OIL to play Assam Rifles today

Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 22 – In the first semifinal of the 2nd Airtel Assam State Premier League Football Championship, Oil India Limited Football Club will lock horns with Assam Rifles at the Judges’ Field here under light. The match will kick off at 5.30 pm.

OIL was the champion team in cluster B played at Sivasagar, while the Riflemen came second in cluster A which was held at Tezpur.

At Tezpur, Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) Sports Club emerged champions and will meet Assam Police Blues, runners-up of Sivasagar cluster on February 24 in the second semifinal.

9th APBn were relegated as they were placed at the bottom among 8 teams. Gauhati Town Club, Green Valley Sports Club and PHE, Silchar were the other teams in the meet. The final is on February 26.

AGP dharna in New Delhi on Feb 25

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 22 – A delegation of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) comprising the steering committee members, general secretaries and vice presidents and the MLAs and MPs will stage a demonstration in New Delhi on February 25 demanding dismissal of the Tarun Gogoi-led Government and a CBI probe into the financial irregularities in NC Hills Autonomous Council.

AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary said that the AGP delegation would also submit memorandum to the President of India, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister in support of the demands of the party.

President reaffirms NE economic uplift

Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 22 – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today reaffirmed the resolve of the UPA Government to develop infrastructure in the North Eastern Region, signalling that economic uplift has taken precedence following improvement in the internal security situation.

Addressing the joint session of the Parliament, marking the beginning of the Budget Session, the President said that the Central Government remains committed to the rapid development of infrastructure in the North-Eastern States.

The Special Accelerated Road Development Programme covering almost 10,000 km is in progress. This project will provide minimum two-lane national highway link to all the State capitals, and to each district in these States. This includes over 1600 km long Trans-Arunachal Highway. A special programme to provide home lighting systems to all the border villages of Arunachal Pradesh is at an advanced stage of implementation, she said.

A special North East Rail Development Fund has been created, to provide assured financing for nine major national projects in the North Eastern Region, said Patil.

On the internal security front, the President said the situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in the North East.

Ministry of Youth Affair’s bid to generate employment in NE

Staff Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Feb 20 – Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the labour and employment department, Ministry of Home Affairs and new and renewable energy departments is drawing up an exhaustive plan to start multi trade oriented programmes in the North-east for large scale employment of youths of the region.

The initiative is aimed at providing the young people of north-eastern states with gainful employment so that they get an opportunity to contribute in nation building activities, AK Upadhyay, secretary, youth affairs & sports, Government of India who addressed mediapersons at the circuit house here on Friday said.

A meeting of the secretaries of youth affairs of all the northeastern States was held in this regard on Thursday at the circuit house here in the presence of representatives from Labour and Employment department, Ministry of Home Affairs and New and Renewable Energy Department.

Upadhyay told mediapersons that an attempt was being made to channelise the youth of the region to bring them to the mainstream. He said youths should be involved in development activities through coordination and convergence with the various departments and agencies working in the NE states. The secretary of youth affairs & sports said that the ministry would soon facilitate launching of several projects in the region for maximum of youths in various trades.

He suggested that the youth of north-eastern states could be involved in mini and micro-hydel projects, solar electrifications, agro-based industries and other construction works.

To meet the work-force required in the north-eastern states, he said, the youth of this area would be sent outside the north-eastern states to acquire the skills needed in various projects implemented by the developmental agencies. Capacity building and motivational programmes would form part of the progarammes, Upadhyay said.

In the area of agriculture, the secretary, suggested that youth should be involved in promoting multi-cropping system and also encouraging the farmers to take up subsidiary activities, such as bee keeping, mushroom cultivation, etc. for more economic gain. A pilot project in this line is being planned by the ministry to be implemented from the coming financial year, he informed. However, much emphasis would be laid on insurgent infested districts of the region, the secretary said.

“The north-east is a beautiful region, endowed and blessed with rich resources but that the energy of the youth is not channelised for exploitation of the unexplored resources. Society should take equal interest like the government to bring the insurgent groups to the mainstream”, Upadhyay said.

Sailesh, joint secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, A S Kesai, DDG, Ministry of Labour and Employment and Dr D R Das, Director, MNRE, Guwahati , Government of India had reportedly briefed the meeting on Thursday regarding the activities of their departments through power-point presentation. During the meeting, the joint secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India informed the members that a new scheme of “National Youth Corps” would be introduced from the forthcoming financial year.

Twenty thousand NYC volunteers would be deployed during the year 2010-2011, 12,000 volunteers for Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and 8,000 NYC for J&K state. He suggested that NYKS could take initiatives to work in coordination with various departments working in the field of development areas and suggested some areas of convergence with the following departments – Ministry of Home Affairs, department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Women & Child Development.

Maoists getting aid from NE outfits

R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Feb 20 – The change in the pattern of violence and frequent use of sophisticated weapons by the Maoist rebel groups and their growing ties with the militant groups of North East forced the security forces to believe that the Maoists must have been receiving weapons from the NE militants.

Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that there have been growing efforts by the Maoist groups to establish their foothold in the North East region and their links with several militant groups of the region have already been established.

Sources said that though there was no concrete evidence of the militant groups of North East providing sophisticated weapons to the Maoist rebel groups, circumstantial evidence indicated this trend. Sources pointed out that at one point of time, the Maoist groups used only old fashioned weapons, but in recent times, they have started using sophisticated weapons, including AK series rifles. The recent attacks by the Maoist groups indicated that they now have a good number of sophisticated weapons.

Sources pointed out that on the other hand, most of the militant groups of North East possessed a good number of sophisticated weapons and they were also receiving weapons phased out by the Chinese Army as part of its modernisation programme, from the clandestine arms dealers. There are militant outfits in the NE, which have more weapons than the number of cadres, while, the groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have changed their pattern of violence and in last few years, such groups are using more explosives than weapons. That is why, the militant groups of the North East now have unused weapons and there is every possibility of such groups siphoning off weapons to the Maoist groups, which do not have any shortage of cadres to use the same and they are frequently using weapons rather than explosives to target the security forces, sources added.

Meanwhile, commenting on the efforts by the Maoist groups to establish a foothold in the region, sources said that so far, such groups are not very active in the region. “About a couple of years back, some Maoist groups established small units in lower Assam but these units are still not very active. However, according to reports available, the Maoist groups have identified their target groups including farmers, agriculture labourers including tea garden labourers to establish their roots,” sources said.

Sources said that recent attempts by the Maoist groups to strengthen links with the ULFA came to the fore, while, it is reported that the Maoists have ties with the NSCN (I-M). Sources said that the Maoists held a meeting with the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) of Manipur in Maynmar and according to records available with the security forces, both sides also adopted a resolution to “work together in the struggle to overthrow the Indian Government.”

AXS calls for xatriya study

From our Staff Reporter

DIBRUGARH, Feb 22: Only a scientific explanation of xatriya life philosophy can attract the younger generation to the culture. Only then can the injustice and immorality in present day society be removed.

This was said by the Xatradhikar of Auniati Xatra, Dr Pitambar Deba Goswami, in his capacity as the guest of honour during the open session held on the last day of the Axom Xatradhikar Sanmilan (AXS) in Dibrugarh on Sunday.

Dr Goswami said that the training of a decent life is received in xatras and the lifestyle of people is inherent in xatriya culture. Xatras and naamghars are the seats where men and women seek spiritual enlightenment, he added.

Earlier, the Xatradhikar of Dakhinpat Xatra, Nani Gopal Deba Goswami, inaugurated the open session that was chaired by the president of Axom Xatra Mahasabha (AXM) and Xatradhikar of Charing Jokai Xatra, Bhadrakrishna Goswami.

In his presidential address, the AXM president emphasized on going ahead following the path shown by Sankardeva and only then can xatras, society and the community survive. He stressed on forging in an united manner and go beyond just preservation of ancient texts.

A souvenir was released on the occasion by litterateur Ganesh Chandra Kurmi.

The Xatradhikars of Natun Kamalabari Xatra, Garmur Xatra and Dinjoy Mayamora Xatra, Narayan Chandra Goswami, Harideb Goswami and Jogadananda Chandra Goswami respectively, the president of AXX, Dr Nagen Saikia, and Dibrugarh MLA, Prasanta Phukon, were present in the meeting.

A cultural procession was taken out in the morning. The SP of Dibrugarh, Abhijit Bora, flagged it off.

Shram Parishad stir against deal

From our Staff Correspondent

DIBRUGARH, Feb 18: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) members of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar districts participated in the demonstration staged by Shram Parishad, sister organization of AGP in front of the Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA), Zone-1 office at Chaolkhowa today.

Hundreds of AGP and Shram Parishad activists took out a rally in support of their demand for cancellation of the wage agreement signed between ACMS and CCPA and later gheraoed the Assam Branch of Indian Tea Association (ABITA) Zone-1 office at Chaolkhowa, seven km away from here for more than two-hours.

Festival to showcase Northeast culture

Kohima, Feb. 18: The North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur, is organising a two-day South East Asia and North East India Festival at the centre from March 1, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

The director of the centre, Hekali Zhimomi, said the festival, that will begin at 5pm, would feature artistes from several South East Asian countries and the Northeast.

Cultural troupes from Thailand, Bali, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland will perform during the opening ceremony.

Troupes from Cambodia, Java, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam and Manipur will perform on March 2.

Zhimomi said the festival would provide an excellent opportunity to educate students on the culture of South East Asian countries and the Northeast.

The centre has invited students from various schools to witness the performances.

A large gathering from all over the Northeast, including a host of officials, is expected.

“We will ensure a good turnout for the festival,” an official of the centre said.

Altogether 12 cultural troupes will participate in the festival. On March 1, the adviser to the art and culture department, Deo Nukhu, will inaugurate the festival. The centre is also organising Children’s Film festival 2010 from February 26 to March 1 in collaboration with the Children’s Film Society of India. Several foreign movies will be screened during the festival, officials of the centre said.

Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar will grace the inaugural function as the chief guest at the Imliyanger Memorial Centre, Dimapur, at 9am.

Soruce:http://www.telegraphindia.com

Assam suffer another defeat

GUWAHATI, Feb 18 – Assam suffered yet another defeat in the East Zone Vijay Hazare Trophy limited over cricket tournament.

At Cuttak today, Tripura handed a seven-wicket drubbing to Assam. In reply to Assam’s 172 all out in 47.3 overs, Tripura, riding on a solid unbeaten 81 by Mumbaikar Nishit Shetty smacked up 174 losing three wickets in 37.4 overs.

For Assam Sairaj Bahutule was the top scorer with 42, while Deepak Sharma added 33. Dhiraj Goswami and Dhiraj Jhadav scored 22 each.

It was the fourth consecutive defeat for Assam and have been eliminated from the tournament. – Sports Reporter

Kung fu body’s meet on Feb 21

GUWAHATI, Feb 18: The Assam Kung Fu Federation has convened an emergent working committee meeting at SAI complex here on February 21 at 11 am, a press release said.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Gogoi to quit if any minister involved in scam (Lead)

Guwahati, Feb 19 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Friday said he would resign if any of his ministers was found involved in a multi-million rupees scam involving government funds, even as the opposition burnt his effigies and sought his resignation.

There is a political storm in Assam after the media picked up a story carried by The Week magazine alleging that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had named seven ministers and a former governor of involvement in a Rs.1,000-crore scam of swindling central funds.

The money was meant for the development of North Cachar Hills district. The scam reportedly took place between 2004 and 2009.

"The NIA never sought permission to interrogate the ministers and so report is absolutely false... I will resign if any of my ministers are involved," Gogoi told reporters.

"We would take legal action if The Week fails to prove the charges," he said.

The Assam government, in early 2009, sought a probe. New Delhi entrusted the NIA to investigate the alleged politician-militant-bureaucrat nexus in the North Cachar Hills.

The NIA has since filed a chargesheet against 14 people although no ministers were named.

"The North Cachar Hills district Autonomous Council was ruled by the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) and their alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the period for which the probe took place... So if at all there are any problems it is the ASDC-BJP who are responsible," Assam Health Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma said.

Sarma, who is also the state government spokesman, is among the seven ministers named in magazine that said that Gogoi had refused permission to the NIA to interrogate them.

The main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) burnt the effigy of the chief minister and demanded his resignation.

"A chief minister who tries to protect his ministers for swindling government funds has no right to stay in office," AGP leader Atul Bora said.

The AGP threatened to demonstrate in front of the Raj Bhawan Saturday as part of a state-wide protests.

Indo Asian News

State tea production up in 2009

Ajit Patowary
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – The total production of tea in Assam in 2009 was 500 million kgs, compared to the 487 million kgs produced by the State in 2008, said tea industry sources here.

In the Brahmaputra Valley, production was ahead by about 12.78 million kgs during the year, while the Barak Valley was behind by about 0.28 million kgs compared to 2008.

However, in the country, overall tea production in 2009 was less by 1.8 million kgs, that is two per cent, compared to 2008. In 2009, the countryproduced 979 million kgs of tea against the 980.8 million kgs it produced in 2008.

During the year, Kenya was behind by 31.6 million kgs, that is 9.1 per cent and Sri Lanka was behind by 28.9 Million kgs, that is 9.1 per cent, compared to 2008, said the sources.

The Kolkata Tea Auction Centre witnessed an average increase of Rs 18 of price for per kg of tea during the year, compared to what a kg of tea used to fetch in the tea auction centre in 2008. The average price per kg of tea fetched in the tea auction centre in 2009 was 123.05. In 2008, a kg of tea used to fetch Rs 105.12 in the tea auction centre.

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre also witnessed a rise in the average price of tea during the year. Against the price of Rs 91.71 per kg of tea used to fetch in the Guwahati Auction Centre in 2008, the average price per kg of tea in the auction centre in 2009 was Rs 110.42. This is an increase of Rs 18.70 per kg, said the sources.

Significantly, Indian tea experienced a diminishing trend so far as its export was concerned, in 2009. Export of tea from the country decreased by 11.6 million kgs, that is, by 5.7 per cent, compared to 2008.

In 2009, the country could export 191.5 million kgs of tea, compared to 203.1 million kgs it exported in the preceding year. Though there was a significant increase in the country’s tea export to Iraq in 2009, its tea export to the UK, Iran, UAE and Egypt witnessed a diminishing trend inthe year.

Similarly, the export of Kenyan and Sri Lankan tea also decreased by 10.2 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively during the year, when compared with the figures of 2008, said the sources.

Assam Tribune

Ali Aye Ligang celebrated

CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LAKHIMPUR, Feb 17 – The festival celebrating the commencement of the agrarian season of the Mishing community, Ali Aye Liganag was held today in North Lakhimpur with traditional fervor, pomp and ceremony.

The two-day programme was celebrated with the auspices of 37th central Ali Aye Lriganag festival in the playground of North Lakhimpur Govt. HS School.

The Mishing community of Assam has been celebrating this festival on the first Wednesday of the month of Phagun by sowing sacred seeds in the name of deities like Donyi Polo, Karshing Kartan, Se: Di-Me:Lo and Rugzi-Me:Rang.

The festivities began yesterday with cleansing rituals and hoisting of the flag by Bholanath Doley, president of the organizing committee. This was followed by tribute paying ceremony led by Harendranath Doley, the executive president of the organizing committee. A drawing competition for children was also held on the occasion which was inaugurated by Parnita Taid, Vice-Chairperson, ZPC-Lakhimpur.

Today’s programme began with the taking out of a colourful cultural procession throught the main roads of North Lakhimpur town. The procession was inaugurated by Dr JC Doley, Joint Director, Health, Lakhimpur and it was led by Dr. Jyanendra Kardang and film stars Geetabali Rajkumari and Shyamantika.

Cultural troups of various ethnic groups, including from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh apart from the vibrant Mishing community, took part in the procession. Tableaux showcasing various traditional lives of Mishing community and their folklore were also taken out in the procession.

A souvenir was released by noted short story writer Nivedita Lagachu. A traditional fashion show was also organized in that prgramme which was inaugurated by Geeta Ayengiya Pamegam in the evening. A cultural nit was also organized in the vening to mark the occasion.

Our Staff Reporter add: The Mising community on Wednesday celebrated with traditional fanfare the Ali-Aye-Ligang festival heralding another cultivation season. The first seed of the agricultural season was sowed by invoking the gods to bless the earth with another bounteous season.

This festival which is an ode to the fertility of the land was observed with ritualistic fervour by the Mising community of the capital city. The Sadou Guwahati Mising Kaubang celebrated the festival at Murong Latta, Japorigog here.

The day-long festivities began with a cleaning drive followed by flag hoisting and invocation to the gods by offering the home made rice beer or Apong.

It seemed all the hues of the Fagun had been sprinkled over everyone. Intricate designs in red, yellow and green over the traditional dresses of thecommunity reflected the spirit of the season. Colour and gaiety marked the occasion with members of the community, young and old alike dressed in their traditional colourful outfits participating in impromptu dancing and singing outbursts.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com

Rs 1,000 crore scam in NC Hills

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – Daring the State Government to take action against the seven ministers named in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) report on the militant-politician-bureaucrat nexus in NC Hills district, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to direct the NIA to file a supplementary charge sheet against the accused politicians.

“The NIA report made sensational revelations, linking seven ministers in the unprecedented Rs 1,000-crore scam by the militant-politician-bureaucrat nexus. But the ministers, i.e., Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rockybul Hussain, Khorsing Ingty, Akon Bora, Chandan Brahma, Gautam Roy and Ajanta Neog besides MP Dip Gogoi, brother of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Haflong MLA GC Langthasa, and the then Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh were let off following pressure by the Congress-led UPA Government, undermining seriously in the process the credibility of the top investigating agency, and more importantly, the unity and integrity of the country,” AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary said at a press conference.

Referring to a news item that had appeared on The Week’s February 7, 2010 issue, Patowary said it was apparent that the NIA report was brushed under the carpet by the UPA Government to save the Congress regime in the State even though it meant compromising with national interest.

“An impartial agency constituted precisely to deal with terror threats looming over the nation exposes a State Government’s link with a militant outfit that has been creating mayhem killing and looting hundreds of innocent people but the Government pressurizes the Centre into protecting theministers named specifically in the report. The Tarun Gogoi Government is directly patronizing militant outfits, with seven of its ministers involved in the embezzlement of development funds worth Rs 1,000 crore in cahoots with militants,” Patowary said, adding that theState Government had no moral right to be in power.

Terming the developments as jeopardizing the future of democracy, Patowary wondered what the people could expect from a Government that was little more than a puppet in the hands of militants, with theministers themselves providing astronomical funds to militants for procuring arms.

“The Centre’s role is even more disturbing, as it has not just turned a blind eye to the murky developments but gone to the extent of protecting theState Government by brushing aside the NIA’s impartial findings,” he said.

Asserting that the AGP’s claims on the State Government’s militant nexus stood vindicated, Patowary said that the only redeeming stance the Centre could take now was to direct the NIA to issue a supplementary charge sheet indicting the sevenministers . “We expect the Prime Minister to take such a step as the matter has implications beyond the State of Assam and involves the nation’s sovereignty and integrity,” Patowary said.

CPI shocked: Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India, Assam State Council has expressed shock at the reported revelations in the NIAreport linking seven ministers of the State cabinet in the Rs 1,000-crore scam in NC Hills district in cahoots with militants, and demanded immediate expulsion of theministers , besides initiating stringent legal action on them as well as the other accused former Governor Lt General (retd) Ajai Singh, an MP, an MLA, and a few bureaucrats and businessmen.

In a statement, the CPI said the happenings were a threat to the democratic system of governance and unless dealt with a firm hand, would totally disintegrate the nation.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com

State attracts investments worth Rs 6,000 cr

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – With improvement of the overall law and order situation, the investment scenario in Assam started looking up and within this calendar year alone, the State Government has received investment proposals worth more than Rs 6,000 crore. However, shortage of land suitable for setting up of mega projects is turning out to be a major problem for the Government in allotment of land to the potential investors.

Talking to The Assam Tribune, Industries and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi revealed that majority of the proposals received by the State Government in recent times are worth more than Rs 100 crore and the Government has initiated steps to ensure speedy clearance of the proposals.

Bordoloi said that a high power committee headed by the Chief Minister has been set up to examine the investment proposals in detail to ensure that the proposals are not kept pending. The committee, in its first meeting on February 11 cleared proposals worth Rs 1150 crore, which include three cement plants and one distillery. He said that the committee would meet again either in the last part of this month or in the first part of March to examine the detailed project reports of the otherinvestment proposals.

The Minister said that the Government has decided to accord mega-project status to investments worth more than Rs 100 crore and in addition to the incentives offered in the Special Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy ofthe Government of India, the State Government would accord different facilities to such projects as per requirement. He said that the investment proposals received in recent months include setting up of cement plants, paper mills, steel factory etc, while, Pepsi has also shown interest in setting up a plant in the State. He said that the signing of a MoU for the setting up of a paper mill in Matia in Goalpara with investment of Rs 1550 crore is also a positive development and hoped that the State would continue receiving suchinvestment proposals in the days to come.

In addition to formation of the high powered committee, the State Government has already started ensuring “fast track clearance” of the projects and different departments including Pollution Control Board have been given stipulated time to examine the projects to do the needful.

Commenting on the change in scenario, Bordoloi said that overall improvement of the State’s scenario is one of the main reasons because of which the investors have started showing interest in investing in the State, while, the perception of the potential investors on the State situation has also started changing. “The investors must have felt that investing inAssam make economic sense as no major investor would have come to Assam if they felt that it is not economically viable to invest in Assam . We have also created a land bank where all the information of availability of land is available and any investor can have a look on the same before taking the decision to invest in the State,” he added.

Bordoloi, however, said that shortage of suitable land for setting up of major industries is turning out to be a major problem. He revealed that all the industrial land developed bythe Government and its agencies including Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has been taken over and the Government would have to find out other suitable plots for setting up of mega projects soon to attract investors.7:05 PM 18/02/2010

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Now, Tripura wants mega food park

With Assam getting a ‘mega’ Food Park by early next year, Tripura too has urged the centre to set up such a park to tap the state’s vast potential in food processing sector.

Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organised investment meet in Agartala today, Tripura chief minster Manik Sarkar impressed upon the Union minister of food processing industries, Subodh Kant Sahay, who too was present at the meet, to set up a “mega” Food Park in the state.

Stating that the connectivity bottleneck would soon disappear once the Chittagong Port access materialises, Sarkar said that a ‘mega’ Food Park would help the state become an agri-food processing hub in the region. Tripura is rich in horticultural products like pineapple, orange, jackfruit, litchi, banana, mango and so on. Bangladesh-based Pran Group, which has been into food processing business since 1980, is presently coming up with a $5 million food processing unit in Agartala.

Inviting investors to set up projects in Tripura, he said that they could take advantage of the Chittagong Port to export their products to mainland India as well as to neighbouring countries. Sahay said that his ministry was working to ensure that goods and services tax (GST) on food processing industries be contained in the range of 0 to 4 per cent. Further, he assured to give 100 per cent grant in setting up of a modern food testing laboratory in Agartala.

Soruce:BS

Violence has decreased in Assam, says CM Tarun Gogoi

STAFF WRITER 21:3 HRS IST

Guwahati, Feb 17 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said violence had come down in the state due to sustained efforts of the army and other security forces.

Praising the armed forces as one of the "best in the world", he said besides a decrease in violence, many activists of major militant outfits have surrendered.

Gogoi complimented the army for having a cordial relation with the government and other security forces in the state.

"We have the best of cooperation with the army which has been serving well down the years in the field of internal security," he said after inaugurating "Know your Army" fair at the Judges field here.

The visitors at the fair were treated to a thrilling display weapons including rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortars. Dog show, horse show and an aero model show were also conducted by the army personnel.

Vehicle mows down 2 in Assam - Mob torches car of Gu Ex-Registrar

Guwahati, Feb. 17: A mob set fire to a car after it knocked down and killed two persons on AT Road in the Bhootnath area today.

Police said the speeding Santro ( AS-01 Q/5889), travelling from Maligaon, lost control in front of the army camp at Bhootnath and hit a handcart-puller and two others around 9.30am. The owner of the car, M.C. Bhuyan, a retired registrar of Gauhati University, escaped unhurt, the police said.

Arvind Sahu, 40, the handcart-puller who is a resident of Bhootnath, and an unidentified person appearing to be in his mid-forties, died on the spot. Kishore Kumar Yadav, 36, a resident of Railway Gate 6, was admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.

Sahu’s handcart came under the wheels and was dragged some distance before the vehicle came to a halt. The impact of the collision was so powerful that the unidentified person was flung to a distance of 30 feet and fell into a roadside drain.

As the crowd swelled, a mob overturned the vehicle before setting it ablaze. The driver of the car, Ratul Das, was beaten up.

Two tenders had to struggle for almost half-an-hour to douse the flames.

A large police force rushed to the spot to control the mob and rescue Das. A posse of CRPF personnel was also deployed to prevent the situation from going out of control. Das was later arrested and a case registered against him at the traffic branch of Bharalumukh police station.

Local residents blamed reckless driving for the accident. “The car was travelling at a breakneck speed as a result of which the driver lost control and hit the pedestrians,” Mridu Paban Nath, an eyewitness, said.

The accident disrupted traffic movement on AT Road at Bharalumukh. It took police one-and-a-half hours to restore normal traffic flow along the affected stretch.

In two separate mishaps, 15 people were injured in the city today.

Police said 12 people were injured, two of them critically, when a Byrnihat-bound city bus met with an accident near Veterinary College at Khanapara around 11.30am.

The bus hit a road divider and then an electric pole after the driver lost control. The police said the driver was absconding.

At Lachitpur, three persons, including a woman, sustained injuries in a collision between a dumper truck, a Bolero and a Tata Magic on Guwahati-Hajo Road on the outskirts of the city around noon.

Soruce:http://www.telegraphindia.com/

Assam CM urges Mamata Banerjee to create a new railway zone for NE

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has urged railway minister Mamata Banerjee to create a new railway zone exclusively for the North Eastern region.

In a letter to Banerjee recently and made available to the media today, Gogoi urged for inclusion of the proposal in the next railway budget in the interest of the people of the North Eastern region.

One of the major causes of backwardness of the region was lack of connectivity, he said. He also requested her to introduce daily Duronto trains between Guwahati and Delhi, Guwahati and Bangalore and Guwahati and Kolkata.

Besides, Gogoi sought superfast trains between Guwahati-Mumbai via Nagpur (daily) and Guwahati-Goa and

Dibrugarh-Trivandrum (both bi-weekly). He also pleaded with the railway minister for electrification of railway lines between Bongaigaon and Kamakhya via Jogighopa and between Guwahati and Dibrugarh.

Double tracking of railways connecting Assam and extending it up to the Guwahati-Tinsukia section, upgradation of New Bongaigaon and Dibrugarh railway workshops for manufacturing coaches and wagons and expeditious implementation of ongoing railway projects were also sought by the chief minister.

PTI

Arunachal projects to help Assam also, says Governor

STAFF WRITER 22:19 HRS IST

Itanagar, Feb 16 (PTI) At least one third of the Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore being invested by the Centre in Arunachal Pradesh under PM's package would go to Assam economy as downstream effect, Arunachal Governor Gen (retd) JJ Singh said today.

The railway project should help the local economy and people on both sides (Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) should feel that it is their project, Singh said while reviewing the progress of work of the new broad gauge work of the Harmuti- Itanagar at Harmuti railway station on inter-state border.

Involvement of people is must for success of any project, he said.

"Moreover, it is important for national security. Direct monitoring of the project by PMO will help the project to complete on time," Singh said.

ADB to give $200 mn for power projects in Assam

Multilateral lending agency the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $200 million (over Rs 900 crore) in three installments to India for financing power projects in Assam.

The government and ADB today signed an agreement for $60.3 million loan as the first tranche under ADB's multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for Assam power sector enhancement investment programme, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

ADB, the statement said, would provide the funds to India in three trenches of $60.3 million, $89.7 million and $50 million.

The MFF towards the programme over the period 2009 to 2014 is in line with the government's mission of 'Power for all by 2012' to provide electricity to all households at an affordable price by 2012 as per Electricity Act 2003, it said.

Ninety per cent of the amount would be provided as grant, while 10 per cent would be extended as loan to the Assam government.

BS

Assam: 80-year-old man expecting 31st child

Mohkhuli (Assam), Feb 16: Meet a 80-year-old man with four wives, 30 children, who is expecting his 31st child!

"Don't judge someone by his weight or height. I am young at heart although I am not going to marry any more and am happy with my 30 children and another that one of my wives is expecting," Hussain Ali told a news agency.


The man, whose oldest son is now 40 years old, is expecting his 31st child from his third wife.

Craddling a two-month-old baby, Ali said, "It is all god's gift and wish that I have a large family of four wives and 30 children."

Painting a picture of the 'young at heart' octogenarian, the report said, donning a skullcap, Ali looked frail and emaciated as he sat in a rickety cane chair outside his cluster of mud-and-thatch huts at Mohkhuli village in Lakhimpur district, about 370 km east of Assam's main city Guwahati.

Even though he could not recall all his children's names, the man is able enough to keep his four wives and all his children happy.

The wives stay in separate huts in the same compound and get enough time with their husband Ali, as he makes it a point to stay with all of them by turns in their respective huts.

"There are no complaints whatsoever from my wives or my children," Ali said.

About half of Ali's children are married and live separately. Admitting that it sometimes becomes difficult to meet all the needs, Ali is thankful that some of his sons are old enough to provide some financial support to him.

Soruce:http://news.oneindia.in

Assam hosts rock concert to encourage youth to join Indian armed forces

Guwahati, Feb 16(ANI): A rock concert was recently organized in Assam to encourage youth to join the Indian armed forces.

The concert, organized by the Rock Rolla Music Society in Guwahati, also paid tribute to Late Captain Jintu Gogoi, a Vir Chakra recipient of the 17th Garwal Rifles.


Gogoi sacrificed his life for the country during the 1999 Kargil War, and back home in Assam, he became an instant household name.

Saurav, a member of the Rock Rolla Music Society, said that in today's time the youth are mostly into corporate jobs because of the lucrative offers that they get. It is the reason why they felt the need to organize such a concert.

"The reason why we chose the cause is basically that our youths today want to join multinational companies or they want to start their own ventures. But very few people are joining the armed forces. A gap has been created. Basically we spread an awareness among our youth through this festival...," said Saurav.

"Now things are looking up and previously the normal people had different opinion about the army. Now it is changing, everything is changing right now and it is changing for better....If I may say then definitely from where we see, five years down the line, I can see it will be better," Ujjain Baruah said.

Renowned rock bands like Bhayanak Maut, East India Company and local bands like Silver Tears, Hammer Head, Lucid Recess, Sunday Morning and many more participated in the concert. (ANI)

Women quota bill in Parliament soon

DEHRADUN, Feb 16 – Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha Sangma today said the Centre would shortly bring women reservation bill in the Parliament.

A consensus is emerging for the early passage of the women reservation bill and it would be shortly brought in the Parliament, Sangma told reporters here after attending a meeting of women from rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

The meeting ‘Himalayan Women: Political, Economic and Social leadership’, was convened at the office of Himalayan Environment Science and Conservation (HESCO), a Dehradun-based NGO, working for the upliftment of poor through technologies.

Regarding poor rail connectivity in Uttarakhand, the minister said she would take up the issue with concerned authorities to strengthen the railway network in the hill state as infrastructure plays a crucial role in alleviating the status of rural population.

On the occasion, a declaration was also launched for setting up a forum for Himalayan women, and Sangma was the first signatory to it. The declaration, which would discuss issues related to women, would travel to all the Himalayan states.

The NCP MP had yesterday visited some villages in Dehradun where people have become self-reliant by using simple technologies. Later, she expressed her desire to take the technologies to the North-East so that the rural population there can also earn their livelihood using them. – PTI

Common science curriculum in schools by 2011

NEW DELHI, Feb 16 – In a significant initiative, 20 school boards today agreed on a common curriculum in science and mathematics at senior secondary level and decided to work towards a common entrance test for admission into higher courses, including engineering and medicine.

To bring uniformity in the education system across the country, the Council of School Board of Education (COBSE), the apex body for all school boards and councils in the country, decided to implement the core curriculum from 2011 and work towards the common entrance test by 2013.

“The COBSE approved the core curriculum in science and mathematics. This will be accepted by all the state boards at the senior higher secondary level. Hence forth, the core curriculum will be taught in the science stream in all schools,” Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal announced.

The COBSE also agreed that the school boards will work towards a common entrance examination for admission of students in higher courses, including engineering and medicine, by 2013.

The government will set up a task force which will decide the modalities of that entrance test.

The school boards also agreed to evolve a core curriculum in commerce stream. It is expected to be ready in the next three months. – PTI

Boost to food processing sector in NE

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 16 – The Ministry of Food Processing Industries would provide more thrust to the growth of food-processing industries in the Northeast as there exists great potential of economic benefits and employment opportunities.

This was stated by Subodh Kant Sahai, in the presence of State Industries Minister Pradyut Bordoloi, at a meet with entrepreneurs of the region. In the event organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Union Minister in charge of Food Processing Industries said that rejuvenation of the sector must begin with Assam as it was the gateway to the region.

Recognising the range of possibilities, the Ministry was keen to support a wide array of activities that would benefit growers as well as entrepreneurs in food processing. Among the key areas would be processing of endemic and exotic fruits which grow in the Northeast.

Sahai referred to the establishment of a mega food park in Nalbari district and said that he would review its progress from time to time. Moreover, he stated that his Ministry would like to extend all possible support necessary to its success and would encourage the building of forward and backward linkages.

He acknowledged the need to intervene in several areas if food processing industries would have to succeed in the Northeast, and was clear that he was looking for better banking and consultancy services for the region. He felt that Government policy alone would not make any difference if involvement from stakeholders was missing.

Admitting that the sector was previously neglected, the Minister said that he has tried hard to develop it through result oriented efforts. As a result, the sector has witnessed the highest growth in India in recent times.

Sahai stressed the need for a more investment friendly atmosphere in the Northeast, and urged the ICC to create a cell dedicated to the development offood processing industries. He also favoured a role for the DoNER in promoting the sector.

Speaking on the occasion, State Industries Minister, Pradyut Bordoloi conveyed his gratitude to Sahai for his interest in promoting food processing in a state known for horticultural produce.

On the mega food park currently under development in Nalbari, Bordoloi said that it would be in the Private-Public Partnership mode and the Government has decided to give private parties more power to operate in the industries sector.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Slow progress of talks may derail peace process

R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Feb 16 – Surrender of weapons by the militants belonging to the Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) on February 11 will definitely help in improving the overall law and order situation in Karbi Anglong, but security sources expressed apprehension that keeping militants under cease-fire agreement for long periods without permanent solution to the problems might result in complications and the possibility of some of the members of the outfits coming out to form new outfits cannot be ruled out.

Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that there have been instances of members of militant groups under cease fire agreement indulging in unlawful activities and though the Central and State Governments have tightened the ground rules of the cease-fire agreements in recent times, that failed to totally curb such activities.

Sources said that wherever a militant outfit signed cease-fire agreements with the Government, the level of violence in the areas dominated by such outfits definitely came down considerably, but there have been instances of members of such groups indulging in extortion and in some cases, members of such groups even procuredweapons. Most of the groups under cease fire agreement were believed to be indulging in recruitment drives, which is a matter of serious concern and though such issues are taken up in the meetings held to monitor the implementation of the ground rules of cease-fire agreements, the leaders of the outfits often deny the reports.

Sources said that at present, more than 3,000 trained cadres of different militant groups are sitting idle in the designated camps and the possibility of unscrupulous elements using a few of them to commit crimes cannot be ruled out and in recent times,security forces came across a number of such incidents. Interestingly, there have also been instances of members of the militant groups under ceasefireagreement imparting training to members of active groups and the members of the NSCN (I-M) very often extend help to other militant groups, while, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is still receiving help from the NSCN (K).

Security sources said that the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) came over ground in August, 2002 to express willingness to solve the problems through talks but unfortunately, no substantial progress has been made in talks with the outfit as yet. Because of the slow progress of the peace talks, differences among the members of the outfit cropped up and the KLNLF was formed in 2004. Now both the UPDS and KLNLF are under cease fireagreement with the Government but the possibility of new complications in Karbi Anglong cannot be ruled out if the peace talks are not taken to the logical conclusion as soon as possible.

Sources said that till recently, the KLNLF maintained cordial relation with the ULFA and several leaders of the 27 battalion of the ULFA stayed in the camps of the KLNLF in the Singhashan Hills area. Thesecurity forces will now have to keep a close watch on all the members of the KLNLF to ensure that they do not maintain relations with the ULFA.

The DHD came over ground in 2003 but as in the case with the UPDS, the slow progress of the talks and differences among the top leaders led to the formation of the DHD(J), commonly known as the Black Widow group. The Black Widow group created mayhem in the Hill district for several years before surrendering arms to express their desire to hold talks withthe Government last year.

Similarly, the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) signed a cease fire pact with the Government in 2005 and after the serial blasts on October 30, 2008, the outfit was divided and the Centre started the process of talks with the pro-talk faction only recently.

Though the Government now insists on surrender of weapons by the militant groups who want to come forward for talks, security sources admitted that as no security force has any estimate of the number of weapons in possession of the militant groups, the possibility of the groups retaining some weapons even after formal surrender of weapons cannot be ruled out.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com

Gandhi Festival gets under way

Gandhi Festival gets under way

From our Staff Reporter

DIBRUGARH, Feb 15: “After being thrown out of the first class compartment of the train in South Africa, the first thought of Gandhi was to ask why Indians were hated so much. He saw the filthy way they lived and said so much to them. Before the birth of a satyagrahi, a safai karmachari was born. Gandhiji taught the essentials of sanitation and it includes that of thought.”

This was said by the Director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), Dr Savita Singh, during the function held on the inaugural day of ‘Gandhi Festival: An initiative to promote Gandhian Values,’ at the District Library here today. The four-day long programme has been organized by district administration and GSDS, New Delhi.

Manipur women groups demand stern action against atrocities

Manipur women groups demand stern action against atrocities

Imphal, Feb 13: Manipur women groups have expressed concern over the increase of atrocities against women and children in the State and demanded that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh should take firm actions to stop such crimes. Increasing cases of rape, kidnapping, killing and women trafficking forced pro women groups to take to the streets to protest against atrocities.

South-east Asian countries keen to invest in northeastern States

Guwahati, Feb 12 (ANI): Many businessmen and industrialists from the southeast Asian countries expressed their desire to invest in India's north eastern region during the 15 -day long International Trade Fair, (ITF) which was organized as part of India's "Look East Policy."

The Guwahati trade fair is considered the second biggest after Delhi's ITF.


The trade fair is designed to boost economic activity and cultural relationship with the Southeast Asian countries.

Stalls from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam and Kenya exhibited their products.

Interacting with the ANI, on the sidelines of the fair, Thailand Ambassador Krit said: "We have been thinking about further co-operation with the private sector to invest in Northeast region, in all kind of infrastructure development."

"The relationship that we share between Southeast Asia and Northeast is a part of the 'Look East Policy'. The trade fair that is going on is a practical process towards the achievement of this policy," said Rajesh Das, ITF Organizer.

Local businessmen also got a chance to interact and exchange business ideas with their foreign counterparts during the fair.

As a part of the event, a Dance Troupe from Thailand gave a magnificent performance, which attracted a huge crowd.uya Thai-Boxing was another highlight of the fair.

People in the region had a wonderful time buying products of their choice from an assorted array of goods, displayed in the fair.

"We get lots of benefits from the fair. We get orders by exhibiting our products here. It all depends on how much the customers like our products. We try to improve and make plans fter that," said Bijay Lakshmi Baruah, an entrepreneur

The fair catered to the needs of both buyers and investors in the region and also helped in bridging the cultural gap amongst the participating countries. By Peter Todd Alex (ANI)

Militants Surrender in Assam, India

Around 400 rebels from a militant group surrendered in India’s state of Assam on Thursday. For more than 15 years, the Karbi Longri National Liberation Front-or KLNLF-has been waging war with the Indian government for political autonomy.

They say that ending the conflict will allow the region to flourish.

[Thong Teron, General Secretary, KLNLF]:
"I think with this, development will take place in the region alongside peace."

The KLNLF began peace talks with the government last year.

But the group warned that if the government ignored their demands, they could take up arms again.

The KLNLF has blamed the government for flooding their areas with outsiders and neglecting the welfare of the indigenous tribes.

Source:http://english.ntdtv.com/

Call to revamp PDS in Arunachal

Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Feb 12 – Arunachal Parliamentary Secretary for Food and Civil Supplies, Lokam Tassar, has called for revamping the public distribution system (PDS) in Arunachal Pradesh, besides urging the concerned district officials to be watchful on the PDS operation.

“I call upon all the district Food and Civil Supplies officers to put a strict monitoring and vigilance mechanism in place to ensure that PDS commodities reach out to the targeted beneficiaries in all parts of this remote border State,” said Tassar while chairing a State level review meeting on publicdistribution system at Itanagar yesterday.

The Parliamentary Secretary suggested that the present system of drawal and distribution of wheat and levy sugar through State nominees be discontinued instantly, andthe district nominees be entrusted the task for a transparent operation of PDS.

While lamenting the ‘poor’ allocation of food grains by the Central Government, he said that small atta chakki mills be established in all such locations of the State where FCI depots do exist.

Expressing concern on mushrooming of new fair price shops (FPS) at a time when the State was experiencing deficiency in food grains allocation, Tassar called for immediate stoppage of issuing fresh FPS license till the improvement of food grains allocation.

He also suggested the officers concerned to work out modalities for claiming separate allocation from Government of India to meet the requirement of rice for floating populations like BRTF, ITBP, CRPF, IRBn, labourers of mega projects, Mission schools, etc.

He further urged that all the administrative officers like EACs be instructed to stop issuing ‘special permits of rice’ for preparation of country-made liquor, locally called Apong.

Source:http://www.assamtribune.com

Dibrugarh Town Protection drain clogged

Staff correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Feb 12 – Even as the recurring waterlogging-induced flood comes as a plague for the city dwellers here, primarily due to the alleged faulty linkages of sewerage system and clogged drains, no sincere mitigation effort is being made by the authorities.

Ironically, no clearance or improvement of any nature has been seen along the stretch of the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) drain, which the E&D department has been claiming time and again that Rs 25 lakh was used for clearance of water hyacinth, reeds and sludges of the main drain recently. The drain at all points still remains filled up with garbage, water hyacinth and huge deposit of silt. The concerned department claimed that the cleaning work of the DTP drain was carried out manually for two months.

Besides, empty spaces on either side of the drain is to be maintained at all times but now all the empty spaces have been encroached and unauthorised buildings, shops and settlements have come up all along the drain. It may be pointed out that the government has taken a very uncompromising stand regarding the removal of encrachements in Guwahati. However, in Dibrugarh, the administration turns a blind eye

to the matter of encroachments which keeps compounding the problem of water logging.

Another example which proves that the local administration has little or no concern for the welfare of the people of Dibrugarh is the manner in which the Khonia gaon to DTP drain concrete drain project has been implemented. Begun in March 2009, this drain is yet to be completed. Interestingly, it has no outlet. As a result, the water flows backwards at points.

Proper cleaning of the Dibrugarh Town Protection drain has almost never been carried out since 1988. The local administration is well aware of the drain, constructed in order to drain out all acumulated water in thetown , needs to be maintained properly so that its water discharging capacity remains at its optimum level. The district administration has failed to compel the concerneddepartment and its officials to see that the DTP drain is effectively cleaned. Even during these long dry months of winter, the drain is half full with water and vegetative growth, thereby creating a very unhygienic environment.

A civil and human rights forum under the nomenclature Police Group for People’s Rights, has been regularly raising the issue by approching and acquinating the district administration, the additional chief engineers of PWD and Water Resourcesdepartment . However, no corrective measures have been taken, Dr Aradhana Kataki, president, Police Group for People’s Rights told media persons during a press conference here on Thursday.

The residents here have been made to live under a waist deep level artificial flood every year during monssons in sub-human conditions. Hundreds of families here shift their homes for months during the monsoon. If no swift action is taken, the residents will suffer from even worse waterlogging, according to Dr Kataki.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com

Body of missing student recovered

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – The body of Simanta Gayan, the class IX student of Gurukul Grammar Senior Secondary School, who went missing on last Sunday in the river Brahmaputra along with Sahir Ahmed, was recovered from the bank of the river near Kharguli area this morning.

The body was later sent for post-mortem. Family members, according to police, have identified the body.

Sahir, however, is still missing.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com

CM assures land for Sankaradeva university

Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 12 – In the open meet of 79th annual session of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha, held at Samannaya Khetra at Titabor here today Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi assured to allot land for the proposed Srimanta Sankaradeva University at Nagaon.

In his address Gogoi said, Sankaradeva established the foundation of modern Assam. He is one of the greatest personalities in the world who devoted his life for the welfare of mankind. He further added that the ideals of Sankaradeva is still relevant in the present day society.

The open meet was inaugurated by Sonaram Chutia, the noted scholar of Shankari Culture and winner of Sankaradeva Award. Karuna Kanta Kalita, Padadhikar, Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha, presided over the meeting. Deva Kumar Bora, Press adviser to CM and Putul Burhagohain, president of Jorhat Zila Parishad were also present in the meeting.

Earlier in the morning a colourful procession with the sacred ‘Bhagawat’ was taken out in this connection.

The 200 camps in the venue were crowded with the devotees from all over Assam. A book fair and exhibition of local items were also attracted many a visitors there.

Source:http://www.assamtribune.com

NE MPs for Bharat Ratna to Dr Hazarika

Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 12 – The North East MPs’ Forum has decided to recommend nomination of legendary singer Dr Bhupen Hazarika for the coveted Bharat Ratna Award.

Talking to this newspaper from Gangtok over telephone, general secretary of the Forum, Biren Baishya said a meeting of the Forum held on Friday resolved to nominate the Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee for the highest civilian honour.

A delegation of the Forum is going to call on the Prime Minister during the ensuing Budget Session of the Parliament to formally present the memorandum, Baishya said.

The meeting of the Forum attended by MPs of all the eight North Eastern States further resolved to focus on infrastructure connectivity. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Water Resources, Vincent H Pala, besides chairman Mukut Mithi, Paban Singh Ghatowar, among others.

Source:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Lack of good roads stands between North East and Bollywood

SHILLONG: The North East has breathtaking locales ideal for film shooting, but not good roads to lead Bollywood filmmaker there, Shyam Benegal said.

The acclaimed director told PTI that he had been very much impressed by the pristine beauty of the region, but lack of infrastructure, particularly lack of connectivity, stood as a deterrent to film-making.

"There's no question that nature is at its pristine best in many parts of the region. But the diversity and richness of the North East are emerging only now for the rest of India," Benegal, who was made a member of the Task Force constituted by the Meghalaya government to promote the state as a film destination, said.

"When you have to go to Mumbai from Shillong, you have to travel all the way to Guwahati and take a flight," he pointed out. Infrastructural incentives are needed to develop the region," he said.

Earlier, he said, nobody knew much about the region, except Assam. "They didn't think about Arunachal Pradesh or for that matter even Meghalaya. Even now, if a tribal from Manipur happens to be in Mumbai, most people there would mistake him for a Chinese," he said.

A greater understanding of the region was made possible only recently with better information and communication, he pointed out.

"The beauty of the region is something which filmmakers would like to project. The film industry will have a multiplier effect helping tourism, develop local skills, generate employment and help the economy of the region in general," Benegal said.

Benegal was also on the lookout for "exciting" narratives on the region.

"If I get an interesting subject, a good story set in Meghalaya or elsewhere in the North East, I would like to make a film," the director said.

"The story should reflect the people of the region, their culture, aspiration and way of living," said Benegal,

In the early 1990s, some shots of the Salman Khan-featured 'Kurban' were also taken in Shillong - often referred to as the Scotland of the East.

Jahnu Barua's 'Har Pal' starring Priety Zinta and Shiney Ahuja was also partly shot here besides many Bengali and Assamese flicks.

Soruce:ET

Forum indicts district administration

From our Staff Reporter

DIBRUGARH, Feb 11: The Policy Group for People’s Rights (PGPR), a civil and human rights forum, indicted the district administration and other concerned authorities for the civic problems, primarily water logging, being faced by the town year after year.

Several areas in Dibrugarh like Milannagar and Jibon Phukon Nagar remain under artificial floodwater for months during the monsoons.

In a press meet held here today, the forum alleged that the State Government and its agencies were not treating the problem with urgency and stated that the laid back attitude was reflected in the fact that the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) drain had not been properly maintained. They further pointed out that construction on the concrete drain from Khonia Gaon to the DTP drain started in March 2009 but was yet to be completed. With no outlet, the water was flowing backwards. The PGPR went into a detailed account of the construction and maintenance work of drains in the town backed by facts obtained from the Water Resources Department in response to an application under RTI Act.

Sikkim to become a model banking state in Northeast

Gangtok, Feb 8 (ANI): Sikkim is all set to become a model banking state in the Northeastern region of the country.

With the aim of making access to banks easier for the people, the 27th office of the Reserve Bank of India (RIB) was inaugurated at Gangtok.

The Gangtok RBI office will have a rural planning and credit department including a 'financial inclusion cell', which will coordinate with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NARBARD) and commercial banks.

Under the financial inclusion schemes, bank accounts will be provided to people who have applied for assistance from various RBI schemes and better banking facilities will be given to its customers.

The sub-office of RBI is also aiming to create awareness about financial literacy amongst the people of the state.

"There are many functions like currencies function, issues function and others. So, it becomes difficult to manage from office far away from this place. Those things can be attended. Our people will be able to monitor things more closely. And if we succeed, we can implement it to other states of Northeast," said K.C. Chakrabarty, RBI Deputy Governor.

Drinking water crisis in city

GUWAHATI, Feb 8 – Lack of rainfall and non-completion of the government schemes to supply water in the hilly areas of Guwahati and the city fringes, have left people worrying about the shortage of water, which would be actue in the coming months.

Already badly hit by acute water shortage during the last summer, people of these localities have no other alternative than to buy water from the private water supplying agencies.

“Though we are facing the shortage of water throughout the year, the situation becomes far more deplorable in the summer season as the wholecity faces the crisis and the supply by private agencies fall short to meet the requirement,” said Prasen Deka, a resident of Dhirenpara.

Deka, along with others of the area, have made several attempts to draw the attention of the authorities and the public representatives. “In every a few months, the residents of this area, along with those from the adjacent areas submit memorandums, take out processions and organize rallies to make the authorities listen to our demands. Unfortunately, all these have yielded no positive response fromthe government’s side,” he mentioned.

Similarly, the people of Lalganesh, Kahilipara, Khanapara, Joynagar, Lokhra, Fatasil and many other parts of the city faced same problems during the last summer. “Last year, lack of rainfall during the monsoons aggravated the situation, when the natural source of water like the streams and ponds in many areas got dried up. The much hyped government schemes claiming to provide 24X7 water supply, even in the hilly areas, is yet to provide relief to the common people,” mentioned Inamul Hussain, a resident of Khanapara.

“Buying water for day-to-day work can not be afforded by all sections of the society. Moreover, the private agencies increase the rate of water considering the high demand,” he added.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Guwahati Trade Fair drawing large crowds

GUWAHATI, Feb 8 – The ongoing 17th International Guwahati Trade Fair, the first such event being held at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, is drawing good response from the people.

“We are very happy with the turnout, which has exceeded our expectations. The new venue has a number of advantages and the large crowds are corroborating to this,” Rajesh Das from the organisers side said. Das said that the entiretrade centre complex was well-designed, well-planned and well-equipped to host any international event, and both the participants, including those from abroad, and the visitors have taken a liking for the place. “It has enough parking space – a perennial constraint at the earliervenue of Chandmari – and its atmosphere is totally free from pollution and dust,” he said.

Terming the Government’s decision to shift such events to the trade centre as the right move, Das said that following the success of the trade fair different organisers were evincing keen interest in holding commercial events at the venue. “In a way, we have set the trend and now the trade centre is booked till 2011,” he said.

Das said that due to the advantages in the new venue, people were coming with their families and spending hours. “It is a big complex with a festive ambience and we see that more families are visiting it than in the Chandmarivenue where teenagers and youths comprised the main crowd. People from different areas of Guwahati including from the outskirts are coming which was not the case in Chandmari,” he added.

The developments augur well for the future of the trade centre as doubts had been cast whether it would be able to draw sufficient crowds due to the distance. “Guwahati is fast expanding and I thinkthe new venue is ideally suited to cater to the needs of a growing city,” Das said, adding that the area and ambience of the trade centre resembled that of Delhi’s Pragati Maidan and the days ahead would see it buzzing with activities.

Thailand, which is participating in a big way, has been a major attraction for the visitors. “Thai boxing demonstrations as well as Thai food have been a big hit with the crowd. The other attractions including Saturday’s quiz have also added to the show,” he added.

The 17th IGTF organised by Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam ( ITFAA) in association with DC ( Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, NSIC and JMDC began on January 29 and will continue till February 14, 2010.

Source:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Curtains come down on Dehing Patkai Festival

DIGBOI, Feb 8 – Curtains came down on the Dehing Patkai Festival late on the evening of February 7 after three hectic days of variegated cultural extravaganza and showcasing of the fineness of the ethos and living styles of the various communities living permanently in this region. The flow of visitors kept on swelling with the day receding with the starry mystique of the evening. In the twilight hour began the concluding ceremony with JB Patnaik, Governor of Assam, being escorted to the Su-Ka-Pha stage as the chief guest by Prodyut Bordoloi, Minister of Power, Industries and Commerce, Assam and Dr KK Dwivedi, Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia district and organising chairman of the festival. The other dignitaries on the stage included Chetong Sena, Finance Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Prithvi Majhi, Minister of Labour & Water Resources, Assam and Maninder Singh, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor. The Governor was felicitated by the representatives of the various tribes and communities such as Singphos, Tangsas, Tai Phakes, Tai Ahoms, Tai Khamiangs, Bhojpuris, Nepalis, Telegus, Semas, etc.

Dr KK Dwivedi welcomed the guests and the vast sea of audience gathering on the Chow Lung Syu Ka Harmony precinct to witness the concluding hours’ proceedings of the ethnic festival. He expressed the hope that this festival of the people would create a new ambience of peace, amity and harmony in this entireregion.

Pradyut Bordoloi, local MLA and Minister of Power, Industries and Commerce and the architect of this big cultural fiesta, gave an overview of the philosophic content of the event outlining the cultural wealth and the historical glories of this region which had hitherto remained unknown to the outside world. The Dehing Patkai Festival was organised in 2002 to showcase to the world outside the unageing cultural ethos of the various tribes living in this part, the golden saga of Chow Lung Siu-Ka-Pha’s arrival across the Pangsau Pass and the establishment of his earliest kingdom in theregion along the Dehing river and the Patkai range, the annals of the first foundations of tea, coal, timber and oil industries and its still red wounds of WW II. Saying that geo-physically the area is part of the biodiversity hot-spot that extends up to Hukawng Valley in Myanmar, Bordoloi urged upon the reopening of the Stilwell Road for opportunities of development of the NEregion.

Chetong Sena, Finance Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, said that the Dehing Patkai Festival marked a respectful recognition to the people of the area. The three festivals held in thisregion – the Dehing Patkai Festival, the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival and the Namdapha Festival – were a confident expression of the people’s mind of theregion , Sena said and he hoped that in no time the borders with Myanmar and South East Asian countries would be opened via Stilwell Road to facilitate open trade relations with these countries. He reiterated in his address thecultural and linguistic affinities and commonness of interests between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Prithvi Majhi Minister of Labour and Water Resources, Assam appreciated the spirit of the festival and wished long life to it.

JB Patnaik, Governor of Assam, in his address said that he was overwhelmed to see the gaiety and colour of the people collecting on the festival ground.

Patnaik said that the real face of Bharat mata could be seen in such gatherings as this. He praised the Dehing Patkai Festival as the meeting ground of ethnic cultures and strongly underlined its tourism potential. He assured the organisers that he would submit a proposal to the Union government for development of tourism in this part.

Lokam Turung, a local leader, also said a few words. Dr NJ Chelleng of the organising committee offered the vote of thanks.

The formal session was quickly followed by the release of funush – a Tai Phake traditional handwork of a luminous object – into the sky by the Governor to the great delight of all.

The cultural treat began with the performances of Sema Naga dance, Gorkha Khukuri dance, Kolabari dance of the Morans, Ras Leela by Forward Group of Art & Craft from Manipur, Mising Bihu dance, ethnic fashion show and Assamese Bihu dance. The extravaganza stole the hearts of the mammoth audience coming from far and near.

Throughout the three days of the festival February 5, 6 and 7, the food mela in the community huts and the exhibition continued. In the exhibition part large crowds were seen in the stalls of Digboi Division of Forests, the NECF of Coal India Ltd and the Nepali community.

Home Ministry team to review execution of Bodo Accord

KOKRAJHAR, Feb 8 – As per official schedule, a team of Union Home Ministry led by GK Pillai, will reach Kokrajhar on February 10 to review the implementation of the Bodo Accord, inaugurate the newly constructed BTC Secretariat building and take part in a public meeting along with the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on the day, said Hagrama Mohilary, chief of BTC here on Friday.

Talking to mediapersons, Mohilary informed that the issues of declaring ST status for Bodo-Kacharis in Karbi Anglong, construction of a parallel National Highway along the Indo-Bhutan border, direct funding to BTC in respect of Centrally sponsored schemes, transfer of State Excise Department to BTC, finalisation and inclusion of additional 95 villages in BTCas per the agreement signed between the Government and BLT among others should also feature in the review meeting, he added.

It may be mentioned here that DoNER Secretary Jayati Chandra will also take part in the review meeting at Kokrajhar in which funds released by the Ministry of DoNER under the special package to the BTC and their utilisation will be under focus.

Meanwhile, the chief of BTC informed that brisk preparations are on to celebrate the 8th Bodo Accord Day on February 10 at Kokrajhar with a day-long programme.

He stated that many leaders of militant groups under ceasefire like ULFA, NDFB, DHD, Birsha Commando Force, Adibhasi Cobra Militants, etc., along with Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha, leaders of Darjeeling have been invited to the celebration of BodoAccord Day.

He further mentioned that tableaux of different departments of BTC and Central troupes of the region would be showcased on the occasion among many other events.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com/

Five held in Guwahati, explosives seized

GUWAHATI: Five people were arrested and a large cache of explosives, including 500 detonators and gelatin sticks, were seized here Monday, police said.

A police spokesperson said the seizures were made from a private vehicle during a routine road check on the outskirts of Assam's main city Guwahati.

"The vehicle was stacked with explosives neatly wrapped in jute sacks with the consignment coming from somewhere in Meghalaya and was marked to someone in Guwahati which we cannot divulge right now as investigations are on," a senior police officer said.

The explosives include around 500 detonators, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate, 103 pieces of gelatin rods, over 30 metres of wires and a few packets of pins.

"We arrested all the five occupants of the vehicle and are now interrogating them to get to the kingpin," the officer said.

According to police, the explosives were possibly for some militant groups to strike terror in Guwahati.

"We are not ruling out the possibility of militant groups' involvement," the officer said.

Soruce:TOI

Dec tea production falls marginally

Kochi, Feb. 8

Indian tea production has fallen in December mainly on account of production shortfall from tea plantations in Tamil Nadu.

Tea production for the year 2009 has also dipped, due to lower production reported from plantations in various States in the South. Unusual weather conditions, drought-like conditions followed by incessant rains were the prime causes for the production shortfall.

“Although we expected greater impact from the extensive flooding in the Nilgiris in the latter part of the year, the moisture stress and drought-like conditions prevalent in the earlier part of the year in South India took a more severe toll on production”, sources in the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) said.

Although North Indian tea plantations reported higher production in December, the all-India production fell a tad lower at 58.105 million tonnes (58.613 million tonnes) in December. Production trends for the year, as a whole, were also on similar lines with North Indian plantations reporting a higher production even as pan- Indian production slipped marginally to 978.99 million kg (980.81 million kg).

Surplus

Surplus production from plantations in Cachar and Assam valley drove up North Indian production, even as production shortfalls were reported from the tea estates of West Bengal. In fact, biggest production shortfalls were reported from West Bengal during 2009 which was more than made up by surplus production from Assam. The country reported a nominal fall of 1.81 million kg during the calendar year 2009.

Export volumes

However, Indian tea exports forged ahead, backed by good volumes and a spike in unit value realisation. Export volumes rose to 22.23 million kg (16.26 million kg) in December while the unit value realisation rose to Rs 137. 40 / kg (Rs 131.94 / kg). Although export volumes registered a fall for the year as a whole, it was compensated by a smart rally in unit value realisation. Export volumes fell to 191.49 million kg (203.11 million kg) even as unit value realisation spurted to Rs 136.64 / kg (Rs 117.81 kg). As a result, Indian tea export realisation grew to Rs 2,616 crore (Rs 2,392 crore).

Some amount of fluctuations was evident in domestic tea prices in recent months, but the prices have remained buoyant and firm for the year as a whole, sources in UPASI said. Given the shortfall in production, firm trends are likely to be sustained in both the domestic and international markets. While lower production from Sri Lanka and Kenya is the prime reason for the global shortfall, India has also made a small contribution to the global deficit with the country's production falling short by less than two million kg in 2009.

Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com

IGAR (S) inaugurates

Imphal, February 08 2010: To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Assam Rifles, IGAR (S) Maj Gen CA Krishnan inaugurated newly constructed extension building of Zion's Children Home at Mapao Khullen today.

According to a press release issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (S), the building was constructed under Military Civic Action Programme taken up by 39 Assam Rifles.

9 Sector AR Brig Gajendra Prasad and various civil dignitaries also attended the function.

Speaking at the occasion, Maj Gen CA Krishnan said that the newly constructed building would accommodate and benefit more children in the home.

He also assured that Assam Rifles would continue its efforts to provide such assistance to remote villages in coming days.

A medical cum dental camp was also organised to provide free medical aid to villagers.

Apart from distributing free medicines, free medical and dental check-up of 313 villagers were carried out in the camp.

Soruce;E-Pao.net

AGP protests Centre’s move

Dibrugarh, Feb. 8: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today launched an agitation against the Centre’s alleged move to privatise the Assam Asset of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited.

Thousands of party workers and supporters staged a two-hour dharna around noon in front of the Nazira-based Assam Asset headquarters office in Sivasagar district.

Later, a memorandum addressed to Union petroleum minister Murli Deora was handed over to the executive director of ONGC, P.V. Rao.

Addressing the protesters, party president Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed anguish over the Centre’s arrogant attitude towards privatisation of the Assam Asset.

“We will never allow this (privatisation) to happen. We will further intensify our agitation,” he said.

Former state chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, too, came down heavily on the Centre.

“The Centre has always deprived Assam of its due. It has always taken the cream and in return given us mere peanuts. The central government will have to change this attitude,” Mahanta said.

Later, speaking to this correspondent, AGP general secretary Sarbananda Sonowal alleged that the Centre had hatched a conspiracy to hand over oil and gas reserves of the state to an influential private party.

“We will not allow the government to form a separate company and management unit for the Assam Asset of ONGCL,” Sonowal said.

The party also decided to send a delegation to New Delhi soon to put further pressure on the government to shun the idea of forming a separate unit involving the Assam Asset of ONGC.

Soruce:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100209/jsp/northeast/story_12081558.jsp