness through music in the various districts of Nagaland and the RHMS is managing the events throughout the State by organizing music and rock band competitions in every district.

A rock band has been selected from every district and the finale would be held at Kohima on December 18. The RHMS had invited John Abraham to take part in the “Live Drive” and accordingly he accepted and confirmed his visit. (UNI)

Heliport work starts in Sikkim

GANGTOK, Dec 7: Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja today laid the foundation stone for the heliport at Chemchey, South District, Sikkim. This is first in the three heliport projects in the State sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Tourism for construction of heliports. The other two are Geetang Khola in the West and Mangan in the North District.

The projects have been sanctioned with a view to promote tourist destinations in hilly, remote and inaccessible areas of the country. Speaking on the occasion, Selja said it is heartening to note that for the first time in the country the State of Sikkim has been granted Central Financial Assistance for Heliport to develop three new destination projects. She said, the efforts of the State Government for taking lead towards promotion of adventure, eco and wellness tourism in the country are praise worthy.

Miscreants create havoc

KOKRAJHAR, Dec 5: A large group of unidentified miscreants created havoc in Khorkila and Hasraobari villages under Serfanguri Police Station on Friday night at around 9 pm by pelting stones and burning heap of straws of many families. According to the sources from the locality, the miscreants pelted stones at several houses starting from one Mohini Goyary whose son is an ABSU member and also burnt down a good number of heap of straw in the villages. The villagers started hue and cry but calmed down as the miscreants did not allow to do so.

OBITUARY

Chabiram Sarma (98), a well-known priest and astrologer of Barangabari in Kalangpur Mauza died on November 27, at his son’s residence at Ghahigaon due to old-age ailments. A Sanskrit Pundit, Sarma was the adviser of Sonitpur Zila Brahman Samaj. He is survived by his wife, three married sons and five married daughters. He walked daily for hours together till his death. Walking was his hobby.

Expedite sanitation drive: Centre tells Meghalaya

SHILLONG, Dec 1: Rajwant Sandhu, secretary to Union Government today asked Meghalaya to accelerate the pace of programme implementation in sanitation, especially on IEC component, to raise the level of awareness and physical coverage on sanitation in the State.

Nathu La export set to cross Rs 10 million

GANGTOK, Dec 1: The fourth edition of the annual border trade at Nathu La, located at 14,200 feet altitude on the Sino-India frontier in Sikkim, ended today with Indian traders registering a turn over of Rs 8.95 million till October this year.

The import of goods from Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) stood at nil as per the official figure as against Rs 1.35 lakh last year, according to Industries and Commerce Department officials here.

Indian traders had initially showed lesser enthusiasm to participate in the fourth edition of the annual border trade at Nathu La which had led to no transaction of goods from either side of the border in May and June this year. The authorities later persuaded Indian traders, all of them from Sikkim, to engage in border trade that resulted in the export turn over of Rs 8.95 million in the next four months as compared to Rs 9.6 million last year, they said. Items like textiles, utensils, canned food, tea and vegetable oil were in great demand to the importers of TAR, sources said.

The import of goods from TAR failed to enthuse Indian traders as against the corresponding figure of Rs 1.35 lakh last year. The historical Nathu La silk route was reopened for bilateral trade in 2006. (PTI)

Man-elephant conflict claims one life

DONKAMOKAM, Nov 28: One teenager named Bimal Malang (15), of village Deramukh under Donka police (11 km away from Donka) was torn into several pieces by herds of elephants today at 6.30 am. He was a class VIII student studying in Phangtengphrang High School. At the same time, several bighas of paddy of the village were damaged. As mentioned earlier, these herds numbering more than 100, has been creating sleepless nights these days. The victim was out to chase them along with the rest but fell prey to jumbos.

Two persons arrested

JORHAT, Nov 27: Lahdoigarh police arrested two persons in connection with selling of an elephant tusk at the Lakhipriya Hotel here this evening. The two, Partha Baruah of Axoybari, Meleng and Pranjal Thakur of Kenduguri Bamungaon were picked up when they were awaiting a person to whom the ivory was to be sold. The tusk weighed 1kg 200 gms.

We won’t bow before Government: Rajkhowa

GUWAHATI, Nov 25: Reacting to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s statement in Parliament yesterday that the Government of India is against holding talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on the issue of “sovereignty” of Assam, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa today said the statement of the minister reflects his “imperialist” mentality.

Farmer beaten to death by militants in Manipur

IMPHAL, Nov 24: An elderly farmer was beaten to death and his panchayat member wife thrashed by militants for allegedly not meeting their extortion demand in Imphal East district of Manipur.

Official sources said 66-year old Ngangom Kuber was tilling land along with his wife Bhanu and some others at Nungpakthabi area yesterday when they were forcibly lifted by a group having identified itself as members of the Kangleipak Communist Party-Military Council (KCP-MC) Sangai Rajen group.

While Kuber was lynched at a nearby hillock, his wife was severely beaten up, the sources said. The militants, however, let off the others. According to reports while the militants had demanded Rs 3 lakh from the deceased, arguing it would have to be paid since Bhanu was a panchayat member, Kuber with the help of his wife could manage Rs 1 lakh.

Reports also claimed the money and some weapons were unearthed from a spot by police commandos and Assam Rifles personnel later following a tip-off and the ultras became suspicious of the couple. (PTI)

Poet remembered

DIBRUGARH, Nov 24: A memorial meeting of former Axom Xahitya Xabha president Gyanmalini Kabi Mofizuddin Ahmed Hazarika was held here at Laxminath Bezbaruah Bhavan recently under the aegis of Dibrugarh Xahitya Xabha. The meeting was presided over by noted littérateur Devi Prasad Bagrodia. While speaking at the meeting, Dibrugarh University Professor Dr Karabi Deka Hazarika recalled various aspects of the poet and his works.

Free medical camp by SSA

GOSSAIGAON, Nov 22: The free medical camp which took place in Sishu Kalyan Siksha Mandir School, Gossaigaon, lasted for around eight hours starting at 8:30 am and finishing at 16:00 pm with a short lunch break. The registration counter signed up 260 students and all of them were consulted and treated by the nursing team, organized by SSA (Sarba Siksha Abhiyan). The programme was inaugurated by Gautam Talukdar, SDO (C) and Bikash Rai, DI of Schools, Bandhan Dev, ABRCC of SSA, with many other teachers of schools under Gossaigaon Block were present in the programme.

Police personnel killed

DIBRUGARH, Nov 21: A police personnel killed in a major road mishap which occurred at Nutun Nagar under Moran Police Station last night. According to sources, the police personnel Sailen Gogoi was critically injured when an Alto car in which he was travelling had a head on collision with an Indigo car at Nutun Nagar last night. The injured Gogoi though was admitted into Assam Medical College immediately but he succumbed to his injuries this morning. THE SENTINEL

Unidentified body recovered

JAGIROAD, Nov 15: The Jagiroad police recovered an unidentified female body from near Taranga beel here yesterday. Police sources said that, the woman was aged about 45 years and was killed by some miscreants and then buried her near the beel. The body is sent for post mortem to Morigaon Civil Hospital. On the other hand, the GRP Jagiroad recovered an unidentified body of a man from between Barahu and Jagiroad Railway Station on November 13. GRP sources suspects the case as suicide. The body has been sent for post mortem.

Environment awareness programme organized

DIBRUGARH, Nov 18: An environment awareness programme was organized by the Eastern Assam Zone of Aaranyak at Rupnagar Jatiya Vidyalaya here recently.

The resource persons on the occasion were Deputy Ranger of Dibrugarh Forest Range, Soumendra Saikia and a member of the NGO, Alok Kar Dowerah. The forest official spoke on bio-diversity and climate. Sharing his experiences with the students, he explained how the plant and animal world obeyed the laws of nature. Alok Kar Dowerah, who is a BSc 2nd year student of Dibru College, discussed about the declining population of vultures and the need for their conservation. He went into the causes of the decline in the number of the scavenger, besides giving an account of the efforts currently on to save them.

Incidentally, Dowerah was the first child scientist of Assam to do a project on vulture and represented the district in the State-level National Children’s Science Congress held at Tihu in 2006.

The assistant co-ordinator of the Eastern Assam Zonal Unit of Aaranyak, Sailendra Mohan Das, chaired the meeting. He also presented a LCD show on Hollock Gibbon.

The co-ordinator of Eastern Assam Zone of Aaranyak, Rupam Kumar Gogoi, who is involved with Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Programme of Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) at Bhopal, the headmistress, Gitali Gogoi, member of Aaranyak, Himanshu Bailung and the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school were also present in the programme. Some books and posters were presented for the school library. THE SENTINEL

OGCF-2009 Award

BONGAIGAON, Nov 16: The Bongaigaon Refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Limited has been awarded the second prize of Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight (OGCF) Award, 2009 in Group-2 category. A Saran, Executive Director, and SB Kakoti, GM (Technical), along with other executives received the award from PK Sinha, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, in the presence of Sarthak Behuria

Children’s social conclave concludes

DIBRUGARH, Nov 16: The two-day children’s social conclave held at Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbarua Bhavan came to a close today. The event was organized by the Assam unit of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT), Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samity and UNICEF to commemorate the completion of two decades of the Child Rights Convention. The Assam representative of KGNMT, Kusum Bora Mukashi, inaugurated the meeting on the first day. In her speech, she spoke about the need to help children into good citizens in the present age of consumerism. Dr Ratan Borkotoky of Assam Medical College was also present on the occasion. While stressing upon the relevance of Gandhiji’s teachings of ahimsa and truth in the present age, he said that these values need to be inculcated into young children. THE SENTINEL

LP school being run without teacher

BARPETA, Nov 15: Though the Central Government has implemented various schemes like “Education for All” under Sarba Siksha Abhiyan to impart better education to children nationwide, it has proved to be a farce due to irresponsible attitude of some corrupt officials as a result of which the small children are being deprived of proper education. According to sources, No 885 Dakshin Godhani LP School under Chenga constituency is being run without teachers from the first week of February this year. President of school managing committee Laal Mamud Ali said as the school is being run without teachers, the half yearly examination was not conducted this year. Babar Ali, a teacher of the school, had taken transfer to No. 120 Roumari Village LP School on February 2 following which the academic year of 97 students came under darkness. The local people of that area opined in spite of existence of education officers in the district, the school is being run without teachers which points out at the hollowness of the State Government.

25 injured in road mishap

NALBARI, Nov 13: Nearly 25 people were injured when a bus collided with a truck on the NH-31 near Nalbari recently. The injured were immediately taken to the Mukunda Kakati Civil Hospital, Nalbari for treatment while a few of the injured have been shifted to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.

Nepal’s maoists stage rally, 50 injured

Kathmandu, Nov 12: Nepal’s Maoists today put up a huge show of strength as tens of thousands of their supporters laid a siege to government secretariat here demanding an end to CPN-UML’s rule, leading to clashes with police which left 50 people, including MPs and an ex-deputy premier, injured.

Clashes erupted when riot police tried to prevent former rebels from entering prohibited areas during their protest, one of the biggest against the multi-party government led by premier Madhav Kumar Nepal of CPN-UML since the Maoists lost power in May. Authorities had deployed thousands of police personnel to control Maoist protesters, who were led by their chief Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda and another top leader Mohan Vaidya Kiran. The Maoist leaders said their campaign was for maintaining “civilian supremacy”. Police resorted to baton charge and fired teargas shells at agitating Maoist cadres, who were trying to break the security shield in the prohibited area near ‘Singhdurbar Secretariat’, the seat of the government. At least 50 people, most of them Maoist MPs, were injured in clashes with police. Among the injured Maoist Constituent Assembly members were Krishna Mah-ara, Sushma Ghimire, Bhagat Badawal, Rupa Chaudhari, Mahendra Shrestha and ex-Deputy premier Amik Sherchan. The situation in Singhdurbar, Anamnagar, Bhadrakali, Ratnapark, Thapathali and Dillibazaar areas of Kathmandu remained tense due to the protest.

The injured were undergoing treatment at the Everest Hospital and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu. Maoist protesters started moving towards ‘Singhdurbar Secretariat’ since dawn, chanting anti-government slogans. Some of them also recited poems, sang songs and danced while demonstrating in front of the government secretariat. “We are out to achieve true people’s rule,” Vaidya told his supporters in the beginning of the protest. He said the party was hoping to mobilise more than three lakh people for the protest which would continue till tomorrow.

Besides Prachanda and Vaidya, senior Maoist leaders including Baburam Bhattarai, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, C P Gajurl and Krishna Bahadur Mahara led the rallies from eight sides to surround the government secretariat in the heart of the city. Demonstrators prevented officials from entering the office complex but some of the officers managed to sneak in as the government had told them to report for duty early. Prachanda, who quit in May after his government collapsed, said the protest would continue until the party’s demands for formation of a national unity government led by Maoists and parliamentary discussion on President Ram Baran Yadav’s move to reinstate then army chief Rukmangad Katwal were met. “It is our duty as law abiding citizens to come to the rescue of the country and that’s why we have gathered here in such large numbers,” he said.

Waving red flags, the Maoist protesters chanted slogans ‘down with the puppet government’, ‘resign puppet government’ and ‘President take back unconstitutional action’ of reinstating Katwal. To avoid confrontation, the government had yesterday withdrawn orders to extend restricted area around the government secretariat. The Maoists were determined not to allow even a single civil servant into the Singhdurbar complex which houses all the ministries and most of government departments.

Meanwhile, a Maoist cadre was killed and 55 injured as a bus ferrying them from Tanahu district to Kathmandu for the protest met with an accident at Ambu Khaireni in western Nepal, media here said. The condition of 10 people who sustained injuries was stated to be serious. (PTI)

Manmohan well up in global green leader ranking

New Delhi, Nov 10: Manmohan Singh has done quite well among global leaders on initiatives to fight climate change, according to a ranking prepared by the NGO Greenpeace. US President Barack Obama has fared the worst, while the premier of Tuvalu has come out tops.

Leaders of all the major developing countries, India, China, Brazil and South Africa fared far better than their counterparts from industrialised countries in the Greenpeace rating, prepared after the last round of preparatory talks for the Copenhagen climate summit ended in Barcelona on last Friday. A spokesperson of the international NGO Greenpeace said here on Tuesday: “Developing country leaders were ranked on the basis of greenhouse gas emission reductions from the business-as-usual scenario, frequent measuring and reporting of emissions, transparency of mitigation actions, forest and biodiversity protection, ensuring real and additional climate benefits, guaranteeing the rights of indigenous peoples and national emission reduction plans.”

On this basis, Manmohan Singh scored 53 out of 100. The big four among developing countries was led by Jacob Zuma of South Africa with 63, followed by Hu Jintao of China with 59. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva brought up the rear with 50. The developing countries were led by Apisai Lelemia, the prime minister of Tuvalu, who scored 87 out of 100. The little archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is critically endangered as the sea level rises due to global warming and has taken a number of urgent steps to save the citizens of his country.

Electrocuted

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 9 – Raju Chetry (20), a worker at the Assam Roofings Ltd, Panikhaity, was accidentally electrocuted at his office following an accident today.

Cabinet Ministers spent Rs 300-cr on travels

NEW DELHI, Nov 9 (PTI) : Cabinet Ministers in the first term of the UPA government have spent more than Rs 300 crore on their foreign and domestic travels in the last three years.

The data provided by the Cabinet Secretariat shows more than Rs 137 crore were spent by ministers of cabinet rank on the foreign travels between fiscal 2006-07 and 2008-09 with highest in the year 2007-08 when more than Rs 115 crore were spent by them on such travels.

Surprisingly, the expenses incurred on the domestic travels of cabinet ministers during the period were more than the amount spent on their visits abroad.

There were about 30 ministers of the cabinet rank during the first term of the UPA government.

The records show that during the three-year period, the ministers spent more than Rs 163 crore on their travels within the country.

The expenditure incurred by them during 2008-09 was Rs 94.4 crore, which was 38 per cent more than the cumulative expenditure incurred on domestictravels in the previous two years.

The details were given in an RTI reply to activist S C Agrawal by the Cabinet Secretariat. The reply also states that Ministers of State in the Union Cabinet had spent about Rs 21 crore on their travels abroad during the period, while Rs 27 crore were spent on their domestic visits.

About Rs 127 crore were spent by the central ministers in 2008-09, Rs 138.7 crore in 2007-08 and about Rs 82.3 crore during 2006-07 on their visits abroad as well as within the country.

The reply from the Cabinet Secretariat did not give any further breakup of expenses in different heads as they are held by the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDO) of different ministries.

“This office does not have any record of any individual Minister as all the expenditure is booked under one respective head of account of all theministers . As per existing rules of Receipts and Payments Rules the details of each and every payment to the individual concerned by the DDO of that Ministry,” J L Khurana, Senior Accounts Officer at Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension said.

Baby drowned

HATSINGIMARI, Nov 8 – A pall of grief has been prevailing over Telipara village under Mankachar PS of Dhubri district over a tragic death of a three-years-old baby falling into a neighbouring pond today at about 9.30 am. The incident took place while the lovely baby girl namely Salina Khatun daughter of Salim Ahmed of Telipara village reportedly playing near the water body, fell into it and drowned. Her body was recovered later. –Correspondent

Dalai arrival warms up Tawang

Dalai arrival warms up Tawang
Prabal Kr Das
TAWANG, Nov 8 – Under a sun-drenched November sky, the fourteenth Dalai Lama today arrived in western Arunachal Pradesh, where along with interacting with the faithful in the Tawang monastery, he inaugurated a museum in the institution. The Dalai Lama, who had first entered Tawang half a century back following his flight from Tibet, arrived by a helicopter from Guwahati, and proceeded to the Tawang monastery in a convoy, that had vehicles with armed security personnel. There, around 11.10 am, he was greeted by a number of senior monks, as well as young lamas who had seen him for the first time.

Why is Vande mataram issue being reopened: Salman Khurshid

HYDERABAD, Nov 5: Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid on Thursday criticized the endorsement of a fatwa against the singing of Vande mataram by Muslims, saying some people were trying to create problems by raising the issue again. “Does this country not have enough problems that some people want to create more problems? I don’t know why this issue is being reopened,” he told reporters here.

The clerics’ body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind at its national convention at Deoband this week had endorsed an earlier fatwa issued by Islamic seminary Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband. Khurshid said the issue was resolved over 50 years ago by treating some stanzas of the song as the national song. He said there was no need to take a fresh look after every 50 years. “During the independence movement, all national leaders, including leaders of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind Hind sat together and resolved that some stanzas of Vande mataram would be treated as the national song and would be sung voluntarily. Nobody was forced to sing it and this is something which was there in the resolutions of both Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and the Congress party,” he said.

Nandiram Kalita passes away

NAGAON, Nov 5: Nandiram Kalita, a well established businessman and owner of a hotel in Nagaon expired due to old age recently. He was 93.

He leaves behind his wife, five sons, two daughters and sons-in law along with several grand sons and grand daughters. Sources said Kalita belonged to a poor family and rose to higher position with hard work.

Body found

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 5 – A body identified to be that of Dadul Saikia (25) of Dhekial in Golaghat district was recovered from room no. 203 of Hotel Prince at Paltan Bazar. A suicide note was found in which the deceased wrote that he chose to end his life as he had a debt of Rs 9,000, police said. A case of unnatural death has been registered.

Elephant carcass found

NUMALIGARH, Nov 3: Forest officials at Itakhola under Murphulani Forest Beat under Golaghat range recovered an elephant carcass today. According to forest sources, the death of the elephant is cited to be natural. THE SENTINEL

Providential escape

MANGALDAI, Oct 29: State-Level National Integration Committee (SLNIC) vice-chairman Dr YL Karna and Dr Samedur Rahman yesterday had a providential escape as one Indica car directly hit a vehicle of their convoy near Sipajhar while they were en route to Sonitpur district in an official tour. The Indica car, however, immediately fled away from the spot.

LICI incident: Inquiry divulges police atrocity

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

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

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

One killed in road mishap

NUMALIGARH, Oct 25: A road accident was held at Numaligarh Tiniali on NH-37 today evening. One Boser Udhi Ali (9), died on the spot while he was walking along with his father. The vehicle escaped from the spot.

IED bomb recovered

TEZPUR, Oct 25: A suspected IED bomb connecting with flexible wire was found in the compound of Lal Miya of Gotlong near 37A National-Highway under Mahabhoirab Police out post of Tezpur sub-division in Sonitpur district during normal patrolling done by the 44 unit of Assam Rifles at 12.30 am (last night). Lal Muya and his son Babul Hussain (23) are in police custody for interrogation and further investigation. The four kilogram weight bomb is now under police custody. The fact will be opened after proper investigation made by the police, as reported.

Assamese inducted in national companies

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

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

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

Elephant conflict claims one

MANGALDAI, Oct 10: With the death of another villager along the Indo-Bhutan areas of Udalguri district, the toll of man-elephant conflict victims rose to three since October 1. According to reports, a herd of wild elephants killed one Ekka (40), a marginal farmer of Segubari Village which is situated 4 km to the west of Nonoi Forest Range office of Dhansiri Forest Division.

Two electrocuted

JAGIROAD, Oct 8: Two persons were electrocuted at Jagiroad last night. Sources said that one Gitish Tumung (25), of Hatiutha village got electrocuted when he was cutting a tree yesterday. On the other hand, one Ranjit Biswan (32), of Paliguri village, a contract worker of Nagaon Paper Mill (NPM) under the HPC got electrocuted when he was on duty at Caustic and Chlorin unit of the mill. Late Biswan was a welder working under a contractor. THE SENTINEL

Most puja pandals maintain a low-key affair

STAFF Reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – Dispur Barowari Puja committee will be celebrating Sri Sri Durga Puja and Sri Sri Lakshmi Puja for the 67th year. But unlike in the previous years, the puja committee has decided to keep it a low-key affair in memory of the blast victims of Ganeshguri.

“The main emphasis this year is on celebrating the puja in as simple a manner as possible because the nightmare is still fresh in our mind,” said Robin Das, a member of the puja committee. The celebrations will feature all the rituals and ojapali performance.

Das informed that all the security and fire safety measures have been adopted by the committee to ensure that pandal hoppers had a good time. “We have employed private security so that no untoward incident takes place.”

The oldest Durga Puja in the capital city, the Ujanbazar Barowari Puja will, in keeping to its tradition, celebrate the occasion in a simple way. In its 120th year, this mandap is thronged by devotees as both religion and history is intermingled in the genesis of the puja celebrations here. “Simplicity is our tradition and we have a small budget,” said a member of the Ujanbazar Barowari Puja Mandap Samity adding that the samity has always adhered to the fire safety guidelines and this year too all the guidelines will be followed. “We have fire extinguishers and a reservoir of 10,000 litre water capacity.”

The Latashil field was bustling with activities as the Guwahati Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samity members were running about giving the last minute orders to the labour force giving the final touches to the pandal and the idols. In its 33rd year, the celebrations here will feature Nagara Naam, screening of religious films and cartoons and a cultural show on Dashami. The samity has sought the services of private security agencies and has kept ready fire extinguishers, buckets filled with sand and water as advised by the fire department.

The 41st Maidam Beltola Lakshmi Mandir Sarbajanin puja will be marked by the traditional festivities.

The Kalapahar Durga Puja Committee in its 52nd year has innovatively designed the pandal in the ‘Agamoni theme’ based on traditional handicrafts of the State. The celebrations here will feature painting, quiz and Arati competition and a cultural show.

On the other hand, the puja spirit was dampened at the Brihattar Hengarabari Sarbajanin Durga Puja as a fire in the wee hours on Wednesday totally destroyed the pandal. The members of the puja committee informed that prayers will be offered to the goddess sans all the superficialities.

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78th edition of Bardoichila

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – The 78th edition of Bardoichila (2009-10) was formally released by TG Baruah, chairman of the Assam Tribune group of newspapers, at a function at Icon Academy today.

Editor of the magazine, Sivaprasad Baruah, explained the objective of the meet, while Kanak Chandra Sarma, vice-president, Asam Sahitya Sabha, was the chief guest. Kamaleswar Bora presided over the meet.

NACO to upgrade existing blood bank facilities

Mamata mishra
GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – Amid the rising cancer graph in the State, Dr B Barooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) has found a helping hand in the form of National AIDS Control Society (NACO)’s affiliation to its existing blood bank.

The well-known cancer institute of the region would now get technical and manpower support from NACO through Assam State AIDS Control Society, apart from specific manpower training from time to time.

Confirming this, Dr Amal Chandra Kataki, Director, BBCI told The Assam Tribune that the existing blood bank of the institute would be upgraded with regular supply of ‘consumables’ apart from manpower support through this tie-up.

“We have to incur an expenditure of around Rs 900 for testing on per bottle of blood, acquired from voluntarily donors. With the blood testing kits, now to be available from NACO, the BBCI would definitely get a certain amount of financial relief,” Dr Kataki added.

The total cancer cases during 2007-08 in the State, as per BBCI annual report, are 3,827, out of which 1,030 are recorded in Kamrup district alone.

Whereas the national incidence of cancer is 70 – 90 per lakh of population, the incidence of cancer as per Population Based Cancer Registry in the country is second highest in Kamrup (Metro) district, which is 180 per lakh of population.

“The list of consumables comprises various mandatory testing equipments, which includes blood bags for collection and preservation of blood, transfusion related transmissible infection test kits, HIV test kits, hepatitis test kits, laboratory equipments, blood grouping reagent supply and gloves among others,” Dr Narendra Singh Tisso, Deputy Director, Blood Safety of Assam State AIDS Control Society told The Assam Tribune.

With NACO’s affiliation, the BBCI blood bank would also be entitled to get technical support and lab technicians. To keep the technical staff upgraded with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act norms, orientation trainings would be conducted by NACO and ASACS.

“The ASACS would also receive monthly reports from the cancer institute,” added Tisso.

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Medicine, car loan made available in post offices

Medicine, car loan made available in post offices
GANGTOK, Sept 24 – The postal department today launched Project Arrow here to sell medicines, education schemes, auto loans and healthcare services in select post offices in Sikkim.

“Project Arrow would provide a centralised multi-purpose services such as off-the-counter medicines, education schemes, auto loans and healthcare services along with timely delivery of mails,” Director of Postal Services Abhinav Walia said today after unveiling the facilities at Head Post Office here.

The post offices will sell books, ayurvedic medicines, gold coins and railway tickets at the selected postal outlets, he said. – PTI

NPF not to contest Arunachal elections

Newmai News
KOHIMA, Sept 24 – The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has pulled out itself from the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly poll fray.

The plans of Naga People’s Front (NPF) to expand its base to other parts of the North East region seems to have been shattered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) not granting it approval to contest the ensuing Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for October 13, 2009.

Talking to Newmai News Network today, NPF secretary general, KG Kenye said that after a threadbare meeting held yesterday at its central office in Kohima the NPF decided to withdraw from contesting the October 13 Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections.

He said that the decision was necessitated following the delay of the ECI in approving the change in nomenclature of the party from Nagaland People’s Front to Naga People’s Front to contest Assembly elections in other parts of North East.

Kenye, squarely blaming the ECI on the issue, said the party had to withdraw because of the ‘ill-conceived motive’ of the ECI and paucity of time in filing nominations. He also clarified that the withdrawal was not because the party was demoralized or facing any threat.

He revealed that the party had formally applied for the change of nomenclature with the ECI during the first week of August this year but till date it has not given approval.

Terming the delay as ‘unnecessary and highly deplorable action’ of the ECI, he said the ECI does not have jurisdiction over the internal matter of the party as the NPF had put up the application for the change observing all formalities but they have taken advantage of it and caused this obstacles.

He also argued saying that only regional party of the State has been changing its nomenclature even in the past but such obstacles have never been caused. The party has changed from United Forum of Nagaland (UFN) to United Democratic Front (UDF), then to Naga National Democratic Party (NNDP), Nagaland People Council (NPC), Nagaland People’s Front (NPF). Now, it is trying to change it to Naga People’s Front.

Meanwhile, political observers are of the view that there have been lapses on the part of NPF while amending its constitution because of which the ECI might have not granted approval to contest the elections by changing the nomenclature.

It is pertinent to note that the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), the apex students' body of Arunachal Pradesh has been opposing the joining of Naga Peoples Party in Arunachal Pradesh politics.

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NEHU staff hold dharna on pay anomalies

NEHU staff hold dharna on pay anomalies
SHILLONG, Sept 24 – Staff of the North Eastern Hills University (NEHU) today held demonstration over UGC's alleged delay in rectifying anomalies and for not consulting a teachers' body in finalising the UGC regulations for their service conditions.

North Eastern Hills University Teachers Association (NEHUTA) president S K Mishra said the UGC's regulations had sparked discontentment among the University staff.

The dharna was organised by Federation of Central Universities Teachers Association (FEDCUTA), which alleged that regulations were finalised without consulting the body.

Mishra said the Central University teachers would appeal to the UGC to redress their legitimate grievances soon. – PTI

Concrete replaces 1,200 wooden bridges in State

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – Of the 5,000 wooden bridges identified across the State, the State Government has completed construction of more than 1,200 of them, while around 1,000 are still under construction. The bridge conversion project was undertaken to convert the wooden bridge with concrete structures, especially in remote areas, to improve on the existing communication system.

State Public Works Department Minister Ajanta Neog, while talking to media persons, said, “We are going about it in a phased manner and very soon most of the bridges would be replaced by concrete

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Egypt keen on tea import from Assam

Surajit Khaund

GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – Egypt has evinced a keen interest to import tea from Assam. To carry forward its plan, Head of Economy and Commerce of Egyptian Embassy, India, Mohammed Abdullah is arriving in Guwahati on October 2. “We will initiate a discussion with a group of tea producers in the State. Hopefully, we will be able to ink a deal in this regard,” Abdullah told this correspondent from New Delhi today. In this context, he said that the demand for tea in Egypt has been increasing over the years and therefore Assam can enjoy a sizeable market in the country.

According to available information, Egypt imports tea worth $ 60 million per annum. South Africa, Kenya are the main players dominating the Egyptian tea market. India’s tea export to Egypt is very little.

“Consumption of tea in Egypt has been increasing, to meet the demand, we can import from Assam. Moreover, Assam tea is a leading brand in the world market,” he said.

Asked about the nature of import, Abdullah informed that he would pursue the deal with the State tea producers. “It entirely depends on the tea producers of the State,” he added.

Abdullah who is also participating in the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Grassland’, a new resort developed near the Kaziranga National Park, said that tourism is also a core area in the region in which Egyptian Government is targeting. “We can jointly develop eco-tourism in the North East by utilizing its gifted resources . This will be a win-win situation for entrepreneurs engaged in the tourism sector,” he stated.

Expressing satisfaction with the current volume of bilateral trade between India and Egypt, the senior official said that the volume of trade between the countries has been growing exponentially during the last couple of years.

The present volume of trade between India and Egypt stands at $ 4 billion per annum . Egypt mainly imports textiles and auto components from India. The important sectors where the cooperation has increased are Information Technology, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, steel, energy and agricultural equipment.

Egypt and India are now aiming to increase bilateral trade volume to $10 billion in the next few years.

India’s investment in Egypt currently stands at around $800 million.

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Most city buildings adhering to safety norms: AREIDA

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – The Assam Real Estate and Infrastructure Developers’ Association (AREIDA) today assured the people that most of the buildings in Guwahati, including the high-rise ones, have been built strictly adhering to the safety standards set by the government. The association also warned of legal actions against those passing ‘expert’s comments’ on earthquakes to news channels and news papers, without proper knowledge of the subject.

“After the experience of 2001 Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat, the earthquake-resistant code was redesigned as BIS: 1893-2002. This is mandatory in Guwahati and is legally enforceable along with other associated codes such as code of practice for earthquake resistant design and construction of buildings (BIS 4326) and ductility requirement (BIS 13920),” said AREIDA president PK Sarma in a press meet here today.

There are 85,000 buildings of various types in Guwahati and over 1,500 of them are above four-storey.

While finalizing the earthquake codes, due consideration is given to affordability of the Indian citizens as the building cost of fully earthquake-proof buildings has gone up many times.

As per the set norms, no damage in the building is permissible during the minor earthquakes. During moderate earthquakes, non-structural damages like cracks in non load bearing brickwork, damage to plaster and other non structural members is permissible. During major earthquakes, the building must withstand collapse; even structural damage in the forms of cracks in RCC frame is possible, as per the norms, he said.

“Bhuj earthquake was the first major tremor in urban area in past 50 years, which was measured 6.9 on the Richter scale. Comparatively, the last earthquake of the magnitude of 6.2 has not done any major damage in Guwahati, except the tilting of one building and some minor non-structural damages on a few other apartments. It proves the structural strength of the buildings of the city,” Sarma claimed.

“The buildings have already faced 55 per cent of the maximum earthquake design load during the last jolt,” he added.

Referring to the Jagabandhu Apartment of Bhangagarh, which got tilted due to the September 21 earthquake, he said that the cause of the incident has to be investigated by structural experts using the techniques like X-Ray, rebound hammer, ultrasound along with the detail measurement of movement and analysis of structural design.

“The builder, Padum Gogoi, is constantly in touch with his clients and necessary steps would be taken after the tests are done,” he added.

“The Government of India has officially appointed IIT-Guwahati as a National Resource Centre for Earthquake Engineering and attached Assam and Jorhat Engineering Colleges to it for assistance. Technical opinion should be sought from these authorities,” he said.

“All sorts of professionals like geologists, geography professors, environment engineers, automobile engineers, among others, are giving their comments to the media on earthquake and building safety, spreading more panic than information,” he added.

“We are seriously thinking about filing defamation suits against those who have spread panic among the common people with their reckless comments in the media,” he said.

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Durga Puja festivities begin

STAFF Reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – Durga Puja, among the biggest festivals of the State, got under way on the auspicious Maha Sasthi today with observation of the rituals of bodhan, awahan and adhivas. According to astrology, the Goddess arrives on a dola this year and leaves on elephant back. Maha Sasthi marks the first day of her five-day earthly sojourn.

It is believed that the Goddess arrives on the earth to slay the evil demon king Mahisasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. She is accompanied by her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesh.

The city wore a festive look with the colourfully-decorated and illuminated 500-odd puja pandals according a grand welcome to the Goddess. Devotees were seen visiting the pandals amidst the chanting of hymns. The real festivities, however, will begin from tomorrow, i.e., on the Maha Saptami day.

With arrangements that range from the modest to the extravagant, the puja pandals are leaving no stone unturned to entice the visitors. While the average expenditure on a pandal is around Rs 3 lakh, several have exceeded Rs 10 lakh in meeting the overall arrangements.

Most of the puja committees are also arranging elaborate programmes including cultural shows spanning over five to seven days to mark the festive occasion. Pub-Guwahati Rajahuwa Durga Puja Samiti, Chandmari Rajahuwa Puja Samiti, Guwahati Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti, Latasil, Silpukhuri Sarbajanin Sri Sri Durga Puja Samiti, Ujanbazar Barowari Puja Mandap Samiti, Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti, Hengrabari, Santipur Sarbajanin Durga Udjapan Samiti, Brihattar Panjabari Sarbajanin Durga Puja Aru Lakshmi Puja Udjappan Samiti, Geetanagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti, Purva Tirupathi Sri Balaji Seva Samiti, Kahilipara Durga Mandap Committee, and Srinagar Yuva Durga Puja Samiti, among others, have extended their best Durga Puja greetings to the people.

Meanwhile, the district administration and the police have braced themselves to ensure a smooth celebration of the festivities. Traffic arrangements have been altered at some busy localities for facilitating greater pedestrian movement. Puja committees are also maintaining close coordination with the police to thwart any subversive bids by anti-social elements. Volunteers have also been engaged to keep close watch in and around puja venues.

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Special package for hill districts soon: CM

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 24 – The State Government will soon announce a special package for the development of the hill districts of North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong. This was disclosed by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today. Addressing a Press conference here today, Gogoi said that the Hill districts remained underdeveloped and militancy also contributed to lack of development. He said that the situation in NC Hills was even worse than Karbi Anglong as development funds were misused for years.

Gogoi said that the decision of the DHD (J) to come for talks by surrendering weapons is a positive side and hoped that it would result in overall improvement of the situation. He said that as many as 386 militants belonging to the DHD (J) have come over ground and surrendered 142 weapons to express their desire to solve the problems through talks. Even the top leaders of the outfit including the Commander in Chief Niranjan Hojai have come forward for talks, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the situation in NC Hills was a matter of serious concern for both the Central and State Governments and everyone had doubts on whether the outfit would come for talks by accepting the pre-conditions of the Government and the Centre was also concerned on whether the outfit would finally come over ground.

Gogoi revealed that the Government has initiated steps for the rehabilitation of the militants who return to the mainstream. He said that surrendered militants would be appointed in two battalions for their rehabilitation. He said that steps have also been taken for modernization of the police force and to fill up the vacancies in the force. The State Government will be a part of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System to be created by the Government of India.

The Chief Minister, who was in USA recently on a private visit, said that the State Government would try to follow the model of community colleges of USA to provide vocational training to the school and college dropouts of the state.

Gogoi further revealed that the Government is planning an international conference of experts to devise ways to deal with floods.

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Employees to organize dharna

HAFLONG, Sept 20: The NC Hills Autonomous Council Employees Association has decided to organize a dharna in protest against the non-payment of salaries to the Council Normal employees for the last five months.

At a meeting held in Haflong yesterday, the employees association have decided to hold a dharna with effect from September 22 to September 24 at the Council main gate. The meeting further resolved to take agitation programme after Durga Puja if their grievances are not met at the earliest. This was stated in a press release.

Body found

Body found

From our Correspondent

TAMARHAT, Sept 18: The body of one Bulbul Brahma (28) of Basbari Village under Kokrajhar PS in Kokrajhar district was found lying near a forest at Basbari Village today. Sources said Brahma was missing since Wednesday after he came to the Basbari market. Local people found his body lying near a forest and immediately informed the police who rushed to the spot. The body was later taken by the police for post mortem. A man hunt has been launched after the recovery of the body but no one has been arrested so far in this connection. Further interrogation is on.

Black Widow surrenders weapons in Assam

Dima Halam Daogah

Guwahati, Sep 16 (ANI): Over 170 guerillas of the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) (DHDJ) or Black Widow have commenced surrendering their weapons from Wednesday.

Earlier on Sunday, nearly 193 rebels of the DHDJ had surrendered their weapons well ahead of the deadline given by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

Chidambaram had asked the banned ultras to surrender weapons before September 15.

The DHD (J) is responsible for creating terror in the North Cachar Hill District of Assam for last six years, during which over 300 people have been killed.

Among those who surrendered arms were Daniel Dimasa, Daku Dimasa, David Dimasa and Nalo Dimasa who were considered as hardcore militants.

According to the new rules for facilitating peace talks with the militant organization, an outfit has to first abjure violence by depositing weapons and stay away from extortion by moving to designated camps. Only its top leadership will be allowed to sit for talks.

Defence spokesman, Col.R Kalia, said those who have deposited weapons have been kept in two temporary camps at Kapuchera and Jatinga under heavy escort by troops of the Red Shield Division of the Army.

A formal surrender ceremony would be held at Haflong later in the month in the presence of the State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, sources said.

The breakaway group of the DHD (J) led by James Dimasa are still undecided on joining the peace process.

According to Additional Director General (Special Branch) Khagen Sarmah, all the cadres of the outfit are expected to surrender their weapons in the next couple of days.

The government has adopted a multi-dimensional strategy in North Cachar Hills with strong deployment of security forces.

The brigade headquarters of the Army at Haflong has coordinating all the efforts.

Till now 373 insurgents have come over-ground depositing 136 weapons including AK series weapons, M16 rifles, INSAS rifles, rocket launchers, grenades and wireless sets, sources said. (ANI)

Incense stick factory inaugurated

KOKRAJHAR, Sept 14: BTC EM of Agriculture Mitharam Basumatary, today formally inaugurated a new incense stick factory at Haltugaon, 12 km North of Kokrajhar town. The incense stick factory is a joint venture of National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and Bodoland Bamboo Development Board (BBDB).

The programme was also attended by secretary of BTC Rahela Brahma and Joint Director of Agriculture JD Brahma along with entrepreneurs. THE SENTINEL