An appeal to celebrate Republic Day in a befitting manner

An appeal to celebrate Republic Day in a befitting manner

Guwahati, January 15: A meeting of the representatives of several organizations and individuals held at the Guwahati Press Club here on Thursday, made an appeal to the people of the State to celebrate the Republic Day of the country on January 26 in a befitting manner.The participants of the meeting said in a press release here that theNational Tricolour should be hoisted on the occasion of the Republic Day and Independence Day of the country atop the residential complexes, buildings of the public institutions and at public places.

Homage should also be paid to the martyrs and those who braved all sorts of torture and atrocities to make the country free from colonial rule- said the participants of the meeting. The people should ignore any threat from any quarter while celebrating the R-Day and I-Day  and hoisting the National flag on the occasions. For, all such threats go against the rights and aspirations of the people to honour their National flag, freedom fighters  and martyrs- the participants of the meeting observed.

The people of the State are now craving for peace. To strengthen the  people’s voice against all those who are running after disturbing peace, all peace-loving people should unite, said the participants. The participants of the meeting included Save Guwahati Build Guwahati president Dhiren Barua, president of the Guwahait Mahanagar Unnayan Samiti Subodh Sarma, president of the Brihattar Guwahati Nagarik Samannaya Samity Col PC Choudhury, secretary general of the Samannaya Samity Benudhar Barua, Nava Thakuria of the National Federation of Newspaper Employees, Rupam Barua, Hiten Mahanta, DN Singh,  Mukul Kalita, Sabita Lahkar, Pankaj Duara,Anup Sarma and Ajit Patowary of the Journalists’ Forum, Assam, president of Swami Vivekananda Janasiksha Puthibharal Satish Tahbildar, musician Kishore Giri and academician Jagadindra Roychoudhury.

NVAV THAKURIA

Coffee Table Book "ASSAM" received by Prime Minister of India

Coffee-table book on the 'land of tea'

New Delhi: The first-ever coffee-table book, titled 'Assam', highlighting the heritage of the 'land of tea' was ceremonially presented to Prime Minsiter Manmohan Singh at his 7 Race course Road on Tuesday.

Singh, accepting the book, lauded the effort of the 11 team members of Project Assam and Nanda Talukdar foundation for coming out with such a book on Assam, a state which, he said, has tremendous potential to make big strides in different spheres provided lasting peace is restored. He appreciated the project members for pooling their resources, wisdom and skill to publish such an informative book on the north-eastern state and hoped it would become a role model for others in Assam willing to project teh state in right perspective. TNN

Arrest Mani Kumar Subba: Atul Bora

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Jan 13: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) demanded of the CBI to arrest Congress MP from Assam Mani Kumar Subba in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict on his citizenship status.

Terming the apex court verdict on Subba a landmark judgement, AGP chief spokesperson Atul Bora said the SC verdict proved that the Congress had made a foreigner Member of Parliament (MP) by giving him party ticket. Since All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi had given party ticket to Subba, she is accountable to the people of Assam for making a foreigner their representative. “Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi can’t also shrug of his responsibility in making Subba a representative from Assam,” Boro said.

The AGP leader further said since Subba minted money by illegally entering Assam, all his property should be confiscated.THE SENTINEL

March for Gospel Centenary

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 13: The Hmar tribes of Manipur will celebrate the Gospel Centenary at Senvon village from January 20 to January 24 at Tipaimukh subdivision of Churachandpur district. The event has been organized by the Gideon Prayer Cell with the theme “I ram hunghung raw se” which means “Thy kingdom come.” After being flagged off by Rev L Liena with prayers in the morning on Monday, the prayer walk started from Jiribum to Senvon.

On the way the marchers will halt at seven villages along the root on the Jiri-Tipaimukh Road. The first halt will be at Tuisuolien from where it will move forward to Ankhasuo, Kangremgdor, Patpuihmun, Sartuimek, Sipuikawm, Lungthulien and finally reach the venue of centenary celebrations at Senvon.

The march was joined by around 500 youths. They will have prayer and church services at the villages on the way. Rev Watkin R Roberts, popularly known as Sap Tlangval which means white bachelor among the Mizos and Hmars, has been sent by the Methodist Foreign Mission to be the torch bearer to propagate the Gospel. The next phase of the centenary will be held at Sielmat Churachandpur from February 3 to 10. THE SENTINEL

11 shops gutted at Sonabarighat

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 13: Eleven shops were gutted in the market complex of Sonabarighat under Rangirkhari police station of this town, 10 kms from here early this morning. The cause of the fire was not ascertained till the filing of this report.

According to Piku Mia Barbhuiya, whose grocery shop was engulfed by fire, the blaze started at 2 am and soon spread to cause the damage. Before the fire brigade from Silchar could reach the spot, everything was reduced to ashes. It was a market complex of variety of consumer items and other materials which included stationery, garments, betel leaves and nuts, poultry etc.

Matiz Uddin Barbhuiya who lost his stationery store said “The total loss suffered by us amounted to around Rs 6 lakh.” Considering their loss and financial hardships, the victims have demanded adequate compensation from the relief fund of the Cachar deputy commissioner. THE SENTINEL

Bengali 'should be UN language' -- Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta

Bengali 'should be UN language'

By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta

More than 250m people in the world speak Bengali

The assembly in the Indian state of West Bengal has passed a resolution backing Bangladesh's call for Bengali to be made an official UN language.

Bangladesh's parliament made its call in April. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina argued in support of the motion before the General Assembly in September.

Bengali is spoken by more than 250 million people around the world.

The UN has six official languages - English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic.

English and French are the daily working languages of the organisation, although English is more frequently used than French.

'Proud'

The West Bengal state assembly resolution was adopted unanimously on Monday.

"Thousands have died for the cause of this language. It is our mother tongue and we are proud of it," West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya said after the resolution was adopted.

The West Bengal government has now asked the Indian government to forward the appeal to the UN. India's main language, Hindi, is not one of the UN languages.

"The Bangla bhasha (Bengali language ) is spoken by over 250 million people worldwide, primarily in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal," Ms Hasina told the UN General Assembly in September.

"Given the rich heritage of Bangla language, and its singular place as a symbol of people's faith in the power of languages to sustain cultures, and indeed the identity of nations, I seek support of the membership of the UN General Assembly for its acceptance as an official language of the United Nations," she said.

Sheikh Hasina requested the West Bengal government and Bengali ministers in the Indian cabinet to "push forward" the case for Bengali.

Support for the plea to declare Bengali as an official language of the UN has come from the Indian states of Assam and Tripura, both of which have a sizeable Bengali-speaking community.

While not widely spoken outside the region, Bengali is the language of famed poet Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1913.

Bangladesh observes a language martyrs day on 21 February to remember those who fell to Pakistani bullets on that day in 1952 as they pushed for recognition of Bengali as an official language of Pakistan.

Bengalis in Assam and north-east India observe 19 May as their language martyrs day to remember the 11 Bengalis who were killed in police firing in the southern Assamese town of Silchar while fighting for their language rights.

Ranjit Dutta as next Assam BJP president?

GUWAHATI, Jan 7: The controversy over the issue of the next State BJP president is getting murkier by the day. 

 
Amid reports of selection of Bihali MLA Ranjit Dutta as the new Assam BJP president, the central leadership of the party today indicated that the name of the next State BJP chief would be formally announced in a day or two.

A section of the media, citing the source of BJP general secretary (organizing) Ramlal, had recently reported that Ranjit Dutta was selected by the BJP leadership as the president of the Assam unit of the party. The news seemed to have added to the confusion in the Assam BJP camp as the majority of the party workers were not ready to support Dutta as the State BJP president. 

 
Seven candidates had filed nomination papers for  the proposed December-30 State BJP president election.   They were Ranjit Dutta, Rajen Gohain, Nakul Barua, Palit Bora, Siddartha Bhattacharjee, Kulendu Daulangupa and Dr Mrinal Dutta. The election was, however, postponed at the last moment in order to find a consensus candidate for the top party post in the State.

According to sources, after having talks with BJP leaders, MLAs, and party councillors in the State, BJP election observer Dharmendra Pradhan had submitted a report to the central BJP leadership on the process of Assam BJP president election. The report contained the names of only four candidates -- Ranjit Dutta, Rajen Gohain, Nakul Barua and Palit Bora. Dutta, Gohain, Barua and Bora then started lobbying separately with BJP leaders in New Delhi. 

 
Central BJP leaders V Satish and P Chandra Shekhar and State-level leaders like Indramoni Bora and Harekrishna Bharali put pressure on the BJP leadership in New Delhi to select Ranjit Dutta as the Assam BJP president. And at the time the media reported the selection of Dutta as the new State BJP chief, sources said. 

 
Meanwhile, State BJP president Ramen Deka called for  review of the reported selection of Dutta as the Assam BJP president.

BJP leaders were learnt to have had a meeting on the issue in New Delhi today. Three BJP MPs from Assam are reportedly in Delhi to pressurize the party’s central leadership to cancel the reported selection of Ranjit Dutta as the Assam BJP president. THE SENTINEL

Nachiketa, a compilation of stories, written by Arpan Saikia released

From our Staff Correspondent

DIBRUGARH, Jan 7: Nachiketa, a compilation of stories, written by Arpan Saikia was formally released by the former president of the Axam Xahitya Xabha and noted columnist, Dr Nagen Saikia, at a function held at Barnamala today. Formally releasing the book published by the Kaustav Prakashan, Dr Saikia in his speech expressed satisfaction over the increasing demand of book among the readers in recent time which according to him is undoubtedly a good sign for the society. The meeting anchored by the advisor of the Kaustav Prakasan, Biren Baruah was also addressed by former Professors of Dibrugarh University, Dr Prahlad Baruah, Dr Pona Mahanta, writer Phanindra Dev Chowdhury and other leading and prominent citizens. THE SENTINEL

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jorhat, Assam

JORHAT, Jan 7: The State Government has allotted 300 bighas of land at Palasani reserve area, five kilometre away from Sivasagar town to construct the newly proposed Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology in the State. The Institute of Petroleum Technology, which would be the India’s second institute of its kind next to Raibareilly of Uttar Pradesh would be constructed under a project taken up by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry of the Central Government.

Talking to The Sentinel Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner NM Hussain told that the authority of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology has taken over the land from the Assam Government recently allotted for the said project. He also said that the authority of the central institute would start the required land acquisition process of the land soon.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India is going to set up the Institute at Sivasagar, through Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology Act 2007. It would be constructed as an Institute of National Importance along the lines of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with the status of a deemed university. It would be  co-promoted as an energy domain specific institute by six leading Oil Public Sector Units (ONGC, IOCL, OIL, GAIL, BPCL and HPCL) in association with the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB). The Institute would also be associated with the leading International Universities and Institutions specializing in the domain of Petroleum Technology.

The prime objective of the Institute is to provide world class education, training, and research to roll out efficient human resources to meet the growing requirements of the Petroleum and Energy Sector.

It will also become a training and education institute to render expert Technical and Management Training to the existing Petroleum Industry and to provide multi-disciplinary techno-management, academic programmes in the fields of petroleum for creating Human Resource of the future on a global basis to meet the emerging demand scenario in India and abroad. THE SENTINEL

Departmental inquiry launched against rampaging CRPF jawans

ROING, Jan 7: An independent departmental enquiry has been initiated against the CRPF jawans involved in the attack of civilians on December 25 in the market area of Roing town. Three jawans accused of carrying the attack were also reportedly arrested by the State police and later released on bail. This was revealed by Deputy Commissioner YW Ringu at a meeting held with AIMSU to ease hostility and work out a solution to the Union’s demand in the aftermath of the attack.

The students’ union had earlier demanded shifting of the CRPF base camp from the district headquarters and sought compensation to the victims of the attack. Responding to the demands placed, Ringu informed the Union members that evacuating the CRPF from Roing cannot be decided by the district administration since the paramilitary force has been stationed in the district in accordance with the State Government’s policy. On the compensation, she said it was a matter to be decided between the CRPF and the Union but advised that the amount should be reasonable. She, however, made it clear that the culprits could not be prosecuted legally as well as made to pay compensation. It was either the choice of accepting compensation or withdrawal of the case registered that of which union must be amply clear of while placing its demand, she said.

The students union on its part expressed satisfaction and appreciated the role of police and administration in tracking down the culprits within an hour of attack and booking them. It, however, made the point that any more atrocities on civilians in future will not be tolerated and cautioned the administration that paramilitary forces should not be given free hand. THE SENTINEL

Siang River Festival without rivers

AALO, Jan 7: The popular Siang River Festival held every year on the banks of Siyom and Sipu rivers at Aalo, headquarters of West Siang district, this year might just not live up to its name minus the rivers. The last-minute hiccups on getting clearance from the landowners of the traditional festival site have forced the organizers to shift the site to the general ground in the heart of the township much to the grumble of festival enthusiasts.

With only three days to go, the organizers are hectically arranging the general ground for the festival putting the lids on the prolonging speculations over the final festival site.

Anchal Samity Member of Kabu, Nito Loya put the blame on the organizers for the eleventh hour change of site. His contention is that the District Sports Association (DSA), which organizes the festival every year, did not inform the villagers of Kabu, the land owners of the traditional festival site at the confluence of Siyom and Sipu rivers, of its intentions to organize the festival at the site.

“It was only in the last week of December that the organizers informed the villagers of the decision to organize the festival on the river banks. By then, it was too late for us to prepare the site for the purpose,” Loya alleged. He further alleged that the DSA kept the villagers hanging with its indecision for the last two months. Infuriated villagers of Kabu finally decided not to spare their land for the festival forcing the change of venue.

DSA secretary Kengam Ete, however, denied the allegation and said that the change of venue was necessitated due to insufficient space on the river banks for successful conduction of the festival. He claimed that the river site was quite congested with no space for sufficient number of stalls and parking place that cause a major headache for the organizers every year.

Ete further reasoned that the site used last year is now converted into a vegetable garden and the owners were reluctant to spare it for the festival this year.

Whatever the reasons, the Siang River Festival might lose its original charm devoid of the serene river banks, floating restaurants, the floating bridge and the popular traditional boat race. According to the organizers, the boat race has been omitted this year for logistic reasons.
The DSA secretary is, however, optimistic that like all previous years, the festival this year too would be a huge success.

“Construction of stalls and galleries are in full swing at the general ground, and it will be ready before the due date,” he said. The general ground would host almost all the events like adventure sports, indigenous sports, display of traditional dresses and costumes, cultural extravaganza, food stalls etc from January 11 to 15 next.  THE SENTINEL

Threat to Intellectuals

There is this interesting e-mail by ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah, carried by newspapers yesterday, that threatens anti-ULFA intellectuals of warning and subsequent action if they continue to support ‘colonial’ India’s cause. The e-mail also informs us of the new directives that the cadres of the outfit must now abide by, such as selection of security forces and symbols of the government as targets, and not innocent people, and punishment to corrupt government officials, those guilty of maligning the State’s education scenario, Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists, poachers, drug peddlers and those involved in the trafficking of women. Since Bangladesh has cracked down on the ULFA’s safe haven in that country and forced Baruah to look for greener pastures elsewhere, his e-mail also talks of action against Bangladeshis settled in Assam — the ire against Bangladesh and Bangladeshis is only too natural, as well as strategic. However, what is sinister and downright condemnable is the open threat to intellectuals opposed to the outfit’s demand for sovereignty outside of the Indian Constitution and its brand of violence. Baruah is actually saying this: ‘‘You intellectuals, you either support us in everything we do or just keep mum. If you say anything against us, you must as well know what we can do — simply eliminate you.’’ What Baruah has forgotten is that just as he would encourage intellectuals who support the ULFA’s sovereignty agenda, the intellectuals who are against the outfit too have every right to be encouraged in a democracy as ours. Why the fear of intellectualism? Why the fear of a free society? What is Baruah’s idea of freedom? Assume this too: Baruah succeeds in freeing Assam from India, but in that independent Assam some have risen in rebellion against the Baruah regime. So how would Baruah deal with them? After all, what the ULFA c-in-c detests the most is the view that counters his theory. He just cannot tolerate it. THE SENTINEL

AAPSU calls for clear-cut policy to tackle insurgency

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The apex students’ body of the State, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), has called for a clear-cut policy to be adopted immediately by the State Government to tackle the insurgency problem in Tirap and Changlang districts. Asserting that the presence of insurgency in the two districts is a serious problem not only for the State but also for the nation, the union said that the problem could be resolved only when the State and the Central governments came together with a clear-cut policy on it.

Claiming that flushing out the insurgent outfits from the two districts is the only solution to bring back normalcy, the union, however, maintained that it could be possible only through a humane approach. Reiterating that recruitment into one of the factions of NSCN were going on unabated in the region, it urged for immediate action from the government. It also claimed that every government servant in the two districts was paying tax from their salary to the insurgent groups while the local residents were paying token amounts yearly in return of peace and called upon the authorities to accept the fact.

In order to meet the challenges, the union demanded Rs 20 crore special package to upgrade the State security forces and creation of four more battalions. In its 15-point charter of demands submitted today to the Chief Minister, the union also questioned the role of the Department of Tirap and Changlang (DoTC) created especially for development of the two insurgency-infested districts. It expressed surprise that despite the huge amount of funds made available to the department there was no progress at the ground level and doubted that the funds were covertly diverted into the coffers of the insurgency outfits. It demanded an all-party committee to monitor the utilization of the funds sanctioned to DoTC.

The union has also called for a white paper from the government on the hydro-power projects coming up in the State. It claimed that as per reports the government had signed innumerable agreements with public and private sector firms for implementation of hydro-projects in the State, however, it said that it was not clear whether the government has framed any foolproof policy regarding the ecology, natural resources and relief and rehabilitation of the affected people. It sought from the government in clear terms the number of hydro-projects that have been allotted to various firms, the terms and conditions of the agreements, amount of revenue expected to be generated from these and the policies framed to protect the interest of the indigenous people of the State.

On the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue, the union said it needs to be taken up seriously by the government without delay. Urging the committee constituted to resolve the issue to play a pro-active role, the union, however, made its stand clear that it would settle only for complete deportation of the refugees from the State. Other demands of the union include framing of education and health bills, setting up of boundary commission, cancellation of ST certificates issued to refugees, revamp of tourism and transport systems, renaming of Rajiv Gandhi University to Arunachal University, more seats for APSTs in NERIST, traditional dress as school uniform, upgradation of district library, reduction of tax charged from vehicle owners, speedy implementation of the PM’s package, creation of Arunachal Regiment, etc.    THE SENTINEL

Elephant festival ended with much fanfare

JORHAT, Jan 6: Another elephant festival– the eighth– to be precise at the Kaziranga National Park has ended with much fanfare and lakh spent but the main objective in holding the festivals in the first place can be said to be a total failure.

The elephant festivals were started with the sole motive of increasing awareness in conservation of these mammoth beasts but in recent times it can be said that the man-elephant conflict has achieved mammoth proportions– with man at the receiving end– with little sympathy being generated for these animals.

In fact the elephant festivals while spending lakh of rupees for holding the event can be said to have done nothing more than help a number of self-help groups sell their wares at exorbitant prices to unsuspecting tourists and promote food melas.

If sources are to be believed the villages adjacent to the park who have continuously faced wild elephant depredations especially during harvest time are ready to get rid of these animals at any cost.

“At one time spotting the wild elephants was supposed to be auspicious and we bowed our heads and folded our hands in prayers but now whenever we see one of these beasts we consider it to be an ominous sign and prepare ourselves to drive away the herd which we know will soon appear to destroy all the crop in our fields,” a villager said.

While the government spends lakh– this year Rs 15 lakh was spent and another Rs 10 lakh sanctioned for a hall– neither does man nor beast benefit from this expenditure.

The real task of increasing the habitat of elephants, which has alarmingly depleted, should be the first task of the government.

Sources said that Golaghat district had in records 10,37,987 hectare of forest land but this has been largely encroached by tea gardens, stone quarrying and placing of stone quarrying machines which have disturbed the elephant corridors like nothing else.

Moreover, a huge area– 1,250 acres– which served as habitat has been taken up by the Numaligarh Refinery– thus further hampering elephant movement.

While 134 hectare of forest has been demarcated at Deopahar for Project Elephant the reality is that shops and other tourist facilities have sprung up near it, thus creating a disturbance with noise and bright lights for the elephants.

Wild elephants from these areas have come out and are ravaging fields and doing the rounds of districts in search of food. In the process many of them have faced human ire and many more mowed down by trains.

If the government is serious about elephant conservation efforts it should first ensure against encroachment by humans and take steps to increase forest cover instead of spending large sums on elephant festivals which religiously includes a talk, seminar, discussion and lecture on reducing man-elephant conflict.

The elephant festival has done nothing but draw tourists to the park. THE SENTINEL

Hagrama Mohilary lays foundation of Gongia RCC bridge

KOKRAJHAR, Jan 6: The chief of BTC Hagrama Mohilary on Tuesday ceremonially laid the foundation stone of RCC bridge over the river Gongia at Kortimari in Kokrajhar district in presence of huge public of the locality. The cost of the bridge is Rs 10.82 crore to be spent from the Council.

In his speech to the people, Mohilary said the bridge could have been completed much earlier if the State Government released the fund in time. He said the fund was borne by the Centre almost two years back but the State Government released it in the last part of the year end. He also said the people of the locality will see the completion of long felt necessity of a bridge over the Gongia River. The conversion of RCC bridge over the Gongia river is utmost necessary for connecting all important places of the district including BTC headquarters town- Kokrajhar and two more RCC bridges are required in the same river for better communication between Kokrajhar and the rest of Gossaigaon and Porbhotjhora subdivisions, he said adding that the local people should extend all cooperation for the completion of the bridge in time and they should also monitor the quality of the work.

The foundation laying ceremony was also addressed by the Speaker of BTC Reo Reoa Narzihary, MP Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary, Parliamentary Secretary of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam Parmeswar Brahma and other EMs of BTC. The function was also attended by the EMs of BTC- Mono Kr Brahma, Sobharam Basumatary, MLA Majendra Narzary, MCLAs- Rahindra Brahma, Rajendra Narzary, Abjal Hoque Sarkar, Hem Chandra Brahma, Nominated Member- Baktar Ali and Executive Engineer of Rural PWD Roads Division Rameswar Basumatary. THE SENTINEL

Kamatapur Movement: An Issue Always Ignored

The Kamatapur movement may take violent shape in the coming days. All parties should now show greater flexibility for the sake of peace in Assam

An intense and indefinite phase of agitation is on its way by the Kamatapur State Demand Committee to press for their demand for a separate Kamatapur State. Recently, the chairman of the committee, Biswajit Roy, alleged that the government had failed to hold talks with the committee that forced it to intensify its agitation. In fact Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had assured the committee several times that talks with the Centre on the demands of the organization would be held, but till date no such step has been taken. Significantly, Roy said that if the Government of India convened a meeting with the State demand committee, it would be ready to discuss the issue of ST status at the meeting.

A democratic movement should be addressed democratically. This is one of the important prerequisites for the success of democracy. But as envisaged from the government’s policy in this context, it has been the application of military means so long the water reaches above the shoulder. This is the fact in the case of Kamatapur movement as the government’s attitude has made the problem more complicated. When the students’ organization of the Rajbongshi community, All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRASU), was formed about two decades back, their demand was confined to ST status. It is a legitimate demand considering the fact that this community enjoys this status in other States. But both New Delhi and Dispur failed to address it or rather deliberately kept it aside.

The leadership of the community considers BJP as the main culprit as during the NDA regime the ST issue was completely ignored. But what is the present reality? Now they are demanding a separate State and recognition of their language. The demand for a separate State is an impossible one for the government to address considering the present reality. If any such demand is entertained, the identity of Assam will be lost into oblivion. But who is responsible for all this? None but the government that missed the opportunity way back in 1992. It took the situation too lightly and let the movement spread. But as has always been the case in a democratic system, a negative approach towards a democratic movement results in a form of violent outburst that affects the entire region, regardless of communities. This is also the fact in the context of the Kamatapur movement.

On the other hand, the emergence of Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) has added to the worries of the security forces. The founders of KLO were primarily directing their efforts towards organizing an armed struggle for a separate Kamatapur State. This led to the formation of the KLO. The ULFA’s agenda was to prop up the Rajbongshi militants for its own gains, and the West Bengal tribals were aiding the outfit to create safe haven in North Bengal. Intelligence reports suggest that the ISI was supplying a large quantity of arms and ammunition to the various Northeast terrorist outfits from the stockpiles of the Khmer Rouge of Cambodia after their defeat and eventual obliteration. These were picked up from the markets of Thailand and were transported to Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, eventually to be used on Indian soil. The demographic profile within a five-kilometre belt of the international border with Bangladesh has undergone rapid changes in recent times. Thus the Kamatapur movement, which once began in the form of a peaceful democratic agitation, may take violent shape in the coming days. Take into account the ultimate outcome of the Assam Agitation or the movement of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU). Both began with the demands that were within the reach of the government. But the failure to address them timely and with sincerity has done much harm to this region. Is the government waiting for the worse to happen in the Kamatapur case too?

It is also time for the leadership of the Kamatapur State Demand Committee to analyse the situation from a broader and unprejudiced perspective. They must admit their confined presence. Only some workers of the organization cannot succeed in a democratic movement. The people’s support will be crucial. But for this the policy of the Kamatapur agitationists should be to convince the common people, regardless of caste and community, of the cause they are fighting for. They must respect the demographic profile of the region and give a serious thought to the rapid change in the demography of the districts of lower Assam. They must try to emerge like an umbrella organization if they really want their movement to be successful one.

As far as the demand for a separate State is concerned, what should be taken into consideration is that mere political power will not serve any purpose if the economy is not stable — as it is related to the livelihood of the common masses. If the separate Statehood demand is taken into account, consisting parts of Assam and West Bengal as per their demand, the reality is that it is perhaps economically the most backward region of the country. If it gets alienated, it will ultimately have to rely on the benevolence of the Centre. So greater autonomy is certainly the only answer in this trouble-torn region.

As far as the present state of the movement is concerned, it is merely the duration of bandhs the agitationists seem to consider — as if a longer bandh period means more prospect of success! But the reality tells us a different story. A long duration of bandhs can never be successful as it never becomes comprehensive. The leadership of the organization concerned should realize the fact that even a mere 12-hour comprehensive bandh has greater utility than 1,000 hours of partial bandhs or road blockade. In fact, the approach should be realistic and not rhetorical, qualitative and not quantitative.

In the light of the new developments, it is imperative to critically assess the situation and initiate steps for the greater interest of the region. The security and integrity of the region, as also of the nation at large, should be at the top of the priority list. As far as the strengths of present-day India is concerned, they are mainly the democratic system of governance and economic resilience. Therefore, both the government and the leadership of the Kamatapur movement should show greater flexibility and prioritize the greater interest of the region. This is not for any particular community but for all those who have concern for peace, prosperity, development and more opportunity for work and engagement for the new generation of the region. It is possible if the government initiates a dialogue process with different dissenting groups.

In fact, the government has a greater responsibility, as the present situation is the outcome of the government’s wrong policy of handling democratic movements with due respect to the aspirations of disadvantaged people.

Shibdas Bhattacharjee

(The writer is a freelancer based in Halakura, Dhubri) THE SENTINEL

Saina Nehwal - Best Indian sportsperson award of the year 2009

GUWAHATI, Jan 6: The year 2009 could be the most memorable year for Indian star shuttler Saina Nehwal. Her magnificent performance in the court gave a couple of titles including international meet and she finished 2009 bagging the best Indian sportsperson award of the year. That is not the end. Today, she received a luxurious car from the Assam Badminton Association (ABA), for becoming the best Indian sportsperson of the year 2009.

The key of the car was today handed over to Saina by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in the inaugural function of the 74th Senior National Badminton Championship which got under way at the Karmavir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium here today. In a brief reaction to The Sentinel, after collecting the key, Saina said, “It is really a very nice feeling for me that I got a car because of my performance in the court.” 

 
It is a very rare scene in Indian sports that a player, who is not a cricketer, winning a car for  his performance. But Assam Badminton Association, in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki,  decided to gift cars to the singles winners of 74th National Badminton Championship. On the other hand, they also decided to gift a car to Saina for winning the best Indian sportsperson award for the year 2009.

Saina was really surprised to see that this time both the singles winners of the National Badminton Championship will get a luxury car from the organizer. Replying a query she said, “Generally there were trophies and cash incentives for the badminton players who performed well in the different championships. But I am really surprised to see that in this national meet singles champions will receive a car. It’s incredible.” 

 
Meanwhile, the Assam Badminton Association today awarded Rs 25,000 each to the five Arjuna awardee shuttlers of the country who were present in the inaugural function of the championship. The five Arjuna awardee who received cash awards are: Chetan Anand, Saina Nehwal, Anup Sridhar, Madhumita Bisht and Avin Shyam Gupta. On the other hand, India’s one of the finest mixed doubles pair V Diju and Jawala Gutta also received cash incentives of rupees one lakh each from the Assam Badminton Association. Assam Badminton Association today also felicitated Oil India Limited in the inaugural function for its contribution towards the development of sports in the State.

Meanwhile, several matches were held on the first day of the championship. The list of the players who entered into the second round of the tournament included many Assam shuttlers. Among them are Rimi Hazarika, Rituparna Kalita, Ashmita Chaliha, Kaveri Phukam and Hirok Jyoti Neog. In the mixed doubles star pair — V Diju and Jwala Gutta started their campaign in style beating Saurabh Aggarwal and Abhilasha Tewari by 21-6, 21-6. The event was going on at the time of filing this report. THE SENTINEL

Si Donyi greetings from Governor, CM

ITANAGAR, Jan 5: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen J J Singh and Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu have greeted the people on the occasion of Si-Donyi, the most prominent festival of the Tagins.

In his message, Singh said: “Si Donyi plays a significant role in defining the true nature of customs, traditions and culture of the Tagins. On this joyous occasion, I offer my prayers to Almighty Si Donyi to invoke His blessings for promoting peace, communal harmony, a good harvest and good health for all.”

He said the beliefs behind the festival are rooted deep in the indigenous religious and cultural ethos and is an expression of the reverence and respect of today’s generation towards the wisdom of their founding fathers.
In a separate message today, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu expressed hope that the festival would spread the message of love, peace and communal harmony among all tribes of the State.

Expressing concern that massive transitions in recent times have eroded traditional and cultural practices of the tribal communities, Khandu hoped that the festival will help preserve, promote and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the Tagins.

“On this auspicious occasion, I urge the learned elders to pass on the folk proverbs, folklores, folk songs and folk dances to the younger generation so that we can preserve and showcase our distinct socio-cultural identity forever,” he added. THE SENTINEL

Governor takes up Arunachal’s cause with Union minister

ITANAGAR, Jan 5: In his efforts to capitalize on the vast potential of the State in the agriculture and horticulture sectors through industrialization, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh called on Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma in New Delhi on January 4, 2009.  At the meeting, the Governor took up matters related to promotion of industries, especially small scale industries. He also highlighted various initiatives of the State Government in order to develop spirit of Industrial enterprise in the State. Gen Singh, who always has been advocating empowerment of people through industrialization and entrepreneurship, appealed to Sharma for his personal commitment and endorsement for sustained growth in productivity and for enhancing gainful employment by extending special attention to this Frontier State in these sectors by the Ministry.

To give much needed impetus to the efforts of the State Government and showcasing Arunachal Pradesh, Gen Singh extended invitation to the Union Minister to visit Arunachal and help in all possible ways for the much needed industrialization of the State. However, looking at the strengths of the State, the thrust areas should remain agriculture and horticulture-based industries.

Accepting the invitation, Sharma assured an official trip to the State in the immediate future and would explore the possibility of industrialization field or organic farming, arboriculture, honey bee farming, agriculture and horticulture. The Union Minister further said he will be sending a team of officials from Ministry of Commence and Industries to Arunachal Pradesh to explore further opportunities in this regard. THE SENTINEL

Dorjee Khandu lays stress on tiger preservation

ITANAGAR, Jan 5: Taking a hint from the WWF revelation that tigers were the most endangered species on the planet at the moment, State Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today laid specific stress on conservation and preservation for posterity of the world’s largest cats.

Presiding over the 20th State Board for Wildlife meeting here this morning, Khandu cited the concerns expressed by Union Minister for Forests and Environment Jairam Ramesh on the declining population of tigers in the Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also a Project Tiger Park. Khandu urged the authorities to improve the condition in the sanctuary to bring back the glory of Namdapha Tiger Reserve. He viewed that the relocation and resettlement of the Lisu community residing in the project area is urgently required and the fund allocated for the purpose need to be made use of.

While welcoming the positive gesture of the Centre for giving a go ahead to the much required road from Miao to Vijayanagar that passes through the Tiger Reserve, the Chief Minister expected the park management to play a proactive role in exerting all out efforts in completing the project in a time-bound manner. He suggested inclusion of PRI members, GBs and village communities in the Centrally-sponsored schemes for management and development of sanctuaries, National Parks and Tiger reserves for effective and judicious implementation.

“Forest officials need to deal wildlife crimes like hunting and poaching with strong arms,” Khandu emphasized. Assuring all possible support, Khandu appealed to the officials to take stringent action against those involved in wildlife crimes irrespective of their status.

Also expressing serious concern over illegal timber operation, forest fire etc resulting in increasing pressure on wildlife, he said, “The onus of preserving wildlife and forest need to be shouldered by every individual of the State.”

Khandu also called for expeditious distribution of ex gratia to victims of wild animal attacks besides restoring critical migration corridors for wild elephants to allow them free movement. He urged the forest and tourism officers to come up with innovative ideas to augment eco-tourism.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Speaker Tapang Taloh, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Forest Kumar Waii and other top forest officials. THE SENTINEL

Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) test triggers ‘exodus’ from capital

ITANAGAR, Jan 3: This weekend if anybody has plans to move out of the State capital to district headquarters by daily commercial transport like Tata Sumos, they better make sure to book tickets well in advance lest get stranded. Thanks to the hundreds of youths preparing to leave for their respective district headquarters to sit for the State Civil Service Examinations, private transporters are having a field day.

This year the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has made it mandatory for the civil service aspirants to sit for the preliminary examination in their respective districts or in the nearest. The prelims is slated for January 10 next, and therefore, the huge rush.

“This morning, I went to book a ticket for January 6 but to my utter surprise I did not get one,” lamented a desperate aspirant, who had to ultimately book one for January 10 in the hope that someone cancels his or her ticket before that.

APPSC has fixed nine venues for the examination - Itanagar, Tawang, Ziro, Pasigaht, Tezu, Khonsa, Changlang, Seppa and Aalo - on account of accommodation problems at one centre. Candidates from far off places like Taksing in Upper Subansiri and Monigong in West Siang or Kibitu in Anjaw are in the State capital for the last four to six months in order to equip themselves with knowledge to crack the State’s toughest examination. Now they have to rush to their designated examination centres on time.

“I spent a lot for this examinations right from the beginning. I am paying house rent besides other expenditures on study materials,” claimed John, who is doing a crash course since two months in the capital. He is leaving for his district on Monday.

There are many candidates like him who have been seriously preparing for the exam. Not to risk unforeseen hiccups like bandh calls in neighbouring State, several of them have already moved out in advance.

Nevertheless, the sudden exodus of hundreds of passengers at once from the capital is proving a New Year gift for owners of commercial vehicles.

“Yes. This is good business. Till January 9 all tickets are booked,” said a ticket counter owner, who plans to arrange extra vehicles if the rush increases beyond apprehension. THE SENTINEL

North East India International Meet (NEIIM-2010)

11 & 12 January 2010

Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts, Machkhowa, Guwahati

Email : neiim@yahoo. com

Website : http://www.neiim201 0.com

 
Warm welcome to NEIIM-2010
The North East India International Meet (NEIIM) organised by the Friends of Assam & Seven Sisters (FASS) in association with Govt. of Assam is an effort to bring together on a common platform the rich Diaspora of the North East : its people, its well wishers, its various stakeholders and all those who may have had in the past or even now have emotional, social, commercial, or official bondage with the region. 
 
Who can attend NEIIM-2010?
(a)  All Non-Residents of North-East India (NR-NEIs) presently residing in different parts of the globe
(b)  All Non-Residents of North-East India presently residing in Delhi , Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and other parts in India
(c)  Residents of North-East India (R-NEIs) 
(d)  All who may not be of North-East India origin but served/worked in various spheres like tea-estates of Assam , defence forces, oil sector, Govt. departments etc. etc.

(e)  All well-wishers of North-East India

(f) School students (class IX, X, XI, XII), College and University students. Students will get magazine "Friends" for free.

 

Program Outline : 11 Jan 2010 

09.30 am  : Inaugural session (Chief Guest : Shri Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister, Assam)

10.30 am  : Tea Break

10.50 am  : Economy (Chair : Shri Srinath Baruah, Vice Chancellor, KKHSOU) 

10.50 am  : Youth Forum (Chair : Shri Swapnanil Baruah, Secretary, Govt of Assam)

12.45 pm  : Lunch

02.00 pm  : Solution to the Flood and Erosion problem of the river Brahmaputra

02.00 pm  : Tourism

06.00 pm  : Social evening, Cultural function and Dinner

 

Program Outline : 12 Jan 2010 

09.00 am  : Rural Health Care (Chair : Shri Himanta B. Sarma, Minister, Health, GoA) 

09.00 am  : Rural Development 

11.00 am  : Tea Break 

11.15 am  : Education (Chair : Prof. Ashoke K. Dutta, Director, IIM, Shillong)

11.15 am  : North East India Petroleum Association (Chair : Dr. Bhupati Das, MD, NRL) 

12.50 pm  : Tea Break 

01.00 pm  : Valedictory Function (Chief Guest : H.E. Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, Governor of Meghalaya)

02.00 pm  : Lunch

 

Registration Fee

For single person for 2 days : Rs.1,000.00

For single person for 1 day : Rs.500.00 

For husband-wife couple for 2 days : Rs.1,500.00

For husband-wife couple for 1 day : Rs.1,000.00

For student for 2 days : Rs.200.00

For student for 1 day : Rs.100.00

For media persons : Registration free

Opening & Valedictory functions : Entry free for all.

Indigenous Faiths Day celebrated

Indigenous Faiths Day celebrated

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The Indigenous Faiths Day was celebrated as Donyi-Polo Day with religious fervour and gaiety in all the Ganggings (Donyi-Polo prayer halls) all across East Siang district on December 31. With the State Government declaring the day as an official holiday, followers actively joined the celebrations in traditional attire. Formal prayers were offered and religious discourses held amongst intellectuals and the believers.

At Pasighat, local representatives, Education Minister Bosiram Siram and Lok Sabha MP Ninniong Ering visited the Ganggings and extended greetings to the people besides joining in the prayers for peace and prosperity. Both expressed confidence that the celebration would help in improving communal harmony and feeling of brotherhood amongst the people.

About 20 km from Pasighat at Ngopok under Mebo subdivision, indigenous people proclaimed the dignity and solemnity of the indigenous faith by taking out a colourful procession projecting diverse and rich Adi tradition through folk music and tableaux depicting various facets of the simple yet rich and colourful indigenous lifestyle. The procession culminated at the Ngopok Gangging Ground, where the ceremonial flag was hoisted and special prayers offered.

In a brief speech on the occasion, chief guest Onyok Pertin, East Siang DIPRO, appealed to all to preserve the great and rich tradition for the younger generation to take up. He later inaugurated an Adult Education Centre, locally established by the SHG of Ngopok village, and also released CDs showcasing religious activities of the Adis.

The Indigenous Faith Day was also observed at Jomo village under Rumgong Circle in West Siang district. To mark the day, hundreds of youths pledged to preserve, promote, protect and rejuvenate their indigenous faiths and beliefs for maintaining their distinct cultural identity.

Olom Talom, in-charge youth coordinator of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), exhorted the youths to play vital roles in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the State.

The main attraction of the day was presentation of traditional cultural shows, traditional games and sports like indigenous tug-of-war and cock fight. THE SENTINEL

Eight more foot-bridges coming up

GUWAHATI, Jan 2: Altogether eight more foot-bridges are coming up in the city. PWD and GMDA have been assigned to carry on the construction. While assignment of constructing five bridges has been given to PWD, the rest three have been given to GMDA.

Two out of three foot-bridges assigned to GMDA are coming up on the busy GS Road—one in Khanapara area which is in front of the Veterinary College while the other is in Lachit Nagar area. The third bridge under GMDA is coming up at Maligaon Chariali connecting the MG Road with the one that leads to Pandu. The construction works for the three bridges are on.

The State Government has already sanctioned Rs 150 lakh against these three bridges during the current fiscal (2009-2010), said GMDA sources. The GMDA has assigned the construction works to Global Trade Enterprise, sources further added.

On the other hand, one of the five foot-bridges to be constructed by PWD is coming up in front of the State Secretariat at Dispur. The construction works are under process. Construction of the rest four foot-bridges is yet to get momentum, said sources.

Sources further said, “A period of six months for construction of one foot-bridge will be required but one cannot be certain of the fact since there are a lot of things to be settled. The project aims at giving a relief to pedestrians.”

But according to city people these steps could have been taken by the Government much earlier as two foot-bridges have already been opened one at Sukreswar and the other at Machkhowa. THE SENTINEL

First NE Indian addresses IACC meet as president

GUWAHATI, Jan 2: Mahesh Saharia, regional president of Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), had the first maiden meeting held at Kolkata recently after he took the onerous responsibility of the president of IACC. He is the only person from the Northeast in the history of 41 years of the Chamber who has reached this position.

In his speech, thanking the gathering Saharia said, “It is a rare privilege indeed to have such an august gathering as we have here today and I would like to thank each one of you for the trouble that you have taken in coming over to this special session of Indo American Chamber of Commerce”.
He thanked Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for attending the meeting.

Lauding Mukherjee he said, “Any statement of the immense contribution made by him to the Indian democracy will be grossly inadequate. Opposition members speak of him as the most efficient minister even. Those who seriously believe in the dharma of opposition to oppose even all good of the ruling, also find no alternative but to concede by describing him as the only efficient minister of the UPA Government”. THE SENTINEL

Brahmaputra Festival from Jan 23

GUWAHATI, Jan 2: With an aim to highlight the Brahmaputra issue on the international platform, Brahmaputra Beckons, a newly formed NGO, is organizing the First Brahmaputra Festival at Andherideo Balichar, Bharalumukh from January 23 to 24.

The aim of organizing the festival includes protection of the mighty Brahmaputra from pollution and construction of dam over the river, promotion of tourism and integration of the greater Assamese race on a single platform. All the Northeastern States are participating in the festival. This was stated by Nripen Das, joint general secretary of the NGO, at a press meet organized at Guwahati Press Club today. THE SENTINEL

You can’t underestimate Lajong: Bhaichung

GUWAHATI, Jan 2: On paper East Bengal is far ahead of Shillong Lajong FC when they go to play the final of the 31st Federation Cup Soccer Tournament on Sunday. But during a conversation with the media, Bhaichung Bhutia, key forward of East Bengal, said Lajong is playing exceptionally well under the coaching of Stanley Rozario and they can’t be taken lightly in the final. Here is the excerpt.

Is Shillong Lajong FC really a threat for your team?

The way the team have performed in the tournament is really good and thereafter there is no way to underestimate them.

But still they are playing against East Bengal.

That’s true. But I think Lajong is a very strong opponent in the final. The plus point of the team is that they can run very well in the ground and coach Stanley Rozario is successful to make the team an united force.
Do you feel crowd support would give an extra edge to Shillong Lajong FC?
Definitely. It would be almost their home match.

You are one goal away to become the highest goal scorer in Federation Cup. Will that goal come in the final?
Right at this moment I am not interested at all to think on my personal achievement. It would be nice for me if my team win the final even if I don’t score a goal.

As a player of East Bengal you have won all the soccer titles except Federation Cup. Will it happen in Guwahati?

Let’s see. We have done a lot of hard work on the way to reach the final and we must perform well here also otherwise all the good work would be wasted. THE SENTINEL

The Forgotten Agenda

In an interaction with the media on the first day of the new year, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi harped on a range of issues and his vision of a developed Assam. He also hinted at the possibility of a breakthrough in the ULFA stalemate and said that negotiations with the outfit could proceed even if the group’s self-styled commander-in-chief, Paresh Baruah, stayed out of the process. But what Gogoi forgot to dwell on is the pathetic state of education and what road map his government has in mind to bring about a radical transformation in the education system of the State. What he forgot to point out is how the State’s education regime has failed the very cause of education. A frank deliberation by the Chief Minister on education — on the need to make it meaningful, given the level of competition that the students of the State must reach if they are not to be dismissed as misfits —would have been so refreshing on the first day of the year 2010. It is not that Gogoi is unaware of the State’s education reality. It is not that he does not appreciate the education imperative. But electoral politics has its own imperative as well. Be that as it may, what is more unfortunate is that no one in the media deemed it an occasion to ask Gogoi as to whether distribution of computers to students alone would bring about a revolution in the educational arena of the State. THE SENTINEL

Barpeta Xahitya Xabha biennial conference held

From our Correspondent

BARPETA, Jan 2: “The Assamese language is in trouble at present with the English language dominating it. Moreover, spelling mistakes and wrong sentence construction are degrading the quality of Assamese literature,” said Sashadhar Adhikari, principal of Abhayapuri College, in the Barpeta Xahitya Xabha biennial conference held recently. The conference was held at the Abhayapuri College premises.

While addressing the meeting, Adhikari said that writers and readers are like the both sides of the coin and added that it is a good sign if writing are criticized as this results in quality products. He also said that sahitya sabhas should not indulge themselves in lobbying and always try to be fair with genuine writers.

The open session was presided over by Barpeta Xahitya Xabha president Hiren Das. A souvenir titled Barpat was also inaugurated by Barpeta MC College retired professor of Botany Department Kabindra Nath Das during the meet. The meeting was also addressed by Barpeta Press Club president Sunil Kumar Das, Manindra Das and newly elected Barpeta Xahitya Xabha president Dinesh Das.

Earlier in the meet, a new committee was formed for the next term of the Barpeta Xahitya Xabha with Dinesh Das as its president, Mahananda Pathak as its secretary, Sudhir Das as its vice-President and Pranab Bhagawati as its assistant secretary and Jagadish Sarma as its treasurer. Also, founder president of the Barpeta Xahitya Xabha Prasanna Kumar Deka was conferred with the Asom Keshari Ambikagiri award for this year. THE SENTINEL

Joymoti on its way for screening in America

GUWAHATI, Jan 2: While Assamese cinema is passing though a phase of quality cinema even after 75 years of its existence, Jyotiprasad Agarwalla’s classic creation Joymoti continues its journey to far off places till today. A press release stated that after it made its international premier in the film festival of “Bollywood and Beyond” in Stutagart in 2006, and subsequent screenings in Asiaticafilmidale (Encounters with Asian Cinema) of Rome, Munich Film Festival and Asian’s Cinefan of Delhi, the surviving version of the first Assamese film is now on its way to Los Angeles, the historic home of “Hollywood” film and television industries.

The Society of Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) of the Northwestern University has invited the surviving version of Joymoti for its 50th anniversary international conference to be held from March 17-21, 2010. Nick Davis, Department of English/Gender Studies Program of the university, has written to Altaf Mazid to consent their request. “One of our members has nominated the film Joymoti for an official screening. The screening committee has voted enthusiastically to accept this proposal and I hope to confirm it with you that with your help, we may show Joymoti to our members,” Davis said.

Stating the purpose of SCMC conference, Nick Davis stated that every year, it draws together over 1,000 film professors, filmmakers, and film students committed to the exhibition, circulation, study and preservation of a wide range of films. These screenings offer the best chance to showcase important films to the members, who sustain the visibility and reputation of these films by assigning them in college courses, writing about them in books and publish articles, purchasing copies of these films for their libraries or for personal research or recommending titles to colleagues, curators, festival programmers, and fellow artists.

He further wrote that “on behalf of your film, we can promise a devoted, vocal, and discerning audience of film scholars and artists from around the world. The sooner I hear from you, I can also begin advertising the film to our membership, so that your film can be promoted even to those SCMS members who cannot attend the March conference.” Altaf Mazid has already replied to him with assurance of providing the screening format of Joymoti at the earliest. Screening of the film in the SCMC conference bears a significant co-incidence. Its their 50th golden anniversary and for Assamese cinema the 75th aniversary platinum jubilee. In 1935 the film was released in the month of March while the platinum jubilee celebration in 2010 and this conference screening, both are happening in the same month of the calendar. THE SENTINEL