News of 12th February 2008
National | Shillong | Interntional | Editorial | Regional | Sports
Birdflu leaves Saraswati sans swan
Kolkata:
Birdflu has hit 'Devi Vandana' with Saraswati being worshipped without a swan, her carrier, in some areas of West Bengal on Monday.A club at Madhayamgram in North 24 Parganas district, one of the H5N1 virus affected districts, had the goddess without her swan.
Club members said, "this is the first time that swans are not accompanying the Devi, which is a fallout of birdflu that has wrought havoc with chickens and ducks."
Students, in particular, offered prayers before the goddess of learning to seek her blessings.
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who held a press conference at Kolkata Press Club, which organised Saraswati puja, said, "it is heartening that such puja is being held by the media when Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee is against Saraswati Vandana."
Meanwhile, culling operations in Bird flu hit West Bengal inched towards completion today as no fresh mortality of poultry was reported from the state.
The cumulative mortality of poultry birds remains at 1,33,135, which has been reported from the affected districts of the state, the Union Animal Husbandry Department said here.
There are no further reports from the HSADL, Bhopal, of any sample testing positive from any part of the country, including West Bengal, it said.
The state has completed culling of 49,321 birds, taking the cumulative figure of culling done so far to 37.82 lakh. The revised culling target is 38.56 lakh.
Meanwhile, preventive culling undertaken in Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts of neighbouring Assam has been completed. Mopping up operations are currently underway there.
In Bihar, culling of 95,270 birds has so far been done. In Jharkhand the operations are tentatively scheduled to begin on February 14.
Meanwhile, with authorities just about finishing culling of affected poultry in neighbouring West Bengal, a birdflu scare is looming over Orissa after some chicken deaths were reported in Kalahandi district. (PTI)
Indian politicians arrogant: Advani
New Delhi
: It is a common refrain among the masses that many Indian politicians are arrogant and senior BJP leader LK Advani seems to share the view.According to Advani, many politicians in the country are "arrogant" and this attitude is not seen in other democratic countries.
The reason Advani feels is that Indian politicians enjoy a very powerful position.
"We have come to occupy a place, enjoy a clout far in excess of our inherent merit," he said after releasing a book on late Jan Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyay.
Advani cited the example of Upadhyay noting that he used to say that one should not think about oneself and instead should think about the party and its larger goals. (PTI)
N-deal talks
Kottayam
: Adding a new dimension to its stand on Indo-US Nuclear deal, CPI(M) on Monday said it would not allow the government to finalize a safeguards agreement with International Atomic Enercy Agency (IAEA) as a follow-up to Indo-US nuclear deal until after U.S. Presidential elections.CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat told a seminar on the nuclear issue here that India should not sign any nuclear agreement with the US till a new dispensation emerges after the coming elections in America. (PTI)Parliament session
New Delhi:
The Budget session of Parliament will commence on February 25, it was officially announced here on Monday. The session will start with President Pratibha Patil's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses at 11 AM on February 25. While Railway Minister Lalu Prasad would present the Rail Budget for 2008-09 on February 26, Finance Minister P Chidambaram would present the General Budget for 2008-09 on February 29. The three-month session will witness a total 35 sitting. (PTI)Police files FIR against
Thackeray, Azmi
Anti-North
Indian Campaign
Mumbai
: Under attack for delay in taking action after the recent violence, the Mumbai Police registered cases against both Raj Thackeray and Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi for allegedly promoting enmity between regional groups and inciting violence and said they will be arrested."The offences are cognisable and non-bailable and the arrest has to take place some day or other," Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) KL Prasad said, adding that the arrests are "mandatory" but was left to the Investigating Officer to decide when to go ahead.
Both Raj, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena(MNS), and Azmi have also been ordered by the police to stay away from the media and not to organsie rallies for the next seven days failing which action would be taken.
The FIRs were filed against the two leaders amid trading of charges by MNS and Samajwadi on the circumstances that led to the violence in the country's commercial capital in the backdrop of Raj's tirade against North Indians.
"There was enough evidence to register cases against Raj and Azmi," Prasad told reporters.
The case against Raj was registered at the suburban Vikhroli police station last night while the FIR was filed against Azmi at the Shivaji Park police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VII) D Karale told PTI.
Raj was booked under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153 A (promoting enmity between groups on the basis of place of birth, residence, etc) and 153 B (imputations, assertations prejudicial to national integration). Azmi was also booked under identical charges.
"We have also sent them notices under Section 144 of the CrPC and have said they cannot take any press conferences or rallies for the next seven days. If they violate this we will take action against them," Prasad said.
‘Outbursts unlike Marathi culture’
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Monday flayed Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray for their "outbursts against non-Marathi people", saying their stand is "unlike Maharashtrian culture".
"It's unlike Maharashtrian culture. Mumbai is an all-inclusive city (people from states other than Maharashtra reside there)," Prasad told reporters when his reaction was sought after a function here. (PTI)
Boards in non-Marathi langauges axed
Kopargaon : About 200 Shiv Sena activists on Monday removed boards of hotels and stores written in Telugu and Tamil at the piligrimage town of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district.
Police said 40 Shiv Sainiks have been detained so far and search for others was in progress.
The activists were led by local Sena leader Baba Damale.
Shiv Sena said Maharashtra Government, in its order five years ago, had stated that use of Marathi language should be made mandatory on the boards or in offices.
The saffron outift had a month ago requested District Collector P Anbaglan to ask all hoteliers and store-owners in Shirdi to write their boards in Marathi. It had warned of an agitation if the demand was not met.
Meanwhile, Sub-divisional Officer Nandkumar Suryavanshi and Chief Executive Officer of Shirdi Municipal Council Shantaram Gosavi told PTI that they have directed hoteliers and owners of stores in Shirdi to write their boards first in Marathi followed by other languages within eight days.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Santosh Gangwal said the party has also asked the tehsildar to issue an order to make boards in Marathi in Shirdi.
"If the administration failed to do so, we will launch an agiation," he warned. (PTI)
Gere seeks stay of arrest,
SC issues notice
kissing
row
New Delhi: Hollywood actor and anti-AIDS campaigner Richard Gere seeking stay of his arrest warrant in connection with the kissing row with actress Shipa Sheety on Monday told the Supreme Court that he was willing to submit to the jurisdiction of the concerned courts in the country.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan issued notice to the complainant on whose plea a Jaipur court had issued arrest warrant to Gere.
The court also sought a response from the Rajasthan Government after senior advocate Indira Jaisinh, appearing for Gere, said the actor, who is schedule to come to India in March, was ready to submit to the court's jurisdiction.
She said the warrant was issued after the actor had left the country. The Jaipur court had restrained him from leaving the country.
However, during the hearing, advocate Anupam Lal Das, appearing for the complainant Poonam Chandra Bhandari, alleged that there was a conspiracy by the actor to secure an ex-parte order.
He said Gere in his application has named the father of the complainant as respondent who was dead.
"How can title of the matter be changed. Instead of complainant, her father who is dead has been made a party so that order could be passed ex-parte," he alleged and submitted that an inquiry be ordered.
However, the counsel appearing for Gere said it was only a bonafide error which will be amended. Das, who accepted the notice on behalf of Bhandari, also questioned the relief sought by Gere contending that he had filed his application on the pending petition of Shetty in which he was a respondent.
The apex court had already stayed the arrest warrant issued against Shetty and had also issued notice on her plea to transfer the case to a Mumbai Court.
Hollywood actor in his application said that he was being harassed and victimised by way of private criminal complaints filed against him in Jaipur and Mundawar in Rajasthan, which were nothing but bids to attract media attention. (PTI)
Two more arrested in CRPF camp attack case
Rampur (UP)
: A day after three LeT militants were arrested here for their alleged involvement in the January one attack on the CRPF camp, the special task force of Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested two more persons in this connection.According to police sources, Gulab Khan, who was arrested today, had offered his motor garage for storing the weapons used in the attack in which eight persons, including seven security personnel, were killed.
One of the arrested militants, Mohammad Sharif, had allegedly kept the weapons in Khan's garage, sources said.
The STF also arrested one Mohammad Kausar, a resident of Pratapgarh district, in whose house some of the weapons were also kept, sources said.
The two were produced before a district court here which remanded them to judicial custody for 14 days.
The STF had arrested six LeT militants from here and Lucknow yesterday who had attacked the CRPF camp and were also involved in the 2005 attack at the Indian Institute of Sciences in Bangalore. (PTI)
Cong blames NDA negligence for Kargil
New Delhi: Continuing its attack on the BJP over the issue of security, the Congress on Monday held the then NDA government's "huge negligence" responsible for the Kargil intrusion.
"This (Kargil incident) was entirely because of negligence of the NDA government, although the Congress and the nation stood rock-solid, indeed, in its attempt to expel those intruders," AICC spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.
He said the country has not learnt the "huge negligence" of the NDA government in allowing the Kargil incident in 1999.
Singhvi said the country would want to know from the then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister L K Advani as to how the Kargil intruders occupied 130 posts in 1999 and how Pakistan was sufficiently emboldened to do it when it had not dared attack India directly or indirectly for 28 years.
"We believe in a united effort. We all have to fight terrorism together. Mr Advani, it is you who has created a climate of insecurity and lifted the accusing finger towards us. Are you concerned about the nation or about politicking?," he said.
The allegations made by the BJP are false and detract from the national unity in combating terrorism, he alleged.
"The terror record of the BJP is deplorable and, indeed, condemnable. Between 1998 and 2004, they failed on all fronts of terror, law and order and yet the then Home Minister has the audacity to lecture us," Singhvi said.
"The number, scope and gravity of terrorist incidents were much worse under Advani's able stewardship," Singhvi remarked. (PTI)
Madhya Pradesh minister dies in road mishap
Bhopal
: Madhya Pradesh Education Minister Laxman Singh Gaud was killed on Monday night when a car carrying him collided with a stationary truck on a road in Dewas city, about 150km from here.The car in which 50-year-old Gaud was travelling from his home town Indore to Bhopal, rammed into the dumper truck parked near a road side eatery, Indore District Collector Vivek Agrawal told PTI. The minister suffered severe head injuries and was taken to Bombay Hospital in Indore, about 40km from the accident site, where he was declared brought dead, he said.
Gaud's driver Preetam Prajapati, gunman Rishi Tiwari and personal assistant were injured and admitted to a hospital in Dewas.
Gaud, who was inducted into the BJP government in August last year, is survived by his wife and three sons.
The driver of the dumper truck Santosh was also injured in the collision.
The minister's injured gunman and roadside eatery owners informed the authorities about the accident after which police arrived on the scene and took Gaud to Dewas district hospital from where he was sent to the Bombay Hospital.
Beginning as a RSS activist, Gaud had been a leader of the youth wing of BJP and the party's students front. He was a three-time MLA from Indore.
The State Government declared three days of state mourning and said its offices, schools, and colleges would remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect to Gaud.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the untimely death of Gaud was an "irreparable loss" to the party and the society. (PTI)
SBI cuts lending rate
Mumbai
: Country's largest lender SBI on Monday cut the benchmark lending rate by 0.25 per cent to 12.5 per cent, even as Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra reduced interest rates in different segments by 0.25-2.5 per cent. UCO Bank and Indian Overseas Bank are also expected to reduce prime lending rate by 0.25 per cent after their asset-liability committee (ALCO) meeting later this week. "Benchmark Prime Lending Rate is revised downward by 0.25 per cent from 12.75 per cent to 12.50 per cent with effect from February 16," SBI said in a communication to the Bombay Stock Exchange.The reduction in BPLR is likely to moderate SBI's lending rates for all category of borrowers, including housing (floating rate), corporate, car loan etc. Canara Bank, Allahabad Bank, HDFC and PNB Housing Finance have already reduced housing loan rates by 0.25-1 per cent. (PTI)
CBI raids kidney kingpin’s nursing home, guest house
New Delhi: As part of its probe into the kidney transplant racket whose alleged kingpin is Amit Kumar, the CBI on Monday carried out searches at six places in Gurgaon and his nursing home and guest house and took charge of three of his suspected accomplices arrested by Uttar Pradesh police.
The agency, which is probing the inter-state and possible international ramifications of the multi-million dollar racket, carried out the searches also at some other nursing homes, guest houses and residences at Gurgaon.
The searches were conducted by seven CBI teams along with forensic experts.
The CBI questioned Kumar, who was remanded to the custody of the investigating agency till February 22, for the third day in succession to ascertain about the foreign links to his racket.
Kumar's statements need to be corroborated before any further action could be taken, a CBI official, associated with the probe, said.
Meanwhile, three of Kumar's suspected accomplices Upender, Jagdish Nai and Gyasuddin, arrested by Moradabad police, were handed over to CBI after which they were presented before a court in Gurgaon which remanded the trio to the agency's custody till February 16.
CBI registered a case against Amit Kumar and others on February eight under sections 420 (cheating), 342 (illegal confinement), 326 (causing grievous hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and section 18 and 19 of Transplantation of Human Organs Act of 1994. The case was transferred to CBI by Haryana government.
Kumar, who was arrested by the Nepalese authorities, was brought back to India on Saturday last, two weeks after the racket came to light on January 24.
The CBI had also approached Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police to hand over all the evidence gathered by them so far to the agency, the sources said.
In a related development, a doctor Saraj Kovid, today surrendered before a court in Gurgaon court.
The CBI has moved an application seeking his remand, which will be heard on Tuesday, the sources said. (PTI)
He lost job due to handlebar moustache
New Delhi: A former Indian Airlines flight purser on Monday moved the Supreme Court against his dismissal on charges of sporting handlebar moustache.
Sacked Indian Airlines employee Joynath Victor De, who is also a member of London's famed Handlebar Club, petitioned the apex court after waging a long legal battle at the Calcutta High Court and winning the initial round of litigation.
He told the apex court in his plea that he has been "keeping a stout moustache as part of his family custom and spiritual faith".
A bench of Justices HK Sema and Markandey Katju issued notice to the state-run domestic airliner and sought its reply within four weeks.
De told the court that he had begun sporting the moustache since 1968, when he joined the airlines. He went on to become assistant manager in 1994 on the basis of his efficiency and integrity of character.
De told the court that he had scrupulously adhered to the airline's conduct rules of 1991 that "all crew members should have well groomed appearance and moustache, if worn, would be neatly trimmed". He said he adhered to the rules even when the airline scrapped the provision between 1996 and 1998.
However, in July 1998, Indian Airlines revived the provision with the amendment that "except Sikhs, all crew members should be clean shaven, and moustache, if worn, should not extend beyond upper lips", said De.
Soon after, he was issued a notice asking him why he should not be sacked for keeping a handlebar moustache. He told the court that despite his explanation, the airlines forced him to take premature retirement at the age of 55 in January 2001.
A single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court held his sacking as illegal, but a division bench of the high court set aside the order.
De approached the apex court, challenging the high court's final order.
London's famed Handlebar Club was launched a campaign against De's removal. "We know that the other employees of Indian Airlines Ltd. are fully in sympathy with De, but we believe that he is the victim of a personal grudge. Due to the action taken against him by Indian Airlines Ltd. for keeping his moustache, De and his family have suffered tremendously, mentally as well as financially," read a message, posted on the Club's website.
"It seems particularly surprising that antipathy to the moustache should arise in India, because, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the holders of the record for the longest moustache in the world have for several years been Indian gentlemen. While in no way seeking to achieve such an extravagant outcome, De is only following in a respected Indian tradition," the message read. (IANS)
Lapang, Salseng file nominations, tally 63
Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA: Chief Minister DD Lapang and former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak were among candidates to file their nominations on Monday, raising the tally of nomination papers filed to 63.
After filing their nominations, both Mr Lapang and Mr Marak said they were confident of winning the election.
Mining and Geology Minister Nehlang Lyngdoh and State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Phing Well Muktieh also filed their nominations for Rymbai (Jaintia Hills) and Mawhati (Ri-Bhoi) seats.
In Ri-Bhoi district, apart from Mr Lapang, two nominations were filed for Jirang constituency by sitting MDC William Mynsong (Congress) and Oral Syngkli (BJP), Durut Majaw (BJP) filed his papers for Umroi segment.
Former minister Roytre C Laloo (Congress) also filed his nominations for Jowai seat, Jaintia Hills district.
In East Khasi Hills, sitting legislators Manas Chaudhuri (Ind) from Mawprem and AL Hek (BJP) from Pynthorumkhrah filed their nominations. Sitting MDCs Phlour W Khongji (Congress) and David Kharsati (UDP) filed their papers for Sohra and Sohryngkham constituencies respectively.
Former UDP leader Malcolm Tariang (Ind) filed his nominations for Laitumkhrah constiteuncy, Forward L Mawlong (NCP) for Sohiong, Dondor S Rumnong (BJP) for Mylliem, Basil Lamin (BJP) for Malki-Nongthymmai and John Goulbert Soannes (BJP) for Laitumkhrah.
Among other contenders who filed their nominations in the district were Ganold S Massar (UDP) from Mawkhar, W Laslarton Lyngdoh (BJP) from Mawkhar, Vijay Raj (BJP) from Mawprem, Edward Kharwanlang (BJP) from Laban, Sanjoy Das (Congress) from Laban, Manosha Warjri (BJP) from Sohryngkham, Samuel Khongbuh (UDP) from Lyngkyrdem and Rockfeller Rangdkhew (BJP) and Khraw Kupar Jyrwa (NCP), both from Mawsynram.
In West Khasi Hills district, nomination papers were submitted by sitting legislator Francis Pondit R Sangma (Congress) from Mawthengkut, sitting MDC J Stormding Thongni (Congress) from Nongstoin, BB Lynda Wahlang (NCP) from Mairang and Hadrian Lyngdoh (NCP) from Mawkyrwat.
In Garo Hills, a total of 26 candidates filed their nominations. Majority of them were from West Garo Hills. South Garo Hills has yet to see any candidates submit their papers.
Besides Mr Marak, former education ministers Chamberline B Marak (Congress) and Frankenstein W Momin (Congress) filed their papers for Bajengdoba and Mendipather seats.
In West Garo Hills, 16 candidates filed their papers. They included former minister and sitting Rajabala MLA Sayedullah Nongrum (Congress) and Tura MDC John Leslee K Sangma (Ind) for Tura Assembly seat.
East Garo Hills, NCP candidates Marcuish Sangma (Rongrenggiri), sitting MLA Desang M Sangma (Rongjeng), Nihim D Shira (Songsak) and Omillo K Sangma (Kharkutta) filed their nominations. Two MDP candidates --former minister Sujit Sangma (Rongjeng) and Lenitha M Sangma (Rongrenggiri) -- also filed their nominations before the Returning Officer in Williamnagar. Independent candidate Choronsing Marak filed his papers for Resubelpara constituency.
Other contestants to file their nomination papers from West Garo Hills were Nogen Rava (Ind) for Tikrikilla constiteuncy, Tangseng R Marak (UDP) and Joshburden Sangma (Ind) for Dadenggre, Tengnang R Marak (UDP) for Rongchugiri, Azizug Zaman (Ind) for Phulbari, Milson A Sangma (Ind) for Rajabala, Crenathson A Sangma (Ind) and Ismail R Marak (Ind) for Rongram, Pillipole D Marak (NCP) for Kherapara, NitraNarayan Simchang (Ind), Gopal A Sangma (UDP) and Jan Arengh (Ind) for Dalu, Utpal Arengh (UDP) for Dalamgre and Dr Sigstar Sangma (UDP) for Rangsakona.
Symbol blow to KHNAM
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG:
In what may be seen as a setback to KHNAM ahead of the Assembly elections, the party has lost its symbol of bow and arrow, forcing it to adopt a new symbol -- dao.KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh on Monday said the Election Commission had informed his party that it would not be able to use the bow-and-arrow symbol which was already declared a permanent symbol of Jharkand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
JMM was recognised as a national party after it had contested the 2005 Assembly elections with the bow-and-arrow symbol.
Interestingly, KHNAM had contested the last Assembly elections with the bow-and-arrow symbol and won two seats.
"Now, we have chosen dao as our new symbol," Mr Lyngdoh said.
He, however, said KHNAM was considering legal options regarding the sudden decision of the Election Commission to deny his party its old symbol.
"Despite the change of symbol, KHNAM is well-placed and is expected to win at least seven seats," Mr Lyngdoh added.
The party will contest the polls from 14 constituencies on its own and support HSPDP in 9 other seats.
He also said KHNAM would hold publicity campaigns through CDs and posters, projecting the new symbol of the party.
I’m in race for CM’s post:Mukul
Shillong
: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Mukul M Sangma has announced that he will be contesting for the post of Chief Minister.''Yes I am also a contender for the post,'' Dr Sangma, who is seeking his re-election from Ampati constituency in West Garo Hills District, told mediapersons in Garo Hills on Monday.
His statement assumed significance after former Lok Sabha Speaker and Nationalist Congress Party leader Purno A Sangma declared his candidature for the upcoming Assembly polls on March three. (UNI)
Cong open to tie-up with NCP, regional parties, says Lapang
NONGPOH: Chief Minister DD Lapang has said Congress is open to alliance with NCP and any regional parties if the Assembly polls throw up a hung Assembly.
"Congress is open to alliance with any parties, including regional parties and NCP, except BJP in the event of a hung Assembly after the elections," Mr Lapang told newsmen after filing his nominations for Nongpoh constituency on Monday.
Claiming that he had fulfilled the aspirations of the people, the Chief Minister said the good work done by his government would help Congress come back to power in the State.
"Work speaks louder than words, and the people will allow us to come back to power," he said, adding, "During our next term we will ensure that development reaches the poorest of the poor and the fruits of development go to every nook and corner of the State."
He said members of Congress were working in tandem, terming grassroots workers as star campaigners for the party.
On the role of regional parties in the State, Mr Lapang said, "The regional parties have their own ideologies and I should not poke my nose into their affairs. Our party is an old party, and it was established to win India freedom. The Congress ideology has remained the same since its inception. Its objective is not only winning elections but serving the people as well."
Asked if there would be any alliance with NCP in case of a hung Assembly, the Chief Minister said, "We respect NCP as a national party. It depends on the people to decide who should lead the next government. But we are definitely open to NCP." (EP News)
Cong plans ‘community’ campaign
By Our Reporter
HILLONG: Sounding confident of doing well in the forthcoming elections, Congress on Monday said top party leaders representing different communities would hit the campaign trail to win the support of different communities in the State.
Talking to reporters here on Monday, AICC member and West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) general secretary N Bhattarcharya said Congress would ask top party leaders representing different communities to campaign for the party, particularly in localities where the majority of population belonged to a particular community.
"The basic motive behind this approach is to win the confidence of people by making them aware of the programmes and policies of the party in a better way. This will ultimately bring the party more votes," Mr Bhattarcharya said.
He said AICC had appointed 11 central observers in the seven districts of the State to make an overall assessment of the party's chances in the ensuing elections.
Mr Bhattarcharya, also a central observer for the eight constituencies in Shillong city, said after visiting almost all seats in the capital city and seeing the response of people to Congress candidates, he was pretty confident that Congress would win majority of the seats in the elections.
He said Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi is scheduled to visit Meghalaya again on February 24 to take part in a public rally.
Mr Bhattacharya, along with his fellow central observer Subodh Chakraborty, also toured Mawlai to assess the party's chances in the constituency.
Ex-CM rues lack of development
Saleng blames it on leadership crisis
From Our Correspondent
TURA: Former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak has expressed his unhappiness over lack of development in the State during the last five years and attributed this to the leadership crisis plaguing Meghalaya.
Speaking to The Shillong Times at his residence in Gajing, Resubelpara, shortly after filing his nomination papers for the Resubelpara seat, on Monday, Mr Marak exuded confidence the State would progress under his leadership.
Mr Marak is the only Chief Minister in the State, after Late Captain Williamson A Sangma, to complete his full five-year term without any major crisis to his Cabinet.
"As far as the issue of being a contender for the next Chief Minister's seat is concerned, I cannot say yes or no. If I say 'yes' I would be bluffing you, and if I say 'no' I would be cheating you," said the former Chief Minister diplomatically, while at the same time giving enough indications he is also in the race.
The Congress veteran is seen as a stiff contender to the chief minister's chair should the Congress form the government.
He said general development in the state was absent in the last five years particularly in the field of education, roads, health and rural development. "People's expectations have not been met. The need for proper physical infrastructure and development has been wasted. The only development was confined to MLAs schemes," he remarked.
Mr Marak opposed hike in allocation for MLA schemes from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 1 crore annually and called for its review. "Such a large amounts for each MLA is not justified, we need to review that. Where can we get funds for the overall development of the State if a major chunk of the State revenue is spent on MLAs?" questioned Mr Marak.
When asked for his comments on the MBOSE agitation, uranium and recent power deal controversy that forced NGOs to take to the streets, Mr Marak said it was upto those at the helm of affairs to make a decision on what ought to be given a priority and also ensure it was taken up in the interest of everyone.
On the return of Purno A Sangma to the State politics, he said, "it is his (Purno's) individual decision but it should not be for playing politics".
Mr Marak has made it his priority to ensure the dream of a North Garo Hills District becomes a reality. "It is a long standing demand of the people. I had promised to help achieve that dream during my last election campaign, but unfortunately I did not get elected. This time it will be different," said the former Chief Minister.
Salseng will make a comeback to politics this year after a brief exile.
Police seek RO’s assent to
arrest candidate
UDP candidate’s brother held in assault case
SHILLONG:
Meghalaya Police on Monday arrested UDP candidate from Sutnga-Shangpung constituency Richard Sing Lyngdoh's brother Self Denial Lyngdoh for 'assaulting' an electorate.The state police have also sought permission from the Returning Officer (RO) of Jaintia Hills District Frederick R Kharkongor to arrest the UDP candidate for assaulting one Jesban Chyrmang.
Quoting reports, election officials here said on February 9, Mr Lyngdoh along with his brother allegedly forced voters of Sutnga village to cast votes in his favour.
However, when one of the villagers - Jesban Chyrmang - questioned his right to vote, the candidate accompanied by his brother thrashed him severely.
Jaintia Hills District SP Mukesh Singh told UNI here that they have arrested Mr Lyngdoh's bother following an FIR lodged against him and his brother for criminal intimidation.
''We have sought permission from the RO to arrest the UDP candidate for Sutnga-Shangpung constituency Richard Sing Lyngdoh. Once, the RO gave his seal of approval, Mr Lyngdoh will also be arrested,'' Mr Singh said.
Meanwhile, the police have booked Self Denial Lyngdoh under Section 325, 506 and 34 IPC . (UNI)
CPI to field candidates in three seats
By Our Reporter
Shillong:
The Communist Party of India (CPI), Shillong unit in a meeting held in the city on Monday decided to contest the Assembly polls from three Assembly seats -- Nongspung, Mawkyrwat and Mahendraganj. While urging the people to vote for secular democratic candidates with clean image in all constituencies, CPI took note of the apathetic attitude of the State Government in the field of health care and labour welfare. The meeting also passed several resolutions, which include the need for industrialisation, development of communication and strict measure for labour welfare. The conference was inaugurated by CPI leader Promode Gogoi and was attended by delegates from all over the State.MDP candidate
Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) has unanimously declared Grossper Ryntathiang as its party candidate from Mairang constituency for the ensuing election slated on March 3. A meeting held on Monday confirmed the candidature of Mr Ryntathiang in the presence of party chief MN Mukhim and a large number of supporters.
Resignation
Mr Emlang Shabong, Vice-president NCP Youth Wing, Shillong city has resigned from the party along with his followers to join the UDP.
Youth body demands withdrawal of interviewers
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Seng Samla Shiliang Umkhen has protested against induction of two nursing superintendents in the panel of interviewers to conduct the examination for the post of nursing at the North East Indira Gandhi of Health and Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (NEIGHRIMS) here.
Talking to The Shillong Times, Juda Wahlang, president of Seng Samla Shnong Shilliang Umkhen, said the organisaton demanded the withdrawal of the two interwievers, who are working as superintendents at the KJP Hospital, Jaiaw and Nazareth Hospital, Laitumkhrah respectively, to prevent any unfair means in the process of interview and ensure fair selection of deserving candidates.
Mr Wahlang, however, clarified that the move was taken up for fear of nepotism in the process of conducting the interview, as the officials are not staff of the institute.
Meanwhile, Director of the Institute Dr R Sharma said the interview has been cancelled and many interviewees, coming from different places like Jowai and Nongstoin went back.
The Director while expressing surprise to the protest said the inclusion of experts from other institutes was due to lack of qualified experts in Shillong.
Meanwhile, authorities have rescheduled the interview starting from Feb 11 till 25.
BSF nabs B’deshi
From Our Correspondent
Jowai:
The BSF stationed in Dawki arrested one Md Hamidur Rahman, Bangladeshi suspect, on February 7 last. The person was arrested while trying to cross over into the Indian territory. He was handed over to Dawki police. Indian notes worth Rs 30,000 was seized from him.Prog cancelled
SHILLONG:
The Laban BJP has cancelled the scheduled release of the MLA report of 22-Laban Assembly Constituency by Jopsimon Phanbuh, Laban MLA, for the term 2004-2008 on February 12 in view of the election code of conduct being in force, a statement issued here said.NGO concern over ruling in favour of Waibha Kyndiah
By Our Reporter
Shillong:
Seng Tip Kur Tip Kha U Khasi, which spearheaded the campaign against Congress candidate from Nongkrem Waibha Kyndiah, son of Union Tribal Affairs Minister PR Kyndiah, and over his Khasi identity, has raised serious doubts over the ruling in favour of junior Kyndiah. It further expressed concerned the the manner in which senior Kyndiah defended his son.In a statement issued here on Monday, president of the organisation LB Lyngdoh said that it was shameful on the part of senior Kyndiah to overlook the customary laws laid down under the Khasi Lineage Act which clearly stated that anyone who does not follow the Khasi matrilineal system cease to be a Khasi, and by taking his father's surname, his son fails to be a Khasi.
"I am a Khasi, my wife is a Khasi and my son Waibha too a Khasi. What else one needs to prove," PR Kyndiah had said at the District Council court earlier.
The organisation, meanwhile, lauded the former KHADC Chief Executive Member Prestone Tynsong and Chief Minister DD Lapang for taking pain to ensure that the Khasi Lineage Act got the Governor's assent.
Correction
Donkupar Massar will be contesting as an Independent candididate from Nongskhen constituency and not as reported (ST Feb 9). The error is regretted.
Russian PM's visit
Indian Government will take up the latest ban imposed by the Russian authorities on the Indian exports of agri commodities in bulk. Though the ban was partially lifted within 48 hours after the notification, the essential reasons for the ban remain, and the Indian companies are apprehensive about the adverse impact of the decision on the Indian industry. The issue will be taken up by the Indian officials during the high-level talks in New Delhi between the delegations of the two countries during the visit of the Russian Prime Minister next week. The Indian side will take up some issues which are impeding the growth of Indo- Russian trade. The Commerce Ministry has got the feedback from the exporting community, and the Russian officials will be apprised of the sentiments of Indian businessmen in dealing with Russia. The pharma companies of India have mentioned their difficulties in getting registration of generic pharmaceutical products in Russia.
Indian companies also want their business investments in Russia to be protected and there should be safeguards in respect of that. This measure will lead to higher Indian investments in Russia since many of the interested companies may then set up a manufacturing base. Indian businessmen point out that if such a safeguard is worked out, there will be a surge in investments in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, diamond cutting etc. As regards mining, Indian companies see huge possibilities. A few Indian steel companies have expressed their desire to enter into joint ventures with Russian companies to acquire coal mines, set up beneficiation plant for reducing impurities as well as set up coke oven plants for further processing of coal to convert into coking coal. Indian companies feel that while the Russian partner can do the mining, the Indian company will undertake the marketing of coal.A few Indian companies have also shown interest to enter into a JV agreement with Russian companies for developing a source of muriate of potash(MOP) which is used as a potassium fertiliser.With no indigenous production of MOP in India,the country is completely dependent on imports with annual imports being in the range of 3.5 to 4 million mt.As Russia has huge reserves of MOP, Indian and Russian companies can enter into a JV, and India can develop a reliable source of supply.
Regionalism raises ugly head
By Poonam I Kaushish
India pre-1947 resounded to the battle cry of "throw out the British". Sprinkled with a heavy dose of nationalism, all pledged to make the country more secular and united than ever before
The Mera Bharat Mahan of 2008 is all about chucking the "outsider aam aadmi" from respective States and imposing an "insider curfew" on them. Peppered with loads of patriotic regional chaap, all promising to make their respective States more local and faithful than ever.
By unleashing the ‘Maharashtra for Maharashtrians’ and ‘throw out the North Indians’ campaign, Raj Thackeray’s non-descript Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) let loose the spectre of regionalism in Mumbai and the rest of the State. Violence became the rhetoric for three gory days as cars and taxis of non-Maharashtrians were burnt, street food-stalls of poor UP bhaiyas and the Biharis were looted, shops owned by north Indians were forced to close down et al.
Amidst this mayhem, trust our netagan to use this opportunity to play the ‘insider-outsider’ game to their electoral advantage. Some played safe. The country’s Home Minister Shivraj Patil, a Maharashtrian made the staid noises of ‘the State Government has been asked to maintain law and order’ and the Chief Minister tepidly asserted ‘we are studying the law to see if Thackeray can be arrested.’
Others took potshots at each other. The RJD Chief Laloo dismissed the MNS chief as a "political novice," Samajwadi’s Mulayam dubbed him "frustrated" and uncle and Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray dumped his nephew as "a chicken suffering from bird-flu of depression." What to say of Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti which torched a Maharashtrian’s house in Ranchi. All thus exploiting the issue for their own selfish gains and maximize their political return, read votes. No matter that they only stoked the flames of hatred and pitted the aam Bharatvasi against each other – and revived the time old controversy of "sons of the soil" demand once again.
Recall, regionalism first raised its ugly head in Tamil Nadu in the early 60s, where the alienation of the people from the Centre led to the birth of the DMK, which later split into the AIADMK and other groups. It then moved to Maharashtra where a little-known cartoonist Bal Thackeray became the self-styled champion of everything Marathi. He nurtured the Shiv Sena on the infamous `Marathi manus' standard, by which practically everyone in Mumbai was an `outsider' except the 28 per cent Maharashtrians. The first victims were the skilled labourers from the southern States who were branded as "lungi-wallas" and their businesses ruthlessly attacked. After them came the Gujarati entrepreneurs and now it’s the North Indian, UP bhaiya or Bihari migrant.
Taking a leaf from Maharashtra saga, Assam burnt over the foreigners issue in the 70’s, when the All Assam Students Union (AASU) started a movement to oust all "illegal migrants from Bangladesh" from the State. This caught the imagination of the people and the ruling Congress government was voted out and the Asom Gana Parishad voted in. In nearby Nagaland too, the students want all non-Nagas out. Regionalism had arrived.
In November 2003, India resounded to parochialism again, when Assamese stopped 20,000 Biharis from taking a recruitment test in Guwahati. The Biharis retaliated by stopping trains from the North East, dragged out the people, killed some and beat the rest. The Assamese hit back with a vengeance--- killing over 52 Biharis. The dreaded militant outfits ULFA and the All Bodo Students Union joined in the mayhem. Their slogan: "All Hindi speaking people must leave Assam". "Catch the Assamese and kill them all," countered the Biharis.
Why blame the locals alone? Our polity too revels in playing the regional card. In the 1999 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP dubbed the Congress Lucknow candidate Karan Singh, former Sadr-i-Riyasat of J&K, an ‘outsider’ compared to ‘insider’ Vajpayee. Never mind that Lucknow is miles away from Gwalior, Vajpayee’s birthplace. Interestingly, the same Saffron Sangh again portrayed ‘Vajpayee the local’ in Himachal, by underscoring his love for Manali and the numerous visits made. Now shouldn’t that make him an outsider in Lucknow? Then we had the absurd case in Nainital, where the BJP candidate described his BSP rival as an outsider because he did not have a telephone in his name. "Is a telephone connection going to decide our local status?" the BSP contestant argued.
So, regionalism mushroomed around the countryside with both people and parties making it their mantra. Former Prime Minister and kisan leader Charan Singh floated the farmer-oriented Janata Party and Devi Lal his Lok Dal in Haryana. Badal his Akali Dal in Punjab, N.T. Rama Rao his Telugu Desam in Andhra, Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee set up her Trinamool Congress and Biju Patnaik’s son, Naveen floated the Biju Janata Dal in Orissa. All with a common USP: "We are the locals who shall rule, Delhi is dur --- the outsider."
Additionally, Mandalisation gave a further impetus to regionalism and changed the politics of India. With the debut of the "Made in India" leaders like Mayawati, Mulayam, Ram Vilas Paswan, Laloo, etc. Their electorate no longer was willing to know-tow to the centrist parties and those foisted upon them. In their perception, who better than their own biradari, to understand, sympathise and articulate their voice at New Delhi. Confusion was confounded by the failure of the voter to draw a distinction between the responsibilities and powers of an MP and that of an MLA.
Moreover, this gave a further fillip to the "sons of soil" issue. The local youth demanded "reservation" of jobs in their area, especially in regions where new industrial ventures like public sector plants or other projects coming up. In fact agitations have taken place for "their" share of jobs. However, Constitutionally, Article 16 is very clear on the issue. It provides: "There shall be equal opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State." This has its genesis in the concept that there being only one citizenship for the entire country, it should carry with it the unfettered right and privilege to every corner of the nation.
Sadly, over the years opinions have deferred between political leaders, right from the Constituent Assembly debate. Some leaders felt that the States should have the unfettered right to give employment to locals residing in the State. Not a few quibbled about the years of residence – should it be 10 or 50 years. Others disagreed, as they felt that every citizen must be made to feel that he was a citizen of the country as a whole and not of a particular State.
Dr. Ambedkar felt that if the States were granted the right to give jobs it would "subtract from the value of a common citizenship of India." But he added a rider: "You cannot allow people who are flying from one province to another, from one State to another as mere birds of passage without any roots, without any connection with that and apply for posts and so to say take the plums and work away. Let us give the power to Parliament not the States to decide on the residence status for purpose of employment."
From then to now the controversy continues. There is no gainsaying that all citizens should have equal job opportunities across the country. The problem has arisen after locals have demanded their pound of flesh and to some extent rightly too. Arguably, why should people from outside a particular State apply for menial jobs? If outsiders corner jobs of sweepers or helpers as in the case of the Railways, where should the locals go for their bread and butter? Join the militants and take up guns? Does that promote national integration? In State after State where militancy rages, statistics have proved that it is the unemployed local youth who have taken to the gun as jobs have been cornered by outsiders. Both the North East States and Kashmir bear this out.
The tragedy of it all is that our polity willy-nilly chipped away, with deadly precision, at the reality of a united and integrated India where regional aspirations play second fiddle to national unity. And, where every Indian has the right to live in any part of the country he chooses and get equal opportunities to earn a decent livelihood. In sum, an India that is equitable and offers a level-playing field for all classes, castes and communities.
Mr Thackeray, why should being a local or an outsider be made into a big all-encompassing issue? After all, India is a Union of States. Regionalism will lead to disintegration of the country. It does not behove anyone to ignore the basic philosophy of India’s unity and integrity and impose curfew on "outsiders". --- INFA
Human development dismal
Urgent need for correctives
By TD Jagadesan
The UNDP’s Human Development Report is one of the most eagerly awaited among the numerous reports published by the United Nations and its agencies every year. During the last few years, the Human Development Indicator (HDI) tables included in such reports have gained great acceptability among the member countries because of the credibility of the data and fairness in analysis.
The HDI is a composite index assessing human development on three important criteria, namely, a long and healthy life, access to good education and reasonably good standard of living. The report provides reliable information collected through a network of field agencies about life expectancy at birth, enrolment in primary, secondary and higher education and the Gross Domestic Produce (GDP) per capita in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) dollars. It provides a wide range of useful data.
Based on the data collected and analysed, UN member countries are ranked according to their achievements in human development and this ranking becomes for the ordinary citizens an easy guide to assess the performance of their respective Governments.
The Human Development Report for 2007 which was released in New Delhi in the second week of December last, focused on the issue of climate change, and therefore, the attention of the people was mainly centred on the implications of climate change on development.
We, in India, have particularly to take serious note of the fact that on the criterion of human development, our country ranks 128 in the list of 177 countries of the world covered by the survey. A disturbing feature about this low ranking is that India has come two places down on its ranking from 2006.
One may argue that slipping two places is not so serious a matter to worry about, but the fact that India has been at the 128th rank even in 2000 is certainly a matter of great concern, particularly because, of late, we have been talking too much about "India Shining", "Rising India" and about India being one of the fastest growing economies of the world".
While we take credit for the fast rate of growth of the GDP, we seem to be over looking the fact that on the index of human development, India is in the lowest bracket of 50 countries covered by the UNDP survey. The country has no doubt made some progress in life expectancy, enrolment in education and the GDP per capita, but other countries have also registered progress and some have shown much better progress than India.
Take for comparison two Asian countries, China, a country with which we love to make comparisons, and Sri Lanka, a small country which had gained independence at the same time as India. According to the HDI, China ranks 81 and Sri Lanka 99, as against India’s 128.
Besides, life expectancy at birth in China is 72.5 years, in Sri Lanka 71.6 while in India it is 63.7 years. The GDP per capita in terms of the Purchasing Power Parity is $ 67.57 in China, $ 45.95 in Sri Lanka and only $ 34.52 in India.
We seem to be carried away by the 9 per cent growth rate of the GDP. However, the GDP growth can be determinant of development only if it is shared equitably by all sections of the people. Certainly, we cannot derive much satisfaction from the growth rate of the GDP when more than a quarter of the population in our country still lives in abject poverty.
If in spite of our oft-proclaimed good intentions to eradicate poverty among the masses and our allocating a fairly large share of public funds for human development programmes, we find ourselves stationary at the low rank of 128.
According to observers, clearly, something is radically wrong, either in our strategies for planning or in the contents and relevance of the programmes we have adopted for human development. Or can it be that the fault is not with our strategies for development or in the relevance of the programmes, but in their implementation of the field level.
The all-pervading corruption in our society, particularly in the public administration sector, has often been identified as the main cause for the failure in the benefits of the development process reaching the sections of the people which need them most. Perhaps, all these are causes for the country’s poor record in human development.
Unfortunately, instead of making honest attempts at corrective action, everyone is engaged in the easy game of throwing the blame on the other. Politicians blame the bureaucrats for the laxity in the implementation and for corruption, while the bureaucrats accuse the politicians of the same crimes. Both politicians and the bureaucrats blame those engaged in industry and business as the source of corruption. While they, in turn, accuse the politicians and the bureaucrats as being obstructionists in their paths.
In the bustle and din of the exercise of shifting the blame for the unsatisfactory achievement in human development, very little attention is being paid to the share of the responsibility of the Planning Commission for this poor record.
In sum, it is time that the Planning Commission, as the main agency for the formulation of strategies, plans and programmes and also for monitoring their implementation, turns the searchlight inside and comes up with bold suggestions for improving its own role in achieving the goals of human development ---- quickly and satisfactorily. ----INFA
Tura revisited
Sir,
I have been visiting Tura since year 1945 - when I was a school student. My first visit was via Garobada, when one had to cross the Brahmaputra by boat at Dhubri. Since then Tura has changed, and after Meghalaya was formed I expected nice good roads to Tura. But to my great dismay and disappointment Tura road is still under construction. This time I came after 3 years and took my Journey from Guwahati in a shared Tata Sumo. I was thrilled to find a wide road from Paikan and expressed my joy but the driver dampened my spirits by informing me that it was only for a short distance and that the metallic portion was too thin to last a good monsoon season.
I was shocked when I reached the end of a dream ride and wondered how a short distance of 80 kms takes so long to complete. Three years ago I saw the pile of pebbles, the road rollers, the bifurcations etc and they are still there - the piles may not be the same - but it is the same bumpy, dusty Tura road. The only change I find is that local people have put up decent toilets in some stoppage points. Once when I took a long ride on the Ho Chi Minh road in Cambodia I found clean disinfected toilets with disposable towels even in the midst of dense forests - maintained by elderly village ladies. In NE India we have to depend mostly on our roads why can't we have the same standard of facilities for travelers here.
Meghalaya recently celebrated its 36th year of existence. Does it take 36 years to complete a decent road to one of its major townships? I think we should add up the expenditure the road has incurred in the last 36 years and find out if the road justifies the expenditure. In this age of RTI we should question how some projects are continued year after year with no final results.
The Shillong - Jowai road is the best road in Meghalaya. When Meghalaya can construct such good road then why not Shillong - Guwahati, Shillong - Tura and Shillong, Nongstoin-Willimnagar have the same good roads.
I asked an old man in Anogre (last stoppage to Tura) his opinion on the Tura Road and he told me, "the road will not be completed in his lifetime." The same question was repeated to an educated Senior Citizen of Tura he smiled and said, "the road will not be completed in his lifetime." Now I also feel that, "the road will not be completed in my lifetime." What a shame.
Perhaps it has become a money minting project and no Government or party wants to complete it.
Yours etc.,
Maya John Ingty
Tura
ULFA hijack plan: Talks negotiator, Air Deccan employee held
Guwahati: ULFA peace talk facilitator and rights leader Lachit Bordoloi and an Air Deccan employee were on Monday arrested in Assam foiling the outlawed group's plan to hijack a plane from the international airport here.
Police said Bordoloi and Sumon Dutta were arrested on charges of alleged nexus with the ULFA following confessional statements of the group's arrested leader Manoj Tamuly, who was trained by Afghan militants to hijack the plane from the Lokopriyo Gopinath International Airport here.
Police had claimed the ULFA was conspiring to hijack the plane to Rawalpindi via Thimphu and Kathmandu.
The ULFA, however, denied it had any such plans.
Bordoloi, a member of the People's Consultative Group (PCG), formed by the ULFA to facilitate peace talks with the Centre, was arrested early morning from Moran in Dibrugarh district while he was coming here from Tinsukia in a bus.
Police seized a laptop and two CDs from his house here. Bordoloi also heads the rights group MASS.
Dutta, a resident of Azara area near the airport from where Tamuly was picked up on Saturday, was arrested from his residence.
Air Deccan officials, however, refused to comment on the arrest.
Police were also interrogating senior advocate Nekibur Zaman in this connection as Tamuly had also mentioned his name. Zaman's mobile phone was seized and he was currently being treated in a hospital as he suffered an injury.
Bordoloi told reporters his arrest was made to derail the "peace process initiated by the PCG and to divert the attention of the people from peace talks". Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said security forces are taking measures against insurgent activities. (PTI)
4 cops killed in Assam ambush
Haflong :
Four policemen were killed and two injured in an ambush by Dima Halam Daogah's (DHD) 'Black Widow' group in Assam's North Cachar hill district on Monday.Police said a patrol party of Assam Police was travelling to Kopili under Umrangshu police station when the militants fired on them from automatic weapons.
Four policemen died on the spot and two others were injured.
The injured have been admitted in the NEEPCO hospital.
The Black Widow group has claimed responsibility for the ambush. (PTI)
Inquiry into attack on NETV’s CMD
Guwahati:
Assam Government on Monday constituted a high-ledel inquiry into the attack on NE TV Chairman-cum-Managing Director Manoranjana Singh.Government Spokesman, Himanta Biswas Sarmah told reporters that Additional Chief Secretary Parul Devi Das would conduct the inquiry.
Two FIRs have been filed in this connection--one by police and another by Singh's personal security officer.
Unidentified miscreants fired bullets on Singh's vehicle on Sunday morning while she was going to her office. (PTI)
Three Jehadi militants killed in encounter
Guwahati
: Three Jihadi militants with suspected ISI links were killed in an encounter with security forces in Assam's Goalpara district on Monday, police said.Troops of 4 Kumaon Regiment, actinc on a tip-off, raided Goalpariya village and were fired upon by militants who attempted to escape.
An encounter followed in which three militants were killed.
The security forces recovered a 9 mm pistol, a magazine with five rounds of ammunition, two hand-grenades, a local pistol and several documents. The trio's links with fundamentalist organisations have been established but the identity of their outfit was yet to be ascertained, the police added. (PTI)
‘Homeless’ Manik Sarkar poorest CM in India
Agartala: He is probably the poorest Chief Minister in India. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has no home and his bank balance is just Rs 13,920. "I am dependent on my wife Panchali Bhattacharjee, who is an officer of the Central Social Welfare Board under the Central Government," he said over the weekend.
The 59-year-old Marxist has no land, no vehicle and no other moveable or immoveable assets. Sarkar's financial condition came to light when he submitted nominations along with an affidavit declaring his assets on Jan 31 ahead of the Feb 23 assembly elections.
"As chief minister, Sarkar received a monthly salary of Rs.9,200 and subsidiary allowance of Rs.1,200 per month and these amounts he donates to the party fund, like other party men," said Gautam Das, the state spokesman of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).
A non-smoker and teetotaller, Sarkar's critics and archrivals in the Congress and other opposition parties are also quite impressed by his personal integrity and honesty. "We have no doubt about his honesty, but most of Sarkar's fellow party leaders and workers are not honest," said Tapas Dey, former legislator and Congress spokesman.
Sarkar's wife also leads a simple life and prefers travelling in rickshaws.
"If Sarkar and his wife take part in the same programme, the chief minister goes in his official vehicle while his wife travels in a rickshaw or an auto," said an official of the chief minister's secretariat.
Sarkar, a close follower of late chief minister Nripen Chakraborty who was the father figure of the Communist movement in Tripura, has now set his sight on creating political history in Tripura by becoming chief minister for the third straight term. The Marxist leader is contesting the Assembly elections for the fifth time since 1981 and fighting from Dhanpur in west Tripura for the third consecutive time.
In a sharp contrast, former chief minister and state Congress president Sarmir Ranjan Burman shows his assets valued at Rs.16.41 million while his party colleague and another former chief minister Sudhir Ranjan Majumder submitted an affidavit declaring assets totalling Rs 550,000.
Opposition leader Ratan Lal Nath has moveable or immoveable assets worth Rs 21,62,000.
"According to the election laws, declaration of value of all moveable or immoveable assets of all contesting candidates is mandatory and if anybody gave wrong declaration court may take appropriate legal against the person concerned," said G.S.G. Aayangar, chief electoral officer of Tripura. (IANS)
Manipur parties condemn AICC statement
Imphal
: Major political parties in Manipur on Monday strongly condemned the reported statement of AICC General Secretary Siddharth Patil that AICC endorsed the Nagaland unit's demand for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas.Demanding a clarification from the Congress high command, Manipur People's Party President L Chandramani said Patil's statement was an invitation to keep Manipur in turmoil and an 'insult to the people of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.' Condemning the statement, state unit of the Nationalist Congress Party, General Secrepary K. Sabat Kumar said his party would never allow anyone to break up Manipur and demanded immediate clarification from the AICC. Reports said Patil made the statement at Kohima on February 8 while releasing the election manifesto for the March five Nagaland polls. (PTI)
NSCN(K) recruits men despite truce
From Our Correspondent
Guwahati: A Naga rebel group in truce with the Centre has admitted to have continued with recruitment of fresh cadres to its ranks despite the ceasefire pact giving credence to allegations by security forces that many North East insurgent groups in truce haven’t stopped recruitment to their ranks and are training the new cadres.
It came to light when Naga rebel group NSCN(K), refuting the allegation by All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) that it had abducted 39 young boys at gunpoint, from several villages Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh stated that these boys had volunteered to join ranks of the NSCN(K).
A NSCN(K) spokesman told the media here that the 39 Arunachalee boys were not taken as hostage by the outfit, rather they had volunteered to participate NSCN(K)’s recruitment drive.
The militant group’s spokesman claim that all the 39 Arunachalee boys, who had come to join NSCN(K) ranks on their own had been scanned and those found ineligible because of being underage were sent back home.
The NSCN(K) is known to maintain a base inside Myanmar across the international border in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Both the factions of the NSCN — the NSCN(K) and the NSCN(IM) – have presence in Tirap and Changlang districts bordering Myanmar and are accused by the Arunachal Pradesh Government of creating trouble in both the districts.
Earlier, Arunachal Pradesh Police and AAPSU maintained that the NSCN(K) abducted the young boys at gunpoint to force them to join ranks of the outfit.
Two FIRs were lodged in this regard in two police stations in the hill state. Police claimed to have rescued 15 boys from the clutches of the NSCN(K) during a joint operation with the Army.
The AAPSU had set a deadline for Feb 15 to the state government to rescue the abducted boys to avoid an intensive statewide agitation.
Jawan shot dead
Imphal
: A jawan of the 4th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) was abducted and shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Manipur's interior Thoubal district, official sources said on Monday.Mohammad Tamor(30) was abducted from his house at Keirao Makting area, about 10 km south of here in Imphal East district and gunned him down at Sangai Yumpham area in Thoubal district on Sunday.
He was a former member of militant outfit People's United Liberation Front (PULF) before laying down arms and joining IRB, the sources said. (PTI)
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