Pradesh Congress Committee observers reaching Silchar on Saturday

SILCHAR, Feb 25: A three-member team of Pradesh Congress Committee observers consisting of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dr Nazul Islam, PCC secretaries Diganta Kalita and Ashok Das are reaching Silchar on February 28 in order to look into the complaints from different blocks of Cachar in respect of the preparation of panel of candidates for Silchar LS seat by the Cachar District Committee of Congress, according to sources.

After receiving complaints from the blocks AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi advised Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhubaneshwar Kalita to send the team of observers to Cachar in order to verify the veracity of complaints.

In fact, observer teams are being send for all the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. The observers for Cachar would specifically verify if the panel of candidates has been prepared according to the norms set by AICC and APCC.

They will submit the report in two or three days to enable PCC to prepare the panel.

The observers would be at their discretion to include another name on the panel since the earlier list contained the names of two candidates- Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev and State Minister Dinesh Prasad Goala.

The source adds to say that the possibility of inclusion of the name of APCC general secretary Pradip Dutta Roy cannot be ruled out.

The norms of AICC and APCC lay stress on preparing the panel of at least three candidates from each constituency. APCC will prepare the panel and in the meeting of AICC to be held sometime in the first week of March, final decision will be taken.

Silchar District Congress Committee, the source points out, has violated the circular of AICC and APCC in preparing the panel by dropping the name of Pradip Dutta Roy, an applicant. Borkhola, Salchapra, Dholai, Kalain, Katigorah and Silchar blocks have been the complainants before APCC for dropping Dutta Roy from the panel. It will be interesting to watch the development after the visit of observers. source: The Sentinel

CPM stages demonstration for implementation of Common Minimum Programme

SILCHAR, Feb 25: Communist Party of India (Marxist), Silchar local committee today staged a demonstration for four hours before the office of Cachar deputy commissioner demanding fulfilment of common minimum programme initiated by the UPA Government. A memorandum signed by the leaders of the party was submitted to the Prime Minister of India, through the deputy commissioner.

Local committee secretary Chinmoy Deb while briefing the media said his party has given call for national campaign and struggle to press the centre to fulfil the assurances given in the CMP in order to protect the interests of common people. He reminded both the Central and the State government have to implement the provisions of the programme in coordination with the local administration. But, he was constrained to point out that nothing concrete and tangible has been done for implementing it.

The demonstration, as he said, was staged to reiterate to take steps on urgent basis so that people of the area might get relief from the problems confronting their hard life. The demands included check on rising prices of essential commodities, further reduction in the price of petroleum products, strengthening public distribution system both in urban and rural areas, increasing the quantity of food grains for APL and BPL card holders, making survey and scrutiny of BPL families for issuing BPL cards to target group and proper measures to make implementation of NREGS corruption free.
The memorandum also pressed for extension of employment guarantee scheme in urban area also, provision of adequate security for completion of Silchar-Lumding BG, improvement and repair of roads and footpaths of this town and suburban areas, provincialization of adhoc educational institutions and to contain FDI in insurance sectors. source: the sentinel

ADSU, ACKHSA blame it on Government, lobby

GUWAHATI, Feb 22: The All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU) and All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) today blamed it on the government and a political lobby for the delay of the Silchar-Lumding gauge conversion project that was earlier scheduled to be completed by 2009. The students’ bodies said it is due to the neglect of the government to NC Hills and Barak Valley, the BG Project that was declared as a national project by the Prime Minister has been delayed.

Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, ADSU president Prafulla Hafila said: “The gauge conversion project was started in 1997 with 2009 as the target, but so far only 30 per cent work of the project has been done. The government shows the violence by the Black Widow as the reason behind the delay in the work, but the reality is that the militant group has been active for two years, and too, in a specific area. It is lack of goodwill on the part of the government that has delayed the work of the project.”

Hafila said if the government does complete the work of the project by March 16, they will resort to a vigorous agitation.

ACKHSA president Rupam Nandi Purkayastha said: “A political lobby in league with businessmen engaged in carrying passengers and goods to the Barak Valley has delayed the gauge conversion work.” He also said Union Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Dev is reluctant to put pressure on the Centre for early completion of the project due to an ego problem. He, however, refused to divulge as to what ego problem Dev has been suffering from. He also said if the project is not completed by March 16, the two students’ bodies will resort to a vigorous agitation. source: the sentinel assam

Santosh Mohan Dev first choice of DCC

SILCHAR, Feb 22: The Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev’s name has been sent to the state committee of Congress by the district unit as the first choice for party’s nominee in Silchar for the coming general election. However this is for the first time a second choice has also been nominated by the District Congress Committee (DCC).

Apart from Silchar block, Silchar town and Sonai all the other 12 block level committees of the ruling party in the district had the name of Dinesh Prasad Goala, State’s Urban Development Minister as the other choice. The district committee in its meeting yesterday has decided to send the names of both the contenders with Dev being the first choice. The name of Pradip Dutta Roy the other contender, did not even figure in yesterday’s meeting. It is to be noted that Goala, a Hindi-speaking tea community leader had expressed his willingness for nomination last time also but respecting Dev’s request he withdrew himself from the race. Dev had reportedly assured Goala that next time he would not be a contender. Goala in a recent press-meet, said this time nothing could stop him from seeking nomination. However, he did not forget to remind that whoever gets the nomination the party would fight unitedly. Source: The Sentinel

BUBSSS resents Tea Association of India role

SILCHAR, Feb 22: The Cachar unit of Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya-O-Samskriti Sammelon (BUBSSS) has expressed dissatisfaction as well as resentment over the indifferent attitude of Tea Association of India (TAI) towards this premiere of socio-cultural organization of the valley. TAI, which had 65% of total tea gardens in the valley as its members, did not consider it worth to respond to the appeal made by BUBSSS to extend assistance in its recently held biennial conference.

Addressing a press meet, the members of BUBSSS said in a recently held meeting of the tea garden management that the planters has openly admitted that last year the production of tea in the Barak Valley was remarkably good. “It is very unfortunate that the tea gardeners has never contributed towards the development of the Valley. They have never bothered about the socio-cultural upliftment of the region where they are doing business ”, said Taimur Raja Choudhury, a senior member of BUBSSS.

The BUBSS members said, another tea body– Indian Tea Association had however extended financial assistance to the conference. Interestingly, the BUBSSS members admitted that this time various other associations of business community has refused to extend help to the premiere organization, though some traders had personally contributed.

The BUBSSS members expressed dissatisfaction over the lukewarm response they had received from Dinesh Prasad Goala, State’s Urban Development Minister. Goala did not attend the conference though he was in the town. Simultaneously the participation from the Assam University teaching and student community in the seminar session was very disappointing, the BUBSS members added.

Dinendra Narayan Biswas, president of the Cachar unit of BUBSSS said, it was indeed a matter of significance that for the first time the conference was attended by a representative of Lingusitic Minority Commission. S K Upadhyay, Assisatnt Commissioner of LMC who attended the open session here has assured that he would look after the various demands of BUBSSS for the upliftment of Bengali speaking community of the State.

Pradip Acharjee, general secretary informed that for the first time the Central government’s Minority Affairs Ministry has invited BUBSSS to participate the International Mother Language Day, held on February in Delhi. Though BUBSSS could not make it to send a delegate this time, but the response from the Central government had made them optimistic that their demands would now at least get an audience at the Central level. Upadhyay has reportedly assured that from now onwards various government leaflets, brochures and other communications for Barak Valley would be sent in Bengali language. Others who addressed the press-meet included Sourindra Bhattacharjee, Dipak Sengupta, Shantanu Das, Gautam Prasad Dutta, Sanjeeb Dev Laskar and Sontosh Chanda. source: the sentinel assam

Assam University conferred D Li degree to Dr Bhupen Hazarika

Higher education system must empower our youth: Kakodkar

SILCHAR, Feb 20 – “Our higher education system must empower our youth to feel confident about addressing the issues of development based on scientific and innovative inputs, tailored to the needs of our society,” Dr Anil Kakodkar, chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Govt of India said as a chief guest in the Xth Assam University convocation. Governor Shiv Charan Mathur was also present on the occasion as the guest of honour, .

Dr Kakodkar said that convocation in a solemn occasion in the annual calendar of an institution of learning. It is a memorable milestone in the career span of a student, his or her mentors and everyone connected with the pursuit of knowledge in the university.

He further said that education is a route to enlightenment and a tool for empowerment. If carried out effectively education can transform our youth into a huge “human capital”, and make India one of the most powerful nations of the world.

Mr Kakodkar hoped that one should maintain a sprit of trust while raising higher contribution in whatever way one can to the society and the country, the institution.

In the presidential address, Prof Topadhir Bhattacharrjee, VC, Assam Varsity said that the university believes in team work and participatory management. The university strength is our faith in togetherness by duty of which it has recently been able to compete the networking in the major portioned of the campus. With the sustain effort, the university set in to motion several construction project under OBC grant and more than 70 teaching and 20 non-teaching posts have been added.

As the guest of honour, Shiv Charan Mathur said that education never ends One gets educated every day and continues to learn till the end comes. He felt proud that this country has that honour of having scientists like Archarjee JC Bose Prof M Saha, Prof V Raman, Dr H Bhava, Dr B Sarabhai, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof JV Narlikar and other numerous scientists who have made a name in their own sphere of work and made the country proud.

In the convocation, Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Dr S Parsuraman and Chittotosh Mukerjee were conferred D Li degree, and S Hussein and PR Sarup were conferred D SC degree. source: assam tribune

National Institute of Designing (NID) for Assam

GUWAHATI, Feb 19: The Central Government has sanctioned a National Institute of Designing (NID) for Asom. This was announced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath during the inaugural function of Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati today. “The NID has been sanctioned. We are now waiting for the State Government’s response,” Nath said, and added: “Intricate textile fabric and design institutes will help the local talent groom. The State Government had earlier proposed before the Centre for such a technology institute in the State.”

“Building adequate infrastructure is a greater challenge facing the country. Proper infrastructure helps unleash intellectual and entrepreneurial capabilities,” he said. Speaking on the tea industry, he said the sector has to take long-term measures to face the challenges posed by the global tea players.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the State has progressed in all spheres in spite of the problems of insurgency, bandhs etc. He said the trade centre will help not only Asom, but also the entire Northeast. “We have potential in handicraft, medicinal plants, food-processing, eco-tourism, tourism and other sectors. We have to develop all these sectors,” Gogoi added.

State Industry and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said with the opening of the new centre, international participation in trade fairs in the city will get a boost. “Trade and commerce, service and construction sectors have registered robust growth since 2001. A society with the name — Assam Trade Promotion Organization (ATPO) — has been formed to run the trade centre,” he said, and added: “The ATPO will run the border trade centres also.”

The trade centre has been built with an investment of Rs 20.38 crore on 10 acres of land in phase 1. In the second phase, an international convention centre will be constructed.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Commissioner of Industry Ravi Kapoor said an exhibition each on tourism and plastic industry will be held in the trade centre by May this year. source: the sentinel

Pradip Dutta Roy raps Lalu on Silchar-Lumding BG

SILCHAR, Feb 20: Asom Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Pradip Dutta Roy has taken serious exception to the statement of the Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in LS while speaking on the railway budget. The Railway Minister blamed the Government of Asom for its non cooperation which, according to him, stood in the way of the completion or progress of work on Silchar- Lumding BG which has been stagnating for more than a decade. Dutta Roy termed the statement of the Railway Minister as totally false, distorted and misleading, besides causing confusion among the people of Asom as a whole and Barak Valley in particular. It was also an exercise to ‘bamboozle’ the people. It is known to all that Silchar-Lumding BG has been declared a National Project and hence it is absolutely the responsibility of the Central Government not only to take care of necessary funds but also of its security related problem.

He reminded, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh being an elected representative from Asom, should take personnel interest and create the necessary pressure on the Railway Ministry for laying due importance on the expeditious completion of this vital BG link, the life line of Barak Valley, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur.

APCC general secretary wanted to know against the alleged non cooperation from the state of Asom, what alternative security measures have been adopted by the railway minister. He pointed out to say in the worst hit insurgency Jammu and Kashmir and Tripura, the rail links could come up within the scheduled time frame. To put the blame on Dispur for not providing enough security in the trouble- torn North Cachar Hills is a lame excuse and to create rift between Brahmaputra and Barak Valley.

Dutta Roy further dubbed the statement of Railway Minister as unfortunate as it will have political impact on the prospect of Congress candidates in the ensuing LS polls. He shared his views with The Sentinel here today
source: the sentinel

AAMSU and ADSU demand release of innocent youths

SILCHAR, Feb 20: In a joint memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner of Cachar on Thursday, All Assam Manipuri Students’ Union (AAMSU) and All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU), Cachar district committees, have sought his intervention for release of innocent youths arrested by police on false and fabricated charges on February 9 last.

According to the memorandum, five students identified as Hemanta Singh (24), Biswajit Singh (27), Sanjay Singh (21), Manoranjan Singh (20) and Nandan Burman (20) were arrested by Lakhipur police from Bimala Hotel, Lakhipur, while they were taking meals. All the five were put in the lock up, produced before the Court and sent to judicial custody.

Of the five youths, Sanjay Singh is a Class –X student of Chindong Leikai Manipuri High School, Manoranjan Singh is a student of Class –XII of Cachar College and Nandan Burman who is the son of Congress leader Noboda Burman, reads in class XI of St Peters College Shillong.

Their arrest, as alleged by both the Unions, was on the basis of the complaint of Chanchal Dey, a resident of Poilapool, 30 km from here, who was having personal grudge against Noboda Burman, father of Nandan. AAMSU general secretary H Layataba Singh and ADSU assistant general secretary Animesh Burman who signed the memorandum, pointed their accusing finger at Chanchal Dey for implicating the students in fabricated cases.

The Unions have demanded impartial inquiry into the matter to unearth the reason behind motivated arrest and pressed for the release of all the five since as school and college going students, their academic career is at stake.

They are to appear for their final examinations which would begin soon, the memorandum pointed out.

Lakhipur police, on the other hand, denied the arrest of the youths on the ground of rivalry or animosity between Chanchal Dey and Noboda Burman.

The fact of the case, according to the police, is that all the five youths in collusion with another teenager Abdul Haque Mazumder (20) of Ghantapara, were hatching conspiracy in the said Bimala Hotel of Lakhipur to kidnap Biju Dey, a businessman, brother of Chanchal Dey. On specific tip off, the police arrested all the six youths. Abdul Haque was also taken into police custody for interrogation. sourcE: the sentinel assam

Power sub-station for better public services

SILCHAR, Feb 20: "With the inauguration of power substation at Sreekona, the consumers in and around Silchar town will be more benefited as their demand for power can be substantially met", pointed out Urban Development Minister Dinesh Prasad Goala while inaugurating the 132/33 KV substation at Sreekona, 8 km from here, on Thursday. He said the growing demand for energy in rural areas "is being met through the implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Programme".

He added to say so long Silchar and its adjoining areas had to depend upon Panchgram substation for power needs. It would be now Sreekona substation that would greatly solve the power crisis. Any transmission or distribution fault could now be easily located and rectified which would mitigate the suffering of consumers, besides improving the power scenario. It would also provide maximum voltage and contribute towards the setting up of small scale industrial units in the district of Cachar.

Goala was however skeptical about the desired benefits to people because it would take one month more to activate this substation. Moreover, it lacked basic infrastructure. Barak Valley as a whole faces acute power crisis with long and unending bouts of load shedding. He attributed much of the problem to lack of coordination among public, peoples’ representatives and the ASEB. As a minister, he said, he "is never made to know the problems in respect of power supply, its transmission and distribution."

He referred to a specific case of his Lakhipur constituency where the 10 kv substation at Poilapool has been out of order for more than 18 months, but he has never been informed of it. He laid stress on better coordination for better services. He reminded Barak Valley has to depend upon outside sources to meet its peak hour need of 80 MW. The Sreekona substation has been set up at an estimated cost of Rs 12.9 crore.

Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Ajit Singh speaking on the occasion said with the coming up of the power project at Kalain to be set up by BHEL, the power problem of this valley would be greatly eased. Others who addressed the assembly on the occasion included MLAs Kutub Ahamed Mazumdar and Dr Rumi Nath, CPM leader Deepak Bhattacharjee, and officials- P K Bagchi and Girban Biswas. source: the sentinel assam

Delay in Lumding-Silchar project rocks Parliament

Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 20 – The issue of delay in execution of the mega railway projects in the North-east, including the Lumding-Silchar Broad Gauge conversion work on account of militancy, rocked Parliament for the second day today, even as Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad hinted at special focus on completion of railway projects in the region. Rajya Sabha on Friday witnessed heated exchanges over the dismal condition of railways in the region. The agitated mood of Biswajeet Daimary prompted Lalu Yadav to intervene to assure that Railways was not ignoring the interest of the region, during a discussion on the Interim Railway Budget.

Earlier, during Question Hour, Daimary had charged the Railway Ministry with citing flimsy grounds for the delay in execution of vital projects. At least three MPs including Biren Baishya, Kumar Deepak Das, besides Daimary participated in the discussion.

At the end of the discussion, the Railway Minister announced that survey work would be undertaken for the long-pending Jogighopa-Barpeta-Hajo-Guwahati line. Electrification work in Assam is going on, he said, assuring that special attention would be paid for completion of all these projects.

The Railway Ministry is going to find funds to complete these projects, he said.

The Railways currently has 112 ongoing new line projects in the North-east.

Denying the charge that the North-east has been neglected, Lalu Prasad said Assam is part and parcel of India. He argued, Bihari people also live in different parts of Assam though at times they have to make sacrifices, apparently referring to the killing of Hindi-speaking people in the State.

Pointing towards the gauge conversion project, he said the Home Ministry has been contacted for security cover. He blamed insurgency activities for the hold-up, though he added that funds would not be a constraint.

Earlier in the morning, during Question Hour, his deputy, Minister of State for Railways, Dr R Velu forwarded the same grounds that Railway Minister, did in Lok Sabha, yesterday for the inordinate delay in implementation of the big ticket projects.

Dr Velu held that militancy-related violence in North Cachar Hills has disrupted the Lumding-Silchar Broad gauge Conversion Project. He said that railway engineers were abducted and railwaymen killed in the area by the militants, expressing helplessness of the Ministry.

He reiterated that the Railway Ministry has approached Assam Government to provide security in the project site to ensure resumption of work. If the State Government provides security, the Railways will start work, the Minister said.

He also added that timing of the passenger trains running through the hill district has been rescheduled. Train operation in the area has been regulated and currently trains run between 7 am and 7 pm, he added.

However, the Minister’s reply to a question by Motilal Sarkar left Biswajeet Daimary upset. He charged that the Minister’s reasoning for the delay was not convincing enough. If this is the reason for stopping the work on the project, then why train services were resumed after the blasts in train compartments in Mumbai.

Later, participating in the discussion on the Interim Budget, Daimary charged the Government with raising a security scare. When the Railways can complete the rail project in Jammu and Kashmir, which is also hit by extremists within seven years, why is it taking so long to complete the Lumding-Silchar Gauge Conversion Project?

“Wrong statements from Delhi are creating more confusion in North-east. When we as MPs are not convinced about sincerity of the Government, then how can we convince militant outfits like ULFA, NDFB and NSCN,” he asked.

“The Railways always try to find flimsy ground, when it comes to meeting the demands of the people of the State. When we ask for electrification, we are told that there is scarcity of power. When we ask for fast trains, Railways tell us that the soil in Assam is not suitable for running such trains,” he alleged.

Joining the discussion, Biren Baishya alleged that there was discrimination against the region. The Central Government should seriously think of establishing train network in North-east, where most of the states are yet to see any tracks. He said the Railway Minister announced 42 trains but not a single train for Assam and the region.

Calling for 100 per cent job reservation for locals in Railways, he demanded setting up of an exclusive zonal railway, barring West Bengal and Bihar, a coach-factory and expediting the completion of the Bogibeel-rail-cum-road bridge.

Participating in the discussion, Kumar Deepak Das held that the railway in the region has not developed much. In the last 60 years, the Railways have managed to set up only 700 Km of the 1700 km rail network laid by the British, barring the broad gauge tracks, he charged.

He demanded survey of the Jogighopa-Barpeta-Hajo-Guwahati tracks.

source: Assam Tribune 21.02.09

Assam University Students Union gives ultimatum to VC

SILCHAR, Feb 19: Assam University Students Union had given a three-day ultimatum to the University Authority demanding clarification from Vice-Chancellor Prof Tapodhir Bhattacharjee in the merit list controversy. A delegation of the student union led by its general secretary Samar Bijoy Das yesterday met Controller of Examinations Dr P Deb Nath and urged him to show the rules on basis of which the University Authority had changed the merit list for the PG examinations held last year.

Deb Nath failed to show the same and asked the students to seek clarification from the VC instead. Prof Bhattacharjee however refused to give the students an audience. The irate students later sent a memorandum asking the VC to clarify why and how names of toppers in Ecology and Environment Science and Mass Communication Abul Fazal Laskar and Junali Deka in the merit list notified on January 24 were degraded to second position to pave the way for Bidisha Chakraborty and Ayiriddhi Bhattacharjee to become the toppers in the respective departments.

Ayiriddhi Bhattacharjee was the niece of Prof Bhattacharjee and allegation of nepotism had been raised against the University Authority. source: the sentinel assam

Snail’s pace drainage work adds to public woes

SILCHAR, Feb 19: The citizens of this town are yet to understand when the work on drainage cum footpath will be over. The slipshod and unscientific planning has only added to their woes. In order to acquaint themselves with the status on the drainage scheme, a delegation of Nagarik Swartharaksha Sangram Parishad (NSSP) led by its president Dr Tapash Shankar Dutta met the National Building Construction Company additional general manager RN Singh.

The additional general manager to the various queries raised by the NSSP secretary Haridas Dutta revealed that the entire drainage work has been divided into six phases for which Rs 158 crore has been allotted by the Centre. The time frame for its completion is seven years. For the first phase of work, Rs 17.01 crore has been sanctioned, of which Rs 4.20 crore is already released. The first phase work will be over in three years which in fact was by February, 2007. Till date, Rs 1.80 crore has been spent. DD Construction Company of Guwahati was entrusted with the first phase of work. In view of its unsatisfactory work, it the contract with the DDCC was terminated on January 9, 2009.

Asked by Haridas Dutta about the abnormal delay in completing the work of the initial stage, RN Singh pointed out DDCC failed to work according to specifications and maintain quality. He said new tender has been floated and he expected a new construction company of repute would be allocated the work in order to complete the first phase by November, 2009.

On the question of defects in design, affecting the quality of 15 per cent of work already executed, RN Singh admitted it was quite possible due to proper monitoring and supervision. He however assured from now, vigilance and supervision would be mounted to ensure quality. He sought the cooperation of Parishad in the execution of work. He also agreed that the distance between manholes would be brought down and the retaining wall along the drains would be strengthened and widened. source: the sentinel assam

Gauhati HC quashes MLA Bithika Dev’s appointment order

: Our Bureau
GUWAHATI/ SILCHAR, Feb 18: In a major setback for the State Government, the Gauhati High Court today quashed the appointment of MLA Bithika Dev as the administrator of the Silchar Municipal Board and asked the government to show how an elected MLA could be appointed for that post.

Dev had held the office of Chairperson of the Silchar Municipal Board for a period of five years and her term expired on February 7. However, the Asom Government had once again appointed her as the administrator of the board.

The State Government’s decision to appoint Dev was challenged by three citizens of Silchar, who had filed a writ petition before the Gauhati High Court. The petitioners are Bimalendu Roy, Dhiraj Dev Choudhury and Srikant Das. Hearing the petition, a Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice J Chelameswar and Justice AC Upadhaya, today suspended the appointment of Bithika Dev.

Passing its judgement, the Division Bench of the High Court said, “The court is pleased to direct the government to clarify if any MLA appointed as an administrator or chairman can hold an office of profit”. It called upon the Advocate General of Asom to make an appearance in the case.
There had been widespread protests against the appointment of Bithika Dev as the administrator of the Silchar Municipal Board. The Silchar Mandal Committee of the BJP, in particular, has been demonstrating against the order of the State Government before the Municipal Board with all its members and supporters. BJP Mandal Committee president Ramapada Das had described the order to retain Bithika Dev as the administrator as “highly illegal, undemocratic and unconstitutional”.

Hailing the High Court’s judgement, former MLA Bimolangshu Roy said, “The verdict has vindicated the demand of the citizens of this town who have been clamouring for better civic services and an end to misrule and mismanagement”. Demanding a CBI probe to look into allegations of corruption against the previous board, Roy pressed for early elections so that citizens could exercise their franchise and elect a new body which would work for better civic services.

The court also directed the State Government counsel to apprise the Bench about the funds being sanctioned by the government for holding the elections. In another affidavit filed on behalf of the State Election Commission, it was alleged that no funds were provided by the government for holding general elections despite repeated requests from the election commission’s office. source: the sentinel assam

Ramdevji’s call for better representatives

SILCHAR, Feb 18: Swami Ramdevji while addressing a mass assembly of around 10,000 participants in the yoga science camp at the sprawling police parade ground here this morning after demonstrating his yogic exercises made a little digression to hit out at people’s representatives in the parliament and assembly for their abject failure to give proper leadership and to bring about any qualitative change in the living conditions of common people.

From the airport to this town, a distance of 25 km, his ride in a car not only shocked but also dismayed him to raise the relevant question: what are the representatives doing? Going round the town, he saw for himself the worst conditions of road, haphazard drainage system and above all the non existent civic facilities. He felt jerks and jolts while travelling though the uneven and pot holed roads.

He shared his experiences of travelling across the country, but never saw such roads. He advised the assembled people to choose and elect those who could work for the betterment of citizen. His call was to have persons of clean image, with transparency and efficient as representatives. They might belong to any party, even independents. Value and people oriented politics, he rued, is missing. It is unbridled corruption that has gripped the society. This greatest bane of Indian body polity. His message was to join hands together for mass movement to cleanse the Indian political system.

Without naming either the MP or MLA, Ramdevji said, “it is high time for change”. People should think not only of their town but of the society and the country as a whole since ethics and morality have reached the lowest ebb. “Let us all rid this great country of corruption and corrupt politicians,” he pointed out. His open and frank talks with a little political overtone has taken the valley by surprise. Many did ask: is Ramdevji thinking of any political alignment?

He did make it clear at the press-conference on Sunday, “I have no political ambition or mission. I have never been with any political party. Nor do I want to join any in future.” All that he desires is to bring an end to the corrupt and value sans political system of the country. He stated that he would like the masses to participate in what he termed a movement to make this country regain its pristine glory. The speech of Ramdevji attaches significance in view of the ensuing LS elections. source: the sentinel assam

ABVP for foolproof measures against infiltration

SILCHAR, Feb 18: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leaders and members today held a sit-in-demonstration before the office of the deputy commissioner of Cachar with banners and playcards, demanding stringent action against unabated infiltration of Bangladeshis in different parts of the country. The Parishad also submitted a memorandum on the issue to the Prime Minister of India through the deputy commissioner of Cachar.

The memorandum pinpointed Asom, West Bengal, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand in particular and said these states have become more than vulnerable to illegal migrants from across the border. The influx has assumed serious dimension, telling heavily on the demographic structure of these states. The problem is manifold as the Bangladeshis are involved in growing crimes; upsetting the socio-economic life of people.

In the bomb-blasts of Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and other places, the involvement of these illegal migrants has been more than substantiated. This influx is not only confined to Northeast and eastern countries but also spreading to the entire country. In order to contain this menace, ABVP presses for identification of Bangladeshis and deletion of their names from the voters lists, completion of fencing without further delay, more BOPs and more powers should be given to BSF to deal with the situation.

ABVP also demands deportation of illegal migrants from the most sensitive areas of ‘chicken neck’ that connects north east with the rest of the country, firm and definite steps to crush terrorism and extremism as well as cross border crimes, beside exerting diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh to take back the illegal migrants from the country. source: the sentinel assam

Politics with Silchar Lok Sabha seat

Things are changing in the Barak Valley as new and young leaders are comming up in every party. Both BJP and Congress has some young leaders who are working for the party for sometime. Parties are desperate to have young face to attract growing young voters. Will Ranada (Sontosh Mohan Dev) get nomination from silchar LS seat?

SILCHAR, Feb 17: Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev who dominated the political scenario of Barak Valley and has been holding the Silchar LS seat almost unchallenged since 1980 is now facing gauntlet not only from AUDF and BJP but also from his own party. In all fairness, his pitch looks queered. Urban Development Minister Dinesh Prasad Goala and APCC General Secretary Pradip Dutta Roy have emerged as his rivals by filing nominations. Both look firm on their stand to contest.

Goala has gone on record to say “tea tribes of this valley are unanimous in their decision to have their representation in the Parliament.” Pradip Dutta Roy, on the other hand, justifies his stake on the ground that the Party High Command Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi want change and new young faces.

In the meantime, Silchar District Congress Committee sent the panel of three candidates for Silchar seat to APCC on February 10. APCC Election Committee is to sit on February 18 to take up for consideration the panel of candidates for all the 14 Parliamentary constituencies. The short listed candidates three for each LS seat will then be forwarded to AICC for final decision.
According to Silchar DCC sources, names of candidates from block levels as per guidelines of APCC have been to the district committee. Interestingly, Silchar, Borkhola, Kalain and Katigorah blocks recommended the name of Sontosh Mohan Dev only. Rajabazar, Udharbond and Narsingpur sent in their recommendations with Sontosh Mohan Dev as their first choice, followed by that of DP Goala and Pradip Dutta Roy. Dholai, Lakhipur, Binnakandi and Palonghat, on the other hand, preferred their first option for Goala.

One name panel sent by some blocks came in for severe criticism by a section of party leaders and workers and accused the DCC Silchar for flouting inner party democracy. DCC should have insisted on panel of three candidates, said a leader on condition of anonymity. It is also the tradition of the party, he pointed out. The flouting of standing norms has been brought to the notice of Veerappa Moily, in charge of Asom Election and APCC President Bhubaneshwar Kalita.
The ‘Ajmal factor’ has also sent ripples in both APCC and AICC. The cause of worry is in case the traditional minority vote banks of the party shift their allegiance to AUDF, it will be a matter of setback. This has also seriously engaged the attention of the Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to think of Silchar seat in the changes scenario. His concern is how to bring about unification of factions and neutralize the AUDF challenge.

According to a reliable source here, five new faces are tipped by APCC on Guwahati, Lakhimpur, Mongaldoi, Nagaon and Barpeta seats. Will it be a new face for Silchar, asked political analysts. But, from all reckoning, Sontosh Mohan Dev remains the preferred name on the panel of both DCC Silchar and APCC, considered against the back ups of the blocks and Assembly segments. His proximity to Sonia Gandhi and AICC top echelons can hardly be ignored. source: the sentinel assam

Yoga is not anti-Islam: Ramdev ji in Silchar

SILCHAR, Feb 16: Practising yoga is not at all anti-Islam, claimed Swami Ramdev today and clarified that even the Ulemas of Deoband School of Islamic studies admitted to this. Ramdev, who arrived here today to hold a six-day yoga camp from tomorrow, said the very word Om is not actually a mantra of Hindu religion, even then if the Muslims have any hesitancy to pronounce Om they can easily replace it with Amin.

Ramdev said in his mission to make the country vibrant with economic prosperity as well as moral strength, people of all religions, regions, languages and castes should be embraced. Maintaining that practising yoga only increases one’s creativity, productivity and imbibes quality of life and positive thinking, Ramdev made it clear that if the nation is healthy, it is bound to be honest.

Taking a dig at the pathetic road condition of Silchar town, Ramdev openly said that it reflects corruption. Claiming that he has no ambition in electoral politics, Ramdev however made it clear that he would definitely play a role to mobilize public opinion for corruption free governance in the forthcoming election. Urging not to relate his saffron attire with any political affiliation, Ramdev said being a citizen of this country he has a moral duty to make people aware of the situation the politicians have been dragging the nation to.

“I have made the impossible possible” claiming this, the yoga maestro said he had launched the highest social revolution after the Independence. At present under his Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, altogether 800 vaids and almost one crore health workers are rendering services to people free of cost. source: the sentinel assam

Himanta, Rockybul bulldoze Badruddin Ajmal

SILCHAR, Feb 16: Two young ministers of Gogoi Cabinet made a whirlwind tour of Barak Valley as if to erase the influence made by AUDF supremo Badruddin Ajmal in his recent trip to Silchar announcing his willingness to fight the LS election from this prestigious seat.

Forest and Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain branded Ajmal as an ‘agent of BJP’, while his Cabinet colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma said Ajmal’s hobnobbing with the saffron party would ultimately be a bonanza for the Congress as both the Hindus and Muslims are well aware of the design hatched by these two communal parties to defeat the secular Congress.

Talking to The Sentinel, Sarma said the alliance between BJP and AGP would be a super flop as election is not a mere game of arithmatics, rather it is a matter of chemistry. “Chemistry between the AGP and BJP will never gel”, Sarma predicted. He said the Congress would win at least 12 seats in the forthcoming election. Rockybul, on the other hand, elaborated the reasons for Congress getting maximum seats with the argument that during the Gogoi regime, the economy of the state as a whole was blooming.

Maintaining that the possibility of alliance between only Congress and AUDF is now a closed chapter, Sarma said Ajmal, however, had been sending fillers to the ruling party. Branding Ajmal as an out and out businessman, Rockybul said for Ajmal, politics was also a means of business. Both Sarma and Hussain maintained that Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev was not a mere leader of Barak Valley, but a national figure. However, Sarma simultaneously maintained that Dev should think for the entire state. source: the sentinel assam

Silchar team march ahead

Sports reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 16 – Silchar District Sports Association advanced into the quarterfinal stage of the Bud Challenge Cricket Meet with a convincing five-wicket victory against Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Association at the Nehru Stadium here today. It was a well-contested match as the Tinsukia team set a challenging target of 183 in 40 overs for the Silchar outfit, which they attained in the 37.3 overs losing five wickets.

Musarab Hussain Laskar was the hero of the day as he scored a dashing 79 which virtually made the task easy for the Silchar team while chasing the target set by the Tinsukia outfit.

Brief scores: Tinsukia Rly 182/7 (Bimal Goswami 42, Suraj Dutta 22, Salim Ahmed 28, Santosh Das 2/23). Silchar 184/5 (Musarab H Laskar 79, Raju Das 27, Biswajit Bhatta 24, Dipankar Banerjee 3/17).

Today’s match: GTC vs River Rine. source: assam tribune

Mizoram, host Silchar on top

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Lalrinawama lifts men’s singles trophy

Hailakandi, Feb. 16: Mizoram and host Silchar players annexed the veterans’ events titles in the North East Tennis Meet that concluded in Silchar late last evening.

The pair of Sibashis Dutta Gupta and Ranjit Paul defeated Kiranmoy Das and Biresh Das in an all-Silchar final of the veterans’ 35-45 years category 9-4 for the title in the two-day meet organised by the Silchar Tennis Club at its indoor tennis courts.

In another veterans’ (45 years and above) final, Mizoram’s Panianga and Nabangla defeated Kalyan Dasgupta and Vivek Podder of Silchar 9-3.

In an all-Mizoram final in the men’s doubles category, the pair of John and Lalrinawama defeated Lalmasuana and Lalrunmawaria in 6-1, 6-3 sets. In the men’s singles final, Lalrinawama defeated Laldrinthuanga of Mizoram in 6-4, 6-4 sets.

Earlier in the evening, Arnab Dutta of Silchar annexed the under-16 boys’ singles title defeating Tushar Jain of Silchar 6-2.

Altogether 80 players participated in the meet representing Mizoram, Assam Rifles, Silchar and Guwahati. General manager of ONGC, Anil Bhandari, secretary of Mizoram Tennis Association Masaka, Silchar DSA president Badal Dey and the executive member of the All Assam Tennis Association, A.K. Endow, gave away the prizes.

Cachar deputy commissioner Gautam Ganguly, president of India Club Sujit Duttagupta and principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Swapan Dhar were also present at the prize distribution ceremony. source: the telegraph india

Lumding-Badarpur rail line getting broad gauge

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 14 2009: Upgradation work of the Lumding-Badarpur rail track from metre gauge to broad gauge is beginning soon, said an official source.

The upgradation work has been necessitated as the rail track to be laid from Jiribam to Tupul and Tupul to Imphal would be broad gauge.

Train service along Lumding-Badalpur line would be suspended for six months when the track is being upgraded to broad gauge.

Necessary materials for the upgradation work have been arranged in advance, informed the source.

Lumding-Badalpur rail route under Silchar sector of the Northern Frontier Railway is crucial for transportation of petrol, diesel and PDS items to several parts of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Jiribam of Manipur.

These items are brought till Lumding by train before they are transported to different parts of some Northeastern States by road.

An official meeting was held on February 12 at Guwahati where the likely possibility of disturbance in transporting PDS items in the event of suspension of train service along Lumding-Badalpur line for track upgradation work was also discussed.The meeting convened by the Chief Operation Manager of the Northern Frontier Railway, Maligaon was attended by Railways Chief Operation Manager, Chief Traffic Planning Manager and other officials.

From the side of the FCI, the Area Manager and the Deputy Chief Manager participated in the meeting.

Deputy General Manager, Area Manager and the Chief Marketing Officer represented the IOC.

Transport Commissioner and the Deputy Director of the Transport Department BK Sharma who is also a member of the Lumding Hqs of the Divisional Railway User Consultative Committee also attended the meeting.

The State officials negated any possible disturbance on transportation of PDS items for Manipur due to suspension of train service.

However, IOC officials expressed desire to enhance security deployment along NH 39 .

To this, the Transport Commissioner and the Deputy Director (Transport) assured all possible assistance from the side of the State Government.

They also proposed another meeting on the same matter at Imphal soon.

source: http://www.e-pao.net

Army recruitment opportunity for technically qualified candidates

morungexpress

Kohima, February 14 (MExN): The Army will be holding a recruitment rally for male candidates from all north eastern states for enrolment as Soldiers Technical in the Army.
Lt. Col. Nirupam Bhargava, PRO Defence in a release informed that Special recruitment rallies are being conducted at Kendriya Vidyalaya Masimpur (Silchar) from February 19 to 22 next and at Jorhat from March 27 to 29.

A minimum qualification of 12th standard with pass marks in English, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Computers is required. Candidates should not be less than 17 years and six months or more than 23 years as on the first day of the rally.

All volunteers should report to the venues along with original documents for a screening test to be conducted on the first day of the recruitment rally.
This will be followed by a common entrance exam to be held for candidates who qualify the screening test to be held at Kendriya Vidyalaya Masimpur (Silchar) on 22 February 22 and at Jorhat on March 29.
It was informed that the rally at Jorhat will be conducted as per new procedures wherein physical measurements, document checking and written exam will be conducted first.
Physical tests such as one-mile run will be conducted subsequently only for those who qualify in the written exam. Further details and queries, can be made from the Army Recruiting Offices at Silchar on phone No. 03842 260978 or Mobile: 09435522460 and at Jorhat on phone No: 0376 2310830.
source: http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/14164.html

Funds

Silchar: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 15.88 crore for anti-erosion projects on the Barak in western Cachar between Tarapar and Sharabpatta Road and Silchar-Kalain Road.

Arnab Dutta lifts trophy

OUR CORRESPONDENT North East Tennis

Hailakandi, Feb. 15: Arnab Dutta emerged champion defeating Tushar Jain 6-2 in an all-Silchar final to win the under-16 men’s singles of the two-day North East Tennis meet organised by Silchar Tennis Club.

The final lasted for 35 minutes with Dutta having had to pull out all stops to win the title even though the scoreline would suggest that it was a one-sided victory. Most of the final line-up was decided by afternoon. The finals will be later played tonight.

Lalrinawama will play against Laldrinthuanga of Mizoram in the men’s final. In the first semi-final, Lalrinawama defeated Lalluanga 9-2, while in the second semi-final, Laldrinthuanga defeated Lalmuniwaria by 9-6 game.

In the men’s doubles final, the Mizoram pair John and Lalrinawama will play against another Mizoram duo —Lalmasuana and Lalrunmawaria.

The 35-45 age group final will be an all-Silchar affair with Subashis Dutta Gupta and Ranjit Paul pair taking on Kiranmoy Das and Biresh Das duo.

Altogether 80 players participated in this meet from Mizoram, Silchar, Guwahati and from the Assam Rifles. The meet got under way yesterday.

source: the telegraph india

Convocation of Assam University today

SILCHAR, Feb 15: The 10th Convocation of Assam University would be held on February 16 (Monday) at Netaji Auditorium which would begin at 10 am. Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, GOI, will be the chief guest and deliver the convocation address. Shiv Charan Mathur, Governor of Asom and Chief Rector of the University, will be the guest of honour.

Dr Bhupen Hazarika, doyen of music of Assam, Dr S Parshuraman, Director of Mumbai TISS and former Chief Justice of Mumbai and Kolkata High Court would be honoured with D Lit degrees. S Hussain, Vice Chancellor of Hyderabad University and P R Swarup, Director General of CIUDC, New Delhi would be awarded D.Sc degrees. Prof Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Vice Chancellor, Assam University, will preside over the convocation. source: the sentinel assam

Silchar sets to welcome Ramdevji

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Silchar sets to welcome Ramdevji

SILCHAR, Feb 14: The police parade ground of this town has been spruced up with massive pandal erected to accommodate the participants at the six day Yoga camp of Ramdevji, beginning from February 16. The camp would be conducted by Swamiji.

With just 48 hours to go for the final count down, there has been wide enthusiasm among people in general and Yoga conscious in particular. As a part of campaign for the Yoga camp for the first time in Barak Valley, the devotees and followers of Ramdevji today brought out a procession which went to the main roads of the town. The processionists held aloft posters and banners exhorting people in general to take care of their health through traditional yogic exercises and to become a part of the camp.

The organizers of the camp-Yoga Vigyan Samiti and Silchar Foodgrains Merchants’ Association-have said that BPL card holders would be provided free entry in the camp for Yoga.
They have been advised to contact with their cards at the office of the Yoga Vigyan Samiti at Silchar Football Academy premises.

Male and female participants have been advised to put on prescribed dresses for their convenience in exercises. The main thrust of Swami Ramdevji is to build up a healthy, fair and prosperous Bharat. source: the sentinel assam

Bhumidhar Burman reviews progress of mahasadak work

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SILCHAR, Feb 14: Asom Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Burman, at a meeting on Friday with the officials of revenue and other related departments, reviewed the progress so far made in respect of Silchar-Saurashtra Mahasadak and various projects undertaken by Brahmaputra Board. Excise and Border Area Development Minister Gautom Roy, Revenue Department secretary DK Piparsenia and Cachar deputy commissioner Gautam Ganguli also took part in discussion.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) informed the ministers and other high officials that the progress of work on East-West Corridor was to the tune of 40 per cent from Silchar to Balacherra stretch of the mahasadak. Remaining part within Cachar district would be completed by March 2010. NHAI admitted slow pace of work in North Cachar Hills which was expected to be complete by 2011.

The revenue minister directed the Brahmaputra Board to complete the work of border road of 100 mtr in Kakrakhal area under Katigorah circle by May 15. On the progress of work in respect of border road and barbed wire fencing, it was revealed by the deputy commissioner that 90 per cent of it was ready. He also pointed out that 181 families who are on the other side of the fencing would be rehabilitated in other places. Gautom Roy emphasized on expeditious completion of three by passes to be constructed linking NH-154.

The chief secretary of Revenue Department took stock of the various works of his department and laid stress on the early winding up of settlement operation in Hailakandi. Others who took part in deliberations included Hailakandi ADC BC Nath, three ADCs of Cachar H A Laskar, D B Deka, SN Singh, ITDB project director MU Laskar as well as the circle officers of Cachar. source: the sentinel assam

BSF DG visits Barak Valley

Correspondent
SILCHAR, Feb 12 – Director General of Border Security Force, ML Kumawat recently visited Barak valley to monitor and assess the ongoing arrangement in the Indo-Bangla border areas. He visited areas like, BOPs (Border outposts) of Steamerhat, Jagannath, Lakhibazar, Sutarkandi and Chand Srikona in Karimganj district. After the visit, a press conference was organised in the headquarter of Mizoram and Cachar BSF at Masimpur, 8 kilometre from the city.

Kumawat said that talking to the jawans in the Karimganj district and the local people in the areas, he found that there is no problem in those areas as such. After the Mumbai incident, the BSF has become more conscious to tackle any emergent situation. The jawans are on high alert and vigilant along the over 4000 km of Bangladesh border along the eastern and northeastern region.

Kumawat said that BSF is the largest guarding force in the world. Along with the SSB force, the Indo-Tibetan Border police (TBP) and Assam Rifles, the BSF guard the frontiers of the country with 2.10 lakh personnel. Recently, the Union Home Ministry after proper assessment took the decision to recruit 10,000 constables for the North eastern sector.

In the meet, it was also revealed that the Union Home Ministry has allotted Rs 3000 crore for the modernisation of BSF. The find will be utilised in installing sophisticated and sensitive gadgets in the border areas to prevent cross-border terrorism and infiltration.

The Director General further said that there is plan to deploy helicopter in Cachar and Karimganj sector for surveillance. This would be helpful in keeping a close watch in the forest areas and rivers. Kumawat also said that with the completion of fencing, floodlighting and other innovative arrangement, the borders would be safer.

He said that some plans have been taken to improve security and surveillance. The plans include creation of 500 more BOPs in addition to 1,400 of them all along the country’s international border. Three hundred BOPs would be in North East which could reduce the gap between two observation posts. source: assam tribune

Citizens demand improvement of Silchar by pass

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SILCHAR, Feb 12: The residents in and around west-south areas of this town under the banner of various social and development bodies have in a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Cachar today demanded improvement and double laning of Silchar by pass for which necessary fund has been sanctioned by the Centre.

The road connectivity is vital not only for the movement of around 50,000 population of the areas covering Ramnagar, Chirukandi, Ashram Road, Tapoban Nagar, Ramgarh, Rani Rashmoni Avenue and Rangirkhari but also for the diversion of heavy vehicles from the congested roads of Silchar. Besides easing congestion, it will also contain pollution hazards.

With the operation of ISBT, the flow of vehicular traffic has increased manifold. In their memorandum, the citizen have urged upon the deputy commissioner to give priority to this by pass. Patients, critical and general, from different parts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi as well as neighbouring states are taken to Silchar Medical College Hospital which makes the movement of vehicles carrying them easy and smooth. They expect that the district authority would consider the memorandum and take action for improvement of Silchar by pass.
source: the sentinel assam

BG and Mahasadak issue: ACKHSA and ADSU to hold demonstration in Delhi

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SILCHAR, Feb 12: All Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) and All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU) will jointly hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on February 16 from 11 am to 3 pm in order to press their twin demands for the early completion of Silchar-Lumding BG and Silchar-Saurashtra Mahasadak (East-West Corridor).
This was stated by ACKHSA president Rupam Nandi Purkayastha at a press-meet today in the conference hall of a hotel.

Purkayastha castigated both the Government of India and the State of Asom for their lackadaisical attitude towards the two national projects on which depends rapid economic development of North Cachar Hills, Barak Valley, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur. The BG and the Mahasadak, according to him, are the lifelines of supply for the region.

It was most unfortunate that in the worst insurgency hit Jammu and Kashmir and Tripura, the railway services could be introduced for the benefit of travelling public and for accelerating socio-economic development.

The BG and Mahasadak are yet to make any significant progress and the state government put the cause of delay on militancy which is quite untenable, pointed out Purkayastha.
He called upon all the political parties to make their stand clear on the issue of unigauge conversion and super highway before the ensuing LS polls.

He also asked all the MPs and MLAs of Barak Valley and North Cachar Hills to explain their silence on the projects. Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev in particular, was criticized for not playing effective role in this regard.

Purkayastha said their joint movement and agitation for the last two years have failed to move either the Centre or the State. Nor have they received any positive response from people’s representatives.

He added to say, “failure of our leaders have prompted us to hold the demonstration in New Delhi to draw the attention of the Prime Minister, the Railway Minister and the Minister of Surface Road, Shipping and Highways.” Both the Association and the Union are expected to meet and submit memorandum to the Prime Minister and other Ministers concerned.

ADSU advisor Sanjay Burman while addressing the press-meet, said around 100 leaders and members of both the organizations would participate in the Jantar-Mantar demonstration with playcards and banners, highlighting their demands and the apathy of both the Centre and the State towards the people of north east, making a mockery of “Look East Policy”.
In the meantime, the supporters and workers of ACKHSA and ADSU are leaving for the national capital on Friday to take part in the dharna.
source: the sentinel assam

NE neglected: Acharya, NE MPs

NEW DELHI, Feb 13: Almost every Opposition party, including those of the Left, has severely criticized Railway Minister Lalu Prasad’s interim Rail Budget today. The MPs from the Northeast came down heavily on Yadav for his total neglect to the region.

Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways Basudev Acharya said this is very unfortunate that Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav made no mention of the security problem being faced by railway workers in the ongoing Lumding-Badurpur Broad Gauge project.

AGP MP Kumar Deepak Das said: “This is a Bihar-centric Rail Budget. No attention has been given to Asom and other States of the Northeast.” He further said the people of Asom did place many demands like total electrification of railway lines and double line, but the demands fell to the deaf ears of the Railway Minister.

BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh Kiren Rijiju said: “In the last five years, Lalu Prasad Yadav betrayed the north-eastern region, but we don’t have to worry. After three months, the BJP-led NDA government will introduce the full-flagged Railway Budget in Parliament. We will announce enough proposals for development of railway infrastructure in the north-eastern region.”

source: the sentinel assam

Smile Train to organize free surgical camps

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SILCHAR, Feb 13: The international NGO Smile Train is organizing a free surgical camp at Mediland Hospital and Research Centre from February 16 for the treatment of the poor section of society. The camp will be headed by renowned plastic surgeon RG Kar Medical College Retired Prof and HOD of Plastic Surgery Dr Shankar Chatterjee of Kolkata who will examine patients with birth defect of lips and palates and perform corrective operations of such patients.

Smile Train has already performed 11 such cases in September, 22 in November and 18 in December last and 16 cases in January 2009. This information was shared by Dr Kushal Kumar Kar of Mediland Hospital and Research Centre for the benefit of the downtrodden people of society so that they can avail themselves of this free of cost treatment.
source: the sentinel assam

Silchar RDI Hall inaugurated

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Silchar Drama Institute hall inaugurated

SILCHAR, Feb 9 – The famous Reading and Dramatic Institute (RDI) hall situated in the heart of the town was formally inaugurated by Bithika Dev, MLA and chairperson of Silchar Municipal Board. State Minister for Urban Development and Housing DP Goala was also present. The function was presided over by Sudip Dutta, vice-chairman of Silchar Municipal Board.

The inauguration was done by lighting the lamp in front of other dignitaries.

Earlier, no one can perform in this auditorium due to its dilapidated condition. This RDI is considered as heritage building in the town. This RDI hall has completed 99 years of its existence.

Bithika Dev, as a chairperson took initiative in the 2004 to renovate this. But some years have taken to complete this due to unavoidable concomitances. She further said this auditorium will be name after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. She hopes that this auditorium will be landmark for the people of cultural interest. Many cultural programmes can be organised in this premises.

In his speech, Dinesh Prasad Goala, said that BJP has done pity politics with this RDI hall.

Earlier the Silchar Municipal Board was led by BJP. But when congress came into power many development works has taken place in the town. The common people know who are active and who are not. Others who spoke in the function were Kutukb Ahmed, MLA, Sonai, Karrnendu Bhahttachejee, ex-MP, Gauatm Ganguli, DC, Violet Baruah, SP, Cachar among others. source: assam tribune

Ajmal advises AGP to rethink on its alliance with BJP

SILCHAR, Feb 10: "Since the National Executive Committee of BJP in it’s recently concluded session at Nagpur has again raked up the issue of Ram Mandir just on the eve of LS polls, AGP should rethink its alliance with the saffron party", pointed out AUDF supremo Badaruddin Ajmal while talking to The Sentinel here.

His advice to AGP leadership is to come out of the saffron fold in order to maintain its secular credential and join AUDF led four party alliances. "It would be a pragmatic approach for AGP to join hands with secular and democratic forces. We would be rather glad to welcome AGP", said Ajmal.

He made it clear, "there is no dispute or disagreement in the alliance over my decision to contest from Silchar" and dismissed media reports about CPM staking its claim for this seat as speculative and an exercise to create confusion among the electorates.

He said, other than Congress and BJP, no other party has that base or organizational strength in Silchar Parliamentary Constituency to take on the opposition.

The growing acceptability of AUDF in Barak Valley has made his party a viable alternative, he claimed and added to say it has now definite edge.

CPM, CPI and NCP, the alliance partners, he reminded, have failed to bag even a single seat in the last assembly polls. NCP is yet to make any dent here.

His party would also contest from Karimganj also for which alliance partners would be taken into confidence. He was aware of the fact that this border Parliamentary Constituency is also a stronghold of both Congress and BJP.

Presently, Congress holds both the LS seats. He ruled out any dissension in the alliance and was confident "everything would be sorted out and settled on give and take basis".

His assessment was that people of Barak Valley want change in both the seats. He dubbed the 30 years of Heavy Industries and Public enterprises Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev as MP and Central Minister as "a tale of dismal failure on all fronts".

He said all this is reflected among others the progress of work so far made in the construction of Silchar- Lumding BG and East West Corridor.

Corruption would be the main poll plank of AUDF, revealed Badaruddin Ajmal.

"It is not terrorism but unbridled corruption that has stalled development and stood in the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and projects properly", he said. NREGS implementation, according to him, is a glaring example of it.

Health services in urban and rural areas, he pointed out are in doldrums despite all the tall official claims of better services.

Badaruddin Ajmal saw good prospect of his party and alliance at the hustings as he was confident besides gaining large chunk of Muslim votes, his party leading the alliance would also win over substantial percentage of votes of Hindus and other communities, tribals and-non-tribals.

Along with Congress and BJP, AUDF from all reckoning has sounded bugle for the LS polls. source: the sentinel assam

Birth Day of Veer Chilarai observed

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Birth Day of Veer Chilarai observed

SILCHAR, Feb 10: The 499th birth day of Veer Chilarai, the legendary Koch hero, was observed with all gravity and solemnity on Monday in Tarun Ram Phukan Higher Secondary School here.

The function was presided over by Sanjiv Medhi and different speakers who included Finance Department parliamentary secretary Ajit Singh, SP Violet Barua, Taimur Raja Chowdhury, editor of Samayik Prasanga Dr Loke Diamary, T N Deka, Sohagmani Rajbangshi, Babu Kumar Rajbangshi and others talked on the life, achievements and glorious phases in the valiant career of the hero.

In identical tone, they laid stress on emulating the ideals, bravery and sacrifice of Veer Chilarai for making society better and for the good of all in this turbulent situation. source: the sentinel assam

Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan (BUBSSS)

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SILCHAR, Feb 9: The three-day Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan (BUBSSS) concluded here on Sunday besides being preoccupied with literary and linguistic discussions focused on the socio-economic issues of this valley.

A significant part of the session was an enlivening discourse on the need to form Economic Development Council in order to pace up the development of Barak Valley. The discussion held under the presidentship of eminent educationist Kamaluddin Ahmed and participated by lecturers Debasree Dutta and Niranjan Roy became quite enlightening and enlivening with stress on the history of the valley in its social, cultural and fiscal backdrop and the need for better surface connectivity and related infrastructure.

Both the speakers in their erudition spoke about the abundant natural resources which could be exploited not only for meaningful economic gains but also for employment generation.
The valley, as pointed out by them, has potential for developing tourism, fish-farming, and bio diesel and rubber cultivation. For better and coordinated effort, this valley needs a development council, they stressed.

The session marked by the assembly of intellectuals and distinguished personalities held in a solemn atmosphere at Gandhi Bhavan auditorium was in fact dominated by the speeches of both intellectuals and politicians.

To begin with Excise and Border Area Development Minister Gautom Roy pledged to protect the interest of Bengali language without any malice or rancour to other languages. He would rather join any movement or agitation for the cause of mother tongue.

The Minister blamed a section of bureaucrats for creating controversy on language for which he said one has to be careful instead of being emotionally surcharged.

He referred to the printing of question paper for LD assistant examination in Asomiya language for the candidates of Barak Valley in flagrant violation of the Official Language Act of 1961. The Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s strict instruction to have all state government signboards in Bengali is being delayed due to bureaucratic wrangling.

BJP MLA of Karimganj Mission Ranjan Das spoke of sincerity and commitment for the cause of language but deplored linguistic chauvinism. Katigorah MLA Ataur Rahman Mazarbhuiya pointed out the concern of Barak Banga for the Bengalees of Brahmaputra Valley and strengthen the bond of friendship between the two valleys.

The session began with the welcome speech of 23rd Biannual conference of Barak Bang president Dinendra Narayan Biswas which was presided over by Shyamalendu Chakraborty. Among the distinguished personalities on the dias was assistant commissioner of Linguistic Minority of India S K Upadhyay.

Eminent octogenarian journalist Jyotindra Chandra Dutta and poet Bimal Chowdhury were felicitated on the occasion for their valuable contributions in their creative fields. source: the sentinel assam

Chanda Bhavan, Silchar keeps Gandhi’s legacy alive

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Apratim Nag
As one treads through the busy Central Road locality of Silchar, a dilapidated building which presently houses the office of the Silchar Wholesale Co-operative Society Limited hardly attracts any attention. Very few among the present generation are aware of the fact that this very building, widely known as the ‘Chanda Bhavan’, had the privilege of offering guesthood to many illustrious sons of our country including the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The underlying reason behind this is that it was the residence of eminent lawyer and political leader of importance at the national level of his time Kamini Kumar Chanda and his equally famous son Arun Kumar Chanda, who was a versatile genius. The Chanda family of Silchar has left an indelible imprint in every sphere of public life.

It was the month of August in the year 1921 when Gandhiji visited Assam to drive home his message of disobedience movement. After visiting Guwahati, Tezpur, Nagaon, Jorhat and Dibrugarh, he came to Silchar by train through the Lumding-Badarpur hill section. It is worth mentioning here that his visit to Silchar was to a large extent due to the fact that it was the home town of Kamini Kumar Chanda who had an excellent rapport with the then top brass of the Congress. We are able to get a detailed description of Gandhiji’s Assam tour from the memoirs Seven Months with Mahatma of his tour companion Krishna Das.

Gandhiji reached Silchar at 10 o’clock in the night of August 27, 1921. A large number of people were present in the railway station to accord him a grand welcome. He was taken straight to ‘Chanda Bhavan’ where he spent the night. Unfazed by the strains of the journey, he looked cheerful in the company of children. In the absence of his father Kamini Kumar Chanda who was in Calcutta during that period, the responsibility of looking after Gandhiji fell upon his son Arun Kumar Chanda, who left no stone unturned to ensure proper care for Gandhiji. Mahatma was deeply moved by the endearing and gentle demeanours of young Arun Kumar. With the onset of dawn, hordes of people from in and around Silchar started flocking to Chanda Bhavan to have a glimpse of the Mahatma and volunteers had to be engaged for controlling the huge crowd. After addressing a public meeting, he left for Sylhet.

Even in the subsequent years, many eminent personalities accepted the invitation of Arun Kumar Chanda and visited Chanda Bhavan. But it is an irony that the descendants of Arun Kumar Chanda, in the early eighties of the last century, sold the building to Silchar Wholesale Cooperative Society Limited. The historic building, presently under their maintenance, is in a woeful condition. The conscious citizens of Silchar, over the last several years, have been raising their voice of protest for the preservation of the historic building.

The local chapter of the Institute of Engineers, after conducting a study of the structure, put forward a number of suggestions which are to be implemented on a war footing. It recommended uprooting of trees and plants from the walls, terraces and roofs and plugging of holes in the roof through which water seeps in. Moreover, some of the windows and ventilators, which have become non-functional with the passage of time, have to be repaired without further delay to ensure proper ventilation. The sanitation and drainage system of the building also needs a proper revamp.

In the recent past, a letter from the Gandhi Heritage Mission has ushered in a ray of hope for the people of Barak Valley. In 2006, the Central Government decided to preserve and maintain those places with which Gandhiji’s legacy is linked. For this purpose, Gandhi Heritage Mission was constituted with the Father of the Nation’s grandson and present West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as chairman. Gandhi wrote to the Secretary, Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam enquiring about the present status of those places in Assam linked with Gandhiji’s memory. In his letter, Chanda Bhavan found special mention. The Secretary, in turn, wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Gautam Ganguly asking him to apprise him about the present condition of Chanda Bhavan. In reply, Ganguly sent a detailed report on the present condition of the house. source: assam tribune