News  of 3rd March 2008

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Govt may brief House on nuke deal today

New Delhi: Amid continued nudging by the US to conclude the civil nuclear deal at the earliest, the government is expected to spell out its plans on the issue on Monday in Parliament when External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee makes a statement.

Mukherjee, who will be making the statement on 'Foreign policy issues', is expected to speak about the government's intent on the civil nuclear deal and the progress made in this regard, sources told PTI.

He will indicate the status of the negotiations with the IAEA on the safeguards agreement, which is a key step under the Indo-US nuclear deal. Negotiators of India and IAEA concluded the fifth round of talks on the safeguards agreement on Thursday last and reported "considerable progress" towards the agreed text.

It is, however, not clear how far the two sides have been able to resolve the differences over issues like India's right to build strategic fuel reserve and acknowledgement of its military nuclear programme by the global atomic watchdog.

The US has been pressing India to conclude the agreement with IAEA at the earliest, with Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns setting the March-end deadline for it.

Contending that it was now or never for India to get such a deal, Washington has been maintaining that if the agreement does not come before the US Congress by May-end or early June, it would be difficult to get it passed because of lack of time in the Presidential election year.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently told a group of influential US Senators here that there were "difficulties", apparently referring to the Left parties' stiff opposition to operationalisation of the deal.

The Left parties have warned the government of serious consequences if it operationalised the deal and have demanded that the agreement with IAEA be signed only after it was approved by them.

The External Affairs Minister is also expected to talk about the status of ties with Russia and France in the backdrop of recent visits by their leaders here.

An update on ties with China is also expected to be briefed. Mukherjee is also likely to refer to Pakistan, where a change of guard is in the offing after general elections.

He is likely to spell out India's approach towards the country in view of the latest developments.

He is also expected to speak on the relationship with other countries like Nepal, where crucial Constitutional Assembly elections are scheduled next month. (PTI)

Sethu project

New Delhi: The Central Government, in its fresh affidavit before the Supreme Court, has sought to allay environmental concerns regarding the Sethusamudram project. The affidavit said the Committee put a stamp of approval on the reports that the Sethusamudram project will reduce the tsunami wave energy since it is trending north-south direction. (PTI)

Elite guards to get own aircraft soon

New Delhi: The elite Special Protection Group (SPG), guarding the Prime Minister and certain other VVIPs, will soon have an aircraft of its own to meet professional requirements.

The 3000-strong force has been pressing for an aircraft for long in order to meet its needs for carrying out security-related operations ahead of a VVIP visit.

Keeping this in mind, the budgetary proposal of the elite protection group accounts for an increase of 45 per cent in the next fiscal.

This is the highest-ever increase in the budgetary allocation for the force.

Earlier in 1997-98, it was Finance Minister P Chidambaram who had proposed an increase of 40 per cent hike in SPG's budget.

The SPG, which guards Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his immediate family members, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her children and former prime ministers, has already started looking for an aircraft in Europe and certain other markets to allow it to carry out Advance Security Liaison (ASL) teams ahead of a VVIP visit, official sources said.

The SPG, which was earlier known as Special Protection Unit, used to take the aircraft from Aviation Research Centre (ARC) of Research and Analysis Wing but has been facing some problems of late.

The budgetary proposals for SPG, which has been bringing in modern equipment, for this fiscal has been pegged at Rs 170.79 crore as against Rs 117 crore for the previous year.

The SPG is entrusted with providing proximate security to the Prime Minister, former prime ministers and members of their immediate family. Protectees of SPG include former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra.

The sources said with the general elections round the corner, Prime Minister or other VVIPs would be requiring excessive travelling for which the teams would have to be dispatched in advance for sensitisation of the area. The SPG came into being on April eight, 1985 with S Subramaniam, the then Joint Director (VIP Security) in the IB assuming its charge.

Creation of the SPG required an elaborate exercise in order to clearly delineate responsibility of various agencies concerned with the security of the Prime Minister and others.

The air wing would add another chapter to the 23-year-old force which needs immediate attention in view of increased threat perceptions from various terror outfits. (PTI)

Maya’s anti-budget ad irks Cong

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government’s advertisement against the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s populist budget has invited criticism from the Congress and has initiated another round of political debate in the state over the farmers in the drought-hit Bundelkhand region.

"Loan waiver for the farmers is a reasonably belated step, but it will solve the problem only partially, as it is not clear as to how the loan amount will be waived off and when the loan amount would be made available to the banks," said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati through an advertisement.

The UP government in a full page advertisement in the local media here Sunday questioned the issue of the fate of the farmers, who have taken loan from moneylenders, as they constitute about 46 per cent of the total indebted farmers. Besides, the Centre had ignored 3.32 lakh farmers in the drought-affected Bundelkhand, who have over two hectares land and are burdened with debt worth over Rs 11,000 crore.

The BSP government also criticised the Centre for not taking into consideration the loan amount to the tune of Rs 332 crore given to 6.74 lakh beneficaries by the UP SC/ST, Backward and Minorities Corporations.

However, announcement of the loan waiver scheme for the small and marginal farmers has come as a political set back for UP Chief Minister, who had been targeting the UPA government for not sanctioning the special package for the seven districts of Bundelkhand.

Ms Mayawati during her January 29 rally had announced to waive the interest on the crop loans of small and marginal farmers and demanded the Centre to share half the burden for waiving the principal amount. However, in the Budget, the Centre has waived off the entire amount of interest and principal on all outstanding loans on the small and marginal farmers.

Meanwhile, elated UP Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi, responding on the advertisment said, the loan waiver is much more than Sanjivini for the farmers of Bundelkhand and two other drought-hit districts of Sonebhadra and Mirzapur of the state.

Taking strong note of Sunday’s full page advertisement by the UP government, she said such a thing only proves the political weakness of a party and Congress will certainly take legal opinion to take action against the government for such undemocratic stand.

"Countering the Union Budget through advertisement was anti-constitutional as political parties debate the issue in Parliament", she maintained.

Taking up the issue with Ms Mayawati about her demand to waive off the loans of the corporations, the Congress leader said "had the BSP government not spent illegal money on tatues and monuments, these funds could have been utilised for the purpose."

She also demanded that the state government should give the details of the utilisation of over Rs 32,000 crore sanctioned by the Centre to the state, besides Rs 8000 crore still remaining in the state exchequer.

Earlier in 1989, the then Janata Dal led by Vishwanath Pratap Singh had routed the Congress in UP, as the Congress tally was reduced to mere 15 seats in that election. The loan waiver scheme, brain child of the Haryana Jat leader Devi Lal had polarised the rural masses particularly the farmers behind the Janata Dal.

Meanwhile, as per the official statistic UP is set to be the biggest beneficiary of the total loan waiver scheme announced by Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the annual budget for 2008-09.

Of the 40 million beneficiaries, almost half of them were in UP. In UP, the small and marginal farmers household account for 22.5 million and 90 per cent of them were the borrowers from the PSU banks, Regional rural banks and district co-operative banks. About 13.5 million farmers had been issued Kisan credit card and most of these card holders were the small and marginal farmers.

As per the UP government records, total outstanding agricultural loans and overdue as on December 31, 2007 in seven districts of Bundelkhand was around Rs 13,148 crore. This included Rs 10,173 crore of principal amount and Rs 304 crore as interest. In seven districts of Bundelkhand the number of loan accounts as on December 31 2007 was 9.28 Lakh. (UNI)

Fernandes fears Bharat Ratna sell-out

New Delhi: George Fernandes, the former Defence Minister, writing in the recently revived second issue of the journal, the Other Side, says that there is a danger of Bharat Ratna Award being available at a price.

George Fernandes says: "Looking at the way people have been angling for these awards, no one should be surprised if in the coming times these would be available at a price. Even members of the Parliament will begin queuing up for them. We need to make efforts to see that such a time does not come."

George says he has always been against these awards. When he was a minister in the Morarji Desai government in 1977 on day one of the Cabinet meeting he had voiced his opposition to these awards.

"On day one of the Cabinet meetings, I took up this issue and requested Morarji Desai to put an end to these awards. The Prime Minister very happily agreed to my request and put it before the Cabinet and had it accepted and that was where it remained for many, many years. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also in that Cabinet and he too accepted this," George Fernandes wrote in the Other Side, a journal of socialist thought and action.

It was revived when the Congress government came to power. The matter was taken to the court by the government and the court approved its revival. (ANI)

Lalu brought shift to Railways:RSS

New Delhi: With a view to complementing the Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece today praised him for bringing paradigm shift for the Railways behemoth and complemented him for not playing a ‘gentleman thief’ in his 2008-09 Railways Budget.

Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece in its forthcoming issue even had critical comments on the past Railway Ministers who sought to treat Railways as a ‘sanctuary for heavy weight politicians’ and for inflating their ‘bloated ego trips.’

Before Lalu, Railways used to be a ‘neglected area’ with each budget turning out to be ‘virtual audits’, resulting in routine hikes on both passenger and freight tariffs. "Like it or not, Lalu has brought paradigm shift for the Railways and his ways of finding new avenues for boosting the revenues for the massive Public Sector behemoth was commending," the paper commended.

The Railways Minister, the paper said, had presented a feel good budget and laid track for full blown election talk, announcing concessions across the board for freight and passenger fares.

The paper also took a dig at Finance Ministers of the country whose ability to keep fighting the deficit, by overburdening the tax payers by asking them to learn a few lessons from Mr Prasad’s experiment.

Marginal reductions in fares to compete with low cost airlines would not mean much for a country on the fast track of globalisation but the very thought of competition must be appreciated.

Arguing in favour of Mr Prasad, the mouth piece said some economic journals seem to comment derisively on the benefits accrued to the long distance travellers. (UNI)

Sethu project: Centre counters environmental concerns in SC

New Delhi: The Central Government, in its fresh affidavit before the Supreme Court, has sought to allay environmental concerns regarding the Sethusamudram project.

The project has not only been opposed on grounds of religious sentiments attached to Rama Setu or Adams Bridge but concerns have been raised about the fragile ecosystem of Gulf of Mannar and susceptibility of the region to disaster in case of a Tsunami.

Allaying these fears, the Centre said Committee of eminent persons appointed by the Centre on October 5, 2007 looked into the apprehensions and after considering various reports, declared them as "unfounded".

The affidavit said the Committee put a stamp of approval on the reports that the Sethusamudram project will reduce the tsunami wave energy since it is trending north-south direction.

"The Committee has further concluded that the Sethusamudram Ship Channel will be helpful to the coastal communities by reducing the wave energy of future tsunamis originating from Sumatra (Indonesia) and Andaman and Nicobar regions," the Centre said.

The affidavit said that the environmental monitoring carried out for the past 25 months at different locations have revealed that "there is no significant influence on physical, chemical and biological parameters due dredging in Palk Strait and Adams Bridge and that these investigations have indicated the normal productivity and bio-diversity in the area."

Further the alignment 6, i.e., Rama Sethu passes 20 KM away from the marine biosphere reserves border and that changes in post tsunami have also been studied by the project authorities. (UNI)

VHP dharna on March 4

Hyderabad: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international General Secretary Pravin Togadia on Sunday said the VHP would organise dharnas in every village in the country on Ram Sethu issue on March four.

Addressing the press, Mr Togadia, who came here to inaugurate a spiritual centre at the Bajrang Dal office alleged that the Centre had filed a ‘wrong affidavit’ in the apex court without conducting archeological study on Ram Sethu issue.

"The Shipping Ministry had no authority to file the affidavit", he said. (UNI)

‘Enough land for rail projects in Bihar’

Patna: The NDA government in Bihar on Sunday brushed aside Railway minister Lalu Prasad’s claim that several railway projects could not take off in the state for want of land.

"These are baseless allegations. State government has acquired more than 4,165 acres of land for several railway projects in the past two years," Land Reforms and Revenue Minister Ramnath Thakur said.

He said the process acquiring more land for railway projects in the state was underway.

According to Thakur, state government had received 1034 proposals of railway expansion and other projects from the Centre. (PTI)

N-deal: Specific Indian safeguards on the anvil

Mumbai: India and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have narrowed down the differences on the India-specific safeguards, one of the key elements that will determine the operationalisation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal.

The fifth round of talks, which concluded last week, made considerable progress and further details will be worked after consultations with the Centre, said Dr Ravi B Grover, leader of the Indian team, told PTI Sunday.

"Considerable progress has been achieved during the round of negotiations about a safeguards agreement between the IAEA and India held this week in Vienna.

Consultations between India and the Agency will continue," an IAEA spokesperson also said.

So far India has not fixed any deadline for finalising the ‘agreed text’ on India-specific safeguards while the US administration was trying to put pressure to complete the process by March end.

Articulating India’s position, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon had made it clear that India was "not looking at a deadline" but was trying to wrap up the talks as soon as possible.

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar had maintained that while India had to get the agreement with IAEA at the earliest, it has to be correctly done and it has to meet all the requirements. Therefore, it was a long technical process, he had said.

"We should not do in a hurry," he added. (PTI)

Detained Indian in Pak to walk free after 35 years

ISLAMABAD: Indian national Kashmir Singh, held on death row in Pakistani prisons for 35 years after his conviction on espionage charges, will be released on Monday and is expected to be reunited with his family the next day, caretaker Human Rights Minister Ansar Burney said on Sunday.

Following the approval of Singh’s mercy petition by Musharraf, the order for Singh’s release was issued by the interior ministry on Saturday. Singh, currently in Lahore’s Central Jail, will be handed over to Syed Fahad Burney, acting chairman of the Ansar Burney Trust, on Monday.

The trust will take Singh to India by road through the Wagah land border on Tuesday. Singh’s wife Paramjit Kaur, who has been struggling for his release since his arrest in 1973, will greet him on the Indian side of the border with family members and friends.

Indian High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal spoke with Ansar Burney on Saturday and assured the minister that Singh’s travel documents will be issued on Monday. Burney and the staff of his Trust will accompany Singh on the journey to Wagah.

Fahad Burney said many of Singh’s friends and well-wishers in India had started gathering at the border in anticipation of his return.

"The release of Singh is being seen as a significant step of improvement in Pakistani-Indian relations and trust building," said Ansar Burney.

The Ansar Burney Trust, is also working for the release of other Indian nationals in Pakistani prisons, particularly fisherman. (Agencies)

Court advocates parental tabs on girls

New Delhi: Assuming the role of a social watchdog, a Delhi court has advocated counselling and parental tabs on teenaged girls in order to protect them from bad influences, while acquitting a youth of the charges of raping a class IX student.

"The pitfalls of teenage need to be reflected in our opening society. Perhaps the need for counselling, parental tab and monitoring of teenaged girls appears to be the requirement of the day as they are susceptible to various influences," Additional Sessions Judge Anoop Kumar Mendiratta said.

The judge made the remarks while acquitting one Vikas Kumar and his parents Kishan Dev and Kaushalya, who were accused under various provisions of the IPC including that of wrongful confinement and kidnapping.

The court noted that the alleged victim absolved the accused in her testimony as she had been blessed with a child.

Her father also did not support the case out of affection for her and in order to save the remnants of her married life with the accused, it added.

According to the complaint, the girl initially submitted to circumstances of sexual assault on September 9, 2005 and revealed the incident to her parents after two months.

"The complaint was projected to be that of rape even for a sexual relationship which was established at the house of the accused wherein she resided of her own free will," the court said.

"The acquittal may be the only consequence in law, considering the fact that the victim herself turned hostile and even her father did not support the case of prosecution," the court said.

"The arm of law was finally used to report the offence only after much water had flown and the girl realised that she had been taken for a ride and ultimately deserted midway without any shoulder to rest upon," the court said.

The girl, in her testimony, said she was 18 years of age at the time of incident and had lodged complaint with the police due to differences with accused Vikas.

A complaint was registered against the accused with Uttam Nagar police station in west Delhi on August 20, 2006 about one year after the incident, alleging Vikas had taken the victim to his home and committed sexual assault with her. The parents of Vikas allegedly married off the girl to him and was later deserted by them. (PTI)

               

8th Meghalaya Assembly elections today
Over 12.14 lakh voters to decide the fate of 331 candidates

Our Bureau

SHILLONG: Over 12.14 lakh voters will decide the fate of 331 candidates, including 19 females, as Meghalaya votes to elect 59 legislators to the 8th State Legislative Assembly on Monday.

Amid reports of recovery of arms from supporters of a regional party in Jaintia Hills and pre-poll violence in Chief Minister DD Lapang's constituency, election authorities have put in place tight security and made elaborate logistical arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling starting from 7 am.

Casting of votes through electronic voting machines (EVMs) will continue till 4 pm in 1,599 polling stations across the State.

A total of 6,276 polling and security personnel have already arrived in their respective polling stations, authorities said.

Election to Baghmara constituency has been rescheduled for March 22 following the death of sitting legislator and Congress nominee Sengran Sangma.

The prominent politicians seeking election or re-election to the 60-member House are Chief Minister DD Lapang (Nongpoh), Deputy Chief Ministers Dr Donkupar Roy (Shella) and Dr Mukul Sangma (Ampati), NCP leader Purno A Sangma (Tura), State Legslative Assembly Speaker Martin M Danggo (Langrin) and former Chief Ministers EK Mawlong (Umroi), Salseng C Marak (Resubelpara), Dr Flinder A Khonglam (Sohra) and J Dringwell Rymbai (Jirang).

Congress has fielded the highest number of 59 candidates followed by UDP (52), NCP (48), BJP (23), MDP (18), LJP (18), KHNAM (16), HSPDP (15), GNC (4) and CPI (3). There are 69 Independent candidates in the fray.

Rongram constituency has the maximum 11 candidates, while Jaiaw is the only constituency to witness one-to-one contest between Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM) and former Finance Minister AH Scott Lyngdoh (Congress).

Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills is the largest constituency and Mawkhar, East Khasi Hills the smallest.

Tura seat has the highest concentration of 39,698 voters and the constituency having the least number of electorate is Mawkhar with only 7799.

With 99 per cent coverage of Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) for identification of genuine voters, election authorities hope to prevent proxy voting in all polling stations.

Election Commission has also deputed observers to all constituencies to ensure free and fair voting.

A total of 635 polling stations have been declared as hyper-sensitive and 194 others as sensitive.

Besides armed policemen, 43 companies of CRPF have been deployed in various polling stations to check violence or rigging during the polling hours.

As a precautionary measure, Section 144 CrPC has been clamped in certain districts, prohibiting carrying of arms or lethal weapons.

The 2003 Assembly elections had recorded 70.63 per cent voter turnout, while the total number of electorate was 12,81,722.

This time, however, the number of voters has come down by nearly 50 per cent due to strict procedures followed during enrolment of names of voters and de-listing of dual voters.

Counting of votes will be held on March 7.

‘No irregularity in SUWP works in Jaiaw’

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Implementation Committee of Jaiaw Assembly Constituency has clarified that all the work orders under Special Urban Works Programme (SUWP) Scheme from 2003-2007 were issued in the name of the chairman of the Committee as per the guidelines of the scheme.

Reacting to news reports chairman of the Committee Banri Kupar Lyngwa said similar procedure is followed in all urban constituencies where the work orders are issued in the name of chairman or secretary of the respective implementation committee.

As per information collected through RTI, it was revealed that all SUPW schemes in Jaiaw constituency were being executed by Mr Lyngwa since 2003-2006.

"The work orders, which were issued in my name, were reissued to the beneficiaries and Rangbah Shnongs of the various Dorbar Shnongs are testimony to this fact," Mr Lyngwa said.

He also refuted the charge of being involved in schemes on installation of street lights.

Wondering as to how the information "through RTI in September last year" was flashed in the news just before the polling day, he said it was a move to malign the image of incumbent legislator of the constituency Paul Lyngdoh.

Stray violence mars election eve

Our Bureau

SHILLONG/JOWAI: At least 13 UDP supporters were seriously injured after being assaulted by Congress workers at Umran Diary, Ri-Bhoi district on Sunday.

Congress supporters also reportedly kidnapped a UDP supporter Robert Pyngrope and damaged two vehicles used by the rival party.

UDP alleged that at least 13 of its workers were assaulted by Congress supporters with sharp objects like iron rods, sticks, etc.

The injured were admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital and Umsning CHC.

Congress men also kidnapped an UDP member and damaged two vehicles used by party workers.

Ri-Bhoi Youth Congress president Bipul Ryntathiang and youth Congress leader from Umsning Dipshon Ryntathiang were involved in the incident, UDP alleged.

When contacted, MPCC president OL Nongtdu said he did not have any information about such incidents, saying everything was normal.

Chief Minister DD Lapang, who is contesting the polls from Nongpoh constituency, is facing a tough challenge from UDP's Celestine Lyngdoh.

Five held with arms

Ummulong Beat House police arrested five persons and seized a .32 pistol and a long Punjabi dao from their possession at Mukhla village in Jaintia Hills while travelling by a vehicle belonging to UDP.

Jaintia Hills SP Mukesh K Singh said, acting on information that some unknown persons were carrying arms in a Maruti car (ML04- 5962) belonging to UDP, police from Ummulong Beat House acted swiftly and intercepted the vehicle at Mukhla village.

Police arrested the five persons who were travelling in the car and recovered a .32 pistol and a long Punjabi dao from their possession, Mr Singh said.

The arrested, who were said to be UDP supporters, were identified as Damon Dkhar (32) of Dulong Pamhadem-Jowai and Yoomi Sari (27), Ploit Suna (31), Hamthaba Sari (26) and Yoomi Sari (29), all Mukhla villagers.

Damon Dkhar gave police conflicting information on who is actually the owner of the pistol.

The matter was being investigated by police till filing of the report.

‘State needs statesmen, able leaders’

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: People of Meghalaya should elect statesmen and able leaders who can lead a corruption-free society and ensure all-round development of the State, a section of conscious citizens said on the eve of the State Assembly polls.

Talking to The Shillong Times, John Robert Theological Seminary principal Rev TJ Hynniewta urged voters to elect leaders who were "statesmen", saying, "Meghalaya needs statesmen for its overall development."

Padmashree awardee Patricia Mukhim said, "Voters should not allow money to rule the future of Meghalaya. We should elect candidates who are corruption-free and have the capacity to lead the society."

Malki headman HP Oflyn Dohling expressed unhappiness over the performance of the outgoing legislators and appealed to people to vote for "new candidates" who could fight corruption and work for development of the State.

Dr Pascal Malngiang also echoed the same voice, saying the people should elect "persons who can work for common good of he people."

Another NGO leader Joe Marwein called upon the voters to choose "policy-makers, not representatives."

NCP disowns ‘malicious’ ad

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Meghalaya NCP has disowned the advertisement published in its name in the March 2nd issue of this paper, terming it "malicious" and an attempt to "mislead the electorate" just a day before the State goes to the polls on Monday.

State NCP's Media Cell chairman Prof Eugene D Thomas, in a statement issued here on Sunday, clarified that the advertisement carrying pictures of NCP president and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Monmohan Singh was not issued by NCP and that it "has been published with a malicious intent and it is meant to mislead the electorate."

"All media materials for the Press have to be passed or forwarded by me as the State media in-charge of the party. Such matters should be confirmed either with me or State NCP president PA Sangma," Prof Thomas said, adding the party was planning to move both Election Commission and Press Council of India over the matter.

Interestingly, the advertisement highlights the various agricultural schemes initiated by Mr Pawar along with NCP's flag and election symbol with the message "Our sincere thanks to UPA Government."

School dropouts too in fray

Shillong: A total of 19 school dropouts are contesting alongside doctors, professors, teachers, bureaucrats and journalists in the State Assembly election on Monday.

According to the survey of an NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms, 19 candidates (5.7 per cent) out of 331 candidates have not completed schooling. Nine others have not mentioned educational background in the affidavits at the time of filing nomination.

"Altogether, the educational qualifications of 32 candidates are unavailable, not mentioned or illegible," the survey said.

Deputy Electoral Officer S Kharlyngdoh said, "If they (candidates) have not stated the educational background, it means they have no formal education."

Among the drop-out contestants, four are contesting as Independents and four each in the fray from Congress and LJP.

Two candidates each from CPI and NCP are school drop-outs. One such candidate each from BJP, KHNAM and HSPDP will also seek mandate in the poll.

The revelations come despite Meghalaya's high literacy rate of 63 per cent. The State is also regarded as the most-favoured educational destination in the North-east.

Meghalaya stands far behind other north-eastern states with respect to educationally sound candidates.

Assam and Manipur has 58 and 57 per cent graduate candidates in last assembly elections. Nagaland, which goes to polls on March 5, has 59 per cent graduates.

However, 150 candidates - including doctors, professors, bureaucrats and journalists - are also in the fray.

According to the survey, 141 candidates are graduates. Among the political parties, Congress leads by fielding 35 such candidates, followed by UDP with 28 and 21 Independents.

Despite having more than half of its residents educated, the school dropout rate in Meghalaya is the second highest after Bihar.

According to official sources, overall percentage of dropout rate in the state from primary level to secondary level is - 41.26 per cent, Upper Primary - 10.60 per cent and Secondary - 11.13 per cent. (PTI)

Stage set for voters to elect leaders

By Our Reporter

Shillong: As the stage is set for voters to elect their legislators in the Assembly election on Monday, a tough fight is expected in most of the 36 constituencies in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

In Nongpoh, an interesting contest will be witnessed between Chief Minister DD Lapang (Congress) and Dr Celestine Lyngdoh (UDP). Unlike in the past where Mr Lapang usually had a cake walk victory, this time round the UDP candidate has made Mr Lapang feel the heat.

In Mawhati, where five candidates are in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator and Assembly Deputy Speaker Phingwell Muktieh (Congress), Donbok Khymdeit (UDP) and Rangkynsai Makdoh (KHNAM). All the three candidates are very strong with indication that Mr Khymdeit is having an edge over the other contestants.

Further, in Jirang constituency, former Chief Minister JD Rymbai (UDP) is locked in a multi-cornered contest with nine contenders for the election. However, the fight is mainly between Mr Rymbai and William Mynsong (Congress) with indication that the incumbent is likely to make a comeback.

Similarly, in Umroi, out of the seven candidates in the fray, the contest is between former Chief Minister EK Mawlong (UDP) and sitting legislator Stanley Wiss Rymbai (Congress).

In Nongspung constituency of East Khasi Hills, out of six candidates in the contest, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator John Anthony Lyngdoh (UDP) and former police officer Kennedy C Khyriem (Congress). However, the sitting legislator appeared to be in a better position than his rival.

In Sohiong, sitting legislator H Donkupar Roy Lyngdoh (Congress) is facing a tough fight from his two main rivals - Rain Augustine Lyngdoh (UDP) and Forward L Mawlong (NCP). There are eight contenders from the constituency in this election.

In Mylliem, out of five candidates, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Pynshai Manik Syiem (NCP) and Ronnie V Lyngdoh (Congress) with indications that the NCP candidate is in a better position than others.

In Malki-Nongthymmai, out of seven candidates in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator Tony Curtis Lyngdoh (Congress), Bindo M Lanong (UDP), Jemino Mawthoh (NCP), Latiplang Kharkongor (KHNAM) and Pretty Kharpyngrope (MDP).

Similarly, in Laitumkhrah, out of eight candidates, the fight is between Ampreen Lyngdoh (UDP), Nicky Lyngdoh (Congress) and Malcolm B Tariang (Ind).

In Pynthorumkhrah, out of five candidates in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator Alexander L Hek (BJP), James Marvin Pariat (NCP) and Subhasis Chakravarty (Congress) with indications that Mr Hek is in a better position.

An interesting fight is also expected in Jaiaw where a one to one contest between sitting legislator Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM) and Aubrey H Scott Lyngdoh (Congress) will be witnessed.

In Mawkhar, out of five candidates, the fight is between sitting legislator Friday Lyngdoh (Congress), Ganold S Massar (UDP) and Glenbert Khongwir (KHNAM). However, it appears the sitting legislator has an edge over the other contestants.

In Mawprem, out of five candidates in the contest, the fight will be mainly between sitting legislator Manas Chaudhuri (Ind) and Binod Kumar Joshi (Congress).

In Laban, out of seven candidates, the fight is between Sanbor Shullai (NCP), Edward Kharwanlang (BJP), Sanjay Das (Congress) and Banri Kupar Wahlang. In Mawlai, out of five candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Process T Sawkmie (UDP) and Founder S Cajee (Congress) with the latter likely to spring a surprise.

In Sohryngkham, out of five candidates, the fight is between sitting legislator Charles Pyngrope (Congress), David Kharsati (UDP) and Dr Osaphi S Jyrwa (KHNAM). Mr Pyngrope seems to have an edge over the other contestants.

In Dienglieng, out of five candidates, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Martle N Mukhim (MDP), Teilang S Blah (Congress) and Remington Pyngrope (UDP).

In Nongkrem, out of six candidates, the fight is between sitting legislator Lambor Malngiang (KHNAM), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit (UDP), Waibha K Kyndiah (Congress) HS Shylla (Ind) and Hilarius Pohchen (NCP). In Lyngkyrdem, out of four candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Prestone Tynsong (Congress) and Dominic Roblin Nongkynrih (KHNAM).

In Nongshken, out of four contenders, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Khan Khong Dkhar (Congress), Beliris Kharduia (UDP) and Donkupar Massar (Ind). However, the Congress candidate is having an edge over the others. In Sohra, out of six candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator and former Chief Minister Dr Flinder Anderson Khonglam (HSPDP), Dr Phlour W Khongji (Congress), Titosstar Well Chyne (UDP) and Donnevan Kharwanlang (KHNAM).

In Shella, there are three candidates in the fray - Deputy Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy (UDP), Leston Wanswett (Congress) and Pyndapbor Saibon (KHNAM). Dr Roy is still having an edge over his two rivals.

In Mawsynram, out of eight candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator D Plaslanding Iangjuh (UDP), Khraw Kupar Jyrwa (NCP) and Pynshngain N Syiem (Congress).

In Mairang constituency of West Khasi Hills, out of six candidates in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator Boldness L Nongum (Congress), Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP) and Dr Bibilynda Wahlang (NCP). In Mawkyrwat, out of seven contenders, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Bires Nongsiej (UDP) and former minister Rowell Lyngdoh (Congress).

In Pariong, out of five candidates in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator Irin Lyngdoh (Congress) and Dr Adviser Pariong (HSPDP). Dr Pariong has emerged as a strong candidate who is likely to spring a surprise in the election. In Nongstoin, out of seven candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Hoping Stone Lyngdoh (HSPDP) and JT Stormding Thongni (Congress) with the veteran HSPDP leader having an edge over his rivals.

In Langrin, out of six candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator and Assembly Speaker Martin M Danggo (Congress), Leenga A Sangma (NCP) and Khranglin Lyngkhoi (UDP).

Further, in Mawthengkut, out of eight candidates in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator Francis Pondit Sangma (Congress), Chenang Ch Marak (NCP) and Fantin K Ryntathiang (UDP). The NCP candidate has emerged as a strong contender in the seat.

In War Jaintia constituency of Jaintia Hills, out of six candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Riang Lennon Tariang (UDP) and Lahkmen Rymbui (Congress) with indications that Mr Tariang has an upperhand in the contest.

Similarly, in Rymbai, out of five candidates in the fray, the fight is mainly between sitting legislator Nehlang Lyngdoh (Congress), former legislator Simon Siangshai (NCP) and Balios Swer (UDP).

In Sutnga-Shangpung, out of three candidates in the fray, the main contest is between sitting legislator Shitlang Pale (Congress) and Richard S Lyngdoh (UDP) with indications that the Congress candidate is in a better position than his rival. Similarly in Raliang, out of three candidates, an interesting fight will be between sitting legislator Mihsalan Suchiang (UDP) and Comingone Ymbon (Congress).

In Nartiang, out of four candidates in the fray, the fight is between sitting legislator Draison Kharshiing (Congress), EC Boniface Bamon (NCP) and former minister Henry Lamin (UDP). In Nongbah-Wahiajer, out of four candidates in the fray, the fight is between business tycoon Sniawbhalang Dhar (Congress) and former legislator Edmund S Lyngdoh (MDP).

Further, in the prestigious Jowai constituency, all three candidates in the race - sitting legislator Sing Mulieh (UDP), former JHADC chief Moonlight Pariat (NCP) and former legislator Roytre Christopher Laloo (Congress) - are very strong though Mr Mulieh is having an edge over his two rivals.

Seven doctors seek electoral fortune

By Our Reporter

Shillong: There are seven practicing doctors seeking their electoral fortune in the March 3 Assembly election in the State. Interestingly, all of them are from various districts and belong to major political parties in the State.

The physicians turned politicians who are in the race in this election are Deputy Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma (Congress) from Ampati, Garo Hills, former Chief Minister Dr Flinder Anderson Khonglam (HSPDP) from Sohra, Dr Phlour W Khongji (Congress) also from Sohra, Dr Osaphi Smithson Jyrwa (KHNAM) from Sohryngkham, Dr Celestine Lyngdoh (UDP) from Nongpoh, Dr Bibilynda Wahlang (NCP) from Mairang and Dr Adviser Pariong (HSPDP) from Pariong.

Nongkrem to seal fate of 6 candidates today
Key constituency

By Our Reporter

Shillong: A multi-cornered contest will be witnessed in Nongkrem constituency as the State goes to poll on Monday.

The fate of all the six candidates will be sealed in EVM boxes on Monday by 22,544 voters in a constituency where there has been a tendency for sitting legislators to lose, regardless of his/her political affiliations.

Among the front-runners for the prestigious post in Nongkrem were sitting legislator and KHNAM candidate Lambor Malgniang, former KHADC Chief Executive Member and two termed MLA from Nongkrem - HS Shylla, who will be contesting as independent this time after the Congress favoured Waibha Khyriem Kyndiah as its candidate over him, and the NCP candidate Hilarius Pohchen. Mr Ardent Basaiawmoit (UDP) and Mitchell Wankhar (MDP) are also in the race.

Observers feel that the sitting legislator Mr Malngiang has an edge over his rivals, especially the former MLA from the constituency Mr Shylla (1983 & 1993), though the two young guns - Ardent Basaiawmoit (UDP) and Mitchell Wankhar (MDP) - should not be underrated.

Mr Waibha K Kyndiah, son of Union Tribal Affairs Minister PR Kyndiah Waibha, however, has to put up a tough fight against his opponents, observers feel, though nothing could be predicted at the moment.

Observers also feel that majority of the votes, especially in Thangsning and adjoining villages, will be shared between Mr Malngiang, being the sitting MLA, and former KHADC CEM, Mr Shylla considering for his "popularity among the public". However, both have a very strong based in almost all the villages of the constituency.

The votes could be also divided on religious lines with NCP candidate Hilarius Pohchen seeking to attract the large number of Catholic voters in the constituency.

A senior citizen from Thangsning village, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the sitting legislator, also has an edge over his opponents as he "had done considerably well" in developing the constituency compared to his predecessors, which include Mr Shylla as well, though the anti-incumbency campaign by rivals may work well against Mr Malngiang.

According to some of the villagers, Mr Malngiang's over dependency on his workers to undertake various developmental works in the constituency, who are allegedly manipulating the schemes for their personal benefits, could also prove disastrous for him in the hustings.

Mr Shylla's past record as MLA, where little development could be seen during his tenures, is unlikely to make a positive impression on the voters, observers feel.

However, his massive popularity among the general masses and outspoken nature, which could be necessary especially during Assembly sessions, could swing the votes in his favour.

Also, new entrant, Ardent Basaiawmoit (UDP) is all set to choke Mr Shylla's chances in his former strongholds, which include Mawpynthih and adjoining villages in Mylliem area. In previous elections, almost 80 percents of the votes polled by Mr Shylla were from Mylliem area only.

The NCP candidate is another strong contender for the seat and has a good chance to win considering the large number of Catholic followers in the constituency, especially in villages like Mawlyngngad and Laitkor.

Except for Lawsohtun, the presence of MDP candidate Mr Wankhar is not much felt in other villages of the constituency.

UDP candidate, who is based at Laitkor, could jolt his opponents' chances considering his active participation in social welfare activities in the villages under the constituency.

Interestingly, the constituency has not seen a sitting legislators retain the seat in the consecutive election, except for Dr Radhon Sing Lyngdoh, one of the famous Khasi littérateur.

Laban to decide whose vision more appealing
Key constituency

By Our Reporter

Shillong: Seven candidates from Laban, a metropolitan constituency, have been chanting the "development and change" mantra in their respective vision plans. But, whose vision is more appealing will be decided on Monday as voters stamp their votes in their respective polling stations in the constituency.

In the fray were sitting MDC from Laban-Mawprem, Sanbor Shullai (NCP), Edward Kharwanlang (BJP), Sanjay Das (Cong), Mrs Irene Hujon (LJP), Banrikupar Wahlang (UDP), Tilak Das (SP) and Herman Nongrum (Ind).

Talking to The Shillong Times, NCP candidate Sanbor Shullai said that he has outlined an agenda to bring about change in the constituency if he is voted to power which include concentrating on the welfares of the underprivileged class, improving road connectivity and water problem in different localities and arranging of community buses, providing better healthcares and sports and recreational activities.

Mr Shullai, who won the MDC election on a Congress ticket and switched to NCP this time, claims that switching over from one party to another will not have any affect on his electoral chances, firstly because people want a person who would look after their welfare while the party is secondary.

Independent candidate Herman Nongrum said that transparency in implementation of developmental schemes is very important apart from eradication of corruption.

While Mr Edward Kharwanlang (BJP), a voluntarily retired Government officer, stressed on eradication of poverty, said his foremost agenda for the constituency is to breach the gap between the haves and haves-not, besides creation of employment opportunities and improve healthcare.

Likewise, UDP nominee Banrikupar Wahlang and LJP aspirant Irene Hujon share similar views with others aspirants on development under Laban constituency and call on people of Laban to make a change this time round.

Laban constituency consists of 13119 voters as per latest electoral roll list issued by State Election Department.

Hek clarifies

By Our Reporter

Shillong: Pynthorumkhrah legislator and BJP candidate AL Hek has urged the people of the constituency not to be misled by allegations of vested interests that he accumulated his properties through corrupt means. In a statement issued here on Sunday, Mr Hek said he had procured loans from several banks to set up a hotel and a dry cleaner here while adding that he had given a piece of land to a petrol pump company to set up one of its outlet here.

Ban on poultry import lifted

By Our Reporter

Shillong: The Department of AH and Veterinary has lifted the ban on entry of all poultry and poultry products into the State, excluding poultry from West Bengal and areas close to the international border with Bangladesh, from Saturday, Commissioner and Secretary, AH and Veterinary Department informed in a release.

Pakistan prospects

After much confusion, the political scene in Pakistan has brightened. What is encouraging is that the principal democratic parties seem to be coming together to bring stability to the country. Nawaz Sharif has said that his PML (N) will not join the coalition to be led by the PPP but it will extend support to it from outside. Although a similar alliance between the UPA and the Left parties in India develops hiccups from time to time, the proposed set-up in Pakistan is the best possible in the circumstances. The differences between the PPP and the PML (N) are so deep that a joint government comprising the two parties does not seem workable. The PML (N) will have no truck with President Pervez Musharraf and insists on his early removal. It will not have any Minister belonging to it sworn in by Musharraf. It also wants the restoration of the deposed judges of the Pakistan Supreme Court. The PPP is not so adamant about it. Its leader, Ali Zardari has already got an amnesty from corruption charges by a National Reconciliation Ordinance. The restoration of the Supreme Court judges may have created obstacles. This may explain why the PPP was not so keen on the restoration of the judges. Now that Zardari has been cleared, it is even thought in some circles that he may come close to Musharraf. On the other hand, Sharif announced on his victory that the President’s election was wrongly validated by a Supreme Court packed with Musharraf’s yesmen. The former Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry is still under house arrest. It may be recalled that the sacked judges and lawyers started the democratic movement in Pakistan . The country is still without an independent judiciary. The decision of the PML (N) to offer the new government support from outside seems in the right direction in view of the party’s reservations on these grounds.

Washington is still backing Musharraf. But the dice are loaded against the Pakistan President. Zardari is still in favour of his removal as soon as possible. Even Democrat Senators in the US are requesting Musharraf to bow out gracefully. India is happy with the friendly overtures from both Sharif and Zardari. But New Delhi believes in a wait and watch policy. It may not be possible to revive the spirit of the Lahore Declaration signed in 1998 unless the political imponderables are removed from Islamabad .



Some observations on elections

By Rajesh Dev

The impending elections have suddenly generated a lot of excitement not really amongst the electorate but definitely amongst a variety of entrepreneurs whose profession is to generate a debate on issues confronting the society. As we draw to the fag end of another election where bureaucratic gags on political canvassing has subdued the level of political excitement that is an imperative ritual of a democracy, people suddenly recovering their political sense are interrogating the role and depth of electoral politics in the state.

Purity of the political culture and atmosphere cannot be redeemed by simply illegalising the open political debates and platforms that allows the voter to make informed choices. Rules are needed to temper any vitiating attitude but they should not be effected in such a manner that it does look like a political "funeral", even though for some it may be one! We wish the administrators were more adept at enforcing the rules when questions of an ordinary citizen's rights and freedom against the political class and system were concerned. It would be a better democracy if the administrators really appreciated that bureaucratic red tapism was more injurious to the deepening of democracy than animated political canvassing. After all democracy is an open form of government because it is noisy.

Well about what the issue is before the electors as also his choice, little said the better. The issues that concern the people are not the issues being debated by the political formations. The choice is limited since he/she was neither consulted in the choice of the candidate nor is there a proper debate or platform where the electorate can question the party nominated candidates and seek his responses to the concerns that confront the ordinary voter.

The voter is baffled by the lack of political ideology that offers a comprehensive blueprint for the kind of society that a candidate or party envisages, though ritualistic manifestoes are published. All parties and candidates lack an articulated goal and therefore also the methods to achieve an envisioned social order. The only ideology seems to be the maximisation of the share of the political spoils in a post electoral tie-up. Though some political formations have proposed the creation of a Vigilance commission that does not have any political representatives, the electorate is too cynical from his experiences with the various forms of ombudsman systems that often have covert political overtones.

The political formations have however not generated a political excitement about the depth and level of political corruption in the state and only mention them in passing political phrases. They do not form the core of the general political debate, but merely as political gossip. They failed to highlight in glaring terms that political corruption is the new political religion in the state. Rather each political formation seems to be guarded in speaking against the shady political principles of its rivals because of the Damocles sword called coalition politics. All of them are cautious and tentative because of their role in the coalition chessboard that is going to emerge in a post election scenario. This is also because all are tentative and lack a defined political constituency. None of the political formations in the state represent a defined social group or political interest and as such all are engaged in pulling at the same piece of political rug.

The large number of cases that have emerged in the past few months concerning the misappropriation of MLA schemes for a large number of the members is not simply a sign of political corruption but a manifest sign of political decay that the state encounters. The road from Shillong to Guwahati is only one of the dominant signs of that decay the MLA schemes is another.

The state and its institutions unable to fulfil its obligation towards the citizens have merely empowered the members of the assembly to build a clientelist network of patronage through MLA Schemes that a members uses as the source of deriving political legitimacy and loyalty. The general lack of political accountability is not a concern with the political formations or the candidates.

The issues that are generated are vague and general. Some parties are highlighting their abilities to safeguard the Hynniewtrep community's interest by disallowing the setting up of a permanent base for the CRPF and the ITBP thereby simply generating a parochial and chauvinistic feeling without any substantive concern for the growing inequality in the indigenous social life where a very small section are amassing a major portion of the entitlements and resources. Some have though spoken of growing Jatropa in this emerging political wilderness.

They do not also have any blueprint for gagging the rising dropout rates or the volume of educated unemployed. They have never seriously debated the need for industrialisation and employment generation because they cater to narrow and ephemeral instrumental interests and needs.

There may be different interpretations in a democracy and often they may be noisy but that is the beauty of a democracy. The need is to entrench the debate within a matrix of tolerance for differing opinions and priorities. Democratic consensus and compromise that however should follow from such a churning is probably given a new interpretation in the state. Though elections are not the only means of entrenching democratic politics they are the most visible sign of democratic politics and should therefore, generate that excitement that motivates the electorate to be conscious about the political atmosphere and issues that will affect and structure his social and political life in the next five years. It is therefore imperative that they are made noisy and colourful in a very substantive way though. (The author is a member of ICARE, Shillong)

 

Electing 60 new legislators

By Lt Col (Retd.) R Diengdoh

With amber dominant over the 'experimental' intrusions of green and red.

It serves as a caution even as we contemplate upon our responsibility as voters, impelling us to question our ken in matters of candidate viability; this because the parties don't count for much. We must weigh anchor not on perceived notions but on sound ideas. The 'Sine qua non' for us to bring about any meaningful results is to involve ourselves in hard line polemics. This, on the basis that Congress governance aided and abetted by coalition partners has been all 'shambolic icing, no substantive cake.' What has been appalling is that stand offs between the 'warring' duo caused a fair bit of embarrassment, so much so that anger soon subsided into comical sympathy giving enough grounds as they did, for both taunt and mockery. It became eminently clear that the exponential increase in the diatribe segment of verbal communication showed up the oddity as glaring as a "bull in a china shop." Their conversational updates in front of TV cameras never penetrated the solid antipathy dividing them. They, till the very end remained burdened by the false armour of an unrepentant advocate. Does it serve any purpose kicking a corpse?

I do believe that the electorate while exercising their franchise must ask and require of their candidate the following:-

lRecognition and acclamation of a status bestowed must evoke in the person a sense of humility in the presence of responsibility.

lThey must entangle themselves in the briar of details.

lEnsure that public money is not squandered, pilfered or shamefully misapplied.

lMust not drift with the mainstream politician but like a trout defy the current when events go against public interest. Don't shirk responsibility in exchange for popularity.

lStrengthen the health and education sector in the rural areas.

lNo matter their ranking in the political hierarchy, they must not lose contact with their constituency. It happens to be the baked brick that gave him/her the propulsion.

lBeware of politicians who change their parties because of wavering principles.

lThey must seek to 'hold office' not 'come to power'.

lDo not accept dogma without a reasoned debate. It helps not to shut up like an oyster.

lHaving entered the bourgeois comfort of 'Rilang', do not forget the noise and bustle outside.

lShould not support fantasies but show courage to denounce them.

lRemember that advancement obtained by a process of elimination is all too hollow.

lTo tread a new path made un-navigable by naysayers must be their calling cards.

lMake politics a serious business; political games can only reap a whirlwind.

lIt must also be understood that more important than the number of years one puts in, is what one puts into the years.

As the State prepares to go the polls, all candidates are on overdrive to convince people that they alone (the party) will ensure peace, progress, prosperity - the last two can safely fall under the category of either 'overuse or disuse' cooling adding, if they are elected; like it is their sobriquet. Election time brings out all the virtues of a gladiator battling for supremacy, hoping that they are better endowed than Russell Crowe or Maria Sharapova; depending on their gender! It would be wise to also accept that everyone has his/her own views on certain matters. To use a phrase, "you cannot sell refrigerators to Eskimos."

Considering that the State electorate sums up to 16 - 18 lakh valid votes (illegal migrants included) against 331 candidates seeking 'placements' in a 60-member House, suggests that anyone breasting the tape on a six lane race will do so by the proverbial whisker; not convincingly. Assuredly, party strategists are on a 'pen drive' mode sharpening their arithmetic. The Laitumkhrah constituency will indeed stretch the contestant's nerves; three thousand is the magic figure. To use a metaphor reflect upon the dawn of a Passion Sunday which would suggest that as in the Paschal liturgy, the duel between 'life and death' in this instance victory and defeat is about to be fought. The contagion of elections concerning candidates fills me with hope because they understand too well that there won't be too many overripe supporters pursuing them with malignant fidelity if they don't deliver. The party leaders as also the candidates surely have more on their shoulders than Hercules did.

The Congress in Meghalaya in their present moral climate needs to cicatrize their wounds. Inserting our memory chips we the public see the party taking a nose dive with the precipitousness of a Kamikaze pilot after having hurt each other like a picadors jab would. We also see that the party has erred in the selection of candidates. Suffice it is to quote a Chinese proverb; "give a seed to a potter and you will get a bonsai." The Congress in Laitumkhrah look so emaciated that they give the impression of having done an extended tour of Somalia without WHO support. The Congress loss in Laitumkhrah will assuredly not be a heart breaking Greek tragedy. The Congress 'high powered' manifesto blitz like manifestos of other contending parties is all hogwash because today's politics does not provide for a one - size - fit - all Sarkar. The way I look at it is that manifestos, like tourist brochures are simply exaggerated prose. The other issue lest they forget is that Crowborough does not figure in their radars, making them all party to the regrettable impropriety. It is that kind of silence that gives one a feeling of being inside a sanatorium. Crowborough's epitaph cast in stone reads; "Like a plague I stand neglected; a monument of apathy and lost virginity, clothe me not for the shame I suffer; not of my doing." The other irony is that opposite this doleful sight lies the remnant of what was a baroque splendour with its fluttering Tiranga; Saffron for courage, sacrifice and renunciation, White for truth and purity, Green symbolizing life, abundance and prosperity and The Chakra for motion and dynamism. Crowborough in its present form and appearance is the absolute antithesis. Not a single head has rolled in 16 years. Perhaps, the Nilam has yet to run its full course. All manifestos will go through the shredder once the oath of office is administered.

The other disturbing factor is the diatribe being indulged in with no holds barred. It is bizarre when the Rubicon is crossed, questioning ones morals, pedigree etc or the lack of it; introducing a narrowing element into our public life. It transforms into a keenly felt impediment of societal norms. Deserving it is for the Mawlai trenching ground. It requires deep introspection by those who will in due course of time attain the 'honourable' accolade. Why bring dishonour even before the dye is cast. What is required is concord.

There is also a sudden deluge implying corruption, misuse of MLA funds, promoting selfish interests. What we need to ask of them is why are skeletons 'peeping' out of the cupboards now? Were all the 'sleeper cells' deactivated during the course of the last five years, suggesting an agreed quid pro quo. Create a din nobody will hear the truth. It is not the affirmed belief about the left hand not knowing what the right hand does but a conviction that both hands are working overtime. Apparently no counter checks and consequential corrections are favoured thus allowing such indulgence to become paralysing. 

 'Ka Pung San Klur', Crowborough, are cases in point of being high on symbolism than intent. Is there any depth to the nadir? Where does all this leave the struggling wage earner? There obviously are many applicants for his job. The vultures of ill - health hover above him and those dear to him. What he asks is for clean hands in the higher ranks and for a square deal. This is just about what his passionate desire constitutes. One certainty, to borrow a phrase is that "the unemployed will queue up at the soup - kitchens." So what is the change we are looking for? Cosmetic applications that 'favour' National Highway 40?

Serious business that politics is, almost found two contestants 'contracting' for a slugfest. In the days of High Noon of the Wild West era, even petty differences were settled with Webly Scott six - shooters. A realization that bare knuckles can hurt fortunately prevented gore on the streets. Who says 'sneer and smile' is not part of the same lips; A hand shake 'seals' it all! Just as well.

Before global warming makes it redundant; for those contestants who fail the litmus test, I hasten to quote, "the Siberian coast is rugged and bleak and there are cruel frosts in the Arctic Ocean." The moral is that democracy does not allow room for proven failures.

For the person who gets elected as the Chief Executive of the State, please remember that when "excellence comes from the top, it becomes an ethos of the organization." Like the last five years, don't let the next five… Be one of endless vexation.

Elections and great expectations

Sir,

As an Independent nation we are 60 years old, but as a full-fledged state of India, we have passed more than three decades. This is the time we must take stock of our achievements and failures in various fields of life. The timing is more relevant because as a state, Meghalaya is entering into a new era beginning March 2008. With a new assembly and a new government, we are opening a new chapter. As a district of the then undivided Assam, Garo Hills was perhaps one of the most backward districts of the country. With the achievement of statehood in 1972, everyone had high hope and expectations- but alas! The dream did not turn into reality and the common people continue to suffer.

With another state election, we are hearing lots of promises and promises! But as matured voters, we know it very well that promises will remain promises till the next election- 5 years later. It is like a writing on the wall. Besides the cash-box of a shop- "you have to take everything in cash today, you can buy things on credit tomorrow only." That tomorrow never comes!

The people of Garo Hills are suffering- it is a fact. At this juncture let us not start the "blame game" or post-mortem to find out the reasons for such sufferings. Let us begin a new chapter of all-round development of Garo Hills with the leadership of our 24 elected representatives in the state legislature from March 2008.

If we want to highlight the problems of Garo Hills- it is very difficult to find out where from to start and where to end. In this article, we would like to discuss and point out the problems faced by the people of Garo Hills in general and Tura- second important town of the state- in particular. We would like to call upon our (would-be) newly elected representatives to put their mind and soul together as 'one body' irrespective of their party affiliation and try to solve the woes and agonies of the people of Garo Hills. Only then can history be created as far as development is concerned.

It has been rightly said by someone coming from Guwahati to Garo Hills that the border between the two states is easily identifiable from the road condition. On one side is the thick tar coated and broad road of Assam, and on the other is the poorly maintained 'pot-holed' road of Garo Hills. This pretty much gives an outsider a general opinion on the development in Garo Hills. When roads- such as the main national highway connecting Garo Hills to the rest of the region- are so poorly maintained what can one expect of the rural areas?

Tura is the epicenter of Garo Hills, but badly maintained roads are a plenty. The hurriedly done patch work in the main thoroughfares of the town have a life expectancy of a couple of months. By the next monsoon all renovation works will be washed away.

Power disruption is another burning issue of the people -- come mid April-May and the onset of the thunder squalls -- frequent disruptions begin to take place. There is no permanent solution in sight to this problem.

They say education is the light for the world, but not so in Garo Hills. Rural schools continue to function from run-down buildings, while nearer home several high institutions are functioning without heads and sufficient staff. There is no principal in the prestigious Tura Government College and several teaching posts lie vacant. There is a feeling of step-motherly treatment from the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Shillong, as far as redressing the problems of the teaching fraternity is concerned.

Same is the case with NEHU in Garo Hills, where results of various examinations are received a week later then their counterparts in Shillong.

Information technology is the key word, but not so in Garo Hills where frequent communication disruptions occur- courtesy poorly maintained works by the BSNL which somehow cannot seem to find a foolproof system to be put in place.

The Indian Railways are yet to ply through the Garo Hills but a computerized booking office was opened a year back. This was expected to usher in a new period of satisfying the demands of the travelers keen to go outside the state. But alas! The euphoria was short-lived. Frequent communication disruption has rendered this blue baby into a white elephant.

The only option for travelers is to use the deplorable road (the national highway) but even this is plagued by frequent bandhs by communities living on the other side of Assam. We are yet to see an all Meghalaya weatherproof road cutting across the region and embracing integration of the three major tribes- Garo, Khasi and Jaintias.

Inflation is also a major problem for the consumers of Garo Hills, particularly the citizens of Tura. Prices have skyrocketed so much that it is the poor who are suffering the most. Take the price of potatos which is Rs 5 in Guwahati but sold in Tura for Rs. 10. Failure on the part of the district consumer redressal forum has added to the misery of the people.

All these problems makes the people want a change for the better. As one elder pointed out, "We do not want old wine in new bottles," but people will welcome "new wine in old bottle."

Yours etc.,
Prof U R Dutta
Tura

 Diversity a course of NE conflicts: Seminar

Guwahati: Diversity is a plausible cause for conflicts in the North East because through politics and State practices the diversity produces competitions and conflict outcome.

It was one of the points on which speakers at a national-level seminar on "Troubled Diversity, the political process in North East India " by and large agreed upon.

The three-day seminar that concluded on Sunday was organised jointly by the Department of Political Science, Gauhati University in collaboration with Indian Institute of Advanced Study(IIAS), Shimla. The IIAS Director and one of the participants in the seminar, Peter Ronald deSouza said, "Deliberations by different speakers in the seminar zeroed down to few common views on the troubled diversity in the North East."

He said, "Though it was found during the discussions in the seminar that diversity is a cause for troubles in the North East region as it to competitive and conflicting aspirations among different groups of people, diversity is also a condition where the conflict is not driven by diversity but by factors outside diversity."

Regarding the likely factors outside diversity that are potent enough to spark conflicts in the North East , Mr deSouza, on the basis of papers presented and discussions held in the seminar, mentioned about democratic politics, absence of a consultative mechanism and may be a tentative State policy.

"One of the very interesting education out of the seminar is about how some of colonial policies related to tribal groups continue to remain in vogue in post colonial period for instance in case of enumeration," he said.

The three-day seminar that ended today was attended by participants from all the North Eastern States , Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Delhi . The seminar was part of a series of similar seminars being organized by the IIAS on concept of diversity rather to delve deep into different aspects of diversity in the country especially in North East and Himalayan region.

The IIAS director informed that the diversity in focus was not necessarily on ethnic diversity only but inclusive of varied aspects of diversity like food, health, education."At the conclusion of the series of such seminars on diversity the IIAS will bring out a volume of publication for national and international audiences. (EOM)

Political parties make last effort to woo voters in Nagaland

Kohima: With only a day left before campaigning closes ahead of the Nagaland Assembly elections to be held on March 5, the political parties and Independent candidates were making all efforts to woo the electorate.

National parties, including the Congress, BJP, JD(U), RJD, NCP, regional party Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) as well as Independent candidates were busy in the last leg of their preparations and launching door-to-door campaigns with various assurances and appealing the voters to cast their votes in favour of the respective candidates.

All the 218 candidates, including four women, were trying their utmost to convince the voters about the various programmes they would implement in their respective constituencies if elected to power.

While the Congress is the lone party in the state contesting all the 60 Assembly seats, the regional party NPF, the main opponent of the Congress, is fighting for 56 seats in the elections.

The NPF, NCP, JD(U) and BJP leaders of the state signed a joint resolution recently and formed a pre-poll Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and decided upon a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) for the DAN to focus their vision.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed one election rally at Kohima on February 27, Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Mokokchung and Dimapur on Saturday. (UNI)

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