No poll pact with Cong: Ajmal

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 7– Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) today made it clear that it had no plan to forge any electoral alliance with the ruling Congress, let alone its merging with the ruling party. The party has also decided to field its candidates in the nine Lok Sabha constituencies of Dhubri, Barpeta, Guwahati, Mangaldoi, Kaliabor, Nagaon, Tezpur, Silchar and Karimganj in the ensuing elections to the Lower House of the country’s Parliament.

Addressing a press conference here, AUDF president and leader of its Legislature Party Badruddin Ajmal alleged that the Congress was making a false propaganda campaign suggesting the likelihood of an electoral tie up with his party only to confuse the common people and thus to derive political benefits.

On the other hand, some Congress Ministers belonging to the minority community are panicked at the prospect of such a tie up and they are now making feverish pleas that the AUDF should merge with the Congress. In fact, they are indicating their willingness to join the AUDF. They are most welcome and doors of the AUDF are always open for them, Ajmal said.

He clarified that none of the AUDF leader had met Congress leader Ahmad Patel on the issue, nor the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Singh has made any such overture to facilitate an electoral tie-up between the AUDF and the Congress.

He informed the media persons that the AUDF had been holding discussions with the State units of the CPI, CPI-M and the NCP for the purpose of fighting the Lok Sabha polls unitedly. The next round of discussion with these parties is scheduled at 9pm of January 11.

Though the AUDF is for fielding its own candidates in the above nine Lok Sabha constituencies and going for adjustment for the rest five constituencies of the State’s 14 Lok Sabha constituencies, there may be some changes in this stance of the party. The party is not rigid in its stand, Ajmal said.

For, the party is ready to go for seat adjustment with the like-minded parties wherever they have the winning prospects, he said.

He also informed that he was willing to contest from Dhubri and Silchar Lok Sabha constituencies. But the party is yet to take any decision on it. For the Tezpur constituency, the party is fielding Lakshmi Orang, the girl who was disrobed during the November 2007 Beltola clash between the local residents and the agitating Adivasi youths on the issue of vandalism.

Though the party is close to the Samajwadi Party (SP), it is yet to become a member of the third front. Besides, the SP so far does not have its state committee in Assam, Ajmal said.
source: assam tribune

Barak News

Mimicry on terrorism
Special Correspondent
Silchar, Dec 5: To surrender to terrorism is another name of cowardice. The cult of violence seems to engulf the world and India seems to be worst hit by it. In order to convey the message about terrorism and its manifestation, a group of youngsters joined together to create the mime through their physical gestures and facial expressions.

Mausam Dutta who conceived, composed and directed the mime quoted Rabindra Nath Tagore who in one his poems rightly said : to allow terrorism to grasp and grow is self-humiliation and to be subdued by it is defeatism. One has to be courageous to stand boldly and fight against this spectre of terrorism.

He referred to Sukanta Bhattacharjee, another poet, who in one of his poetic compositions, tried to take us to the root of terrorism.

A new born baby one the earth without right direction and proper education as he grows up gets himself enmeshed into vortex of social, political and economic complications and is ultimately pushed to the alley of darkness. Once he goes astray without job, he becomes frustrated and drifts towards extremism.

Based on the poem “Chharpatra” by Bhattacharjee, the mine as presented by the group is a silent denunciation of terrorism.
Mausam Dutta said this mimicry is a humble effort to rouse people’s voice against the hydra-headed menace of terrorism in order to eliminate this evil once for all from this world.
It only calls for united efforts and stand. Choreographed by Papiya Mazumdar, it has music by Kanai Lal Das and the lighting has been planned by Bapi Sarkar and Bappa Chakraborty. This unique creative art was presented before audience at Gandhi Bhawan on Wednesday which received wide applaud. source: sentinel assam

Harmony race and cycle safari for peace
Special Correspondent
Silchar , Dec 1: BSF of Cachar-Mizoram Frontier organized a security awareness cycle safari of jawans from Karimgang to Silchar and harmony race of youngsters in the town.
Both the safari and the race terminated at District Sports Association Ground here on the occasion of the 44th raising day of the Force.

BSF officials and jawans led by IG S N Tiwari welcomed the participants of both the safari and the race.
It was unique to watch the safari jawans entering the stadium with the slogans “we are with you Indians and that the borders of the country are safe in our hands”.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest before modest assembly of BSF officers and jawans as well as people in general, Sontosh Mohan Dev, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, showered praises on BSF for its exemplary role in guarding the frontiers against heavy odds and at great risks to their lives.

He said “the jawans are alert in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, borders of China, Bangladesh and Burma”.
He described BSF as a most disciplined force which besides protecting “our borders, helps the civil administration in distress”.
Dev pointed out BSF is a mini India organization that maintains cordial relations with border people. “We feel safe because our borders are in safe hands, he said.
In the siege of Mumbai by jehadis and its liberation from their clutches, along with NSG, CRPF, Air Force and other forces, BSF too played key role, he pointed out. source: sentinel assam

NC Hills-bound detonators, gelatine sticks seized from train
From a Staff Reporter
Silchar, Nov 23: A linkman of the Black Widow was nabbed by security forces from a Lumding-bound train at a place between Ditekcherra and Bandarkhal and recovered a number of detonators and gelatine sticks from him. The man identified as Arabinda Das hails from Bihara under Katigarah. Arabinda reportedly confessed before the police that the explosive materials which he was carrying were to be supplied to the Black Widow at an undisclosed place near Mahur. Arabinda has been kept at Harengajao police station and the suitcase with the explosive materials is with the Army. Acting on a tip-off, security personnel searched a passenger train coming from Badarpur. At about 8.30 am, Arabinda Das was nabbed along with the suitcase. While Army claims that Arabinda was actually nabbed by its 8th Sikh Regiment, the police says its personnel apprehended the linkman. source: sentinel assam

Traffic arrangement for Guwahati ODI
GUWAHATI, Nov 23: Selling of tickets for the ensuing One Days International will take place on November 25 and 26 at Judges Field, Guwahati. The following places have been earmarked for parking of vehicles coming from various places of Guwahati City.
For the vehicles coming from Bharalumukh, Fancy bazar side - By the side of the Judges field (southern side) and on HB Road on Nehru park side (northern side).
For the vehicles coming from Chandmari, Ulubari side etc.- Tayabula Road (along the Dighali Pukhuri side) and on LNB Road between Helmet point to RBI point (both side).
For the vehicles coming from Uzanbazar, Baruwari, Silpukhuri side etc. - Parking on BC Road (one side) and MG Road beyond Planetarium point on wards (one side).
As the parking places would be manned by security personnel or traffic staff, it is requested to all concerned to park their vehicles in the earmarked parking places only, said Superintend of the Police (Traffic), Guwahati City today. This was stated in a press release. source: sentinel assam

Youth Gospel Olympus at Phaijol
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Nov 23: Besides being engaged in counter insurgency operations in the trouble-torn areas of Cachar and maintaining law and order in close coordination with the civil administration, the army has been carrying out various humanitarian works for the welfare and uplift of common people in the remote and isolated areas, deprived of basic facilities and amenities of civic life.
The 72 Field Regiment with its camp at Labac has been conducting humanitarian works under Winning Hearts and Minds of People (WHAM) project. The holding of Youth Gospel Olympus and Annual Conference in the village of Phaijol is one such recent and classic example.

The Regiment on being approached by the Evangelical Churches Association of the area gladly came forward to help them by providing generator, ration and tarpaulins for the successful conduct of the five day long camp that concluded recently.

The Regiment offered its games instructors to referee the games and ensured free and fair holding of games and sports. The tips given were useful and inspiring to the budding sportsmen. Apart from the humanitarian gesture, the army jawans have been vigilant and maintaining surveillance around Phaijol and its adjoining villages of Phaitol, Lalpani, Shehpu and Tatluong inhabited by more than 300 Kukis. Major Manish of the Regiment while addressing the villagers on the occasion of the Olympus assured them of all kinds of support and cooperation and his interest to take up such programmes in future too and maintain the cordial army-civil relations. source: sentinel assam

Liberal economy and privatization behind current economic crisis
Special Correspondent
Silchar, Nov 23: “The present looming economic crisis in the country is the culmination of wrong and misdirected policies followed by the successive governments in New Delhi since the 90’s”, observed Amitabh Nandi, eminent trade union leader and MP of West Bengal, while speaking at the memorial lecture as a homage to Dwijesh Sen, a trade union leader of this valley, organized by the United Bank of India Employees’ Union at Gandhi Bhawan today.

Consistent with the theme of the memorial lecture entitled: Mukta Arthanitir Agrasane Sramiker; Avastha O Kartabya (The duty and status of labour in the context of liberal economy), Nandi said with the fall of Soviet Union, it was predicted by the prophets of doom that capitalism would be now the order of the day. The left-thinkers described it as a temporary phase because such a system could not prolong and serve and protect the interests of working class people, the backbone of economy.

When the global economy including that of the most opulent America was hit by recession, worst than that of 1929, India, Nandi said “is yet to feel the heat” and all this, as he said, because of the stand of the Left MPs in Parliament, objecting to the abject surrender of the country to the great powers and their diktats for toeing their theory and practice of economy to encourage liberalization and globalization.

Referring to the days of Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister in 1991 and his advocacy for open economy, the country had to face influx of market goods from various countries, but “our products hardly had any substantial takers which was adversely telling on Indian economy”. The collapse of share market today was a foregone conclusion, he said. He did not see immediate threat to banking system in this country due mainly to left-oriented trade unionism.

The NDA regime which too became protagonist of liberalism and globalization had to face stiff resistance from the Left parties because it was striking hard at the very base of Indian economy and proving detrimental to the interest of working class people and the proliteriate. Amitabh Nandi reminded, Atal Behari Government had to face general strike by the employees across the country five times for its brazen and blatant economic policies.

Nandi came hard on UPA government which he said not only failed to implement the 20 point Common Minimum Programme (CMP) but put the stake of the country on auction by entering into nuclear deal with America. He dubbed it “as slavery to America and an affront on the dignity and sovereignty of the country”. Giving a grim picture of the fall out of the deal, he said bound by the agreement, India would have to send its soldiers to Afghanistan and Iran if America decided to wage war against these two countries.

The Left Front Government in West Bengal which is in power for the last 30 years has remained committed to the welfare of the working class people without giving in to the dictation of capitalists and exploiters. With its thrust on rural economy and better panchayat system, the government has created the best of climate for investment. Yet, it faced conspiracy from the advocates of capitalism and expansionism, he pointed out. He called upon the bank employees for remaining vigilant and united to hold aloft the ideals and principles of trade unionism in order to defeat the evil machination of a handful of capitalists and power mongers who “are hell bent to destroy our economy”. source: sentinel assam

Mizo poll code: A model for nation
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Nov 22: It has been well said by observers and analysts that Mizoram needs no guidelines of the Election Commission as it has its own model code of conduct. Two watchdogs — the newly floated Mizoram Peoples’ Front (MPF) and Young Mizo Central Association (YMCA) — have come out with their directives to all political parties and their leaders on how to maintain peace and goodwill among rivals in the fray in the run-up to the Assembly polls slated for December 2.

Adhering to the diktats of the forum that comprises all denominations of Churches and YMCA, the parties have decided not to have colourful posters, banners and door-to-door campaign. Candidates are to address meetings organized by the forum. They have to depend for campaign on SMS and local TV channels, that too with care and caution.

Front vice-chairman Zosangliana Colney made it clear that there should be no money power, extravaganza or any sort of spectacular show in canvassing in order to cut unnecessary expenditures. Obviously, there is no heat and dust. Journalists interview candidates and their supporters on television. The forum monitors all public meetings.

Along with this comes the directive of the Election Commission to all public carriers not to display party flags or symbols without its permission. The traditional festive colour and carnival spirit is missing. Gone are the days of colourful rallies and singers lending their voice to make campaign musical. This is to keep election and electioneering a dignified and decent event.

Significantly, all political parties and their leaders have vowed not to have any nexus with underground outfits. Forum general secretary Lalbiakmawia Ngente personally met the leaders of NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and HPC (D) as well as Zomi Revolutionary Party and impressed upon them not to meddle in politics or influence the election process in anyway. Other insurgent groups have also been approached through them to keep away from polls. The Congress and MNF which allegedly have entered into a tacit understanding with either faction of HPC have been advise to revoke it.

In all fairness, the pre-poll scenario in Mizoram is all serene and solemn. It has evoked deep appreciation from special Election Commission observer Debashis Sen. In this milieu, the major political fronts — the Congress, ruling MNF and United Democratic Alliance of Mizoram People Conference and Zoram Nationalist Party — along with their allies have been on election campaign caught between the guidelines of Election Commission and Mizoram Peoples’ Front to woo 6,11,124 voters who are to exercise their franchise for the 40-member tenth Legislative Assembly in as many as 1,026 polling stations on December 2.

ACKHSA’s ultimatum on road and drainage
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Nov 22: All Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) on Friday gave ultimatum to the district administration on the worsening conditions of roads of this town and the resultant public sufferings. The Association also drew the attention of the administration to the half-hearted approach by the contracting agency in the construction of drainage system.

It noted with concern at the quality of work and the progress so far made in the construction of road from the Capital Travels point to Holy Cross, a stretch of 3.5 km, for which Rs. 5 crore has been sanctioned under CRF. Public impression is that work is not being done according to specifications.

The Association pointed out it is really shocking to look at the way the drainage cum footpath has so far been completed. There is no progress on the work, involving Rs.158 crore. There is neither supervision nor monitoring. The work of both road and drainage has been going on in a haphazard manner which is only adding to the sufferings of common people and all sorts of vehicle owners. Looking at the pace, quality and method of work, it projected the views of citizens to say this should not be allowed further.

Roads have become dusty, dirty and are in shambles, posing health hazards to pedestrians, passengers and drivers. In fact, the network of most roads are in deplorable condition. Even the ongoing double laning of the Airport or VIP road is being done in a most questionable manner as metalling is giving way, exposing the road to craters and potholes.

The ultimatum signed by Rupam Nandi Purkayastha, President, and Biswajit Deb, Secretary, ACKSHA, while submitting the representation to Banhishikha Dutta, ADC, in the absence of Gautam Ganguli, DC, urged upon the administration to exert its good offices so that work on construction of road and drainage is done in a proper manner and completed at an early date.
If no assurance from the deputy commissioner was forthcoming, ACKSHA leaders said they will have no option than to go for agitational course of action which would paralyze normal life of this town. ACKSHA, according to a leader, would form human chains at selected points of the roads, block all sorts of vehicular traffic and bring normal life to a halt on Tuesday.

More details on Central team’s visit
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Nov 19: It was exactly nine years ago on August 18, 1999 that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had sent its joint secretary GK Pillai for an on-the-spot study of the border management of the Karimganj sector. His day-long visit was programmed to include State Home Secretary Mrinal Kanti Barua and a five-member AASU team lead by its chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjee and a group of 10 Guwahati-based journalists.

AASU expressed its displeasure on the fact that the Centre had been dithering on the construction of roads and fencing along Asom’s border with Bangladesh as envisaged in the Assam Accord. The construction work was delayed by four years. Since the visit of Pillai and AASU team a few years ago, the ground reality has not changed. The fencing and road construction are yet to be completed.

This time jolted by the serial bomb blasts in Asom and its link with jihadi forces in Bangladesh, the Central team headed by Jarnail Singh, Border Management Secretary of the Union Home Ministry, visited certain specific points on the border which included immersion ghat, Chand Srikona, Sadarisha, Lakhibazar, Lafashail and Sutarkandi trade centre to see for themselves how the border still remains porous and vulnerable.

The team discovered many chinks in the border management. The police check-posts at Kushiara and Sutarkandi that record the entry and exit of people of both the countries came out with startling facts. Besides being in disarray, these check-posts do not maintain records and documents regarding the entry of Bangladeshis to India. It came out that 37 Bangladeshis who entered India with visa this year have done the vanishing act. Documents and contact numbers given by them have turned out to be fake.

The team scrutinized some specific cases of Bangladeshis entering India. One Hussain entered India with visa on October 20 for a 10-day stay. As he continued to overstay, the police issued arrest warrant but the address and contact number given by him were found to be false. The same was the tale of Abdul Manan and Sahidul Siddique. One of the officials in the team contacted these persons over the telephone numbers but failed to get any response. Either the telephone number did not exist or it was false.

The Home Secretary during scrutiny could not find any relevant papers about the arrest warrants issued to the missing persons from Bangladesh. The in-charges of both the PCPs were caught unaware. Several anomalies and irregularities were discovered in the visas, passports and other documents of people who entered from the other side of the border.

The only thing which came to notice of consequence was that the check-posts have started taking photographs of Bangladeshis entering India, a practice not followed earlier. The police, it was also revealed, has not shown any seriousness to check and cross check documents, addresses on this side of the border as produced by the entrants from Bangladesh. It is for this laxity that the Bangladeshis can easily disappear and melt into vast multitude. source: sentinel assam

The Central team after winding up the visit could understand that the Karimganj border is unsafe and unprotected. Work on border fencing and road is continuing at snail’s pace. The team recommended in their meetings with the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of Cachar and Karimganj for expeditious completion of fencing and road, modernization of police check-posts with computer and digital camera in order to add teeth to security measures, besides serious scrutiny of visas and passports. source: sentinel assam

Laskar concerned over anti-minority drive
From our Staff Reporter
SILCHAR, Nov 19 : Chief Secretary level meeting would be held between Asom and Meghalaya to sort out the problem of minority labourers from Barak Valley being allegedly tortured by various student bodies in the neighbouring state. Asom government had already taken up the matter with its Meghalaya counterpart. This had been informed by the state Congress Minority Cell chairman, Misbahul Islam Laskar. Addressing a press meet here today, Laskar said that the Minority Cell had talked to the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi regarding the problems faced by Muslim labourers from Barak Valley in Khleriate and Ladrymabai as Khasi Students Union and Garo Student Association had recently started agitation to drive out ‘illegal Bangladeshis’ from their state. “These student bodies demand identity proof from the Bengali Muslim labourers from Barak Valley and when they produce the document the cadres of the student bodies destroyed those papers”, alleged Laskar. He says, this could not continue for long and as such the Minority Cell had urged upon Gogoi to take up the matter with Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy. “Gogoi had already talked to Roy and a chief secretary level discussion is on the card”, informed Laskar. He further said that Minority Cell had demanded that exclusive work permit should be given to the labourers from Barak Valley working in the coal mines of Meghalaya. Even if not Permanent Residential Certificates, the government should provide these poor labourers with Residential Certificates, Laskar further suggested. Laskar, a former minister in Gogoi’s erstwhile ministry, today blamed the BJP for its communal politics. He said that the BJP’s politics of hatred would ruin the secular fabric of the nation and this party should be given a raw deal in the next election. source: sentinel assam

News on Barak Valley

CPM blocks NH-54 demanding better connectivity
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 24: CPM leaders and workers yesterday blocked NH-54 at Ramnagar for one hour in protest against the callous attitude of the state government towards the improvement of road connectivity in Barak Valley. A large number of villagers also took part in the blockade.
Deepak Bhattacharya, party leader, said that this blockade programme was a sequel to the resolution adopted at a mass convention held in the district library auditorium which was attended by MPs Basudev Acharya and Bajuban Reang. The convention expressed serious concern at the abnormal delay in the completion of Silchar-Lumding BG and Silchar-Saurashtra Mahasadak which stood as a stumbling hurdle in easy connectivity of Barak Valley and beyond.
The highway blockade, he said, was also to bring into focus the public demand for early completion of BG and Mahasadak, introduction of waterways services between Kolkata-Karimganj-Lakhipur, rail services on Karimganj-Kolkata route via Bangladesh and introduction of train services between Silchar and Bhairobi. CPM leader blamed the state government for its abject surrender to a few cadres of Black Widows (DHD-J) which posed challenge before Dispur and prevented construction of BG and Mahasadak. The Tripura government, on the other hand, he pointed out not only overcame the challenge of the extremists but also set an example how to tackle them and complete Dharamnagar-Agartala train route. He demanded positive attitude and steps both from the centre and the state to complete the ongoing projects and introduce the waterways and rail services. source: sentinel assam

ASKAM members lock IOS office
Special Correspondent
Silchar, Dec 24: Asom Sikshak Karmachari Aikya Manch (ASKAM) on Monady locked the main gate of the Inspector of School’s office here and staged demonstration yesterday in order to pressure the higher authorities concerned to concede their demand for provincialization of private schools. The Manch, it is to be recalled, has been agitating for their demand for the last 30 years by resorting to agitational courses, but till date no action has been taken by the state government.
The Manch has been pressing for provincialization of recognized primary schools, middle English schools, high schools, higher secondary schools, madrasas, Sanskrit chatuspatis, junior colleges and degree colleges throughout the state. In to day’s novel method of protest against the indifferent attitude of Dispur. The agitationists carried posters and banners. There was however no one to brief the press. A member of the Manch however said on the sideline that it was also a part of their movement to mobilize public opinion and support for their long pending demand. 8587 primary schools, 4638 middle English school, 1825 high schools, 634 madrasas, 16 Sanskrit tols, 186 higher secondary schools, 130 junior colleges and 133 degree colleges across the state are yet to be provincialized. source: sentinel assam

Rastra Sevika Samiti working for women’s cause
Special Correspondent
Silchar, Dec 24: Rastra Sevika Samiti which was formed in 1936 in the Wadha district of Maharastra by Lakhmibai Kelkar has been working for the uplift and welfare of women with particular emphasis on their physical, mental and intellectual development, besides inculcating in them the spirit of self-pride, nationalism and the tenets of Indian culture and tradition.
Sabita Dhar, town executive of the Samiti, said on Monday, while interacting with media persons, that their organization was making all out efforts to make women self-dependant through various schemes and projects. She revealed that besides branches in this country, Samiti has its branches in 25 other nations. In south Asom, Samiti has 88 units which are engaged in welfare works.

In order to bring about more strength and direction in the works of Samiti, the All India General Secretary of the Samiti, Shanta Akka, would be visiting different places of Northeast. Her mission would be to make women aware of the recent happenings across the country, and about their own responsibility in order to meet the emerging challenges.
Akka today spoke on the “Present situation in the country in the contest of terrorism and extremism” and took questions and clarifications from journalists. source: sentinel assam

Citizens protest against poor health facilities
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 24: The order of the state health department for closure of Sundari Mohan Seva Sadan, a philanthropic centre of treatment, located at Sreekona, 7 km from here, has evoked strong resentment and reaction among citizens of Barak Valley. The most irritating part of the order is that the grounds cited by the order for the closure are applicable in the case of scores of nursing homes of the town. It has been quite intriguing why Sundari Mohan should be targeted.
In fact, this hospital can not be equated with other nursing homes since it has been running on no profit no loss basis and dedicated to the care and attention of the needy and poor people. In order to voice their protest against the order of the health department, citizens from all walks of life today assembled before the office of the deputy . sourcE: sentinel assam

Centre’s anti-terror policy criticized
Special Correspondent
Silchar, Dec 24: “There is lack of coordination between the security forces and the intelligence agencies of the country which allows enough space for Jihadi and terrorist groups to strike at soft-targets and the Mumbai mayhem is the latest and glaring example of it”, this was the observation of Sreekanta Joshi, RSS think tank of south Asom. He was speaking on the theme “Mumbai strikes and terrorism” organized by Vishwa Sambad Kendra in the auditorium of Women’s College here on Sunday last.

He said, though each agency has its intelligence wing, there exists wide hiatus between them in respect of dissemination and sharing of information. He also pointed out infrastructure deficiencies in keeping the forces ready to meet any emergent situation. Still unfortunate, as he said, the land, riverine and coastline frontiers of the country are porous. The jihadis who stormed Mumbai have shown that lot has to be done to make “our border line foolproof.”
The UPA Government led by Dr Manmohan Singh came in for severe criticism for its ham-handed policy in dealing with the threat posed by terrorists from across the border. He accused the Centre of being “a prisoner of indecision” which lacks direction and purpose in adopting tough stand against both Pakistan and Bangladesh which shelter anti-Indian forces. Though belated, New Delhi “has woken up to the situation and is talking tough”, he doubted if it is “all sound and fury”.

Also on his firing line was China for its questionable role in supporting the cause of terrorism which, as he said, came out brazenly in its advocacy for Pakistan in the wake of Mumbai attacks. This kind of attitude only contributed to complicate the issue which is not confined to this sub-continent only. “The need of the hour is the coordinated efforts of all the countries to speak in one voice of condemnation against terrorism for its total elimination,” Joshi pointed out.
He took serious umbrage at calling Hindu terrorists as is being propounded by pseudo-secularists.

In an oblique reference to Defence Minister A R Antulay, he asserted, “Hindus can never be terrorists.” Continuing he pointed out India has impeccable evidences to nail Pakistan and Bangladesh for giving shelter to jihadis, the root of all problems in this country.
He called upon New Delhi to shed obscurism and adopt tough posture and if need be military action to strike and dismantle the bases and camps of jihadi, terrorist and extremist groups in both the neighboring countries.

Amalendu Chakaraborty, a prominent citizen, expressing his views, said the main objective behind terrorist strikes engineered from foreign soil was to weaken and paralyze the economy of the country. Paresh Dutta, noted journalist, expressing his concern at continued terrorist attacks across the country, described it as a dangerous development which needs to be tackled firmly and decisively. The discussion was conducted by Umananda Bhattacharya, chief coordinator of Vishwa Sambad Kendra. source: sentinel assam

BJYM to woo young voters
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 24: With an eye on the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has embarked upon a novel method to woo and tap young voters in the age group of 18 to 25 in order to motivate them to vote for a party which would bring about changes in the country where every citizen would feel safe and secure, besides accelerating the pace of socio-economic, agriculture and industrial development. This was stated by Nitin Navin, observer for Asom and MLA from Bihar, while talking to journalists on Monday at the BJP party office.
He pointed out as a part of this strategy, a conference of the target young voters would be convened in January at Silchar. This is an effort to make them conscious about their precious franchise and its crucial role to change the governance of the country for better.He admitted it was a difficult exercise, but was confident this would work in the interest of youths and the party.
On the question whether Dr Rumi Nath, the young MLA of Borkhola, was being projected for the MP seat of Silchar, Nitin Navin clarified it was simply a media-hype and there was no truth in it. The candidate for the seat would be finally decided by the central as well as the state body of BJP, and it would be accepted by BJYM without any reasoning or questioning.
On the crucial issue of infiltration and branding Hindus as infiltrators, he asserted, “Hindus can not be treated as infiltrators for reasons that they have to desert their hearths and homes due to adverse situations in Bangladesh.” He said if NDA comes to power at the centre and in the state, it would enact legislation to protect Hindus as refugees on the pattern of Rajasthan and Gujrat. About the prospect of BJP in Silchar seat, his party, he was confident, would wrest it from Congress because Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Sontosh Mohan Dev has failed to live up to the expectations of the people. He was too aged to work and do justice and deliver goods. Along with Nitin Navin were present Mriganka Burman, state general secretary, Sudip Chakraborty, state vice-president, and Rupam Saha, district president of Cachar BJYM. source: sentinel assam

ABYSA conducts post card campaign
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 22: The All Barak Youth Students’ Association (ABYSA) has been holding street corner and market place meetings across Barak Valley with the objective of pressurizing the concerned authorities, for the expeditious completion of Silchar-Lumding BG and Silchar-Saurashtra Mahasadak, besides taking stringent action to contain unabated corruption in the implementation of rural schemes and projects.

Chief Convenor of the Association, Baharul Islam Barbhuiya said that its post card campaign to collect the signature of the masses, in the urban and rural areas to highlight the demands of people of this valley, is to be addressed to the President of the country for her intervention to fulfil their resolutions.

The demands include the completion of BG and Mahasadak without further delay, due recognition of the language martyrs of this valley and strict monitoring of utilization of centrally sponsored welfare schemes.

Addressing a public meeting at Bhangarpar in Borkhola constituency, leaders and members of the Association spoke about the various problems crippling normal life while the leaders continue to maintain an indifferent attitude towards them. source: sentinel assam

Gramin Dak Seva paralysed
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR Dec 22: With Gramin Dak Sevaks on indefinite strike from December 17, the rural postal services have been paralyzed. This strike call, as claimed by the All India Postal Extra Department Employees’ Union has been given in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. As there is no parallel courier services on the urban areas, the rural postal network has been badly hit.

The demand for acceptance on which the employees have embarked upon this indefinite strike include declaration of GDS employees at par with central civil servants for all purposes, all rules and regulations applicable to central civil servants be made applicable to GDS employees. The demands also are for no curtailment of rural postal facility and rejection of impracticable and ridiculous norms and the working hours of branch post masters should be between four to six hours and that of all other outdoor staff shoul be for five to seven hours.

In keeping with recommendations of sixth central pay commission, pay bands with grade pay corresponding to departmental counterparts should be prescribed. The annual increment should be at the rate of three percent as suggested by the pay commission. All allowances and benefits should be given at par with full time employees besides extension all retirement benefits like central civil servants. Member of GDS Union of Cachar Division Niam Uddin Laskar said their strike would continue till all demands are met. source: sentinel assam

Sixth Bi-Annual conference to be held on Dec 28
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 22: The three day sixth Bi-Annual Conference of All Asom District Administration Employees’ Association will be held from December 28 in the District Library Auditorium. Publicity Secretary of the Association Milon Uddin Laskar, while giving details of the programme said in a press-meet, that a delegates’ session would be held on December 29 which would be followed by an open session the next day.

The conference would sieged an 11 point charter of demands, pointed out Laskar, which will be, separate pay-scale for district administration employees’, appointment of administrative officer for better coordination and liaison, special allowance to the employees’ for their extra services as warranted by the pressure of works, clearance of their arrear dues of election duties performed by them etc.

Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Sontosh Mohan Dev would be the Chief Guest while Speaker of Assam Assembly Tanka Bahadur Rai would be the Special Guest. Urban Development and Housing Minister Dinesh Prasad Goala would release the souvenir of the conference while other prominent personalities to grace the conference are Minister of Revenue Dr Bhumidhar Barman, Minister of Health Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Excise Dr Gautam Roy, and Opposition Leader in the Assembly Chandra Mohan Patowari, informed Milon Uddin Laskar. source: sentinel assam

Rumi Nath set for Silchar fight

By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 20: Borkhola BJP MLA Rumi Nath has emerged as the favourite to get the party ticket for the Lok Sabha polls for the Silchar constituency.
This came to light after sources in the BJP disclosed that in all probability, after the AGP-BJP alliance, the BJP will get hold of the Silchar and the Karimganj seats and with Rumi Nath camping in Silchar, indications are strong that the party leadership have given her the informal nod to fight the elections.

Rumi Nath, who is the only BJP woman candidate in the Northeast is busy doing the spadework in Silchar for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

She along with party grassroot workers were seen touring various areas of Silchar town and meeting the cross-section of the citizens.

There are other two contenders for the Silchar seat. One is Kabin Purkayastha and the other one is ex-DSP Ajit Bhattacharjee. But sources say that these two stand a minimal chance of getting the party ticket.

Many see Purkayastha to have a secret understanding with Congress heavyweight Santosh Mohan Dev and Bhattacharjee is not popular among the grassroot workers. Moreover, with the no other women candidates in the BJP eyeing poll tickets, Nath is seen as the winner in the situation. Rumi Nath herself admitted that she will try for the party ticket and will always work in the interest of the party. source: sentinel assam

Cachar BJP demands removal of Gogoi

BJP demands removal of Gogoi
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Oct 30: The BJP Cachar unit has bitterly condemned the serial blasts in Asom including Dispur in which, according to preliminary reports, 43 people have been killed and more than a hundred injured, some of them critically. Though no outfit or organization has clamed the responsibility for the blasts suspect the involvement of HuJI and ULFA.

Bimolangshu Roy, former leader of the party in the legislative Assembly, talking to The Sentinel lambasted Gogoi Government because despite repeated warnings by the Union Home Ministry about the possibility of bomb blast in the State, it “has failed to take preventive measures”. Assam has been on the hit list of HuJI and Indian Mujahideen as revealed by the intelligence and security agencies. He has demanded immediate removal of Gogoi Government and imposition of President’s rule in the state.

Roy also flayed the Centre and the State intelligence wings for their failure to keep Dispur posted with the sinister design of the terrorist outfits during and after the Puja celebrations. “There is no sense in alerting the state after blasts and bloodshed”, he pointed out.

The strategy of the terrorists was to cause blasts after “the alert period of Puja and Deepawali is over”. The overworked and exhausted security forces being in relaxed mood in the aftermath of the festivities, the terrorists took advantage of it and succeeded in their gory mission. Roy pointed out the entire state faces the threat from ISI backed organizations like Huji, SIMI and Indian Mujahideen. He also came down heavily on the Gogoi Government for its casual approach to the highly volatile Udalguri and Darrang incidents during which the illegal migrants could dare hoist Pakistani flags. The action to nab the culprits has not been taken up seriously. This only shows state government’s negligence not only in protecting the life and property of indigenous people but also to contain the divisive and disruptive forces out to destroy the integrity and solidarity of the state. source: the sentinel assam

Assam: BJP worker murdered, Karimganj tense

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Silchar: Suspected miscreants today killed a BJP member at Singaria market area near Patharkandi in Karimganj district of Assam.

Police said Arup Chandra Sinha (31), an active member of the BJP, was found murdered in the premises of his house, 80 km from here.

His body bore multiple injuries and it was suspected that the deceased, also a trader, was killed with the help of sharp weapons, said a senior police official in Karimganj.

As the news of the killing of the BJP member spread like wildfire, people came out on the streets and ransacked a number of shops, owned by a particular community.

SP (Karimganj) Mihir Goswami and other senior police officials, accompanied by large contingent of armed police, rushed to the place and helped in bringing the situation under control.

None had been arrested so far in this connection.

He said at least four miscreants, suspected to be involved in the murder, were absconding and police has been trying to nab them. Dog squad had been pressed into service, he added.

Apart from setting up a police picket in the market, security forces had been patrolling the area. The situation was tense but under control.

© 2008 mynews.in

Cachar BJP rallyist dies of heart attack

Correspondent SILCHAR, Sept 29 – A BJP supporter named Sudhi Purkayastha (60) succumbed to heart attack while taking part in the recent rally organised by the saffron brigade to highlight rampant corruption indulged in by Congress workers during the UPA rule at the Centre.Nearly 7000 persons participated in this rally which started at 11.45 am from Chittaranjan Statue and reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office.The pitiable condition of civic amenities roads, bridges, footpaths, erratic power generation were highlighted, which the tax-payers were silently bearing without hope of improvement in the near future. The rally was organised by the Cachar district committee of the BJP. source: assam tribune

Road repairs demanded in Badarpur

Correspondent
BADARPUR, Sept 27 – In view of the dilapidated condition of Badarpur National Highway and the roads of other places under Badarpur PS, the Badarpur unit Bharatiya Janata Party submitted a memorandum recently to the Karimganj Deputy Commissioner, demanding to make all arrangements for repairing the damaged roads and National Highway immediately.

In the memorandum, it was also mentioned that the number of accidents are going increasing day-by-day due to the horrible condition of National Highway at Badarpur and the roads of Chargola, Ghoramara and Kaliganj, but the PWD and BRTF are yet indifferent to the issue. In the circumstances, BJP has demanded immediate action. The memorandum was submitted to DC through the Circle Officer of Badarpur, by eminent BJP leader Dipak Dev among others. source: assam tribune

Corruption breaks record in Barak Valley

Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Sept 25: Even ruling party sympathizers admit in private conversation that corruption in Barak Valley has broken all records. It is a valley where foundation stones of a large number of industrial units have been laid. Most of them have made vanishing tricks. In respect of some of them, after the foundation stone, no work has been initiated. The Sentinel quite recently came out with reports of how a good number of industrial units have been made to disappear after heavy investment.

The massive rally of BJP on Wednesday has posed relevant question where do crores of rupees sanctioned for roads, industries, schemes and projects go. A high level honest probe will expose scam after scam. Monitoring, surveillance, transparency and accountability are thrown to the forewind. It is open and brazen loot of public money.

Parimal Shuklabaidya, MLA of Dholai, has referred to the foundation stone of an industrial unit of KK Industry which was laid by Sontosh Mohan Dev, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, a decade ago, just on a hillock above the office of Irongmara GP near the Assam University. State land was allotted for the proposed industry. Loan amount was also granted and received.

But, as the MLA pointed out, the industry has not seen the light of the day. Shuklabaidya who represents Irongmara segment of his constituency has said, “proper inquiry into it will reveal another scam.” source: sentinel assam

Furore over arrest demand of Dr Rumi Nath

For the last two days , employees of the 15 blocks ,ZP , DRDA Diploma Engineers’Association and ACS officers’ Associationhave been persistent in their demand for the arrest of Dr Rumi Nath ,BJP MLA from Borkhola, and two party workers – Kaushik Roy and Rupam Saha – for allegedly roughing up BDO in charge of SalchapraDevelopment Block Shoban Goala ACS and JE Anup Nath on Sunday .

According to allegations , Dr Rumi Nath led more a thousand partysupporters on the day, joined by Kabindra Purakayastha , Former unionminister , and Ajit Bhattacharjee, ex-President Cachar DistrictCommittee to gherao Salchapra Block office and behaved rudely with theBDO and the JE.
Following the incident, the Associations met the Deputy Commissioner,Goutom Ganguly, In his office chamber and expressed their deepresentment at the incident and pressed for action against the MLA andtwo party workers identified. They served an ultimatum on the districtadministration to the effect if no action was taken within 24 hours,the offices of the DRDA and ZP cachar would be paralysed indefinitelyfrom Tuesday.

In adherence to their ultimatum, members of the Associationsdemonstrated before the two offices , raising slogans for the arrestof the MLA and two of her party workers. source: observer247

Infighting in Karimganj BJP

Infighting in the BJP for the Karimganj Parliamentary Constituency that is reserved for SC candidates. According to BJP’s Assam State SC Morcha general secretary Dilip Das, the BJP was defeated in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls in Karimganj as the party made the mistake by choosing a candidate from urban area while 9,34,126 of the 10,07,976 voters of the constituency are from rural areas. Das has supported giving party ticket of Karimganj seat to a candidate from rural area.

No compromise on Silchar seat: Rajnath Singh (BJP president)

AGP-BJP alliance depends on key seats

NEW DELHI, June 14: AGP and BJP have taken a step forward towards an understanding in the coming Lok Sabha election. AGP Legislature Party (AGPLP) leader Chandra Mohan Patowary and Gunin Hazarika had an informal meeting with BJP’s national president Rajnath Singh at the latter’s residence in New Delhi today. BJP leader Sushma Swaraj was also present at the meeting.After an hour-long meeting that began at 10.30 am, the two AGP leaders told newsmen waiting outside that the meeting was cordial. Patowary said: “We came to New Delhi following an invitation from the national president of the BJP. The alliance between the two parties has not been finalized as yet. We need to meet more to sort out the issues.”The BJP president, on the other hand, said: “We have initiated preliminary talks for poll tie-up. We need to sit more. We want a pre-poll understanding with the AGP so as to oust the Congress.”According BJP sources, the two AGP leaders set some preconditions. “However, Rajnath Singh has made them clear in no uncertain term that the BJP won’t compromise on Silchar, Karimganj, Guwahati, Nagaon and Tezpur Lok Sabha seats. The other seats in the State are, however, open for negotiation,” the sources said. Source: sentinel assam

No compromise with DHD(J): Santosh Mohan Dev

Source: Sentinel Assam

NEW DELHI, May 30: Union Minister for Heavy Industries Santosh Mohan Dev today ruled out any compromise with Black Widow militants who have virtually created terror in the North Cachar Hills of Asom. “A handful of DHD(J) militants have unleashed violence in the hill district and there should not be any compromise while dealing with them with a firm hand,” he said while addressing a press meet here today.

The Union Minister said that more security forces are being deployed in the NC Hills to ensure smooth execution of the Railway Broad Gauge project and the Express Highway project. The minister is going to meet the Defence Minister and the Railway Minister next week to discuss the present situation in the district. Meanwhile, the North Eastern Council (NEC) has sanctioned Rs 2.4 crore for repairing the Silchar-Kalain road, the Union Minister informed the press. An additional amount of Rs 2.5 crore is expected to be sanctioned for this purpose soon, he added.

On the other hand, BJP’s State President Ramen Deka blamed the State Government for the prevailing situation in NC Hills. He said the ensuing two-day national executive meeting of the BJP will take up the matter of internal security in Asom and the State Government’s role in the execution of the Lumding-Silchar BG project.