FKJGP and FAF have announced hunger strike and office picketing respectively to protest against the MDA Government's decision to hand over power projects to private parties. FKJGP will observe fast in front of the Main Secretariat in the city on January 15 while FAF will picket all government offices and business establishments in the three districts of Garo Hills on January 15 and 16.

FKJGP decided to hold the hunger strike at its emergency meeting held on Thursday in view of the delay on part of the State Government in scrapping the "dirty deal."

The hunger strike, from 10 am to 4 pm, will be led by FKJGP president Emlang Lyttan.

"This is our first phase of agitation. If the MDA Government continues to dillydally on the issue, we will be compelled to intensify our agitation," FKJGP information secretary Dundee C Khongsit said in a statement issued here.

He criticised Deputy Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for being a party to the "adamant attitude" of the State Government on the issue.

Mr Khongsit said FKJGP wanted immediate scrapping of the power deal and would not wait for the outcome of the next Cabinet meeting on the matter.

Joining the chorus against the Lapang Government's power deal with private firms, FAF has chalked out a string of protest programmes, demanding withdrawal of the Cabinet decision to allot the 720-MW Nangalbibra thermal power project to Dharampal Satyapal Group.

According to a FAF statement, the Federation's two-day picketing programme will be followed by a night road blockade in entire Garo Hills region on January 17 and 18 from 9 pm to 5 am.

"Failure to respond to the FAF demand will result in an all Garo Hills bandh on January 21," FAF president Mac D Shira said.

Refusing to accept the explanation of Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Power Dr Mukul Sangma that under the Central Electricity Act 2003 a company could take up a thermal power project without any experience in the field, FAF expressed fears that such an "underhand" deal with DS Group would open the floodgates for economic exploitation of Garo Hills.

Mr Shira alleged that gutka paan manufacturing company DS Group had a track record of failing to pay its taxes running into several crores of rupees in other states and accused the Meghalaya Government and its Power Department of nepotism, thereby "wilfully" and "directly" endangering the interests of Garo Hills.

FAF also said it would welcome participation of credible national and multi-national companies in construction of the 720-MW thermal power project in Nangalbibra.

"We urge the State Government not to allow companies like DS Group to set foot in Meghalaya. Otherwise, they will be held primarily responsible for agitations that will engulf the State," Mr Shira added.

Taking to reporters after KSU's Central Executive Committee meeting here on Thursday, KSU president Samuel Jyrwa expressed surprise over Power Minister Mukul Sangma's statement that the power deal was reached in a transparent manner.

The student leader reiterated that the Cabinet decision to hand over electricity projects to private companies violated the State Power Policy framed by the government itself.

"Initially, the Power Department did not invite suggestions and views of people and experts or NGOs while framing the power policy. Two versions of the power policy were posted on the official website to confuse the people, and this indicates that the deal was signed only to suit the corrupt motive of the Power Minister," Mr Jyrwa said.

"Handpicking of companies to develop power projects would not benefit people of the State. The government should adopt the policy of competitive bidding to ensure maximum benefit for the State," Mr Jyrwa said.

Cabinet meet : The State Cabinet will meet on January 17 to discuss the fallout of its recent decision to hand over five hydro-power projects to private companies.

Pressure is building up on the MDA Government to review the power deal, which has been strongly opposed by several NGOs and political parties. 

Chief Minister DD Lapang on Thursday said the proposed Cabinet meeting would discuss the various clauses of the State Power Policy vis-à-vis the December-7 decision to hand over power projects to private companies.

A section of Cabinet ministers are also opposed to the deal on electricity projects.

"The Cabinet meeting will discuss the clauses of the State Power Policy," Mr Lapang said.

When his attention was drawn to demands from various quarters for scrapping the deal, he said it would depend on the "collective decision" of the Cabinet.

On the statement of Deputy Chief Minister Mukul Sangma that the government should go ahead with the power deal as it was "good for the State", Mr Lapang said Mr Sangma had made his comments on his personal capacity.

As per the new electoral rolls, out of its 26-lakh population, the State has only 12.31 lakhs voters including 6,25,579 females and 6,04,647 males.

"Details are being worked out to show the break-up of voters in all 60 constituencies of the State," Chief Electoral Officer Prasant Naik told newsmen on Thursday.

Mr Naik also said the term of the seventh State Assembly would expire on March 10 and that the Election Commission was likely to announce the poll date at anytime.

"Once election date is announced, the Code of Conduct will be in force," he said, adding official notification of the elections would be made within 21 days of announcement of poll date.

MDP president Martle N Mukhim on Thursday hit back at UDP for allegedly spoiling his move for unification of regional parties.

Mr Mukhim said he was in favour of unification of regional parties but UDP's insincerity was the stumbling block to such a move.

"I am very much in favour of unification of regional parties, but all efforts to reach that goal have been spoiled due to the lack of sincerity on the part of UDP," Mr Mukhim said while interacting with reporters here.

According to Mr Mukhim, the earlier move for merger of regional parties failed because UDP was not interested in it. "How can you think of bringing unity among regional parties when you are selective in your approach?" he questioned.

Terming as "ridiculous" UDP's recent statement that he did not respond to the party's unity move, the MDP chief claimed that he was the only person who had worked hard for paving the way for uniting regional parties through the erstwhile Regional Parties Alliance (RPA).

"When RPA came into being, none of the regional party leaders, especially those from UDP, worked sincerely to carry forward the process of unification," Mr Mukhim alleged.

SHILLONG: Air pollution caused by vehicular emissions and mineral-based industries has posed a serious health hazard to people of the State, according to a report prepared by State Development Reforms Commission (SDRC).

In his report submitted to Chief Minister DD Lapang on Thursday, SDRC chairman and former Chief Minister EK Mawlong described heavy vehicular emissions and mining activities as two major sources of increasing air pollution in Meghalaya and suggested vigorous implementation of a vehicle monitoring mechanism and early notification of the mineral policy to overcome the problem.

Vehicles plying on roads of Meghalaya are increasing by leaps and bounds.

According to SDRC, there is one vehicle for every 8 persons in the Sate. Citing a study done by Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) in this regard, the Commission said more than 50 per cent vehicles emitted pollutants beyond permissible limits.

"Studies on vehicular emissions and their effects on the health of residents of urban areas and those living along highways have yet to be taken up in the State," the report said.

SDRC said the problem of air pollution could be addressed by curtailing vehicular emissions through introduction of advanced technology vehicles, low-sulphur diesel and low-benzene petrol, putting in place alternative transport system, better road networking, phasing out of old vehicles and pursuing a more vigorous monitoring mechanism.

Increasing levels of pollutants in urban, industrial and mining areas have also added to the problem of air pollution, despite efforts made by State agencies concerned to deal with the situation, the report said.

"Most of the industries established in Meghalaya pollute air. They are mostly mineral- based. Early notification of the mineral policy will help mitigate environmental concerns," the report pointed out, adding options of setting up non-polluting industries in the State should be explored.

"The agencies involved in pollution prevention and control in the State may be properly strengthened to deal with the complex environmental changes due to varied development activities,' the Commission said.

The report also said haphazard and unscientific mining activities, particularly those involving coal and limestone, have already spread to almost all districts of the State, besides badly affecting areas in Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills and Garo Hills.

The major pollutants that emit from mining areas include suspended particulate matters (SPM), respirable suspended particulate matters PM 10 and PM 2.5. Other activities release pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulphlur oxides (SO2).

Nongthymmai 347.2 30.6 44.9

Dhankheti 400.6 11.8 42.1

Barik 227.3 10.6 28.1

Police Bazaar 259.5 9.2 30.8

Iew Mawlong 334.9 4.2 37.9

Mawlai 349.9 19.2 43.2

Sohra (near hospital) 41.0 bdl 19.3

Sohra (near MCCL guest house) 137.0 BDL 41.2

Nongpoh,Ri-Bhoi 362.3 7.5 7.0

Tura, West Garo Hills 83.8 5.5 7.0

Baghmara, SGaro Hills 33.7 BDL BDL

Jowai, Jaintia Hills 113.7 32.6 11.7

Nongstoin, WKH 83.8 5.5 7.0

Williamnagar, E Garo Hills 86.9 BDL 7.3

Seldom if ever do you witness the minister of a particular department defending his actions to the hilt. Dr Mukul Sangma is minister extraordinaire. In one sense he must be appreciated for his guts which borders on the impudent. Addressing the press with absolute nonchalance after the two-day agitational programme of the Khasi Students Union, the medico turned legislator with perhaps the shrewdest business acumen said that if Meghalaya had gone in for privatization of the power sector ten years ago, by now the State would have been virtually exporting millions of watts of electricity. This would have enabled the people of Meghalaya to use free power. Well spoken! Who does not want free electricity? The urban consumer is literally burdened with huge bills currently even while the meter seems to be spiraling like crazy.

Then the medico went on to say ‘We have to invite private players. Where is the money for MeSEB to undertake all power projects?". Well said again! But private players do not necessarily mean those of Dr Sangma’s exclusive pick. Meghalaya deserves a fair chance for reputed power generation companies to come here. Granted that an advertisement for expression of interest was put up on the website and that out of those who showed interest 34 firms have been short-listed, but the questions that Dr Mukul Sangma should answer are (1) How did he arrive at the final list and what were the overriding considerations which made him decide which firms to sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA)with? (2) Since the bottom line of competitiveness even as per the Electricity Act 2003 is better pricing to benefit consumers, has this exercise been carried out? If so, we the people have a right to see the pricing list of all the 34 companies. This is our right to know!

When the Meghalaya Power Policy was amended on December 7, 2007 more than half of the members of the cabinet could not attend since the meeting was (a) hurriedly convened (b) because they had prior engagements, although to my mind, knowing how Dr Mukul Sangma operates they should have made it a point to attend and register their protest. That they did not do so shows a lackadaisical attitude. Now, funnily, all the political parties are washing their hands off the power deal. Why? Only because the public have raised a hue and cry? Had there been no public protest would the deals have passed off without a whimper? Knowing the attitude of our legislators, that is quite possible.

The National Electricity Policy 2005, states that an appropriate balance will have to be maintained between the interests of consumers and the need for investments. It also specifies that suitable performance norms of operations together with incentives and disincentives will need to be evolved along with appropriate arrangement for sharing the gains of efficient operations with the consumers. This is to ensure protection of consumers’ interests on the one hand and provide motivation for improving the efficiency of operations on the other.

Competition is expected to bring significant benefits to consumers , in which case, it is competition which will determine the price rather than any cost plus exercise on the basis of operating norms and parameters. All efforts will need to be made to bring the power industry to this situation as early as possible, in the overall interest of consumers. Detailed guidelines for competitive bidding as stipulated in section 63 of the Act have been issued by the Central Government. The guidelines lay stress on international competitive bidding for all power projects above 100 MW. What was the necessity for Meghalaya to revise this if not to allow softer options for companies at the expense of the consumer and compromise the long term interests of the State?

Dr Mukul Sangma knows the Meghalaya media better than anyone. He knows the media here has the proclivity to try to get answers without knowing the questions. Somebody has rightly remarked that if you want the right answers you have to ask the right questions. The right questions will only be framed by a media person who does his homework and has a gut feeling to know when a dirty deal is in the offing. On these counts, Dr Sangma is fortunate to be talking down to the media and to also take a dig at two of his colleagues who traveled overseas to look for investments. Maybe the two Lyngdoh’s did travel abroad to explore investment opportunities, but does that mean they should ratify everything that Sangma does unquestioningly?

Dr Sangma also referred to the objections raised by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) against handing over power projects to NEEPCO. What he failed to highlight was that the students’ body wanted a coherent Power Policy in place before signing MOAs with any investor on a case by case basis. Such action would have given rise to favouritism and corruption. To that extent the KSU has done the right thing.

Then there is also a tendency by some in the MDA government to make sweeping remarks that the people of Meghalaya are always resisting privatization moves by the State. This is absolute rubbish. The people of Meghalaya understand that we are part of a globalized economy. What they want is transparency. Dr Mukul Sangma owes the people an explanation. He owes all the members of the legislature an explanation. He should take note that the assets of the State are not his to be negotiated on his terms only. We The People know that state funding in most sectors is drying up and that private public partnership is the new mantra. But this does not mean a sell-out. We can smell a bad deal when we see one. What makes a pan masala company competent to generate thermal power? Granted that they may only be putting in the money and sub-contracting the project to another player. Then why not invite a company or consortium that already possesses enough experience in thermal projects? We cannot easily forget that the Nangalbibra Thermal Project had once started only to be abandoned and the machinery sold as cheap scrap. Such mistakes are too costly for the State at this juncture.

In 1991, in the wake of the then newly-launched liberalization process, the Central Government decided to permit private participation in the power sector by "Independent Power Producers". The 1991 policy allowed states to enter into Memoranda of Understanding with individual promoters without following open or competitive tendering. A number of states entered into these MOUs, and the Central Government also committed itself to providing ‘counter-guarantees’ to the project promoters of these so-called "fast track" projects. The now defunct Enron plant in Dabhol was the biggest of these projects. As is now known, the Dabhol project was a disaster, and indeed the 1991-1995 approach is now almost universally acknowledged to have been severely faulty. There has been a lot of criticism of the detailed terms of the agreements on the Dabhol project and other individual MOU/fast track projects. However, the most important cause of the independent power fiasco was the poorly crafted policy, which (among other things) failed to take account of the problems in the distribution and supply side of the industry, the scope for mispricing in a non-competitive process and the lessons learnt in other countries in private power development.

It was precisely to avoid such errors that the Electricity Act 2003 inserted the condition that a power project above 100 MW should come through the open, competitive tendering. Yet Dr Mukul Sangma decided to flout this very norm without giving us very explicit reasons for doing so. Having signed the MOA with at least five companies in quick succession and under dubious circumstances, he naturally does not want to revoke the agreements. From his press conference one gleans that Sangma is a desperado. Like all desperados he has decided to dig in his heels and take the entire cabinet for granted by pushing right ahead with his intentions. He has even taken the Chief Minister for granted because Mr Lapang has stated just a couple of days ago that the cabinet would meet and discuss the matter afresh.

How did Dr Mukul Sangma become so powerful? Where does he derive his powers from? Being Power Minister does not necessarily make him a super-power. Yet the guy walks big and talks big as if the entire cabinet did not matter. I wonder how his colleagues are willing to take this kind political arrogance lying down? The regional parties supporting the MDA government have made some polite noises but they are not loud enough to make the desired impact. They should be clear in their stand and not wishy washy, power crazy megalomaniacs.

Mr Paul Lyngdoh has thrown the gauntlet at Dr Mukul Sangma. While one appreciates this verbal sparring one also looks forward to a more orchestrated action from KHNAM and those other political parties that claim to be the custodians of Meghalaya’s heritage. Neither the Congress party nor Dr Mukul Sangma have proprietory rights over Meghalaya.

But why is Mr Lapang so silent? Where is the man who wants to leave behind footsteps in the sand of time? Is he still Chief Minister or is Dr Mukul Sangma the de facto Chief? Mr Lapang if you are the CM, this is the time to stand up and be counted if you want to be remembered by posterity!

If good rainfall, higher agricultural production, huge inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), improved performance of the manufacturing, core and infrastructure sectors, and the record high stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, were some of the high points of Indian economy in 2007, the outlook for the year 2008 appears to be less positive. The soaring food prices in both the local and global markets, rising costs of energy and the lack of political consensus on development issues threaten to play the spoilsport and affect the economic growth in 2008.

The country’s current political scene marked by a growing antagonism among the national as well as regional parties, the rise of ultra-leftist and fundamentalist elements, social and communal tensions and the increasing menace of the Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism is likely to put the economy under pressure in the pre-Lok Sabha election year. In fact, the political scene is so uncertain, especially after the massive debacle of the Congress in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, that the rift among the members of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and their Left supporters, constantly indulging in blame game, may widen further leading to even an early national election around November this year.

Domestic food prices are ruling at all-time high levels. The year-end Indian tender to import one million tonnes of wheat for delivery in March 2008 and the news of the precarious wheat and rice stocks position of the state-owned Food Corporation of India jacked up the prices of these food grains in both the domestic and international markets. The new arrival of kharif crops has failed to ease the prices of rice, which is normally cheaper during this time of the year. The trading in commodity futures and the growing tendency towards forging a price linkage between the local and global markets by speculators are likely to keep the prices of agricultural commodities firm at higher levels throughout the year.

The retail prices of rice have gone up by 15 cent to 25 per cent. The edible oil price per litre (910 gram) is inching towards the Rs. 100 mark. The popular brands of sunflower oil now cost around Rs. 93 per litre, over 20 per cent higher than the price a year ago. The prices of bread, butter, Cheese and other daily-use processed foods are at their all-time high levels. This is bound to raise the inflationary pressure on the economy during 2008. Further, a weak monsoon will only add to the problem.

A food shortage in the world’s second most populous country could rock the global food prices. This is already taking place in anticipation that an economically wealthier India will be required to import more cereals, pulses and edible oil during this year as well as in the coming years unless there is a radical change in its agricultural policies and practices. Experts feel that food prices may reach crisis levels by the middle of 2008.

Simultaneously, global food prices too have reached a record high. At the Chicago grains exchange, wheat and rice prices for delivery in March have jumped to an all-time peak level. Soybean prices are at 34-year high. Corn prices are at an 11-year peak. According to Advanced Economic Solutions, a US consultancy firm, the food prices increase is "their fastest since 1980s, but the full brunt of those increases will begin in earnest in 2008." High demand, poor harvests and low stockpiles are primarily responsible for the global rise in food prices. High cereals prices are here to stay, feels Morgan Stanley. This is bad news for India, where food, fuel and fertiliser traditionally continue to be the most compelling and dominating areas of import. With crude oil prices peaking at around $ 100 a barrel, higher food prices are bound to increase the inflationary pressure on the economy and, as a result, slow down its growth.

The power position is already tight. The peak hour power shortage in the country is over 15,000 MW. The quality and availability of power in smaller towns and rural areas continue to be poor. The rural business and agriculture are getting increasingly dependent on diesel generation, which is expensive as well as polluting. Even in modern industrial complexes such as Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Gurgaon in Haryana, more and more companies are going for high-powered diesel sets for a 100 per cent auxiliary power back-up to keep their establishments running during frequent and often prolonged periods of power cuts. Most of the ongoing power projects are running behind schedule.

Although the Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has cleared the controversial mega-issue of Reliance Power with riders in December, it will take at lease three years for the ambitious Anil Ambani project to see the light of the day. Most of the new mega-thermal power projects are based on gas to be made available from the fields in the Krishna-Godavari basin at prices which the electricity generating companies are finding uneconomic. Power shortage may turn out to be the single biggest hurdle to high industrial growth during 2008.

The political factor during the pre-election year may also slow down the pace of industrial growth as some of the regional political parties are joining extremist forces and realty sharks to make land acquisition for mega-projects more difficult in 2008. The prospective promoters of special economic zones (SEZs) may be forced to defer their projects by another year or so until the new government, hopefully with a strong public mandate, takes charge of the situation and plays a more effective role in industrial promotion and economic governance. Some 400 SEZs have so far been cleared by the government. The combined land requirement for these projects is over 80,000 hectares. The total investment lined up is close to Rs. 3,00,000 crore. These proposed SEZs, which are targeted to be ready by 2009, are expected to create some 21 lakh jobs directly. But, the growing political opposition to land acquisition may seal the fate of most of these SEZs. For instance, the government of Goa has already surrendered to its political opposition and local activists to denotify 12 out of the 15 proposed SEZs in the state.

The present government is unlikely to take its political opponents head on in order to pursue the sensitive issues such as land acquisition and the entry of the organised sector in the retail trade. At stake are huge investments in the infrastructure, core and services sectors. Indecision on such matters is bound to delay new power projects, including nuclear projects, steel mills, new airports and sea ports, expansion of national highways and development of mines. Unfortunately, this is a price the nation has to pay for its political indifference to developmental issues, in general, which is reflected on the polity through fractured election mandates, successive multi-party governments at the Centre and increasing power play by regional parties in the matters of national interest. Long-term economic goals are being sacrificed for short-term political gains. The results of the next Parliamentary election hold the key to the growth and progress of the Indian economy. (IPA Service)

Sir,

There was a time when cricket was known as a gentleman's game. It is a matter of serious concern that the world's most civilized game is fraught with racism, which is spilling over from the field to the crowds. It is unfortunate that the Sydney Test was played in a hostile atmosphere. One bad decision can be the result of a mistake; repeated mistakes cannot and should not be condoned. No doubt, the Australians are a better team but they certainly do not deserve to win the Sydney Test. Umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson turned the match in Australia's favour with some atrocious decisions. The duo should have been declared the 'men-of-the-match' for consistently erring in their decisions.

Anil Kumble and Team India conducted themselves in the most dignified way. The Men in Blue played in 'the spirit of the game' and team Australia known for its on and off field aggression turned out to be on a losing side.

Team India should not pull out from the remaining two matches, but should continue to play in good spirit of sportsmanship. Winning is not important. What is important is to fight well. Australian team should learn more than cricket from Kumble and his boys. Hats off to India for fighting well.

Yours etc.,
Bivan Rodriques Mukhim
Via e-mail

Sir,

The recent India Australia Test match in Sydney has once again proved how biased the cricket laws towards the white skin. Senseless umpiring cost India the match. But the sad part of the story lies in the approach taken by BCCI. Being the most powerful cricketing body in the world it could have taken a tough stand. But the vice-president of the board was quoted as saying "we will protest". Is that all the BCCI will be doing?

India should have walked off the field as nobody will care to remember what happened on the field but this Test match will be registered as another of Aussies win. In 2006 Inzamam-ul-Haq had called off his team during the Oval Test after the ball tempering issue. It resulted in the ouster of one of the most controversial umpires in cricket. Indians should play the next Test wearing black armbands if they continue with the tour. It is high time we use the ICC the same way the US does to the United Nations.

Yours etc.,
Subhadeep Bhattacharjee
Via e-mail

Though no violent incidents have been reported, the bandh was supposedly observed strictly in Bishnupur district and some other pockets of the State.

Inter-district buses stayed off the roads, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed for the day.

Even the State Medical Department did not entertain patients during the bandh in Bishnupur. However, government offices and taxis in Imphal functioned as normal days.

The bandh was sponsored by Delimitation Watch Committee Manipur and endorsed by organizations such as the Objection Committee against Delimitation in Bishnupur district.

Bandh supporters, comprising mostly of women, turned out in large numbers in Bishnupur district particularly along Teddim road, stretching from Nambol till Kwakta to make sure the bandh is strictly enforced.

The bandh was totally effective in places like Nambol, Bishnupur Bazaar, Ningthoukhong Bazaar, Moirang Bazaar, and Kwakta Bazaar of Bishnupur district.

RK Ashalata, the vice chairperson of the Objection Committee against Delimitation in Bishnupur District told media persons on Thursday that unending agitations would be taken up, even at the cost of our lives, till concerned authority gives its nod to stop delimitation in Manipur.

Even as the bandh paralyzed life in the State, the Objection Committee against Delimitation in Bishnupur District has announced to call 24-hour Bishnupur district bandh from 6 p.m. of January 10 to 6 p.m. of January 11 to register protest against the decision of Delimitation Commission of India, to delimit constituencies in Bishnupur district.

Meanwhile, two tribal apex students ' organisations, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO-Ghq) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) have already announced to call 12-hour Manipur bandh on January 11 to mount pressure to authorities concerned for early completion of delimitation procedure in Manipur.

The two student bodies also cautioned that any delay in carrying out delimitation process in the State may invite "unwarranted" problems. It also appealed all like-minded civil organizations to extend support to the bandh. (NNN)

Puwali Duwarah alias Hiren of the ULFA's elite strike force 28 Battalion was shot dead at Ahukhat village, under Makum police station, when he exchanged fire with the troops.

A search for him began on Wednesday night.

When the troops approached the house where he was hiding, Puwali opened fire on them, defence officials said.

He was killed in retaliatory fire.

A .32 pistol and some ammunition were recovered from him. (PTI)

Agartala: The Tripura Home department has replaced the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) with the CRPF in the remote Sarbangcherra area of West Tripura following protests from the villagers after a tribal boy was allegedly killed in TSR firing.

Official sources said here that the 11th batallion of the TSR, responsible for the firing, had been removed from the area and the 173rd batallion of the CRPF was posted in its place.

The state administration initiated magisterial enquiry into the incident which occurred on January 7.

The situation had become volatile when hundreds of people from the Kalyanpur area took out a funeral procession with the minor's body, who was killed in the TSR firing. The state administration also deployed additional security forces across the trouble-torn Kalyanpur police station area in West Tripura following the violent outbursts in which an irate mob went on a rampage and set at least six huts of CPM supporters afire.

The villagers also staged demonstrations in front of the Kalyanpur police station demanding compensation for the victim's family and punishment for the jawans who had allegedly killed the tribal boy. Local Congress MLA Kajal Das alleged that the TSR might have mistaken a group of woodcutters as militants and fired at them. (UNI)

Aizawl: The Mizoram State Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has stated that at least five persons in the city died of respiratory problems due to the pollution caused by fireworks and crackers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

MPCB secretary Lalduhawma said the Board had decided to conduct research and subsequent awareness campaign on the ill effects of pollution by fireworks and crackers on the health.

''Five people have died of respiratory problems within a week after New Year. This clearly points out the harmful after-effects of the fireworks and crackers bursted during the New Year celebrations,'' the MPCB secretary said.

''We need to provide scientific evidence that the air pollution caused by fireworks is the cause of deaths for people with respiratory problems. At the moment, we are in the process of collecting data from hospitals in the state capital and so far, we have visited three hospitals. We have irrefutable proof that the revelries are resulting in people's death,'' he said.

He said the fireworks in the developed countries were being handled by pyrotechnic engineers, which were manufactured under license with permissible pollutants.

''Moreover, these displays hardly last more than two minutes and are usually fired into the sky which minimises the risk of air pollution because the pollutants have time to dissipate in the air,'' he stated.

Asked about fireworks manufacturing in India, Mr Lalduhawma said while some manufacturers were licensed by various state pollution control boards, many unlicensed manufacturers existed, which created difficulties for pollution control boards.

''Some manufacturers follow pollution control board norms when manufacturing fireworks and these contain permissible amounts of pollutants. But the real problem is that many unlicensed manufacturers whose products cannot be monitored. The only way to prevent high air pollution during the festive seasons is not to allow individuals to burn fireworks,'' he said.

Despite the MPCB's earnest appeal, fireworks and crackers were burst in large numbers by children and adults alike in Aizawl and other areas of the state during the New Year celebrations. (UNI)

Kohima: The Nagaland's People Front (NPF) on Thursday claimed that it was a victory for the party after Gauhati High Court admitted their writ petition challenging the Centre's imposition of President's Rule.

NPF leader and MLA Yivatchu had filed the writ petition on behalf of the outgoing Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) before the High court on Wednesday.

NPF press secretary Abu Metha said the first hearing took place on Wednesday without any opposition from the council representing the Centre and state government officials.

The court had asked the Centre to file a counter affidavit by January 25 and fixed the next hearing on February 5 next.

The petition was heard by a division bench consisting of Chief Justice Jasti Chelemaswar and Mr Justice A Postangbam who admitted it for hearing. (UNI)

Imphal: An assistant inspector of Manipur government Education department was shot dead by two unidentified militants at Wangoi in Imphal West district.

Official sources said the militants who appeared to be known to the victim called out W. Sanatomba (46) from his house at Wangoi, about 25 km south of here, late Wednesday night and shot at him from a point blank range before escaping.

Sanatomba, who was working as an assistant inspector at the Wangoi zonal education office, was rushed to a private hospital at Imphal, but he succumbed to his injuries late last night, sources said. The motive behind the crime was not known.

In another incident on Wednesday night, unidentified militanls shot dead a 30-year-old man identified as Wangkhem Varnachandra at his house at Kairang Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district, sources said. (PTI)

Aizawl: A granary for people in need of food in 'mautam' (famine) ravaged Mizoram has been set up by a government official's wife.

Named 'Joseph's granary', it has been set up Lalbiakdlki, the wife of Chief Secretary Haukhum Hauzel near his official residence.

Lalbiakdlki, who bought 7,000 kg of unhusked rice from Manipur for the granary said she named it after the biblical figure of Joseph, the confidant of a Pharaoh, who constructed one for Israelites who suffered miserably due to famine in ancient Egypt.

She said NGOs, groups of people and individuals could donate rice, the staple food of the Mizos, in the 'Josefa Buhzem' as the granary is named in the local language.

The rice, she said, would would be distributed to needy villagers facing famine after total crop failure last year.

The scarcity was caused by invading rats, which caused massive destruction to cultivated areas, while torrential rain led to fish being washed away from ponds.

The Food Corporation of India also failed to deliver rice on time.

The ravage by rodents of cultivated areas in the whole of Mizoram this year has left farmers with almost nothing to harvest, especially paddy causing acute scarcity of food in the villages.

The rat population, which devasted the crops, increased after feeding on bamboo seeds, James Lalslamllana, a scientist in the state agriculture department said.

Almost all the 'mautak' or melocanna baccifera, comprising 95 per cent of the bamboo in the state had completed flowering.

Many villagers, who are on the verge of starvation would be given employment through funds earmarked for Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat scheme (BASSACOS) under the Centre's 'Food for work programme' where the villagers would work to create community assets amd receive rice in return.

The state cabinet recently decided to double the wages for such work and also increase rice quota from two kilograme to three kilogramme per week per adult to mitigate the impact of the mautam. (PTI)