Will Majuli be ever listed as World Heritage site?

Will Majuli be ever listed as World Heritage site?

South Asia’s largest river island Majuli hoping this time that UNESCO accord in Site of Heritage of World Guwahati, Assam for Vaishnavism which is important and is located in the state. In Quebec a committee for Heritage of World meeting in July, Canada, would consider and positively grant the status to Majuli which it deserves. The information was submitted by them and all documents to the committee which are sought by them are pushing among the case. It is keen itself to preserve Majuli which is prone to flood and culture of Satriya of island is satras or the monastery of Vaishnavite was set up by a philosopher. A dossier by the body of world has sanctioned for the island, society, culture and its people. Location of Majuli is in east of city of Assam’s in Guwahati and extensively suffers erosion and flooding.

Sarma the President of Island Majuli is also the activists for Development and Protection Council, said that the government of Assam also should send an Indian delegation to meet place for perspective of case of Majuli. For Majuli’s case government of India should depute a representative for presenting at Quebec for the World Heritage Committee.

The inscription requests for new sites will consider by the committee on the list of World Heritage in UNESCO’s and examination of state for sites conservation inscribed on list. For Assamese civilization the cultural capital is Majuli has remained since with social reformer visit cultural capital and on the islet establish satras. Islanders of Majuli despite of from virtual from their mainland, have preserved its uniqueness and hence its distinct identity. Last year the government India to UNESCO proposed that the Majuli can be accorded for the recognition. In its recommendations Majuli deserve to be in list of Heritage of World Site for its “site of outstanding universal properties and a great cultural landscape”.

Sanjay Ghose and Majuli

Sanjay Ghose and Majuli

Sanjoy Ghose was born on 1959. His name is spelled sometimes as Sanjay Ghosh. The voluntary for Interact club of school wing Club movement was joined by Sanjoy Ghosh. For social change the school experience motivate him to become a social worker catalyst. By the Indian Society inequities he was disturbed.

From IRMA after post graduation with very good grades, in 1982, he chose to work for the development trust of small rural in Kheda district, Anand, much over better paying jobs visible with federations milk cooperative sponsored by Government of island. In Foundation of Tribhuvandas, catalysed his growth of a run trust of small family, to working in hundred odd villages, hiring professional rural medical doctors, and extension staff. After Oxford he decided to return to rural India. His own Non Government Organisation was set up in district of Bikaner in Rajasthan.

Ulfa had kidnapped , Sanjoy Ghosh, a renowned social worker who was working to save the island from being swamped by the waters of the Mighty Brahmaputra. in Majuli. He was a graduate from Indian Institute of Rural Management. Lucrative corporate offers had declined by Sanjoy Ghosh and instead he chose to come to Assam to help its people. Local language Assamesse was learned by him to speak, write and to educate the masses he also published a magazine. But to ULFA it was unacceptable, Sanjay Ghosh was titled as RAW Agent & was given the ultimatum to leave Majuli. But he had negotiated with ULFA boys and mostly probably killed the same day. There are mass public protests against ULFA and violence. Regarding the acclaimed the social worker they issues conflicting statements. A large section of its traditional support base has antagonized by ULFA. All this events took place at the places where angels fear to tread; this episode had been ignored by the media.

Majuli - Tourist information

Tourist information

For see:
On the island Satras are there which are active in their tradition and for interested tourist training for drama, dance, art, music and craft. In early morning one can also hire a cruise and boat the river, watching the bird and visit also to homes and fields to see the weaving and cultivation for tribes of the first hand. Interested Tourist can go for joy riding on cycle to experience the secrets of Majuli more closely.Kaziranga National Park is as Home to fabled one horned Rhinoceros. Rare orchids of the North East region have an orchid house packed of Zoo -Botanical Garden. Assam State Museum is the museum which is biggest among the north east region. This island is heavenly abode of different kinds of birds for interested tourist globally endangered species are found here in a good number of ‘stoke’. For bird watchers Majuli is the ideal place. The species nest can be viewed from all the tall trees from many places in the island. The Spotted Pelican, the Little Grebe, the Large Cormorant, and the Open Stoke are from among the rare birds found here.

For visit:
The time best for visiting the Majuli is at the time of the ‘Rasleela’, which is in month November of Kartik at time when there is full moon; but people can visit Majuli. It makes getting around by boat easier ironically during the season of rain in which it flooded most of the island.

For reach:
In the Upper Assam one of the townships is Jorhat which is near to Majuli.then it is connected well from the metros of the country by the air, by flights from Guwahati and Kolkata. It is also connected from the different metros of the country by train Guwahati via Mariani Jn.

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Majuli - Tourist Interests

Tourist Interests

Majuli, situated in nearby areas on its either side of mighty river the Brahmaputra. It  lift its face to the blue sky of  limitless frontiers . the lapping water of the holy Brahmaputra river  perpetually caressed its feet of interests. Tourist interest is stretched to the island of nature for roaring force like the river Brahmaputra and is acquired by the utilizing of art which is mighty force of nature for their benefit. Tourist interest is also stretched to find animals that are rare, flowers that are very beautiful and a beleaguered people which are hospitable and proud. Other interest for the island of valleys, hills is the northeastern corner of India  Kamakhya the Mother Goddess lies and has rarest places of interests.

There are Satras on the island which are active in their tradition and for interested tourist training of dance, drama, music, art and craft. One can also hire a cruise and boat down the river in the early morning, bird-watching and also visit fields and homes to see the cultivation and hand weaving of the tribal people. Kamakhya Temple is on Nilachal hill which is major attraction of this region for the worship of Goddess Kamakhya. From the temple city view and the river Brahmaputra which is the mighty river is fabulous.

This island is heavenly abode of different kinds of birds for interested tourist, many endangered species are found here in a good number of ‘stoke’. The nest of these endangered species can be viewed from all the tall trees from many places in the island. For bird watchers Majuli is the ideal place. Spotted Pelican, Little Grebe, Large Cormorant, Grey Heron, Open Stoke are from among the rare birds found here. As a tourist spot Majuli is one of the best destination as it has a mixture of both tribal and modern day cultures.

Tags: Majuli Travel to Majuli Travel Majuli Tourist Interest Majuli Travel Majuli Tours Majuli Tourist Places Majuli Tourism Majuli Festival Majuli Cultural Festival Majuli Guest House Majuli Hotel Majuli Accommodation Cheap Hotels in Majuli Cheap Guest House in Majuli Government Accommodation in Majuli Travel Places Majuli Tourist Spots Jorhat Assam North East India

Places Of Interest in Majuli

Places Of Interest

Inhabitant of island Majuli have been facing the challenge from the beginning of their settlement in island of nature for roaring force like river Brahmaputra and is acquired by the utilizing of art which is mighty force of nature for their benefit. There you find animals that are rare, flowers that are very beautiful and a beleaguered people are hospitable and proud. The island of valleys, hills, the river Brahmaputra which is the mighty river and in the northeastern corner of India  Kamakhya the Mother Goddess lies and has rarest places of interests.

There are twenty-one Satras on the island most of them are still active in their tradition and training of drama, art and craft, dance and music. One can hire a boat and cruise down the river in the early morning, bird-watching and also visit fields and homes to see the cultivation and weaving done by hands by these people of tribes. Cycle ride is also a way to experience the secrets of Majuli the land of culture.

Kamakhya Temple is on Nilachal hill which is major attraction of this region for the worship of Goddess Kamakhya. From the temple city view and the river Brahmaputra which is the mighty river is fabulous. For giant turtles the ponds are here as the home island. In the midle of river Brahmaputra is a temple of Lord Shiva, in the Umananda island. During  Shiva Ratri this place is like a beehive when pilgrims from island are in the packed boats. For Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims there is a sacred place known as Hajo. National Park of Kaziranga is as Home to fabled one horned Rhinoceros. rare orchids with 44 varieties of the North East region has an orchid house packed of Zoo -Botanical Garden. Assam State Museum is the museum which is biggest among the north east region.

Tags: Majuli Travel Majuli Tours Majuli Tourism Majuli Travel Information on Majuli Tourist Places in Majuli Tourist Spots Cheap Hotels in Majuli Cheap Guest Houses in Majuli Cultural Festival of Majuli Festival Guwahati Assam North East India Jorhat Travel Agents in Majuli Travel Agents in Guwahati Tour Operators in Majuli Travel Operators Travel Agency in Majuli Guwahati Assam

People, Population and Fair & Festival of Majuli

People, Population and Fair & Festival of Majuli

Majuli population entirely constitute from immigrants of the areas nearby the Brahmaputra River on its either side. The fertility and easy available inputs for life attract peasants from Majuli. People which belong to different type of caste and community which  are inhabited in this island. The Kachari, Konch and Ahom among them belong to Burmese branch which are Mongoloid origin; but the Matak, the Kaivatra, the Nath, etc. belong to Dravidian origin. The most important community of this island is Misihing community and consist of about 47% of the inhabitant of island. The population inhabited on the island worship ' Abu Palao' and ' Aane Danchi', as the sun as their mother and the moon as their father respectively in their rituals.  But  for the  integral part inhabitants consist of The Chutias which are Mongoloids.

The people of Majuli; the cultural capital of Assam, have made their island a Nerve of Assamese Religion as center for Culture , Art and Education and they are  preserving it as culture since  last five hundred years from all challenge of political, calamities - natural and social. 

Special events in the Majuli Festival are being organized during festivals days. In the Cultural programmes inhabitants of the island participate in the various classical cultural and traditional groups. But other most important festival is Bihu for the population of Assam, which also initiate the season for agriculture . The merriments include dances accompanied on lusty and wild beats of Pepa (buffalo hornpipe) and Dhol. People adorn traditional attires like Gamocha , Dhoti and Mekhala , Chadar. During November Tea festival is the unique experience, it offers holidays for combining the visit to Golf, Tea Gardens and Cruises of River. During April Rongali Utsav on the areas nearby the Brahmaputra river on the either side for the celebration of vibrant fertility cult.

Majuli - Neo-Vaishnavite satras

Neo-Vaishnavite satras
   
The icon of the Sattra institute in Assam is Neo Vaishnavism. There this institute of religion and Social not only play role important for diversity in Indian Socio cultural. This institute is similar to those of ancient Math’s or Buddhist monasteries, it was created by Sankardeva which were latterly become a unique parcel & part of Assamese life. Vaishnavite movement was not merely for the undertones of school of an artist, but it was broader in true terms as it was a comprehensive socio movement for religion, that plays the vital role. For Assamese culture this provides the necessary and vibrant building blocks of alive of Naghars and Sattra for Majuli which are still in institution

Twenty one Satras are there on island - several of them very active in their tradition and the training of art and craft, dance, music and drama. One can hire a boat and cruise down the river in the early morning, do bird-watching and can visit fields or homes of the tribal people to see the cultivation and hand woven products made by them. People even go for enjoying cycle ride and can best experience the secrets of Majuli the land of culture.

There are Satras on the island which are active in their tradition and for the interested tourist training of dance, drama, music, art and craft. People go for a ride of cycle experience the secrets of land of culture i.e. Majuli. Satras also have the treasure for various satriya dances as Notua, Sutradhar, Chali, Jumora, Vringee, Ozapali, Matiakhara and Apsara Dance This Island is the hub Neo Vaishnavism culture of Assamese in Majuli. The Neo Vaishnavism culture provides Majuli a true divine environment in this modern world. This culture is truly a one which connects you to almighty.

Habitate Majuli

Habitate

Majuli, is situated in areas nearby the mighty Brahmaputra river on its either side. Its  face is lifted to the blue sky of  limitless frontiers . the lapping water of the holy Brahmaputra perpetually caressed its feet and her vision is stretched to the the Himalayan of  distant hills and other than who moulded the universe the master craftsman - God himself. The largest island of river in the world is Majuli, is a civil sub-division of Jorhat District, is located Jorhat town, Assam, India. Total area of the island was 1250 sq.km., now it is about 650 sq.km. Its length from east to west is about 90 km. & width from north to south is about 16 km.

Multifaceted by its attraction, it unfolds a variety of interest for traditional handicraft, tourist rare migratory birds and dance forms; ethnic culture and pottery; water sports etc. It is a land of exquisitely beautiful flowers, rare animals, and a beleaguered people that are hospitable & proud, varieties of rare orchids of the North East region This Island is a hotspot of bio-diversity and has rare breeds of flora and fauna. Its vast faunal wealth covers more than 100 species of reptiles and birds, mammals nearly 100 types of local fish and 1000 of insects. On the floral side it covers more than 1000 species of trees, orchids, flowers, creepers, grasses and other type of plant-life.

It is heavenly abode of different kinds of birds globally endangered species are found here in a good number of ‘stoke’ . The species nest can be viewed from all the tall trees from many places in the island. For bird watchers Majuli is the ideal place. Spotted Pelican, Little Grebe, Large Cormorant, Grey Heron, Open Stoke are from among the rare birds found here.

Economy of Majuli

Economy of Majuli

Majuli’s economy is vastly diversified and dependant on sectors that are self sufficient primarily. It has a rich and diverse tradition for agriculture, growing rice of hundred different varieties, without any kind of artificial pesticide or fertilizer. Cultivators of the Kharif crop were uncertain because of flood until the embankment construction, which protect the crops from the floods where there is no breach. Rabi is the crop which is more successful and dependant for the people on it. Main crops grown in Majuli are Maize, Rice, other Cereals, Wheat, Vegetables, Black Gram, other food crops, Fruits, Castor, Jute, Cotton, Sugar Cane etc.

Sectors which are vastly prevalent in Majuli to uplift economic condition of people are Pisciculture: for more than 60 large water bodies known as Beels that catch fish which provides livelihood for large number of inhabitants. Pottery: this island is also  famous for its Pottery in the entire valley for quality and design of their artifacts and  productssuch as Boat making:

As  it is a rain fed, flood prone and water Logged area boat making is an old tradition. Cattle farming/Dairy: which is having a huge land farming for cattle and dairy is one of sources for people livelihood. Handicrafts/furniture: cane works and Bamboo craft are main trades of the handicraft. Handloom: Majuli Women are expert in weaving and also their own cloths. Women of  Mishing made a fabric which is world famous called "Mirizim" it is known for its pleasing colour and exotic design combination. Horticulture: as in the island there are suitable climatic condition and fertile land, it is area of economy, yet it is for non-commercial use. Sericulture: most of the inhabitants of the island are entirely depended on it by producing silk (raw) as well as value added products. Mineral Resources: as reported that Oil India Ltd., has discovered two wells of oil  in that Island.

Culture of Majuli – The Living Archeological museum

Majuli – The Living Archeological museum

The incredible north east states of India have a plenty of hidden treasures such as lush jungles, mystic peaks, verdant valleys etc. It is a region of seven charming states known as seven sisters. One of these states is Assam which is renowned with the world for Majuli. It is the largest fresh water Island of South Asia, situated in mid- river delta and located at upper reaches of Brahmaputra. Culture of Majuli is has been the cradle of Assamese for past hundreds of years. The satras preserve antiques like utensils, weapons, jewelry and many other items that are of cultural significance. On this island every single person is involved in Ras festival, a three day long depicting the live of Krishna and many people from thousands of kilometers come to celebrate this festival.

 Majuli has around 22-24 satras or Vaishnava monasteries namely Auniati, Kamalabari, Dakhinpat etc.  These Vaishnava monasteries play very important role in preaching or propagating the religious ideology of the Sankardeva-a Vaisnavite saint and his disciple Madhavdeva of Assamese medieval time. This preaching is the main culture of Majuli and is known as Satria culture.

The culture of Majuli is not confined just to the satras alone. Each and every village on this island has assimilated all these traditional values in daily life. Pottery is the single most important culture of Majuli. . The potter’s wheel never found its way in this beautiful Island till date. Pots and other pottery products are still made from beaten clay with hands & are burnt in fired kilns, fired by driftwood. The central point or the common point of all villages is Namghar where people gather to pray and sing periodically. This place is much more than a temple - it is a sacrosanct place for meeting as well and usually after the sessions members will get together and discusses on matters concerning  about the village. In this era of individualism, Majuli is a place which still preserves the notion of the community. Thus seeing the culture of Majuli we can say that it is the living archeological museum in its own right.

About Majuli

Majuli an island situated in Assam is the largest deltaic island in mid-river of fresh Water in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra in North-Eastern Corner of India at longitude of 93039’ E – 94035’ E and latitude of 26045’ N – 27012’ N with mean height of around 84.5 Mt. above sea level. It is located 1100 Km from the mouth of the river Brahmaputra in Tibet.

This landmass, with a population of 1.6 Lakhs, majority being tribal’s, has been the highlight Vashnavite culture of Assamese with tremendous option for spiritual and Eco-tourism with very rich heritage to offer. The island has rare breeds of flora and fauna showcasing its rich ecology. There are around twenty-one Satras on this unique island and many of them still very active in there tradition and training of drama, dance, music, art and craft to carry on their rich heritage in the future. You can hire a boat and cruise down the river in the early morning, bird-watching; and also visit fields and homes to see the cultivation and weaving for you first hand of the tribes. Majuli can be visited anytime in the whole year but best time to visit is in the month of November (Kartik) when the Moon is at its full glow.
 
Majuli has a non-government organization promoted by people of Majuli itself which is called as Majuli Island Protection and Development Council (MIPADC), the organization has been sole motivator and advocacy role player in preserving & bringing concern for Majuli from various quarters as well from UNESCO – World Heritage site due to its uniqueness in cultural and natural heritage. The primary objective of the organization is to build up mass awareness about perilous future of this unique Island. Shrinking shoreline of this unique island due to rapid erosion is a major concern. MIPADC is trying to conserve the unique attributes of this island, which is famous for its rare bio-diversity as well.

Useful website:
http://www.majuli.info

Tags: Majuli, Majoli, Assam, North East India

RSS chief rejects DNA test formula for identifying immigrants

RSS chief rejects DNA test formula for identifying immigrants

From our staff reporter

Silchar, March 8: RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagwat, while addressing a rally here last evening, very diplomatically rejected the All Assam Students’ Union’s (AASU) demand for conducting DNA tests to identify immigrants in the State. Rao did not mention the name of the student body at the meet and said DNA tests to detect illegal immigrants will not yeild results as DNA formation of the people of the South-east Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and even Iran has ample resemblance.

Casting doubts over the formulation of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC), Bhagwat scoffed that it was a mere electoral issue. As election is nearing, political parties are poking the issue to garner political mileage and the entire process will be pushed to hibernation once the election is over, he said.

Making a scathing attack on the cultural and religious aggression by Christians and Muslims, Bhagwat said in a multi-lingual country like India, language cannot bind all the religious, ethnic groups. “Only Hindutva could act as a binding thread,” claiming this Bhagwat said, “Hindutva is not a mere religion, it is a way of life, it is the culture that has formed Indianness in its truest sense.” Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, in spite of being a Muslim, could realize the significance of Hindutva, he added.

Directly accusing Pakistan of funding and patronizing the Maoist movement, which has rocked India in the recent times, Bhagwat lamented that for narrow political gains, the Union Government was hesitant of taking stern action against the so called rebels.

He further lamented that in spite of having power, India has failed to apply it and neighbouring countries like Pakistan continues its tirade against India. THE SENTINEL

Former Manipur BJP president dies in Silchar

Former Manipur BJP president dies in Silchar

From our staff reporter

Silchar, March 8: Former Manipur BJP president Raghumani Sarma died of a massive cerebral stroke here this morning. Sarma was in Silchar to attend the chintan baithak and the public rally to be addressed by RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagawat.

Sources said Sarma was about to start for Imphal from Silchar Kalyan Ashram this morning when he took ill and was rushed to the Civil Hospital. But the doctors declared him brought dead. He was 78. His body was taken to the Silchar RSS and later to the BJP office where BJP’s State general secretary Ajit Bhattacharjee, Northeast co-ordinator P Chandra Sekhar Rao and district president Kirit Bhushan Purkhayastha paid homage to the departed soul. His body was then sent to Imphal by an ambulance. THE SENTINEL

Ajit Bhattacharjee’s unity call reveals rift in BJP

Ajit Bhattacharjee’s unity call reveals rift in BJP
 
From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 5: Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha along with his team accorded a warm welcome to newly-elected general secretary of Assam State Pradesh BJP, Ajit Bhattacharjee, who arrived in Silchar on Thursday. The absence of supporters of MP Kabindra Purkayastha at Kumbhirgram Airport to receive Bhattacharjee showed a clear rift in the district committee.

Sources said Kabindra Purkayastha was out of station as he was attending the Parliament session but his son, who is also his MP nominee, Kanad Purkayastha was also absent from the felicitation function of Bhattacharjee held at the party office.

Bhattacharjee, however, seemed the least surprised with this act of the Purkayastha lobby and said he would try his best to reunite the party to bring in the previous glory of the party before the Assembly election. Bhattcharjee was the district president for two consecutive terms when the BJP in Cachar won 15 seats in the Assembly election and Kabindra Purkayastha was elected for the Lok Sabha.

Bhattacharjee further said this time the BJP will announce the name of party candidates at least six months before the Assembly election so that the candidates could do ground work more meticulously. Claiming that the BJP had electoral alliance with the AGP, Bhattacharjee said the combined force will throw the Congress Government out of power. He hinted that BJP would contest in 35 Assembly seats. THE SENTINEL

Public information campaign under way in Karimganj

Public information campaign under way in Karimganj

Guwahati, March 4: On the second day of the four-day public information campaign on Bharat Nirman and other flagship programmes of Government of India which was launched in Karimganj district at the Karimganj Public Higher Secondary school ground yesterday, a day-long special awareness programme was organized at Mahakal under Badarpur development block today.

The campaign has been organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB ) and other media units of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry with active cooperation of the district administration, a press release stated. While inaugurating today’s programme, Badarpur CO NK Debnath said such campaigns at the grass-root level will be very effective in disseminating necessary information among the people about the welfare policies and programmes of the government. Referring to the PM’s 15- point Programme for Welfare of Minorities, Deb said this programme is being implemented in Karimganj district with an objective to uplift the overall standard of life of the minorities.

Karimganj Deputy Commissioner Dr M Angamuthu, who inaugurated the campaign yesterday, said effective and transparent implementation of government developmental schemes is the need of the hour. This will ensure better quality of life for the people, he said and laid stress on proper planning before execution of welfare schemes. He further said Karimganj district has received Rs 14 crore for the current financial year under MGNREGA and out of these, more than 80 per cent of funds have already been utilized. He added over 125 projects have been taken up under the scheme and that there were 40,000 job card holders under MGNREGA in the district.

Karimganj ADC HK Nath, while speaking on the Prime Minister’s 15-point programme for minorities, said a number of schemes are being implemented to provide a better quality of life to the minorities in the district. Karimganj DPM Rahul Ghosh spoke on the progress of the NRHM in the district. According to him activities under NRHM have helped to lower the infant mortality rate and the mortality rate of pregnant mothers during delivery of babies.

Various components of Bharat Nirman and flagship programmes like Sarva Siksha Aviyan and Mid-day Meal, ICDS, NRHM, MGNREGA, PM’s 15- point programme for minorities and RTI were also highlighted in all its detail during the inaugural day of the campaign. Also, as a part of the four-day campaign, special awareness programme will be organized on March 4 at Mahakal, on March 5 at Patharkandi on March 6 at Nilambazar. THE SENTINEL

NC Hills economic blockade begins

NC Hills economic blockade begins

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 4: Hordes of people from Joypur-Rajabajar and Harinagar-Kumacherra, the sensitive areas bordering NC Hills, took to the streets as the economic blockade for the neighbouring district began today. The agitation was staged to put pressure on the district administration of both Cachar and NC Hills district to ensure safety of people along the border.

The local people resorted to stage the economic blockade after the body of a local trader Sujit Paul was found on Monday in the dense forests of Jijung Hill in the neighbouring district. Paul was allegedly kidnapped last week by NSCN(K) militants. 

Sources said the agitated people prevented transportation of goods to the markets of Lodibasti, Sankai and others in the NC Hills. The entire trade wing in this part of the hill district runs from the commodities transported from Barak Valley via Kumacherra. THE SENTINEL

Mahasweta for renaming as ‘Bhasa Shahid Station’

Mahasweta for renaming as ‘Bhasa Shahid Station’
 
Our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 4: Noted Bengali writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi has sought intervention of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for the change of nomenclature of Silchar Railway Station to “Bhasha Sahid Station” in respect of the 11 language martyrs who sacrificed their lives on May 19, 1961 when police fired on them at the railway station. The Magsaysay award winner, in separate letters to Chidambaram and Banerjee, urged upon them to ensure the speedy completion of the Silchar-Lumding Broad-gauge project as well.

In a letter written in Bengali to Mamata Banerjee,  Mahasweta Devi said the language movement of Barak Valley will complete its golden jubilee next year and the Railway Ministry should give a nod to the public demand for change of nomenclature to Bhasha Sahid Station.THE SENTINEL

NFR rejects fears over Broad-Gauge schedule

NFR rejects fears over BG schedule
 
From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 4: “Even though the Railway Department gave word that the Silchar-Lumding Broad-Gauge conversion project would be completed by 2012, there lies an array of doubts to the statement as the department has not yet applied for land acquisition to the Forest Department for the construction of railway tracks,” said State Excise Minister Gautam Roy. He said there is not much chance for the project to be completed on time.

An NF railway official, however, in its Maligaon headquarters told The Sentinel that the Railway Department had long before applied for land acquisition to the Forest Department. He further said that it was a lengthy process as the matter was first addressed to the NC Hills Autonomous district Council and then to Dispur and finally it would be sent to the Central Government for its final approval. He also said all the formalities have almost been completed and the final approval would reach within a couple of months.

He further informed this scribe that approval was required only for a stretch about 60 km from lower Haflong to Harangajao where the broad-gauge track would have new alignment in lieu to the existing one. The NFR official further said since the Silchar-Lumding broad-gauge was a national project, such trivial matters would not pose any major obstacle in its completion. He also said NFR General Manager Shiv Kumar had categorically maintained that the much awaited project would be completed within the stipulated period.

Meanwhile, Gautam Roy claimed that he had recently had a parley with Shiv Kumar and had asked him to submit the application to the Forest Ministry for acquisition of land. He said he had promised all sort of co-operation to get the approval passed as quickly as he could.

However, political circle in the Barak Valley was  skeptical about Gautam Roy’s statement as he blamed Central Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev for duping the common people of Barak Valley. Referring to last year’s meeting in Lumding which was attended by Hanique, two MPs from Silchar and Karimganj Kabindra Purkayastha and Lalit Mohan Shuklavaidya respectively and Dev as well as top level railway officials, where the latter announced that the project would be completed by 2012. Roy said, how could Dev and Hanique believe in such baseless claims by the Railways as it had not yet applied for land acquisition to the Forest Department. Sources said after being informed that the final approval for forest land acquisition from Delhi would reach the Railway Department soon, Roy now wanted to take the credit. THE SENTINEL

Hailakandi bandh receives mixed response

Hailakandi bandh receives mixed response

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, March 3: The 12-hour Hailakandi bandh called by the All Cachar Karimganj hailakandi Students Association (ACKHSA) in protests against the indecent behaviour of Algapur MLA Rahul Roy received mixed response. Apart from few localities, all shops, market, government offices, school-colleges remained open. Moreover, vehicles piled on the road as usual.

Barowari Puja Committee brought out a cultural procession on Monday as part of the Holi celebrations in which Dreams also participated. It was alleged that Rahul Roy, who was driving his car, suddenly stopped his car and slapped Rupam in front of hundreds of people. Rahul then reportedly drove away from the spot.

It is to be noted that Rupam is the younger brother of Gautam Gupta who is the private secretary of Rahul’s father Excise Minister Gautam Roy. Meanwhile, Rahul made it clear that he had done the right job by slapping Rupam as the latter was harassing common people during the procession. Rahul said he would not hesitate to repeat the act if it is required.

Sources said Gautam Gupta was instrumental in using ACKSHA’s banner to call the bandh to teach Rahul a lesson. Previously too, Rahul and Gupta were seen engaged in such type of brawls. The sources further said police picked up 18 agitators who were later released. THE SENTINEL

Cachar College principal seeks apology from teachers

Cachar College principal seeks apology from teachers

Indefinite hunger strike ends

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, March 3: The indefinite hunger strike staged by the teachers of Cachar College came to an end after 11 long hours as College principal Dr Debasish Kar tendered his written apology to them following their consistent pressure. Dr Kar also withdrew the show-cause notice issued by him to senior professor Santanu Dhar for allegedly occupying the principal’s chair in his absence.

The teachers of Cachar College resorted to an indefinite hunger strike demanding an unconditional apology from Cachar College principal Dr Debasish Kar for allegedly misbehaving with senior professor Santanu Dhar. It was reported that Dr Kar had misbehaved with Dhar and had also issued a show-cause notice for allegedly sitting on the principal’s chair.

The principal had out rightly rejected to bow down to the demands of the agitating teachers saying he was not wrong in scolding his sub-ordinate and in issuing the show-cause notice. He alleged that Dhar was sitting on the principal’s chair while Kar was on leave. It was reported that the college governing body had earlier instructed Prof Dhar to act as officiating principal during the absence of Dr Kar but, sources said Kar misbehaved and threatened Dhar with dire consequences after resuming office.

Governing body president Maskandar Ali Laskar tried to negotiate with both Dr Kar and the teachers and tried to convince the teachers to withdraw their strike. But they stuck to their demand. THE SENTINEL

Rahul Roy’s indecent behaviour irks people of Barak Valley

Rahul Roy’s indecent behaviour irks ACKHSA

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 2: Some non-political organizations led by the All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) has called a 12-hour Hailakandi bandh tomorrow protesting Algapur MLA Rahul Roy’s misbehaviour with the general secretary of Dreams, a cultural organization, on Monday. Roy had allegedly slapped Rupam Gupta, younger brother of Gautam Gupta, the private secretary of Rahul’s father Excise Minister Gautam Roy.

Barowari Puja Committee brought out a cultural  procession on Monday as part of the Holi celebrations in which Dreams also participated. It was alleged that Rahul Roy, who was driving his car, suddenly stopped his car and slapped Rupam in front of hundreds of people. Rahul then reportedly drove away from the spot.

The Puja committee vehemently criticized the indecent behaviour of Rahul Roy and appealed to the people of the town to protest the act of Rahul. It was also reported that Rahul had similarly assaulted Rupam publicly a few years ago. The incident resulted in ego clash between the father and son as Gautam Roy openly criticized Rahul. Sources said Gautam Gupta has become the most trusted lieutenant of Gautam Roy and that Rahul might be finding it difficult to accept this. THE SENTINEL