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Back issues - July '2002

News on 31st July '2002Gogoi, Sinha visit flood-hit areas ; scene grim - Depts asked to gear up relief work, says CM

Guwahati : Assam Governor, Lt Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 30th July visited some flood-ravaged areas in the State to take stock of the situation. While the Governor visited Langa, Dekabari, Satgaon and some other villages in Kamrup district by an Inland Water Transport vessel, Chief Minister Gogoi made an aerial survey of the flood affected areas of Kamrup, Barpeta, Nalbari, Dhubri, Goalpara and Bongaigaon districts.

Meanwhile, the overall flood situation in Assam still remains grave as the Brahmaputra and its tributaries are flowing above the danger mark in most of the flood-affected districts. The official death tool in the current wave of flood stands at 21. Unofficial sources said that the death toll could verge around 30 or more .

City cops fail to nab GMC lessees, success rate low

Guwahati : There has been great resentment among the general public over the City Police's repeated failure in solving several murder mysteries and other criminal cases.

Four days after the Dig Central Western Range (CWR), Pallab Bhattacharyya issued an order to arrest the lessee of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) check gates and parking places, where the truckers and other drivers are forced to pay an exorbitant amount in the name of entry fees, the City Police has failed to pick up a single lessee.

Assam moots Rs 27-cr ASCARD revival plan, to book defaulters

Guwahati : The Assam Government has submitted a proposal to the Centre to revive the ASCARD Bank from its present moribund state . The Cooperative department has already started the process of debt recovery from the 57 defaulters, including the G.L. Media Service.

State Minister for cooperation Misbaul Islam Laskar told that the ASCARD Bank authorities have been asked to file bakijai cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal against the defaulters on the basis of loan amount. He said that since the fees payable at the Debt Recovery Tribunal to file cases is quite high , the ASCARD Bank management has been asked to lodge bakijai cases in a phased manner. The highest loan defaulter will be dragged to the Debt Recovery Tribunal first, he said.

CM urges small growers to improve quality, form cooperatives - Extort call to tea industry

Guwahati : The State Government on 30th July sent a clear message to the tea industry that it should go well to concentrate on expanding the tea exports to new frontiers, especially after the disintegration of India's main tea market, the erstwhile USSR.

In his opening remarks at a seminar on 'Future of Tea Industry in Assam', Mr P K Dutta Additional Chief Secretary, Assam said that quality is the buzzword in world markets, and tea manufacturers should now think in terms of quality and not merely quantity. He said that the tea manufacturers should no longer depend on the Government instead should join hands to explore new markets.

Time ripe for political talks with ULFA : GOC

Guwahati : The Army has been able to bring down insurgency in Assam to a responsible level. Time is ripe to start a political dialogue with the banned ULFA. This was stated here on 30th July by the outgoing GOC of 4 Corp Lt Gen J.S. Varma during an interaction with journalists at the Narengi cantonment. Varma , who is going to Kolkata to take charge as GOC-in-C of Eastern Command, said that this is the opportune time to start the process of dialogue with the ULFA if the outfit gives up the demand of a sovereign Assam. He said that though the Army has received reports from the police and intelligence that al Qaeda militants have snaked into the State, no person has been picked up in this connection.

CM's motorcade late by 30 minutes

Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had to wait for over half an hour at the Army helipad at Narengi here on 30th July after his return from an aerial survey of flood-affected districts, as his motorcade and security personnel arrived there late to take him back to Dispur. Chief Minister returned at 1 p.m., half an hour before the schedule.

Two ULFA cadres killed

Guwahati : Troops of the Red Horns Division of the Army shot dead two ULFA militants in Rajapara village under the Boko police station after, the ultras threw a hand grenade on the troops on being challenged.

News on 30th July '2002

Bandh throws life out of gear in city

Guwahati : The 12-hour Guwahati bandh called by the Nirjatan Birodhi Aikya Mancha, an umbrella organisation of 33 associations, ended at 5 pm on 29th July without any untoward incident . The bandh call was given by the Mancha to protest against rape and killing of a minor girl by some employees of the Network Travels Agency on July 13 last.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and vehicular traffic were also off the roads during the bandh period. The bandh, however , did not affected the train and air services. Attendance in the Government offices was thin while the educational institutions remained closed due to the summer vacations.

Entire Kaziranga park submerged

Guwahati : The entire 430 square kilometer area of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has been submerged barring the natural as well as artificial highlands within it by the current wave of flood in the State.

Sources in the National Park informed that wildlife staff in the Park were undertaking round the clock vigil around the flood water to monitor the movements of animals taking shelter in those areas within the marooned sanctuary. Several boats have been pressed into the action to maintain 24 hour vigil inside the marooned park areas against daring overtures by poachers in the waiting.

Death toll rises - Flood inundates fresh areas

Guwahati : The overall flood situation in the State remained unchanged even on 29th July with reports of inundation of fresh areas in several parts of the State still pouring in. The district and subdivisional authorities remained engaged in rescue and relief operations in

the affected areas.

Altogether 48,23,238 people of the State have been affected by current wave of flood, and so far, 21 persons have been killed during the flood.

Home grown bamboos not prone to flowering : PCCF

Guwahati : Amidst the serious concern expressed by several quarters over the possibilities of famine following gregarious flowering of bamboo between 2005 and 2007, as predicted by internationally reputed experts on forest resources and scientists , Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Assam K N Dev Goswami, said here on 29th July that the home grown bamboos like Jail and Bhaluka would not have gregarious flowering.

Dev Goswami, who said that attempts might be there by certain quarters at projecting a dreadful picture of bamboo flowering and thus befooling the people to go for distress selling of their bamboos.


Rotary World Peace scholarship

Guwahati : The Rotary Club of Gauhati has invited application for Rotary World Peace Scholarship for pursuing two-year master level degree in International Studies, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in selected foreign Universities. Persons having sound academic background , proficiency in more than one foreign languages, training and work experience and commitment to peace and international understanding may apply for the course which will be starting from 2003.

Talks on rogue elephant

Guwahati : Mr Dinesh Choudhury , licensed hunter will deliver a talk on Rogue Elephant at 6.30 p.m. on July 26 at Pensioners' Bhawan, Chandmari. Interested persons are requested to attend the lecture.

Changed CBS transmission time

Guwahati : Commercial Broadcasting Service (CBS), All India Radio, Guwahati will henceforth start broadcasting its daily programme transmission from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the morning with effect from August 1 2002 instead of its present evening transmission.

ASS' annual technical session

Guwahati : The Assam Science Society is going to organize its 48th annual technical session (2002-2003) some time in the first half in January, 2003. Participants who submit full papers only will be allowed to present their papers in the session. The research papers selected through proper scrutiny and presented in the session will be punished in a volume. The full paper must be sent both in a floppy and hard copies (duplicate) with one separate copy of abstract. A nominal printing charge of Rs 300 has to be borne by the author whose paper is selected for inclusion in the proceeding volume.


TU denies reports on resignation of Vice Chancellor

Guwahati : The Tezpur University has denied the news item regarding registration of Professor P Bhattacharyya, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University, published in a section of the dailies at regional and national level, that the students' union had publicly agitated against the performance of the Vice Chancellor, and that renowned teachers , who had joined the varsity from different parts of the country have also resigned protesting against Bhattacharyya's autocratic attitude.

Petroleum mazdoor union to boycott loading and unloading of AOD products

Guwahati : The Central executive committee of Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union met on 21st July Abhiram House, GNB Road, Guwahati . Altogether 42 members from various branches of NE region attended the meeting and took part in the discussion which was held under the presidentship of Mr Munin Mahanta, ex-MLA. After placing report by the general secretary , Mr Ramen Das the meeting discussed about urgent problems faced by the drivers and the helpers of oil tankers like parking place, rest house, drinking water, sanitation, harassments by police and MIV's collection of gunda tax etc.

Demoria women celebrate SHG Day in style, set higher targets

Guwahati : Integrated Development Association, a community-based association formed and constituted by the women SHGs of Demoria, in partnership with National Alliance Mission, an NGO based in Guwahati and a host of civil society organizations working in Demoria development block celebrated 'SHG DAY' in Demoria Block with a day-long programme recently.

CIFRI's action plan augment fish production

Guwahati : The north-eastern regional centre of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) has prepared a plan of action between demand and supply of fish in Assam. The Kolkata-based CIFRI has come out with this ambitious plan to boost fish production in the State, in response to the keen interest taken by the Governor of Assam , Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha. Under the proposed 10 year plan, beels, ponds, community tanks and low-lying water bodies in the State have been prioritized for development and management.

CRC prog on disabilities

Guwahati : Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for persons with disabilities , Guwahati conducted a short term orientation cum-training programme on "Prevention, Screening and Early Identification of Disabilities and its Rehabilitation Management" for the nursing professionals of leading hospitals of Kamrup district recently. Twenty eight nursing students participating in the programme where they actively interacted with the professionals of CRC.

Dance workshop concludes successfully

Guwahati : The week-long workshop on Bodo and Rabha dance organized by the Srimanta Sankaradeve Kalakshetra Samaj ended here at the Kalakshetra premises recently. Altogether 60 trainees from different parts of the region took part in the workshop, under the presidentship of Mr Mukul Rava.

Guwahati senior citizens moot measures to salvage Guwahati

Guwahati : The Guwahati Senior Citizens' Association in its general meeting held recently expressed the unanimous view that unles some short and long remedial measures wre taken upin right earnest to salvage the guwahati city from its present dreadfil situation, a

time might come when the city would be hit by the worst disaster in the form of scourage of epidemics.

ASAA's executive meeting

Guwahati : An emergency meeting of Agricultural Services Association of Assam (ASAA) will be held on August 4 in the auditorium hall of Directorate of Agriculture, Assam, Khanapara to discuss some urgent and sensitive matters of the association, started an ASAA release.

ULFA militant killed

Guwahati : Troops of Red Horns Division operating in Barpeta district killed one hardcore ULFA militant in an encounter. On specific information search was conducted in village Kukapar under Chenga Police Station to nab ULFA militant. The militant on being challenged lobbed grenade at the troops and attempted to flee in . In the retaliatory fire the militants was killed.

Seminar on wildlife

Guwahati : UGC sponsored national seminar on "Botanical researches in Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Assam" is being organized by the Handique Girls' College on July 27 and 28. A significant number of scientists, research workers and members of NGOs of national and international repute have confirmed their participation in the seminar. The seminar will be inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Dr G N Talukdar on July 27.


Over 20 lakh people hit by floods

Guwahati : Though the Brahmaputra and most of its tributaries are showing signs of recession, the overall flood situation remained grim on 26th July also. Two cases of flood-related deaths have been reported from Dimaria area in Kamrup district on 26th July , while one more case of such death has been reported from Dhing circle in Nagaon district.

The current wave of flood has affected about 20,15,239 people in sixteen districts of the State with many areas remaining cut-off from the rest of the country due to disruption in road and rail communication.

Time to reform police Act : Manisana

Guwahati : "The country needs a more public-oriented legislation than Police Act, 1861 which was enacted by British rulers, in order to prevent human right violation by the police," said Justice RK Manisana Singh addressing a seminar on "Human Rights and Police Image" here on 26th July.

According to Justice Singh, outstanding police-public relationship holds the key to prevention of human right violation by the man in uniform and the Police Act, 1861 which is in practice in the country, does not recognise the need of a public oriented police force as it was not the need of rulers (Britishers) of day of enactment of the Act much before India attained her Independence.

HC directs release of Manipur officials

Guwahati : A Division Bench of Gauhati High Court comprising Chief Justice P P Naolekar and Justice A Roy has directed immediate release of Manipur Education Commissioner I.S. Laishram, IAS and Principal Power Secretary Ch. Birendra Singh, IAS from jail while suspending 10 days imprisonment order inflicted on them by them by the Single Judge at Imphal on July 23 last.

The Division Bench also admitted three separate appeals filed by four senior IAS officers posted at Manipur who were found guilty of contempt and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

GMC deadline to errant builders

Guwahati : A large number of constructions currently in progress in the city are not in keeping with their original approved designs or drawings. Taking a serious note of this deviation from approved designs, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has issued a deadline to be defaulters giving them a time till August 25 within which they will have to either stop construction or amend or renew their drawings.

Cong Govt failed on all fronts : Mahanta

Guwahati : Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, who recently ended his self-imposed political exile to upper Assam districts, on 26th July demanded that the Central Government should take immediate steps to open an office of the Ministry for the Development of North-Eastern Region in Guwahati for speedy disposal of the proposals from the NE States.

AHRC chairman

Guwahati : Former Justice of Supreme Court of India Sri SN Phukan has been appointed chairman , Assam Human Rights Commission by the State Government on 26th July .

Voting rights

Guwahati : The State Government on 26th July decieded to grant voting rights to all those Indian citizens who have attained 18 years of age and living in urban areas, in all municipality and town committee elections irrespective of theri being rate payers or not. Earlier, this provision was appleciable only in the case of Guwahati Municiapl Corporation (GMC). In some other part of the country, like West Bengal and Orissa this provision is prevealent.


VIP road : speed breaker plea ignored - Knocked down on first day in college, students block road

Guwahati : Within less than a month, the city on 15th July witnessed another horrific road accident due to reckless driving. Sanatana Devi (16) who was on her first day in the college was seriously injured when she was hit by a speeding Maruti Van (AS-06-B-7796) just in front of B Boruah College at 11.15 a.m. on 25th July .

The intensify of the collision was such that Santana was thrown five to six feet away. According to eye witnesses, the student was hit twice by the vehicle and blood was profusely oozing out from her forehead. She is currently battling for life at the Guwahati

Medical College Hospital (GMCH).

Gogoi ignores Geethe claim, bent on pressing for Rs 1,000-cr compensation

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 25th July dared New Delhi to prove its claim contention that there was no discrepancies in the 11th Finance Commission award to Assam. He said that the Assam Government would fight to its end to get the compensation of Rs 1,000 crore due to discrepancies in the finance panel's award.

Soon after his arrival in the city after his week-long visit to Mumbai and New Delhi , Gogoi said that his government would not give weightage to the Union Minister of state for Finance Anand G Geethe's recent statement denying the discrepancies in the 11th Finance Commission's award to Assam.

Judiciary-legislature row in Manipur continues - Bar association protest paralyses GHC, Imphal judges' security restored

Guwahati : The confrontation between the legislature and the judiciary in Manipur has turned into a full blown constitutional crisis as the normal functioning of the Gauhati High Court was hit on 25th July due to protests by the Bar Association against the Manipur Government's decision to withdraw security to the two Imphal-based judges of the High Court.

CM alerts machinery, to review flood scene on 26th July ; animals fleeing KNP

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 25th July summoned all ministers and officials, currently on visits outside Assam to return to their headquarters immediately in view of the flood situation turning critical, affecting an estimated 1.5 million people in 16 district.

Although the number of people killed during the latest wave of floods has been put at six officially, unofficial sources say at least nine people have been drowned in the past three weeks. Authorities have called out Army troops in districts as Morigaon while the soldiers have been kept on a stand by all other flood hit districts.

2 NDFB cadres killed in Assam

Guwahati : Two hard-core NDFB militants were killed in separate encounters with security forces in Kokrajhar and Nalbari districts on 25th July. Acting on specific information , search was conducted in Madarigaon village of kokrajhar district and an NDFB cadre was killed in encounter. In an incident, security forces killed another NDFB cadres near Sukhanjali village in Nalbari district on 24th July night in retaliation.

Ban on boats ferries

Guwahati : The Kamrup district administration has prohibited playing of ferries , boats, bhutbhuties in the Brahmaputra river following a rise in the water level above the damage mark.

CM offers aid for Borbora's treatment

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 25th July offered an amount of Rs 50,000 from his relief fund for former Chief Minister Gopal Borbora who is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the GMCH Hospital.


Police-supplies scam : probe ordered

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has personally interview in the matter of purchase of various closing items by the Assam Police last year from fictitious firms and asked the newly-appointed Vigilance Commissioner, Mr Nishinath Changkakoti, to investigate the entire matter and identify the culprits behind the scam.

Even through the Chief Minister himself is holding the Home portfolio, he had entrusted the department practically to his then Minister of the State Pradyut Bordoloi and knew little about the purchases by the Police. However, when the entire matter was placed before him, he entrusted the Vigilance Commissioner to probe the scandal.

Dimbeswar Sarma passes away

Guwahati : Eminent Sanskrit scholar , Dr Dimbeswar Sarma breathed his last at a city nursing home at 3.20 a.m. on 24th July due to the old age illness. He was 83 and leaves behind six children. His last rites were performed at the Nabagraha crematorium this evening in the presence of a large gathering.

Army called out for rescue work, Brahmaputra above red mark in city - No let-up in flood fury in Assam

Guwahati : The flood situation in Assam on 24th July turned critical one more drawing death case reported and vast areas inundated by the swirling waters of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries . The Morigaon district administration has called out the Army to help the civil administration for relief and rehabilitation of the marooned people as the high intensity flood submerged 130 villages affecting more than three lakh villagers.

Militant threat to I-Day celebrations real : DGP

Guwahati : Director General of Police (DGP), Assam H.K. Deka has not ruled out the possibility of a major pre-Independence-Day strike or sabotage by the militants in connivance with the global network of terrorists in the State . He said that the Assam Police has been geared up to thwart any such threat.

Deka said that though Assam Police has no specific information about any plan of sabotage, the force is not going to take any risk before the Independence-Day celebration. He said that vigil at the vital installations like railway platforms, trains, oil installations and other places of publice importance has been intensified.

No move yet from Centre for talks with ULFA

Guwahati : Despite repeated requests from the Assam Government to start dialogue with banned ULFA, the Centre has not initiated any effort to start the peace talks with process. Unlike peace talks with the NSCN (IM) and other militant outfits, New Delhi has been stubbornly refusing to offer the olive branch to the ULFA to come for talks for lasting peace in the State.

Assam expects Rs 300-cr put investment

Guwahati : An investment of above Rs 300 crore is on the anvil for Assam Several leading industries , including the Hindustan Lever' Ltd (HLL) , Ajanta Pharmaceutical Ltd and Supreme Industries have expressed their desire to set up units in the State on condition

that they must be provided with land and power by the Assam Government, during the recently concluded two-day North East Business Summit organized by the Department of North Eastern Region (DONER), Government of India in Mumbai.

New module on State Finance 'validation'

Guwahati : A new course design and module on management of State finances, developed by MD M U Ahmed , Jt Director of Training , Assam Administrative Staff College in association with Mr S C Das, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Assam, was on 24th July "validated" at a function presided over by former Chief Secretary H N Das at the Staff College auditorium here.

Ministers punch holes in transparency claim

Guwahati : The hapless people of Assam, who had so overwhelmingly votes to Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government to power for its solemn pledge to them that it would provide a clean and transparent government, had never expected that they would emerge to be the least transparent in a matter of just one year, as they have been made to witness the bizarre spectacle of the whole lot of ministers, not excluding the Chief Minister himself, going public accusing the senior officials of not keeping them informed about issues of direct concern to them and their department.

HC to DGP extortions at check gates shop

Guwahati : The Gauhati High Court on 23rd July asked the Director General of Police (DGP), Assam, H.K. Deka to entrust an Assam Police official exclusively to monitor and stop extortion in the name of collecting fees at the check gates and parking places of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) . The Court has asked the DGP to submit the compliance report within 15 days.

A single-judge bench of the High Court, comprising justice S.K. Kar gave the order during the hearing of the petition field by one Zakir Hussain, challenging the validity of the GMC's check gates, parking places and the GMP bye-laws, 1997. The next date of hearing of the petition has been fixed on August 20.

Centre to solve cash crunch

Guwahati : The Centre will constitute a committee comprising all the cash-starved states including Assam to examine and find solution to the problem of precarious financial situation. This decision was taken at a meeting in New Delhi on 23rd July under the chair of Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh.

Flash floods immobilize Guwahatians

Guwahati : The tall claim of the Assam Government that it could bring succour to the Guwahatians who have become accustomed with the flash floods has once again fallen flat as most of the city areas, i.e. Nabin Nagar, Lachit Nagar, Bamunimaidan, Zoo Road, Rehabari and several other localities had a harrowing time as they had to spend more than 24 hours under knee-deep waters both inside and outside their houses.

Barnali rape & murder case - Semen, blood samples of accused sent for DNA test

Guwahati : The Assam Police has sent the blood and semen stain samples that were found in the undergarments of the four who had allegedly raped and murdered an eight-year-old

girl, Barnali Deb at the Network Travels yard here last week to Hyderabad for DNA finger-printing. Since the four accused have confessed their crime , DNA profiling of finger prints would be used by the police in the court as evidence and plead for capital punishment of the accused in court.

Dispur readies to tackle bamboo-flowering

Guwahati : The Assam Government has worked out an emergency plan to tackle the fallout of the bamboo flowering, feared to occur in the State and other parts of the North-eastern region between 2003 to 2008. Fear of famine and food shortage soon after the vast forests of bamboo bloom, has started haunting the people of the north-eastern region.

Gauhati HC summons lbobi on 24th July

Guwahati : Imphal bench Justice N Surjamani Singh of the Gauhati High Court has summoned Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh to appear before the court on 24th July at 10 a.m. on a contempt case. The court also directed Principal secretary and Director of Health Department Ms C Raikhan Chhiber and Dr Chandramani Singh respectively to be present in the court along with the Chief Minister.

Tisso new KAAC Dy Chief

Guwahati : Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta has severely criticized Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government for not being able to keep its pre-election promises. At the Circuit House here on 23rd July , Mr Mahanta said that the present Government is complicating the problems instead of solving it, for their vested political interest.

3 policemen held

Guwahati : City Police on 23rd July arrested three constables of the 16 APBn (IR) identified as havildar A. Saikia , constables Nittiya Nanda Saikia and Bhaskar Jyoti Deuri on charges of demanding money from a Barpeta-bound Mini truck (As-15-6225) at the Saraighat bridge.


Assamese artist in world printmaker's forum

Guwahati : One of the finest printmakers in the country and an acclaimed Assamese painter, Noni Borpuzari, has been recommended for inclusion in the world printmakers forum. A recipient of Senior Fellowship in Visual Art from Government of India, Mr Borpuzari has been informed about his selection for the Director of Print CD Rom 2003 by the president of International Print Triennial Society-Cracow, Poland Prof Witold Skulicz.

59th sitting of Soorar Deul

Guwahati : The 59th sitting of Soorar Deul, a programme for upcoming musicians organized by Vivekananda Kendra, Guwahati will be held in the Kendra auditorium on July 26 at 6 pm. In this sitting upcoming artists namely Ms Minakshi Lahan Das (Borgeet), Ms Madhumita Choudhury (Rabindra Sangeet), Mr Manas Pratim Bania (Rava Sangeet), Ms Shelley Bhattacharjee (Nazrul Geet), Ms Smita Mazmder (Sitar) , Ms Amrita Dutta (Kathak) will participate.

PCRA to conduct youth programmes

Guwahati : Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), will conduct a series of youth programmes at different schools, colleges throughout the North-east to motivate students, youth people on the subject of energy/ oil conservation for India's self reliance.

Patrol Leaders' Camporee

Guwahati : The regional Patrol Leaders' Camporee sponsored by the national headquarters, Bharat Scouts and Guides, is being held at the Cotton Collegiate Higher Secondary School premises from on 21st July and will continue to July 26. Participants from nine States of North-Eastern region have participated in the event.

Toxic weed endangers fodder of animals in Kaziranga

Guwahati : A toxic weed 'mymosa' has engulfed a part of the world famed Kaziranga National Park , home to the one-horned Indian Rhino , in upper Assam threatening the fodder of the animals there.

Park director M V Vasu told from Kaziranga that the weeds had covered an area of about 125 hectares of the 430-km park enclosing the grassland there.

News on 23rd July '2002

70,000 hit- Brahmaputra above danger mark

Guwahati : The Assam Government on 22nd July sounded an alert over the flood situation as it turned grave submerging scores of villages in upper Assam districts. The Brahmaputra has created a havoc in the worst affected Dhemaji District breaching a 200-meter embankment between Dijmur and Sonari.

More than 100 villages under the Dhemaji revenue circle have been effected, about 70,000 villagers have been badly affected and they have been shifted to safer places.

Five die, 27 injured in bus mishap near city

Guwahati : In a tragic accident, five passengers of a Barpeta-bound bus were killed on the spot when the bus dashed against a stranded truck on the National Highway 31 at Joyguru, 25 kms from here under Gauripur police station. About 27 passengers were injured, four of them seriously, in the accident. The injured have been admitted to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital. The deceased are yet to be identified. There are two women among those killed.

Rajkhowa kept me in dark on shallow tube well scheme : Dey

Guwahati : Assam Agriculture Minister Dr Ardhendu Dey , in an apparent bid to distance himself from the shallow tube well scam that took place during the current Congress regime in the State, has alleged that Additional Chief Secretary Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa, who is also the Agriculture Production Commissioner, kept him in dark about agriculture scheme being implemented in the State with World Bank assistance.

6000 employees, 126 running vessels!

Guwahati : Night navigation on the Brahmaputra is still a distant dream as the National

Waterway Authorities based in Assam have not implemented any project even after the release of a huge amount of funds by the Centre. The Brahmaputra has been declared as the second national waterway.

City buyers duped, several cars in Delhi Police's wanted list

Guwahati : Several car owners in the city on 22nd July found themselves at a loss when they came to know that their vehicles were in the list of 'wanted cars' by the Delhi Police. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police has traced 14 vehicles that were stolen from different parts of the country and later sold to residents in the city.

No check gates allowed on NHs : minister in LS

Guwahati : The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has asked the Assam Government to remove all the check gates on the national highways in the State. Informing the Lok Sabha , Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways B.C. Khanduri on 22nd July said that as per the policy of the government, no check barriers or check gates are permitted on the national highways except for temporary barriers erected for security reasons and event of natural calamities, with prior permission of the Central Government. He said that the Assam Government has intimated the Centre that the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has already finalized tenders for collection of entry toll from commercial vehicles only at four check gates located around Guwahati .

More sops to investors : Sarma

Guwahati : The Assam Government will introduce a single-window system and offer sales tax exemption to attract investors to the State. Minister of State of Agriculture and Planning Hemanta Biswas Sarma on 22nd July told that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has given this assurance to potential investors during the recently concluded two-day North East Business Summit in Mumbai, who was part of the Assam Government delegation to the summit, returned to the city .

Trader, ULFA leader killed

Guwahati : A businessman and an ULFA leader were killed on 21st July. Self-styled ULFA's second lieutenant Biren Deuri was killed in an encounter with the Army at Pabhajan village under Digboi police station in Tinsukia district.

News on 22nd July '2002

Extortion, abductions : panic in tea industry

Guwahati : India's beleaguered tea industry has sought more security in plantations in the northeastern state of Assam following a stepped-up extortion drive by militants and kidnapping of a planter's daughter.

"We want adequate security cover in all vulnerable tea plantations in southern Assam where militants are having a free for all," Dhiraj Kakoty, security of the Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association (ITA), told IANS.

Pubic Sector banking Day observed

Guwahati : The bank employees and officers of the northeastern region under the banner of United Forum of Bank Unions, North-Eastern Region (UFBU, NER), consisting of APBEA, AIBOA, NCBE, BFE, NER, and AIBOA, observed July 19, 2002 as " Defend Public Sector

Banking Day" among with the bank employees and officers of the rest of the country through wearing of badge, posturing and meetings.

AAU-SIRD training on self-employment

Guwahati : The Directorate of Extension Education, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara conducted a series of training programme in animal husbandry sector in collaboration with the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Assam recently. The week long training programme on "Scientific Management of Poultry" was conducted under the "Swarna Jayanti Swa Rojgar- Special Project". A total of 32 participants including 28 farm women from various self-help groups (SHG) of Kamrup, Darrang and Nagaon districts of Assam participated in the training course. The main objective of the training course was to create awareness amongst the educated unemployment youth of various self-help groups and the rural women about the scientific methods of rearing chicken and duck suiting to local condition and motivate other youths, farm women for talking up chicken and duck farming as their generating activities and self-employment.

Tribal employees' body move to amend agri service rules

Guwahati : Some vested interest group of employees of the Agricultural Department, Assam has moved the Government to amend the Assam Agricultural Services Rules, 1980 of the department in order to deprive the ST/SC/ST(H). This has created great resentment amongst the reverse categories of the department, as stated by All Assam Tribal Employees Association (AATEA) in their memorandum submitted to the Chairman, Committee on welfare for ST/SC/ST(H) , Assam Legislative Assembly on July 19 last.

BJP condemns rape

Guwahati : The Mahila Morcha of the BJP has condemned the recent rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl at the premises of Network Travels. In a memorandum submitted to the Governor through DC, Kamrup, on 20th July , the Morcha demanded full security to women and make necessary arrangements to provide compensation to the family of the victim. Meanwhile, the Guwahati City Committee of BJP has condemned the recent remark of Mr Mukul Wasnik, general secretary of AICC on Prime Minister AB Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani in the city.

News on 21st July '2002

Cops asked to seek citizens' help, OCs fighting crime to be rewarded

Guwahati : Director General of Police (DGP), Assam, H.K. Deka on 21st July instructed the City Police to revive its contacts with the public through the Nagarik Samitis and Neighbourhood Watch Groups. The DGP's instruction is part of the action plan to arrest the growing crime graph in the city with the help and cooperation of the citizens.

Highly placed sources told that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been asked to help the City Police by providing facilities and experience. An action plan will be chalked out soon to put a halt to the criminal activities in the city which is the gateway to the North-east.

Cong tea leaders to press for ST status to tribe

Guwahati : In a new development, Assam's Congress ministers, MLAs representing the tea tribe have geared up to rake up the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe status to the tea community in the State. A delegation led by Speaker of the Assam Assembly, Prithivi

Majhi, leaves for New Delhi on 22nd July to pressurize MPs across the country during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament, to bring a Bill for granting ST status to the tea tribe as early as possible.

Fresh floods in Assam, Arunachal cut off

Guwahati : Flood situation in Assam has turned grave following heavy rains in the neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and the catchments of the Brahmaputra.

The situation had improved in the past few days as the water level of the swollen Brahmaputra was receding. A report from Itanagar, capital town of Arunachal Pradesh, said rain waters have submerged and washed away the National Highway 52 at different points, disrupting communication between the two State.

Discrepancies in 11th Finance Commission award- Assam Govt adamant, bent on seeking Rs 1,000 cr compensation

Guwahati : The Assam Government remains adamant on its demand for compensation of Rs 1000 crore from the Centre due to discrepancies in the 11th Finance Commission's award to the State even though Union Minister of the State for Finance Anand G. Geete on 20th July rejected the former's claim in the Lok Sabha.

Assam Minister of State for Finance Nilamoni Sen Deka told that the State Government would go ahead with its demand and there is no question of withdrawing it when the Centre itself admitted the discrepancies in the 11th Finance Panel award to Assam. He said that the State must receive at least Rs 1100 crore under the 11th Finance Commission . Assam has been awarded Rs 110 crore only by the panel.

Cultural Affairs Dept sits on sound archive project, finance bosses cite fund crunch - Assam's past may be lost for ever

Guwahati : Sound items of cultural expressions, memories and reminiscences of forefathers and different tribes of the North-east are set to disappear from the memory of the present generation due to fund crunch at the Sankardev Kalashetra.

Encroachers targeting rhinos to settle down ?

Guwahati : In a sinister move to wipe out the endangered one-horn rhinos, encroachers have targeted female rhinos in the Orang Wild Life Sanctuary, an eminent wildlife conservationist has claimed.

According to records, the encroachers had killed mostly female rhinos in the National Park, so that the rhinos in the Sanctuary, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park , were wiped out and they could settle in the forest areas, wildlife expert Manoj Ram Phukan told.

Encephalitis claims 13

Guwahati : At least 13 people have died from encephalitis that is taking the formation of an epidemic in Assam's Dibrugarh district. Of the 26 encephalitis patients admitted to the Assam Medical College Hospital at Dibrugarh, 13 have died, including six children, during the past few days. The disease was spreading to other districts of upper Assam.


National Sports Talent Contest Scheme

Guwahati : The scheme of National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) is designed to nurture genetically gifted and physically fit children in the age group of 8-14 years and groom them scientifically in Sports Authority of India (SAI) adopted schools.

Burning Valley for PPC (NE) launched

Guwahati : Burning Valley,a two-episode telefilm, is launched under the banner of B Kaman Films and Studio for commissioned programme in the PPC (NE) of Doordarshan. The telefilm is produced and directed by Dr Bhupendra Kaman who has the credit of making many serials and telefilms so far including Miksijili, Bareborania, Dulhan Ke Kimat, Porboto Ke Pathoro me, Mukti etc. in Hindi and Assamese.

Computer Centre inaugurated

Guwahati : Under the auspices of the Assam Seva Samiti, a computer training centre in memory of Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia was inaugurated in July 15 at Gopinath Nagar head office complex.

Auto drivers meet

Guwahati : The Sadou Guwahati Autorickshaw Chalak Santha will hold a convention at the District Library auditorium here on July 22 of all the city-based trade unions, in support of their demands for release of the arrested Union leaders unconditionally, settling discord over fare meter system through negotiation, revocation of the ban on operating autorickshaws by persons other than the owners and keeping in abeyance all punitive measure against the autorickshaw operators till the fare meter dispute is settled.

Subdivision demand

Guwahati : The executive committee meeting of the Guwahatibasi Kamrup Unnayan Sammittee on July 14 under the presidentship of Suchendra Nath Bhuyan, ex Advocate General of Assam, decided to submit memorandum to ministers, MLAs, and others to create public support for establishment of sadar subdivision at Kamrup in Nagaon district.

'Bala Sanskar'

Guwahati : Vivekananda Yava Kendra, Railway Colony, Bamunimaidan is organising a three day Bala Sanskar Sibir for children between 6-12 years age group from July 21. Interested children are requested to contact secretary of the Kendra from 4 pm toward.

Resentment

Guwahati : The annual general meeting of Agriculture Service Association of Assam, held at Golaghat on July 12-13 expressed its serious concern over the appointment of a person as Director of Agriculture, Assam by the Government of Assam on July 12, who does not belong to the Assam Agricultural Service in spite of Government commitment to appoint a person belonging to the Assam Agricultural Service.

Seminar

Guwahati : A three-day workshop on various topics of Consumer Protection Law was organised by the field Federation of India Consumer Coordinators with the co-ordinations with the co-operation of LIC of India at Puri from July 5 to 7 . The open session was presided over by the Chairman , Orissa Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Justice DM Patnaik.


Influx of Pak-backed ultras - Issue shoot-at-sight order on border : AASU

Guwahati : Raising alarm over the 'infiltration' of Pakistani ISI-backed militants into the region through the 'porous' Indo-Bangla border, All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on 19th July demanded issue of 'shoot at sight' order along it.

During a discussion on the Indo-Bangla border with representatives of the State Government, Border Security Forces (BSF) , Assam Police , State PWD, the Central PWD (CPWD), and the Border Roads Organisation, the AASU representative demanded the process of initiating joint border patrolling by BSF and State Police should be completed within August 15 next in view of the threat posed to the region by ISI-backed ultras infiltrating through the border.

Barnalee murder case - Probe ordered into Network Travels

Guwahati : In view of the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl, Barnalee Deb at the Network Travels counter here on July 14th night, the state Transport Minister, Anjan Dutta on 19th July ordered institution of a departmental inquiry to find out whether the travel agency was adhering to existing provisions governing their agent license.

The Transport Minister in the same directive ordered suspension of the license of the Network Travels in case the inquiry finds it violative towards the laid provisions governing its agent license.

Security operations stepped up to contain DHD ultras

Guwahati : The security forces have geared up operations along the bordering areas of North Cachar Hills district to contain the activities of the Dima Halong Daogah (DHD). The militant group was involved in the killing of seven policemen at Doyangmukh under Umrangshu police station on 17th July.

Flood situation

Guwahati : The flood situation in the State is gradually improving with all the rivers in Dhemaji, Goalpara and Nalbari districts showing a receding trend. However, Dhemaji still continues to remain cut off from the rest of the country as road and rail links are yet to be restored.

Fare meter issue - Sizeable number of autorickshaws off the roads

Guwahati : There seems to be a number of problems cropping up in matters of implementing the decision to return the autorickshaws in the city on fare metres, though the owners' bodies have accepted, on principle, the said decision. The Sadou Guwahati Autorickshaw Chalak Santha has already voiced its opposition to the decision on the ground of its not being viable because of the fare structures proposed by the authorities.


Rly alert over ULFA bomb threat, security tightened

Guwahati : The Assam police has alerted the NF Railway that the outlawed ULFA with active support from Pakistan's ISI could attempt to target the Rajdhani Express during the running around the Independence Day. Intelligence report apparently said that the ULFA might target the Rajdhani Express within July 27.

Though top Assam Police officials were not available to comment, highly placed NF Railway sources told that on the basis of intelligence reports, the State Police has put the railway authorities on maximum alert to prevent any such attack on the Rajdhani Express or other major trains.

'Vajpayee modern Hitler' - BJP trying to communalize North-east, say Cong leaders

Guwahati : Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is a "modern world Hitler" and Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani is Mussolini, said general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) Mukul Wasnik here on 17th July.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the training camp for the North-east college unit of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) here, Wasnik said that post-Godhra violence in Gujarat has exposed the communal face of the BJP. He said that the violence in Gujarat has shaken the age-old secular foundation of the country.

Cotton's high cut-off marks upset achievers

Guwahati : The 100-year-old Cotton College has disappointed many parents and their wards who have passed this year's HSLC examinations with flying colours. Reason -the premier college of the North-east has failed to accommodate the students in the science stream of the Higher Secondary (HS) course despite they having attained more than 80 per cent.

School calendar : vacations cut Assamese schools to be toned up

Guwahati : The Assam Government on 17th July kicked off its school reform initiatives by announcing the Guwahati Declaration at the end of a three-day-long state -level seminar on school calendar and timings. The Guwahati Declaration was made after the consensus reached among 500 delegates including teachers , educationists and government officials at the end the seminar organized by the Axom Sarva Siksha Abhijan Mission (ASSAM) in the city.

Govt, BLT talks on truce on 17th July

Guwahati : The crucial tripartite talks between the Union Government, Assam Government and the Bodoland Liberation Tiger (BLT) will be held on 18th July at New Delhi to discuss extension of ceasefire. The meet would be held at the official level . Beside finalizing the ceasefire issue, it would focus on the recent protest against the proposed formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The ceasefire with BLT expires on July 21.

Change in AAU admission process

Guwahati : Assam Agricultural University has brought some changes in its admission

process. The interview and admission scheduled to be held from July 17 to 20 at College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara in the city, has been cancelled . Assam Agricultural University , Jorhat, the list of selected candidates will be published on July 10, and the selected candidates will take admission in different colleges under the university on August 1.

B.Sc., B.Com. part-I results out

Guwahati : The results of B.Sc. Part-I examinations, 2002 of Gauhati University have been announced on 17th July . In B.Sc. Part-I , of the 4,817 candidates who had appeared in the examination , 1326 came out successful , the pass percentage being 28.72. In B.Com. Part-I, of the 2,910 candidates who had appeared in the examinations, 1,364 came out successful, the pass percentage being 46.87.

3 arrested for 'extortion'

Guwahati : The police arrested three persons- Pinku Baishya, Halim Sheikh and Sabiruddin Ahmed- who have been manning the GMC parking place at Garhpandu in the city, on the charge of charging parking fees higher than the actual rates from buses.

Guwahati bandh on Aug 3

Guwahati : The city-based forum against atrocities on women has called a 12-hour Guwahati bandh on August 3 in protest against the rape and brutal murder of eight year old girl Barnali Deb by the driver and the conductor of the NR Super Travel in the city on July 13 night.


Flood situation improving

Guwahati : Flood situation in the State is gradually improving with water level of Brahmaputra and its tributaries receding much to relief of lakhs of marooned people all over the State.

According to official flood bulletin issued on 16th July, water level of all rivers in the worst affected Dhemaji district barring the Brahmaputra is receding although the district has remained cut off from the rest of the country for the 15 day on 16th July.

BLT truce extension likely

Guwahati : Though militant outfit Bodo Liberation Tiger (BTC) was not too keen to go for another extension of the cease-fire agreement, which expires on July 21, official sources said that the Central and the State governments would be able to persuade the leadership of the outfit to agree for another extension to pave the way for an amicable solution of the Bodo problem.

ACTA threatens to resume stir

Guwahati : Assam College Teachers' Association (ACTA) has set July 31 as deadline for the State Government to solve its demands failing which it will renew its agitation from next month.

The ACTA in a statement issued on 16th July expressed its concern over myopic approach

of the State Government towards resolving its long-standing demands like increase in amount of pension and gratuity, payment of salary arrears, converting post for Plan head to non-Plan head, clear unpaid deficit grant pending since 1996 etc.

City deluge may end soon

Guwahati : The Shantipur sluice gate pumps are now ready to pump out the flood waters of the Bharalu and thus to bring succor to the residents who have become accustomed with the flash flood problem by now. It is expected that with the discharge capacity of 6,000 cubic metres of water per hour each of four Kirloskar pumps installed in the sluice gate pump houses will be able to suck out the storm water of the Bharalu catchments area within a very short time.

3 Armymen killed in ambush

Guwahati : Three armymen , including an officer, were killed and six others seriously injured in an ambush by militants in Cachar district on 16th July.

The army personnel of Jat regiment were in a search operation in two vehicles when they were ambushed by militants atop the hills of Jujam under Lekhipur police station about 45 km from district headquarter Silchar, the police said here.

ULFA man killed

Guwahati : A hardcore ULFA militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in Tinsukia on 16th July. Police said that acting on specific information, security forces raided Raidingia village under Doomdooma police station of Tinsukia district and following a brief encounter an ULFA militant was killed at the incident site.

Felicitated

Guwahati : The State NCP's youth wings felicitated NCP youth wings All India general secretary Sunny Thomas at a function at the Hedayetpur headquarters of the State NCP here on Sunday. Thomas is in charge of Assam NCP's youth wing.

Anti-malaria camp

Guwahati : A one-day anti-malaria camp was organised north of village Majuligaon in Darrang district by the troops of Red Horns Division on 14th July. The camp was inaugurated by the Commanding officer of Gagharapara Army Unit. Three army doctors treated the patients for malaria and also advised them about anti-malaria precautions. Laboratory facilities were also available at the camp and blood samples of about 100 patients were collected for malaria inspection. Medicines worth Rs 20,000 collected from civil and army sources were distributed.

Annual function

Guwahati : The annual function of Chandra Kala Niketan at Ramnagar, Noonmati Guwahati was celebrated with a day-long programme on 14th July. Niketan principal Chandra Kanta Nath hoisted the flag. Cultural competition was held in the Chunchali LP School. The function was earlier inaugurated by Prof Jadab Chandra Kalita.

Dr Kalam thanks AGP

Guwahati : Dr AJP Abdul Kalam has expressed his gratitude to the Asom Gana Parishad for

its support to his candidature in the ensuring presidential election. In a personal letter written to the president of the regional party, Brindaban Goswami, Dr Kalam expresses his hope that the trust shown by the regional party on his candidature will undoubtedly help him to discharge his duties of the highest office effectively if elected as president of the country.

Commuters demand stronger ferries

North Guwahati : In the recent flood situation and rise of water level in the Brahmaputra due to heavy downpours during the past few weeks, the plight of the commuters of Greater North Guwahati , areas, including Lenga, Kurua etc have worsened.

The existing ferry vessels supplied by the IWT to the lessee are equipped with weak engines with less horsepower than required in windy or flood season. Naturally, it takes about an hour to cross the river upstream.


Protest against BTC - Blockade hits rail, road traffic

Guwahati : The 24-hour rail-road blockade called by Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samity (SJSS) from the morning in protest against creation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) on 15th July disrupted surface communication in Lower Assam areas and parts of Karbi Anglong district.

The districts of Bongaigaon and Barpeta were worst affected by the blockade as thousands of SJSS picketers sat on railway tracks and the highway to block movements of traffic.

Presidential polls - 119 State MLAs cast votes

Guwahati : Altogether 119 of the 125 legislators of the Assam Assembly on 15th July cast their votes in the Presidential polls.

According to Assam Assembly secretariat sources, prominent among those who failed to turn up on time to cast their votes was former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. AGP sources said that though Sri Mahanta arrived in the city from Delhi this afternoon, he could not make it to the Assembly on time as his flight was delayed. Another senior AGP leader Sahidul Alam Choudhury also did not turn up while , Sri Hitendra Nath Goswami had taken permission from the returning officer to cast his vote in Delhi.

ULFA planning to strike before I-Day

Guwahati : The security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations are gearing up to thwart the plan of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to indulge in at least two major acts of violence before the Independence Day celebrations.

According to information available with the security forces, the ULFA Commander in Chief Paresh Baruah recently issued an instruction to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief Raju Baruah asking him to organise at best two major acts of violence before the Independence day celebration. The ULFA was trying its best to get even following the killing of senior leader Tapan Baruah, which was a major blow to the outfit.

'Schools lack proper curriculum'

Guwahati : Speaker of the inaugural session of a three-day State-level seminar on the existing school days, school calendar and times, at the Kalaguru Bishnu Rava (KBR) Auditorium of the cotton College here on 15th July, expressed concern over the absence of a well-planned school calendar and the lack of sufficient time for the school students for recreational activities.

PWD raising levels of city roads

Guwahati : Despite the denial of the State PWD authorities here that they have ever raised the road levels, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) authorities and majority of the Guwahatians are not prepared to accept the PWD authorities' assertion.

RG Baruah death anniversary observed

Guwahati : The 25th death anniversary of RG Baruah was observed in the State on 15th July. On the occasion, the statue of RG Baruah at Dighalipukhuripar was garlanded in presence of a distinguished gathering including family members.

Army donates library

Guwahati : A fully equipped library and common room was handed over to the Kumarigaon High School, located near Naharikatiya in Dibrugarh district by Major General H S Batra, Gennral Officer Commanding, 2 Mountain Division, stated an Army press release. Speaking on the inauguration session, Mr Batra dedicated the new library and common room to the children of Kumarigaon area. He also said that it should be the duty of every citizen to contribute towards building Assam into a proud State and India a united strong nation.

Excursion for children

Guwahati : The troops of Red Horns Division based at Titaguri in Kokrajhar district organized an excursion for 40 students of neighbouring schools to visit the Nara Narayan Setu across Brahmaputra river in Goalpara district recently. It was an educational as well as an entertaining trip for students who got the opportunity for the first time to visit a place away from their district.

Grants-an-aid and tools distributed

Guwahati : Government of Assam has given top priority in the agricultural sector to boost up its economy. Participating in a meeting held at Tinsukia, State Excise Minister, Mr Rameswar Dhanowar said that all aspects of agricultural, horticulture, sericulture and pisciculture should be explored for the benefit of the State. Addressing the meeting State Forest Minister, Pradyut Bordoloi stressed upon the needs to modernize the agricultural sector of the State.

Charitable trust formed in Tinsukia

Guwahati : With an intension to extend hand to the poorer section of the society a charitable trust has been formed in Tinsukia district in a meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner's office recently. Particularly in the meeting , Mr Rameswar Dhanwar, Minister for Excise said that the trust will provide financial assistance for higher education of the students, treatment of patients belonging to the poor section of the district.

School for handicapped children

Guwahati : The foundation stone for a school-cum-training centre for physically and mentally challenged children was laid at Bayahghila village in Nalbari district by Mr Madan Kalita, the local MLA at a function held recently . The school to be constructed under GSY scheme will cater to the needs of children who are both physically and mentally handicapped.

Cultural centre inaugurated at Nazira

Guwahati : Mr Bijoy Handique, MP inaugurated a Culutral Centre at Hanuman Bag in Nazira subdivision recently. Mr Handique , in his inaugural speech said that the culture of the tea-tribes of Assam is an integral part of the greatest Assamese culture which must be preserved and enriched.

DHD militant shot dead

Guwahati : In a joint operation by the troops of 2 Mountain Division based at Brahmaputra in Nagaon district and Karbi Anglong police, one DHD militant was shot dead near Bara Langpger in Karbi Anglong recently. A 9 mm Chinese pistol alongwith .05 live bullets and one fired case were recovered from the dead militants, who was later identified as Bidesh Porbo hailing from Lalting.


Poet Navakanta is no more - Last rites performed at Nabagraha

Guwahati : It was a black day on 14th July afternoon for the people of Assam as poet Navakanta Barua, a leading light of Assamese literature and Padmabhusan breathed his last at his own residence at Silpukhuri here around 1 p.m. His end came while he was talking to his family members and waiting for lunch hosted at his residence on the occasion of his daughter, late Jhunuka's marriage anniversary.

Though Barua was taken to Down Town hospital after his sudden illness, he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital . He was 76 and leaves behind his wife Bina Barua , a daughter , two son-in-laws and a host of relatives and admirers.

Jobless jumbos become a threat in North-east

Guwahati : Hundreds of domestic Asiatic elephants in the North-east are turning rogues with sedentary lifestyle boosting their sexual potency, wildlife experts say.

Around 3,500 elephants in the seventh North-eastern states have become jobless after a ban on timber trade in the region by the Supreme Court in 1996. Most of the animals used to drag logs from forests to nearest road heads.

PA : don't let tea workers be used as vote bank

Guwahati : Former speaker of the Lok Sabha and all India general secretary of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) P.A. Sangma on 14th July lambasted the tea union leaders for letting the tea community used by the potential parties as vote banks. He said that the time has come for the union leaders to go for an introspection and force the parties to do the needful for the greatest interest of the tea workers.

Encroachments turn notified forest areas into agricultural land - Assam's green cover disappears : satellite images

Guwahati : At a time when the eviction drive at the reserved forest areas in Assam has become a controversial issue, satellite imageries have clearly shown that the forest cover in the State, especially in the north bank of the Brahmaputra, is fast vanishing due to organised and mass encroachment.

NSCN-K to issue permit to B'deshis

KOHIMA : NSCN-K will enforce its own regulation to check influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh to Nagaland. In a statement here on 24th July , the militants outfit, currently on a ceasefire under an agreement with the Union Government, said it would issue "temporary resident permit (TRP)" to Bangladeshi migrants whom the Nagas called "Miyas". The organisation would issue TRP through its networks to "Miyas" for a year, which, however, could be renewed. Such people would be restricted to 2,500 per district.

Minor raped, killed in city

Guwahati : An eight-year-old girl, Barnali Dev was rapped and killed at NR Super Travel premises at Paltan Bazar in the city on 13th July night. Her body was recovered from the safety tank of the toilet at the premises on 14th July morning. Police arrested driver Krishna Hazarika, conductor Roma Hazarika and handyman Putul Bora from Kohra in Golaghat district, and night chowkidar Bishnu Prasad Sinha of NR Super travel counter, on 14th July on the charge of committing the crime. The victim had come to the city from Agartala with her parents and taken shelter at the waiting room attached to the NR Super Travel counter for the night.

Malaria hits ULFA, NDFB in Bhutan

Guwahati : The North Bengal police is keeping a strict vigil in all the hospitals and nursing homes following intelligence reports that ULFA and NDFB camps in Bhutan are down with malaria and viral fever. It is now difficult for the militants to get necessary treatment in Bhutan after the Himalayan kingdom's recent decision to act tough on North-east militants taking shelter on Bhutan soil.

4 arrested for goonda tax

Guwahati : Continuing with its crackdown on gooda tax collectors, the City Police on 14th July arrested Mahendra Talukdar, Prabhat Deka, Arun Sinha and Jitu Das for demanding Rs 100 against Rs 50 from a truck (AS-07-3041) at the loading and unloading point at Lokhra in the city, said Additional SP (City) Rana Bhuyan.

3 ULFA cadres nabbed at Tamarhat

GOSSAIGAON : Tamarhat police arrested three hard-core ULFA militants from Netabari village on 14th July. They were later identified as Godadhar Roy(22) and Santa Roy of Netabari village. According to the police sources, the militants had served an extortion note to one Anup Deka of Samarhat area demanding Rs 1 lakh, which was to be paid within July 10.

IAF recruitment rally on July 25

Guwahati : The Indian Air Force will be holding a recruitment rally for the selection of

Airman in technical trades on July 25 at the Air Force Station, Kumbhigram at Silchar.


Flood control schemes : Dispur disclaims Chakroborty's claim

Guwahati : Mr Nurjamal Sarkar, Minister, Flood Control Assam, has contradicted the claims made by Ms Bijoya Chakroborty, Union Minister of the State and Water Resources, Government of India, which was published in local dailies on July 11, 2002 in respect of Central funding of flood control measures for Assam.

Seminar on satellite township

Guwahati : The problems faced by the citizens of the Guwahati city during the monsoon months more particularly in the wake of the disaster caused by heavy rains will be discussed, and concept of setting up a couple of satellite townships in order to lessen the pressure of population on the city will be examined at a seminar to be held on July 20 at 3-30 p.m. at the Government Pensioners' Bhawan at Chandmari.

Resentment among ASEB engineers

Guwahati : The Association of Civil Engineers, ASEB, expressed its dissatisfaction on the Board's resolution No.5 of April 30, constituting a three member working group headed by Member (P&A) of the Board and two other officials from the Government department for making suggestions to be adopted for the selection/promotion of engineers only.


Encroachment issue - CM draws flak for saying he was clueless on affidavit in SC

Guwahati : There has been adverse reactions in various quarters including the state administration over Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's comment that he was kept in dark about Chief Secretary PK Bora submitting an affidavit before the Supreme Court on behalf of the Assam Government accusing the ethnic groups of encroaching the reserved forest areas in the State .

Gogoi had assured the tribal MLAs on 11th July belonging to both ruling party and the opposition that the affidavit would be withdrawn from the apex court and necessary amendment will be made.

'Banks in Assam not giving loans, sends out Rs 7,000 cr a year'

Guwahati : Banks in Assam are pumping out Rs 7,000 crore annually for investments outside, said Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner of the Assam Government J.P. Rajkhowa here on 12th July. He said that since the banks are extremely reluctant to extend loans to the local entrepreneurs due to apprehension of poor recovery, the amount of total deposits collected here are circulated outside for investment by the banks.

NE airports running at a loss, yearly expenditure on security Rs 30 crore.

Guwahati : The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is saddled with heavy losses sustained in running and maintaining 21 airports in the north eastern states. More than Rs 30 crores is

being spent every year for the security purpose alone at the airports in the region.

While 12 airports are operational in the North east, 9 airports have been closed due to different factors. The AAI has faced a total loss of Rs 63.96 crore during the year 2000-2001 as expenditures exceeded the total revenue earnings from the airports in the North-east.

Kalam thanks Gogoi for support

Guwahati : In his run up to the ensuring presidential election, Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam has sent a letter to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi thanking him and his party to nominate the former for the election. Kalam described Assam as "the land blessed with natural and human resources" and praised Gogoi for his ideas to develop the State.

70 picked up in Kalakshetra case

Guwahati : City Police has picked up 70 persons under different police stations in connection with the case of gold and silver antics stolen from Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra on the night of June 10.

Veterinary students' union threatens stir

Guwahati : The Students Unions of both the Colleges of Veterinary Sciences have threatened the Government of Assam to block the new admissions of the Assam Agricultural University which is scheduled on July 17 if the government fails to give any written assurance to their demand for employment of the unemployed graduates.


New industrial policy to simplify rules

Guwahati : State Industry Minister, Sri Bhubeneswar Kalita has assured the representatives of industry in State that the new industrial policy of the State will be designed to simplify the rules and regulations to avoid procedural delay.

During an interaction with the industry representatives, which was organised by the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), the new Industry Minister of the State pledged to simplify sales tax rules in the new policy in response to requests from industrialists.

Illegal occupation-clear tribal belts : NDFB

Guwahati : Militant outfit National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), on 11th July said that if the government is concerned about preservation of forests, it should first clear the tribal belts and blocks illegally occupied by unauthorised people for settlement of the indigenous people now living in forest land.

Publicity secretary of the NDFB, B Erakdao said that keeping in mind the serious issue of preservation the ecological balance, the NDFB , from the very beginning, had been advocating the need for preservation of forests and other natural resources. He alleged that instead of protecting the forests, the government tried to defame the NDFB by spreading rumors alleging the NDFB of indulging in timber trade published in a section of the media. He further alleged that every Indian Army official posted in any corner of 'Bodoland' was involved in smuggling of timber to his native place, while every police

officer is building houses disproportionate to his income.

CM's assurance to tribal legislators

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 11th July assured the tribal legislators that the Government would take steps to amend the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court to remove the word, which were insulting to the ethnic groups.

Task force to bail Guwahatians out of flood problem

Guwahati : For the deluge-affected Guwahatians, some relief is forthcoming. The State Government, concerned over the plight of the residents of the city, has constituted a task force to co-ordinate implementation of short-term and long-term measure to remove the city's problem of flash flood and sanctioned an amount of Rs 2 crores to activate the four pumps at the Bharalu sluice gate while another amount of Rs 3 crores into service of two barge-mounted excavators to keep the Bharalu free from silt. This amount is released from the Central Government's Non-Lapsable Pool for the NE States.

Antique jewellery stolen Kalakshetra

Guwahati : In a sensational case of theft, a large number of antique jewellery were stolen from the museum of the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakhatra on 10th July night. The jewellery included gold-plated and silver ornaments like gamkharu, thuris, dugdugi, etc dating back to the Ahom age. More than their price value in the market it is the antique value which is much more significant.

Security tightened

Guwahati : Security measures have been stepped up in Assam in view of the statewide bandh on 12th July to protest against the formation of the proposed Bodoland Autonomous Council (BTC). Additional security forces had been deployed in the vulnerable areas, patrolling intensified along bridges, highways and railways tracks and vigilance strengthened at vital installations. The Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samity , a non-Bodo organisation , has called for the day-long bandh fearing that the BTC would jeopardize the rights of the non-Bodos.

2 ultras killed

Guwahati : Two militants have been killed in separate encounters with security forces in Karbi Anglong district since 11th July night. Police said that a Dima Halong Daogah extremist was killed in an encounter with a joint police and 177 Field Regiment troops at Lilang Disa on 11th July.

Tricksters mint money out of floods, woes of travelers

Guwahati :Come floods and people in Assam turn up with a bagful of tricks to make a fast buck, besides ingenious methods to escape the fury of the surging floodwaters.

While a majority of the 7,65,000 flood affected people in nine Assam districts in north-eastern India had tales of woe and misery during the past fortnight, the flood had come as a "God's gift" for some of them.

Meeting of Golaghat dist DRDA held

Guwahati : A meeting of the government body of Golaghat DRDA was held recently at the

conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office, Golaghat. The meeting was presided over by Dr J B Ekka, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of Golaghat DRDA.

Action plan for char area development finalized

Guwahati : A high level meeting of the Chief Minister with top officials was held at Janata Bhavan on 9th July and decided to entrust a nodal officer to coordinate and monitor the development activities in the char area in every district.

Vana Mahotsav at Rangiya

Guwahati : Green Flex, an environmental activist group and Rangiya based North Kamrup division Forest Department observed Van Mahotsav 2002 at 84 Deulkuchi LP School near Rangiya recently. The programme included tree plantations, sit and draw contest for school students. The three plantation was inaugurated by Mr H K Sarma, DFO, North Kamrup division. He spoke on the importance of trees and Van Mahotsav.

Veterinary camp conducted

Guwahati : The Early Birds, an organization for nature care in North Eastern India, which also had the recognition from the Animal Welfare Board , Government of India last year, conducted a pre-flood vaccination and treatment camp of the domestic bovine group around Laokhowa Wild Life Sanctuary recently.

Army kills 2 ULFA militants

Guwahati : Troops of Red Horns Division operating in Darrang district killed two hard core ULFA militants in an encounter on July 9. On receipt of special information, an ambush was laid near village Moamari under Dalgaon police station to nab militants. Suspected militants when challenged , lobbed grenade and fired at troops in an attempt to escape .

ABSU told to clarify position on Rajbongshis

Guwahati : The All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani has asked the All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) to clarify their role they envisaged for the Koch Rajbonshis after the formation of the BTC. The Sanmilani also asked the ABSU and the BLT to clarify the Koch Rajbongshis, their political, economic and land rights as compared to the other scheduled tribes in the areas.


Brahmaputra crosses danger level at Dibrugarh, Jorhat & Dhubri - Varying Assam flood figures make assessment difficult

Guwahati :How bad is the flood situation in Assam? There has been contradictory statements on the scene by different government quarters. While State Flood Control Minister Nurzamal Sarkar has been saying that anything between five to seven lakhs people have been hit by the floods, Union Minister of State for Water Resources Bijoy Chakraborty on 10th July told that about 10 lakhs people have been affected by the current wave of flood in 11 districts in Assam.

Delhi alters flood funding system, CM sends SOS

Guwahati : It is as if the cup of financial woes of the Gogoi Government, passed on to it as

a legacy of the successive governments in the past, is not full yet as the Centre has revised the provisions of the scheme for constitution and administration of the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) to disqualify Assam to receive fund under it to meet expenditure for flood-damage repair works. The cash-strapped Gogoi Government on 10th July literally left marooned in the midst of massive financial liabilities and the flood causing havoc in large parts of Assam.

Biswanarayan Shastri dies at 79, tributes continue to pour

Guwahati : Eminent Sanskrit scholar and former Member of Parliament Dr Biswanarayan Shastri passed away at 11.30 p.m. on 10th July night at a private nursing home in the city . He was 79 and leaves behind his wife, a son and three daughters.

His last rites were performed on 10th July at the Nabagraha crematorium in the presence of a large gathering.

Corrupt ASEB gives 'free' power to top guns : Dutta

Guwahati : The Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) is engaged in rampant corruption and is functioning in an 'autocratic manner' under its present chairman Jitesh Khosla. The cash-strapped ASEB is providing literally free power supply to the top bureaucrats drawing more than Rs 30,000 as monthly salary, and employees staying at the Dispur capital complex.

New GMC chief vows to make city cleaner by Sept

Guwahati : New Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Administration Phani Sarma has promised to give new shape and look to the city within three months time. He said that Guwahati would be much cleanly placed within this period.

Sarma said that he had concentrated on two aspects for improvement of the city from the present deplorable state. One, to streamline the GMC organization so as to cope with the present difficult situation, and secondly to find out a way to avoid repetition of a situation like the present one , he said.

Union leaders fail as managers, ACMS gets ATC's bitter taste

Guwahati : The Asom Chah Majdoor Sangha (ACMS), which took the charge of running four tea estates of the cash-starved Assam Tea Corporation (ATC) in May this year, has had the bitter experience of running tea estates within just two months, and is now trying to shed the responsibility that it had taken willingly.

Pagadia dam to start soon, Centre sanctions Rs 250 cr

Guwahati : Union Minister of State for Water Resources Bijoy Chakraborty on 10th July said that construction works of the dam over the Pagaldia river would begin this month as the Center has sanctioned Rs 250 crore for its implementation under the 10th Five-Year Plan .


Pot-holed highways in Assam, carpeted motorway in Bengal

Guwahati : A ride from Dhubri to Sadiya will be a nightmare for everyone living in Assam. One is not sure whether Assam PWD Minister Sarat Borkataky has driven through the

dilapidated highways passing through all the lower Assam districts and the north bank of the Brahmaputra.

Promise kept, Changkakoti is new Assam vigilance chief

Guwahati : The Assam government on 9th July appointed Nishi Nath Changkakoti as the State's new Vigilance Commissioner. Changkakoti is a retired Director General of Police, Assam.

Changkakoti, who had a successful professional career, recently submitted the Assam Police Reforms Committee report to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. He has offered several recommendations to make the Assam Police an efficient and people-friendly force.

Gogoi streamlines transfer policy, to vest power to Dcs

Guwahati : In a major blow to the flourishing "transfer industry" at Dispur, which was being profitably run by ministers, senior bureaucrats, ruling party politicians and middlemen since the past several years, the government of Assam has readied a plan under which the authority to transfers and postings of all district-level government officers would be vested on the deputy Commissioners. A cabinet memorandum in this regard has already been prepared by the Chief Secretary under instruction of the chief Minister, Mr Tarun Gogoi. Cabinet is likely to okay the scheme in its next meeting.

Construction ban : city builders to move court, meet PM, Sonia

Guwahati : The Assam Government's decision to impose a ban on construction activities in the city is likely to snowball into a major crisis for Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as the Assam Real Estate and Infrastructure Developer's Association (AREIDA) has decided to move court. The builders said that the government's decision violates the fundamental and constitutional rights.

Brahamaputra rising, erosion at Palasbari

Guwahati : The flood situation in Assam still remained unchanged with the worst-hit Dhemaji district cut off from the rest of the country for the seventh consecutive day on 9th July. Rail and road communication in most of the districts have been disrupted due to the floods.

AGP leader's open letter to ULFA come for talks

Guwahati : Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Dilip Kumar Saikia on 9th July urged the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to enter into a dialogue with the Centre for a permanent settlement of its grievances.

Gogoi must quit over eviction issue : Brindaban

Guwahati : AGP president Brindaban Goswami on 9th July said that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has conducted the entire eviction issue in an 'autocratic way' and has put into jeopardy the lives of a large number of people and hence has lost the moral right to rule.

CM orders probe on Srirampur goonda tax

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 9th July ordered an inquiry into the allegation of extortion by police and other government officials from truckers at the Srirampur check gate. He said that those who are found guilty after the inquiry would be punished as per

law. Gogoi said that no one would be allowed to extort money at the Srirampur check gate and other points on the national highways.

CM to showcase investment scope

Guwahati : The Assam Government will place some attractive proposals before the leading industrialists of the country to woo them for investment in the State during a two-day "investors' meet" scheduled to be held from July 19 in Mumbai. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will attend the investors' meet which is being organized by the North-East Development Ministry.

New assignment for Lahkar

Guwahati : The Assam Government on 9th July appointed Dr Bhagaban Chandra Lahkar as the adviser to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on economic reforms. He was earlier the adviser to the Chief Minister on education.

Army conducts medical camp

Guwahati : The Red Horns Division of the Army organized a medical camp recently in Nafkata Area in Kokrajhar district. Approximately 1,000 poor and needy villagers visited the medical camp for treatment of their ailments.

Lecture on frog

Guwahati : The Department of Zoology, Arya Vidyapeeth College organized a lecture on the classification of frogs specially on the Ranid group in the college premises recently. Dr Annmarie Ohlar, curator of Amphibians museum National Historic Naturalla, Paris (France), spoke to the huge gathering of teachers, research scholars, students of north eastern universities, where she delivered the methodologies on how the frogs can be classified according to their behaviour, parental case, nest building pattern, call variation DNA fingerprinting etc. Her informative and investigation lecture opened up the door of the need for amphibian research in the present day environment in the north eastern region of India.


UMF vows to oppose formation of BTC

Guwahati : The United Minority Front (UMF) has raised its strong opposition to the approval given by the State Government for creation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) without considering the social and political reality in the present Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) area.

The UMF further stated that in its bid to foil creation of the BTC, which is decided unilaterally by the State Government, it is not averse to join hands with other struggling democratic groups opposed to creation of the tribal council under the amended Sixth Schedule of the Constitution .

Dhemaji links snapped for 6th consecutive day

Guwahati : The road and rail links between flood-hit Dhemaji and the rest of the State remained cut off for the sixth day on 8th July compounding the miseries of the affected

people.

The Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner, Sri SR Samal said that the road link to Dhemaji was snapped on July 2 when flood water of Jiadhol river washed away a portion of the National Highway 52 at Samarajan, while, the rail link was snapped much earlier. He said that about 600 metres of the road and two wooden bridges need to be repaired and the district administration has requested the Board Road Organisation (BRO) to restore the road link as soon as possible. The BRO has been entrusted with the job of maintaining National Highway 52 and a plan has been chalked out to increase the height of the Highway at Samarajon in the winter season.

FDI fails to enthuse tea sector

Guwahati : The Government of India's decision to allow 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in tea industry in the country has failed to raise hopes for the crisis-ridden tea industry in Assam.

Sources in the tea industry in the State informed that for the tea sector in Assam which has been going through a bad patch of late, the Government of India's decision allowing FDI has come a bit late.

Refund of fees for double admission

Guwahati : Students taking recourse to double admission for fear of missing berths in the educational institutions of their choice are entitled from the institutions they leave for others.

United moves must to fight city deluge

Guwahati : Guwahatians, for the sin of the section of their fellow people and some unscrupulous politicians, committed against mother nature, will continue to face the deluge in a regular manner, during the rainy seasons. There will be no respite until the Guwahatians get themselves united to free their city from the clutches of those who are encroaching upon the hills and their patrons.

Rural Development funds- Centre urged to release first installment soon

Guwahati : The Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has requested the Union Rural Development Minister Shanta Kumar to release the first installment in respect of all rural development schemes pertaining to current year as the State government is going to release its share very soon.

The Chief Minister who met the Rural Development Minister recently in New Delhi advocated strongly to make Centre-State proportion as 90:10 instead of present ratio of 75:25. The past liability of State share against some programmes like JGSY and EAS should be waived - Chief Minister urged.

'Animal husbandry, veterinary sector can transform rural economy'

Guwahati : The animal husbandry and veterinary sector has great potential in changing the face of rural economy of the State and in generating massive self-employment, said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while inaugurating web-site of the animal husbandry and veterinary department at the Assam Administration Staff College here on 6th July.

Power-tillers distributed

Guwahati : Bishnujyoti Janakalyan Samittee, an NGO of Nalbari district, distributed Power-Tillers to two Self-Help Groups on July 1 at Nalbari town.

The groups are : Pragati Self-Help Group, Barkura and Ankur Self-Help Group, Banekuchi. VHT Power-Tillers were arranged through Pragjyotish Gaonlia Bank, Nalbari.


AGP tells Centre - Invite all NE ultra groups for talks

Guwahati : The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has called upon the Central Government to invite the militant outfits of the region for talks without any pre-condition in the interest of the region in particular and the country as a whole.

In a memorandum to the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vijpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, the secretary of the AGP Legislature Party, Sri Dilip Kumar Saikia observed that the problems of the militancy in the region is a socio-economic problem and it is also true that by striking a deal with one or two militant outfits of the region one cannot bring permanent peace in the region, the memorandum said.

Colleges fail to follow 'collective' admission policy

Guwahati : Once again, the city colleges have failed to evoke a 'collective' policy in matters concerning admissions. Though the principals of the city colleges, under the aegis of the Assam College Principals' Council (ACPC) and the All Guwahati Students' Union (AGSU) after two meetings in June 18 and 21 agreed to adopt a collective policy on the issue, in reality colleges have announced their admission schedules without leaving any room for the observers to believe that there was indeed a serious attempt at respecting the above agreement.

Flood situation remains grim : 2 lakh affected

Guwahati : The Army was waiting in readiness in Assam as the overall flood situation remained grave with the mighty Brahmaputra inundating vast areas affecting more than two lakhs people.

The Army has been kept in readiness in several upper Assam districts including the worst-hit Dhemaji as the Brahmaputra maintained its rising trend all along its course,' Flood Control Minister Nurzamal Sarkar said.


State owes Rs 11 cr to Minority Corporation

Guwahati : The State Government required to pay an outstanding amount of Rs 11 crore to the National Minority Finance and Development Corporation on account of equity participation, outstanding loan repayment dues as well as 10 per cent loan participation share in the State Minority Finance Development Corporation .

Sinister bid to give a bad name to Assam tea

Guwahati : At a time when foreign companies have expressed their willingness to invest in

tea sector keeping in view the potential of the State, a business circle is active to lower the quality of the 'famous Assam Tea'. Though the tea giants have taken steps fearing serious problems in near future, yet the circle has started manipulating senior State Government officers.

Co-operative seminar

Guwahati : Inaugurating a co-operative seminar on the problem and prospects of Urban Co-operative Banks in Assam held at Assam State Co-operative Union recently, Misbaul Islam Laskar, Minister for Co-operation emphasized on the role of Urban Co-operative Banks towards the development of Cooperative movement.

NE open fashion contest

Guwahati : The Mission Fashion (North-East), a leading fashion house of the north-eastern region with headquarters in Nagaon, Assam is organising a North -East Open Fashion 'Photo Contest for the fashion conscious youths, both male and female , of the region in five categories :(I) Traditional, (ii)Casual, (iii) Formal, (iv) Creative, (v) Futuristic.

Audition for selection of choir members

Guwahati : Audition for selection of members to the East India Choir would be held at Tezpur from July 8 to 13.

Noted educationist Dr DD Jesudas, who is also director of Carmel Residential School, Tezpur said audition for singers from Assam and Nagaland slated for July 8-9, Arunachal and Meghalaya on July 10-11, and Manipur on July 12-13 . The whole group will have a mini rehearsal on July 14 he said.

DWCD chalks out plans for NE states

Guwahati : The Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD) released an amount of Rs 158.71 crores for NE States and Sikkim 2001-2002. During the year, significant initiatives were taken up for the region. These include: A special proposal for construction of Anganwadi Centre in NE States, under the Integrated Child Development Service Scheme of the Department was processed for Rs 60 crore to make good the shortfall in constructed Anganwadi Centres, and Rs 30 crore released in 2001-2002.


Govt approval to BTC creation flayed

Guwahati : The Sanmilita Jana-Gosthiya Sangram Samity, an umbrella organisation of 19 groups, has criticised the State Government for granting approval to creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

In a statement , the leaders of the Samity said that the State Government is trying to fragment the lower Assam by granting the BTC. "Our demand is that more autonomy should be given to the Bodo people as per the recommendations of the Bhupinder committee report, but we will not accept BTC, "the leaders said.

BJP opposes eviction of ethnic groups

Guwahati : Assam unit of BJP is contemplating to file an affidavit in Gauhati High Court to

counter the affidavit filed by the State Government on the status of encroachment of forest land in the State.

State BJP leaders and MLA, Bimalangshu Roy on 5th July told that his party was opposed to eviction of ethnic groups who have been living in forest areas for generations. He said the party had taken note of the present Congress State Government's affidavit on forest encroachment wherein the blame had been put on only ethnic groups for shrinkage of forest cover while no mention had been made about silent invasion by illegal militants in the forest areas of the State.

BJP gears up for NE Assembly polls

Guwahati : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to make 'diversion of Central funds' by NE States Government and 'lack of development' as the election planks for fighting Assembly polls in four States of the region next year.

Senior BJP leaders and former President of the party, Sri Kushabhau Thakre on 5th July informed that the party in all four poll-facing NE States, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, had been told to gear up with 'increased pace' in view of the ensuing polls.

Uncertainty looms over Rs 35-lakh UGC project for GU

Guwahati : When our leaders like Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi and the Late Madhav Bezbarua launched a social movement to set up a university at Guwahati they perhaps could not imagine ever in their wildest dreams that one day a section of the students of the University should start belying the hopes of the State's people with their throwing into wind all the norms of civism and thus bringing bad name of the University and the State as a whole.

Flood situation still grim

Guwahati : The overall flood situation in Assam on 5th July continued to be grim as more than 7,000 people were reeling under the water of the mighty Brahmaputra .

The rain -fed Brahmaputra and its tributaries also inundated low lying areas crop land and human habitation .

'Bhutan for India's help in flushing out Assam ultras'

Guwahati : Senior BJP leaders and former president of the party, Kushabhau Thakre on 5th July disclosed that the Government of Bhutan had sought help of India for evicting Assam militants taking shelter in the Himalayan Kingdom.


Jamat-e-Islami helping MULTA

Guwahati : Taking advantage of the porous Indo-Bangla border, Bangladesh based organisation Jamat-e-Islami is trying to extend help to organisations like Muslim United Liberation Front of Assam (MULTA).

The gameplan of the JAmat-e-Islami came to light after the arrest of one MULTA activist Sahadat, who hails from Chandpur district of Bangladesh, was sent to Jamat E-Islami last year to spread the network of the organisation in Assam through the Islamic militant

outfits active in Assam. He was given guidance and instruction by one Mustafa Kamal of Rongpur area of Bangladesh.

High power committee formed to look into APOL affairs

Guwahati : The State Government on 4th July constituted a high power committee to look into the affairs of Assam Polyester Cooperative Society Ltd (APOL) with Sri RC Barua, promoter-director of the APOL as the chairman.

The committee, which has Sri D Sarma, Zonal Joint Registrar Cooperative Societies, Assam and Sri MK Das, General Manager, AIDC, on it as members will ascertain the actual position of assets and liabilities as on June 2, 2002; recommend organisational, administrative and financial measures to make it organisationally capable of being run as an efficient commercial unit and wipe out the liabilities in 5 years.

'State PWD not raising road level'

Guwahati : The State PWD is not raising the road levels. As far as the PWD is concerned, it is only strengthening the roads, said highly placed sources in the PWD here when contacted on the issue of raising of road levels in the city. The PWD has about 190 city roads under it.

State flood situation grim

Guwahati : Thousands of the people continued to reel under the impact of the flood in Assam on 4th July as the swirling water of the Brahmaputra submerged several districts, even as the government had undertaken up anti-erosion protections schemes.


40.87 pc pass HSLC exam

Guwahati : Nilanjana Deka of Government Girls' HS and MP School, Tezpur, topped the list of successful candidates in the HSLC examination 2002 conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (SEBA), the results of which were declared on 3rd July. A total of 72,374 candidates out of 17,7,075 emerged successful, with the pass percentage being 40.87, a marked increase from the 33.27 of last year.

Nilanjana Deka secured letter marks in Assamese, English, General Science, General Mathematics, Social Study, and Advanced Mathematics, with an aggregate of 541 marks out of 600 . She secured cent percent marks in mathematics and 98 in general science out of total marks of 100. She registered the highest in both these subjects.

AI's Bangkok route - Flight cancellations cause concern

Guwahati : Uncertainty has hit travel plans of many prospective Bangkok going tourists from this part of the country in view of the repeated cancellation of both ways flights in Mumbai-Kolkata-Guwahati-Bangkok route.

There was virtually no operation of the Bangkok flight to and from Guwahati since the beginning of June this year till date causing hardship to travellers besides adding to the loss of Air India.

ULFA active in lower Assam

Guwahati : A 20 member group of the banned ULFA has sneaked into several districts of Lower Assam in a bid to collect funds, highly-placed official sources disclosed on 3rd July.

The group including three women cadres of the militant outfit had entered the Nalbari district last week at the instruction of the leadership. "Their aim is to collect funds and mobilise the youths of lower Assam to join the ULFA" they said.

State ignored expert panel's recommendations

Guwahati : Though the expert committee on identification of forest areas, formed as per the directive of the Supreme Court, had expressed concern at the depletion of the forest cover and recommended finalisation of a forestry action plan way back in 1997, the State Government failed to act on time to save the forest cover.

Flood situation in State worsens

Guwahati : The overall flood situation in Assam on 3rd July worsened with several districts reeling under the onslaught of the rising Brahmaputra and its tributaries following incessant rains in the catchments areas.

Multibyte Computers celebrates 14th annual day

Guwahati : Multibyte Computers, fully accredited by DOEACC Society (under Ministry of Information Technology, Govt of India) and a pioneer in North East India since the last 14 years celebrated its 14th annual day on June 27 at Institute of Engineers' auditorium, Guwahati .

The celebration was marked with a day-long programme and was largely attended by enthusiastic students of various academic streams. The chief guest of the function was Dr Anil Goswami, ex-Principal, Cotton College . The meeting was presided over by DN Barua, ex-managing director, AIDC and ex-president Gauhati Stock Exchange . The Guest of Honours were PK Das, director, Software Technology Park of India (STPI), Guwahati and Abhijit Barua president of FINER.

Dr Anil Goswami said that education can be better imparted by bridging the gap between the teacher and student.

DN Barua encouraged the students to convert their knowledge to productive assets in that field without which his knowledge is never meaningful.

PK Das asked the student community to pursue the IT career and highlighted the importance of government recognized computer qualification.

Abhijit Barua encouraged the students to take up entrepreneurship and highlighted that they should take advantage of the various projects which the government of India has proposed for the North East.

Shillong Mukul Sangha's tributes to Kalaguru

Guwahati : Shillong Mukul Sangha in its 999(A) session held under the chairmanship of Sri

Debananada Baruah recently at MRBS Hall , Asom Kristi Kendra observed the 33rd death anniversary of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha.

Dr Aswani Bora, head of the Department, sociology, Dibrugarh University who participated as appointed speaker, explained elaborated selfless patriotism of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha and his a traditional gamocha by Smt Bharati Swargari on behalf of all the members of the Sangha.

NE Anglo-Indian Association formed

Guwahati : During the recent visit of Mr Denzil B Atkinson, MP (nominated Anglo-Indian) to Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati, local Anglo-Indians called on him and discussed the needs of the community in the North East.

News on 3rd July '2002

Auto owners must follow rules : Dutta

Guwahati : The State Transport department is in no mood to relent to the pressure tactics of agitating auto rickshaw owners in the city until they install fare meters and abide by the revised rate of fare.

The Transport Minister , Sri Anjan Dutta, on 2nd July stated that , "auto rickshaw owners in the city must show respect to the rules and install fare meters and charge the commuters at the revised rates of fare before raising demand for another upward revision before the authority."

State to host Indian Road Congress

Guwahati : The State will host the 63rd annual session of Indian Road Congress with a four-day programme from January 3 next here.

Indian Road Congress (IRC) is the apex body of the road engineers of the country. The 63rd session of the IRC will be the first of its kind in the entire NE region .

Jiba Kanta Gogoi passes away

Guwahati : Former Finance Minister of the State Jiba Kanta Gogoi, who was till date an MLA representing Khumati Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in the State Assembly, died at the International Hospital here around 11.45 this morning following protracted illness. He was 62.

State National Parks, sanctuaries - 'Over 143 sq km under encroachment'

Guwahati : More than 143 square kilometers of land belonging to the National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Assam is under encroachment by doubtful citizens and so far the State Government has not taken any step to evict those people, alleged the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

3 killed in city road mishap

Guwahati : Three persons were killed and two others injured when a speeding 709 passenger bus (No. AS-25-c-6326) ran into two cyclists and a child near the Christanbasti Church at 9.40 am on 2nd July. The bus went on to hit a Maruti car (AS-02-A-0241) and

then came to a half after hitting an electric lamp post. The bus driver fled the scene.

HSLC result on 3rd July

Guwahati : The results of the HSLC and AHM (Regular) examination 2002, will be declared on 3rd July, a SEBA release said. The results will also be available in the Internet at the following addresses : assamresults.nic.in and www.assamtimes.com.

Regular links between scientists, veterinary officers underlined

Guwahati : The Directorate of Extension Education , Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara has organised a weak-long training programme on Animal Husbandry Extension Management and A.V. recently. The training programme was sponsored by the Directorate of A.H. and Veterinary, Assam under the Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agril. Services Project (ARIASP)/LDC.

Workshop by Jonaki Sangha

Guwahati : Jonaki Mahila Sangha of Dispur recently organised a workshop on songs and lyrics of late Parvati Prasad Baruah at Provincial College, Dispur. Pranavi Ram Baruah , the son of Parvati Prasad Baruah, conducted the workshop.

Lions Club of Guwahati City meet

Guwahati : Installation meeting of Lions Club of Guwahati City was held on 30th June at Hotel Nandan to install the new Board of Directors for 2002-03.

World meet on Arthashastra

Guwahati : Dr Sarharuddin Ahmed, District Museum Officer, Tezpur, the only participant from the North East, national conference of Kautilya's Arthashastra orgainsed by the Oriental Research Institute at Mysore (Karnataka).

DRDA schemes to be implemented in tea garden areas

Guwahati : For the first time , the State Government has decided to implement the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) schemes in the tea garden areas. The decision has been taken community and to develop roads which are in dilapidated state.

News on 2nd July '2002

Checking ultras' activities - Assam, WB police to synergise ops

Guwahati : The police forces of Assam and West Bengal have decided to improve coordination to check the activities of the militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).

The Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Sri Sibabrata Kakati said that he recently had a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart and decided to have frequent interaction and sharing of intelligence. He said that the regular meetings will also be held in the DIG and Superintendent of Police level.

'Raising of road levels illegal

Guwahati : Road level in Guwahati is raising . This is not a complaint to be looked down upon as only a ploy as it has been made vociferously by the Association of Architects. In fact, it is a complaint in almost all the areas of the city.

One may wonder as to what is wrong with raising the road level. The residents of the BR Phookun Road area , KR Choudhury Road area, Someswar Choudhury Road area, Dinesh Goswami Road areas (in Machkowa, Bharalumukh and Adabari areas), the GNB Road areas, Maniram Dewan Road area are among many areas of the city, said that the practice of raising the level of the roads have made their old houses uninhabitable . All these residents are not that powerful financially to build new houses replacing their old ones.

ULFA criticises State Govt's oil exploration move

Guwahati : The Union Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has criticised the State Government for inviting Indian oil giants to explore oil in the State.

In a report published in The Freedom, the newsletter of the militant outfit said the 'puppet Government' has encouraged the oil giants to exploit the State. During the last several decades the Indian oil companies have been exploiting the State and hence the Chief Minister should not sell out the property of the State just to satisfy the masters of Delhi, the report said.

Efficacy of 2 anti-malaria drugs to be reviewed

Guwahati : World Health Organisation (WHO) is sponsoring a systematic study to re-examine the efficacy of at least two common anti-malaria drugs after these have been found ineffective on malaria patients in certain endemic pockets in the State.

Inquiry demanded into misbehavior by minister's PSO

Guwahati : The Post-graduate Students Union of Gauhati University on 1st July demanded an inquiry into the alleged misbehavior by the PSO of Education Minister Pankaj Bora with a delegation of Purbanchal Nagar Kristi Sangha, Chandmari.

US education seminar

Guwahati : Inter-ed and its Indian association Centre For International Education (CFIE), an international education service organization, is committed to help students select the appropriate college or universities according to their fields study finanical resources and personal preference.

Seminar on 'Role of small, medium newspapers'

Guwahati : A seminar on "Role of small and medium newspaper in rural awareness" was held in the auditorium of Mangalai Mahkuma Parishad recently.

The seminar was organised by Indian federation of small and Medium Newspapers, Assam branch, in association with the two local weekly newspaper publications namely 'Mangal Batori and "Natun Prabha".

Workshop on portraits at Kalashetra

Guwahati : A workshop aimed at preserving the portraits and signatures of eminent personalities who had made laudable contribution in the fields of art, cultural and literature in Assam during the last two centuries, was held at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalashetra from June 23 to 29 under the aegis of the Kalashetra Samaj.

News on 1st July '2002

Further delay to Bodo-solution Advani - Gogoi meet postponed

Guwahati : A solution to the Bodo problem may be delayed further as the much-awaited formal meeting on this issue between the Union Home Minister L K Advani and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi scheduled for on 1st July has been postponed. The meeting has been postponed in the Union Home Minister, who has been appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister on 29th June, is busy with the Cabinet reshuffle. The next date for the meeting is yet to be finalised. Meanwhile , a meeting with the Union Human Resources Development Ministry in this regard, scheduled for June 27 was also postponed due to preoccupation of the Union Home Minister who has to play a vital role in solving the problem. Issues like inclusion of Bodo language in English Schedule of the Constitution, setting up of a Central University in the proposed Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area, etc are to be finalised by the Union HRD Ministry.

24-Hr rail, road blockade on July 15

Guwahati : The Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samity, an umbrella group of 19 organisations, has decided to launch a 24-hour rail and road blockade agitation from 6 am of July 15 to protest against the State and Central government's move to create Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Addressing a rally organised by the Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samity at Sonaram High School playground here on 30th June, Sri Brajen Mahanta, senior leader of the Samity , alleged that the State Government is trying to divide the people in Lower Assam in the name of creation of the BTC for its narrow political goal. State Government is yet to take any step in this regard,' Sri Mahanta said.

CM's Delhi visit

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 30th July left for New Delhi to attend a meeting with the Congress high command on implementation of the party's election manifesto in the past one year. During his stay in Delhi, the Chief Minister is also scheduled to meet the Defence Minister and the Water Resources Development Minister.

Overseas education consultancy launched

Guwahati : The Guwahati office of Aust-India Education, an overseas education

consultancy was launched recently claiming to bring overseas education right to the doorstep of the people of the North East for the first time. The consultancy represents some of the best universities and colleges from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and England.

Student in the North East will be able to secure admissions, get visa assistance , travel and accommodation assistance through this consultancy right here and thus avail the services till recently only available in major metros of the country.

Guwahati to host public relations meet

Guwahati : The 24th national conference of Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) will be hosted by PRSI Guwahati (NE) Chapter in December 2002. This will be the first time the conference will be held in the North East.

This was formally announced by Prasanta Borkotoki, Manager (PR), Oil India Ltd and Chairman of PRSI Guwahati Chapter at a meeting organised in the city on June 22.

Hero Honda recovered

Guwahati : Police on 27th June recovered a Hero Honda motorcycle (AS 01-L-2872) within two hours after it was stolen from the campus of the office of Chief Engineer (PWD), Chandmari. The motorcycle which belonged to Zinur Rahman of Adabari, was recovered at Morakdhola near Jorabat at around 3.30 pm. Police also arrested the culprits Jiten Meitei and Abdul Hakim. Both are from Manipur.

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