As many as 102 candidates filed their nomination papers on the final day. Scrutiny of papers will be taken up on Saturday forenoon.

The prominent among those who submitted their nominations on the last day include Deputy Chief Minister and UDP president Dr Donkupar Roy for Shella constituency, MDP president Martle N Mukhim for Dienglieng and GNC president Clifford Marak for Chokpot.

East Khasi Hills saw the highest number of candidates (103) file their nominations followed by West Garo Hills (99), West Khasi Hills (41), Jaintia Hills (36), East Garo Hills (31) and Ri-Bhoi (21).

In South Garo Hills, the lowest of 14 candidates filed their papers.

Rongram constituency in West Garo Hills has the highest number of 11 candidates filing their nominations, while the least number of candidates (two) filed their papers nominations for Jaiaw seat.

In Jaintia Hills, Rymbai has the highest number of candidates (eight) filing their nominations followed by War Jaintia, Sutnga Shangpung and Nongbah Wahiajer (six each) and Jowai and Raliang (three each).

In Ri-Bhoi district, former Chief Minister JD Rymbai's constituency Jirang has the highest number of candidates (nine) followed by Umroi (seven), Mawhati (five) and Chief Minister DD Lapang's constituency Nongpoh (four).

In East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram and Laitumkhrah have the highest number of candidates (eight each) followed by Malki Nongthymmai and Sohiong (seven each); former KHADC CEM HS Shylla's constituency Nongkrem and Nongspung (six each); Mylliem, Pynthorumkhrah, Mawkhar, Mawprem, Mawlai, Sohryngkham and Dienglieng (five each); Lyngkyrdem and Nongskhen (four each); Deputy Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy's constituency Shella (three) and Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh's constituency Jaiaw (two).

In West Khasi Hills, Mawthengkut and Nongstoin have the highest number of candidates (eight each) followed by Mairang and Mawkyrwat (seven each); Langrin (six) and Pariong (five).

In South Garo Hills, seven candidates filed nominations for both Baghmara and Chockpot constituencies.

In East Garo Hills, Kharkutta and Mendipathar have the highest number of candidates (six each) followed by Bajengdoba and Songsak (five each); Rongrenggiri (four) and Rongjeng and Resulbelpara (three each).

In West Garo Hills, Rongram has the highest number of candidates filing nominations (11) followed by Dadenggiri and Rajabala (eight each); PA Sangma's constitueny Tura, Phulbari, Dalamgiri, Mahendraganj and Dalu (seven each); Rongchurigiri, Tikrikilla and Selsella (six each); Kherapara and Salmanpara (five each); Deputy Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma's constituency Ampatigiri and PWD Minister Zenith Sangma's constituency Rangsakona (four each).

Mr Sawkmie fraudulently withdrew money meant for MLA schemes in the name of purchase of ambulances and donation of fund to a student union and as many as 15 sports clubs, according to information obtained by a city-based organisation through RTI.

All Mawlai Forum for Eradication of Corruption (AMFEC) recently filed an RTI application, detecting large-scale misuse of MLA schemes by Mr Sawkmie.

"Despite the legislator's claim that he had bought five ambulances with MLA fund, the organisation is shocked to see that no locality under Mawlai constituency has received such vehicle," AMFEC president Ulrich Warjri said at a press conference here on Friday.

Mr Warjri alleged that Mr Sawkmie had not donated computers worth Rs 1 lakh to KSU's Mawlai Circle and Rs 1 lakh each to eight schools under Mawlai constituency as claimed by the MLA.

"Mr Sawkmie had also donated Rs 50,000 each to 15 ghost sports clubs in the constituency," Mr Warjri said, adding some of those clubs were Namar Jong Phi Sports Club, Eleven Star Sports Club, Mawlai Cricket Club, Dynasty Cricket Club and Pyrshang Sports Social and Cultural Club.

According to an AMFEC survey, the Mawlai legislator had distributed CGI sheets to families who had already had their own houses, ignoring the under-privileged, the real beneficiaries of that scheme.

The RTI application also revealed that Mr Sawkmie had purchased a total of 500 water tanks but "the fact is that each locality is getting about four tanks each instead of 20."

Shillong: Polling officials will be under the scanner during the State Assembly elections with a senior security personnel deployed in the booths to monitor their work to ensure free and fair polling.

Official sources here said that a group of security personnel will be posted at the booths and a senior security officer will monitor the work of the polling officers and raport to the Election Commission in case of any anomaly. The identity of the security personnel will not be disclosed.

The security monitoring is in addition to the appointment of 'micro-level' observers and 37 observers appointed by the Election Commission.

While extra precautionary measures are being taken following reports of possible violence by miscreants in the run-up to the elections, the state will get 40 additional paramilitary companies for smooth conduct of the polls. The forces are likely to arrive in the State after the polling in Tripura on February 23.

Also, for the first time in the State, the Election department has made provision for video recording of events like campaigns, election meetings and polling in hyper-sensitive booths.

The measures are being taken to ensure there is no violation of the code of conduct, State Electoral Officer P Naik said.

Of the 1582 polling stations, the Election department has identified 635 as hypersensitive and 194 as sensitive.

To ensure that militants from across the border do not disrupt the elections, at least three battalions of the BSF would be deployed in and around the polling stations along the Indo-Bangla border.

The BSF will keep strict vigil of the border areas in the run-up to the elections. (PTI)

Shillong: Creation of a separate Khasi State and tackling influx figured prominently in the KHNAM and HSPDP manifesto, which was jointly unveiled here on Thursday.

Releasing the manifesto, HSPDP president Hopingstone Lyngdoh said the two parties would continue to pursue the issue of demanding a separate Khasi-Jaintia State. His views were endorsed by KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh.

Mr Lyngdoh said both the parties would continue to work for "protection of the local indigenous people in the State." He also said the two parties would continue in the fight against influx in the State.

The other issues that were mentioned in the manifesto include reservation policy, border dispute, protection of land, forest, opposition to uranium mining apart from codification of customary laws and the introduction of Khasi language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

The manifesto stressed on rearrangement of Scheduled Tribes list as well as Land Transfer Act in the system of land holding by indigenous people, apart from opposing uranium mining and the shifting of cantonment areas to another place.

It also stressed on bringing back Block-I and II, in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, to Khasi land, stopping border fencing as well as opening of border markets.

The manifesto also emphasised on reviving the Instrument of Accession of Khasi states with the Government of India. It also underscored the need of implementing cadastral survey and to have data bank for Khasi people.

On corruption, the manifesto underlined the need for strengthening vigilant commission to eradicate all levels of corruption.

Moreover, it also spoke about eradication of poverty by launching different programmes, improve drinking water supply, health care and to encourage people to engage themselves in agricultural activities and setting up of cold storages, electrification to all villages, apart from improving road connectivity.

Besides, upgrading the Shillong Polytechnic Institute to Engineering Institute, the manifesto talked about providing compulsory education for children up to 14 years of age and strengthening Right to Information Act as well as implementing Community Information Centre at Block levels.

Though many aspiring MLAs might have changed their "outward personalities" to impress the voters ahead of the mega showdown of battle of ballots, KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh seems less perturbed by the notion that "personal charisma" of a candidate could have a direct bearing on the electorate.

Mr Lyngdoh, who has earned the sobriquet "Mr Unpunctual", not unexpectedly arrived one hour late for a function of KHNAM here on Thursday.

He was expected to release the manifesto of the party at 5.30 pm, but arrived at the venue at 6.50 pm. The reason was, according to him, he had to attend another party meeting at Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hills, hence the delay.

An obviously irritated KHNAM candidate from Malki-Nongthymmai Latiplang Kharkongor left the venue, amongst others, before the function started as he had to attend another meeting in his constituency.

Another KHNAM sitting MLA from Nongkrem constituency Lambor Malngiang, who is not particularly known for his punctuality, however, arrived before the scheduled time of the function.

The NCP 16-Malki will hold a meeting of party functionaries and supporters on February 16 at Asom Kristi Kendra, Dhanketi (near St Peter's School) here at 12 pm, a release said. State leaders of the NCP and also other prominent citizens will also attend the meeting.

The HSPDP has expelled TS Wanniang, president of HSPDP, West Khasi Hills district from the party for "indulging in anti-party activities" with immediate effect, a party statement said.

Shillong: The District Election Officer, Jaintia Hills has informed that seven polling stations under the three Legislative Assemblies - War Jaintia, Sutnga-Shangpung and Nartiang - have been relocated for the convenience of the voters and for smooth conduct of voting.

Under War Jaintia constituency: For Jarain, polling will be held at Jarain Upper Primary, for Pasadwar polling will be held at Pasadwar Upper Primary School building.

Under Sutnga-Shangpung: For Jalaphet-Sutnga (male) polling will be held at Upper Primary School Jalaphet-Sutnga, for Byndihati polling station, the previous DCLP School Byndihati has been relocated at Byndihati Secondary School.

Under Nartiang, for 10-Mynsngat-A polling station, the DCLP School (East Wing) has been replaced by Mynsngat Upper Primary School (East Wing). For 11-Mynsngat Upper Primary School (West Wing - Female). For 22-Latymphu polling station, the DCLP School has been replaced by Sawshnong Community Hall.

Shillong: The Jaintia Hills district administration on Friday instructed the police to arrest the Rangbah Shnong of Sohphoh village in Jaintia Hills, Thlon Kharsohnoh, for issuing permanent residential certificate to one Chinese Martin Lyong from Shillong, who wanted to purchase land in the city showing fake Scheduled Tribe identity.

Informing this here on Friday, Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner FR Kharkongor said an order had been issued after it was found out Mr Kharsohnoh had illegally issued the PRC to a person who was not at all a permanent resident of the village.

According to Mr Kharkongor, the certificate was issued to ensure that Mr Lyong got a Scheduled Tribe certificate for the purpose.

The Jaintia Hills district administration recently dismantled five check gates - three belonging to the Jowai Municipal Board and two belonged to the Jaintia Hill Autonomous District Council.

JHADC check gates that was dismantled are those located in Dawki and Mookyndur while all the check gates of the JMB are located in Jowai.

Shillong: The Assembly elections in Meghalaya will be made poorer with the inability of singer-songwriter Louis Majaw to contest the March 3 assembly polls from Laitumkhrah.

60-year-old Majaw, known as ''Bob Dylan of East India'', has been advised to take bed rest after he suffered a slip disc.

On Wednesday night, Majaw met his doctors, legal advisers, friends and supporters on whether to leave the hospital bed and file his nomination papers to contest the election.

''I have prepared myself to join the electoral battle, but now I have to give up due to my ill-health,'' an annoyed Mr Majaw told UNI at a private nursing home here.

The musician, however, said he would continue to prepare himself for the Lok Sabha elections from Shillong parliamentary constituency. ''Perhaps God has bigger plans for me and that maybe as an MP,'' he said.

Asked about the rock legend he said, ''I want to fulfil what our former representatives have failed to reach.'' (UNI)

Shingly Nongkhlaw (KHNAM) filed his nomination for Mawlai seat on February 14. Further, Romeo Phira Rani filed his nomination as HSPDP candidate and not as reported. The middle name of Assembly Speaker Martin M Danggo was mis-spelt as Martin A Danggo while name of Deputy Speaker Phingwell Muktieh was misspelt as 'Phringwell Muktieh'.

Arunachal Pradesh is the largest and least developed hill state of the country's North-East region. It is inhabited by 20 main tribes and 110 small tribes. The state is the most diverse and peaceful primarily due to its inaccessibility, being heavily forested, underdeveloped with few roads, thereby ensuring distinctiveness and autonomy in most interior areas; and the most recent to be opened up to administration. It was only in 1882 that exploration and subjugation by the British began, consequent to the British adopting a forward policy with reference to Russia and China. Prior to British times the Bodos and Ahoms left them well alone and allowed them autonomy. By 1914, the British attempted to administer it through the North East Frontier Tracts administration, with autonomy for the tribals.

As the area was totally segregated and largely unexplored it remained unaffected by politics of the region, and even after Independence India continued with the British policy. In 1954 the area was renamed North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and due to the border dispute with China, the Army and Assam Rifles along with the administration moved forward. In 1957, due to the Naga insurgency, Tuensang Frontier Division was merged with Naga Hills seeing the need to bring it under more effective administrative control due to Chinese claims to the area, the Panchayat System was introduced in 1967. In 1972 it became a Union Territory and in 1987 it was granted full statehood.

Its main problem areas are the border dispute with China; illegal immigrants; lack of development and therefore socio-economic deprivation and consequent ethnic rivalry, and claims to part of the state by the Nagas. There have been budding insurgent groups linked to the NSCN, which need to be continuously nipped in the bud. Tirap, Changland and part of Lohit districts are affected by both the Naga and the Assam insurgency-with the NSCN (I&M) claiming all three districts right up to the Tibetan border as part of Greater Nagaland-and the ULFA is using the area for sanctuary and transit to their camps in Myanmar. The state is against a part merger with Nagaland or for its territory to be used by any insurgent groups. Counter-insurgency operations by security forces are therefore being conducted against these insurgent groups in the affected areas.

Sikkim is the most peaceful state of the region. It lies in the Eastern Himalayas, with Tibet (China) to its North, Bhutan to its East, West Bengal to its South and Bhutan to its West. It has the least population amongst all the states in the country-540,493. Its demographic profile is Nepali 80 per cent, Lepchas and Bhutias 19 per cent, others 1 per cent.

The state has no document history earlier than the 17th century. However, folklore, legends and anthropological findings indicate that the earliest inhabitants were Austrics; who were overwhelmed by the migratory hordes of the Bodo tribes in both Southern Tibet and present day Sikkim, well before the birth of Christ. Medieval history indicates the Lepchas (Bodo origin) migrating into Chumbi Valley (then part of Sikkim) and established the kingdom of Sikkim encompassing the Chumbi Valley, present day Sikkim and Darjeeling district of North Bengal. The Lepchas ruled Sikkim till 1975 when it merged with India. In the 18th century Nepal tried to colonise Sikkim and parts of Southern Tibet, which resulted in British assistance being sought and the Nepalese and Tibetans defeated. This led to Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet being given a Protectorate status and Chumbi Valley being ceded to Tibet.

The British established their base in Darjeeling and demanded that Darjeeling be leased to them. Sikkim was coerced into doing so. The large Nepalese migration was mainly during this period. After Independence India continued with the British Protectorate status till Sikkim merged with India. The border dispute with China led to large-scale induction of troops into Sikkim in the late 50s and continues till date.

As the state is peaceful, it has emerged as a major national and international tourist destination-this is the mainstay of the state's economy. Due to the small size of the population, tourism, mining and handicraft incomes, central government assistance, extensive infrastructure development consequent to army deployment over the past 40 odd years, and relatively good governance, the state is economically better off in the region. The likelihood of trade opening up through Sikkim with China has also improved its prospects. There has therefore been little cause for unrest in the state.

Notwithstanding this, there are reports of western Sikkim and Darjeeling district, being used as sanctuary for the Maoists of both India and Nepal and some other Indian insurgent groups, and periodic Nepali/Gorkha demands for a united Gorkhaland consisting of Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling district of North Bengal and parts of Southern Bhutan. These are causes of concern and need to be monitored and suitably addressed.

North Bengal consists of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur districts of North Bengal. These areas have a population of approximately 94 lakhs with a multitude of ethnic formations. Whilst the detailed demographic profile is not available, it includes domicile Bengalis (the majority), Bangladeshi migrants (very substantial numbers), Biharis, Gurkhas, Bodo origin groups, including Rajbangshis, Koches (Kamtapuris), Assamese, Tea Tribe (from Chota-Nagpur plateau), Bhutias and others (from all over India).

The ancient history of the region is not documented. Folklore, the epics and scientific evidence indicate the original inhabitants were Austrics, who were overwhelmed; by Mongoloid (Bodo group of tribes) migrations well before the birth of Christ. The epics indicate it was part of the Bodo kingdom of Kamrupa. The western parts were overrun and formed part of the Gupta and then Mauryan Dynasties.

From the 4th/5th century onwards western parts were ruled by the Pala and then Sena dynasties of Bengal. However the eastern parts (Cooch Behar and part of Jalpaiguri) were ruled by dynasties of Bodo origin-Kamtapuris. In the medieval period, the Muslim Sultanate and subsequently the Mughals conquered and ruled the area, excluding Darjeeling and Cooch Behar. The advent of the British resulted in the annexation of the entire area less Cooch Behar, which became a princely state allied to the British. Darjeeling became the British administrative base for North Bengal. Consequent to Independence and merger of Cooch Behar with India, the entire area including Darjeeling became part of West Bengal.

The migration of Nepalis, East Bengalis, Tea Tribes, Biharis and many others commenced from the 18th century onwards in conformity with British policy to populate and develop the area as happened in Assam. The migrations continued with partition, Independence and then again in 1971. After that, it has continued but at a much slower pace. It is due to the migrations that there has been greater pressure on the land, with consequent socio-economic deprivation and a major cause for discontent, as was witnessed from the Naxalite activities of the late 60s and early 70s, the GNLF movement and the current Kamtapuri (KLO) and Maoist activities.

North Bengal has a number of major problem areas which need to be addressed-the discontent of the tribals, particularly of Bodo origin, which has led to the nascent KLO insurgency; discontent amongst the Gorkhas/Nepalis and their demands for a better deal; possibilities of a link between the Gorkhas of North Bengal, and the Maoists, including aspects of sanctuary in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri; the demographic change in North Bengal and along with it, pockets becoming vulnerable to religious fundamentalist group activities; the region being used as sanctuaries for other North-East insurgent groups; relatively lower level of development and economic activity, particularly in minority areas; and the urgent need to develop the area as the commercial hub for surface communications and trade for the entire North-Eastern region. INAV

Maharashtra continues to be in turmoil, notwithstanding MNS chief Raj Thackeray's token arrest and 'conditional bail' within an hour on charges of promoting animosity between groups and inciting selective violence on Wednesday. Already, over 10,000 North Indians have fled the State. But the arson shows no sign of abetting and has in fact spread to Nasik, Pune, Pimpri Chinwad and the Marathwada region with MNS cadres on the rampage targeting non-Maharashtrian establishments burning vehicles and destroying property. What makes the Raj saga distressing is that both the Congress-led Governments at the Centre and the State dithered shamelessly for 13 days, faced with a Catch 22 situation that arresting the MNS Chief would make him a hero and not taking him into custody would invite the charge of being weak.

Perhaps, it has something to do with the fact that the Congress is caught between two formidable rivals: the Shiv Sena-BJP combine and its own ally the NCP. The situation has been complicated with the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar flirting with the SS's supremo Bal Thackeray and the possibility of an NCP-Shiv Sena nexus. The Grand Dame of Politics, it seems has chosen to use the MNS to kill two birds with one stone. First, counter Pawar's clout over Maharashtra and, second, use Raj Thackeray's new stature to eat into the Shiv Sena base and, eventually, benefit the Congress. Meanwhile, joining the me-too chorus of the MNS Chief is his cousin Uddhav Thackeray. Seeking to reclaim the title of protector of "Marathi manoos," the SS's scion has threatened to pack off all non-Maharashtrians "brought from outside" for modernization of Mumbai airport. That the SS has had to fall back on its old tactics clearly exposes that the last word on regionalism and competitive populism has still to be said.

A BSP rally in Bhopal and a CPM State Conference in Kottayam has exposed the Congress' double standards with its supporters. It appears to be playing ball with the CPM and hookie with the BSP, if one goes by its reactions to the two events. The first is a stoic silence to CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat's speech at the Kerala State Conference on Monday last. Karat clearly said: the Congress would have to work out to seek fresh mandate from the people if it wanted to go ahead with the strategic partnership with the US. There has been no reaction from the Congress, raising eyebrows that more or less confirm that it has clearly chosen to give up the Nuclear deal rather than its coalition partner and seek a fresh mandate before 2009.

On the other hand, the Congress has decided to take on BSP supremo Mayawati and let her carry out her threat. At a public rally on Sunday last, Mayawati accused the Congress-led UPA of trying to implicate her in the Taj corridor case and warned that "within a month's time" she would decide whether to support them at the Centre or not. The Congress sent out its response promptly. Party spokesman Shakil Ahmad said: It is up to her to withdraw or support. The Congress is not going to buckle under any type of threat." So, the challenge is thrown back at Mayawati. Even though the CPM is in the UPA and the BSP out of it, will Mayawati force the Congress to treat all equally?

Andhra Pradesh has notched another first in minority appeasement. After the Muslims, it is now the turn of the Christians, comprising a miniscule 1.5 per cent of the State's eight crore population to rejoice over the largesse of the Rajasekhar Reddy-led Congress State Government. In the form of subsidies to visit the Holy land in Israel on the lines of the Haj scheme. Justified on the grounds that Jerusalem was located in a virtual war zone and only a few Christians would brave going there. Clearly, the religious bounty by the Christian Chief Minister, smacks of vote bank politics to woo the minority ahead of the General and Assembly elections scheduled for early next year. Needless to say, it is bound to open the flood gates of similar demands from various other communities. Already, the BJP has upped the ante for Hindus going on a pilgrimage to Mansarovar. Importantly, the Government has no business to play the politics of religion in a secular India.

Contrary to a widespread impression, there are no hiccups in the BJP-BJD marriage. The alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Biju Janata Dal in Orissa shall continue. They will fight the 2009 Assembly election together is the message so far. "We want to go with the BJD," is how the BJP General Secretary in-charge of Orissa, Vinay Katiyar made known his party's decision to those opposed to it. The BJP State unit is divided on keeping the alliance. But Katiyar feels that the team-up has provided the people of Orissa "good governance" since it came to power in 2000. And, if all goes well, the strategy should help the BJP's strategy for the General Election at the same time too.

The West Bengal government has announced a Rs.700 crore package for seven lakh families affected by bird flu. Remember, the avian flu had affected 19 districts and put the neighbouring States on tenterhooks. The relief package announced last Saturday comprises an outright budgetary grant of Rs 100 crore and Rs 600 crore through disbursement of loans from banks. Around 3.8 million birds were culled since the outbreak broke and the State's losses are said to be Rs 500 crore. While bankers have been asked to apply different rates of interest to help families restart their poultry business, the Centre will be requested for a total loan waiver for those below poverty lines. Will it oblige?

'Mysterious' posters have put the Bhopal police into a tizzy. The poster carrying Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Azhar Masood's photo were found plastered on the walls of Chief Minister, Shivraj Chauhan's bungalow. Fortunately, it wasn't his official residence. However, the police are embarrassed as the poster ridicules the top BJP leadership. It reads: "Hey BJP brothers, was the terrorist Maulana Azhar a close relative that you escorted him to freedom at Kandahar? Shame on you Atal, Advani and Jaswant for all your big talk on terrorism!" The BJP could suspect a Congress hand behind the mischief since a youth brigade of the party recently had put up posters outside MPCC office asking: "Why has the UPA government not taken a decision on Mohd Afzal Guru's fate, the man who masterminded attack on Parliament? When his mercy plea is rejected!" Is it a tit-for-tat? Or will the mystery unfold? (INFA)

Sir,

The debate on the no-confidence motion against the former chief of KHADC HS Shylla, shown in a local TV channel on February 10, has exposed the quality of our public representatives. It seems that the Chairman of KHADC and the members, who tabled the motion, were unaware of the rules and procedures on how to go about conducting the business of the House. They also even could not interpret them (rules and regulations) clearly. In such a situation, how can we expect them to formulate rules, policies and laws that will promote/address the interest of the society at large. I feel most of the members of the Meghalaya State Assembly are also no different from their counterparts in the District Council.

Mr Shylla, though his views and opinion might be biased and cannot be fully subscribed to, deserves praise for his courage to stand up to what he feels is right and also to be able to defend and justify his stand simply by his great oratorical skills and sheer superiority of being much more informed than his opponents.

Had he focused more on the serious issues concerning the State, rather than being mired in cheap politicking simply to gain political mileage, he would have been able to contribute immensely to the State.

Yours etc.,
An observer
Via e-mail

Sir,

One of the achievements of the State government since we got statehood is the parking lot-cum-shopping complex of the MUDA. This is the only project worth mentioning and is the pride of the State government. Those who visit Shillong find it as the best parking place, which can somehow be compared with those in big cities and even foreign countries. It is centrally located and its beauty reflects the image of Shillong city.

Of late this Parking Lot is becoming an eyesore to the people. The authority concerned is not maintaining it properly -- the corridors are filthy, walls are stained by spitting and rubbing of lime right from the entrance to the further most corners of the building. Further, the building is surrounded by hawkers, who litter the place and spoil its beauty. Whom to be blamed for this! Why no one is concerned about it and no inspection is being conducted by the higher-ups? Are they happy for what they have achieved? The public must be made aware of all this. If there is no sweeper in the complex, the authority should employ more locals and they can also use the services of the Home Guards to watch and fine those who litter the place.

Well, on the Meghalaya Day, the Chief Secretary had done a commendable job by taking an initiative to clean the Motphran area. But sadly, the next day it was back to square one, it was full of filth and garbage all around. It was undoubtedly a blessing to have a CS who is concerned about cleanliness. We would therefore request him to kindly enforce the laws for maintaining the cleanliness in the city otherwise Shillong will become the dustbin of the North East.

Yours etc.,
M Lyngdoh
Via e-mail

On every passing day, the war of words between both the UPA partners is fast heightening with both the parties spewing out of threatening words on the survival of the Central government.

Union Heavy Industries minister and Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev on Friday warned the CPI (M) of 'pulling out' the latter from the UPA government by the former party if the Left Front continues to go extreme in campaigning against the Congress party in Tripura.

Dev, who had arrived in Agartala on Thursday, is taking charge of the poll campaign of the Congress in Tripura. The Union minister will be here till February 21, the last day of campaigning. Tripura goes to poll on February 25.

In one of the election meetings on Friday, Mr Dev has asked the Left Front to withdraw from the UPA government if the party wanted it to do so. The Union minister, then warned that if the activities of the Left Front against the Congress go extreme, the latter will be compelled to remove it from UPA government.

Coming down heavily on the Left Front, he alleged that the Central funds have not been utilised properly in Tripura by the ruling Left Front government in the State. (NNN)

Police sources said on Friday that as per the intelligence reports the banned outfit was 'angered' over the recent developments regarding the police's design to malign the outfit's image by making a story on aircraft hijack plot.

The outfit had earlier denied any such plan being hatched by the outfit. Police sources said that the cadres of the outfit might target the leaders of the ruling Congress party in Assam and the Hindi speaking people living in different parts of the State.

"As per the intelligence reports the outfit have instructed all the cadres of the four battalions of the ULFA including the dreaded 28th battalion to launch series of attacks on the Congress members and the Hindi speaking people," said the sources.

It may be mentioned that, police have recently claimed that the ULFA had been planning to hijack an aircraft from the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport in Guwahati and added that the outfit had trained some of its cadres for the purpose. Police said that the plan came to the fore after the arrest of an ULFA cadre M Tamuli from Guwahati on Saturday last. (NNN)

Coming out of the marathon review meeting, Lt Gen Jaswal who is the operation head of the Unified Command said that a new strategy to was being discussed in the meeting to tackle insurgents more effectively.