Back issues - November '2002 - vedanti News/2002/11... · Web viewNews on 30th November '2002...

Back issues - November '2002

News on 30th November '2002

Central jobs for locals : Gogoi seeks Vajpayee's intervention

Guwahati : The Chief Minister, Mr Tarun Gogoi has expressed grave concern over the deprivation of local eligibility youths of the State in recruitment to Central Government offices and organizations in Assam. Mr Gogoi sought the Prime Minister's intervention in this regard as the acute problem of unemployment of the educated youths has been a key factor for growing militancy in Assam. He has requested the Prime Minister to amend relevant provision of the Employment Exchange (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959 to recruit the local unemployed youths against the existing vacancies in all Central Government offices and undertakings located in Assam through local employment exchanges.

In a letter to Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee dated November 25, Mr Gogoi has stated that the growing problem of unemployment in the State is due to the industrial backwardness and poor financial situation here. He stated that two millions registered educated youths in the State.

Killing of ULFA cadres in city - AHRC asks six police officers to explain conduct

Guwahati : A full bench of the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on 29th November passed an interim order based on the "confidential" report submitted by the DGP on the killing of two ULFA cadres in the city on October 30. The AHRC has sought the commands of the six police officials involved in the whole incident on the findings of the report submitted by the DGP. The names of six police officials appeared in the "confidential" report submitted to the DGP by the IGP (OSD), Mr Dilip Bora who probed into the incident.

The full bench of the AHRC comprising chairman Justice SN Phukan, and members Dr HN Kalita and Abdul Majid on 29th November directed the then City SP PC Neog, then ASP (City) Rana Bhuyan, ASP (HQ) Parthasarathi Mahanta, DSP (Dispur div) Hiren Nath, Dispur OC Nilachal Bharali and in-charge of Hatigaon police outpost PK Bora to express their respective views on the report before December 20.

Gunshots break KNP silence, 2 rhinos killed, horns taken away

Guwahati : Poachers have killed two rhinos in Kaziranga this month. These are the first cases of poaching of rhinos in the Kaziranga National Park this year, a report by New Delhi-based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a conservation group, said on 29th November.

Six rhinos had died in the floods earlier during the monsoons. Kaziranga National Park, located in the flood plaints of the Brahmaputra river, is home to over 1,500 of the 2,000 surviving great one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) apart from Asian elephants, tigers, many species of deer and the rate Asiatic wild buffalo.

NEC approves 26% allocation to Assam

Guwahati : In the 10th Plan, Assam has been allocated 26 per cent of Rs 3,500 crore which was approved for NEC, the highest-ever allocation made to the state by the Council, stated Lt Gen (retd.) S.K. Sinha, Governor of Assam and Chairman, NEC during his visit of six NEC projects on 29th November.

NE CIL preparing revival plan

Guwahati : Coal India Ltd (CIL), the north-eastern region is preparing a special plan to revive loss-making coal fields in the region. The revival plan will be sent to the Union Ministry of Coal and Mines. According to CIL sources, all the five coal mines in Assam are loss-making ones.


Academic session opposed

Guwahati : Setting at real all speculations regarding the schedule of the coming annual examinations of schools, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) on 28th November decided to stick to its earlier decision of holding the annual examinations from January 3. The crucial Board meeting presided over by SEBA Chairman Prof D N Barman on 28th November passed a resolution in this regard.

Meanwhile, with the Asom Sarba Shiksha Abhijan Mission also persisting with its decision to hold the annual examinations of Class V, Class VI and Class VIII of the schools under it from February 10, it appears that for the first time in the academic history of the State, annual examinations of the same classes will be held separately. Prof Barman said with the Sarba Shiksha Abhijan Mission not budging from its stand, holding the examinations separately has become inevitable. 'Still, in the coordination committee meeting scheduled for December 3 which will comprise members of the SCERT, SEBA, AHEC besides Sarba Shiksha Abhijan Mission, we will once again try to make the Mission cooperate with the SEBA. But if they do not agree, the examinations will be conducted separately,' he said.

Khumati all set for prestige fight

Guwahati : The electoral battlefield at Khumtai LAC has set the stage for battle of prestige for ruling Congress and the Opposition AGP and their two new State party chiefs.

Results of December 12 by-poll in Khumtai is not going to have any impact on the equation in the State Assembly where Congress is enjoying the unassailable majority, still the ruling party is not taking it easy knowing fully well that the result will be conducted as a reflection of voters assessment for the performance of the 18-month old Gogoi Government as well as the efficiency of the new APCC chief, Paban Singh Ghatowar, MP.

Border trade - Centre concerned over non-utilisation of funds

Guwahati : The Union Commerce Ministry has expressed concern over delay in utilisation of Central funds in Assam and the other States of the North east. The funds were allotted by the Commerce Ministry for development of export infrastructure in the region.

"We are not at all satisfied with the progress of fund utilisation in the North East", highly-placed official sources told this correspondent on 28th November. The sources further revealed that 75 per cent of the allotted funds should have been utilised by October but so far, utilisation is very poor.

Drainage panel

Guwahati : The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has constituted a committee with Prof Madan Mohan Das, former Director, Technical Education as chairman, to suggest measures for improving the city's drainage system also to recommend from

flood from the next rainy season onwards.

Peace talks

Guwahati : The Purbanchal Loka Parishad (PLP) has expressed its discontentment over the non-inclusion of any representative from North-east in the ongoing Naga peace talks between Government of India and NSCN (IM) leaders. PLP has demanded inclusion of a representative from the NE in the further peace talks.

National Integration Day observed

Guwahati : As a mark of the observation of Quami Ekta Week in NC Hills district, a National Integration Day was organized under the joint initiative of district administration and police administration at Haflong recently. On the occasion, a public meeting was held in the difference hall of DC, Halflong under the partnership of Mr SI Hussain, Deputy Commissioner, NC Hills. Mr KK Hojai. Ex-CEM of NC Hills, Autonomous Council graced the meeting as invited guest. Another guest Mr K Khan of Halflong town, B B Chetri, Superintendent of Police, NC Hills and Mr L Khawbung, ADC officials present in the meeting addressed the need of maintaining national integration among all section of the people for the cause of development.

Housing schemes for Assam

Guwahati : Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Mr O Rajagopal stated in the Rajya Sabha on 25th November that during the last three years and during the current year upto November 31, HUDCO has sanctioned 15 housing schemes worth Rs 77.20 crore for the urban areas of Assam. This was stated in a response to a question by Mr Dwijendra Nath Sharmah, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Assam.

Nature study camp held

Guwahati : Assam Science Society, Bongaigaon branch organized a day-long nature study camp recently in association with the Popragaon Science Club at Popragaon ME School premises with a view to create awareness on biodiversity conservation amongst the student community. Twenty-seven student member of the Science Club attended the camp as participants. The leading wild life activities Dr Hilloljyoi Singha, Mr Ananto Bora, Mr Arnab Bose conducted the camp as resource persons in group learning method with the themes of discussion like ecosystem and biodiversity, field survey of plans and wild life, bird watching, project preparation etc., Science Society, Bongaigaon branch coordinated the programme .


Withdraw troops, find democratic solution says ULFA

Guwahati : ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has called for a humane and democratic solution to their "long fight" rather than a military one. In a statement issued by the organization to mark its Protest Day on 27th November, Rajkhowa called upon the Government of India to withdraw the armed forces from the State and initiate steps for a political solution to the problem.

Denying all rumours that there are differences in opinion between him and his group's commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, and that the outfit has disintegrated, Rajkhowa stated that these are baseless, and the ULFA is very much united and determined to achieve its objective. He criticized the press, electronic media and intellectuals for creating these

ripples among the people at the behest of the Unified Command.

Delhi may put BSF on border with Bhutan

Guwahati : The Border Security Force (BSF) has a principle agreed to deploy its troops along the Indo-Bhutan border. According to official sources, work in this aspect will begin soon after a discussion is held between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the State Government and the BSF. The State Government has already asked the Centre for fencing the Indo-Bhutan border on the lines of the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The joint secretary, MHA, Mr Surendra Kumar during his visit to the State the day after NDFB militants gunned down 21 non-Bodo people at Datgiri, had assured State Government of possible deployment of the BSF after discussion with the BSF top brass. It may be mention here that the Chief Minister Mr Tarun Gogoi asked the Centre several times for deployment of the BSF along the Assam-Bhutan Border. The Chief Minister has been categorically stating that insurgency in the State cannot be stopped unless the easy routes of ULFA and NDFB militants along the Bhutan border are blocked. Chief Minister, who is in New Delhi, may have a detailed discussion with the Prime Minister on 28th November regarding force deployment and fencing along the Indo-Bhutan border.

Urban land settlement begins, city revenue may touch Rs 334 cr

Guwahati : The Assam Revenue Minister, Mr Mithius Tudu on 27th November said that the State Government has started the process of settlement of government land and annual patta land in all urban areas including Guwahati. The whole process is expected to be completed by next year.

The recommendations of the Committee on Fiscal Reforms (COFR) has stated that if settlement is provided to all those people occupying government land or annual patta land at a revised premium, then the revenue that can be earned in Guwahati alone will be nearly Rs 334 crore.

Journalism dept has no teacher at all, GUTA sets Jan 14 deadline

GU has vacancies for 100 teachers

Guwahati : Sounds strange, but Gauhati University, the premier university in the North-east which has 38 faculties in all has as many as 100 posts of teachers lying vacant, including vacancies in Law College affiliated to it. What is more surprising is that have no teachers at all.

In the University, advertisements had been published about one-and-half years ago for appointment of 40 teachers in various faculties, but not a single teacher has been appointed yet. The University Grants Commission (UGC) had sanctioned the posts of eight and 20 teachers during the Eighth and Ninth Plans, but due to negligence on the part of the State Government those sanctioned posts had lapsed.

ISI recruitment Hindus

Guwahati : There has been a rise of ISI activists in the north-eastern region. Police intelligence sources said that ISI is now recruiting Hindu cadres to strengthen its base in the region. This has come to light following the arrest of ISI activist Abdul Kasem by Rajasthan police. After the arrest of an ULFA cadre Pravin Das who also works for the ISI, he revealed Kasem's links with the ISI. It may be mentioned here that recently one Nanhe

Mian was also arrested for his alleged links with the ISI.

AMSA opposes age bar for DHS

Guwahati : The Assam Medical Service Association (AMSA) has strongly opposed the Government's notification fixing the upper age limit at 55 and minimum experience at four years for the post of Director of Health Services (DHS).


GMC bar moves Kalam against tainted judge

Guwahati : The Gauhati High Court Bar Association has appealed to the President, Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India and the Union Minister of Law and Justice among others not to transfer Justice Amarbir Singh Gill or any other trained judge to the Gauhati High Court in public interest taking into consideration the sensitiveness of the north-eastern region.

The Association has submitted the memoranda on 26th November as was resolved in its extraordinary general body meeting on 25th November. It may be mentioned here that the Association in its meeting on 25th November expressed "grave concern and serious anguish" over the reported recommendation of former Chief Justice of India, Justice BN Kirpal just before his retirement, to send Justice Amarbir Singh Gill of the Punjab & Haryana High Court as a judge to Guwahati as "punishment" for his alleged involvement in the notorious Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) scandal.

Assam temples under security net, alert over ULFA protest day

Guwahati : Security in the State has been beefed up in view of the outlawed ULFA's protest day on 27th November and the terrorist attack on Jammu's Raghunath Temple on 24th November night. The IGP (Law & Order), Mr SB Kakoti said that adequate steps are being taken keeping in view the possible threat to temples in the State and also attempts by the ULFA to create disturbances.

It may be mentioned here that following 24th November's attack in Jammu, the Union Home Ministry directed all the State Governments to take necessary steps so that law and order is maintained throughout.

MLA's election declared void

Guwahati : Gauhati High Court on 26th November held as void the election of Sultan Sadik, independent MLA from Naoboicha seat.

Allowing the petition of defeated Congress contestant S R Subba, Justice PC Phukan held that Sultan Sadik was holding the post of assistant teacher at Pabha Chariali MEM School, an office of profit when he was elected.

Despite being a regularized teacher in the government provincialised school Sadik's nomination was wrongly accepted by the returning officer, he said.

Dutta : Pvt. buses under ASTC to be monitored

Guwahati : The buses of private operators playing in the State under the banner of ASTC from now on will have to be very strict in maintaining time in reaching their destinations. The Minister for Transport and ASTC chairman, Mr Anjan Dutta on 26th November, said

that if five persons file a written complaint to the divisional superintendent or the chairman of the ASTC, about a certain bus not reaching its destination in time, an inquiry would be initiated soon and if found guilty, its permit will be suspended.

NDFB killed 437, ULFA 220 since 2000

Guwahati : Union Minister of State for Home Affairs I.D. Swami informed the Rajya Sabha that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had killed as many as 220 people and the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) had killed 437 from 2000 to October 31 this year. He said this in response to a question from Dr Manmohan Singh, an RSMP from Assam. On additional security forces as demanded by the Assam Government, the Union Minister said that additional paramilitary forces had already been made available to the State up to the possible extent.

Rs 165.71-cr rural dev fund for Assam

Guwahati : The Union Rural development Ministry has released Rs 165.71 crore to Assam for 2002-2003 under the Sampurna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY), State Rural Development Minister Ripun Bora said here on 26th November. Of the amount, Bora said, Rs 101.53 crore worth of rice would be provided by the Centre while the rest would be given in cash.

SBI launches ATM-cum-debit card

Guwahati : The State Bank of India launched the new Cash plus ATM-cum-Debit Card here on 26th November. Announcing this , SBI Chief General Manager C R Radhakrishnan said the debit card could be used for shopping also, the transaction for which would be done by debiting the bank account online.


Bar association dharna on 27th November, says posting will hamper justice in NE - Trained judge's transfer to GHC creates furore

Guwahati : A great deal of resentment and indignation prevails in the legal fraternity of the North-east, as also in all other circles concerned here, over the decision of the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice (retd) B.N. Kirpal, to transfer Mr Justice Amarbir Singh Gill of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Gauhati High Court as judge as 'punishment" for his involvement in notorious Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) scandal. The Gauhati High Court Bar Association, for one, met at an extraordinary general body meeting chaired by its president, Mr Aroop Borbora, to "express grave concern and serious anguish' over the reported recommendation of former Chief Justice of India, Mr Justice B.N. Kirpal just before his retirement, to send Mr Justice Amarbir Singh Gill of the Punjab & Haryana High Court on punishment transfer to the Gauhati High Court.

Assam holidays to be cut - State of bandhs : 69 since 1999 !

Guwahati : The bandh culture has become a way of life for the people of Assam and a hurdle in the progress of the State. Every other day, some political parties, student organizations or other groups come up with an Assam bandh or local area bandh which in no way caters to the interests of the State. Keeping in view the public resentment over the large number of Government holidays in the State, the State Government has decided to make a cut in the number of holidays from next year.

The bandh called by various organizations to pressurize the Government over certain issues or to show off their "strength", not only affect public life and services but also hit

hard on the daily wage earners. On top of it, the employees' unions with their casework and agitations often disrupt official work.

Forest Dept, BIEO out to fix royalty defaulters

Guwahati : The Minister of State for Forest, Mr Pradyut Bordoloi has said that the State forest department has been activated for a speedy recovery of forest royalty. Mr Bordoloi said that the forest department , including the Bureau of Investigation and Economic Offences (BIEO) have been asked to expedite the process of collection of royalty overdue from various organizations.

He said that the forest department has collect Rs 8 crore as forest royalty and other taxes during the past three months. He said that the BIEO official deputed in this regard have also done a good job.

ULFA rebels' kin clamour for peaceful solution

Guwahati : "India gained independence when 40 crore people took part in the freedom struggle. One cannot except to attain freedom with a few hundred odd activists fighting for a lost cause". This was said by Mukunda Chandra Kalita, father of hard-core ULFA activist Nayan Kalita during the hunger strike staged by the families of ULFA activists demanding a peaceful solution of the insurgency problem. The hunger strike, organized by Assam Public Works, ULFA Pariyal Committee, was staged at the Dispur Last Gate here on 25th November.

Mukunda Kalita, a petition writer at the Barpeta Court and a father of five said that Nayan is a graduate and has not come home for the past nine years. He said that the police had taken him four times for interrogation since his son joined the banned outfit.

Central funds for dev of Guwahati

Guwahati : Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation O Rajagopal told the Rajya Sabha on 25th November that 10 per cent of the annual Budget of his Ministry was earmarked for the implementation of projects/schemes for the development of the north-eastern region, including Sikkim. He said this in response to a question from Dhrupad Borogohain. Of the Rs 116.45 crore sanctioned for 12 schemes in the region during 2002-03, Rs 4895.13 lakh was sanctioned for the development of roads and drainage system in Guwahati, Rs 2426.54 lakh for integrated development of GMC roads/byelanes and Rs 2468.59 lakh for Storm Water Disposal Scheme for Noonmati area of the city, he said , addressing that the HUDCO sanctioned three road schemes for Guwahati with a project cost of Rs 4982.16 lakh and a loan amount of Rs 3281 lakh.

Meet reviews gas cracker project

Guwahati : The Chief Minister , Mr Tarun Gogoi , accompanied by Assam Industries Minister, Bhubaneswar Kalita attended a meeting at New Delhi with the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Ram Naik, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr Santosh Ganguar, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers to review the present position of the Assam Gas Project.

Women can play key role in Society : Dr Saikia

Guwahati : Women could play a key role in bringing about positive changes in society for a better tomorrow, according to eminent film-maker and writer Dr Bhabendrnath Saikia.

He said this while presenting over a meeting organized by Madhukunja Mahila Sora, a women's organization, in connection with a lottery coupon draw at the Dr Bhabendranath Saikia Children Trust recently.

Doves' death in KNP arouses suspicion of poisoning

Guwahati : Seven doves have died in Kaziranga National Park arousing suspicion that the deaths might be a result of poisoning even as the Park authorities ruled out such a possibility.

Carcass of seven doves were recently found in the Arimora area of the Park raising fears that the birds might have been killed in the same manner in which 40 elephants were poisoned in July this year in Sonitpur's tea garden areas.

Workshop on blood donation held at Maligaon hospital

Guwahati : A one orientation workshop on Voluntary Blood Donation was held at NE Railway's Maligaon on 23rd November.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr KK Senlaskar, Chief Staff Surgeon on NF Railway. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Senlaskar said blood transfusion is part of emergency medical service and recruitment of blood is even more for the Railways being a industrial set up. He said that blood should not be taken from professional blood donors and hence blood donation is to be promoted in a big way in Railways. As guest speaker, Dr H Islam, Professor and interacted with the present audience by many questions and answers on voluntary blood donation. He also delivered a valuable lecture on many positive sides of safe voluntary blood donation before the workshop started. Earlier Dr SL Majumdar, Medical Director of the Central Hospital welcomed the gathering and explained the aim and objective of the workshop.


Dilapidated State NHs - AGP alleges Centre's apathy

Guwahati : The dilapidated condition of the National Highways in Assam clearly illustrate the step-motherly treatment of the Central Government towards the north-eastern region; said the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the vice-president of the AGP, Sri Dilip Kumar Saikia, pointed out that of the 14 National Highways passing through the States seven are maintained by the State Public Works department and the rest are by the Border Roads Organization. But the highways are in poor shape and the condition of these is no better than village roads in the developed areas of the country. In many places, there is virtually no and paddy fields, while the people are forced to believe that the large potholes on the highways should be handed over to the Fishery department for fish cultivation, the memorandum added.

HPC may face PCBA ire

Guwahati : The Nagaon Paper Mill under Hindustan Paper Corporation (HPC) at Jagiroad will face the ire of the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) if it fail to meet the specified pollution norms. PCBA Chairman Dr Laxshmi Nandan Bora on 24th November said so far there has been a 'partial fulfillment' of the population norms and unless the mill improves its performance with regard to its pollution levels, the PCBA will have to serve an

order asking for closure of the mill.

Lachit should be accorded national hero status : Sinha

Guwahati : Lachit Barphukan, a supreme military strategist, a valiant soldier and a true patriot, should be accorded the status a national hero, observed Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) S K Sinha on 24th November. Steps have already been initiated to accord this status in the annals of India's military history, he said.

Lt Gen Sinha , who was speaking at a state-level function to observe Lachit Barphukan Best Cadet award at the Indian Military Academy, (IMA) Dehra Dun, installation of a bust at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasla (Pune) and the Lachit Barphukan Memorial Lecture at Gauhati University have gone a long way towards according the great general his rightful status.

Globalisation distracting youths from age-old ethos: Satradhikars

Guwahati : In their pursuit of material development and also because of the influence of globalisation many of our youths have been becoming indifferent to our age-old ethos in growing numbers. This has made many of the satradhikars of the Majuli satras sound alarm. The satradhikars are the heads of the satras (vaishnavite monasteries), while Majuli, the largest fresh water island on the earth, with its concentration of the satras, almost plays the role of the Vatican so far as vaishnavism of the State is concerned.

Bengenaati satradhikar Bhabananda Deva Goswami said while addressing a seminar on November 22 organised as part of the Majuli Festival, on satra institutions and satras tradition, that the satras were now confronting some indifference from the people.

Gogoi-Ghatowar tug-of-war on members

CM backing Handique, Ghatowar favours Dev in coordination panel

Guwahati : The Chief Minister , Mr Tarun Gogoi and the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Mr Paban Singh Ghatowar are in an undeclared race to put up their respective candidates for the three-member co-ordination committee for bridging the gap between the party and the Government for a smooth functioning.

The need for information of such a committee arose when some differences crept in between the party and the Government during the past 17 months. Accordingly, the general secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC) (in-charge of Assam), Ms Mohsina Kidwai in October announced the formation of such a committee comprising senior party leaders.

Programmes repeated DD's NE channel a flop

Guwahati : Doordarshan's 24 hour North-east channel is in a limbo even after its launch three years ago amid much fanfare.

DDG (NER) P K Singson and Director, Programme Production Centre (PPC), NER, BB Chakrabarty, while interacting with the media on 23rd November night said that the channel was suffering from acute crisis of television software.

There is not enough programme available to run the channel. 'We have around 10,000-hours of programme and need at least 25,000-hours to run the channel properly. Hence,

each programme is repeated at a cycle of two weeks," said Mr Chakrabarty.

Viva splits, but rocks city before new album release

Guwahati : Viva , the all-girl pop group and dubbed India's spice girls, has split. It was confirmed here on 24th November by Pratishee of Viva and its brand manager Lilya Fernandez. They are here to perform.

Viva, originally consisting a five girls, is now four with Seema walking out of the group leaving the quarter of Anuska, Mohua, Pratishee and Neha to perform before a sell-out crowd on 24th November night.


New panel to monitor SC, ST quota : Gogoi

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 22nd November announced that Assam's Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will get reservations in various contracts and other works besides reservation in Government jobs. The State Government will constitute a special commission on the lines of the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) which will monitor these reservations, make suggestions to the Government and will also prepare five-year plans for SC/STs.

Mr Gogoi announced this while inaugurating the North Eastern SC/ST Zonal Rally organized by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) at the Judges' Field, here on 22nd November.

Dispur may have exclusive PS to tackle VIP security

Guwahati : The State Government is contemplating to bifurcate the Dispur police station for the Dispur capital Complex. The need has arisen following the recent ULFA attack near the Capital Complex and the growing threat of subversive activities by the militants.

According to government sources, a high-level meeting was held recently in this regard where officials of the Home Ministry, State Government and others emphasized the need for setting up a separate police station with jurisdiction over the Dispur Capital Complex.

Keeping in view the threat perception in VIP area, the setting up of a separate police station for Dispur is an urgent necessity. Also the Dispur police cannot give adequate attention to other areas because of their handling of security of VIPs, VIP movement programmes etc. The Assam Police is also giving special thrust on area security.

Snap rebel corridor to B'desh, M'laya Police asked

Guwahati : North Bengal and Meghalaya are becoming safe corridor for various militant organizations. This also cause a great deal of concern among the high officials of Assam Police , as threat posed to the State is immense. Sensing danger, the DGP has directed the police personnel to remain alert.

According to police sources, the terrorist organizations are now using the Meghalaya corridor for entering and coming out of Bangladesh. Many insurgent camps are present in the forest areas of Meghalaya.

Shake-up in Assam Police

Guwahati : In a major reshuffle of the State SPs, the ex-City SP, Mr Paresh Neog has been transferred and posted as the Commandant of 10th APBn, while the present commandant of 10th APBn, Mr Jibon Singh will take charge as the new charge as the new commandant of the 4th APBn.

Jamir hell-bent to sabotage talks : NSCN-IM

Guwahati : The NSCN-IM on 22nd November expressed its satisfaction at the smooth progress of peace talks with the Government of India, but regretted Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir's "negative role" in the peace progress. NSCN-IM leaders VS Atem and AZ Jami said that the Chief Minister Jamir was "hell-bent" to sabotage the peace process and reconciliation call of the Nagas with the help of the NSCN-K and other groups. "He is supplying arms to the reactionary groups".

Assam MPs meet Pant on schemes

Guwahati : Assam Minister Nurjamal Sarkar and Assam MP Karnendu Bhattacharjee, BK Handique, Madhab Rajbongesh, MK Subba, Deep Gogoi and MLA Ajit Sinha met Planning Commission Deputy Chairman KC Pant on 22nd November and submitted a memorandum highlighting funding status of various flood management scheme in the State. Mr Pant assured the delegation that he would consider the matter sympathetically.

Bhrigu new Assam NCP president

Guwahati : Mr Bhrigu Kumar Phukan has been elected the new president of Assam unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He took over the charge from outgoing president Sarat Chandra Sinha. A new core committee comprising Mr Bolin Kuli as executive president, Bijit Saikia, Nirmal Goswami and Tonkeswar Bora as vice presidents, Dilip Hazarika as treasurer and spokesmen and Ahmad Hussain and DB Adhikari as general secretaries was also announced.

'No wage revision in Namrup fertilizer unit'

Guwahati : Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Tapan Sikdar on 22nd November ruled out any wage revision of workers of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd (BVFC) of Namrup. Repaying to an unstarred question from Assam MP Drupad Boragohain in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister revealed that the Department of Fertilizer had not received any formal proposal of wage revision from the management of BVFCL in respect of executives and workers based on the wage settlements negotiate with the trade unions/associations.

News on 23rd November '2002

Assam roads repairing by Dec : Borkotoky

Guwahati : The ongoing road repairing works throughout State will be completed by the next month and the State Government has constituted a "Road Maintenance Policy Board" to monitor conditions of repaired roads in the State, Mr Sarat Borkotoky, State PWD. Minister said this while speaking at a State-level review meeting of Prime Minister Gramya Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) held at Janata Bhawan Auditorium on 21st November. Mr Borkotoky also said that during the last two years the Department faced serious problems due to uncertain weather, flood and he assured that considering these problems penalty would be imposed on the parties who failed to complete, works within stipulated time and the

names of the parties concerned would be black listed.

Maharishi Yogi's plan to root out terrorism

Guwahati : Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Global Country of World Peace will soon establish a permanent group of 8,000 Vedic pundits in the Vedic City of Iows, US, as a first step to root out terrorism from the World through Vedic technologies. This is in addition to his resolve to train 40,000 Vedic pundits who will radiate positively and harmony from India.

Kalabhumi's 20th year celebrations begin

Guwahati : Celebrating 20 years of its dedication to Indian Classical dance, Kalabhumi of Guwahati , a leading cultural organization of Assam, is presenting a series of cultural events in Delhi, Kolkata and Assam in November and December. The dance performances will be given by Indira P.P. Bora (awardee of Sangeet Natak Akademy), London-based artiste Menaka P.P Bora and senior artistes of Kalabhumi. The performance diary includes dance recital at Boangaigaon, Xattriya dance by Vedajyoti Choudhury (disciple of Indira P.P Bora ) at "Nrituya Prava Festival" of Sangeet Natak Akademy at Rabindra Bhavan, Guwahati ; Bharata Natyam and Xattriya dance recital by Menaka P.P Bora at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on December 3, 4.

M Phil Exam of GU from Dec 14

Guwahati : the M Phil Examination 2002 in Bengali under Gauhati University will be held from December 14, a Gauhati University. The last dates for submission of fees and forms is November 28 (without fine) and November 30 (with fine).

Bid to save rhinos from deadly weed

Guwahati : The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and its partners, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), are working to wipe out a deadly weed that is threatening the survival of the largest remaining population of the endangered great one-horned rhino.

IFAW has committed US $15,000 to Kaziranga National Park, to help eradicate the invasive mimosa weed that is choking the grassland habitat of the rhinos.

Children's Day at Sonapur

Guwahati : Children's Day was celebrated at Hahara MV School, Sonapur by the "Agragamee Society" Assam on November 14. Competitions like spot drawing scenery, running and other games was held among the children of the School. Prize and fruits were distributed was done by the Agragamee Society's active members.

News on 22nd November '2002

Central funds properly utilised : Govt

Guwahati : The Assam Government on 21st November asserted that the funds received from the Central Government are speedily and properly utilised for the benefit of the State.

Referring to the allegation of the Department of North Eastern Region (DONER) that funds for some projects could not be released due to the failure of the State Government to submit the utilisation certificates and quarterly progress reports, the State Government

claimed that the allegation was not based on facts.

AHRC stays payment of compensation

Guwahati : The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has stayed the payment of Rs 1 lakh compensation to the next of kin of Purnima Tanti of Tinsukia who died due to the negligence of doctors of the Tinsukia who died due to the negligence of doctors of the Tinsukia Civil Hospital in 1998. The stay order was issued on 20th November by the Commission following the mysterious death of Purnima's only son last week.

It was only on October 16 last that the State government had sanctioned the payment of Rs 1 lakh to the son of the deceased to be paid by the State Department of Health and Family Welfare . But on November 11, the son, Ajay Tanti (8), died. The AHRC, in its order on July 31, 2001, had directed the State government to pay the amount to late Purnima's son.

Protection of vacant hill land can halt erosion

Guwahati : Immediate steps to protect the vacant land in the hills surrounding Guwahati city in one of the main recommendations given by the experts, who participated in a seminar organised by the Soil Conservation Department in collaboration with the Gyan Vigyan Jatha, but it remains to be seen whether the Government has the political will to implement the same.

Soil Conservation Department sources said that soil erosion become a major problem following the population explosion in Guwahati after the shifting of the State capital from Shillong to Guwahati and gradually the hill slopes were occupied and the low lands, which used to act as the natural reservoirs, were filled up the low lands also aggravated the problem and due to all these factors, the natural equilibrium was distributed, which resulted in top soil erosion from the drainage channels.

Khumtai by-poll

Guwahati : Congress nominee Lachit Phukan and CPI candidate Lakheswar Bora filed their nomination papers on 21st November for the December 12 by-elections in the Khumtai assembly constituency. They filed their papers in the office and Deputy Commissioner, Golaghat, Dr J B Ekka. The last date for filling of nominations is November 25.

News on 21st November '2002

APSC had not okayed ACS-I, ACS-II amalgamation in 1989, Governor apprised - Civil servants, Assam Govt battle begins

Guwahati : A section of Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers belonging to the 1992 batch of direct recruits have moved the Gauhati High Court challenging, among other things, the validity of the ACS officers' gradation list publish by the State Government in 1993, as also the revised one brought out as on May 1, 2002.

A group of 15 officers recruited by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) directly into ACS-I in 1992 had failed a petition at the Court submitted that their career prospects have become bleak after the Assam Government in 1989 amalgamated the two ACS cadres, ACS-I and ACS-II, thereby bringing in as many as 450 ACS-II officers into ACS-I.

AGP seeks CBI probe on check gate taxes

Guwahati : The AGP Legislature Party secretary and MLA, Dilip Kumar Saikia has demanded a probe by the CBI and the Directorate of Economic Offences into "massive collection of goonda tax and illegal collection" at the check gates in the State. He expressed his serious concern at the "massive looting" in the Beltola area of the city and at the various illegal check gates along the National Highways in the State by 'blue eyed' boys under the very nose of the State Government.

NE cadet strength 80,000, enrolment only 49,553 - DG : Assam biggest defaulter in paying matching grant to NCC

Guwahati : The Director General of National Cadet Corp (NCC), Lt Gen B K Bopanna, on 20th November expressed concern at the poor funding from the north-eastern States, especially Assam, towards activities of the Cops.

Lt Gen Bopanna said that the states in the region are not providing the matching funds for the NCC activities to carry out its normal training and other programmes.

The NCC chief said Assam was the biggest defaulter as it had released only Rs 5 lakh out of the budgeted Rs 3.18 crore which works out to be only 3.7 per cent of the required funds.

Thousands of Adivasis take to streets in protest against BTC

Guwahati : At the call of the Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samiti (SJSS), over 30,000 activities of the Kokrajhar district unit of the All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA) on 20th November took out a procession in Gossaigaon police station in protest rally at Matiajuri Field under Gossaigaon police station in protest against the State Government's move to form the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The processionists proceeded towards the office of the SDO. However, the security forces prevented them from the marching further.

Assam Khadi Board has no chief schemes hit, says commission

Guwahati : The Khadi and Village Industries Commission on 20th November said that Assam is lagging behind in the proper implementation of the schemes constituted by it due to the failure on the part of the State Government in fully constituting the Assam Khadi and Village Industries Board. Mr Kheren Rijiju, a member of the Commission, said this while addressing mediamen in the city on 20th November.

He said that the Assam Khadi and Village Industries Board is functioning without a chairman, resulting in a delayed implementation of schemes meant for the State. Mr Rijiju said that every time the Commission needs to take a decision, it has to consult the minister-in-charge in Dispur, thereby delaying the project.

Repeal IM (DT) : AASU to Kalam, PM

Guwahati : The All Assam Students' Union (AASU), through a memorandum to President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee , has demanded the repeal of the IM(DT) Act and ensuring proper security along the Indo-Bangla border.


Forest devp agency in Assam soon, says Pradyut

Guwahati : A forest development agency will be formed in the State soon which will

monitor the forests cover and concentrate on revival on plant species. The agency will comprise of forest officials, police and the general public. This was started by the Minister of the State for forests, Mr Pradyut Bordoloi while participating at the Raising of the Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF) at Basistha here on 19th November.

Assam is the only State where a forest protection force is functioning. So the State Government will undertake every possible step to uplift and upgrade this unique force, he said.

States not patronizing NE Police Academy, enrolment failing

Guwahati : The North East Police Academy (NEPA) situated at Shillong, which was conceived by the Centre as a premier institution for training up police personnel of the seven-northern States, has fail to meet the objective because none of the State governments of the region is patronizing it by sending their new-recruit police officials for training. Set up in 1978 and run by the North Eastern Council, the NEPA, faces virtual closure if the dwindling number of enrolment for training continues for some more years. There has not been, however, any death of funds from the NEC for the institute.

Stop avoidable firing : Assam DGP

Cops mishandle mobs , 26 killed in four years

Guwahati : The State Government has expressed deep concern over incidents of police firing on agitated groups and demonstrators to bring the situation under control. The Director General of Police, Mr Hare Krishna Deka has directed the police personnel of the State to refrain from "avoidable" firing and try to adopt other means to agitation mobs, so as to cause minimum harm to the demonstrators.

According to Government sources, during the last four years i.e., 1999-2002 (till October), 26 people have died due to police firing over agitation groups across the State, which include demonstrators of tea gardens. In these cases, there were 20 incidents of police firing across the State, during the period. A special Branch study said that these incidents could have easily been adopted some amount of caution in their approach.

Govt concerned over status of villages outside BTC

Guwahati : The State Government is concerned about the future status of a number of villages which will not come under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) When it is formed. The November talks between the BLT and the Cabinet sub-committee on Bodo issues failed to reach a consensus on this matter.

In Kokrajhar, of the total 1,051 villages, 1,016 villages will go to the BTC. So the future of the remaining 35 villages will remain after the creation of BTC. After all, 35 villages cannot constitute a district on its own.

Statewide ACTA stir from Nov 21

Guwahati : The Assam College Teachers' Association (ACTA) will resort to take an agitation course from November 21 in protest against the State Government's failure to fulfil its long-standing demands including increment of pension, gratuity etc. According to ACTA , the members of the association will resort to ceasework programmes on November 21, 28 and 29.

Assam Cong pays tributes to Indira

Guwahati : The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee on 19th November paid rich tributes to the memory of the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, here on 85th birth anniversary. At a meeting here the Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, spoke of several path breaking development programmes initiated by Gandhi for the uplift of the downtrodden.

Meet deadline for SSA Mission in Assam : Bora

Guwahati : Assam Education Minister Pankaj Bora has retired that implementation of Sarba Siksha Abhijan Mission, a programme with a clear time frame for universal elementary education should be completed within the time limit. Mr Bora was addressing a meeting of the DCs, SDCs of the State held at the Administrative Staff College, Khanapara recently.

Mr Bora apprised that house to house survey had already been completed in about 75,000 habitations all over the State. Approximate by 40,000 school managing committees, 21,000 village education committees and Gaon Panchayati education constituted democratically in public meetings. The Minister further informed that survey of deprived urban children has been completed in 40 towns of the State. Six major towns- Nagaon, Guwahati , Tinsukia, Cachar, Dibrugarh and Nalbari have been identified for educational intervention in the first phase.

IE meet on disaster management

Guwahati : Mr Nurjamal Sarkar, Assam Minister of Flood Control has urged the experts to develop a permanent set-up for mitigation of disasters in the North-east region of the country. Addressing the 18th national convention of the Institutes of Engineers on the theme "National Disaster Affecting North-east" here recently, Mr Sarkar lauded the wonderful work done by the neighbouring Bangladesh Government in mitigation of disasters.

Free health camp at Nagaon

Guwahati : A largely attended free health check-up camp for adults and children organized by Kabir Memorial Trust Society, a newly formed voluntary organization of Amolapatty, Nagaon in coordination with a medicine company, was held at Mikirhat, Hatigaon, 17 kms away from Nagaon recently. Dr Durgeswar Kachari , Joint Director of Health Services, Nagaon inaugurated the camp by lighting the lamp amidst and enthusiastic rural gathering. Prof Bimal Bora, former principal, Nagaon Girls College, president over the inaugural function.

SBI worried over low CD ratio in Assam

Guwahati : State Level Bankers Committee meeting for the State of Assam was held recently at NEIBM Guwahati . The meeting was presided over by Mr P K Mitra, General Manager, State Bank of India local head office, Guwahati and attended by senior officials of the State Government, commercial banks, financial institutions and regional rural banks.

Mr Mitra, in his inaugural address, while highlighting the performance of the banks for the quarter ended June 2002, expressed concern for low C D ratio in the State. He attributed the situation to comparatively high growth in deposits vis-à-vis the credit as also non-availability of full sanctioned limit by the major sectors.

ADO's mini cylinder in NE

Guwahati : Assam Oil Division (ADO) of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited launched the Indane Mini-a five kg LPG cylinder for the first in the North-east at a function held at Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya recently. Already launched in the State Jammu and Kashmir and Uttaranchal, the handy cylinder is targeted at the people living in the rural areas who are habituated to use natural resources like firewood for cooking purpose. Besides being easy to handle and carry to remote areas, the cylinder is attractively priced at below Rs 100, making it affordable to people from lower income group.

Prog on energy conservation

Guwahati : Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) in association with the Career guidance cell, B P Chaliha College, Nagarbera and with active support from Greenflex, an NGO working for environment, conducted a youth programme at the College recently. More, than 300 students and teachers of the college participated in the programme. The programme started with a presentation on "Energy Crisis and Conservation of Energy' by Mr Devajit Bhuyan, State Coordinator, PCRA, followed by another presentation on "Career Guidance for Students".

Early Birds plea for conservation of Amcheng RF near city

Guwahati : The Early-Birds, an organization for nature care in the north-eastern part of India, made an earnest appeal to all nature loving people of the city and region to lobby and save the Amcheng Research Forest adjacent to Bonda and Panikheiti villages in the eastern outskirts of the city, from further destruction. Mr Deepak Sagar Das, HoD (Botany) Guwahati College, Mr Moloy Baruah, president and Mr Manas Bhuyan, photographer of the organization , made a tour to the RF and observed that good patches of forests still exists, which is now having a last chance of conservation for the authorities concerned and the people at large.

Sahayika's project for children

Guwahati : Sahayika, a children guidance centre here, has taken a project to care for the under priviledged children who are at elementary school level. No fee will be charged from the participants.

AMSA meeting to be held

Guwahati : The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Assam Medical Service Association (AMSA) will hold a meeting on November, 22 at 11 a.m. at AMSA House Guwahati.

IFA recruitment rally for NE States at Agartala

Guwahati : IAF recruitment rally for selection of Airman in non-technical and technical (inter) trades will be conducted on November 20 and 21, 2002 respectively at Assam Rifles Complex, Kunjaban, Agartala.

Candidates will be required to appear in written test in English and mathematical reasoning for non-technical trades and Mathematics, Physics and English for technical (inter) trades. On qualifying written test, candidates will have to appear in Physical fitness test consisting of 1.6 km run to be completed in 8 minutes.

AAMSU blasts Governor's stand on IM(DT) Act

Guwahati : The All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) president Haroon al Rashid termed the whole process of scraping the IM (DT) Act as nothing but a planned conspiracy against the minority community of Assam. The report of Governor SK Sinha, regarding the abolition of IM (DT) Act and even its repeal shall strongly be opposed by the major section of the people of Assam .


1992 APS batch mates have become SPs, but ACS direct recruits still languishing at entry level

Prospects dim, ACS officers a demoralized lot

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has from time to time been calling upon civil servants in Assam to 'change their mindset', left the State from its morass, and drag it towards 'development.' But, the hard reality on 18th November is that a large chunk of official belonging to the Assam Civil Service (ACS), who are supposed to be the 'eyes and ears of the State Government', are a frustrated and demoralized lot.

There was a time when the ACS was considered a premier service (Assam's first Chief Secretary, D Das, was an ACS officer) with bright students giving it first performance after the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Now, the IAS does not figure high as a good career option among the brilliant students for three main reasons : corruption and lack of transparency in the requirement process, high political pressure or influence, and lack of promotional scope within the service.

ULFA, NDFB target tea industry, plan kidnappings : Govt

Guwahati : The outlawed ULFA and NDFB has been serving fresh extortion notices to various companies in the State, including tea major, Tata Tea. The outfits have been preparing plans to kidnap managers and high officials of the tea industry to pressurize the managements in making the payments.

In view of such information, the Director General of Police, Mr Hare Krishna Deka has alerted the SPs with directions to step up vigil in the tea garden areas. Senior police officials have already intimated the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary about the fresh threats to the state's tea industry.

Govt seeks attendance report of doctors in rural health centres

Guwahati : The fact that there is lack of adequate health care facilities in rural areas of the State is a cause of worry not only to the Health Minister as well. The Government has directed all the Circle Officers to submit reports of doctors, nurses and available healthcare facilities in all Government hospitals and primary health centres of the State, especially in the rural areas. The Circle Officers have been asked to submit details of visiting time and working hours of every doctor and nurse in these healthcare centres. Reports from some circles are ready for submission.

Naga Hoho welcomes decision to lift ban on NSCN-IM, hopes for peace

Guwahati : The Naga Hoho, the apex tribal council of the Nagas, has welcomed the Centre's decision to lift the ban of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) with effect from November 26, 2002. The secretary, publicity and information of Naga Hoho, Mr

Keviletuo Kiewhuo said that this is a bold step in the right direction as it will broaden the space in finding a negotiated settlement that will be acceptable and honourable to both the Naga people and the people of India.

Local producers to move PM, says I & B bosses keen to back outsiders

'Secret' I & B plan ; NE TV producers up in arms

Guwahati : The North-east TV Producers & Directors' Association (NETVPDA) will move the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, the Minister, DONER and the Minister, Information & Broadcasting, the immediately scrap the obnoxious plan of the I & B Ministry to sabotage the guideline of the Home Ministry in respect of allocation of commissioned programmes of the Doordarshan for the North-east to only the local talents, and hand over the programmes to mega-serial makers, big producers and others from outside the region, particularly Delhi.

NEC's 10th Plan will be on major projects

Guwahati : The North Eastern Council (NEC) has identified priority areas in order to improve performance in the 10th Plan. Few major projects will be initiated in the 10th Plan instead of a large number of small projects. These projects are going to be monitored and executed in such a manner that cost and time overrun already undertaken where engineers and project managers will be given intensive training.

Circus staff sent to jail

Guwahati : Six members of the Kolkata based Kohinoor Circus troupe were on 18th November remanded to judicial custody after a magistrate here rejected their bail plea. They were arrested from the city on 17th November for possessing animals like tigers and lions, meant for performance, in violation of an existing Supreme Court ruling.


We are watching talks with NSCN, says ULFA

Guwahati : The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on 17th November offered to hold conditional peace talks with New Delhi to end two decades of violent insurgency in the region.

"We seek a peaceful negotiation and are sincere in our commitment," the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) said in its mouthpiece, the Freedom.

The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland in Assam since 1979, has set three preconditions for holding talks.

The rebel group wants the issue of Assam's liberation to be the primary agenda for the talks, with the negotiations held in a third country under United Nations' supervision.

STATFED MD locks horns with employees

Guwahati : The public sector STATFED is heading towards darks days. Differences between the managing director, Mr C K Sharma and the employees have come out in the open.

Addressing a news conference in the city on 17th November, Mr Sharma said that the section of employees agitating under the banner of 'Aaikaya Mancha' have no valid ground as the three existing registered workers' union have not extended any support to the agitation.

Scam in IWT : Dy Director suspended

Guwahati : The Deputy Director (Commercial), Inland Water Transport (IWT), Pandu, Mr Ajit Kumar Borah, was suspended last week, following grave irregularities detected in his office. Mr Borah was allegedly found to be involved in misappropriation of huge amount of Government money to the extend of Rs 7,68,939 from May 1999 to March 2002. In addition to these, several incumbents lodged complaints regarding non-receipt of pay and other arrears amounting to Rs 1,19,457. The LD assistant, Mr Dinesh Chandra Talulkdar was also suspended.

Death during child birth - Doctors come under AHRC firing line

Guwahati : Better late than never, Relatives of Purnima Tanti, who had to die with a still-born child due to negligence on the part of six doctors and four nurses of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Civil Hospital, Tinsukia, way back on June 14, 1998, got justice at last. Complying with the Assam Human Rights Commission's directive issued on August 20, 1998, the Assam Health and Family Welfare Department sanctioned Rs 1 lakh for payment to the next of kin of Purnima as compensation on October 16 this year. The Government has also initiated departmental proceedings against Dr UC Bhuyan, Dr BK Buragohain and PD Chamua, Dr TK Phukan, Dr BK Das (retd). The Deputy Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Assam informed the AHRC of the department's response to the Commission's ruling, through a letter on October 16.

Circus caravan arrives city, in trouble - Forest staff sleep, then wake up to seize rare animals

Guwahati : State authorities on 17th November seized a pregnant Royal Bengal tigress and as many as eight Asiatic Lions from a visiting circus troupe, currently in the city, for violation a Supreme Court ruling that bans exhibition and training of endangered animals. Five people have been arrested in this connection.

Major State police reshuffle

Guwahati : In a major reshuffle on 17th November, the IGP, Vigilance, Anti-Corruption Cell and BIEO, Mr Rajendra Kumar has been transferred and posted as IGP (Border). The IGO (Border), Mr Gunttam Bhuyan has taken over as the IGP, Vigilance, AC & BIEO. While the Commandant of 4th APBn, Mr Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta has been promoted and posted as DIG (A) at the police headquarters, Mr Umesh Kumar, DIG (A) has been transferred and posted as the DIG (T & AP).

Cong fields Phukan in Khumtai

Guwahati : Dispelling all rumours, the Congress on 17th November announced the name of Lachit Phukan for the Khumtai by-poll. The APCC spokesman, Mr Abdul Khaleque on 17th November announced Mr Phukan's name after he was given the go-ahead signal by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.


Be tough with insurgents, ISI : CM tells SPs

Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi asked the SPs of all the districts to take stringent measures against insurgency and other criminal activities in the State, and keep him informed of the steps taken by them to arrest the rising crimes after every three months. "While insurgency hits some selected people and some selected areas, organized crimes like lootings, rapes, etc., hit the entire society," the Chief Minister said.

Addressing the meeting of the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all the districts at the Assam Administrative Staff College in the city on 16th November, Mr Gogoi said that though the law-and-order situation improved slightly in the State, there were still some loopholes in the system, and these needed to be plugged. " Keeping in mind the human rights aspect during operation against insurgents does not mean that the police should be soft towards militants," he said, and asked the police personnel to ensure that common people should not get undue harassment from the police or security forces during the anti-insurgency operations.

Govt engineers defraud exchequer of forest royalty

Guwahati : The Assam Government is losing forest royalty to the tune of several crores of rupees annually, thanks to the callous attitude and "malafide intention" of corrupt officials and contractors involved in various constructional activities under both the State and Central Government schemes, the Bureau of Investigations (Economic Offences), Assam has told the Government. A detailed memorandum in this regard was furnished recently by the IGP, BI (EO), Mr Rajendra Kumar to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Political), and all other officials concerned namely the Secretary, PWD, CCF, and others.

ULFA raising day : security in oil facilities tightened

Guwahati : In view of the raising day of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on November 27, Assam DGP HK Deka has asked all the superindents of police (SPs) of the State to beef up secretary measures in and round oil installations, pipelines etc., in the State.

In a meeting of the Oil Security Coordination Committee at the Assam Police headquarters in the city chaired by him on 16th November , the DGP asked the SPs to intensify security arrangements in and around oil installations, ONGC, GAIL etc., from now. The DCs having oil installations were also asked to take all steps to foil any nefarious design by the militants.

AGP meet ends up as talking shop

Guwahati : The much-hyped crucial, first-ever meeting of the reconstituted AGP's political affairs committee on 16th November ended up as a talking shop where the party leaders made loud thinking over as many as 14 "crucial" political issues, ranging from the Khumtai bypoll to delineation of constituencies, voters' list, IM (DT), unemployment, etc. Quite expectedly , the meeting ended by criticizing the "failure of the Tarun Gogoi Government on all fronts".

Stop extortions from truckers forthwith : CM

Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 16th November minced no words to convey his deep sense of anguish, indignation and frustration over the menace of extortions from truckers in the State and asked the SPs of all districts to ensure that this menace, for which every citizens of Assam has to hang his head in shame, is stopped

forthwith.

'Assam scribes need to highlight NE problems'

Guwahati : The journalists of Assam are not willing to go up to the national level . They need to highlight the problems of Assam and the entire North-east through their writing so as to draw the attention of the Government at the Centre towards the backward land-locked region,' said noted journalist Satish Chandra Kakati at a function organized at Guwahati Press Club in the city on the occasion of the National Press Day on 16th November. The day was observed centrally at GPC in the State along with the rest of the nation with a function organized by the members of the Fourth Estate.

ISI agent brought to city from Gujarat

Guwahati : Abdul Kasem alias Nazrul Islam, an ISI agent who had been arrested in Rajasthan recently, was brought to Guwahati and produced before the Kamrup Additional Judicial Magistrate on 16th November in connection with a case. The court sent him for police remand. One Prabin Das , who had been arrested recently, confessed before the special operation group of Assam Police that Abdul used to collect information on the movement of Army, from the ULFA.


Gogoi unhappy with pace of devp - Change mindset develop state : CM to officials

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has called for a change of mindset among the bureaucrats of Assam to pull the State forward towards development. He also asked them to bring about a change in their way of working. Mr Gogoi said this while addressing a meeting of the DCs, SDOs and SDCs of the State at the Assam Administrative Staff College here on 15th November.

Mr Gogoi expressing deep concern over the progress of development works in the State, said that he is unhappy even over his own performance. His plans have not been executed or set in motion the way he desired. "I am not satisfied with progress. Still we have to march ahead by overcoming every obstacle that comes in our way", Mr Gogoi said.

DD programmes in NE : local producers oppose outsiders' entry

Guwahati : The television producers of the North-east have opposed the big television houses' interference and entry into the Doordarshan programmes in the North-east.

The TV Producers' Guild, North-east and the North east TV Product Directors' Association have condemned the entry of metro city-based big television houses' into the North-east.

'Women's contribution at home, agric not continued'

Guwahati : Women's work is not taken into account irrespective of whether it is work at home or in the agriculture sector. This was stated by Ms K Santhaa Reddy, member, National Commission for Women, New Delhi, while delivering the keynote address at the NE Regional Workshop on "Challenges, opportunities and Constraints faced by Women in Agriculture and Allied Enterprises" at the auditorium of the Directorate of Agriculture, Khanapara here on 15th November.

AGP political panel meet on 16th November, party to chart course for future

Guwahati : The first-ever meeting of the newly-constituted Political Affairs Committee of AGP will be held here on 16th November with president Mr Brindaban Goswami in the chair to deliberate on the various political issues affecting Assam and take definite position on them to considered crucial in political circles mainly because of two reasons : (i) even though the political affairs committee of the AGP had been constituted after some months of Mr Brindaban Goswami taking over the reins of the party , this would be the first meeting of the committee, and (ii) from the reconstituted committee, two heavyweights of the party, namely former Chief Minister and president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and former minister Sahidul Alam Choudhury, have been dropped. Both these leaders were instrumental in steering the political affairs of the AGP as the ruling party during its tense. That way, how the political strategy of the party is drawn up by the reconstituted, would be watched with interest.

IMDT will go within NDA tenure : Gohain

Guwahati : Assam BJP president Rajen Gohain on 15th November said that the State unit of the party is determined to get the controversial IM (DT) Act repealed within one-and-half years, i.e well within the tenure of the Atal Behari Vajpayee-led NDA Government at the Centre. He said that if the Government fails to repeal the controversial piece of legislation before the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, Assam would become another Kashmir.

Railways recruits outsiders to RPF in NE

Guwahati : In constitution of its policy to recruit people from other States, particularly Bihar, in all categories of posts- new, vacant, technical, non-technical, police, civilian- in the NF Railway Ministry has devised yet another novel method of transferring and recruiting hundreds of staff of the Railway Special Protection Protection Force (RSPF) from other States to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the NF Railway.


NEC meet - Sinha for economic union of NE States

Guwahati : The Chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha, the Governor of Assam on 14th November underlined the need for setting up an 'economic union of NE States' by breaking the barriers in terms of trade and economic development.

Inaugurating the 47th meeting of the NEC here on 14th November morning, Lt Gen (Retd) Sinha called upon the NE States to put up joint efforts to establish an economic union in the region to act as a 'bridge' between the rest of India and the booming economies of South East Asia.

'NEC should focus on improving education'

Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 14th November underlined the need to accord priority to create a pool of quality human resources in the North Eastern region by improving the standard of professional and vocational education in the region.

Delivering his address in the 47th meeting of the NEC here, Gogoi stated that the Council should focus on improving education infrastructure in the region to impart quality professional training to the younger generation to prepare them to clinch job opportunities in different sectors.

Kalita's call to change mindset on investors

Guwahati : State Minister for industries and commerce Bhubaneswar Kalita has termed as 'unfortunate', the belief held by some people in the State that new investors come here to 'loot the State'. He said that on the 14th November's liberalised economy, such conceptions are untenable.

The minister, who was the chief guest during the 9th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Industries and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) here on 14th November evening, said that such misconceptions exist even as the Government is working investors come to the State.

AHRC directive on compensation for wrongful detention

Guwahati : The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has directed the State government to pay Rs 10,000 as interim compensation to Hudev Baruah of Golai village, under Digboi Police Station, for being wrongfully detained by the police in September 2000.

The Commission, in its order earlier this week, ordered that the compensation should be paid within three months.

It also ordered the competent authority to inquire into the matter and take appropriate action against Sub-Inspector GK Laskar of Digboi PS who had allegedly beaten up Hudev, then a school going minor.

Mizo CM offers to mediate for ULFA talks

Guwahati : Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on 14th November said given an opportunity he was open to offer his service to help being militant outfits in the region including the ULFA to negotiation table.

The 47th NEC meeting at Administrative Staff College here, Zoramthanga who has earned laurels for his effort to make NSCN-IM leaders agree to come to India for talks with the government, hoped that positive outcome of the on-going peace process with the Naga rebels would induce other N-E insurgent outfits to come forward for talks.

Dey calls for integrated farming to boost up Assam's agriculture

Guwahati : Assam can play an important role in organic farming through integrated farming system approach. This was stated by Dr A K Dey, Minister for Agriculture, Assam while inaugurating an interactive workshop on research, extension and policy issue for integrated development of horticulture in Assam through Technology Mission organized by the Department of Agriculture , Assam at the Assam Administration Staff College, here on 12th November .

In the speech, Dr Dey emphasized on commercial agriculture and said that farmers are still not getting proper remunerative prices due to lack of marketing infrastructure. He urged the agriculture scientists of the State to work with dedication for the betterment of farmers.

Internet training for NGOs

Guwahati : The Centre for Development Action and Appropriate Technology (CADAT) in association with the Indev, British Council, New Delhi, and Small Industrial Development of

India (SIDBI) is going to organise a three-day workshop-cum-training programme on internet and web publishing for the NGOs of the north-eastern States. The programme will be held from November 26 to 28 at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Lalmati, Guwahati .

Red Cross distributes relief in Naojan

Guwahati : The Dhansiri unit of Indian Redcross Society (IRCS) distributed relief materials like blankets, kitchen sets, tarpaulin and nutritious food among 721 handicapped, widows, elderly persons and flood-affected people of Naojan and Chungajan area. The relief materials were received from the Assam State Committee of the IRCS. Mr Babul Lekharu, border magistrate and secretary of Dhansiri unit of IRCS Mr Dharmeswar Duarah and Mr Zahid Ahmed Tappadar conducted the programme while Ms Masuma Begum, president of West Naojan GP and Mr Ranjit Phukan attended the distribution programme.

Army felicitates villagers

Guwahati : The troops deployed in Kokrajhar of Red Horns division visited the brave village of Sonaikola to commend the villagers on the act of valour for the incident, which took place recently, in which the villagers killed two armed ULFA cadres with their bare hands with utter disregard to personal safety. The ULFA cadres had come to the village to extort money for their outfit, but to their dismay it turned out to be their funeral. This uprise is a clear indication that people are no longer scared of militants, and the local populace are mentally prepared to confront them. The troops of Red Horns distributed rations and applauded the villagers for their act of bravery, Army has also assured full support to the villagers. The Red Horns division is committed to provide full assistance and cooperation to the local mass in fight against the militancy.


47th NEC meet on 14th November . Tripura, M'laya CMs want Council role security. Focus on devp, says Gogoi - CMs want NEC to perform, tackle militancy

Guwahati : Governor and Chief Minister of the region have arrived the city on 13th November for the 47th meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) being held on 14th November amid increasing criticism of the performance since its inception in 1972.

Besides, several chief ministers have been vocal in their demand for a massive restructuring of the NEC which they feel should be headed by either the Union Home Minister, Finance Minister or Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and not by Governors as has been the practice.

Medical tests of Nalbari girls : AHRC calls for CID report, FIR

Guwahati : The Assam Human Right Commission (AHRC) has sought from the Director General of Police, Assam, a copy of the report of the Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) inquiry into the case of virginity test conducted on two women of Nalbari. The CID inquiry which was constituted by the DGP after the police action forcing the two women to undergo the test drew flak from various circles in the State, is believed to have found some lapses on the part of the police.

It may be mention here that Ms Rita Dutta and Ms Sikha Rani Bhattacharya were detained by the Belsor Police Station on charges of starting in blue films and were forced to go for virginity tests at the hands of a male doctor.

BLT bent on 93 villages, sets fresh deadline of Nov 30

Guwahati : The crucial meeting between the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) and the Cabinet sub-committee on Bodo issue on the demarcation of boundary proposed Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) remained inconclusive even after a four-hour-long deliberation in the city on 13th November. While the BLT is bent on the inclusion of 93 more villages in the proposed Bodo politico-administration structure, the State Government is not willing to give them. The BLT fresh deadline of November 30 for the State Government on the inclusion of the 93 villages in the BTC.

Abortive bid to loot bank in city

Guwahati : A 5-man gang of dacoits armed with revolver and sharp weapons made an abortive bid to loot the SBI evening branch at Silpukhuri in the city at 7.50 on 13th November night. The dacoits took system administrator Nikbul Dutta and generator operator Pratul Kalita to the top floor of the bank at gunpoint. Tying their hands from behind, the dacoits demanded the key of the locker from them, but got no cash there. At last they entered the strong room and tried to break the locker there, but had of flee halfway when Dutta and Kalita raised a hue and cry. Police personnel, including the City SP rushed to spot, and investigation is on.

Adivasis call Assam bandh from Nov 16

Guwahati : The All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA) has called a 48-hour Assam bandh from 4 a.m. on November 16 in protest against the Government's lackadaisical attitude towards the non-Bodos demand of cancellation of the move to from the BTC. The AASAA has also called public rallies of Adivasis in all districts demanding ST status to the Adivasis.


IGP questions former city SP, others on killing of ULFA men

Guwahati : Assam Police IGP (OSD) Dilip Kumar Bora on 12th November interrogated several City Police Officials, including the former SP, Mr Paresh Neog, former Additional SP (City) Rana Bhuyan, Additional SP (Hqrs) Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Dispur divisional DSP H.K. Nath, DSP of Basistha division, the OC of Hatigaon PS, besides several civilians among 50 witnesses who were present at the site of the encounter with the two ULFA militants at Survey area of Beltola in the city on October 30. Two militants were killed in the encounter.

The interrogation was part of the investigation by the Assam Police into the incident ordered by the Assam Human Right Commission, which took umbrage at reports in the local media that the police had shot dead one of the militants despite his declaration that he wanted to surrender, and that the dead body of one of the slain militants were later on carried in bamboo poles, etc.

City meet backs up Sinha on IMDT - 'Governor has powers to talk of state's interest'

Guwahati : The Governor of Assam has full right to speak against the change in the State's demographic pattern. While taking oath as the head of the State, the Governor had pledged to work for the well-being of the people of the State. So his views on the infiltration issue are truly justified. This was stated by former Advocate General of Assam, Mr Pachu Gopal Barua at a meeting of the identity Protection Forum for Assam at the

Guwahati Press Club on 12th November.

The meeting of the bonafide indigenous people of the Assam was held to devise ways and means in accordance with the constitutional provisions to frustrate the sinister designs of the 'alien and inimical forces' to change the demographic structure of the State and also to register unstinted support to the stand taken by the Governor on the IMDT issue.

AASU, AJYCP stage joint demo for IMDT Act repeal

Guwahati : The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yava Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) on 12th November staged a joint dharna demanding immediate scrapping of the IM(DT) Act and 100 per cent job reservation for locals.

Several hundred AASU and AJYCP supporters also took part in the dharna which was led by AASU advise Samujjal Bhattacharya and AJYCP president Apurba Bhattacharya, beside others.

Khumtai contest crucial for AGP, Brindaban's status

Guwahati : The Khumtai Assembly constituency is open to contest following the death of the Congress MLA Jibakanta Gogoi. But the content has shifted gear being a political one, to one involving prestige and emotions.

The main content is expected to be between the Congress and the AGP. The AGP is set to field Mr Prabin Gogoi for the seat. Though the AGP will officially announce its candidate only the November 15, Gogoi's name is almost certain.

The AGP which has 20 Assembly seats in its kitty is desperately trying to win the seat. If that happens, party president Brindaban Goswami, heading the AGP with 21 members, will be entitled to Cabinet rank as leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly. Besides, the win can act as a morale booster for the AGP, the largest opposition party in the State.

B K Das as new NRL MD

Guwahati : Mr Bhupati Kumar Das assumed the charge of Managing Director, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) with effect from November 11. Mr Das has around 28 years experience in the oil industry with exposure in both private and public sector work environment.

'Submit report on approved check gates'

Guwahati : The Assam Home Department has asked State Transport and Municipal Administration Commissioners to submit it reports about the exact number of approved check gates under their respective departments in the State. The City SP has also been asked not to allow any incidents of extortion in the city. The State Government has already close the excise check gates of agricultural marketing board. After filling the reports by the transport and municipal administration commissioners, the check gates which had been set up in the State without approval could be detected and closed.

School AIDS education prog at Sarupathar

Guwahati : The four-day long school AIDS Education programme ended on November 9 at Sarupathar which was organized by Society for Social Development Training and Research (SSDTR), a leading NGO of Golaghat district.

Dr D J Bhuyan, SDM & HO , Dhansiri and Dr Haren Neog, president of SSDTR conducted

the training camp which was sponsored by Assam AIDS Control Society. Teachers and students of 30 schools of Dhansiri subdivision participated in the programme.

Sahayika holds seminar on adolescent mindset

Guwahati : A seminar cum-discussion on "Exploring the Adolescent teachers was held on November 10 by Sahayika at its premises. Dr Anil Goswami, ex-principal of Cotton College inaugurated the seminar and emphasized the need for such discussion.

Dr Jayanta Das, eminent psychiatrist, delivered the keynote address Educationist B D Phukan and Ms Prabha Dastidar, Principal, Army School, spoke on how to apply educational methods for the care of adolescent children.

Children's Day celebration

Guwahati : The Indian Council for Child Welfare, Assam State Branch in co-operation with Kamrup district Council for Child Welfare and Ladies and Children Recreation Centre will organize a meeting on the occasion of Children's Day at Anganwadi Worker Centre-II, Ramakrishna Mission Road, Ulubari at 2:30 p.m. on November 14, 2002 , informed general secretary (ICCW). Minister for Education, Pankaj Bora will inaugurate the council magazine "Sishu Kalyan". The prize distribution ceremony of the competition held at Kamrup Academy on October 6, 2002 will be given away on the occasion.

Rural convention at Rangiya

Guwahati : The District Rural Convention of Rangiya was held recently under the presidentship of Mr Umesh Kalita at Hardutta-Birdutta Bhawan, Rangia. Opening the open convention in the presence of about 5,000 rural workers, Industry minister of Assam, Bhubaneswar Kalita expressed his view that the panchayat alone cannot alleviate poverty from the rural areas if rural organizations do not render their full co-operation . Rupam Kurmi, Labour minister, Renukadevi Barkataki, president Indian National Trade Union congress Assam branch, Silvius Condpan, Vice-chairman, planning Board and Achyut Kumar Sarmah, general secretary, Assam State Rural Labour Federation participated as guests and appointed speakers. The convention accepted 10 resolutions along with a condolence resolution for the death of K Ramamurthy, Ex-union minister and Ex-president of Indian National Rural Labour Federation.


Non-release of State share hits water project - Assam sanction scheme : 12 years & still incomplete

Guwahati : The Central grants funds for schemes in the North-east, but the State Governments in the region, many a time, are seen to be taking anything between six to 12 years to complete some such projects.

A report on the status of the low cost sanitation scheme for liberation of scavengers says that under the said project, Assam was sanctioned 27 schemes at a project cost of Rs 39.08 crore where the Government of India (GoI)'s subsidy sanctioned was Rs 12.84 crore. Out of the GoI subsidy, Rs 4.18 crore was also released. The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) had in the meanwhile, also released almost Rs 2 crore for the construction of 90,840 unit. But the sad tale is that the Government of Assam could only complete 4711 units, and that, too, over a period of, believe it or not, 12 years.

'Bodos are minority in most extra villages sought by BLT'

Guwahati : Even though the participation of the BLT in the talks with the State Government on November 13 on the issue of determination of boundary of the proposed politico-administrative structure of the BTC is almost certain, the outcome is projected as bleak as the BLT is adamant in its demand for 93 additional villages.

It may be mentioned here that the Cabinet sub-committee headed by Dr Bhumidhar Barman has already agreed to offer 11 villages as demanded by the BTC. The sub-committee is also considering offering 27 more villages out of the 93 to the BTC.

Ethnic minorities need to be treated with sensitivity : Ahmad

Guwahati : The intensification and proliferation of violent and seemingly unmanageable ethnic, communal and linguistic conflicts have become a prominent, perhaps the paramount, problem of the day. While conflicts with an ethnic dimension have appeared in Western countries also, the most dramatic examples of the spreading contagion are in the Third World where the word "Lebanization" may already contain a more accurate portrait of the future than "modernization".

King to abdicate powers, Bhutan in democracy race

Guwahati : Bhutan's King Jigme Singhye Wangchuk is all set to abdicate most of his powers as the landlocked Buddhist nation is racing to transform itself from a monarchy to a political democracy, Bhutanese leaders said on 11th November.

"His Majesty the King is very keen that Bhutan should go in for a parliamentary democracy as soon as possible. The process is on full stream," Dechen Tsering, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee told this writer by telephone from Thimphu, Bhutan's capital.

AATTSA bandh hits tea estates

Guwahati : Work in the tea industry across Assam was affected on 11th November following 24-hour statewide bandh by the All Assam Tea Tribe Students' Association (AATTSA) even as three persons were injured and two buses of the ONGC damaged. Three persons were injured when picketeers in Sivasagar district damaged two staff buses of the ONGC in Sivasagar.


Gogoi : create jobs to fight insurgency; Ananth Kumar insists on utilization certificates, quarterly reports - Delhi seeks report card on NE anti-poverty schemes

Guwahati : Union Minister for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Ananth Kumar has asked the Assam Government as well as other State Governments in the North-east to immediately send all the pending utilization progress reports (QRPs) to the Ministry for receiving Central assistance for various development programmes. Kumar was presiding over the first conference of Ministers of Urban Development, Local Self Government and Housing of the north-eastern states and Sikkim in Guwahati on 10th November. He said that although other states also delay in submitting such reports, the north-eastern states take ever longer.

Kumar said that due to the inability of the State Governments to grant land as sites for

various projects , their execution gets delayed. He said that the Central has sanctioned Rs 27,504.69 lakh to the North-east in 2002-03 for various projects, out of which Rs 14,492.87 lakh has been already released. An amount of Rs 4,895.13 lakh was sanctioned for Assam, of which Rs 2,447.57 lakh was released.

Congress may field Jiba Gogoi's window in Khumtai

Guwahati : The by-election for the Khumtai Assembly constituency in Golaghat district, following the death of Congress MLA, Jibakanta Gogoi, is poised for a keen contest. The Congress is trying its best to retain the seat, and if sources are to be believed, the Congress is set to nominate late Gogoi's wife, Bandana Gogoi for the contest. The Congress is banking on sympathy votes.

The name of Thogiram Gogoi, father of Kargil martyr Jintu Gogoi does not figure in the BJP list, as was reportedly desired by the party high command. The State BJP has already submitted a list of three candidates to the Party high command for its approval. Due to the fund crunch, the State BJP is not a position to nominate a person without 'financial power". It may be mentioned here that Thogiram Gogoi had lost the Kaliabor Lok Sabha by-elections to Dip Gogoi of the Congress.

Seminar on resolving NE conflicts on 11th November

Guwahati : A two-day national seminar on "Coming-out of Violence: Resolving Ethnic Conflicts in North-east India", sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, North-east Regional Centre, Shillong will be held on November 11, at the Department of Political Science, Arts Building, Gauhati University. The seminar will be inaugurated by GN Talukdar, Vice Chancellor of GU. Renowned social scientist Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi will deliver the keynote address and Prof David Reid Syiemlieh, director of ICSSR-NER, Shillong will be the chief guest.

Minority parties condemn police action

Guwahati : A public protest meeting was held at Swahid Bhawan, Nagaon on 10th November under the joint auspices of All Assam Minority Students' Union, Nagaon branch of United Minority Forum and Sadou Asom Sramik Kalyan Parishad, which was presided by the president of AAMSU , Mr Haroon al Rashid. The meeting condemned the police action on Mufti Abdul Mannan whereby he was taken by the Sarupathar police suspecting him to be a fundamentalist and was interrogated for nearly seven hours. The meeting resolved for an immediate inquiry into the matter within the month of Ramzan failing which it threatened to launch a Statewide stir.

Housing colony for NE journalists

Guwahati : The Union Minister for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Ananth Kumar on 10th November announced a housing colony for working journalists of the North-east under the "Patrakar Awas Yojana". He said this while talking to newsmen at the conference of Urban Development Ministers of the north-eastern region in the city on 10th November . The Minister also asked the zonal office of HUDCO to work out the plan for the project and to submit it to him during his next visit to the region.

Road repair : Assam SOS to Khanduri

Guwahati : The Assam PWD Minister, Mr Sarat Borkotoky on 8th November met the Union Minister of State for Surface Transport , Mr BC Khanduri and apprised him of the various problems relating to roads, highways and bridges faced by the State. Mr Borkotoky asked the Union Minister to take initiative in getting the Centre's not for the Rs 4,235 crore 'soft

loan' under the "Japanese grant-aided programme" for which the State PWD had applied to the Japanese Government, for conversion of timber bridges to RCC ones.

AAMTA backs transport bandh

Guwahati : The All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) extended its support to the nationwide indefinite commercial transport bandh from 12 a.m. on November 15 called by the All India Motor Transport Congress demanding the immediate withdrawal of the hike in insurance premia for commercial vehicles and ban on insurance policy for cars older that five years, etc.

Two IWT employees suspended

Guwahati : Two officials of Inland Water Transport (IWT) department -Junior Engineer Sahidur Rahman of Hailakandi subdivision and LDA Prabin Bora of Jorhat - have been suspended for misappropriation of Government's funds.


40,000 Assam schools mapped - Jobs for sacked officials: Bora orders inquiry

Guwahati : The Assam Government on 8th November ordered an inquiry into a report that has exposed how several dismissed officers and employees of the State Education Department have not only regained their jobs, but have been vested with important responsibilities.

Education Minister Pankaj Bora said : "After going through the news report, I have asked the Principal Secretary in the Education Department to make a thorough inquiry and give me his findings."

Gogoi's report card talks of reforms, forest management

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has claimed that his Government has initiated a number of developmental programmes despite the fund crunch in the State was stagnant when his ministry took over 18 months ago. Gogoi said that at the Congress Chief Minister's Conclave which was inaugurated by party president Sonia Gandhi at Mt Abu on 8th November.

Gogoi said that developmental works in the State will be able to eliminate the problem of insurgency in the State. Measures have already been initiated in this direction, he said. The Chief Minister said that public participation is of utmost importance in this regard. The Government is concentrating on employment of the rural youths, he said.

'Differences within NDA allies holding back jt Parliament session'- BJYM : begin fresh stir force parties against IMDT

Guwahati : The national president of the Bharatiya Janata Yava Morcha (BJYM), Mr G Krishna Reddy has said that a joint session discussion on the scrapping of the controversial IMDT Act in Parliament could not be held due to the differences of opinion of NDA allies- TDP , Trinamool Congress, DMK and AIADMK. For this, the people of Assam have to start a "fresh agitation" to pressurize different political parties. Mr Reddy said this while addressing the media after participating at the regional meet of the BJYM, where activities of seven districts took part.

Mr Reddy said that the BJYM has chalked out a three-month programme for its future

course of action. Accordingly, December 13, the day when the Parliament was attacked by terrorists last year, will be observed as "Sankalpa Divas". On that day, the BJYM will felicitate the kin of Kargil martyrs in every district of the country.


Surya Kiran to stage air show at Tezpur on Nov 8, 9

Guwahati : Air Force Station, Tezpur will be hosting the of Surya Kiran Acrobatic Team (SKAT) on November 8 and 9. On November 8, the airshow will be hosted for all the students of local school and colleges, besides the persons and the families of the station. On November 9, a 'granade finale' is planned, which will be attended by civilian dignitaries, Army and Air Force Officers and families, members of the Press and NCC cadets.

Joint platform of NE tribals floated

Guwahati : A forum titled 'Uttar Purva Bharat Janajati Dharma-Samskriti Suraksha Manch' (North-east India Janajati Faith and Culture Protection Forum) (NEIJFCPF) has been formed with the objective of providing a common platform to all the tribal communities of North-east, to share their experience in practicing and promoting their respective faith and culture, to identity the unique common links and to understand the oneness among their diverse cultural practices.

APBEA on stir against privatization

Guwahati : Assam Provincial Bank Employees' Association (APBEA) has launched a massive State-wide campaign against Government's policy to privatize the public sector banks and for NPA recovery, to open more bank branches and expansion of banking services as well as to accelerate the credit flow to agriculture, rural sector, poverty alleviation programme and self-employed youths.

Agric NGO's scheme for jobless

Guwahati : Assam Small Farmers' Organic Agro-Products Development Society (ASFOADS) of Tezpur has been functioning for the all round development and socio-economic uplift of the rural unorganized sector of poor, small and marginal farmers through composite organic farming with a motto of food security, poverty alleviation and employment generation.

Digboi War Cemetery: a relic of World War II

Guwahati : During World War II, the State of Assam, in India's Eastern Command, was an operational base for the Burma campaign. Digboi , in the NE corner of the State, near the Burmese border, and located on the line of communications, had a military hospital for the casualties of the Burma campaign.


Hotelier, Congress member face Bakijai raids in city

Guwahati : Bakijai officials on 7th November conducted raids on the bank loan defaulters in the city and recovered cash and various other items. It may be mentioned here that there has been a marked improvement in the recovery of money from the defaulters.

The officials raided the house of a businessman Dinesh Sharma at Rajgarh, who is also the owner of Hotel Bonhomie at Dispur, and recovered Rs 1 lakh in cash besides household items. The managing director of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank has failed a Rs 32 lakh default case against Mr Sharma. Mr Sharma has agreed to repay the remaining amount to the Bank after consultations with the managing director as a one-time settlement.

The officials also raided the house of Mr Robin Barua, proprietor of Swastika Printers, Ulubari for a default case of Rs 2.5 lakh of the Assam Cooperative City Bank Ltd., and recovered a computer system and accessories, besides a TV and some wooden furniture.

The officials also raided the house of Ms Renu Begum, former Congress Ward Councillor at Panjabari and recovered some wooden furniture and antique brass wares. The ASCARD Bank has filed a default case of Rs 3 lakh against Ms Begum.

Sacked education officials get back jobs, more powers !

Guwahati : Instances of irregularities and corruption have cropped up in the education department is engaged in filling up some vacant posts and also regularizing some irregular appointments.

It may mentioned here that the Manoharan Committee detected several cases of irregular appointments in schools. Though the Government has taken steps, a final decision is yet to be arrived at on these cases. But appointments are given taking "advantage" of Court orders.

'NSCN-IM seeks safe passage for Delhi talks, fears detention'

Guwahati : Exiled leaders of a frontline tribal separatist group have sought safe passage to come to India for peace talks with the authorities.

The Isak-Muivah faction of the outlawed National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) is demanding "safe passage" for its leaders so that they can talk to New Delhi's negotiators," Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga told IANS by telephone.

"Safe passage is a must as the NSCN leaders are apprehensive of being detained if the talks fail to yield positive results".

Zoramthanga, a former leader of the Mezo National Front, met NSCN leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah at Bangkok a on 7th November.

Accident deaths rise in city, police strength poor

Guwahati : Accidents in Guwahati have been increasing by the day. Everyday or the other, reports pour in of mishaps on the roads.

According to available statistics, in 1990, a total of 103 people died in road mishaps in the city, while 231 accident cases were registered. The number of deaths in 1991 was 89, and 109 in 1992. In the 1999, the number of people who died of accidents rose to 145 and 308 cases were registered cases. In 2002, up to August there have been 89 cases of death from accidents and 197 injuries. Also 246 cases have been filed till August.

Changes common phenomena : Bezbaruah

Guwahati : Mr Madan Prasad Bezbaruah, Former secretary, Government of India has said that changes are common phenomena and it is high time that we find ways about how to

respond to change. Mr Bezbaruah was delivering a lecture on "Challenges of the New Millennium and the North-east", at the 19th Foundation Day celebrations of K C Das Commerce College in the city, on 7th November. Entrepreneurship, public action and good governance are very important in the North-east to face the challenges of the New millennium.

Khanduri may discuss gate issue

Guwahati : Union Surface Transport Minister BC Khanduri, who arrived in the city on a two-day visit on 7th November, had a detailed discussion with officials of Meghalaya Government on national highways. He will have a discussion with the officials of Assam Government on 8th November before leaving for Delhi.

Assam Flood Control Dept renamed

Guwahati : The Assam Government has renamed its Flood Control Department as Water Resources Department with immediate effect. The notification to this effect was issued on November 1.


Govt pushes BTC, calls BLT for talks on Nov 13

Guwahati : In what appears to be a forward push to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) deal, the Assam Government on 6th November invited the BLT for talks on November 13 to determine the boundary of the proposed politico-administrative structure.

Significantly, this is the first step initiated by the State Government for talks with the BLT. The Cabinet sub-committee on the proposed BTC with hold discussions with the Congress MPs and MLAs of the Bodo areas before the talks with the BLT.

The boundary determination, which was finalized on 6th November, did not materialize. The chairman of the Sub-committee DR Bhumidhar Barman reiterated that the Government's final report on the BTC boundary and villages to be brought under it will be submitted to the State Government on November 15. The sub-committee on 6th November also held unofficial discussions with the ABSU and other Bodo leaders.

Gogoi-Osmani duel unfortunate : AICC leader

Guwahati : Secretary of the AICC's Minority Department, Mohammed Afzal, said here on 6th November that he would place the grievances of the minorities in Assam before Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the party's general secretary in-charge of Assam, Mohsina Kidwai.

Afzal, who was here as an observer for the annual convention of the Minority Department of the Pradesh Congress Committee, said : "Minorities have a lot genuine grievances that need urgent attention. But, it was unfortunate that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and minority leader Golam Osmani decided to give vent to their differences of opinion in public during the session on 5th November."

AGP charges Cong of nexus with ULFA, moves PM, Kalam

Guwahati : The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) he said that the manner in which Mitu Baruah, an ULFA cadre was killed by the police in the city on October 30 raises questions of a possible nexus between the Congress Government and the outlawed ULFA. The AGP

believes that the militant was killed in a barbaric manner despite his offer to surrender as he could have been in possession of such vital information which the Congress tried to prevent being leaked.

The AGP on 6th November submitted separate memoranda to the President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for necessary action against this "blatant violation of human rights".

HC admits PIL on ULFA killing

Guwahati : Gauhati High Court on 6th November admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding CBI inquiry into the killing of two ULFA militants in the city in an encounter with police on October 30. A division bench comprising Justice N S Singh and P G Agarwal admitting the PIL fixed December 10 as the next date of hearing. The judges also asked both the respondents Central and Assam Governments to file affidavits. The bench also said that pending of the case would not be a bar on the respondents to pay compensation to the two injured civilians if they so desired. The petition, filed by Advocate Bijon Mahajan and R D Pradhan, also demanded compensation to the next of kin of the two deceased.

Gogoi, State FMs meet RBI Governor

Guwahati : As a follow-up of the meeting of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee with Chief Ministers on fiscal situation of the states, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, along with Finance Ministers of states represented in the empowered committee met the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Mr Bimal Jalan here on 6th November. During the meeting, issues relating to debt swapping through adjustment of 20 per sent of the net small savings collection and through additional market borrowing , relaxation in restrictive circular issued by the RBI in respect of State Government loans from banks and financial institutions to finance their plan expenditure and various measures to alleviate the ways and means crisis of State Governments were discussed.

Cleanliness Awareness Week at AMCH

Guwahati : A cleanliness awareness week held in Assam Medical College Hospitals concluded recently as per pre-foundation day celebration of AMCH. It started with full participation of all students of medical college under the banner of the students union of the college. The whole week was observed as cleanliness drive. A students rally also taken out which was inaugurated by Dr Nandita Choudhury, principal of the college.


Daimari : 'Indian civilians' can't live in peace if 'state terror' not stopped; no Bhutan invitation for exit talks - We can negotiate if Delhi talks on our rights : NDFB chief

Guwahati : The President of the outlawed National Democratic Front Bodoland (NDFB) Nabla Daimari said that his organization was ready to resolve its problems through negotiations with the Government of India, provide New Delhi was 'sincere and honest' in its approach and agrees to talk on the question of the Boros' 'historical rights and the right to self-determination.' He said that the NDFB has not received any fresh invitation for talks from the Bhutan Government over the rebels' withdrawal from the Kingdom, but sought to make it clear that his organization has 'no permanent camp' inside Bhutan. Asked to comment on the reason behind killing 21 non-Boro civilians at village Datgiri, on the Bhutan border, the NDFB chief warned that 'no Indian civilian can live in peace within Boroland' unless 'state-sponsored terrorist activities' were brought to a halt.

Gogoi, Osmani in wordy duel - 'Gogoi okayed Sinha's 2nd term, ignoring minorities'

Guwahati : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Assam Congress minority leader A.F. Golam Osmani were engaged in a heated exchange in presence of over 400 members of the APCC minority cell, besides several senior ministers at Rajiv Bhavan here on 5th November, before an agitated Mr Gogoi left the venue of the meeting in a huff to drive straight to the airport to catch a flight to New Delhi.

The wordy duel between them was triggered by Mr Osmani's charge that the Chief Minister had done precious little for the development of the Muslims of Assam and that he had given his nod to the re-appointment of Lt Gen. (Retd) S.K. Sinha as the Governor of Assam for a second term.

Bodo panel to meet on 6th November, map in agenda

Guwahati : The Assam Cabinet Sub-Committee on Bodos will have its last meeting on 6th November and give final touches to its recommendations on the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to the State Government. The State Government , on the other hand, will get Cabinet approved on the BTC in its next sitting, and send it to the Centre for the final approval.

Official sources on 5th November said that The sub-committee was unlikely to include 93 villages to the proposed BTC. "We have drawn the final map. It will have four districts and over 3,000 villages," they said.

Govt sets Dec 31 date for Ashok Paper Mill

Guwahati : The Ashok Paper Mills, Jogighopa, is heading towards doom, thanks to the dismal performance of the parties engaged for its running , after the State Government decided to open it up to private parties in 1995. There is no production at the Mill since 1983. The Government has given an ultimatum to the Soneko Group , now known as North East Paper and Industries Ltd, which is currently in charge of the Mill to start production before December 31, 2002.

APCC Minority Cell wants Sinha restrained, disposal of 'D' votes cases

Guwahati : The Minority Department of the Assam Predesh Congress Committee (APCC) on 5th November lambasted the Assam Governor, Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha for his "derogatory remarks" on the issue of scrapping of the IMDT Act, which is against the stand adopted by the State Government. The Department urged the Chief Minister, Mr Tarun Gogoi and the State Party leadership to take up the matter with the President and the Centre to prevail upon Sinha to refrain from such statements which pose a "threat to the communal harmony of the State."

The issue was discussed at length at the delegates" session at the Annual Convention of the Minority Department of the APCC held at Rajiv Bhavan here, under the chairmanship of AF Golam Osmani, MP and chairman, Minority Department of the APCC Lt Gen Sinha has publicity called for the repeal of the Act, in sharp contrast to the Congress Government's stand.

Man hurt in clash, dies in hospital

Guwahati : One Bikram Sarkar (27) of Kamakhya hill side under Jalukbari police station of the city succumbed to his head injuries which he had sustained during a clash with a neighbouring family on 4th November night . Bikram died at Mahendra Mohan Choudhury

Hospital on 5th November. The police arrested two persons Shyamal Das and Paritosh Das -in this connection.


Diwali celebrations low-key in city

Guwahati : Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated all over the State on 4th November along with the rest of the country. In Guwahati , the celebrations were somewhat subdued owing to the blanket ban on fire-crackers imposed by the Kamrup district administration. The celebrations also coincided with the Kali Puja.

The city was awash with the illumination of millions of lights lit by the people in their homes in the evening. Hundreds of community Kali Pujas were organized all over the city. Children, joined by their elders, lit sparklers that it up the evening sky. Teenagers, though, were seen bursting crackers evading the law enforcers. The usual staccato of firecrackers, seen in the previous years, was, however, missing.

Assam Accord- 'Govts ignoring implementation'

Guwahati : Both the Central and State Government, it seems, is losing interest in the implementation of the Assam Accord as even the tripartite meetings to review the progress of the same are not being held regularly.

The adviser of All Assam Students' Union (AASU), Sri Samujjal Bhattacharjya said that the tripartite meetings between the Central and State Governments and the AASU on implementation of the Assam Accord should be held in every three months but unfortunately, due to the reasons best known to the Government, the meeting was not held for last nine months, while, meeting between the State Government and the AASU supposed to be held every month, was not held for the last six months.

ASLSA- Providing legal help to the underprivileged

Guwahati : For millions of litigants across the country cases can take years, and sometimes even decades, before decisions are handed out. For lakhs of poor and underprivileged people, court cases may prove to be a cumbersome proposition involving dozens of visits of the courts and lawyers, besides being a financial drain.

Succour for such people have come in the form of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, passed by the Parliament that year. The Constitution of India assures that the State shall secure equal justice for all. It is in keeping with that promise that the Act was passed to enable the weaker sections of the society to have access to legal services and aid. The National Legal Services Authority, with the Chief Justice of India as the patron-in-chief, was set up in accordance with the Act.

Bogibeel Bridge Project - Land acquisition work on

Guwahati : Dibrugarh district administration on 4th November said that there was no work pending with it in connection with the acquisition of land for the Bogibeel bridge project. It also said that it has done its bit to ensure the timely complete of the Mohanbari airport renovation project. The Dibrugarh District Information and Public Relation Officer (DIPRO), in a fax statement, said that after getting the alignment from the Railways, a cell for the Bogibeel project was formed in the DC's office and all the works of field survey and preparation of 26 LA cases publication of 4(1) notification in Office Gazettes were done within the stipulated two months. After the publication, objections and hearing under

section 5 (A) were also completed as set.

Govt refutes NESO charge

Guwahati : The State Government on 4th September strongly reacted to North East Students' Union Organization (NESO) president Samujjal Bhattacharya's statement accusing Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of indulging in "open killing".

The Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development , Sri Ripun Bora, who is the spokesman of the Government, described the allegation as a politically motivated one. He said that an experienced student leader like Sri Bhattacharya should not issue such irresponsibility statements to create confusion in the minds of the people at a time when the overall law and order in the situation was improving.


NO proposals, NABARD may divert Rs 500 cr

Guwahati : The cash-strapped Assam Government is heading towards another financial disaster. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has almost decided to "divert" a loan amount of Rs 500 crore to other states since the Tarun Gogoi-led government has failed to submit project proposals both during the last financial year.

Ministers and bureaucrats of the Assam Government will be left with red faces when the Chairman of NABARD Y.C. Namda and Managing Director M.V. Chalapathi Rao meets Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on November month to apprise him that apart from its failure to submit project proposals, Assam stands accused of defaulting on repayment of a loan of Rs 36 lakh taken earlier. The NABARD top brass will give a clear Minister that unless his government repay the said loan amount and adhere to the norms when utilizing the bank loan, NABARD is not going to sanction any loan for the State under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in future.

'Open killings' by Gogoi govt, says AASU, NESO

Guwahati : The North East Students' Organization (NESO) and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on 5th November branded Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as the "hero of open killings". Both the organization also termed former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta as the "master of secret killings".

NESO president and adviser to AASU Dr Samujjal Bhattacharjyya in a hard hitting statement said that Tarun Gogoi is not only safeguarding the "secret killers" but also starting a regime of "open killings". He said that the incidents of brutal killing of Samir Khan by the CRPF in the heart of the city last year , killings of two ULFA militants near the Dispur complex few days back are examples as to how the present Government is "mastering the art of open killings".

News on 3rd November '2002

Sarkar to meet PM, Advani - 'Cong MLA's son in ULFA's Bhutan camp'

Guwahati : The West Bengal government has provided some vital clues about the whereabouts of Pradip Sarkar, son of Congress MLA Chandan Sarkar, abducted about eight months ago.

Highly official sources said that according to the West Bengal government's information,

Pradip Sarkar is currently in the captivity of the banned ULFA at its Pipping camp situated inside the deep jungles of Bhutan. The particular camp has been newly set up by the banned ULFA and is currently being used by about 250 cadres of the ULFA and KLO. The militants initially kept Pradip at Kalikata camp which is situated at few kilometres from the West Bengal-Bhutan border.

Pradip was abducted by unidentified militants from Falakata area in West Bengal on March 4 this year. Intelligence reports said that Pradip was abducted by the KLO, who later handed him over to the ULFA.

New SP assumes office

Guwahati : Mr Hiren Nath, IPS on 3rd November took over charge as the city SP at a simple ceremony held here. Mr Nath said that his first priority would be to maintain law-and-order in the city. He said that he would come down heavily on elements trying to create disturbances. He sought dedication and sincerity from his colleagues and cooperation from the public.

News on 2nd November '2002

Governor-CM verbal duel - President, PM urged to intervene

Guwahati : AGP MLA, Dilip Saikia has urged upon the president, Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of India to intervene duel between the Governor and the Chief Minister of the State on the issue of the presence of Bangladesh nationals in the State.

The diatribe is sure to damage the image of these two high officers, Sri Saikia said in his letters to the President, Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of India. The constitutional head of the State and the head of the elected State Government should work in harmony to lead the State on the progress, Sri Saikia said.

Transfer policy for ACS cadres

Guwahati : The Assam Government has adopted a pragmatic transfer policy for the first time to bring about transparency, merit and rationalization in the deployment of Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers.

The objectives of the transfer and posting policy for ACS officers are to have talented, dedicated and well prepared civil servants in appropriate posts, to rationally deploy the civil servants based on requirement and need and to give due regard for the officers' expertise.

Huge arms haul in Shillong

Guwahati : The secretary forces on 1st October busted a major hideout of the HNLC militants in Shillong and recovered huge quantity of ammunition and explosives. Meghalaya DGP L Sailo said, acting on a tip off, the secretary forces cordoned off a residential area of Mawali Nongdeng in Shillong and busted the hideout. Middle ranking leader of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Rounding Moon Swer was also arrested. The security forces recovered 663 rounds of ammunition which includes 460 rounds of M-16 rifles and 169 rounds of AK-47 besides, two high explosive Chinese hand grenade and about 100 rounds of 303 rifles ammunition.

Purchase policy helps feed sick Assam PSUs

Guwahati : The cash-strapped Assam Government is literally robbing Peter to pay Paul. Some of the government departments have been left high and dry following the decision to make all departmental purchase through the Assam Small Industries Development Corporation (ASIDC) and the Assam Government Marketing Corporation (AGMC).

Most of the departments which are under tremendous pressure to adhere to financial discipline in the post-austerity regime, purchasing materials, through the corporations amount to parting away of substantial chunk of their allotted funds to "feed the sick public sector units". Direct purchasing of materials from the market is a more profitable proposition, a top Assam Government official said.

Bureaucratic reshuffle in State

Guwahati : Effecting a reshuffle, the Assam Government has relieved the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) J P Rajkhowa from the post of Agriculture Production Commissioner (APO) . Commissioner & Secretary of Planning and Development Department , Subhas Das has been entrusted with the additional charge of APO. On the other hand, Das was relieved from the charge of Industry and Commerce Department Commissioner & Secretary of Finance, H S Das has been given the charge of Industry & Commerce Department said here on 31st October.

2 NDFB cadres shot dead in Barpeta

Guwahati : Two NDFB militants were shot dead in an encounter with the Army in lower Assam's Barpeta district and arms recovered from them. The extremists exchanged fire with the troops at Bhuyan Para under Barpeta Road police station on 31st October night. A 9-mm pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition were recovered from them.

News on 1st November '2002

Killing ULFA men in city - CM orders transfer of city SP, ASP

Guwahati : In the wake of raging controversy over the 'inhuman' manner in which two ULFA ultras were killed in the city on 30th October, the State Government on 1st November transferred the city Superintendent of Police, Paresh Neog and Additional Superintendent of Police, Rana Bhuyan with immediate effect, according to Chief Minister's press secretary Bichitra Choudhury.

Official sources informed that Neog has been transferred as Superintendent of Police Lakhimpur and the incumbent Lakhimpur SP, Hiren Nath has been transferred to Guwahati city.

AHRC directs DGP to institute probe

Guwahati : The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on 1st November suo moto registered a case in connection with the encounter between the ULFA and the police in the city's Beltola-Survey area on October 30 .

The Commission has also directed the Director General of the State Police (DGP) to institute an inquiry into the incident and submit its report to the Commission by November 14. Copies of the Commission order registering the case (No 4273/2002- Kamrup) has been sent to the Chief Secretary and the Secretary, Home and Political Department, beside the DGP of the State.

Mahanta for President's Rule in State

Guwahati : Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumer Mahanta on 1st November demanded that the State Government led by Sri Traun Gogoi should step down and requested the Prime Minister of India to impose President's Rule in the State in the State in the wake of the October 26 Kokrajhar Dagiri massacre and the total failure of the law and order machinery in the State.

Sri Mahanta, presently an AGP MLA from Brahmaputra, reasoned while addressing media persons at his official residence at the capital complex here this morning , that during the last one and half a year of the Congress rule, the State administration had collapsed beyond repair.

Gallantary award for 7 policemen

Guwahati Seven Assam Police Official- Jimat Doley, ASP of Nalbari, Ranjan Bhuyan, DSP of Nalbari, Nirendra Sial, ASP of NC Hills, Nitranjan Mahanta, Lohit Chandra Rabha and Himangshu Das (all of them are SIs of DEF, Goalpara) and Mridul Gogoi, constable of 3rd APTF- have selected for gallantry award by the Union Home Ministry.

Mixed bandh, - Gohain held, Cong youths force open shops in city

Guwahati : The 12-hour BJP- sponsored Assam bandh on 31st October evoked a mixed response in the State. Normal life in different parts of the State was partially affected due to the bandh.

Barring an attempt to stop a train in Nagaon, the Lok Sabha constituency of Assam BJP president Rajen Gohain, no untoward incident was reported. Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Pratik Hazela told that some BJP activists, including the party MLA from Lumding Sushil Datta, were arrested when they tried to cause "disruption" at public places in a bid to make the bandh successful. The bandh was partial and government offices are functioning normally, he said.

Kirip, Anowar Hussain's clout making Gogoi loyalists wary?

Guwahati : A sense of disappointment prevails at different levels of the Assam Congress leadership over the functioning of the Tarun Gogoi-led government. Many of the senior party leaders including ministers, believed to be Gogoi loyalists, on 31st October came out in the open and expressed concern over some of the statements made by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Paban Singh Ghatowar on 30th October.

Back issues - November '2002 - vedanti News/2002/11... · Web viewNews on 30th November '2002...

Documents

Transcript of Back issues - November '2002 - vedanti News/2002/11... · Web viewNews on 30th November '2002...