Safe passage for ULFA possible

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 31: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said if the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) sends a letter to the State Government stating its willingness for peace talks, the government can think of safe passage for its leaders.

Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, Gogoi said: “If talks are held with the ULFA, it will be with ‘full dignity’. The ULFA leaders in jail, including Arabinda Rajkhowa, are willing for peace talks.”

Gogoi said economic development in the State was stagnant after 1997, but the successive Congress governments have boosted it up.

When asked what was the tragedy that touched him the most in 2009, Gogoi pointed to the Bhimajuli killing and January 1 blasts in Guwahati

When asked about the happiest event in 2009, Gogoi said: “It was the ULFA leaders expressing their willingness for peace talks.” THE SENTINEL

Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)'s 2009 activities

GUWAHATI, Dec 31: During the year 2009, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has carried forward its commitment to the people of North East for overall development of the region. The Ministry also took many new initiatives for the development of the region.

PIB sources said, beginning from the month of January, the fifth Plenary Session of North Eastern Council was held at New Delhi under the Chairmanship of DoNER Minister and North East Council (NEC) Chairman Mani Shankar Aiyar. The governors and chief ministers of the North-eastern States, members of NEC, Planning Commission and the State Governments of NE participated in the session. Various issues related to the development of the region were discussed. Some of the decisions taken during the session include –– redrafting of the proposed 11th Five Year Plan of the North Eastern Council by incorporating the views of Member States, the NEC should directly negotiate with Air India to work out for the dedicated airlines in the NE etc.

A meeting to review the progress made by the Nodal Officers of the Ministry with the line Ministries/Departments was conducted by the DoNER Minister and during the month, an amount of Rs 32.39 crore was released under NLCPR programme of the Ministry to the Northeast for several infrastructure projects.

Another meeting, which was chaired by DoNER Secretary on February 17, 2009 with Heads of Missions of some of the Latin American and Caribbean countries to acquaint them about possible linkages in handicraft & handloom sector as it exist in the NE was conducted.

In the month of September, the DoNER Minister took stock of the progress of important railway projects in the North-East Region, particularly the broad gauge conversion of Lumding-Silchar-Jiribam railway line, at Lumding, Assam. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Northeast Frontier Railways, DoNER, Minister of Home Affairs, Government of Assam and security agencies.

The Lumding-Silchar-Jiribam gauge project, sanctioned in 1996-97, was declared a National Project in 2004. The total length of the line is 368.48 km. The critical activities in the project include Dayang bridge, tunnel no. 10 between km 100.6 to 103.8, bridge no. 543 at km. 143.5 and bridge no. 572 on river Barak. Dayank bridge is the longest bridge in the section with span configuration of 11x61 metre and pier height of 55 metre. The longest tunnel in the section is tunnel no. 10 with a length of 3235 metre.

BK Handique has emphasized the need to overcome all the hurdles with a view to complete the project by 2012. A meeting was convened by the DoNER secretary to discuss the progress of implementation of PM’s Announcements pertaining to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Tripura. He also took meetings to review the status of 27 key infrastructure projects identified by the PMO for expeditious implementation.

The Ministry also sanctioned 11 new infrastructure projects with a total approved cost of Rs 91.57 crore during the month under NLCPR. An amount of 102.63 crore was released during this period of the NE States against the total budgetary provision of 700 crore under the Scheme. The Ministry has also retained seven projects for techno-economic examination.

The eight road sector projects in the 27 key infrastructure projects in the NER which are being monitored by the PMO include the Dhola-Sadiya bridge and Numali-Gohpur bridge (Assam) and four-laning of NH-37 on the Nagaon-Jorhat-Dibrugarh stretch.

According to PIB sources the main reason of delay include issues relating to land acquisition, forest and environmental clearances, non-availability of resourceful contractors, inter-State coordination. It was decided that each of the issues would be taken at the appropriate level with the appropriate authority. This Ministry will also facilitate inter-State coordination and issuance of clearances.

The Ministry released an amount of Rs. 12.08 crore for different infrastructure projects in Assam during the month under its Scheme of Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources. With this the cumulative releases for the financial year stand at Rs 235 crore. With the recent streamlining of the NLCPR guidelines, the entire process of sanction and release is likely to get a fillip.

In the month of November, at the insistence of the Ministry, the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) took steps to harness the full potential of the upcoming Assam Gas Cracker Project. They carried out an elaborate study proposing an Action Plan for promoting downstream plastic and allied industries in Assam and other States of the Northeast. The Ministry itself has trained a large number of youth in plastic technology and entrepreneurship and is, through NEC, exploring to set up a plastic park in the State of Assam.

The Ministry sanctioned five new projects with an approved cost of Rs 31.38 crore under NLCPR. Apart from these, 43 projects, with a tentative cost of Rs 534 crore have been retained for techno-economic examination. Although, an amount of Rs 29.39 crore was released to the States during November 2009 under the scheme. THE SENTINEL

Shakti Kapur to perform jatras in Assam

BARPETA, Dec 31: Noted actor and a popular villain of the Hindi film industry Shakti Kapur is on a visit to Barpeta to perform jatras. Kapur had already performed some plays at Tangla and Bahari in Barpeta and Patiladaha in Bongaigaon and is supposed to perform in at least 15 more plays.

The actor, while talking to The Sentinel, said he is very much impressed with the rural beauty of Assam and the amiable nature of the people here. But, he said the deplorable condition of the roads in the State is very pathetic. He also added that he was enjoying his work as an actor in the dramas. Kapur said he is very much aware of the militancy problem in the State and wants peace to prevail in it.

The renowned actor is here with D Mukherjee’s Basundhara Jatra Association, Kolkata, and said, “If I get a chance to work in Assamese films, I will love to do so and I will also charge a minimal fee for acting in them.” A total of 35 people are visiting the district along with Kapur. THE SENTINEL

Lajong Moment

 The Shillong Lajong Football Club’s Federation Cup semifinal triumph over favourites Churchill Brothers at Guwahati’s Nehru Stadium on Wednesday was a buoyant moment that not just Meghalaya but the rest of the Northeast too would cherish. After all, here is a football club from the region that has caught the nation’s soccer imagination, proving there is no dearth of soccer talent in the region that only awaits exploration. Many are saying the final, to be played on January 3, is now inconsequential because the Lajong players, groomed meticulously by coach Stanley Rozario, have already proved their merit. True, in the wake of the marvellous display of speed and skills on Thursday, the final outcome cannot be allowed to act an instrument of distraction: if they win, it is fine; if they lose, they have nothing to lose except the touch of the cup. That is, if they win, the euphoria must not eclipse the fact that one should remain humble and remain a student for ever; if they lose, it must be a moment to reflect on the journey traversed so far and grow as ever.

That said, there is a message following the Lajong glory: that the country’s soccer authorities cannot now ignore the northeastern region where talents endowed with great stamina — so vital for the game — are aplenty, and that it is time the region too shifted its games focus from cricket to other arenas like football. If Lajong can happen to Meghalaya, so also could a gem as that adorn the soccer canvas of the rest of the northeastern States, provided of course one locates the right talents and finds a competent coach to guide them. Let now the region’s soccer bodies be pro-active, free from political grip. THE SENTINEL

East meets West

East meets West

DIBRUGARH, Dec 31: The famous poem– The East is East and the West is West and Never the Twain Shall Meet–  penned by Rudyard Kipling was proved wrong by conduct of the successful educational tour of students of Dibrugarh to the Western most State of India– Rajasthan. An education tour to Rajasthan comprising of eighteen high school going children along with two teachers of Dibrugarh district was organised by 18th JAT under the aegis of the Dah Divison. During the tour, the children were conducted around at Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. On successful completion of the tour a ‘Flagging In’ ceremony was organized on December 30, near Polo Grounds in Dibrugarh.

The ceremony started off with a painting exhibition by the children in which various paintings and sketches made on their experiences during the tour were displayed. The exhibition was followed by a presentation made by the children on their experiences of the tour. The children shared that they were greatly impressed by the grandeur and magnificence of the historical monuments of Rajasthan. An exposure to India’s diverse and rich culture was also a major motivational factor for them. A programme of song and dance was the highlight of the event. Speaking on the occasion Brig Asit Mistry, VSM, Commander Laipuli Brigade complimented the children on the successful conduct of the tour and also on their performance at the cultural programme. He also said that this was an unique experiment of national integration where East met the West in which our children from one of the Eastern most States had gone to the Western most State and interacted with the children there. He also explained to them the underlying principles of Operation Sadbhavana being conducted by the Army.

The teachers and staff of Rameshwar High School, Barbarua, who were present there appreciated the efforts of the Army and commented that such efforts greatly contributed towards national integration. Also present on the occasion were prominent academicians like, mediapersons and Army officers. This was stated in a press release. THE SENTINEL

The 8th Kaziranga Elephant Festival-2010 will be held in Mihimukh mela area of Kaziranga national park from 3-6 January.

The 8th Kaziranga Elephant Festival-2010 will be held in Mihimukh mela  area of Kaziranga national park from 3-6 January. The four days long  celebration is part of Government initiative to promote awareness about  animal welfare as well as tourism in the area comprising elephant race,  elephant show, elephant ride and boating in Brahamputra-Dhansiri river.

The yearly celebration is entering into 8th year jointly being  organized by Golaghat District administration and Forest & Tourism  Department of Assam Govt. The mela area is already being in final stage  of preparation and all the nearby hotels cum resorts are ready to host  guests coming from remotest place in winter season to enjoy elephant  festival which also coinciding the peak season of New Year.

Truly, the Kaziranga national heritage is an awesome experience for someone coming for elephant festival for the first time and it will boost the overall tourism business of Kaziranga area by riding on increasing popularity of forth-coming elephant festival’10.

Bishwajeet Kumar Sinha

Nagaon-782001.

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Bizarre Politics

State government employees in Assam are on the warpath demanding a better pay structure than what has been announced by the Tarun Gogoi government following the sixth State pay commission recommendation. The real grouse is against the government’s failure to keep its own words. On the floor of the State Assembly, the government had given its employees the assurance that it would pay them at least a rupee more than what Central government employees are paid. That assurance is a damp squib now. But what is interesting is that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi should have had the occasion only now to remind State government employees of ‘‘Assam being not a resourceful State’’ and thus to point to the government’s inability to pay them in accordance with what he had himself promised. Given the art of total sabotage of work ethics that Assam’s government employees have excelled in over the years and their perverse logic that they ought to be paid even if they do not work at all, there is no reason why one should support their planned agitation, especially when they have revolted against performance-based incentive — reflecting yet again on their reluctance to accept performance as a basis to decide on their career graph. But what is truly amazing is why the Chief Minister should forget that Assam was not a resourceful State even when he was trying to woo the employees by promising them an impossible pay package! Or was a divine intervention due? THE SENTINEL

Tarun Gogoi distributes land pattas to 112 tea tribe people in Mariani

JORHAT, Dec 28: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi distributed land settlement pattas of measuring 206 bighas 2 kathas and 6 lechas land to- 112 tea tribe people in Mariani under Mariani Revenue Circle of Jorhat district yesterday. Gogoi also inaugurated the distribution of the provisional pattas of 255 bighas 16 lechas land to 125 tea garden workers of Morongial Gaon of Hulunguri Tea Estate under Nakachari Mouza of his home district, as a part of rehabilitation drive of his Government.

Before winding up his two-day visit to his home district, Gogoi also inaugurated the Land Development and Tea Sapling Plantation scheme taken up under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) at Katonibari division of Soikota Tea Estate under Mariani LAC. Inaugurating the scheme Gogoi said in his speech that, his Government has been taking up such projects particularly for the development of the tea tribe’s community people living in the State. He also said that his Government is always worried over the dilemmas plagued by the tea tribe’s people since decades. Gogoi also assured them to take all possible helps for the tea tribes community across the State.

Participating the meeting as invited guest, Jorhat Legislator Rana Goswami informed the gathering that such a project of Tea Sapling Plantation would also be taken up in Cinnamora Tea Estate by next month. Jorhat Deputy Commissioner LS Changsan, also briefed about the scheme taken up in the garden and said that the scheme would be implemented at 1.5 hectares of land with an amount of Rs 5 lakh and would be increased later.

The programme was attended by Mariani Legislator Rupjyoti Kurmi, Assam Tea  Corporation Managing Director Harish Sonowal, Jorhat Zila Parishad Chairman Putul Bora Gohain, Vice-Chairman Manjula Rajput, Lakshewas Tanti among others. The meeting was moderated by Jorhat District Information and Public Relation Officer Dusanta Madhab Sarma and Soikota Tea Estate Manager Tapan Kharghoria offered the vote of thanks. THE SENTINEL

Who will be the next Assam BJP chief ?

GUWAHATI, Dec 25: The State BJP is agog with hectic politicking over its next president who will be elected by the end of this year. 

 
The process of election of the Assam BJP chief kicked off today with five aspirants for the post collecting nomination papers from the party office here. They include MP from Nagaon constituency Rajen Gohain, Assam BJP vice-president Palit Bora, Bihali MLA Ranjit Dutta, Santanu Gogoi and Sidartha Bhattacharjee. 

 
State BJP general secretary Nakul  Barua, one of the contenders, is likely to take his nomination papers tomorrow.  

Nominations papers will be issued till December 27. The last date for submission of papers is December 29 (till noon). Nominations, if any, must be withdrawn by the evening of December 29. The election is slated for December 30.

The State BJP is divided into several camps on who should be its new president. 

 
A sizable section of party workers insist that an able person with an unblemished image should head the party. They are reportedly trying to impress newly-elected BJP president Nitin Gadkari and other central party leaders on the fact that election of people like Rajen Gohain and Ranjit Dutta would  do more harm than good to the State  BJP. 

 
They feel that Gohain has to spend most of his time in New Delhi. His image as an MP has also taken a beating in Assam with allegations of misconduct brought against him by various quarters. Moreover, BJP fared badly in the last civic polls in his parliamentary constituency.
Some BJP members believe that Dutta, if elected as the party president, would not be able to look after party affairs as he has not made it clear that he would not fight the 2011 State assembly elections. Besides this, Dutta could not do much for the BJP-AGP alliance in the last   general elections in the State. It has become quite an issue with party workers that the BJP-AGP candidate  did not get the BJP votes that helped  Dutta win the last assembly election to Bihali constituency.

Grapevine has it that Palit Bora, too, is not in majority of BJP supporters’ good books in Assam.
There is a general feeling among State BJP members that Nakul Barua   is too old to be able to do justice to the top party post. Sidartha Bhattacharjee is a youth leader and political analyst  but he is still unknown to many BJP supporters. 

 
According to sources, the central BJP leadership is looking into the conflicting opinions from its Assam camp on the issue of election of the State BJP president. 

 
Considering the situation in the Assam BJP, sources have not ruled   out the possibility that the State BJP president may be finally selected or nominated, if not elected, by the party top brass.  THE SENTINEL

Navabarsha Mahutsav at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetr

Navabarsha Mahutsav at Kalakshetra

By our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Dec 24: Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra will organize 'Navabarsha Mahutsav 2010 on its premises from January 1 to 5 . The programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. The 6th Annual North East State Art Exhibition and a ‘Silpa Mela’ will also mark the Mahutsav. THE SENTINEL

Bangladeshi national apprehended, 20 cattle seized

SHILLONG, Dec 24: BSF personnel apprehended a Bangladeshi national when he was trying to sneak into Indian territory yesterday. He was identified as Md Hunnan (18) of Dapar village in Sylhet district, Bangladesh.  On the intervening night of December 23 and 24, BSF troops also seized 20 cattle and contraband goods from areas on the India-Bangladesh border. The BSF men made the seizure when the cattle and contraband were being smuggled into Bangladesh. THE SENTINEL

NE economy can be developed through agriculture: Rai

SHILLONG, Dec 24: The Northeast  has the potential to be economically self-sufficient through agricultural activities. What the region needs to do is go for investment and scientific method of farming rather than ‘suffer’ while trying to join the green revolution of northern and western regions of the country.

This was the observation of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) secretary and Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Dr Mangala Rai. In the course of his speech at the ICAR complex in Shillong today, Rai said, “It’s unfortunate that the east is looking towards the west when the agricultural revolution started from here”.

Pointing out to the abundance of rich land, favourable climate and other adjectives that can make the region different from other parts of the country, Rai said, “A solution lies in understanding the strength, the blend of the indigenous knowledge along with scientific discovery and investment that can make the region better off with food”.

“Don’t run after the west or the north when you have all the strengths that can shape the economy through agricultural activities,” exhorted Rai, while pointing at the dependence of the Northeast on agriculture for its economy. Almost 70 per cent of the north-eastern populace depends on agriculture against the 52 per cent recorded dependence all over the country.

Mangala Rai today called for “heavy investment” in agriculture and allied sectors as a way to reap the rich potentials.

Emphasizing on development of horticulture, floriculture, pisciculture and other such sectors, Rai said agricultural produces from the Northeast should be value added and linked to the international market for the benefit of the farmers.

The abundant water available in the Northeast should be put to judicious and effective use for the development of the region, the eminent scientist said. He rued the fact that while the rest of the country has been harvesting 29 per cent of the available water, the corresponding figure in the Northeast was only 20 per cent. “With high precipitation, water in the region should be put to multiple uses so that it does not become a menace but an instrument for development,” he said.

Rai also stressed the need of water harvesting as a means to ensure proper utilization of the water available. “Despite so much precipitation, Cherrapunjee can’t have a second crop because of lack of water,” he said adding that a different strategy should be adopted to deal with this irony. THE SENTINEL

Christmas festivities grip Meghalaya

SHILLONG, Dec 24: People of Meghalaya, Shillongites in particular, today rang in Christmas festivities with processions and carol singing before the midnight mass.

 As revellers went last-minute shopping in the commercial hub of Shillong, the Christian faithful from different denominations joined a Christmas procession that crisscrossed all the major locations of the city. It was joie de vivre with the young and the old chanting Christmas hymns during their march along the thoroughfares of the city.

As soon as dusk fell, colourful lights illuminating personal residences as well as localities added grandeur to the Pine City signifying that Christmas has arrived.

 The festivities were to culminate with midnight church services and exchange of greetings between the faithful, who will go for family and community feasts on Friday and Saturday. THE SENTINEL

Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) at Itanagar

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: As if not to rest on its laurels of establishing the National Institutes of Technology (NIT), the State government has set the ball rolling for establishing yet another institute of prominence – the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) at Itanagar.

Sources today revealed that the State government has confirmed the allotment of land for setting up an RSETI in the State capital that would cater to the training and capacity building needs of local unemployed youths. The confirmation about land allotment was officially conveyed by Itanagar deputy commissioner Padmini Singla to NABARD General Manager Dr Benugopal Mukhopadhyay, who has been instrumental in facilitating the project. The proposed RSETI will be set up by Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank (APRB), which would be first of its kind by a rural bank in the North-east. The Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 1 crore to APRB for setting up the institute.

RSETIs are a programme of Ministry of Rural Development for training rural youths and below poverty line persons for self-employment. The RSETIs are replication of the successes of Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) set up by Dharmasthala Munanatheswara Educational Trust, Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank in 1982 in Dharmasthala, Karnataka. These are bank-led institutions, which are managed and run by public sector and private banks with active co-operation of State governments. The main objectives set for RSETIs are demand driven training, focus on rural and BPL youths, assured credit linkage with banks and financial literacy and credit worthiness of the individuals. The area of training to be provided to a particular youth would be decided after assessment of the aptitude of the candidate. The institute would also provide for ensuring at least a two-year follow-up to ensure sustainability of micro enterprises undertaken by the youths.

The Regional Office of NABARD had earlier approached various Commercial Banks and other agencies for setting up the Institute, which was accepted by APRB and it initiated the process.  The NABARD office facilitated the project by taking up the issue at various levels of Ministry of Rural Development, National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad and the State government.

“The setting up of RSETI will usher in a new era of self-employment with bank finance under various government-sponsored employment schemes,” observed Dr Mukhopadhyay. THE SENTINEL

AGP followers caution party members

NAGAON, Dec 24: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which came to power after the six-year-long historic Assam agitation, has been trying to get back to power since 2001 after it lost the elections. The party has been losing its grip in the State since other opposition parties paved their way in the Assam politics.

Senior citizens and grassroot-level workers of the party have, therefore, cautioned the party members to organize membership drives and to actively participate in local matters as well to organize meetings to discuss the problems of the people at the grassroot level.

Party followers opined that the present situation of the party was because of the apathy of the AGP leaders who seem to be least bothered with their diminishing political status. Moreover, the grassroot level workers have alleged that top members of the party never took the initiative to look into their problems and this ultimately loosened the bond among them. This also gradually led to the lessening of any party work in the lowest level, which happens to be the foundation of a party. the sentinel

Souvenir for NEIIM-2010

Dear All

 

The Souvenir for NEIIM-2010 is ready for publication. After good effort we succeeded in getting good number of articles. There are total 20 thought provoking articles on various topics related to the North East on Energy / Economy/ Brahmaputra/ Oil /Archeology/ Agriculture /Management etc totaling about 80 pages. This will be a unique magazine for anyone to get a prospective of things of the North East. The Souvenir will be distributed to many important government officials, personals and organizations globally.

 

The total publication of the Souvenir will be about Rs.60,000.

 

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Please call Bidyananda Barkakoty NEIIM-2010 (9435046211) for discount rates if you call responding to this message ASAP.

 

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‘Contemporary Six’

GUWAHATI, Dec 23: An exhibition of paintings — ‘Contemporary Six’ — is under way at State Art Gallery here.  Works of six contemporary artists of the State are being put on display in the exhibition, which was inaugurated on December 19. Some of the notable paintings include 'Portrait of a great personality'  and 'Birth centenary of a cultural legend.'  'Portrait ...’ is  a painting of  oil and acrylic on canvas.  The exhibition opens at 1 pm and closes at 6 pm. It would conclude on December 24. THE SENTINEL

Alliance Vision boost to Assamese film industry

GUWAHATI, Dec 23: Alliance Vision Marketing Pvt. Ltd, Guwahati has taken a number of steps in a bid to inject life into the dying Assamese film industry.

Alliance Vision Marketing Pvt. Ltd director Gaurav Gogoi today said the film branch of the company had already produced some VCD Assamese movies, including Purnima, and a cartoon picture with a view to giving a fresh boost to the struggling Assamese film industry. He said the Alliance would focus on making full-fledged movies as part its second-phase programme to revive the film industry in Assam.

Gogoi said the Alliance Academy of Broadcasting under the Alliance Vision Marketing Pvt. Ltd was providing youths with training in professional radio jockeying, professional voice culture and radio script writing

He admitted that the Assamese film industry was going through a bad phase with artistes, producers and directors facing a tough time. THE SENTINEL

Two rhinos killed in Kaziranga

KAZIRANGA/NUMALIGARH, Dec 22: Two endangered one-horned rhinos were killed by poacher gangs at the famed Kaziranga National Park, taking the toll of the giant pachyderms slaughtered so far this year to 14, officials said on Tuesday.

A wildlife official said the latest killings were reported on Monday from inside the sanctuary. “The two rhinos were killed using automatic weapons in separate locations and their horns gouged out. It could be the same poacher gang involved in both the attacks,” a park ranger told IANS.
Both killed were adult rhinos — a male and a female.

“We are indeed worried by the spurt in incidents of rhino poaching inside Kaziranga,” the park official said, requesting anonymity.

Last year, 18 rhinos were killed by poachers, the first time in a decade that the number of rhinos killed in a year in the park touched a double digit figure.

Between 1980 and 1997, some 550 rhinos were killed by poachers in Kaziranga - the highest being 48 in 1992.

As per latest figures, some 1,855 of the world’s estimated 2,700 one-horned rhinos lumber around the wilds of Kaziranga - their concentration here ironically making the giant mammals a favourite target of poachers.
Forest rangers complain about poor infrastructure and obsolete weapons compared to the poachers armed with sophisticated assault rifles.

“First of all the number of forest guards in Kaziranga is far less than what is actually required to protect the wildlife, then you have World War II weapons compared to AK series rifles and carbines used by the poachers,” a senior forest guard working in Kaziranga for more than 15 years, said.

Poachers kill rhinos for their horns, which many believe contain aphrodisiac qualities, besides being used as medicines for curing fever, stomach ailments and other diseases in parts of Asia.

Rhino horn is also much fancied by buyers from the Middle East who turn them into handles of ornamental daggers, while elephant ivory tusks are primarily used for making ornaments and decorative items.

Profits in the illegal rhino horn trade are staggering - rhino horn sells for up to Rs 1.5 million per kilogram in the international market after they are smuggled to China or sold in other clandestine Asian markets.

Once extracted, the rhino horn is routed to agents in places like Dimapur in Nagaland, Imphal in Manipur and Siliguri in West Bengal.

The route for rhino horn smuggling is an interesting one - a possible route is to Kathmandu via Siliguri and then from Nepal to China and the Middle East. The other possible route is from Imphal to Moreh on the Manipur border with Myanmar and then via Myanmar to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and China. THE SENTINEL

Nepal to take a leaf out of Meghalaya book

Nepal to take a leaf out of Meghalaya book

SHILLONG, Dec 22: A nine-member delegation of the High Level Task Force, Nepal has landed in the State to study the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya that could help them in drafting the new constitution of Nepal.

The Nepali team, including four members of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly, called on State Chief Minister DD Lapang today.

The HLTF delegation, led by Convener of the High Level Task Force (HLTF) Dr Om Gurung, arrived in Shillong on December 20 on recommendation by the Union Ministry of External Affairs that they should study the indigenous tribes of the State before drafting the constitution of Nepal. The delegation also met the KHADC Chairman, the Syiem of Hima Khyrim and some NEHU professors to discus the traditional customs and practices of the Khasis. THE SENTINEL

National Institutes of Technology (NIT) in Arunachal Pradesh

ITANAGAR, Dec 22: After NERIST, Arunachal Pradesh is all set to have another high-level technical institute with the decks cleared for establishment of a National Institutes of Technology (NIT) in the State. A high-level team from NIT, Durgapur led by its Director Prof S Bhattacharya, who along with Higher and Technical Education Director Dr Joram Begi called on Governor Gen (Rtd) J J Singh here today, informed that the institute is scheduled to start its academic session from July 2010.

Prof. Bhattacharjee, informed that, to begin with, the institute in the State would start with civil, electrical and mechanical engineering branches based on the need of the State.

“We will deploy our faculties to help in the development of the State and it will not be same as in other NITs,” he said and added that as per NIT norms, 50% of seats should be reserved for students of the home State while the rest would be filled in on all-India merit basis. The Director also placed the land requirements of 300 acres, along with proper Internet and other connectivity and accommodation, for establishment of the institute.
Expressing happiness that the institute is coming up in the State, Gen Singh assured cooperation in all capacities including as the Rector of Rajiv Gandhi University and Chairman of NERIST. He urged the authorities to work on a mission mode and make possible the project within a time frame.

Meanwhile, Dr Begi informed that the Government of India has decided to set up ten new National Institutes of Technology (NIT) during the eleventh Five Year Plan (2007 to 2012) out of which one would be in Arunachal Pradesh. The NIT, Durgapur, which is the oldest NIT of the country, has been entrusted with the responsibility to work as mentor and facilitator for establishment of the proposed NIT in the State. THE SENTINEL

ICAI holds two-day conference

GUWAHATI, Dec 21: The Guwahati branch of EIRC of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI) under the aegis of Direct Tax Committee of ICAI organized a two-day All-India Conference at ITA Centre, Guwahati on December 19 and 20 with a view to keeping professionals, students and others updated about the various developments and changes in law, the statue and so on.  The conference was inaugurated by ICAI president Uttam Prakash Agarwal in the presence of a host of dignitaries and eminent speakers from various fields, including Ved Jain, former president, ICAI; Dr Girish Ahuja, PR Ramesh, AC Chakraborty, Manoj Banthai, Sanjay Lohia (Commissioner of Taxes, Assam), V Raghuraman and Arun Agarwal, said an ICAI release. In the conference various relevant topics such as direct taxes, indirect taxes, IFRS, corporate governance, GST, etc were discussed by a galaxy of eminent speakers from all over the country. THE SENTINEL

Mohun Bagan make flying start in Fed Cup

Sports reporter
GUWAHATI, Dec 21 – Qualifier Mohammedan Sporting Club suffered a humiliating 1-4 defeat at the hands of their Kolkata mate McDowell Mohun Bagan Athletic Club in the group B inaugural match of the Federation Cup at the Nehru Stadium here today.

Although Md Sporting put up a spirited show throughout the course they failed to contain the well-combined Bagan attackers and conceded four goals.

Bagan frontliners Jose Barreto, Chidi Edeh and Sueka Ryuji combined so well that the Sporting defenders hardly could anticipate their tricky moves.

Barreto drew first blood with a beautiful header in the sixth minute anticipating a floater from L James Singh who got the ball from Ryuji off a short corner kick (1-0).

Against the run of play, Md Sporting built an attack from the left flank and skipper Jothi Kumar placed the ball inside the Bagan net after dodging past defender Sur Kumar Singh in the 27th minute (1-1).

It was Japanese recruit, Ryuji, who put Bagan ahead in the 41st minute with a smart header (2-1). Barreto found James Singh at the right flank and James sent a measured floater to Ryuji who beat theSporting goalkeeper Naseem Akhter at the far post.

After changing over, Bagan took complete control on the game and made repeated forays at the opponent citadel. But till the 89th minute, they could not increase the margin. Barreto netted the third goal off a good move initiated by substitute Ishtaq Ahmed. Chidi setthe ball for Barreto and he made no mistake in hitting the net (3-1).

Finally Chidi completed the rout in the added time with a sharp grounder (4-1). Ishtaq beautifully set the ball up for Chidi to drive home.

Mahindra bt Chirag: In the other match of the day, Mahindra United edged past Chirag United 2-1. Sushil Kumar Singh and NP Pradip scored for Mahindra in the 45th and 63rd minutes respectively, while Eduardo Chaconwelho Lacerda reduced the margin in the 77th minute converting a spot kick.

Earlier, the tournament was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

At Silchar: Churchill Brothers won their opening match in group C against Hindustan Aerounatic Limited 3-0. Paite scored in the 25th and 83rd minutes respectively, while Bodafa scored one in the 67th minute.

Mumbai Football Club rallied to beat Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1. Amof put the Goans ahead in the 27th minute but they failed in maintaining the lead. Perreira drew parity in the 42nd minute while Subhash Chakravorty fired the match winner in the 74th minute. At Silchar former Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev inaugurated the championship in a well attended function.

Today’s matches: (Guwahati): Dempo vs Pune FC, 3.30 pm, Air India vs Shillong Lajong, 6 pm. (Silchar): East Bengal vs Viva Kerala, 3.30 pm, JCT vs Salgaocar. 6 pm. ASSAM TRIBUNE

ABVP exhibition inspires students

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (AVBP) today conducted a poster exhibition in Government High Secondary School (GHSS) here at Kankar Nallah displaying the history of its formation in 1949 and its movements on social issues to bring about a revolution and development in the society.

ABVP, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, has chalked out such exhibitions across the country to bring out the creativity in students and youths.

“Seeing the efforts of students to change our country for good through the exhibits has really inspired me to do something worthwhile. We are as able as children in the developed countries,” said a student M D Naseem after going through the exhibition.

Pointing at a poster displaying AVBP’s movement to bring down the voting age from 21 to 18 years, Munna Thakur said, “Youths can make a difference. We need to be given the opportunity and bring the voting age down to 18 is one real step towards it.”

ABVP sources informed that next in the pipeline is a Contact Movement to create awareness amongst students from January 15 to 25 next. THE SENTINEL

Awareness programme on jhum cultivation held

JORHAT, Dec 21: An awareness programme on jhum cultivation was held at the Fumen En village at Karbi Anglong by scientists of Rain Forest Research Institute, recently.

In India, 11 million hectares of land is jhum cultivated and the lives of two million people are linked with this form of cultivation. In the Northeast on 7.76 per cent of cultivated land, jhum cultivation is practised.

The Rain Forest Research Institute while stressing on the degradation of land resulting from this slash and burn method of cultivation, asked the people to make the land fertile again by planting crops which fixed nitrogen in the soil. The scientists explained that the cutting down and burning of trees on hill sides led heavy erosion and the soil losing its nutrients after the crop was harvested. However, if plants like peas, beans and other pulses with root nodules were planted, then the nutrient loss was controlled and in fact the fertility increased by 25 to 30 per cent.

The meeting was presided over by Chakra Singh Bey while the chief guest was Rongjon Terang. Lectures were delivered by Chakra Singh Bey, Rongjon Terang, Bronson and Joyson Bey on behalf of RFRI.
The RFRI scientists who conducted the awareness meet were Girindra Thakuria, Indrani P Bora and Arundhati Baruah. the sentinel

Bodo body worried over Terang’s statement

KOKRAJHAR, Dec 21: The World Bodo Religious Council (WBRC) expressed serious concern over the recent statement of the president of Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX) Rongbong Terang who aired voice of imposing Assamese language and culture upon the subconscious indigenous people of Assam designing Assamese language as lingua franca during his speech in a public meeting held in Barpeta.

The president of the WBRC Prabin Kr Basumatary and the Inspirator General Kunjan Basumatary in their press statement said that Terang has opened a red carpet to Bangladeshi and illegal immigrants to infiltrate into Assam and India across the border and to take shelter under the umbrella of Assamese language and culture. It is nothing but a hidden strategy of gradual invasion upon the indigenous people with demographic destabilization in the Northeast India, the statement said adding that Terang should understand that all languages and cultural heritage of indigenous people of the NE region including China- Tibeto Burman origin Bodo language is pre-vedic, one of the oldest language in the world. They also claimed that the Bodo language was widely spoken since the ancient age before the advent of Sanskrit and Latin language and this language was used as the lingua franca by the people.

In course of time, the Bodo language was suppressed by the so called elite immigrants as it is committed by Terang, the statement said and added the continuous suppression, exploitation and conversion of religion by the chauvinist section of the people are becoming a major factor which constraints a great Bodo nationality to demand the ancient Bodo empire as a separate Bodoland state within the framework of Indian Constitution. The WBRC also called upon all the revolutionary groups of the people to join in the Bodoland Demand Solidarity Front (BDSF) constituted under the aegis of WBRC and to launch a concerted and united people’s democratic movement for creation of Bodoland state. THE SENTINEL

Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha floods memo to Gogoi

GUWAHATI, Dec 21: The general meeting of the Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha (NBMM), central committee, Silchar, and its various regional committees including Yatrapur committee, Patharkandi committee and Meherpur committee today urged Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to immediately issue a separate notification for inclusion of the Bishnupriya Manipuris in the list of Other Backward Communities (OBCs) by honouring the verdicts of the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court towards that end, immediate recommendation by the State Government to the Central Government for telecasting and broadcasting of Bishnupriya Manipuri programmes in Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) respectively, immediate grant of Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council etc.

Talking to The Sentinel over telephone from Silchar, NBMM secretary general Udai Sinha said various committees of the Mahasabha submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister through their respective subdivisional officers and deputy commissioners in support of their long-standing demands. NBMM committees of the entire Barak Valley were agitated over the apathy of the State Government towards the demands of the community, he said.

Other demands of the NBMM, according to Udai Sinha, are appointment of Bishnupriya Manipuri language teachers in all primary schools where the language has been implemented as per government norms and also appointment of Bishnupriya Manipuri sub-inspector of schools as per the last government advertisement for effective supervision of teaching of the language and inclusion of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community in the Linguistic Minority Development Board of Assam.

The Mahasabha threatened the State Government that if the demands of the community were not fulfilled, the community will resort to a vigorous agitation. THE SENTINEL

Centre okays road to Vijayanagar via Namdapha

Khandu lays emphasis on setting example for afforestation

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 20: Estranged without a road for years, people of Vijayanagar, on the border with Myanmar, in Changlang district have something to cheer about at last. Decks have been cleared by the Government of India to restore the 157-km road from Miao to Vijayanagar, which was earlier closed after declaration of the Namdapha National Park through which it passes. This was revealed by Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu while addressing the two-day conference of Senior Forest Officers here at PCCF office today.

Khandu said the 60-km stretch of the road that passes through the National Park would be constructed and maintained by the Forest Department in order to ensure protective measures for safeguarding the flora and fauna of the Park, while for construction of rest of the road tenders would be floated by the concerned department.

Regretting that the State has progressed very slowly in utilizing its vast natural resources, Khandu said, “The Supreme Court ban on timber operation in 1996 should have been taken by us as a challenge and viewed it as an opportunity to develop our vast non-timber forest resources like bamboo, cane, medicinal plants, etc.” He called upon the senior forest officers to go to the field, interact with the people and chalk out some viable plans and strategies to improve the economy and livelihood of the common people.

Khandu requested the PCCF to conduct periodical spot inspection to ensure that field officers discharge their duties sincerely. Viewing seriously the degrading wildlife in the state and no comprehensive plans being chalked out to check it, Khandu asked the senior forest officers to plan and suggest the government with practical schemes so that the wildlife could be protected from extinction. He directed strict implementation of the wildlife protection laws in a holistic manner.

The Chief Minister, while throwing light on Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), advised the department to evolve similar schemes which are feasible and beneficial to both people and the environment. He advocated for more and more afforestation programmes to increase the density of forests and fill up bare lands considering various developmental activities being undertaken in the state like Trans-Arunachal Highway, Hydro Power Development, Green Field Airport, Defence roads etc and compensate for the diverted land and forest for these projects. 

“Arunachal Pradesh has been immensely contributing to check global warming and with afforestation, we need to set examples for others,” Khandu asserted and emphasized strict monitoring of National Afforestation Programmes implemented by forest development agencies and suggested inclusion of PRIs and GBs in the implementation team for ensuring judicious execution.

Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Forest Kumar Waii stressed teamwork to accelerate forest development works. He placed certain grievances of the department to the Chief Minister and urged him to address the same. THE SENTINEL

How serious is ONGC to get hold on pollution issue?

GUWAHATI, Dec 20: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the one of the major player of the country in energy sector which contributes 77 per cent of India’s domestic petroleum and 81 per cent of its natural gas has been in news several times for its negligence to have taken any concrete step to stop pollution in the vicinity of their fields.

One of the worst effected in this regard is Sivasagar district of upper Assam, the place which is potentially viable for oil and natural gas and ONGC had not laid any stone unturned to maximize their profit from this area. In fact, it has been continuing searching new fields everyday. But how much serious the corporation is in visualizing the environmental aspects and the issues related with socio-economy of the people lives in the vicinity?

As per the ground study conducted throughout the district it has been witnessed that  Lakowa, Galeky, Rudrasagar, Panidihing, Sepon, Hanhsara, Dhitaipukhuri, Nitaipukhuri, Amguri areas have been severely affected due to the insensitive attitude of the corporation while dealing with the possible damage caused by the pollutants of its waste products which is not only polluting air, water and soil but adversely affecting the rural economy as well.

Sivasagar district situated between 94.25° and 95.25° Longitude East and 21.45° and 27.15° Latitude North with elevation of 86.6 mt above the sea level is spreading across 1,62,921 sq km of geographical area having 10,51,736 population (as per 2001 census). Majority of the population belongs to rural areas, population of whose stood at 9,54,557. Most of these people earn their livelihood by various agricultural activities. The major crop cultivated throughout the area is paddy. The other sources of income for these people include sericulture, livestock, fishery and others.

But according to the villagers, mismanagement of the ONGC to get hold on pollution, the village economy have been adversely affected from last several years. Soil fertility of the cultivable land has been reduced alarmingly, significance of which has been witnessed with considerably low production of crop. The villagers also mentioned the tragic experience of harvesting fruitless seeds of paddy which according to them is due to the affect of pollution.

It is quite disappointing that the sericulture of the area have been facing a similar threat. Survival of life of existing host trees for world famous golden yarn, mulberry, silk yarn, etc. became impossible in such an adverse climatic condition.

What matters most is plantation of new trees, which needs a favourable climate to grow, juvenile and mature. But unfortunately, none can be expected in such an environment. Besides, livestock, piggery, poultry, fishery, etc. the one of the common income source of village people has received a serious and irredeemable jolt.

According to sources, the Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) 1 and 2 release different chemical mixed water to the river Desang, flows through heart of the Sivasagar town. From here one can imagine how serious the matter is not only from environmental but it is a matter causing threat to human health as well. On the other hand, the water based economy like fishery and others has been severely affected due to this. In fact, water pollution is the one of the major cause of disappearance of vulnerable species of fishes.

According to the experts, the ONGC pollution are caused mostly by flare-up of natural gases which cannot be utilized, spillage of waste affluent from ONGC oil wells, topographical damages of the surface of the soil because of use of large-scale vehicles, trailers, etc. But being a dominant player in the energy sector, who (ONGC) produces about 1.2 million tonnes of oil annually from Assam only, nothing concrete have been taken by the ONGC so far to stop pollution. This is very shameful for a prestigious industrial set up like ONGC, which was created during the heyday of India’s embrace of import substituting industrialization and later, converted into the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in 1994 as India fitfully embraced the market. With such a strong background why adequate steps not taken by the concerned authority yet is a big question? This cannot be justified from the aspect of human rights also.

The pollution from ONGC operation in the air, water and soil apart from other things like health hazards to men, animals, cattle, etc. has devastated the rural economy in the operational areas to such an extent that the health of the rural economy in these areas cannot be redeemed even in the distant future. As such after exhaustion of the wasting natural resources like oil and gas the avenues of the traditional earning sources in the rural sector of the areas where from the precious hydrocarbon has been produced will be stopped forever and this is a serious violation of human rights. Besides, it is a matter of great concern with respect to rapid change of climate as well. THE SENTINEL

Delay in power plant, Centre blames Assam

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Responding to a question raised by Silchar MP Kabindra Purkayastha, Union Minister of State for Power Bharatsingh Solanki informed the Lok Sabha that due to non-cooperation of the Assam Government the 125-MW thermal power project at Silchar is yet to be started.

The Union minister further said, “Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHAL) and Power Trading Corporation (PTC) of India Limited had formed a joint venture company — the Barak Power Private Limited (BPPL) — on September 1, 2008 for the setting up of a 2x125-MW thermal power plant at Silchar. BHEL said  that in-principle clearance from the Assam Government regarding transfer of land was still awaited.”

He, however, said techno-commercial aspects and viability of the proposed thermal power project are currently under deliberations. Meanwhile, the project is likely to be set up in the Katigorah area in Cachar district. Silchar Deputy Commissioner Office sources said the district authority has already sent the application letter to Dispur for clearance of land transfer. THE SENTINEL

Corruption in regulated marketing to be probed

SILCHAR, Dec 20: Public complaints about large scale corruption in the functioning of the previous Cachar District Regulated Marketing Board (CDRMB) would be probed and appropriate action would be initiated against those found guilty, said newly elected chairman of CDRMB Mujibur Rahman Barbhuiya here yesterday. There has been serious anomalies in regard to distribution of Kisan Credit Cards which, according to his information, have not been received by the target group of farmers.

Barbhuiya said he will sit with the managers of different banks in order to evolve the mechanism and check irregularities to impart a fair and transparent mechanism in the board.

All the revenue collection gates for agriculture-products on the borders of Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya would be monitored and loopholes, if any,  would be plugged, Barbhuiya said. He also said that CDRMB would move the Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma for supplying high-yielding seeds of green vegetables and grains for round the year cultivation and production which would boost the farmers economically. In all the seven constituencies of the district, he would explore the possibilities of setting up cold storages for agricultural products which would be then taken to  central warehouses for marketing. This would reduce the transportation cost and make marketing profitable for farmers, he added.

Barbhuiya further said that efforts would be made to have market sheds for cluster of villages with better road connectivity. The board would also take up with the minister concerned the matter of 3,500  hectares of farmland at Motinagar area belonging to the CDRMB now under the occupation of CRPF. Also, farmlands with profuse vegetation should be returned to the board for its proper management to generate employment and revenue.

CDRMB constituted in 1998 with its office at  Ghungoor near Silchar Medical College has been  working in the interest of farmers by providing them incentives for better management of their agricultural land and arrange for their marketing for better profits. The new board was formed on Thursday last with 12 members. For the last one-and-a-half-year, district agriculture officer Subrata Bhattacharya was looking after the affairs of the board. THE SENTINEL

Rise in drug abuse figures

SILCHAR, Dec 20: As a move to fight drug menace, Jiribum based Meira Paibi, an influential Manipuri women organization, has taken the initiative to help prevent people –– young and old –– to fall prey to this dangerous addiction. This was revealed by Meira Paibi president Th Phailu Devi on the occasion of the observance of Mayai Kaba Nishave Mayoka Mikap Thokpa Numit (MKNMMTN) today.

A public meeting was also held on the occasion in order to create awareness about the effective results and serious consequences of drug use. The women organization expressed its concern over the rising number of people falling prey to drug addiction.

“Drug menace is casting its dark shadows on the urban and rural population and we are determined to eliminate this dreaded spectre as soon as possible,” said Th Phailu Devi during the awareness meet and added that the crusade would continue till the goal is achieved.

Addressing the meet as chief guest, Y Iboyaima Singh, ADC of the subdivisional town, appreciated the noble efforts of Meira Paibi and assured all help of the administration in their campaign.

This evening, women of Jiribam cutting across all caste and creed barrier took out a procession highlighting the evil effects of drug and alcohol abuse and their resolve to free the society from its evil clutches.

According to official figures, 52 people in Jiribam have been found as HIV positive of which 32 are men, 17 women and three children. The killer addiction during the last three years has claimed 11 lives. THE SENTINEL

Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadre nabbed in extortion case

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Dec 20: Acting on specific information about an extortion drive in this town, jawans of the 11 Field Regiment of Red Shield Division launched an operation in Madhurband area under Silchar Police Station and nabbed a Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadre identified as Tamizur Rahman (35) of Khagta Sebla in Bishnupur district of Manipur recently.

Army sources said that the cadre was handling the finance of the banned outfit and was residing here for carrying the extortions. The cadre after preliminary interrogation has been handed over to district police. THE SENTINEL

Assam rhino horn yet to get international recognition

Rhino horns decaying due to unscientific preservation

From our Correspondent

JORHAT, Dec 19: The world famous one-horned rhino found only in Assam is yet to get international recognition, particularly in preservation and display of its horn. Though the State Forest Department has announced that it will send rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) horns to museums across the globe by formulating a policy, no such step has been taken in this regard as yet. The Central Government, which needs to open diplomatic channels with various countries to include Assam rhino horns as an item in their museums, is also not serious about the matter.

Rhino horns have been decaying in the district treasury offices of the State due to their unscientific preservation. When contracted, KNP Director SN Borgohain said: “We have sent five one-horned rhino horns to the Wildlife Research Institute, Dehradun for research, but no reply has so far been received.” He also said one-horned rhino horns have been decaying in the State due to lack of scientific preservation.

The largest number of rhino horns is in Golaghat district treasury under the jurisdiction of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP). According to information, there are 1,058 horns in Golaghat, 159 in Nagaon and 81 in the Kohora Range of the KNP.

Rhino horns, which are believed to have aphrodisiac value, are in great demand, especially in Southeast Asian countries. The horn, in fact, has turned out to be the pachyderm’s greatest enemy. Poachers continue to kill rhinos regularly in various parts of the State for horns. THE SENTINEL

SC students want arrest of Chief Secy, Com Secy

GUWAHATI, Dec 19: The Asom Anusuchit Jati Yuva Chatra Santha has demanded the arrest of the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner Secretary, Government of Assam for allegedly violating the Reservation Act 1978.

Asom Anusuchit Jati Yuva Chatra Santha president Nipen Das, while addressing a media conference here today, said though the Assam Government had enacted the Reservation Act 1978 under the Constitution of India, there were instances of violation of the Act with SC/ST candidates ignored in the government appointment process.

Das said a latest example of such violation was appointment of principals of provincialized colleges. THE SENTINEL

Forget militancy, focus on economic growth: Chief Minister DD Lapang

SHILLONG, Dec 19: Chief Minister DD Lapang has asked the Northeastern states  to discard the notion that the region is infested with militancy and focus on economic growth through public participation.

“I would like to announce to the nation that the Northeast is a safe place,” Lapang said at the passing out parade of police trainees at North East Police Academy (NEPA), Umsaw today.

Referring to the Look East Policy, he said the region needed to raise its economic standards through public participation.

While appreciating the services rendered by NEPA, the Chief Minister urged upon the police personnel to be people-friendly for better policing. “The police ought to be pro-people to gain their cooperation in tackling law and order problems,” he said, adding, “We need people who have courage and confidence.”

At the passing out parade 418 police personnel from the Northeast took an oath to owe allegiance to their duty and sacrifice for the people and the country. NEPA also presented eleven Deputy SPs (probationers) and eleven C/Sis,C/Jamadars & C/ASI with trophies which were given away by the Chief Minister.

The Governor of Meghalaya Sword of Honour, NEPA Gold Medal and DGP Running Trophy were given to C/SI Sean Standfold Lywait for being the all-round best trainee among the C/Sis and Dy SP (P) Mrinal Kanti Sarkar among the Dy SPs (P).

Later, the Chief Minister, along with Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Tako Dabi, inaugurated the indoor firing range at the academy and laid the foundation stone of the 120- bedded cadet mess. THE SENTINEL

Real Arunachal Pradesh lives in its villages: J J Singh

ITANAGAR, Dec 19: “Arunachal Pradesh will not develop if its villages are not developed,” said Governor Gen (Rtd) J J Singh citing that true Arunachal Pradesh is in its villages. Singh was speaking in a seminar titled ‘A long way to go for empowering the people of Arunachal Pradesh, economically for its sustained growth’ here at NERIST today.

Highlighting the projects envisaged under the PM’s package, Singh said, once the roads, railways and airports come, any small investment will give returns. Striking at the core of the seminar organized by Indian Council of Small Industries (ICSI), he emphasized that while big projects were always welcome, small projects ought to be taken up urgently to address the growing unemployment problem.

He envisioned a developed and prosperous Arunachal Pradesh if the people laid emphasis on making the best out of the bountiful nature, as he stressed the need for developing the cane and bamboo sectors to their full potential. Citing the instance of the Raj Bhawan initiative of a bamboo-processing unit at Poma near the State capital, Singh hoped that it would become a model to make village economies self-sustainable.

“Not only will the villagers earn sustainable income but the entire area will develop with similar efforts for rural tourism, education, health, bee-keeping, etc. Such a model village in my mind is the ideal realization of the concept of sustainable growth by empowering the local people,” he said and urged the ICSI to promote similar ventures in the State. Calling upon financial institutes to come forward to empower the people, Singh said rural people have little, if any, access to financial services. The high costs and low returns associated in addressing their savings, loans, transmission and insurance needs prevent commercial banks from serving this segment of the market. He said that the State Khadi and Village Industries Board, the NABARD, the District Industries Centre, the Banks and other financial institutes must act as a catalyst for stronger and sustainable growth of the rural people. Quoting the President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who said, ‘Education is the most important tool for empowering the people of a country’, Singh said, in our endeavour, the Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) along with its affiliated institutions and NERIST were playing an important role. The State Government, led by Chief Minister Shri Dorjee Khandu and the Education department were in the process of revamping the education system of the State, he added.

RGU Vice Chancellor Prof K C Balliappa, guest of honour, urged upon all to change their attitude, which he termed as ‘manufacturing defect.’ He said indigenous people have tremendous skill, which need to be nurtured. He appealed to all enterprising people to become true entrepreneurs.

In his address, NERIST Director Dr Joram Begi said that, with proper direction and environment, the State has huge scope for industrialization particularly in the small-scale industries (SSI) sector based on cane and bamboo, herbal products and honey. Citing teething problems in developing small-scale industries, he stressed on the role of banks and KVIB for it to materialize.

In his keynote address, ICSI Secretary Prof K K Sarkar said any planning is a clinical path and it should be done after consultation with the people and cultural assimilation by the planners. Stressing on cultural acclimatization of the civil servants about the denizens before bringing out an action plan, Prof Sarkar pointed that until the sixties there was no development in this part of the country. Whatever were there, were due to their natural ability and capacity. Hence all civil servants should know the pulse of the people for empowering them, he said.

Prescribing terrace farming like that in Sikkim, he also suggested proper soil test to enhance production. While emphasizing on rural industrialization projects, Prof Sarkar called for injection of some elements of skill and training among the rural community. Pointing out at the exotic flora and fauna in the State, he urged upon the people to take up herbal and honey projects. Appreciating the initiatives of the Governor, Prof Sarkar suggested to him to create a people’s army or Arunachal Regiment, which he felt would address the growing unemployment problem, especially amongst the educated youth, who otherwise might be misguided.

ICSI President P Kumar said unless the people were empowered economically, no economy could develop. The academics and those involved in the helm of affairs should contemplate on the theme in various technical sessions and come out with various suggestions. Getting a cue out of the deliberations, a future action plan would be drawn up , he added.

The one-day seminar is being organized in association with RGU and NERIST and sponsored by the Planning Commission. The day-long programme included technical session on selected topics for developing the State economy, meeting credit needs of small entrepreneurs, availability of credit from banks for micro and small enterprises, rural economy, rural employment generation, promotion of self employment and developing entrepreneurship, etc. THE SENTINEL

Assam’s Rural Health

We have long lamented the state of the Assam Government’s health-care infrastructure even in the face of the colourful advertisements that seek to extol what the State government is doing for everyone’s health and how well it is striving to stoke population growth by paying cash awards to expectant mothers who have their babies in government hospitals. We have long been referring to the highest infant mortality and maternal mortality rates that we have in the entire country. We have also referred time and again to the high rate of anaemia among our rural women and the even higher rate of malnutrition among children. On Friday, the Lok Sabha was informed of the shocking state of health care in Assam through a report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India on the miserable performance of the State in the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The CAG report placed before the Lok Sabha reveals that Assam is the only State in the Northeast that has a health-care performance record below the national average. Even measured in terms of per capita expenditure on health (not always a reliable yardstick), the State’s performance is dismal. Assam’s per capita health expenditure is a paltry Rs 471 compared to Mizoram’s Rs 1,611, Sikkim’s Rs 1,446, Nagaland’s Rs 794, Arunachal Pradesh’s Rs 771, Tripura’s Rs 740, Manipur’s Rs 695 and Meghalaya’s Rs 690. Assam also has the lowest number of government hospital beds per one lakh population: just 11. Compare this with the other States: Mizoram 128; Sikkim 173; Nagaland 85; Arunachal Pradesh 188; Tripura 66; Manipur 94; Meghalaya 106. Actually Mizoram tops the health service performance in the country, while Assam’s performance ranks the lowest in the Northeast and is also at the bottom end of the national list. However, this is not very surprising. In Assam, the entire government is on a very popular picnic called ‘‘making money for myself from government funds’’. Gimmicks like Mrityunjay ambulance vans alone do not make for health care. They can be compared to the ritual of distributing computers to meritorious students because good education has not been ensured. THE SENTINEL

4 Assamese participate in Beijing seminar

GUWAHATI, Dec 18: Four people from the State out of a five-member team from India participated in an international seminar on ‘Exploring Humanitarian Law’ (EHL) held in Beijing, China recently. The theme of the seminar was to design a curriculum for schools to educate the coming generations about peace with particular reference to methodology and pedagogy. A total of 30 participants from nine countries—China, India, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Hongkong and Mongolia—participated in it. Most of the participating countries have already implemented the peace education programme of EHL in their schools through school curriculum, JRC and other co-curriculum activities.

The team members from India are—Md Eunus, Secretary, Elementary Education, Government of Assam; Mohsin Ali, Chairman, Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, Government of Assam; Bhuban Chandra Konwar, Chairman, SEBA, Government of Assam; Diganta Bujarbaruah, DM Co-ordinator, Indian Red Cross Society, Assam State Branch; and Meenu Raghunathan, EHL, officer, International Committee of the Red Cross.

The IHL (International Humanitarian Law) is a law of war which was founded by the International Committee of the Red Cross, a custodian of this law. It has been applied both in international and non-international armed conflicts so far, stated in a press release. THE SENTINEL