Children of CHORUS wrote a letter to Mamata Banerjee

SILCHAR, Dec 31: It was a unique and different moment when the little children of CHORUS, a third theatre and social organization, wrote a letter addressed to the Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and submitted it through the Cachar deputy commissioner today with emotions and feelings for the expeditious completion of the Silchar-Lumding BG which has been delayed for long. The end of insurgency in North Cachar Hills has not brightened the prospect of its construction with the speed and urgency needed to complete the project.

The children in their own way have recounted from the narration of elders how the people of Barak Valley and various student and youth organizations have been fighting for decades for the BG connectivity.

These children have also been hurt by the decision of the Union Home Ministry not to accord approval for changing the nomenclature of Silchar Railway Station after the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of their mother tongue. They hoped that Mamata Banerjee will understand their sentiments and move the Union Home Ministry to review its decision.

They have at the same time articulated the suffering and troubles that their parents, guardians and citizens have to undertake in their stride while travelling through the accident prone highway of Meghalaya to reach Guwahati and beyond. Those among them can afford to pay can travel comfortably by air. But all can not think of travelling by air as their parents earn a meagre amount to live. They are hopeful that Mamata Banerjee will take time to go through their letter and adopt time bound action plan on BG. The letter has been signed by the children participating in the theatre fair organized by CHORUS. THE SENTINEL

Karimganj Industrial Training Institute (ITI)

KARIMGANJ, Dec 31: The Karimganj Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Surakhsha Chhatra Sanstha staged a sit-in at the BR Ambedkar Park at Karimganj recently reiterating its demand to finalize a permanent site for construction of the Karimganj ITI at Maizgram near Karimganj. Citizens from different sections of the society also participated in the demonstration supporting the demand to finalize the ITI site at Maizgram.

According to the students body, the site, as proposed by the Land Advisory Committee of the district for the purpose, will be suitable for the students and teachers of the institution. Explaining the point, a member of the committee said the proposed site at Maizgram will be near to a railway station, national highway-151, civil hospital and a big daily market. Besides, facilities for modern telecom system can also be availed by the teaching faculty, other staff members and the students of the institution.

 A meeting was also organized and was addressed, among others, by Mahitosh Das, Balram Das, Nirmalya Das, Uttam Majumder, Dipankar Ghosh and Samir Das. Later a delegation comprising chief convenor of the organization Debajyoti Debroy, Biswajit Deb, Soumitro Chakravarty, Rinku Malakar, Nirmalya Das and Dipanker Ghosh submitted a memorandum addressed to the Assam Labour Employment Minister and to the Karimganj Deputy Commissioner demanding that the existing ITI be set up at Maizgram. The students’ body further threatened to resort to vigorous agitation if a decision was not taken within five days in favour of their demand.

According to reports, the existing Karimganj ITI has been functioning in a rented house at Karimganj since 1991 and no suitable plot of land has been found in the vicinity of the town. Now a suitable land at Maizgram has been found but an influential lobby has been trying to mislead the government by demanding the Karimganj ITI to be shifted to Ramkrishna nagar near Hailakandi. THE SENTINEL

Dimaraji demand peaceful : Gautam Ganguli

SILCHAR, Dec 31: “The claim of Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) over the land of Cachar as a part of Dimaraji has not created any law and order problem for the district administration and every possible step will be taken to tackle it as situation warrants,” pointed out Cachar deputy commissioner Gautam Ganguli while interacting with mediapersons in the Circuit House here today. It was a sort of review of the development works when he said his administration had cleared land for the construction of road and fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

On the question of the progress so far made on the East-West Corridor, the deputy commissioner said there is no more hiccup or wrangling in the allotment of land for the project. Of the 20 km stretch of Silchar by pass now being constructed by PWD (NH division), 17 km of land has been handed over. He, however, did not elaborate why the PWD (R) division was not repaired or why the main road of this town from Capital Travels point to Holy Cross was not improved even though it is known that it had a vital link with national highways.

Speaking about the drainage system of this town left unfinished by NBCC, Gautam Ganguli said a report on it has been prepared by a board headed by him with PWD officials, town and country planning, Silchar Municipal Board and the Silchar Development Authority. He said the report has already been sent to the State Government for its appraisal.

On the implementation of the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Programme, the DC said it was a total failure as except for a few households brought under electricity in certain areas of Katigorah and Rangpur, many places are yet to be covered under the scheme. He revealed to the media that a report in this regard had been sent to the Centre for taking appropriate action. In view of gross anomalies in respect to the Anganwadi issue, employment in four projects has been suspended until further order and inquiry, he added and later denied that any land was allotted to any individual or minister according to the last land acquisition meeting.

On the controversial Indragarh land scandal, he said as directed by the High Court, fresh lists of zirats are being prepared. THE SENTINEL

Silchar Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd on liquidation

SILCHAR, Dec 30: Though Cooperation Minister Bharat Narah attributed the bankruptcy and collapse of the century old Silchar Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd, located at Banipara in the heart of this town, to financial irregularities, withdrawal of licence by the RBI and lack of minimum required capital fund, insiders blame an influential political coterie of the ruling party for all the mess and the resultant move for liquidation of the bank. On being questioned by The Sentinel on the possibility of rejuvenating the bank, the minister during his last visit here said, “Besides liquidation, many options are being weighed and are under the consideration of my government.”

But no positive signal emerged from what the Minister tried to explain away. A new board of management to be constituted, he said, would examine all aspects for reorganizing the bank. He, however, made it clear that its revival would require a capital of Rs 3 to 4 crore. According to reports, Narah did not seem to favour a high level probe to find out the causes for its collapse and to pinpoint the gang of guilty for initiating administrative or legal action against them.

If several Central and State sponsored small and medium scale industries in this valley have collapsed due to the greedy and evil design of syndicates of the ruling party at different times, Urban Bank is another classic example of this nefarious machination, observers maintained. Set up in 1905 by some masterminds of Silchar and Sylhet to help the marginalized sections of the society for their socio-economic uplifts with contributory impact, the bank since then had been doing brisk business and rendering yeoman’s service.

Although there had been deliberate attempts by the coterie to push the premier financial institution to disaster for their self-aggrandizement, the purpose reached its peak in 1997. And when the Bank reached its nadir of mismanagement, former MP and the present district Congress Committee (DCC) president Karnendu Bhattacharjee was nominated as the chairman of the managing board with five board of directors.

The board of management headed by the current Cachar deputy commissioner Gautam Ganguli submitted a concrete proposal a year back to the State Government for revamping the bank which, however, did not evoke any response.

From the preliminary records, it transpires that the total liabilities of the bank stand at Rs 1.30 crore and the outstanding loan dues to be realized come around Rs 1.72 crore. Questions now being asked in competent circles is: Should not the State Government take steps to recover huge amount of loans so that capital fund necessary for restoring the RBI licence could be generated?

Records further reveal that the process to ruin the bank started in 1994. The bank came to be utilized as a means to further the political mileage. Throwing the RBI rules, regulations and guidelines to the forewind, the board of management with bias to Congress of the time sanctioned loans at random to appease party workers and supporters. According to the bank records, an amount of Rs 70 lakh was given out as loans in three days.

On September 18, 1994, Rs 26.90 lakh loan amount was given to 115 people, on December 12, 1994, Rs 13.27 lakh was sanctioned to 57 individuals, the records added. Also, before the general elections of 1996, Rs 40.10 lakh was lent in two instalments. After the polls, as promised to supporters, Rs 29.65 lakh was paid to 120 people on June 17, 1996.

Worst is the plight of those who had deposited their hard earned savings in the bank and still pathetic is the predicament of those employees and their dependent family members who have been rendered jobless after the bank failed.

Public demand is that Bharat Narah should order a high-level inquiry in order to unearth the scam and the masterminds behind it. THE SENTINEL

Downstream resolution on Tipaimukh Dam

SILCHAR, Dec 29: Society for Activist for Forest and Environment (SAFE), based at Silchar, organized a seminar today on “Downstream resolution on Tipaimukh Dam” at the district library auditorium here in which representatives of more than 11 organizations participated and articulated their views on the issue. These organizations living on the Barak river downstream of the proposed Tipaimukh Dam after having gone through a series of discussions have come out with the observation on the disastrous implications associated with it.

During the discussion, it was pointed out that in the event of the dam taking shape, the entire eco system, economy, identity and life, critically linked to the river Barak, will be seriously jeopardized disrupting the culture, economy and livelihood of the people living along the up and down streams.

Besides, the dam will impact the sediment which is vital for the long run sustainability of the riverine ecosystem and livelihood. Another cause of alarm expressed by the speakers is the high seismic zone area, on which the dam is planned to be built, which will be dangerous for the down stream people because if the dam bursts during earthquake, it will endanger lives of thousands of people.

The deliberations also centred round the fact that it was the unilateral step of the Central government without consulting and taking consent of the people living down stream. It was also pointed out that there has been no assessment of downstream impact of the dam. Nor any exercise was done to study the possible fissures and flood control measures.

After threadbare discussions, it was resolved that all the organizations would mobilize and rally around the people in the possible disaster zone and resist the construction of the dam. Pressure would also be mounted on the government, construction companies and other agencies involved to desist from constructing the dam. And most important of all will be that possible steps would be taken to protect the forest and its flora and fauna. It was further resolved to extend solidarity to the anti-river dam project movement in the Northeast in particular and all over the country and abroad in general.

Notable participants in the discussion included Rabindra Maity of the River Valley Friends, KK Chakradhar of Subansiri Sangram Samiti, Niroj Baglekar of Kolpobriksya, Molon Laskar of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and others. Pijush Kanti Das was present in the seminar as the convenor. THE SENTINEL

An all-party delegation from Silchar will meet Union Home Ministry next month

Delegation to visit Delhi on changing nomenclature issue

SILCHAR, Dec 28: An all-party delegation from Silchar would visit Delhi next month to place its demand before the Union Home Ministry for changing the nomenclature of Silchar railway station as “Bhasha Shahid Station.” This was decided in a meeting held at the Silchar Book Fair recently.

It is to be noted that responding to public demand, the State Government as well as Railway Ministry agreed to change the name of the railway station in respect to the 11 language martyrs who sacrificed their lives on May 19, 1961 at the Silchar Railway Station. But, the Union Ministry later rejected the demand stating that policy guidelines regarding the change of nomenclature of village, city, towns, railway station etc. on grounds of local patriotism or linguistic was not possible. 

The Home Ministry’s decision evoked severe criticism from the people in Barak Valley and various organizations staged demonstration and brought out protest rallies against it. Silchar MP Kabindra Purkayastha had already raised the matter in the Lok Sabha while former Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev had sought the intervention of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram after being assured by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi that the State Government had no objection in changing the nomenclature of the railway station.

The meeting was convened by district Trinamool Congress president Paritosh Paul Choudhury who played a vital role in the 1961 language movement. District Congress president Karnendu Bhattacharjee, AIUDF leaders Arun Dey, Nabadwip Das, Aamra Bangali leader Sadhan Purkayastha and Dr NI Laskar of NCP also attended the meeting. Though none from the BJP was present in the meeting, the district president extended his support to the decision taken in the meeting. THE SENTINEL

The Barak Valley Textiles and Garment Traders’ Association (BVTGTA) has decided to continue its agitation

The Barak Valley Textiles and Garment Traders’ Association (BVTGTA) has decided to continue its agitation against the hike in entry tax on textiles from one per cent to four per cent. 

SILCHAR, Dec 28: The Barak Valley Textiles and Garment Traders’ Association (BVTGTA) has decided to continue its agitation against the hike in entry tax on textiles from one per cent to four per cent by the State Government, said BVTGTA general secretary Manoj Paul. The decision was taken following the 12-hour dawn to dusk bandh called by the BVTGTA on December 22 last passed off successfully.

The bandh received full support from all business, commercial establishments and shops as shutters remained closed during the bandh. Paul described the hike in tax as most “irrational and unjustified” since it would only paralyse the industry in tatters in Assam.

Common people feeling the pinches of ever rising cost of living would be badly affected as “clothes are an essential item in our life,” said Paul. Weaker sections of society, in particular, would face great hardships. The decision to enhance tax which was introduced in 2001 is unprecedented as the “tax is realized in Assam only and  blamed the State Government for thrusting the burden on textile traders,” he added.

Considering the plight of people in general due to this abnormal hike in tax, the Association, he revealed, sought relief in Gauhati High Court which is pending before it. Instead of waiting for the verdict of the High Court, the State Government rather went ahead and pushed up the tax from one per cent to four per cent. Traders would have to pay arrears of taxes from November 11, 2006 to April 30, 2008 along with interest. In addition to that, VAT has been escalated by one per cent more, he further disclosed. If the State Government does not reconsider hiking of taxes, the traders will be left with no option then to realize it from customers by increasing the prices of garments, Paul said.

Paul said textile business in Assam under these trying situation might decide to shift to other States where there is no tax. Wholesalers in these States, free from the burden of four per cent tax, naturally derive maximum benefits to promote the textile industry. He added to say garment business is an unorganized sector involving small and petty shop keepers who are self employed spread across urban and rural areas. It is like a cottage industry and as a source of sustenance for women engaged in various processes of cloth making. The hike in excise tax and VAT has come as a bolt from the blue to all in the business.

Many would be rendered jobless and aggravate the unemployment problem. “We submitted a memorandum to the Assam Chief Minister through the Cachar deputy commissioner urging him to withdraw the tax,” he stated. If the State Government persisted with its decision, the Association would chalk out further course of agitational programme. The bandh was their symbolic protest, Paul stated. THE SENTINEL

SHG sensitization programme at Ichapar

SILCHAR, Dec 28: A self-help group (SHG) sensitization programme was organized by Cachar district branch DDM of NABARD, Debabrata Das, in association with the Binakandi branch of the UBI and Sonatan Unnayan Sanstha, an NGO, at Ichapar under Binakandi Block on the outskirts of Silchar town today. The programme was presided over by Kaptampur Anchalik Panchayat Member Bipraswar Das and attended, among others, by Binakandi branch manager of UBI Uttam Roy and members of the SHG and the NGO. THE SENTINEL

Badrauddin Ajmal fails to approve the Hailakandi ad hoc committee

SILCHAR, Dec 28: AIUDF president Badrauddin Ajmal suffered a setback in his attempt to approve the Hailakandi ad hoc committee of the party as Moulana Tayeebur Rahman, an influential cleric who is chief advisor to the party since its inception, stood as a roadblock. The ad hoc committee was constituted by local MLA Salim Uddin Barbhuiya.

Salim had allegedly constituted the Hailakandi ad hoc committee of the party only with members loyal to him. He, according to allegations, had ousted former district president Anil Nath, the only Hindu leader in the Hailakandi district unit of the party. Outspoken Nath had openly criticized the party high command when the district committee of the party had been dissolved after the last general elections.

Ajmal arrived in Hailakandi after eight long months, and now he is trying his best to convince the irate party workers about the prospects of AIUDF in Barak Valley. When he made it clear that the ad hoc committee that was constituted by Salim Uddin would get his final nod, Moulana Tayeebur, chief of Northeast Nadwatut Tamir, raised his objection to the move. There are allegations that Salim Uddin had allegedly neglected Nadwatut and Jamiat leaders while forming the Hailakandi district committee.

Moulana Tayeebur, according to sources, had suggested that the new Hailakandi committee of the party should be constituted with five representatives each from Nadwatut and Jamiat, five to be picked up by Salim Uddin and two each from Anil Nath and Mafajjul Barbhuiya camps. Ajmal spent two hours with Moulana Tayeebur on Saturday to convince the latter, but to no avail.

Meanwhile, Ajmal asked party workers in Hailakandi to get united to fight State Excise Minister Gautam Roy in Karimganj. Ajmal alleged that Muslim youths in Hailakandi district were falsely branded as terrorists. THE SENTINEL

In Silchar, Baichung Bhutia inaugurates academy hostel

SILCHAR, Dec 27: Indian soccer captain Baichung Bhutia today ceremoniously inaugurated the PC Chatterji Memorial Hostel of Silchar Football Academy at PWD Road. Later, in his brief speech, Bhutia hoped that new talents would come up from the academy in near future. He thanked Dipankar Chatterji, a tea gardener who donated the building after his father’s name. THE SENTINEL

Of Bangladesh-ization

Recently a Bodo social organization of Assam made a significant comment which no Assamese-speaking or, for that matter, any indigenous people of the Northeast should ignore. Reacting to Axom Sahitya Sabha president Rong Bong Terang’s comment at a function in Barpeta that Assamese could serve as the lingua franca for all peoples of the Northeast since it was understood by the majority of the people here, the Bodo organization said that it felt outraged that the Axom Sahitya Sabha chief could even suggest such a thing to other non-Assamese people. It said that accepting Assamese as the lingua franca of the Northeast could only mean hastening the process of Bangladesh-ization of the entire Northeast. The Bangladeshis have been colonizing Assam through the instrumentality of Assamese language, it warned. One could ignore what the organization said on the simple ground that it is a nondescript organization. One could also ignore the reaction of the organization because, prima facie, it is too far-fetched verging on the outrageous, since even suggesting Assamese having been made the instrument by the Bangladeshis to colonize Assam is itself unbelievable. After all, have not the protests and the movements plaguing Assam since the past decades to demand detection and deportation of Bangladeshis being made essentially through the Assamese language? But the fact is that since the early seventies successive governments in Dispur, with the active support of the Centre, have allowed the influx of Bangladeshis on the latter’s assurance that they would adopt Assamese as their language. The deal seemed to be: while the polity in Assam would let the Bangladeshis practise their religion, they would not demand Bengali as their medium of instruction or whatever, but identify themselves as Assamese. This explains why the politics and governance of Assam started revolving so much around the wholly alien concepts of  ‘minorityism’, leaving the basic issues and problems of the indigenous tribes and other groups of people on the back burner.

 The result of this political skulduggery too has been obvious: today no indigenous people of Assam respect Assamese as their mother tongue; the majority of the people send their children to English-medium schools; the language is fast losing its sheen, while the government has simply stopped patronizing it as the State’s official language and medium of instruction in educational institutions. On the other hand, the language is being religiously taught and adopted in Bangladeshi-majority districts and areas of Assam. In fact, no Assamese newspaper or journal can ignore the vast readership they get in these areas, so much so that they have had to dedicate specific columns and feature sections to cater precisely to this segment of readers. This has been as much convenient to the government to express helplessness in detecting a Bangladeshi on the plea that one cannot tell a Bangladeshi from an Assamese. While fears are being expressed about a Bangladeshi becoming Assam’s Chief Minister in the next five to ten years, one is also apprehensive if a Bangladeshi too would preside over the Axom Sahitya Sabha in none too distant future. These are real fears, reflecting the reality of Assam that the Bangladeshis have succeeded in colonizing Assam primarily through the instrumentality of Assamese language. This is certainly not to suggest that the Assamese should drop Assamese like the hot brick. This is essentially a call to the Centre, the Assam Government and the greater Assamese society to sit up and take notice. THE SENTINEL

No dissidence in AIUDF, claims AIUDF president Badrauddin Ajmal

SILCHAR, Dec 27: After long eight months, AIUDF president Badrauddin Ajmal arrived in Silchar and said there is no dissidence in his party in Barak Valley. He said he was sorry to cancel his visit to Barak Valley in the last moment after the last Lok Sabha elections due to some unavoidable circumstances.

Ajmal told MLA Ataur Rahman Majharbhuiya that the party had not issued any show-cause notice to Anup Choudhury, president of the dissolved Cachar District AIUDF Committee.  He further said he personally met Choudhury in Mumbai where the latter is staying at present for treatment of his ailing wife.

Ajmal pooh-poohed the report that cracks have developed between the AIUDF and Nadwatut-Tamir, an influential socio-religious Islamic organization. It has been widely reported in the media that Moulana Tayeebur Rahman, chief of Nadwa and founder advisor of the AIUDF, has distanced himself from the party. To add salt to the insult, Salim Uddin completely ignored Nadwa and Jamiat, two main pillars of the AIUDF, while forming the Hailakandi district ad hoc committee. This has created a situation of revolt in the district, and the anti-Salim leaders have decided to lodge a complaint against him to Ajmal. Prior to his visit to Hailakandi, Ajmal claimed that he had been in constant touch with Moulana Tayeebur, and since the Moulana was in Mecca for Haj, he could not be consulted before constituting the ad hoc body. Ajmal asked his party workers to get ready for the 2011 Assembly elections. Knowing that his party’s strength lies in rural Assam, Ajmal asked his party workers to concentrate in villages. THE SENTINEL

Micro agriculture loan system to be revived: Bharat Chandra Narah,

SILCHAR, Dec 27: “The micro – agriculture loan system will be revived in Assam by reorganizing and re-orienting the functioning of gaon panchayats,” said Bharat Chandra Narah, Minister of Cooperation, while talking to The Sentinel here today. During his three-day visit to this valley in connection with the election affairs of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), he took the opportunity to make appraisal of the functioning of 85 Gaon Panchayat Cooperative Societies (GPCS) spread across the three districts of Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi, besides seeking relevant information about the non- government cooperative societies.

The minister added to say that GP-level cooperative societies have been facing many problems which need to be properly looked into and redressed in order to reach their benefits to the people of rural areas. The main purpose behind the GPCS was to offer loan to farmers as incentives in order to boost agricultural products and to make arrangement for marketing the products. “This is no longer the primary objective of GPCS for which they have been mainly set up,” pointed out Bharat Narah. The cooperative societies are now functioning to maintain public distribution system for supply of essential foodgrains to BPL families and others through fair price shops.

In fact, cooperative societies, as conceived and planned by the late Chief Minister of Assam, Sarat Chandra Sinha, in 1972 were to provide micro agricultural loan to farmers in order to encourage them for increased production and to make the state self-sufficient in food.

Even before Mohammed Yunus of Bangladesh thought of micro-economy for which he received worldwide acclaim and won the Nobel Prize, Sarat Chandra Sinha had thought of the concept, the minister stated.

It was unfortunate that cooperative societies deviated from their original goal. “It will be the concern of my government to bring back the cooperative system on its declared and chartered course and to work exclusively as agricultural lending society in the larger interests of farmers and rural economy,” the minister pointed out. He cited the instances of Rajasthan and Maharashtra where cooperative societies are meant primarily for agricultural lending purposes.

In order to create the desired impetus to re-orient the cooperative societies, discussions and seminars are being held in different parts of the State and the opinions of experts are taken into account for the revival of micro loan system. Bharat Narah was confident the cooperative movement would get a new dimension and direction for the socio-economic improvement of the problem-ridden farmers. THE SENTINEL

Revive Harangajao–Neille Road

SILCHAR, Dec 27: The problem of connectivity in Barak Valley even after more than sixty years of Independence with all the resources of technology of the time and massive funding by the Centre is really paradoxical. Journey through the National Highway-44 to reach Guwahati for access to mainland is always nightmarish mainly due to man-made factors. The worst shape of the 70-km stretch of the highway between Badarpur and Malidahar in Assam, now under the maintenance of PWD (NH Division), has further added to the woes suffering of travelling public.

Silchar-Lumding BG and East-West corridor are still a distant dream.

Journey by metre gauge (MG) hills section train services is a long detour with transshipment at Lumding. Coming monsoons, as it happens, will only make the surface links of the valley with the rest of the world more uncertain.

Being cut off and isolated, it tells heavily on the economy of the region. There is now public demand for reviving the abandoned Harangajao – Nellie Road.

The British Government took 10 years (1893-1904) to complete 247-km Silchar-Badarpur-Lumding MG rail link with 37 tunnels and 586 bridges through the most inhospitable terrains of North Cachar Hills in order to connect the valley with Guwahati and Dibrugarh not only for the benefit of the travelling public but also to facilitate transportation of coal, oil and tea for export from upper Assam to Chittagong Port in Bangladesh.

The Indian Railways, on the other hand, is still struggling to lay down BG track through the hills whose foundation stone was laid in 1996 by the then Railway Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan. The website of the N F Railway speaks of 25 per cent of the work having been completed. It also goes beyond one’s comprehension as to why the Centre and the State do not lay stress on rebuilding or repairing the 100-km stretch of Udharband – Haflong PWD road, now in a totally ruined state, to provide surface link of Silchar with Guwahati via Lanka, Daboka, Nagaon, and Hojai. Worst of all, the East-West corridor is in limbo, caught in the cobweb of deep rooted corruption over the acquisition of land, as well as extremists threat.

Paritosh Paul Chowdhury, journalist, leading citizen and President of Barak Vikash Parishad, has come out with his well-studied alternative access to Barak Valley which he claims to be “easy and cost effective”, and will link Silchar with Guwahati via Udharband, Harangjao, Turuk, Umrangshu, Panmore, Nellie and Jagiroad. Paul Chowdhury said, “I have been pursuing this alternative access with Santosh Mohan Dev, former Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam, Central Surface Minister, T R Balu and PWD ministers of the State for the last several months”. He impressed upon former PWD Minister Sarat Barokotoky to dedicate the stretch of road between Harangjao and Nellie to Vir Senapati Chilarai. “It is not a new route. It is just the revival of the surface link that existed centuries ago,” he pointed out.

Silchar-based NH division executive engineer when asked by the CMO to send a report on the proposed road replied in his letter dated July 17, 2007 that “Under the point of view stated above the route in question is much more feasible than that of the other route as proposed.” This only strengthened the campaign for the new link. MLA of Karimganj Mission Ranjan Das raised the issue in the State Assembly. LM Shuklabaidya, MP of Karimganj, too addressed the matter in the Lok Sabha. Justifying the opening of this route, Paritosh Paul Chowdhury said since the length of the road would be 285 km, it would reduce the distance between Silchar and Guwahati by 65 km as opposed to the Silchar – Shillong – Guwahati route and by 136 km as opposed to the East-West Corridor. He further clarified the proposed alternative route passes through plains. From all reckoning, it will make the journey cheap, easy, safe and time saving. Once the road becomes operational, it will also boost up the State exchequer. The president of the parishad pointed out, “With mass support behind, I finally discussed the vital surface link with Santosh Mohan Dev”. After being convinced about its feasibility, Dev as Union minister placed it before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on October 1 last which was presided over by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who gave his consent to the proposal. The fax message received by him said, “The CCEA took the landmark decision in regard to modified special accelerated development in the Northeast which included an alternative road from Silchar to Guwahati which would reduce journey time and avoid passing through landslide-prone Sonapur and other areas in Meghalaya. THE SENTINEL

This winter has not been kind to the people of Barak Valley

SILCHAR, Dec 26: This winter has not been kind to the people of Barak Valley as the chilly weather condition continues with the interplay of sun and cloud. The dawn begins with fog and biting wind to make the season cold enough for morning walkers and others on business to tighten themselves with warmer garments. Even when the sun blazes, throughout the day, the street scene is not much different. And the shivering condition, according to Meteorological Department, will continue to make this winter the coldest in living memory. The dipping mercury today records the highest of 220 Celcius and the lowest at 120 Celcius. The forecast for the week till Friday showed on Thursday will be the severest with maximum temperature of 160 Celcius and the minimum of 90 Celcius. On other days, it will be fluctuating between the highest of 220 Celcius and the lowest of 80 Celcius. Monday with mecury sliding down to 80 Celcius will be another coldest night. If the morning crowd has dwindled, the busy towns of Silchar, Karimganj and Hailakandi gradually sink into slumber as night advances. Rural areas feel bone-biting cold. Tibetan woollen market here is doing brisk business and the regular stockists of warm clothes too have steady flow of shoppers.THE SENTINEL

Tampha Sana stresses national unity, integrity

SILCHAR, Dec 26: Princess Tampha Sana, daughter of the last king of Manipur, Budha Chandra, who came down here from Imphal to address a memorial meeting in memory of her late father organized by Manipuri Diaspora, Assam, said, “Budha Chandra always fought for unity and integrity of the country so that people cutting across caste and creed could live in peace and harmony”.

She was overwhelmed by the spontaneous love and respect for his father who rising above all parochial and sectarian feelings worked for strengthening and safeguarding the interest of his State and the whole country.

She was committed to follow the ideals and principles of her father. She reminded that the rest house located atop the Bhuvan Hills near the Shiva temple was constructed by her father. She at the same time appreciated the initiative taken by Manipuri Diaspora to raise a statue to preserve the memory and achievements of king Budha Chandra and sought the cooperation of all in this regard.

The Diaspora meet held under the presidentship of vice president of the organization L Gouranga Singh in its office premises has taken up building of the statue of King Budha Chandra as a part of its noble effort to spread the message of brotherhood and friendship so essential in this present society disturbed by violence and bloodshed all around.

Northeast has been one of the worst hits of terrorism and insurgency and the message of the late king will go a long way to restore the sense of rationality and fellow-feeling among those who continue to pursue gun culture.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Irobat Singh, advocate and president of human rights organization, Cachar; Golabi Singh, social activist; Dr M Shanti Kumar Singh; Basant Kumar, former DIG; and Lili Devi, secretary of Meira Paibi, who in identical manner pleaded for highlighting in effective manner the patriotism and vision of King Budha Chandra. THE SENTINEL

Badaruddin Ajmal to revamp AIUDF in Barak Valley

SILCHAR, Dec 26: “All the units and committees of the party in the three districts of Barak Valley would be revamped in order to work more unitedly and for better show in 2011 Assembly elections of Assam”, said Badaruddin Ajmal, president of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), while talking to The Sentinel here yesterday just before addressing the party workers and leaders in Gandhi Bhavan. Ajmal was well aware of the fact that there has been simmering discontent and resentment among the leaders and workers around the valley as he has not visited here since he lost the parliamentary polls for Silchar seat, six months ago.

AIDUF supremo admitted it but explained that since he had to take care of the organizational matters on all India level, he could not spare time for the valley. His priority would be to advise the party activists and supporters to unite, strengthen and solidify the organization from the grass root level to emerge as the alternative to Congress and BJP, the two forces to reckon with in the valley.

Addressing the workers’ meet, he sent the message loud and clear to forget all differences and bury the hatchet since the political scenario was fast changing in the country.

The hint given by AIUDF leader was unambiguous. Congress was losing ground for its wrong handling of food front and the resultant price – escalation which was alienating the masses from it despite their repeate mandate for the UPA Government. BJP was faction – ridden and directionless, notwithstanding the change of guards at the top level.

His party could very well exploit the situation, carry conviction with people and win their support. His visit did inspire the workers as was indicated from their facial expression and body language. “Our party will now move vigorously and intensively for enrolling membership and cover all sections and segments of society and it will definitely evoke support of those already with the organization and others who are disenchanted with Congress, BJP and AGP”, a confident Ajmal said.

On alliance with other parties, AIUDF supremo pointed out he was not thinking about it at present and would not like to be speculative in any way. At the appropriate moment, decision would be taken.

Specifically about Trinamool Congress, he preferred not to leave for any guess work, harping at his first priority for strengthening the party and revamping it. He looked quite confident that AIUDF would make a dent in the next Assembly polls and play significant role in the body polity of Assam. On his arrival at Kumbhirgram Airport and all the way to the venue of meeting, Badaruddin Ajmal was accorded warm reception.

He was accompanied by Hafeez Rashid Choudhury, another stalwart of the party. He was scheduled to address workers and public meetings at different places of the valley as a part of his mass contact programme. THE SENTINEL

Gautam Roy and Bikash Barua reelected as ACA President and Secretary resp.

GUWAHATI, Dec 25: The new committee of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) was formed  in its annual general meeting held in Hailakandi today. There was not too much change in the committee as both Gautam Roy and Bikash Barua have retained the post of president and  general secretary respectively.  Both were unopposed at the meeting. Ghanshyam Barua, treasurer of the last committee, too extended his tenure in the same post without any opposition. The election was held for only vice-president’s post and Dr Brojen Gohain won it by defeating Prabin Konwar by 42-38 votes.

It may be mentioned here that a lot of discussion was held during the last few days on the election of Assam Cricket Association as dissident members, both from within and out of the Assam Cricket Association, were in a mood to bring a change because they were not happy at the performance of the earlier committee. However, good performance of the State teams at various level competitions of BCCI and the ongoing work of the ACA’s new cricket stadium at Barshapara possibly helped the top brass of the Assam Cricket Association to stay in their posts for one more term.

The new committee:

President: Gautam Roy.

Vice-presidents: Himanta Biswa Sharma, Rockybul Hussain, Rup Kamal Kakati, Babul Hore, Abdul Gaffar Zaman, Brojen Gohain and Rani Narah.

Secretary: Bikash Barua.

Treasurer: Ghanshyam Barua.

Joint secretaries: Bishnuram Nunisha and Umananda Bora.

Assistant secretaries: Ajoy Sharma and Sushanta Biswa Sharma.

Governing body members: Niloy Dutta, Anjan Dutta,  Pradip Hazarika, Pradip Buragohain, Dilip Choudhury, Aravinda Das, Bhakti Medhi, Pradip Das, Imdad Hussain, Munindra Saikia and Biman Bihari Sinha. THE SENTINEL

Christmas celebrated in Barak Valley

SILCHAR/GOSSAIGAON, Dec 25: Christmas through out the hills, dales and plains of Barak Valley was celebrated with all serenity, solemnity and gaiety. The holy day began with carols, prayers and preaching of massages of Lord Jesus through hymns and readings from scriptures.

It was a celebration with little difference in the churches of different denominations. As pastor of Silchar Baptist Church, Dr S Megha Chandra Singh, said, “We have no tradition to bring in Santa Claus.” But, the significance of this holiest of occasion was well brought out everywhere with stress on the theme to explain the birth of Jesus Christ on earth.

In the present day world of conflict and clash, the relevance of the teachings of Christ was more pronounced, pointed out Dr Singh. It was three fold: Love for each other, reconciliation or forgiveness and sharing and giving away gifts.

Lord Jesus, explained Dr Singh, always stood for the good of mankind and it is most unfortunate that “man is drifting apart.” The plan of God is to “live with us, show us the right path,” he quoted verse 1 of Gospel 1. Christ was born to inspire us for living together. This would make society a better place to live.

The pastor said it was still unfortunate that man has tended to be selfish and self-centred, forgetting how to be in harmony with Christ, as mentioned in the Bible “sheep gone astray.” Time has come when he has to reconcile with God. Most important, Jesus Christ died  “for us on the Cross” showing his highest love for mankind so that we could live and love each other. The celebration is also significant because it is the occasion for exchanging greetings and offering of gifts to the helpless and unfortunate.

Christmas’s core message was peace, love and reconciliation. This quality of life alone would make society civilized and a wonderful place to live, pointed out Dr Singh. The evening function was marked by a bonfire in the campus of the church where around 300 faithful assembled around to demonstrate unity, reflection of good thought and commitment for future to live in fellowship. It was also significant to cut the Christmas cake and share it, singing together. The holiest event would be seen at midnight of December 31 “counting upon the blessings of God with sublime prayer to usher in an era of peace and prosperity in the new year,” summed up the pastor.

Christmas celebrations were also seen at Gossaigaon where MCLA Rajen Narjary today greeted the people of Gossaigaon subdivision on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. In his speech, the MCLA decried the effects of the world financial crisis and assured this will not affect their land.

“At times it is subject to violence and injustice but, it remains determined to make its own contribution in the building of a society opposed to the logic of conflict and the rejection of one’s neighbour,” he said. THE SENTINEL

Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha elected as new Cachar BJP Chief

SILCHAR, Dec 25: Amid numerous speculations on who will be the next president of the Cachar district unit of the BJP, veteran BJP leader Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha was elected as the president of the district BJP unit today.

Other two candidates Gitesh Ranjan Dev backed by MLA Dr Rumi Nath and Partha Sarathi Chanda backed by former Union Minister and MP Kabindra Purkayastha, who were also in fray to the president’s post, finished second and third in the election respectively. Dev polled eight votes and Chanda got only six votes.

According to observers, the victory of Kirit Bhushan marks the begining of the end of the former Union Minister’s plan to project his son Kanad Purkaystha as the think tank of the district BJP.

It was reported that Kanad along with a group of supporters had tried to manipulate the election of the district BJP president at various block committees but this only consolidated the victory of Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha.

The election took place at the district Library Auditorium with Kirit sweeping 50 per cent of the votes defeating his two competitors. Later he told The Sentinel that he had no personal grudges with his brother and that every family had to see many ups and downs at times. He stressed on the unity of all party members.

Partha Sarathi Chanda, however, refused to comment on his defeat. Meanwhile, Mihir Chakraborty was elected unanimously as the president of the Hailakandi BJP district committee. THE SENTINEL

AGM of Assam Cricket Association in Hailakandi

GUWAHATI, Dec 24: The Annual General Meeting of the Assam Cricket Association will be held in Hailakandi on Friday. The meeting will decide the new committee of the association which would be in power for the next four years.

There was a lot of discussion going on in the city on the election of the Assam Cricket Association. Only a few days back it looked like that the entire current committee would once again come into power but some latest developments, during the last few days, changed the situation all in a sudden and it is likely that the members of present committee could face tough challenge from the dissident group of the association.

It will always be a plus point for an organizer if his team perform well during his tenure and if it counts then the members of the current body should get priority when the new committee would be formed tomorrow. Assam really performed well in the different BCCI-level cricket championships including Ranji trophy where they got promotion from plate to elite group. But the most important point is that apart from the dissident group, a section of the current committee is in favour of a change in the new committee. The most surprising things is officials, who are not in the favourite list to re-elect this time include the secretary Bikash Barua himself.

The representatives of the different district units today left for Hailakandi for tomorrow’s meeting.

 The picture of the new committee is yet to clear as a lot of thing could be happened tonight and it may changed many equations but till this evening it looked like that for Barua it is a very difficult game this time.

It is not for the first time  Barua is facing such a situation in his career of a cricket adminsitrator. Earlier, in few occasions he had to face similar position but that time challenge came from outside and in all occasions he managed to overcome the odds. But now it is a different situation for him as even few members of the current committee expressed their unsatisfaction on the activities of Barua and they are not even bothered to speak it in front of media also.

As per the information available, Barua may face challenge from two members of the current committee though dissident group is busy to put only one candidate against him if election is necessery. On the other hand, there may be election for the treasurer post also. There is also news that president of the association Gautam Roy may vacate his post but at the same time it is not a matter of surprise if he is continued as the president of the Assam Cricket Association because the veteran politician still holds good support from the members of ACA.THE SENTINEL

Air Force chief visits Kumbhirgram Station

SILCHAR, Dec 24: Air Staff chief Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik accompanied by Air Force Wives Welfare Association president Madhubala Naik arrived at the Kumbhirgram Air Force Station on December 23. The visiting duo were received by Kumbhrigram Air Force Station commander Group Captain TS Venkatesh and Air Force Wives Welfare Association (local) president Subha Venkatesh.

A press release stated that the Air chief was introduced to senior officers and senior air warriors of the station on his arrival. The Air chief also addressed all the air warriors of the station and interacted with them. He was later presented with a ceremonial guard of honour by the Air force Guards’ contingent. During the visit, Madhubala Naik interacted with the wives of the station air warriors and later paid a visit to the Station Medicare Centre and Air Force School located inside the camp. THE SENTINEL

Centre and the State Government lost control over price rise

SILCHAR, Dec 24: The Centre and the State Government seem to have lost control over the food market allowing free run for traders, profiteers and hoarders to rule the roost. Food inflation, according to official sources, has shot up to 20 per cent. Rising prices of essential food items, vegetables, cereals, pulses, grains, oil, sugar and wheat show no sign of respite.

On an annual basis, potato prices have zoomed around 136 per cent and pulses have became costlier by over 40 per cent. Onion prices rose to 15.4 per cent. Other food items which became dearer include wheat 14 per cent, milk 13.6 per cent, rice 12.7 per cent and fruits 11 per cent. Manufactured products rose to 4.78 per cent from 1.34 per cent in October. Prices of fish, chicken and mutton also continue to maintain a steady rise.

If the ruling party has no concern, the opposition parties –– BJP, CPIM, CPI, AGP and AUDF are equally unmoved except organizing symbolic protest demonstrations or submitting memoranda to the district authorities. Even on this burning issue, opposition parties have not initiated any move for joint and co-ordinated public agitation to put pressure on the State administration for adopting effective measures to regulate the market and provide relief to the people.

Winter is the season of abundance and supposed to  bring down prices of vegetables but there is very little change in the prices of green vegetables in the central markets of Fatak Bazar, Rangirkhari, Tarapur and Sadarghat along with the prices of fruits, fish, chicken and mutton. Potato remains dearer at Rs 24 a kg, onion Rs 25, cauliflower Rs 30, brinjal Rs 25, tomato Rs 30 and peas at Rs 40.

The price of fruits is also high with apples being sold at Rs 110 a kg and grapes at Rs 170 per kg. Even the seasonal orange is costlier as one has to pay Rs 20 for four. Local fish varieties, big and small, ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 400 per kg. UP and Andhra Pradesh fish is being sold at Rs 130 per kg. Chicken, boiler and local, costs between Rs 90 and Rs 120 per kg. The unchecked inflation and zero level of protest have left people with no option then to ask when will they get relief from the rising cost of living.

Dilip Paul, an important functionary of Silchar Foodgrain Merchants’ Association squarely blamed the Centre for price rise due to its wrong policies. Withdrawal of the Essential Commodities Act, according to him, has provided enough leeway to capitalists and hoarders to reap benefits of speculative markets and exploit the consumers. Besides, he said, stress on industrialization is leading to shrinkage of agriculture land, underminig the fact that 70 per cent people of the country are agriculturists. This is causing shortfall in the production of food grains, cereals, pulses and vegetables, pushing up prices against rising demand.

Joydeep Biswas, senior lecturer in economics of a local college, attributed the phenomenon of escalating prices to globalization and liberal economy as well as misplaced priority of the government of India. The much hyped green revolution, he pointed out, ignored production of pulses which has remained stagnant between 14 to 16 million metric tons during the last 50 years. Rice production, he further said, has been 19 per cent less then the last rabi crop.

Biswas at the same time blamed the Union Agriculture Ministry for making the import of two million metric tons of rice public which, he said, is only encouraging “speculative marketing” by wholesalers and stockists to push up prices. During the last three months, price of rice has gone up by Rs three. Rainfall deficit this year has been 23 per cent less which has further added to a short fall in agricultural production.

Besides, he pointed out, PDS has been marred by corruption. The situation of price rise will continue to be grim unless the Centre and the State, instead of blaming each other, jointly plan to control the ever rising cost of living, Biswas opined.THE SENTINEL

Jyotirmoy Das new Karimganj district BJP president

SILCHAR, Dec 24: BJYM leader Sudip Chakraborty lost to Jyotirmoy Das by a narrow margin of two votes in the election to the post of Karimganj District BJP Committee. While Das polled nine votes, Chakraborty got seven. MLA Mission Ranjan Das and Biswarup Bhattacharjee, two known enemies, had teamed up and fielded Das for the post of party president in the district.

Chakraborty had earlier declared that he had no interest for the president’s post as he was much younger for the job. He, however, joined the race for the post as a mark of protest against, what he said, the “unholy alliance” between Das and Bhattacharjee. THE SENTINEL

Free eye camp organized by Barak Valley Cements Company Ltd. (BVCL)

SILCHAR, Dec 24: In cooperation with the Lions Club of Badarpur, Valley Health Care Centre of Barak Valley Cements Company Ltd. (BVCL) organized a free eye camp recently. The eye camp was inaugurated by NM Todi.

Dr Anup Kumar Dafatary, during the eye camp, examined around 200 patients and provided them with medicines free of cost. Out of the patients who came for treatment, 42 were listed for cataract operations which would also be conducted free at the Lions Club Eye Hospital at Silchar. Addressing the officials and workers of the Cement Company, vice president of the plant Mukesh Aggarwal said that similar camps for the needy and poor would be organized in January, February and March also. THE SENTINEL

Award encouraging students: Dinesh Prasad Goala

SILCHAR, Dec 24: “As many as 18,000 students have till now fared successfully in the High School Leaving certificate (HSLC) examination after the State Government sponsored the Anundoram Borooah Memorial Computer Award and I hope the number of successful candidates will increase in the coming years,” said Minister of Urban Development and Housing Dinesh Prasad Goala today. Goala was addressing an assembly of students and dignitaries who have assembled for the computer distribution ceremony under the Anundoram Borooah Memorial Computer Award-2009 at the Assam Rifles ground today.

The Minister, while sharing his happiness with the students, also expressed his appreciation for the teachers and guardians concerned for their care and guidance to the children. He at the same time praised the infrastructural development and improvement in the educational institutions of the State to create a necessary atmosphere for the teacher and the taught. He said in order to bring transparency in the appointment of teachers, certain changes in the recruitment process would be considered.

Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Ajit Singh, while speaking on the occasion, laid stress on the studious pursuit of education by the students in order to build up a competitive spirit for better results and placements in life. It should be the objective of every student to seek better career in medical or engineering streams, he said and added that the Anundoram Borooah Memorial Computer Scheme was a unique scheme as the students in general and particularly of rural areas have greatly benefited from it.

MLA Bithika Dev, who was also present in the distribution ceremony, expressed her view that the award constituted by the State Government was encouraging students to fare better marks in examinations. She called upon both the teachers and guardians to make the scheme more successful in cooperation with teachers.

AUDF MLA Ataur Rahman Majarbhuiya lauded the scheme and Cachar SP Prashanta Kumar Bhuiya cautioned the students to make proper use of their computers. At the outset, Cachar DC Gautam Ganguly, who presided over the function, explained the objective of the computer award function. Till date, 794 students have received computers under the scheme. THE SENTINEL

LIC to open new branches in Northeast

SILCHAR, Dec 23: LIC will consider opening of new branches in Northeast in view of the improving law and order situation in the region and growing public patronage. This was indicated by Zonal Manager of LIC Eastern Zone RR Das at Kolkata while addressing the meet of the heads of the departments of various wings of the corporation and Zonel advisory committee members recently. His statement on the subject was in response to the queries from members of the Northeast who wanted to know about the expansion of business by LIC in the region.

Silchar division covers, besides Barak Valley and North Cachar Hills, the States of Manipur Mizoram and Tripura which have in all three main branches and 11 satellite offices. Mizoram and North Cachar Hills have one branch each, located at Aizawl and Haflong. Mizoram being the most peaceful State in the region, two more branches or satellite offices could be considered for the growing townships of  Lunglei and Champai while equal number of satellite offices could also be taken its account in order to expand its business in North Cachar Hills where normalcy has returned with the surrender of extremist groups.

Quite significantly, despite the spectre of insurgency, Haflong, Imphal, Kakching and Udaipur and all the other offices, main and satellite, under Silchar division have done good business, according to the report of the Zonal Inspection Committee (ZIC) for 2009-10. It was pointed out by the Zonal advisory committee members that, it would be wrong to project Northeast as “disturbed” or “turbulent.” Most of the militant outfits are either in peace-process or preparing to surrender.

Besides, the report of ZIC indicates militancy has in no way affected LIC business in the region. Kakching in the highly volatile Manipur and Udaipur in Tripura have been graded “excellent” for their performance.

Involvement of LIC, the most trusted brand in insurance business, in widening its network in Northeast would send positive signals as it would create employment opportunities for the educated unemployed and even wean them away from being “misguided.”

In all, 55 branches and satellite offices are functioning in the entire Northeast and more branches have been suggested for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya. The existing branches at Itanagar, Passighat, Kohima, Mokukchung, Shillong, Jowai and Tura in the three States, according to ZIC report, have received appreciation for their performance. LIC should explore the possibility of extending its business in potential areas of the three States, members further suggested. THE SENTINEL

Railway dacoits nabbed

SILCHAR, Dec 23: Badarpur Rail Police, led by its in-charge Kashibabu Singh, apprehended two Mizo miscreants last night while they were allegedly collecting money and other valuables from the passengers on board the Cachar Express train. The train was coming from Lumding to Silchar.

The miscreants has been identified as Malswam Keema (22), a student in Haflong and MS Thuanga (31), a resident of Aizwal. The Badarpur Railway Police team was patrolling on the train when the incident took place and they caught the miscreants red handed.

Also, three dacoits were nabbed from a forest near Mupha. The dacoits were nabbed by trekking a SIM card of a passenger whose mobile phone was snatched by the dacoits during the robbery of the passengers of the Agartala-bound special train. A 100 live cartridges of AK-47, a hand-made pistol and a walkie-talkie were recovered from them. Sources said, the dacoits were staying in the dense forest. Out of the three, two were tribal and the other was a Bengali youth. THE SENTINEL

Lakhipur to get potable water by 2013

SILCHAR, Dec 23: In order to meet the growing demand for potable water of Lakhipur town in Cachar district bordering Manipur, the State Government has sanctioned Rs 8.15 crore for the urban water supply scheme. Minister of Urban Development Dinesh Prasad Goala today laid the foundation stone of the urban water supply scheme for Lakhipur at the Harijan colony on SM Dev college road.

The event was held at a function presided over by Cachar deputy commissioner Gautam Ganguly. Goala said Rs 2 crore has already been released by the State Government for the scheme and added that the scheme would start functioning by 2013.

He, at the same time, took the opportunity to say that the bridge on river Barak at Lakhipur would also be completed by 2013.

Gautam Roy was all praise for Goala whom he describe as a man of “action” and it was because of him that the water supply schemes in Barak Valley have been coming up to ease the crisis of drinking water both in the urban and rural areas. Parliamentary secretary for Finance Ajit Singh, who also addressed the assembly, was appreciative of the efforts of Goala for the development of Barak Valley as a whole.

Urban Development Department managing director  AK Barua explained the objective of the function while Municipal Board chairman Kalyan Chandra Dey welcomed the ministers and others. The function was organized by the Urban Water Supply Department and Lakhipur Municipal Board. THE SENTINEL

Three candidates in fray for BJP district presidentship

SILCHAR, Dec 23: The election for the post of president of the Cachar district unit of the BJP is going to be held tomorrow. The Saffron party is all set to hold the election despite the fact that the party has been divided into groups. According to reports, three candidates are in fray for the post of the BJP district president.

A brief history of the formation of the BJP district unit shows a series of clashes and mud slinging among the party members since it came in a big way in Barak Valley in 1991. Party members Kabindra Purkayastha and Bimalangshu Roy led the party in the district and were phenomenal in the winning of both the Silchar and Karimganj Lok Sabha seats. But, the party soon lost its grip as both the leaders engaged themselves in ego clash until Roy died a few months back. This resulted in a deep trench among the grassroot workers and also led to the weakening of the party, sources said.

And in this backdrop, the Saffron party is all set to elect its district unit president with Kabindra Purkayastha fielding former principal of GC College Partha Sarathi Chanda against his brother Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha, a veteran BJP leader, for the post. Sources said Kabindra Purkayastha remained conspicuous by his absence in the district.

Observers are of the view that after the death of Bimalangshu Roy, Kabindra Purkayastha, who played a vital role in shaping the party not only in Barak Valley but also in Assam, has ample scope to lead the party but his decision to cast his son as an MP nominee without consulting senior party members earned the wrath of the party members.

Moreover, a section of party workers are apprehensive that if Chanda is elected as the party president, Kanad will become all powerful and have the final say in finalizing the party candidates for the 2011 Assembly election. THE SENTINEL

Three candidates in fray for Cachar BJP district president post

SILCHAR, Dec 22: With the election of the new Cachar district president on the cards tomorrow, the battle to the top has grown intense among three groups –– former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha and his son Kanad Purkayastha, Kabindra Purkayastha’s brother Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha and Borkhola MLA Dr Rumi Nath. The new Cachar district president would be elected by fifteen block presidents and a representative from each block.

In the meantime, it has come to light that Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha was the fore runner for the post of district president but Kabindra Purkayastha had been planning to project former principal of GC College Partha Sarathi Chanda for the post of district president while Dr Nath had been backing Gitesh Ranjan Dev for the post. However, open clash between Kirit and his nephew Kanad as well as elder brother Kabindra Purkayastha has added more spice to the whole matter.

Kabindra Purkayastha, after being elected as an MP in May, virtually made his son Kanad his MP nominee without discussing the matter with any party member. This was very much despised by the party members. Matters became worse as Kanad accompanied by his friend Basudev Sarma allegedly collected donation from various quarters and this was reportedly admitted by him and his father.

Meanwhile, Kirit Bhushan told The Sentinel that he would fight the election under any circumstance. “Kabindra Purkayastha might be my elder brother, but his request or order will not be able to pull me back,” Kirit Bhushan clarified. THE SENTINEL

Trade bandh peaceful in Barak Valley

SILCHAR, Dec 22: The dawn-to-dusk Barak bandh called by the Barak Valley Textiles and Garment Traders’ Association passed off peacefully. Other business organizations also extended their support to the bandh by keeoing their shutters down during the bandh.

The bandh was called in protest against the imposition of four per cent entry tax on all garments. The main markets in Silchar, Karimganj and Hailakandi wore a deserted look. In Silchar, the association delegates, led by its president Roshan Lal Sethia and general secretary Manoj Paul, handed over a memorandum to the Cachar Deputy Commissioner demanding immediate withdrawal of the entry tax.

Central co-ordination Committee of Associations, Silchar Business Association Co-ordination Committee, Federation of Business Association of Barak Valley, Barak Valley Distribution Association and Nagarik Swartha Raksha Sangram Parishad also extended their support to the bandh. THE SENTINEL

Mumbai FC edging past Sporting Clube de Goa by 2-1

SILCHAR, Dec 21: Mumbai FC collected three vital points in their opening league match edging past Sporting Clube de Goa by 2-1 in the second group ‘C’ league match played at the Satindra Mohan Dev Memorial Stadium, here today.

Mumbai FC started their Federation Cup journey on a confident note. However, they  conceded the first goal in the match when Nigerian striker Nathaniel Amos put his team ahead in the 27th minute. Amos took advantage of a Mumbai FC defensive lapse to slot in his right footer easily at the near post. But Dane Pereira levelled the terms for Mumbai FC. After the breather, there were lot of physical contact in the match and at one such incident, Sporting defender Fulgano Cardozo was given the marching order by the referee Naveen Sundi after he elbowed Nishant Mehra from the back. A substitution in the 64th minute did the trick for Mumbai FC and Subhas Chakroborty who replaced injured Nishant Mehra netted in the decisive goal. THE SENTINEL

In Silchar Churchill Brothers drub HAL 3-0 in opener

SILCHAR, Dec 21: A double strike from Khemtang Paite and a stunning free-kick goal by star striker Odafe Okolie helped I-League champions Churchill  Brothers to begin their Federation Cup campaign with a 3-0 drubbing of qualifiers Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Monday.

In a completely one-sided Group match at the Satindra Mohan Dev Memorial Stadium, Churchill outplayed their opponents from Bangalore to run away with full three points in the opening match of the tournament.
Paite found the target in the 25th and 83rd minutes while Odafe scored in the 67th minute. HAL did not get a clear goal-scoring chance in the entire 90 minutes.

Churchill now take on Mumbai FC in their second group match on Wednesday.
The Goan side had the first look at the HAL goal in the 15th minute but Ogba Kalu’s shot from inside the box was saved by goalkeeper Amar Deb. Ten minutes later, Paite gave Churchill the lead as his header, connecting a Gouramangi Singh pass off a Charan Rai corner, found the HAL net.

HAL had a go at the Churchill goal six minutes from the breather but Fredrick Okwabe’s shot was well wide off the post.

Churchill captain Odafe, who had a relatively quiet first half, showed his prowess in the second session. Combining well with Ogba, he created a couple of dangerous runs inside the HAL box soon after the resumption.

Odafe then put his name in the scoresheet in the 67th minute with a stunning right-footed free-kick from near the top of box which curled and hit the upright before bouncing into the net.
Seven minutes from time, Paite scored his second goal as his right footer rolled into the net after a deflection from HAL defender SJ Ricky. (PTI)

Misbahul Islam lashes out at Rumi Nath

SILCHAR, Dec 21: Former MLA and APCC minority cell chairman Misbahul Islam Laskar lashed out at BJP MLA of Borkhola constituency Dr Rumi Nath for her failure in addressing to the problems of the people of her constituency. Laskar was attending a public meeting at Madumala, Baulabasti, on Sunday.

While addressing the meeting, Laskar said Dr Nath has failed to under take steps for the redressal of the problems like road connectivity, electricity and drinking water problems in her constituency. People of backward classes are the worst-hit by these problems, Laskar added and said that she had been busy distributing the various benefits initiated by the Tarun Gogoi Government instead.

The BJP leader, Laskar further said, did not have time to make queries about the completion or fate of PMGSY roads or if the schemes were transferred to any other constituency by leaders of the ruling party. “Villagers complained to me that the PMGSY road from Garerband  to Barrampur for which Rs 1.37 crore had been allotted was yet to be completed,” he said. For their area, 14 electric poles for extending electricity had also been sanctioned which they said was not sufficient to cover the locality, the Congress leader said.

Though the PHE Department did take up the laying of pipelines for supply of potable water in their area, there was hardly any maintenance as the pipes were leaking at several places. Laskar, during the meeting, assured the villagers that he would look into their grievances and try for their resolution at his own level. The Congress leader was happy to welcome members of 75 families belonging to OBC to the fold of his party who deserted their parent party, BJP. THE SENTINEL

Demand for Barak economic council intensified

SILCHAR, Dec 21: After the Centre gave its nod for a separate State of Telangana, demands for the formation of Barak Economic Development Council (BEDC) has been intensified. The council’s demand committee reiterated its demand saying that the only way left for the Centre to show its concern towards this valley was to give its assent for a separate economic council just like the Vidarbha Development Council, Gorkha Development Council and the Bodo Territorial Council.

Demand Committee president of the Karimganj unit Jyotirmoy Das, however, clarified that the committee was not asking for a separate State.

Meanwhile, the Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelon (BUBSSS) expressed its concern over the inclusion of some parts of the Valley in the proposed Dimaraji, as asked by the Dimasa Community. The recent bandh called by Dimasa organizations surprisingly evoked considerable support in some parts of Cachar district and, for 36 hours, Barak Valley was virtually cut off from the rest of the country as Dimasa youths blocked the entry points to the valley.

Bhattacharjee said, “BUBSSS has nothing to do with the forming of Dimaraji. Its main concern is the inclusion of some parts of Cachar into the proposed State.” Eminent scholar Dr Kamaluddin Ahmed also maintained that the demand for inclusion of some parts of Cachar into the proposed Dimaraji had no basis. THE SENTINEL

‘Globalization will affect Indian economy’

SILCHAR, Dec 21: Globalization and liberal economy might be the order of the day, its adverse impact could be felt in not so distant future in our country, observed former Education Minister of West Bengal Kanti Biswas. Biswas said this while delivering his key note address on the theme “Globalization and socio-economic scenario of India” as a chief guest at a function organized at Paul Sadan here in order to commemorate the memory of communist leader and a social activist Dwijendralal Sengupta who was also the chairman of the Silchar Municipal Board.

The occasion was significant as a memorial book dedicated to the various achievements and works of the eminent comrade was also released. The book was released by distinguished poet and writer Anurupa Biswas. Elaborating on the subject, Kanti Biswas pointed out that despite all the tall claims by the government about the significant surge in the Indian economy and the fast changing social uplift of masses, the ground reality was different.

Biswas quoted from records and reports to say that even after more than 62 years of independence, 77 per cent people continue to grovel in the mire of poverty and their daily income on an average is Rs 20 only. The highest number of child labour, he pointed out, is in this country. He also said globalization in fact was a part of the design of America to capture the world market and reduce the developing countries as well as underdeveloped as its colonies in order to dominate the economy and dictate its terms to others. He also debunked the growth chart of the country in respect of industrial advancement as a myth since it could not be sustained for long against American imperialism. According to him, India was falling a prey to the machination of Washington. He called upon the masses of the country to unite and strengthen the movement to free India economically from the onslaught of capitalism and imperialism. Assam University Vice-Chancellor Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharya, while speaking as a guest of honour, described Dwijendralal Sengupta as a frontline communist leader whose entire course of life was full of action and eventful. The great leader was a source of inspiration to present day youths since he dedicated his life to the cause of the downtrodden and the proletariat.

Others who spoke on the occasion included former MLA Nishith Ranjan Das, who presided over the function, Rama Sengupta, Dipak Bhattacharjee, Samiran Acharjee and Anil Kumar Chakraborty. THE SENTINEL

New Bangladeshi film on football drawing crowds

DHAKA, Dec 20: Jaago, a Bangladeshi film based entirely on football, is attracting the crowds to the theatres. The highlight of the film is a match between the Bangladeshi soccer team and a team from northeastern India, and the local team wins the match against all odds.

The film, directed by Khizir Hayat Khan, harks back to the country’s 1971 Liberation War, when the freedom fighters fought friendly matches with their Indian comrades to gather support and funds for their cause.

The twist in the match is in keeping with Bollywood’s De Dhana Dhan Football that had Indians playing against the British, and Chak De India, the hockey saga that has the Indian women winning against the Australians.

Jaago, features a football match between Comilla Azad Boys, a Bangladeshi team, and Tripura Eleven from northeastern India.

“Though there has been no previous record of winning against the visiting team, the local team snatches victory through determination, hard work and team spirit,” The Daily Star said on Sunday on the film’s premiere.

The story of Jaago is said to be inspired by the Swadhin Bangla Football Dol, which alongside the freedom fighters in 1971 “played a vital role in the jointly-fought Liberation War by raising funds and support for our war through charity matches,” the film’s makers say.

Actor Ferdous and Lux-Channel I Superstar 2006 finalist Bindu play central roles in the film.

Khan has also done the screenplay for the film, while its producer is Adnan Karim.

Football is the most popular sport in Bangladesh and in neighbouring eastern India.

The film is replete with catchy songs, and aims at inspiring Bangladeshi football to reclaim the old passion of victory and patriotism, the newspaper said. IANS

Five arrested for running fake currency racket

SILCHAR, Dec 19: Acting on a tip-off, an Army team of the 11 Field Regiment recently nabbed Najimuddin Laskar (34), of Hailakandi, Sarafuddin Barbhuiya (29), of Ujankupar, Morab Ali Barbhuiya (37) of Mohanpur, Nuruddin Laskar (45) of Bhatirgram Nayabajar and Abdul Suban Laskar (34), of Barni Braes Khasiapunji on charges of running a fake currency racket.

Sources said Abdul Suban was an employee of the Assam Police and all the nabbed culprits were actively associated with the fake currency racket. It was reported that the Army, during the operation, approached the gang as customers asking for fake notes at a city hotel here and later nabbed the culprits. The miscreants were later handed over to Silchar police for further action.

The gang was produced before the CJM court and was awarded a seven-day police remand. The Army has also seized an Alto car used by the miscreants. THE SENTINEL

Assam RRB officials attend dharna in Delhi

SILCHAR, Dec 19: All India Regional Rural Bank Employees’ Association (AIRRBEA) representing majority of officers and employees working in the Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) staged a dharna in front of the Parliament House on December 8 where five members from the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Officers and Employees’ Association (AGVBOEA) took part. MPs from different parties addressed the dharna supporting of the demands of Gramin Bank employees. Assam MPs Ramen Deka, Bijoya Chakraborty, Kabindra Purkayastha, Kumar Dipak Das and Joshep Toppo were among those who addressed at the dharna.

The demands of the RRBs are review and revision of the existing manpower policy and providing adequate and need-based manpower through regular promotion at all ranks to ensure branch expansion, financial inclusion, NREGA etc. The RRBs have been protesting the new RBI policy that allows banks to open their branches at any towns and places, even at places where the RRBs have their branches.

Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Officers Association regional secretary Shaktipada Bhattacharjee said 82 RRBs have been working through 15,107 branches in all the districts (615) of the country, barring Sikkim and Goa. THE SENTINEL

Accident exposes NH-44 management loopholes

SILCHAR, Dec 19: The fatal accident of a night super bus that killed eight and injured many people after it fell into Looba river at Sonapur in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya last morning has exposed many loopholes in highway management. The bus was running under Puja Travels of the Tripura State Road Transport Corporation. The tragic accident has brought to the fore the negligence and the laxity of the law enforcing agencies concerned.

The 35-passenger capacity bus had on  board 53 passengers and was overloaded with huge quantity of luggage, complained Lalthanga Darlong and Debendra Das, two injured passengers. The bus all the way from Guwahati had crossed many check gates starting from Jorabat to Umkiang, a few kilometres from the site of accident, the passengers added and said that even at Umkiang, the bus was not detained for checking.

On the other hand, although the names of all the 35 passengers including that of the assistant driver were listed, the name of the deceased driver was not mentioned. According to some of the injured, the driver and his assistant were picking up way side passengers randomly. A BSF jawan Nabal Bora, who was injured in the accident, alleged that the driver was driving the bus in a drunken state and was picking up high speed ignoring all caution of passengers to regulate speed.

It was clear from yesterday’s incident that vehicles running along the NH-44 were not subjected to checks for taking in excess passengers and luggage and goods beyond their capacity which could prevent tragic mishaps. It is a general allegation of passengers that the drivers of night super buses drive vehicles under the influence of liquor which is provided to them free along with their food at wayside hotels. In fact, the safety and security of passengers are never given priority by the transport agencies as well as those responsible for enforcing traffic rules.

The very purpose of the check gates and highway patrolling by police is called into question by the travelling public. Sonapur has been identified as an accident-prone zone due to disturbed geo-physic factors which include the rising of the river bed, meandering along the highway and an unstable land mass which is considerably sinking.

A Mizoram State transport corporation bus and two loaded trucks coming from Shillong had a miraculous escape earlier, sources said. Before the vehicles slided in slush and mud rolling down from the hills, the passengers and drivers managed to come out of the vehicles.

The most tragic accident that took place on this highway was the death of seven people travelling in a private passenger bus which skidded in the slush on the spot and rolled down the Loobha river. The body of one of the passengers was recovered at Sunamganj in Bangladesh. THE SENTINEL