A law graduate from the Indian Law Society, Law College Pune, Agatha has also earned a string of diplomas in subjects as varied as Special Corporate Law, Securities and Investment Law and Human Rights & Law. To top it all, she also has a Masters in Environmental Management from the School of Geography, University of Nottingham, UK. Agatha is registered with the Delhi Bar Council.

According to sources, the UDP is not putting up any candidate for the May-22 by-election to the Tura seat.

The UDP, it is learnt, has struck a compromise with the NCP whereby the latter will not field any candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha election in May 2009.

The Congress, sources say, has three contenders for the ticket to the Tura by-election. Deborah Marak, Zenith Sangma and Billykid Sangma have expressed interest to contest the vacant Lok Sabha seat.

Agatha Sangma, a relatively newcomer to politics, will be pitted against stalwarts who have walked the rough and dusty path of electoral politics.

But the Sangmas are confident that the voters will continue to repose their love and trust in the family.

PA Sangma has never lost a single election since 1977, when he first contested the Tura Lok Sabha seat. Even when he left the Congress and contested from NCP, the voters reposed their confidence on him.

Later, he joined Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress. Still people voted for him. When he left the Trinamool Congress to return to NCP, Sangma still managed to win.

Sources say that so far as the Tura seat is concerned, PA Sangma's image is larger than any party. It remains to be seen whether the youngest Sangma sibling will swing the votes in her favour.

Sources close to Agatha say she has a sharp acumen for politics and possesses the ready wit of her father. Having been born and bred in a family steeped in politics and with three seasoned politicians from within the family campaigning for her, this young lady will not take long to learn the ropes, they say.

The decision of the State Government to place the GHADC under suspended animation came after the NCP-led Executive Committee in the Council was reduced to a minority following switching of loyalties by four MDCs to Congress.

The protesting MDCs also submitted a memorandum to Acting Governor Dr SS Sidhu in this connection. The memo was signed by all the 16 Congress MDCs and lone independent MDC John Leslee K Sangma.

The MDCs were led by MPCC president OL Nongtdu and Congress MDC Ebelson A Sangma, who was unanimously elected as the candidate for the post of Council CEM.

It may be noted here that the Garo Hills Progressive Alliance (GHPA) Executive Committee, headed by NCP's Alphonse A Sangma, had been in power for hardly two weeks when the development took place.

West Garo Hills DC EP Kharbhih had taken control of the Council administration on March 16 after receiving the Cabinet order to this effect.

JOWAI/SHILLONG: The State Government is hopeful of commissioning the Leshka Hydro Power Project, the first electricity project being undertaken by MeSEB, in Jaintia Hills as early as possible.

Talking to reporters after visiting the site of the project on Saturday, Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy expressed satisfaction with the progress of Leshka Hydro Power Project and said the government wanted early commissioning of the project for the benefit of the people of the State.

During his visit to the site of the project, the Chief Minister was also accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Timothy D Shira, Power Minister Conrad K Sangma, State Planning Board (SPB) chairman Purno A Sangma and several top-ranking government officials.

"I'm happy to see that our engineers are doing a tremendous job. We want to commission the project immediately after its completion. The project will largely benefit people of the State," Dr Roy said.

Stating that Stage II of the Leshka project had been handed over to private companies by the previous MDA Government, he said the MPA Government would try to hand over other power projects in the State to MeSEB.

Meanwhile, Power Minister Conrad K Sangma said he was impressed by the pace of work being done by the team of engineers at the site of the Leshka Hydro Power Project.

"If weather does not affect progress of the project, we will most likely spin the turbine by the end of December," he said.

According to sources, MeSEB has only three projects left -- New Umtru Hydro Project, Konal Hydro Project and Stage I of Leshka project.

Besides Stage II of the Leshka project, the Umngot project has already been handed over to private companies for execution.

Meanwhile, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong, War-Jaintia (SRS-WJ) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Dr Roy during his visit to the site of the project.

Synjuk, through the memo, urged upon the Chief Minister not to allow any private company to implement Unit II of the Leshka Project and Umngot Hydro Power Project, saying this will create lots of problems to local people.

The organisation requested Dr Roy to initiate steps for improvement of road condition in War-Jaintia area.

SHILLONG: Construction of the first-ever flyover in the State is likely to start early next year, Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh has said.

The proposal for construction of the flyover from Rap's Mansion to Sweeper Lane has been lying pending for quite sometime due to the problem of land acquisition for the project and unwillingness of the defence authorities to allow the flyover to pass from the portion of their land.

The Urban Affairs Minister's statement, however, has come as good news for the public who regularly face a tough time during traffic jams in the city.

Mr Lyngdoh on Sunday said he had already asked the East Khasi Hills DC to start the process of acquiring land for the flyover project with due compensation.

He also said he held a meeting with Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee and SPs of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts on Monday to discuss strategies to ease traffic congestion in the capital city.

Mr Lyngdoh said the meeting stressed rescheduling of the timing of entry of trucks to the city as it was one of the major causes of traffic snarls in Shillong.

"Since Ri-Bhoi district is the entry point for most of the trucks, we would like to have a proper parking place in the district to hold trucks, especially during peak hours," the minister added.

SHILLONG: Last week, BJP and Left parties protested the spiralling prices which have reached an all-time high. On Sunday, Union Minister for Commerce Kamal Nath said the states had a responsibility to check inflation by keeping a tab on hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities. The Shillong Times spoke to a cross section of citizens, NGOs and representatives of political parties to get their views on this contentious issue.

Wansukshisha Lyngdoh of Mawlai, a housewife, pointed out that the rise in the prices of essential commodities in the past few months had created a major problem especially in a family like her’s where her husband is the only earning member.

She pointed out that not only food grains but even the price of vegetables had skyrocketed, adding that the poor were badly affected from this situation.

"The State Government needs to come out with a solution to this problem at the earliest," Mrs Lyngdoh added.

A vegetable seller at Polo Market Darihun Syngkli said she was barely able to make ends meet with her meagre earnings. "I am at a loss these past few weeks because while the price of everything has increased my earning still remains the same," Mrs Syngkli said.

A daily labourer from Nongthymmai, Remington Nongsteng, said the price rise on essential commodities was a nightmare to him as he had been facing great difficulties to meet the requirements of his family.

"I have no solution to this problem since I am a daily labourer and my income remains more or less stagnant. I believe that only God can help me."

MPCC president OL Nongtdu said the Congress party had written to the Central Government to allot more food grains and other essential commodities to the State.

Mr Nongtdu believes that if there is sufficient goods in the market then the price would automatically come down adding, "We have communicated our stand to the Central Government that the allotment of essential commodities to the State should be increased at all costs."

The State government has a very little role to play since it is an issue concerning the whole country, Mr Nongtdu said.

UDP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit said inflation was a national problem and it required a concrete approach from the Central Government. He, however, said, "The State Government also needs to explore innovative ways and means of tackling this problem since it is the common people especially the downtrodden who are badly affected." He said the UDP as a party was concerned about the issue and that they would find ways to address the problem of price rise.

NCP state youth president Aldo Sangma believes that the problem of inflation needs a realistic approach from both the Central and State governments.

"Since this is a national problem, it requires collective effort from all sections of people to raise their voice against the failure of the Central Government to check the inflationary trends," Mr Sangma said.

He said, "We also need to put pressure on the Central Government to come out with a clear cut strategy to solve the problem as soon as possible."

KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling said the State Government should not shirk its responsibility by claiming that the problem of inflation which had led to spiralling prices of essential commodities was a national problem.

He stressed that the State Government also has a very important role in containing price rise. "This problem was present in our State even before the elections and it is due to the nexus between political parties and businessmen," Mr Dohling said adding that the Union would not allow this "nexus" to create problems for the common people.

FKJGP general secretary Joe Marwein said price rise had adversely affected the State. Citing sharp rise in fuel prices, he said it had "snowballing effect on the State which is solely dependent on road transport for supply of essential commodities." The FKJGP leader said the Federation would pressure the Government to come out with strategies to check hoarding and black-marketing of essential goods.

JOWAI: The three-day 21st Lympung Ki Khun Samla Seng Khasi Sein Raij, organised by the Seng Khihlang at Jalaphet village in Jaintia Hills, which ended on Sunday, sent a strong message to all Khasi-Pnar people to preserve the rich culture, the traditional faith and values of the Seng Khasi, Seng Niamtre besides calling for uplift of the living standard of the people in Khasi and Jaintia hills.

Thousands of Seng Khasi-Sein Raij followers from all over Khasi and Jaintia Hills witnessed the celebration at Madan Heh, Jalaphet. Elders from the Seng Khihlang also delivered sermons on different issues related to the traditional Khasi-Pnar faith.

Earlier in the morning, the assembly started with the 'Tied Ksing' (beating of drums) procession from Pyrdung to Madan heh. The objective of the 'tied ksing' is to alert each and every member that the Lympung is about to start.

Addressing the gathering, president of Seng Khihlang Robin H Kurbah said the Lympung is organised every year to remind the Khasi-Pnar people of their culture and traditional belief and to uphold the same.

Lamenting the wayward and perverse behaviour of people in today's generation, he called upon one and all to strive towards achieving a corruption free society and administration, which ensures equal justice and socio-economic equality to all its citizens.

Earlier on Saturday, quiz and debate competitions were organised where the prizes were distributed to the winners by the Executive Engineer, MeSEB, SK Sun. The function also felicitated Mr Sun for his contribution towards the Seng Khihlang.

The highlights of the celebration were cultural items and dances presented by members of Seng Khasi-Sein Raij and Seng Khihlang, who represented various villages of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The Lympung started on April 18.

He further stressed for strengthening of the ministry and enhancing of the budgetary allocation to speed up implementation of the schemes and distribute equal shares of money to all the north eastern states. He also pointed that Meghalaya has been getting very less share of schemes and money from the ministry due to lack of commitment and sincerity of political masters who represented the State. He also emphasised for removal of "controversial" Mr Moily from the Commission to avoid further controversy in the development of the North East.

Shillong: With advanced technology, patients suffering from kidney tumour can now expect better and cost effective treatment of the disease, according to Dr S Duraiswamy, one of the leading urologists from Apollo Hospital, Chennai here on Friday.

Speaking to mediapersons here, Dr Duraiswamy said that kidney tumour could be cured by partial removal of the kidney, which means one need not loose his whole kidney to get rid of the disease.

While stating that urology is a rapidly advancing specialty, kidney stone is becoming a common problem even amongst the young populatio.

He blamed modern and changing life styles for the increasing number of people suffering from urological disorders.

Highlighting about other curable kidney infection, Dr Duraiswamy said in case of prostate gland enlargement, a common problem in elderly males, good drugs are available to cure the problem and surgery can be avoided while adding that with the help of the medical advancements kidney stone could also be managed by non-operative measures like shock wave treatment also.

Even in case surgery is needed, endoscopy or micro-surgery is useful than open surgery, he observed.

During his two-day visit to the city, he consulted many patients having urological problems at the Hope Clinic Information Center, Shillong.

Some local dealers alleged that the companies, which are based in Meghalaya, are engaging in profit-making activities by exporting large quantities of cements to other states while neglecting the requirements of the State.

The local dealers also alleged that with growing demands for cements and the huge profit, they (companies) are supplying cements in large quantities to other states.

The price of cement is much higher in Assam than in Meghalaya, they said, adding that cement per 50 kg is sold at Rs 300 in Assam while the same is being sold at Rs 210 in Meghalaya, hence the pilferage.

The local dealers, meanwhile, urged the State Government to intervene in the matter to ensure that the companies, while carrying out their business, do not overlook the demands of Meghalaya.

In this regard, a drawing competition among school children and an open meeting will be held on the same day.

The programmes are to educate the community through various trainings both in theory and practical by forming village management committee with the help of task force group to tackle disaster consequences.

Despite abundant deposits of mineral resources especially coal and limestone, which the state of Meghalaya possesses, the state continues to remain among the poor and least developed states in the country. For all its rich natural resources, Meghalaya today is very much similar to the condition of India when it was under British rule. The mineral resources are being wantonly exploited and taken to industries outside the state even to foreign countries and no concrete policy was taken to develop the state industrially. Worse still, the coal mines in West Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills are being operated in a very unscientific and haphazard manner without observing any Mining Laws or any Environmental Protection laws that are applicable throughout India. All this is taking place because Meghalaya state till date does not have a Mining (Mineral) Policy unlike most of the states of India. The scenario that has developed due to lack of a sound mining policy is frightening, shameful and suicidal for the state as a whole. It can be briefly described as follows: -

1.Economic loss: Coal is an important fuel for industries- cement manufacturing, lime kilns, brick kilns, foundries, etc. at the rate at which coal is being taken out from the state, there will not be enough coal left even for the few cement factories which have come up recently.

In terms of power generation, coal is the major source of heat energy for generating electricity in India. Thermal power stations using coal have become the backbone of Indian economy. The power (electricity) crisis being experienced in the state at present could have been easily avoided if we had even one thermal power station of at least 300 MW capacity, using our abundant coal. With the power crisis deepening year by year, we may soon have to buy power at the rate of Rs 5 or Rs 6 per unit from states that are using our coal to generate electricity.

2.Loss of employment opportunities: Coalmines in India are usually labor intensive. A standard colliery (coal mine) in India producing 10,000 tonnes/month (1.2 lakhs t.p.a) would normally employ 400 persons per day, which include clerical, technical and operative staff. With Meghalaya's present coal production level of over 6 million tones per annum, there is an employment potential for about 20,000 persons at least, not counting the number of truck drivers and handymen for transport of coal. But very few local indigenous people are employed in the coalmines of Meghalaya, the reasons being as follows:

i) The coal mines are very unsafe so that local people do not like to risk their lives working in these coalmines in spite of highly lucrative wages.

ii) The mine owners prefer to employ cheap migrant laborers because if there is a fatal mine accident the dead miner can be easily forgotten (even his body need not be retrieved) and nobody raises questions about the dead miner whose name and address even is not known or registered.

As a result of which there is practically no employment opportunities for the local people in the coal mines. On the other hand if the coal mines were operated under the Mines Act 1952 and the Coal Mines Regulations 1957 framed hereunder, the safety standards in the coalmines would be quite high and the mine employees would have enjoyed the benefits as per the Coal Mine Wage Board Award and the coal mine provident fund, to name just a few benefits. In such an attractive environment, local people would rush to work in the collieries.

3. Safety Standards: As one goes round the existing coal mines of Meghalaya, one notices immediately the total lack of safety standards. There is hardly any timbering support, no standard coal pillars, galleries run haphazardly due to lack of survey guidance- not to talk of ventilation, electric lighting, hydraulic supports etc. which are regular features of mines operated as per the Mines Act. Naturally there will be frequent roof fall or caving in accidents in our coalmines. It is an open secret that hundreds of miners meet with fatal accidents every year in our mines. But the identity of the victims is not known because there is no system for registering the workers, whilst this is statutorily required under the Mines Act.

4. Lack of administrative control: In spite of the state having its Mining & Geology Department and a Directorate which concerns mineral resources, no administrative control could be exercised over our coal mines because they operate without obtaining a Mining Lease, which is an essential requirement under the Mines & Minerals Regulation and Development Act and the Mineral Concessions Rules 1960 applicable all over India and normally under the administrative control of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the respective State Government Mining & Geology Departments and Directorates. The authority of the State Government over the coalmines therefore extends only to royalty collection.

5. Environmental Impact: As no environmental laws of the country are being enforced on these mines they are operated without seeking or obtaining environmental clearance, which is a must for coal mines covering such extensive areas as seen in all the coal mining districts. No wonder, these mines are being operated with total disregard for the environment and ecology in and around the coal mining areas. We have become only mute witnesses to the environmental degradation and near ecological disaster caused in these areas. Water samples from these areas are said to have pH values of 4 or less than 4 which indicates the high acidity of water in all the coal-mining areas because of the high sulphur content of Meghalaya coal. The water has become unfit for drinking purpose, aquatic life has long disappeared and the effect is seen even as far as the Lukha River. (Can we still sing "Ki um kiba thiang ngi dih na ki wah"). There is no practice of water/effluent treatment. Restoring the environment and ecology to its pristine past may cause hundreds of crores of rupees.

6. Influx: The influx of migrant labourers mainly from Bangladesh and Nepal is obviously the consequence of lack of administrative control over the coal mines rising out of non-application of Mining laws and Environmental Protection laws of the country. As mentioned earlier, there is no registration of the labour employed in the mines and their antecedents are not required to be verified. Thus, every Tom, Dick and Harry can open a coal mine in Meghalaya and operate it and employ whomsoever he likes, for maximum profit without any concern for the security of the country or the social and economic impact (adversely) to the State.

It is high time that the people and Government of Meghalaya wake up to give a serious thought to the facts mentioned earlier. It is high time that the State Government formulates and declares a proper Mining (Mineral) Policy of the state. But let it be clear to one and all that a Mining Policy sans the Mining, Mineral and Environment Protection Laws (already passed by Parliament and implemented all over the country) would be no Mining Policy at all. The Central Authorities like The Directorate General of Mines Safety, Indian Bureau of Mines and The Central Pollution Control Board can strengthen the State Government authorities like DMR and SPCB only when the Central legislation applicable to mines are enforced in Meghalaya as soon as possible.

Among other things, the Mining Policy should incorporate a provision for Mining education/training, in the State to produce technically qualified personnel to work in the mines as Overmen, Mines Surveyors, Coal Mine Sirdar, Shot Firer and operatives. This would contribute not only to a safe and scientific coal mining practice but also benefit the youth by way of employment opportunities.

A correct Mining Policy would thus immensely benefit the State and its people by checking influx, enhancing the value of minerals, upgrading the environment, ensuring safety in mining operation, creating vast employment opportunities for the youth and facilitating the all round development and progress of Meghalaya.

As a word of caution, it should be stated here that vested interests are deeply entrenched in the present coal scenario. The coal lobby is very rich and influential and they can invest lavishly to win the favour of NGOs to speak against enforcing in Meghalaya the laws passed by Parliament. In the past, the argument made against introducing the Mines Act was that Coal Mining in Meghalaya is a cottage industry. It may be so fifty years ago but can we still call it a cottage industry when Meghalaya is producing over 6 (six) million tonnes of coal every year? And we are bringing even foreign nationals to work in our coal mines? The facts about our coal mining convince us that it is otherwise. A relevant Mining Policy for Meghalaya is therefore long overdue and the sooner the State Government can declare and implement it the better for the state as a whole. (The author is a retired mining engineer)

Madam,

I was thrilled to see the MBOSE Notifications issued by the Chief Executive Chairman to the effect that Meghalaya would soon have its own Textbooks, only to have the high hopes dashed to the ground when the textbooks hit the Tura markets. Quality has been sacrificed at the altar of rapid mechanical completion. Among other glaring deficiencies, spelling mistakes are galore - starting from the cover, the Foreword, Talatdapani, right through the texts. Some words were thus rendered not only 'un-Garo', but obscene too. The multiplication tables for lower classes were printed on very low quality paper and to cover it up, rusty bizarre colours were used, inviting harm to the eyes.

"Patchisa Bibal" translated by Sodini G. Momin from "A Basket of Flowers" has been prescribed as a Rapid Reader, but the Exercises added to the book are all patterned along the lines of those generally constructed for texts meant for detailed reading. The objectives of teaching-learning Rapid Readers and those for detailed-reading are completely different and questions are framed to assess the achievement of these objectives.

The poem, "Miktoksirang" prescribed for class V has been translated by Clearson K. Sangma from William Wordsworth's "I wandered lonely as a cloud", which is now generally known as "Daffodils". The two short stories "Good Night Ma Good Bye" and Kakketgipa Manderang" have been extracted from Kan dikgipa Golporang" (Pe skagimin, which means 'Translated') translated and published as an Anthology by B.K. Sangma. But nowhere has it been mentioned that these are translated versions.

In the world of publication, copyright is an important issue and breach of norms is not encouraged at all. Written permission, not a verbal one, should be obtained for all text materials being used. By the way, the poem "Bi sana Ka saa" prescribed for class IV is by B.S. Bangshall and not by S.B. Bangshall.

March is almost ending yet the students of Garo Hills are still waiting for some of the Textbooks.

Yours etc.
B.K. Sangma
Tura.

Madam,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to convey a message to the District Selection Committee (DSC) Nongpoh, for delaying the declaration of results of the written test conducted by the said authority on the 12th May, 2007.

The DSC should appreciate the unemployment problem in the District and publish the results at the earliest. Sadly, in Ri Bhoi District there is no strong Students' Organisation who could voice matters of concern, as in other districts of the State, where the Students Organisations are active and effective and have always played an important role in solving the problems faced by the students community.

I also wonder why if the MBOSE can declare the results of more than 10,000 candidates in 3 months, what takes the DSC, Nongpoh nearly a year to do the same considering that the number of candidates is only a quarter of that of MBOSE?

The DSC Nongpoh should wake up and kindly take steps to publish the results so that those who are selected can be gainfully employed.

Yours etc.,
Ralph and Von Cornville
Nongpoh

DIPHU: The Central Government has outrightly rejected the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) demand for a separate Karbi state though assured of holding further discussions on the other demands of the group.

Sources said a tripartite meeting between the Centre, Assam Government and the UPDS in New Delhi on Friday, discussed at length the demands of the outfit. However, the meeting ended inconclusively. The talks will now resume in the month of May.

Meanwhile, the UPDS leadership has warned of joining hands with the likes of Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) factions in order to prepare a common set of demands, according to sources.

The UPDS is demanding statehood in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District (KAAD) while the DHD's original demand is for a Dimaraji state comprising parts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts as well as Dimapur.

UPDS leaders - vice-chairman Ke-Ap Tisso, general secretary Sai Ding-Eh and joint secretaries Tung-Eh Nongloda and W Mukrang - called on Home Ministry officials on Friday.

The sources further said the Government said there is "no policy at present for the creation of a new state" either under Article 3 or Article 244-A of the Constitution.

"We have been asked to revise our proposal. At the moment, I can only say that we do not intend to revise our demand," a UPDS leader said.

"Joining hands with the DHD (Nunisa) is a possibility now as it will be easier for all of us," the outfit leader said. (NNN)

AGARTALA: Adding another feather to its cap, the Bhabhatron - II, an equipment meant for external radiotherapy will be unveiled on Monday at Regional Cancer Institute, Tripura.

Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission Dr Anil Kakokdar will inaugurate the equipment.

The Bhabhatron, which was developed indigenously, is first equipment to be used not only in north eastern states but also in eastern India, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department YP Singh said here on Sunday.

Cancer patients of the State will be beneficial after the installation of equipment, he said.

Speaking to media persons, Superintendent of Regional Cancer Institute Dr Goutam Majumder said a total of 1386 cancer patients have been detected last year while the number it was 1269 in 2006.

"Though the number of cancer patients is growing, Tripura is comparatively safe in terms of growing incidence of the deadly disease," he said.

In Mizoram, the rate of cancer patients stands at 200 per one lakh population while it is only 70 per lakh population in Tripura, he said adding that tobacco and diet-habit were among the main causes of cancer.

"Early identification is the key in the cancer treatment. If cancer is identified in early stage, survival chance are there," he said.

As part of infrastructure development, the Region Cancer Institute (RCC) has taken various initiatives to provide better treatment facilities to the cancer patients.

Brachy Therapy for uterus cancer, one of the most important of all the cancer treatment methods, would also be introduced the hospital too.

"Many of the patients could not avail the facility out side the state for expenditure involved in it. For common people Brachy therapy in this hospital would come as a blessing", said Dr. Majumder.

Guwahati: A tribal militant was killed and a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered when the Army busted a camp of Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) in an early morning operation in Karbi Anglong hill district of Assam on Sunday.

Army spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia informed that acting on a specific information about presence of a group of KLNLF militants , Army zeroed in a camp of the militant group inside dense forest, about 12 kilometers away from Manja in insurgency-ravaged Karbi Anglong district.

On seeing the Army team,the lone sentry on guard at the militants’ camp opened fire and was shot dead by Army personnel in retaliation. The rest of the militants fled deeper inside the forest.

The Army recovered a large number of arms and ammunition besides combat dresses, ration, utensils and electronic gadgets from the camp.

The Army recovered one AK 56 rifle, three AK 47 rifles, one US-made carbine, one 5.56 rifle equipped with grenade launcher, one .303 rifle, eight grenades, one single barrel grenade launcher, 10 magazines of AK 47 assault rifle, 25 gelatin sticks, ten electronic detonators and assorted ammunition.

The KLNLF is the breakaway faction of the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) .

While speaking to the press here, MASS leaders Aditya Lahkar and Bubumoni Goswami slammed the government for not taking adequate action regarding the report of the Commission. The Commission had enquired into the extra-judicial killings, dubbed as the 'secret killings' of ULFA kin in the 90s that was allegedly carried out by government-hired killers. (UNI)

Agartala: Once a fiery ballad singer, Hemanta Jamatiya, winner of the Sahitya Akademi award, on Sunday hums a different tune.

Paeans to peace replace the ballads exhorting tribals to take up arms as the 54-year-old former rebel turned legendary singer composes poems and sets them to music promoting and preserving the rich folk tradition of Tripura.

"I stayed three-and-a-half-years in the jungle and was entrusted with the responsibility to train new recruits and inspire them through my revolutionary songs to wage an armed rebellion," Jamatiya told PTI on Sunday.

Music was in his blood and at the age of 14, he became an accomplished folk musician. When 28, Jamatiya took up arms and fled to the jungles to lead the underground All Tripura Peoples Liberation Organisation (ATPLO).

Jamatiya's efforts to groom himself as a singer and relentless work to preserve the traditional folk music of the princely state of Tripura brought laurels for him.

He was conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1996 for his untiring efforts to preserve and popularise a dying tradition.

"I was forced to take up arms following the ethnic clashes in the 80s when hundreds were killed," Jamatiya said.

According to him, it was like the call of the wild.

"I wandered through green rolling hills and waded through red rivers of Tripura and sang revolutionary songs to attract tribal youths to take up arms to free motherland," he said.

But the illusion soon faded. "I began to hate violence as it can neither bring peace nor develop the state," the former rebel who bade farewell to arms in 1983, said.

Today, he tries to persuade tribal guerillas to return home. (PTI)