Ajmal foundation launches computer project

SILCHAR, Dec 29: A new horizon in extending the knowledge society to the marginalized, poor and remote areas emerged with the launching of a State–wide Rural Computer Education Centre Project by Ajmal Foundation in Assam, stated a press release.

The Southern Asom phase of the programme was launched at Silchar today at a formal ceremony held in the Conference Room of hotel Sudakshina by signing MOUs with the three centre institutions in HTML clipboard Cachar district. The MOU was signed with West Silchar College, Barjatrapur and Baral Education Society, Sonai. The ceremony was attended by the representatives of the grantee organization and media persons. Among the special guests were Dr Baharul Isam.

According to the MOU, Ajmal foundation will provide free computers as well as build the necessary infrastructure for the institutions to start the proposed computer education centres. By this programme it desires to empower the average learners and educated youths in the poorest of the communities to communicate, share information and search the new job market across the globe.

Later speaking on the occasion, Dr Baharul Islam said 21st century is an age of information technology and everybody is using the computer as a tool to do various jobs but this technology is yet to reach remote areas of Asom and by taking up this project, Ajmal foundation will help the sensation reach the rural areas. source: sentinel assam

Early completion of Silchar-Lumding broad gauge line urged

CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR, Dec 29 – The CPM leaders of Cachar district recently blocked the National Highway 53 at Ramnagar for one hour. The leaders demanded immediate completion of the Silchar-Lumding broad gauge line and improvement in connectivity in Barak Valley.

The leaders further demanded reintroduction of trains namely Cachar Express and Barak Valley Express from Silchar by providing adequate security to the passengers. They also demanded change in the time-table of Silchar-Agartala trains and immediate repair of the National Highway 53.

According to the leaders, despite a massive security arrangement in North Cachar Hills, the works on the broad gauge line has been delayed. Citing the government’s position of security related issues behind the delay, the CPM leaders questioned as to how much security the government needed to complete the BG railway line. The leaders also said that the security arrangements for the passengers are also becoming questionable. Given the huge security presence in the N C Hills, the cancellation of Cachar Express and Barak Valley Express unwarranted. The people of south Assam, Mizoram and Tripura are suffering a lot for cancellation of these railway services.

The leaders also pointed out that while terrorist activities also prevailed in Tripura, the railway service from Silchar to Agartala was started within a short time. This situation indicated that the government was intentionally ignoring the Silchar-Lumding BG line.

In the road blockade programme at least 500 people including villagers of nearby areas were present.

Youth body’s demand: The All Barak Youth Students’ Association (ABYSA) recently carried out a postcard campaign in street corners and market places in the entire Barak Valley. The main objective of the campaign was to pressurise the present government for the immediate completion of the Silchar-Lumding BG line and the Silchar-Saurashtra Mahasadak.

The ABYSA also emphasised due recognition to the language martyrs of the valley and strict supervision of utilisation of centrally sponsored welfare schemes. Apart from this, they demanded proper initiatives in implementation of the rural schemes and projects, which normally suffer from rampant corruption.

Addressing a public meeting at Bhangarpar in Borkhola constituency, Baharul Islam Barbhuiya, chief convenor of the association said that its postcard campaign is to collect the signature of the masses in the urban and rural areas. It will highlight the problems faced by people of this valley. Further, they decided to send a copy of their resolution to the President of India seeking her intervention. In the meeting, the other members of the association also spoke about various other problems faced by the masses. source: assam tribune

Two die in alleged rape attempt in Karimganj

From our Staff Reporter
SILCHAR, Dec 29: In a sensational development allegedly relating to a rape attempt, two persons — one from either sex — had to lost their lives at Patharkandi in Karimganj district today. According to sources, Panchami Shuklabaidya, a housewife in her mid-40s, killed one Akadds Ali who allegedly tried to rape her in her residence at Dohalia under Patharkandi police station today. The woman surrendered before the police after killing Ali, sources said. The incident reached its crescendo when the police came to Panchami’s house to take the body of Ali. The neighbours of Ali resisted the police force to take the body away, but the men in uniform managed to take the body to the police station. The police also picked up Jagadish, Panchami’s husband, and two of her relatives. Meanwhile, the irate neighbours of Ali torched the house of Jagadish and four other houses in the area, and the 85-year-old mother of Jagadish, Niroda Shuklavaidya, was charred to death in the fire. Police forces have been deployed in the area to bring the law-and-order situation under control. source: sentinel assam

Concern over closure notice to Barak Valley pvt hospital

Correspondent
KARIMGANJ, Dec 27 – People of the Barak Valley expressed concern over the closure notice served to Sundari Mohan Seva Sadan Hospital by the State Health Department on the ground of gross deficiencies in respect of staff, pollution control, trade licence, etc.

Sundari Mohan Seva Sadan Hospital is a philanthropic centre situated at Srikuna. Since its inception in 1965, the hospital has been taking care of the downtrodden and economically distressed people, providing them medical treatment, and in most cases, free of cost. Its application for registration submitted to the Joint Director of Health Services in April 2002 evoked no response till July 2008. But recently the Health Department returned the application to the hospital authorities.

The management of the hospital was asked to apply afresh within 15 days of receipt of the letter failing which show-cause notice would be served as to why the hospital should not be closed down. The application is supposed to be accompanied by an inspection report of the joint Director of Health Services, no-objection certificate from the State Pollution Control Board and GP and the director of Fire Services as well as trade licence from GP and clearance from the ASEB.

Besides, the hospital was asked to introduce ambulance services, proper sanitary conditions, concessional treatment to BPL families, three residential doctors for best up to 30 and one nurse for three best. It should also have specialists in medicine and surgery as well as a dietician. The hospital was also asked not to engage government doctors.

Dr Amitava Bhattacharjee of the hospital giving these details said the management replied on July 21,2008 that it should be allowed to meet requisite norms and sought extension of the deadline. The hospital authorities could procure the required certificates from respective departments. Later, when two of the hospital doctors went to the Fire Brigade office at Silchar to collect the no-objection certificate, a fire brigade official demanded Rs 2000 to issue the same, alleged Dr Bhattacharjee.

Suddenly, on December 4, the Joint Director of Health Services wrote a letter to the management of the hospital to stop functioning of the hospital under Assam Health Establishment Act and charged the authority of functioning its sans any authority.

But this show-cause notice has raised certain relevant questions. While on the same grounds several nursing homes and not taken to task, some nursing homes even do not have incinerators. How a number of pathological laboratories and polyclinics are doing their business in crowded localities of the town without any scientific method to dispose of medical wastes.

Meanwhile, various social organisations are preparing for mass agitation against the government order. source: assam tribune

Waterways to open new vista of development

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Dec 25: “With waterways becoming operational between Kolkata and Silchar, it will open a new vista of development not only for Barak Valley but also for the entire Northeast. It will, at the same time, bring about a surge in economic activities and create a climate conducive for investment,” said Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Secretary APVN Sarma while inaugurating a jetty at Badarpur and dedicating the Badarpur terminal located on the proposed National Waterways-VI to the nation.

Sarma said Barak and Kushiara rivers to the length of 121 km will soon be declared national highways, and a Bill to this effect was introduced in Parliament. He revealed the Bill enjoins upon Bangladesh to take up dredging of Meghna, Padma and other connected rivers. India, on its part, will also go for dredging of Barak and Kushiara. Once the waterways get the national status, navigational facilities on Barak and Kushiara round the year will be a reality.
Currently, he pointed out, the navigation of ships and vessels on the rivers is for six months only. The most positive development is that Bangladesh has agreed to extend all help and cooperation to make the waterways an effective means of transportation.

Sarma said both the countries will be benefited by this waterways as it will speed up economic development and attract investors for industrialization. Transportation of raw and finished goods between the two countries will be easier and cost effective, and that will lead to rapid development. Regular and round the year shipping of goods will also contribute towards the preservation of river vegetation and other creatures.

Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Chairman-cum-Managing Director Praful Tayal gave a brief history of the once booming waterways between Barak Valley and Kolkata. The revival of the waterways in all its pristine glory, he was confident, would create job opportunities and boost up economic development. The vessels were last operated by the CIWTC to Silchar in 1975. After a gap of over three decades, from 2006 the corporation has carrying cargo from Kolkata to Barak Valley. The corporation has an inland water terminal at Karimganj also on the river Kushiara. source: sentinel assam

News on Barak Valley

Anti-AIDS project under way at Hailakandi
Correspondent
HTML clipboard Hailakandi, Dec 25 – Monacherra Athletic & Cultural Club, a non-government organisation has started Targeted Intervention Project for Prevention of HIV/AIDS for 400 female sex workers (FSWs) of Hailakandi district.

They are implementing this project under the sponsorship of HTML clipboardAssam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS).

Project Manager Anwar Hussain Mazumdar said, “early prevention by targeting adolescents with proper information on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and to make them assertive can be an effective way to safeguard their future health status. Considering the need of the youth and the female sex workers, this 6-months long project has been launched in Hailakandi district”.

MAC has identified 400 female sex workers in Hailakandi district and the entire district has been divided into seven zones. These zones are Panchgram, Algapur, Hailakandi, Monacherra, Aenakhal, Lalabazar and Katlicherra. The MAC has identified 20 peer educators for counselling of the identified female sex workers and also to educate those regarding affects of spreading HIV.

The president of MAC, Subhrabaran Dasgupta informed that there is also provision for providing loan through micro finance if HIV positive blood is dectected among the female sex workers. They may also get SHG linked micro finance for their rehabilitation. They (female sex workers) are also provided TA/DA for attending the counselling and awareness campaign.

He also informed that most of the female sex workers are in the age group of 18-28 years. Most of the girls have come in the profession due to poverty, he said. He said that their volunteers visited almost all the houses of the targeted female sex workers and in most cases they found that these girls first gained sexual experience from their relatives or close ones.

Dasgupta informed that they regularly organise blood testing camp for these female sex workers with the help of the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) of Hailakandi’s SK Roy Civil Hospital. If any case of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) found, they refer the case to the hospital immediately. He said that major behavioural changes have been detected among the targeted female sex workers in regard to safe sex.

A sex worker confided that they do not hesitate to create pressure on their clients regarding use of condoms. source: assam tribune

Public awareness on domestic violence emphasized
Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Dec 25: It was a packed auditorium of Gandhi Bhawan. A public meet was organized by the NGO ‘All Cachar Rural Development Organization’ in order to make people aware of the evils of domestic violence and how best to tackle it. It was a well meaning and well-intentioned campaign against a social evil which has been raising its ugly head, the cause of family dispute and unrest. Ram Mohan Chakraborty, retired district and session judge, speaking as chief guest, was quite appreciative of the move of the NGO to form GP level counselling centres for addressing it to the complaints and cases of domestic violence for their easy resolution.

Chakraborty admitted that the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was yet to prove that it was effective enough to contain the atrocities against women. Nor was there any guarantee that it would be effective to check or minimize violence against women. The victims belonging to weaker sex often, as he said, fail to be bold and courageous enough to stand up and protest. He however expressed his confidence that with more campaigns and awareness the incidents of violence against women would be a thing of the past. Advocate Anup Chowdhury who presided over the meeting said of the 163 GPs in HTML clipboard Cachar , counselling centres in 80 of them have been set up and both the complainants and accused have been responding to the calls or voluntarily coming to seek counselling and resolving the dispute or conflict. He was hopeful more and more women would take advantage of these centres for better living through resolution of family misunderstanding leading to violence. The concept of counselling was more or less on the pattern of Lok Adalat whose arbitration and judgement in all cases was final and beyond the scope of any Court to interfere. The meeting today was attended by large number of women who came spontaneously from different parts of the district in order to get themselves enlightened about the counselling centres. Others who spoke on the occasion included AGP leader Sahidul Alam Chowdhury, advocates Nazmul Haque Mazarbhuiya and Dulal Mitra. source: sentinel assam

BJYM campaign to woo youth under way in Karimganj dist
Correspondent
NILAMBAZAR, Dec 26 – In view of the Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, has begun a mass campaign aimed at wooing the impressionable voters towards the ideology of the saffron party.

National observer of BJYM Nitish Nitin, while addressing a press conference here on Thursday, informed that the campaign has been launched to motivate the young voters against corruption and other burning issues of the State. The campaign will continue till January 10.

The Morcha has also constituted an observer team for each constituency of the district, which would promote an anti-Bangladeshi campaign in the State. He stated that the problem of Bangladeshi infiltration should be delt with a firm hand both by the State and the Central governments to avert bigger threats to the country.

Sudip Chakrabarty, vice-president of State BJYM stated that the target groups for the saffron party would be voters between 18 to 25 years of age.

He also urged the top leadership to give tickets to young and dynamic leaders in the ensuing elections to strengthen the party’s image amongst the impressionable voters.

Taking strong exception to the deteriorating law and order scenario in the country, Chakrabarty pressed the Centre to launch strikes to bust terrorist camps in neighbouring Bangladesh and Pakistan. He also criticised LM Suklabaidya, MP Karimganj for his long silence in Parliament regarding the border fencing and other burning issues of the border-located district of Karimganj.

Mission Ranjan Das, MLA and leader of the legislature party stated that the recent incident of violence in the country has once again brought to the fore the fatal implication of terrorist activities based in Bangladesh and Pakistan on India. It is high time to take stern action against the anti-national forces, he reiterated. Mriganka Barman, general secretary of BJYM, Biswarup Bhattacharjee, president, BJP Karimganj district committee, Shipra Goon, national executive member, Nitya Bushan Dey, organising secretary in Barak Valley, Nihar Das, state secretary BJYM, and Kishore Dey, general secretary of Karimganj BJYM explained the objectives of the ‘yuvajura’ campaign. source: assam tribune

Controversy over killing of Dimasa youth
From our Staff Reporter
SILCHAR, Dec 29: The bullet-riddled body of one Nityalal Kemprai, an auto-rickshaw driver who was reportedly missing since Saturday last, was handed over to Haflong police by 8th Sikh Regiment. Nityalal (25) was reportedly killed in an encounter with the Army at Govinbasti, 16 km from Haflong in the wee hours on Monday. The Army had reportedly claimed that the slain youth was a cadre of the Black Widow. A China-made hand grenade, a rifle, a radio set and six rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the possession of Nityalal.

However, the local residents are not ready to accept the version of Army and police version at its face value.

An autorickshaw driver said Nityalal, who hailed from Sabujai village under Maibong subdivision, was staying with his elder sister’s family in Haflong and his source of income was from autorickshaw deriving. On Saturday evening, he came out form his sister’s residence for weekly marketing, but did not return home.

Another source claimed, some people hired his autorickshaw for a trip to Gunjungbasti, 25 km from Haflong.

Nityalal was traceless since then, so was his autorickshaw (No. As-08-4416). source: sentinel assam

Silchar book fair concludes
Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 29 – The 70th book fair in HTML clipboard Silchar which started on December 17 at Bipin Chandra Paul field, concluded on December 25 last.

Earlier, attending the inaugural function as the chief guest, Prof Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, VC, Assam University said that it is encouraging to see such a gathering in these days, indicating that people still love books. To get good readers in these days is really tough, but readers are showing a positive sign still here.

Paritosh Paul Choudhury, general secretary, organising committee, spoke about the history of this book fair. He emphasized that it is not easy to handle this type fair in a remote area. He requested the Silchar Municipal Board to take up this fair for smooth functioning. Eminent scholar at Bhakti Madhav Chottopadhyay in his speech said book fair is the expression of self analysis and self realisation of a reader. source: assam tribune


Consumers’ meet deliberates over relevant issues
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 29: The Consumers’ Meet held today under the banner of Grahak Suraksha Samiti, HTML clipboard Cachar, deliberated over basic and relevant issues concerning the consumers. The meet was presided over by the president of the Samiti Atin Das. General Secretary Biplab Kumar Goswami, in his written submission spoke about the various activities of the Samiti and its relentless campaign for awareness among the consumers for creating proper ambivalence in consumer affairs.

Goswami said till now since its inception eight years ago, the Samiti has been able to communicate with more than 20,000 consumers and provided relief to them by mitigating their grievances. He admitted that despite all the vigilance and monitoring, black marketers and profit makers continue to rule the roost, often compelling the consumers to pay through their nose. He called upon people in general to be watchful and in any case of black marketing has to be brought to the notice of the Samiti and the authorities concerned for administrative and legal steps.
Deputy commissioner of Cachar Gautam Ganguli, appreciated the positive role of the Samiti and he expressed his satisfaction at the large turn out of people which he said was an indication of consumers’ growing awareness about their rights and duties. He assured that any complaint brought to his notice would be properly investigated and action would be initiated. Member of Consumers’ Court Dr Jahar Kanti Sen lamented the declining public complaints before the Court which he said was quite inexplicable.

FCI Zonal Manager T Deshmukh said that his department has no role in the PDS for sugar, rice and flour which could eliminate much of the anomalies. Food Inspector Tarun Dutta Chowdhury said that there was legal provision to take action against those who adulterated consumer items. People have to be conscious about it. Legal strategy Inspector Subodh Sinha pointed out that people did come with complaints about weights and measures, but there were few who submitted them in writing. Superintendent of Food and Civil Supplies Utpal Barkakoti spoke about the problems of PDS. source: sentinel assam

Genesis of Christmas celebration in Barak Valley

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Special Correspondent Silchar, 25: The genesis of Christmas celebrations in Barak Valley is shrouded in mystery. Available records suggest that with the advent of the East India Company in 1765, Cachar became the nerve centre of British military and civil operations. The British army launched its military campaign in Manipur from Sylhet through Cachar. It is said the soldiers of the British army were the first to celebrate Christmas in their barracks.With the Burmese expedition in 1824, the English began to observe the holy day at Dudhpateel Fort across river Barak close to Silchar. That same year soldiers of the Surma Valley Light Infantry too celebrated Christmas at their base camp at Lakhipur, 45 kms from here.Quite interestingly, the Dudhpateel Fort emerged as the seat of British administration from 1824. The first Superintendent of Cachar, Thomas Fischer and his wife, took part in Christmas celebrations at Dudhpateel in 1833. The last Superintendent of Cachar Stuart, who preferred to stay at the Fort, donated a part of his official bungalow at Silchar to the Baptist Mission for building a Church there which today stands as the most significant centre of Christianity in South Asom. With the gradual growth and development of the tea industry in Cachar from the mid 19th century and expansion of the British empire, the planters and the Europeans made Christmas celebrations wider. Besides the new converts among the local populace comprising the tribals and the non-tribals under the proselytizing drive of the missionaries began to join in the celebrations. There is no definite information about the oldest church in Cachar. Sketchy records indicate that the church at Bandasheel close to Badarpur railway colony, built up for the Portuguese settlers, is the oldest.Quoting from records, Mascarenhas, an octogenarian member of the community, said that in 1861, Dufal, an apostle of Christianity, paid his first pastoral visit to Bandasheel. It became a nodal point from where the visiting priests would tour the Catholic centres of Shillong, Cherrapunjee, Guwahati, Tejpur and Silchar. Bandasheel attained the status of a parish with resident priests in 1880. In 1886, Rev Angelus Munjohar, the first apostolic of Asom, visited Bandasheel and worked for the expansion of churches in the area. He sent Fr Marchellinius Molz, a leading apostle, who carried on the evangelization. In fact, the history of Bandasheel is linked with the history of the Christian community. Traditions say that about 500 people existed at Bandasheel in 1790. The history of Catholic Mission in north east India which has reference to Bandasheel church speaks of 60 Christians residing in the tea garden of Baithakhal in 1905 in the present Karimganj district.The book throws light on the fact that during that year, a chapel was built in the tea garden. The chapel is described as “very imposing on top of the hills and of highest elevation in the area. The river Tenhai flows through a narrow valley down. The bungalow of the planter and the tea factory were on another small hill. Much of the hillock could be seen from a great distance”.A marble plaque on this nondescript chapel, almost in ruins now, records the man behind its making. “In affectionate memory of AJM Maclaughlin CIEVD Lt Col commanding the Surma Valley Light Horse-1900-1909 who built this church in the year 1909”. Whatever may be the history of the church and the genesis of Christmas celebrations in Cachar, now Barak Valley, it is now a grand and great event, participated in by cross sections of people, irrespective of caste and creed. Churches across the hills, dales and plains of the valley have been spruced up for this divine celebration. source: sentinel assam

River navigation along the Calcutta-Haldia and Karimganj river routes

Silchar, Dec. 25: The Bangladesh government has finally agreed to India’s demand for joint dredging by the two countries to facilitate river navigation along the Calcutta-Haldia and Karimganj river routes, clearing the decks for the exercise.

This was stated last evening by the secretary in the ministry of shipping, A.P.V.N. Sarma, while inaugurating a state-of-the-art Rs 3.68-crore jetty on the Barak river at Badarpur port in Karimganj district.

Sources in the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Ltd said a blueprint of the dredging scheme, including the ticklish issue of cost sharing, would soon be prepared by both the governments under the aegis of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (IBJRC).

Sarma pointed out that if dredging was undertaken, navigation on the rivers between Haldia and South Assam river ports and between Calcutta and South Assam river ports would improve.
This will facilitate transportation of key items between the Northeast and the mainland as well as between Bangladesh and Northeast India.

The main impediment to river traffic all year round between West Bengal and South Assam (through Bangladesh) is poor river conservancy on the Meghna and Surma in the neighbouring country and heavy boulders on the Meghna at Ashuganj in Comilla district of Bangladesh.

At present, cargo vessels from Calcutta and Haldia ports are diverted through Bangladesh to enter the Barak and offload goods at Karimganj. But that is done only from May and October as lack of proper river maintenance and conservancy chores in Bangladesh rivers pose navigation hazards during the winter and early summer seasons.

With the inauguration of the river jetty in Badarpur, 25km west of here, steamers from the Calcutta-Haldia end, which after negotiating the Bangladesh territorial waterways, now move to Karimganj port for offloading, can now sail downstream on the Barak, the second biggest river in the Northeast, to Badarpur. source: the telegraph india

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

Azad Hind Volunteers’ mission successful

Azad Hind Volunteers’ mission successful
Correspondent
KARIMGANJ, Dec 8 – With a view to creating pressure on the Union Government to unravel the mystery that shrouds the disappearance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Azad Hind Volunteers, an organisation of Netaji followers set out on a two-month mission from Silchar to Delhi recently.

Group leader Paritosh Paul Chaudhury termed the mission as a tremendous success and said love and respect for the great leader is still vibrant in the minds of the common people.

Paritosh Paul Choudhury started the mission on September 23 from Silchar alongwith 15 volunteers and travelled 6500 km crossing over nine states. They addressed public gathering at 112 places which were attended by prominent leaders like BJP leader VK Malhotra, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and former MP from Meghalaya BB Dutta. He said, the journey was an adventure as one of their members was picked up by Naga militants in Manipur. But when the militants were conveyed the exact identity of the boy they had picked up they unhesitatingly returned him next morning.

In Shillong the team met JN Bawri who escorted Netaji by his taxi when the great fighter visited Meghalyaa in 1938. Paul Chaudhury and his team was given a warm reception in Imphal, Tezpur, Guwahati, Mangaldoi, Patna, Ranchi, Allahabad etc.

But unfortunately people of Left-ruled Bengal are still hesitant to express their respect for Netaji fearing that this might anger the rulers, said Paritosh Paul Choudhury.

In Delhi, the team met Somnath Chatterjee, Lok Sabha Speaker who assured them of cooperation, placing the demands they have been pursuing in the proper place. Paul Choudhury expressed gratefulness to Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev who helped them immensely. SM Dev spoke to the Prime Minister and informed about their mission.

Azad Hind Volunteers had placed four demands in front of the government. These are firstly, to place the report of the Mukherjee Commission in Parliament and allow the members to take part in the debate. Secondly, to declare that the ashes preserved in the Rankoji Temple of Japan are not the ashes of Netaji, and thirdly to declare Netaji as the first President of India as the Azad Hind Govt was legally formed and was a recognised govt and finally to name the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Shahi and Swaraj islands. source: assam tribune

Karimganj IM(DT) tribunals working at snail’s pace
Correspondent
KARIMGANJ, Dec 11 – Neither the Centre nor the State government seems to be serious about the functioning of foreigners’ tribunals in Barak Valley. With the annulment of IM(DT) Act of 1983 it was expected that foreigners’ tribunals would be revamped to deal with the cases of aliens or D-voters, but the ground reality is different.

The classic example is of Karimganj foreigners’ tribunal. 85,000 cases under D-voters lying with the foreigners tribunal could not be disposed of due to acute shortage of staff. Notices could not be sent to all the persons listed as D-voters by the election wing of Karimganj district administration. Notices till date could be sent to 1200 persons only. 90 per cent of them who appeared before the tribunal have been declared bonafide citizens. But, they could not obtain citizenship certificates on the ground that there is no staff to issued them.

Interviews have been held for appointments to fill in the vacancies but it has so far remained on paper only. Those declared bonafide citizens are being harassed by the police as they can not produce certified copies of their citizenship.

In the wake of the revision of voters lists for the Lok Sabha polls there is apprehensions that their names might be deleted from the electoral rolls. Political parties have been insisting on adding more staff to the tribunal in order to deal with the large volume of pending cases.

GP office site: GP members and people in general of Nutan Ramnagar Part-3 in Lakhipur subdivision in a memorandum to the chief executive officer, Cachar Zila Parishad demanded settlement of a site for the GP office and sought permission to set up temporarily the working office in the complex of Ranu Singh Memorial Club. Their demand is backed by the fact that the geographical area of Nutan Ramnagar GP is contiguous to several villages scattered around but without connectivity problem.

One GP office building was constructed in the village of Nutan Ramnagar Part-4, popularly known as Gorokandi which is quite isolated. Most of the villagers and its residents are far away distanced from the office. The GP office at Gorokandi they alleged was constructed at the behest of GP president Lal Nehar Begum Laskar without taking the consent of the members and residents of the area.

Even the residence of the GP president and majority of its members are located in Nutan Ramnagar Part-1, 2 and 3 which justifies the establishment of GP office at Part-3 Nutan Ramnagar with easy accessibility. Their representation states that since the present GP president and most of the members have also agreed to shift the office to Part-3 area, it may be allowed to function from the complex of Ranu Singh Memorial Club till the new office comes up.

Foundation stone laid: Dr Rumi Nath, BJP MLA, recently laid foundation stone of Hiyairbond sub-centre under National Rural Health Mission under Sonapur GP. On the occasion, a simple function was organised which was presided over by Paritosh Roy.

Narayan Chandra Das, headmaster of Hiyairbond LP School speaking on the occasion praised the efforts of Dr Rumi Nath for the socio-economic and academic improvement as well as uplift of masses in the rural areas, besides making sincere move to provide better health services.

MLA Dr Rumi Nath said that this sub-centre would be equipped with necessary medical tools and implements. She also added to say that basic medicines would be made available to the poor and needy people of the area. She will also make efforts for the appointment of auxiliary midwife and nurse. She at the same time spoke of the need of health sub-centres at Boulbasti, Shantinagar, Subhang, Kandigram, Narayancherra and Anandarkul.

The MLA also laid foundation stone of several LP Schools which included Mukaltal ME School, Rabali ME Madrasa, Rajnagar ME School, Patharigram LP School, Algapur LP School, Manikpur LP School and Nishintapur LP School, Phulendra Kalita Inspector of Schools was present during the foundation stone laying ceremony. source: assam tribune

World Disabled Day observed at Badarpur
CORRESPONDENT
BADARPUR, Dec 11 – The World Disabled Day was observed at Badarpur, by the Handicapped Society of Badarpur.

On the occasion, various functions were held alongwith ‘disabled-meet’ at Badarpur Nabin Chandra College on December 3. Principal of Badarpur Nabin Chandra College, Alpana Paul, a huge gathering of several sections of disabled people, leading citizens, intellectuals, educationists, members of various social organisations, NGOs etc. participated. The Karimganj deputy commissioner, Dr Bhupendra Nath Sarmah in his valuable speech explained the significance of the day. Dr Sarmah also informed the meet of various steps, taken by the government for the welfare of the disabled people.

Besides the DC, Karimganj several distinguished speakers discussed the various problems of the disabled people and earnestly appealed to the government to solve their problems immediately. The speakers also stated that – for the welfare of these disabled people, the government should extend their help to them as they can live in the society in proper way.

In this connection, the Badarpur Handicapped Society also submitted a seven-point charter of demands to the deputy commissioner of Karimganj on the occasion. These demands include immediate arrangement to set up a permanent rehabilitation centre at Badarpur Ghat Industrial Centre, to give the disabled all sorts of facilities of Indira Awas Yojana and other schemes, to legally reserve seats in government and non-government vehicles for all handicapped people positively, and proper implementation of the principle of job recruitment of the disabled people at all levels etc.

Earlier, a long procession of Badarpur Handicapped Society was also brought out in the town. A cultural function wa also held on this occasion, where different sections of disabled people participated . The entire programme was conducted by the general secretary of the Badarpur Handicapped Society, Samar Bijoy Acharjee. The meeting was also addressed by the DC of Karimganj Dr BN Sarma, principal of Badarpur NC College, Alpana Paul, ex-vice principal of the NC College, Kiran Sankar Roy, Dr Shib Tapan Basu, Mahadev Roy Karmakar among others.
source: assam tribune

Hailakandi gets instant money order system
CORRESPONDENT
HAILAKANDI, Dec 14 – Eminent poet and the editor of Sahitya, Bijit Kumar Bhattacharjee recently inaugurated the instant money order system at the head post office of Hailakandi. In his inaugural address, Bhattacharjee expressed his hope that the people of Hailakandi district will largely be benefited after the introduction of this instant money order system. He expressed serious concern over the poor telephone link in Hailakandi district particularly internet services and said that this will definitely hamper the entire system of instant money order. He urged the telephone authorities to develop the entire network in the district.

Explaining the purpose of the meeting, senior superintendent of post pffices, Cachar division, Silchar, Atul Bora said that it was a long pending demand of the people of Hailakandi to introduce instant money order system as the people are still largely dependent on it. He urged the staff of post office to maintain this service properly.

The postmaster of Hailakandi head post office, AR Talukdar offered vote of thanks in the inaugural meeting.

AIDS Day: Under the auspices of district administration and Health department, the World AIDS Day was observed recently in Hailakandi . A rally was brought out on the main thoroughfares of Hailakandi town in the morning. Members of NGOs, officials, mediapersons, band party and the local citizens participated in the rally with placards and banners. The rally was flagged off by the deputy commissioner Tapan Chandra Goswami.
source: assam tribune

Karimganj News

Golden jubilee of Sonakhira high school, Karimganj
GUWAHATI, Nov 30 – The golden jubilee celebration of Sonakhira Shriprasad Roy High School of Karimganj district, held recently, was marked by rally, sports, cultural programmes and giving away Janadaradi Dr Gopesh Chandra Bhattacharjee memorial award (Rs 3000) to Rukhshana Parveen of Class X and Rajlakshmi Bhattacharjee memorial award (Rs 2000) to Anamika Das of Class IX of the School by Sukesh Ranjan Bhattacharjee, on behalf of the family members who have instituted the annual awards from the golden jubilee year in memory of their ancestors’ noble deeds.

The president of the school and the well known academician Arun Kumar Roy unveiled the portraits of land donor late Shriprasad Roy and founder of the school Janadaradi Dr. Gopesh Chandra Bhattacharjee who was a legendary medical practitioner Licentiate from Dibrugarh Berry White Medical School in 1929 and rendered yeoman service to the vast rural and tea garden populace of Patharkandi – Chandkhira area, irrespective of caste, religion and language for more than 40 years, with innovative mobile dispensary and with sportsmanship spirit.
His wife late Rajlakshmi Bhattacharjee also helped to establish the school by providing free lodging and boarding to qualified teachers appointed from outside for more than a decade.
Roy in his address remembered the contribution of Janadaradi late Dr Gopesh Chandra Bhattacharjee, late Rajlakshmi Bhattacharjee, late Jatindra Acharjee, late Suresh Kanoo and other teachers and well wishers in establishment of the school.

He also blessed internationally famed scientist Dr Iresh Ranjan Bhattacharjee, proponent of biological self-gravitation theory, a son of Janadaradi Dr Bhattacharjee and asked students to follow the example.

Dr IR Bhattacharjee, Prof Manash Sengupta, TL Chakraborty, Sukesh Ranjan Bhattacharjee and headmaster of the school Shri Shital Kumar Bhattacharjee, also spoke on the occasion.
Swami Mrinmoy Moharaj of Karimganj Ramkrishna Mission delivered the keynote address. He called for imbibing in the children the spirit of selfless service for betterment of the family and society at large. The cultural programmes presented by Choturongo Club led by Salil Paul Choudhury, Nayan Kishore Chakraborty and others enthralled the audiences.source: assam tribune

Vaccination week gets under way in Hailakandi
CORRESPONDENT
Hailakandi, Dec 1 – To immunize and vaccinate all the children below one year in Hailakandi district during the special immunization week of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) from December 1to 6 next, the Health Department and the district administration have started a massive campaign and preparation.

The extensive media campaign has already been started one week before the starting of immunization week. The Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi district, Tapan Chandra Goswami said the district-level task force meeting has already been held on November 24 and it decided to organise block level awareness meeting among the nurses, Anganwadi Workers, president of Gaon Panchayat and the heads of all the educational institutions.

In the awareness meeting at Nazrul Sadan in Hailakandi, large number of nurses, teachers, AWWs and Panchayat members attended and it was addressed by the additional deputy commissioner of Hailakandi, Debashis Chakraborty, joint director of Health services, Dr. Samir Kumar Das, deputy inspector of schools, Ishaque Ali Barbhuiya, district elementary education officer (DEEO), Abdul Matin Choudhury and other officials of Health Department. It was presided over by the deputy commissioner of Hailakandi, Tapan Chandra Goswami. Teachers were requested in the meeting to motivate the people for immunisation in the greater interest of society. The teachers and AWWs also interacted with the resource persons and pledged to help during the immunization week. Similar meetings were also organised in all the blocks of the district. source: assam tribune

Massive protest rally against scribe’s murder at Karimganj
A Correspondent
NILAMBAZAR, Dec 2 – Karimganj Press Club brought out a massive silent protest rally on Friday against the killing of Jagajit Saikia a Correspondent of Amar Asom by unidentified gunmen on November 22.

The procession started from the Sambu Sagar Park, passed through the town and later the processionists submitted a memorandum to the President of India through the Deputy Commissioner. The memorandum demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident and protection to the scribes of the State.

All political leaders of the district, social organisations, several students unions, institutions and intellectuals attended the protest rally.

The Working Journalist Guild, Karimganj also observed a stir programme on November 27 before the DC Office against the killing of Jagajit Saikia.

Prior to it, a protest meeting was held at Karimganj Patrika House. Addressing media persons, senior journalist Nirmal Das and Masuk Ahmed spoke on the serious issue of inhuman killing of scribes including that of Jagajit Saikia which is posing a serious threat to the media fraternity.

AUDF body: AUDF Karimganj district committee was reconstituted on November 26. In this connection a general meeting of the party was held at Kanishail under the chairmanship of Brajalal Rabidas, central executive member of the party. The meeting elected Abdul Malik Choudhury and M Najmuddin as president and general secretary of the district committee, and four others vice-president and secretary.
source: assam tribune

Army provides solar lights to Harinagar residents of Cachar
Correspondent
KARIMGANJ, Dec 5 – Besides being engaged in counter-insurgency operations in trouble-torn areas of Cachar and maintaining law-and-order in close coordination with the civil administration, the Army has also been carrying out humanitarian works for the welfare of the common people in isolated areas deprived of basic facilities.

The 72 Field Regiment with its camp at Labac has on priority basis been interacting with local population of the insurgency-hit areas in order to understand their problems and difficulties and to meet their minimum needs.

The people of Harinagar after several strikes by insurgent groups are heaving a sigh of relief due to surveillance maintained by the jawans of the regiment.

Harinagar, with a population of Bengalis, Nepalese and other minority groups is located in close proximity to North Cachar Hills and Manipur, and therefore vulnerable to militancy due to geophysical factors. The 72 Field Regiment on being approached by the residents came forward to help them with three sets of solar lights under the military - civic action project at a cost of Rs 1.6 lakh.
Major Manish of the regiment on the occasion of handing over ceremony advised the people to make best use of the light sets and maintain them properly in the interest of all.
source: assam tribune

Seminar on 1857 revolt held at Radhamadhab College Silchar

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GUWAHATI, Dec 6 – A national seminar on ‘Revisiting 1857: Relevance in Nation Building’ was organised by the Department of History of Radhamadhab College, Silchar on November 24 and 25 last. The seminar was sponsored by the University Grants Commission, NERO, Guwahati. This was stated in a press release.

In the inaugural function, Dr Debasish Roy, organising secretary, welcomed the gathering and Dr PR Deb, principal/chairperson of the seminar organising committee made the objective statement of the seminar.

The seminar was inaugurated by the chief guest Prof Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, Silchar. Prof (Emeritus) Chittabrata Palit, former professor of History, Jadavpur University, delivered the keynote address. The seminar was also attended by other eminent personalities of the region.

Participants from local colleges as well as from the North-Eastern Region took part in the seminar. There were five technical sessions and altogether 20 papers on various aspects of the revolt were presented by the participants. Presentation of each paper was followed by questions and discussions, which led to fruitful culmination of resolution of vexed issues.

The valedictory function of the seminar was organised in the afternoon of the second day where the participants put forward their opinion on the seminar. A very colourful cultural function was organised, which enthralled the audience. At the fag-end of the seminar, certificates of participation were awarded to the participants by Dr PR Deb and Prof Chittabrata Palit. Finally, the vote of thanks was given by the vice-principal of the college.source: assam tribune

International seminar at Assam University Silchar

Correspondent SILCHAR, Dec 2 – A three-day-long international seminar was organised by the Department of Bengali, Assam University, Silchar recently at Bipin Chandra Paul seminar hall. The seminar was on Buddhadev Basu and his contributions to Indian literature and social philosophy.
The seminar was inaugurated by Prof Damayanti Basu by lighting the lamp. The chief guest of the seminar was Prof Shrisendhu Mukherjee whereas Hayat Mamud of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh and Prof Swapna Devi from Assam University were guests of honour.
In the keynote address, Udhay Naryana Singh, director, Central Institute of Indian Language said that the contribution of Buddhadev Basu to modern Indian literature is indeed remarkable. Basu’s literature basically emphasises how one person can easily travel from one era to another to find a path. He further said that regarding this he also along with Dr Nagarjuna inaugurated a study centre in Hyderabad.

The welcome address was given by Bela Das, HoD, Department of Bengali. The programme was presided over by VC i/c Prof Gautam Biswas. Dr Biswatosh Choudhury, Reader, Bengali dept, Assam University gave vote of thanks. The inaugural song was presented by Sucharita Choudhury, lecturer of Bengali, Cachar College.

Dusty town: The main roads of Silchar town are in a shabby condition. These roads are under repair for a long time. The half repaired road is creating dust which is affecting the people mostly the school children. It has been noticed that in every house one person is suffering from the dust allergy.

The problem has occurred due to the sudden discontinuation of Master Drainage Project. This drainage project is in a half done condition. The main road from Capital Travel to Holy Cross School is being repaired at a very slow progress. Sometimes the roads become so critical that during day time a dusty haze prevails.

The people said that dust is not allowing them to go out from the house. It is also affecting their day to day work. On the other hand, ill-effect of dust is cough which spreads in the houses very quickly. A long queue has been noticed in the chamber of the doctor with such complaints specially of the children.

Sources said that Silchar Municipality Board (SMB) is responsible for watering the road. But SMB is not showing any responsibility regarding this. On the other hand, Sudip Dutta, vice chairman, SMB said the roads are under the PWD. The repairing work is done under this department. The contractors are being paid for watering on the road. However, the public is unaware of this fact. Although for public interest, the SMB provided watering for some days which cost three lakh rupees. But payment is still due. Dutta has regretted the problem faced by the public.source: assam tribune

Funds for Barak Valley tourism project sanctioned

CORRESPONDENT Karimganj, Nov 29 – Aimed at developing and promoting tourism in the Valley, the State Tourism Corporation has sanctioned Rs 14.93 lakh for building infrastructure around Ramnagar Anua near Silchar.

The project includes construction of concrete ground around the bank of the Anua and to take necessary steps for improvement of the environment. Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev recently laid the foundation stone of the project.

The Minister was hopeful that with the invitation of this project the tourism potential of Ramnagar with its ecofriendly natural surroundings would get a boost to attract visitors and tourists and the people around would be benefited. The development plan also envisages a floating restaurant that will enable the tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

Deputy Commissioner Cachar Gautam Ganguly said after the infrastructure is built and completed by December 31, the floating restaurant could become operational.
Apathy resented: The stepmotherly attitude of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi towards Barak Valley is creating problems for the Valley.

The Assam Government is not keen on developing the Valley. While addressing a gathering at Dholai, Silchar district Congress committee president Karnendu Bhattacharjee raised such an allegation against the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government.

Earlier, Union Minister Dev expressed his anguish over the public criticism that he is not doing enough for Barak Valley. ‘I am still targeted as a nonperformer’, he pointed out. Among his achievements he cited the Cachar Cancer Hospital, the ongoing BG conversion, East West Corridor, flood lighting of Silchar DSA, tunnel at Sonapur on NH-44, among others.

Former MP (R S) and district Congress committee president Bhattacharjee directly condemned the activities of Dinesh Prasad Goala, Minister, Town and Country Planning and Gautam Roy, Minister, Excise and Border Area Development for not standing behind or supporting the development efforts and works of Union Minister SM Dev. To be specific, Karnendu Bhattacharjee referred to the solo efforts of S M Dev to get Rs. 63 crore sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Surface Transport and Highways after much hardwork in Delhi for improvement of network of roads in Silchar and six other constituencies of Cachar.

But as Bhattacharjee pointed out, obstacles were being created at Dispur in the release of the fund and implementation of the project. ‘It is Goala and Roy who are responsible for the problem’, he said. He also revealed that 27 MLAs are objecting to the release of funds for Cachar.
The Union Minister said he got money sanctioned from the Centre and added it is the responsibility of the State to see that work is done against the allotted fund. He disclosed that he has impressed upon the Prime Minister for sanctioning a special assistance fund for improvement of major roads, lanes, by-lanes and drainage system of both urban and rural areas. The Prime Minister showed his benevolence by sanctioning Rs 63 crore, added Dev.source: assam tribune

Silchar-Lumding broadgauge line by 2010

CORRESPONDENT BADARPUR, Nov 28 – The construction of the broadgauge line from Silchar-Badarpur-Lumding hill section is on in full swing. Although there are still many obstacles prevailing, but the NF Railway authority recently assured that work on the 76-km railway line from Silchar to New Harangajao, via Badarpur junction is progressing very swiftly and if this speed of work is maintained then the line will be completed by March 2010 positively.

Railway sources said in the 64-km stretch earth-filling work has already been completed. In this route, there will be 12 railway stations. Among these 12 railway stations, the construction works of five railway stations, viz Salchapra, Arunachal, Katakhal, Sukritipur and Chandranathpur have already been completed. In Silchar-Badarpur-New Harangajao section there will be four tunnels, among which one tunnel between Bandarkhal and Ditekchara, and another tunnel between Damchara and Bandarkhal have already been completed. The remaining two tunnels in this route will be completed within March 2009. Sources also said that in Silchar-Badarpur-New Harangajao BG section there will be a total of 46 bridges, out of which, two bridges will be constructed on the road. Out of the 46 bridges, the construction works of sub-structure of 13 girders have been completed speeding the construction work of Barak bridge of Badarpur. Sources informed that the work has made substantial progress. In this connection, the steel fabrication work of the bridge is going on in full swing in Kolkata, at present.

The NF Railway authority has also informed that in the 17 km railway route between Silchar and Badarpur, works have been fully completed. The railway authority also stated under the BG project, a goods terminus at Salchapra and a diesel shed at Badarpur, alongwith arrangements of supervising the railway coaches at Silchar will be set up. Sources said that in Silchar-Badarpur-Harangajao route, ten kilometres are under North Cachar district, and remaining 66 Karimganj district. It is to be noted here that although the railway authority has given information of the progress of BG project in Barak Valley, but they could not give any information of the position and condition of the works in North Cachar hill which is vitally essential for the speedy completion of Lumding-Badarpur hill section.

Meanwhile, an urgent official meeting was held at Silchar on Thursday, under the presidentship of the deputy commissioner of Cachar, Gautam Ganguly, regarding the progress of Lumding-Badarpur-Silchar BG project. The meeting was attended by deputy chief engineer (construction) SP Desmukh, two ADCs of Cachar. Bhannisikha Dutta, and HA Laskar, DIPRO, deputy director of Barak Valley zone, Haran Dey, CRPF and RPF officials and other high railway officials. The meeting stressed upon the speedy implementation of BG construction works as early as possible. In the meeting, the Cachar district administration has also strongly urged the railway authority for immediate resumption of passenger train service of night section, in the Lumding-Badarpur hill section, without any delay in the greater interest of the people.

The Pradesh Yuva Congress Committee, Karimganj district committee has also expressed deep concern over suspension of the night service in the hill section. In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister and Union Railway Minister the YCC has strongly urged them for immediate resumption of the passenger train service.source: assam tribune

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