Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Sabarwal said 50 people died and 115 sustained burn injuries. While 55 were undergoing treatment inb various hospitals, 70 others were discharged after first aid. R N Srivastava, Special Secretary (Home) of Uttar Pradesh, said most of the dead were women and children. One woman Suman Garg, who suffered 100 percent burn injuries, succumbed at Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College, the college Principal Usha Sharma said.

The fire, apparently triggered by a short circuit, broke out at one of the pandals around 1730 hours when an estimated 2,000 people were at the "Brand India" fair at Victoria Park where products of leading multinational companies dealing in electronic goods and kitchen appliances were on display.

The blaze soon engulfed and virtually the entire air-conditioned makeshift complex turned into an inferno. Bodies charred beyond recognition lay scattered as firefighters with the help of locals and police battled for 90 minutes to contain leaping flames.

Plumes of black smoke engulfed the area and visitors scrambled to flee the spot. Blackened steel frames were all that remained of the makeshift tents that had been set up as stalls at the fair which began three days ago and was to end on Monday. The fire fury aggravated when cooking gas cylinders used by makeshift eateries at the fair venue exploded, officials said.

Earlier, Inspector General of Police Narendra Bahadur Singh, who was on the spot supervising rescue operations, had said 45 to 50 people have died in the fire. Thirty one bodies were in mortuaries, District Magistrate Ramkishan said. With bodies badly mutilated, anxious relatives and friends were desperately searching for their near and dear ones at the tragedy site as well as in hospitals. Rescue workers were sifting through the debris at the site looking for possible for bodies trapped.

Uttar Pradesh governemnt ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh to the next of the kins of the deceased, Rs. 50,000 to those seriously injured and Rs. 25,000 to those with minor injuries. Principal Secretary (Home) S K Agarwal said it appeared that safety norms were not properly adhered to at the fair leading to the fire.

DIG R K Vishakarma said proper electrical safety measures were not taken at the pandals, which were centrally air-conditioned, and did not rule out filing of cases against erring officials. The army was called to assist the civil administration in dealing with the situation. Twenty five fire tenders, including some from nearby districts, were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Rapid Action Force and police force from neighbouring districts were requisitioned to deal with the blaze. Eyewitnesses feared more than 50 people could have perished in the fire. People were seen helping the authorities and police rushing the injured to nearby hospitals in cars and other vehicles. They said civilians played a stellar role in rushing the injured to the hospital and in efforts to douse the flames, much before the authorities could step in with assistance.

Narender Kumar Ahuja, who had put up an electronic goods stall at the fair and suffered injuries, said fire may have been caused by a cooking gas cylinder at an eaterie because had short circuit been the cause, power supply would have snapped when fire raged(PTI)

A stunned Salman was taken into custody immediately after the CJM delivered the judgement. The actor is likely to remain in jail atleast for two days as his lawyer said Tuesday being a holiday he would be able to file an application seeking suspension of the sentence only on Wednesday.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Salman, who was convicted under section 51 of the Wildlife Act. Co-accused Goverdhan Singh was given one-year rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 while four other accused in the case were acquitted.

Salman is currently shooting for six films, including big budget banners such as Babul, Jaaneman, Salaam-e-Ishq, and Marigold, which is an international venture. The verdict against Salman puts at risk not only the estimated Rs 75 crore invested in these films, but also another Rs 25 crore in advertisements and promotions that the actor is currently endorsing, trade analysts said.

The star is also shooting for his brother Sohail Khan's as yet untitled home production.

"The court verdict would certainly come as a blow for the producers in which Salman is acting and film production would be hampered. Nearly Rs 100 crore is at stake involving Salman with at least six movies on the floor," film analyst S Kumar Mohan told PTI.

However, he said, this should not affect the career of Salman, since he is an established Bollywood star with a massive fan following.

"The verdict is indeed shocking but no one is above law," Mohan said adding the punishment was too harsh.

Film producer Ashok Pandit said Salman was a celebrity and was therefore paying a price for his status. He said, "the punishment is too harsh and I am sure he got involved without knowing that he was committing a crime. We all have sympathy for him but we have to respect the verdict as judiciary is supreme".

Film maker Mahesh Bhatt said "no one was above law and had to obey the judiciary".

However, he said, Salman should file an appeal against the verdict as every accused has a right to do so. Co-star Priety Zinta said while the judgement sentencing Salman to prison in the black buck poaching case may be accepted, one wondered why accused in the high profile Jessica Lal murder case were let off.

Film maker Pahlaj Nihalani said "Salman has always been made a target. This time also he has been sent to jail. Tomorrow being a public holiday, the actor would spend time in jail and would be able to move for bail only the day after.

"Although killing of protected species is a crime, I am sure that Salman would file an appeal in a higher court which may show leniency," Nihalani said.

"The film industry has always been with Salman because he is a nice man," the film director added. (PTI)

During the 90-minute talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, India raised concerns over security of hundreds of its personnel engaged in reconstruction and other projects in Afghanistan and received assurances of their safety from Kabul.

Addressing a joint press conference with Karzai after the talks, Singh announced an Indian assistance of 50 million US dollars (approx Rs 225 crore) to Afghanistan, taking the total aid to the war-torn country to 650 million US dollars (approx Rs 2700 crore). New Delhi also offered another 50 million US dollars as Line of Credit.

Noting that terrorism has afflicted both India and Afghanistan for several years and even Pakistan was not immune to it, Singh and Karzai agreed that it needed to be fought collectively as it posed a "great threat to the civilization".

Singh said stressed the need for intelligence sharing, pooling knowledge and experience to fight terrorism together as he noted that even Pakistan is not immune to it.

"We will cooperate with any nation that cooperates with us to fight terrorism...All countries of the region are affected and I hope all countries of the region will join hands to fight the menace," Karzai said. (PTI)

The Afghan President’s meeting with the UPA chairperson came after his 90-minute talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. His visit to India assumes further significance as it came in the backdrop of a spurt in terrorism in Afghanistan and the two sides agreeing on a collective fight against the menace. (PTI)

The result of the last CAT exam will be declared on April 12, IIM-A director Bakul Dholakia told reporters after the meeting. The CAT for 2006 will be held on Nov 19, he added. More than 150,000 students appeared for CAT 2005 to secure admission in country's top business schools, including the six IIMs.(IANS)

On a tip off four quintals of explosives along with three under barrel grenade launchers, 20 UBGL grenades and four handgrenades were recovered from a cowshed in Lulipora area of Pattan in the district, a defence spokesman said here. Six AK rifles, 300 AK rounds, 30 IED circuits, 25 IED detonators, one radio set and a large number of Russian primers were also recovered, the spokesman said.

He said the arms and ammunition were probably stored in the area to disrupt the electioneering and voting for bypoll to Pattan, Rafiabad and Sangrama assembly segments in the district on April 24. Fifteen candidates are in fray for the byelection. (PTI)

Former Wing Commander Sambhajee L Surve appeared before the sleuths of Anti-corruption branch of CBI who placed him under arrest after he failed to answer several posers from the interrogators, CBI sources said here on Monday. Surve was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Seema Maini who remanded him to five days of CBI custody.

Following a complaint from Surve's wife, the IAF counter-surveillance wing kept a tab on him during which they found him "in close contact" with Jaiswal who had been introduced to him by former naval commander Kulbushan Parashar already arersted in the case.

This surveillance blew the lid off the entire Navy war room leak case. The counter surveillance wing of IAF seized a pen drive from Surve whose examination showed that some classified documents of the Navy had been deleted from it. The Pen drive was sent for thorough analysis and it was found that some classified documents had been taken out from the Navy war room.

In a related development in the case, Jaiswal, Mukesh Bajaj and V K Jha were sent to CBI custody for three more days to facilitate the agency in unraveling the missing links in the case. (PTI)

Acting on a tip-off, police arrested accused Shaukat Yusuf alias Bibino, who had been absconding since the train carnage on February 27, 2002, from his in-law’s residence in Mohammed Mohalla locality, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rakesh Asthana said.

Fifty-nine people, mainly karsevaks returning from Ayodhya, were killed onboard the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express after it was attacked by a mob just outside the Godhra railway station and torched.

"Shaukat is one of the core group members who conspired and executed the attack on the Sabarmati Express. He was at large for all these years and hiding within Godhra itself," Asthana, who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the train carnage case, said. (PTI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Union Minister for Water Resources to expeditously hold meetings with representatives of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to resolve the fresh dispute over sharing of river Godavari water arising due to the ongoing construction of Babhali Barrage.

Favouring that such disputes between the two states should be resolved through discussion instead of court’s intervention, a Bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal asked the Minister to convene the meeting between officers and technical experts of the two states and the Centre to resolve the dispute.

"Without prejudice to the rights and contention of the parties at this stage instead of examining the factual and legal disputes it would be appropriate that a direction at first instance be issued for attempting to resolve the disputes through discussion and deliberatons between the two states and their technical experts...," the Bench also comprising of Justice Arun Kumar and Justice D K Jain said.

The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on May 8. The Court was hearing a PIL filed by Andhra Pradesh Congress MP Madhu Yaski Goud and Nadpenna Baddam seeking a direction to Maharashtra Government to implement October 6, 1975 agreement on sharing of the River Godavari’s waters between the two states.

They have also sought stopping the construction of Babhali Barrage undertaken by the Government of Maharashtra by encroaching the Pochampad Resorvoir in the submergence area of Sri Ram Sagar Project across the Godavari River. (PTI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, NHRC, National Commission for SC & ST and all the States and Union Territories on a PIL seeking appointment of nodal officers and setting up of protection cells to check atrocities on Dalits. The notices were issued by a Bench of Justice Ruma Pal, Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice Markandey Katju on the PIL filed by National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, Sakshi - Human Rights Watch and Centre for Dalit Rights.

The NGOs sought appointment of special officers and protection cells as envisaged under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. Contending that implementation of the Act was the duty of the Government, they also demanded setting up of separate Special Courts in each district of India within six months.

Seeking a careful monitoring by judicial officers of all cases of atrocities on dalits and tribals, the petitioner NGOs said it was necessary to ensure that such cases received top proirity and the victims got speedy justice. They also sought a direction to the trial courts to send a report every six months to the High Court concerned.

On behalf of the petitioner, senior counsel Colin Gonsalves said the states should come out with status reports on registration of FIRs against the erring officials under the Act as also about the filing of chargesheets under the Act. They also sought a direction to District Magistrates to review the performance of Special Public Prosecutors every six months and repost to their respective High Courts. (PTI)

82-year-old Jethmalani, once labelled the "incorrigible maverick" who had defended the assassins of Indira Gandhi, was nominated by President A P J Abdul Kalam on the recommendation of the Congress-led UPA government to the fill the vacancy caused by the death of noted Hindi journalist Vidya Niwas Misra last year.

His term will expire in August,2009. He had engaged the Congress party in a war of words by shooting 10 questions every day on the Bofors scandal ahead of the 1989 elections.

Jethmalani was associated with BJP for a long time and was its Vice President. He was Law Minister in the BJP government and had to quit under controversial circumstances. Later, Jethmalani warmed up to Congress and was supported by the party when he chose to contest against former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lucknow in 2004 elections and lost it. (PTI)

Rangbah Shnong and Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong (SRS) Secretary H P Oflyn Dohling said that though they are not fighting against the Supreme Court's order, as decided in 2000, that the synjuk will not allow anybody to contest the municipal elections. He pointed out only one person had filed his nomination for the elections in 2000 but later withdrew it.

"The Rangbah Shnong is playing the part of Ward Commissioners (WC). We do not need WC", Mr Oflyn asserted.

"It is a voluntary service and nobody pays us," the SRS Secretary said adding that having a WC would "add to the expenditure of the municipality. It is a wastage of public money."

Echoing same argument KSU president Samuel Jyrwa said, " we object to the municipal elections in principle as traditional heads and institutions- Rangbah Shnongs and Dorbar Shnongs- are already existing".

"Introducing the WC is a move to dilute and put a stop to the functioning and powers of the Rangbah Shnong", Mr Jyrwa said adding that this would "affect the fabric of our customs and tradition".

The student body president said that having a WC would be duplication of authority. The KSU will discuss the matter together with the concerned NGOs to decide on further course of action. Voicing similar tune, the FKJGP president Emlang Lyttan said, "we are against the municipal elections as the Rangbah Shnongs are like WC as they solve problems voluntarily without any monetary benefits. Identify Rangbah Shnongs as the WCs they are also elected by the people of the locality to office."

"We don't need another administrative unit as we already have the District Councils and Dorbar Shnongs as this would create more problems", Mr Lyttan said.

Having many administrative units would only create confusion among the public as they would not know where to approach, he said. Having WCs will not bring any good as there are already many leaders in the administration level (MLA and MDC), FKJGP leader said.

"This would be a wastage of public money as salary and other expenses of the WC have to be borne by the Municipal Board, which imposes taxes on the public", he said.

The outfit led by its self-styled chairman Nemos Marak, wanted in several criminal cases, is not a powerful organisation, "but only a group of dacoits whose intention is only to collect money through extortion", sources said.

"I will ask the Additional Chief Secretary in-charge of the department to check the facts", Mr Tiwari told The Shillong Times on Monday.

The Hima Nongspung Sports, Social, Cultural and Youth Welfare Association (HNSSCYWA) in a letter to Chief Minister DD Lapang last week had alleged that though the project was completed, a fresh tender was called for the same at an estimated cost of Rs 60.32 lakh "violating the laid down norms".

However, local legislator John Anthony Lyngdoh criticised the Hima Nongspung Association president Mr Danstarly Jyrwa for going to the press with the issue rather than appreciating the efforts of the department in having the work completed.  Mr Lyngdoh told reporters that the NGO did not consult him in this regard and feared that there could be some ulterior motive behind this propaganda. "There is also no corruption associated with this road project", he claimed.

Meanwhile, a joint statement of NGOs, headmen and churches from the area stated that since there was a church programme to be held urgently, they had requested the local MLA and PWD for the completion of black topping of the road for the benefit of all.

The church also expressed gratitude to the contractor, who completed the work without waiting for sanction. The statement further said Mr Danstarly should have consulted the headmen and church leaders before airing his views in public. He was asked to meet the village elders as well as the leaders of the church to clarify the matter.

TURA: A group of Bangladeshi intruders who were attempting to cross the border with stolen bamboos were shot at by alert BSF personnel on duty leading to the death of one smuggler on Monday morning in West Garo Hills district. The incident took place at a densely forested area of Ghujenpara under Beldova Border Outpost (BOP) of Mahendraganj.

A two-member BSF patrol team came across five Bangladeshi nationals carrying a sizeable number of bamboos with them. As they proceeded towards the international border the patrol party asked them to stop and identify themselves. When the intruders tried to attack them with daos and daggers the BSF opened fire killing one of them on the spot while the others fled leaving behind the bamboos and two daggers.

The body of the intruder was handed over to the police. A flag meeting is expected to take place on Wednesday for handing over the body to the Bangladesh Rifles in Mahendraganj sector.

The hunger strike to be held at the MMSA office at Shillong Civil Hospital from 10 am would be participated among others, by MMSA president Dr Rajen Nongbet and general secretary Dr Aman War. An appeal was made to all members to report to the Association's office after their duty hours for "necessary instruction".

According to Dr War, the hunger strike was part of the first-phase of agitation by the government doctors on the two issues. He warned of more agitations in the coming days if the State government failed to respond positively to their demands.

Shillong: Chief Minister D D Lapang appreciated the prompt action taken by the West Khasi Hills District administration in providing relief and assistance to the people affected by the recent cyclone in Nongstoin area.

Mr Lapang, who was in Nongstoin on Monday to assess the situation, was pleased with the attitude shown by the people of the area in providing shelter in their own houses to the affected people. He said the spirit of helping one another in times of need is the best example that the people of Nongstoin has shown.

He also instructed all concerned departments like PHE, PWD, MeSEB, BSNL to speed up the restoration works respectively so that normal life is not affected while adding that the State Government, through the Deputy Commissioner, is monitoring the situation in the whole district. He also stated that all possible means would be explored to ensure that the affected people are taken care of.

Earlier, Mr Lapang expressed his sorrow on the devastation caused by the cyclone which has taken the lives of four persons, injured many and left many people homeless.

The Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi llills District, K L Tariang, informed that the cyclone has caused an assessed loss of Rs 2.39 crore due to the damage on houses and other properties leaving 167 persons homeless, He said that out of the Rs 25 lakh relief fund received from the State Government, Rs 19.62 lakh have been distributed as relief assistance to different affected villages and persons.

CGl sheets, blankets, rice and SK Oil were also distributed to the affected people. Ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 each will be given to the next of kin of the four deceased persons and Rs 5000 each to the five injured persons. He also informed that 13 school buildings have been affected partially.

Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, M M Danggo while lauding the district administration for their prompt action in providing relief, also announced that he is donating his one month salary towards the relief fund.

The Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce and Industry has dispatched a truck-load of relief materials for the victims of the cyclone on Saturday.

The mini-truck, loaded with rice, sugar, onions, potatoes, dal, salt, mustard oil and biscuits, was delivered to the Deputy Commissioner West Khasi Hills for further distribution among the affected families. The consignment was jointly flagged off here in Shillong on Saturday by the Additional DGP B Kezo along with Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mrs L Kharkongor in the presence MCCI members.

According to police sources, the victims had been brought to Nongstoin for medical aid. The incident occurred at the time when most of the residents of the village were attending the meeting held at Nongstoin, in which the Chief Minister D D Lapang, was assessing the relief distribution to victims of the recent cyclone in Nongstoin.

SHILLONG: Lafarge Managing Director (India) YN Chan on Monday said that the misconception surrounding the payment of compensation to the land owners arose only for those cases where the land owners did not have proper records. "Otherwise, all those having valid documents were compensated adequately", he claimed.

Mr Chan told reporters that in order to ensure the authenticity of the land owners' claim and their ownership over the plot of land under question, the company sought the help of local Dorbar "to verify such claims and certify the land owners for compensation".

"We have adopted a policy to pay compensation directly to the Dorbar, which in turn, would disburse the same to the claimants. This is being done so as to make the process smooth and easy", Mr Chan said.

He said that the company was reasonable enough in compensating for the land used for mining and "our compensation is higher in comparison to that given by the government". He also refuted that the land in Nongtrai village was mortgaged to Bangladesh. "In fact the land was mortgaged to the International Finance Commission to avail loans for huge investment in the project", said Mr Chan.

Asked what would happen if the company failed to repay the loan, the Lafarge Managing Director (India) said the company would have to find a local partner to sell the land for "it cannot sell the land to any outsider".

Meanwhile, he said the export of limestone by Lafarge-Umiam Mining Private Limited (LUMPL) is now set to benefit the people of Nongtrai-Shella, besides contributing to the State government's coffer.

"The LUMPL will pay royalty to the Dorbars and the State government for each tonne of limestone extracted and exported from the area".

On the mysterious fire that completely destroyed the Lafarge's conveyor belt in Meghalaya, Mr Chan said: "We have not been able to find out the real cause of fire. We're not sure whether it is accidental or technical or merely a case of sabotage".

He also said that they never had any kind of threat from any insurgent group. Meghalaya police is investigating the case and is yet to furnish report.

Shillong: The final draft of the Vision North Eastern Region: 2020 document will be discussed in the first half of June at a meeting to be held by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) P R Kyndiah, a North Eastern Council statement said on Monday. Mr Kyndiah, who is also the NEC chairman, on Monday reviewed the progress of the formulation of the Vision document in a meeting in New Delhi.

The meeting discussed the contours of development planning for North East indicated in Vision NER : 2020, a working paper drafted on the basis of views and suggestions of a cross section of the people of the region. It decided that based on it a detailed document indicating the goals and strategy, an action plan with both short and long term perspective would be prepared in consultation with the State governments of the region and concerned central ministries and the Planning Commission.

The meeting was attended by two NEC members I K Barthakur and P P Shrivastav, DONER secretary Gauri Chatterjee, NEC secretary H V Lalringa, officers of the Planning Commission, DONER Department and north eastern region, it added.

Shillong: The Kharkongngor clan has expressed dismay over the silence maintained by the State Government on the occupation of the clan's land by Defence authorities. In a statement issued here, clan leader, Mr Rana Kharkongngor said that the continued existence of Cantonment land for the last 44 years even after the end of lease period in 1962 was nothing but an act of oppression and disrespect of the indigenous land tenure system.

"The genuine local land owners who possess proper documents are being intimidated and suppressed while influential persons who are not even real land owners are making claims and misusing the land particularly in the city" Mr Kharkongngor said, adding that various authorities like the Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Board, Cantonment Board and the Syiem of Hima Mylliem were exercising their own authority over the clan's land.

Further, the statement requested the Government to transfer back the land which was not used for military purpose to the real owners while it also asked the businessmen and traders who are tenants to recognise the ownership of the clan over the land.

While demanding justice from the Central Government on the issue, the clan said that proper investigation was needed to verify the status of the land and ensure justice to all concerned. It also warned those trying to take advantage of the land within the the jurisdictional "ownership" of the clan.

As part of the celebration, blankets were distributed to the inmates of Missionaries Charity, Shillong on Monday while school bags and writing materials would be given to students of Umjapung village on Tuesday. The AIBEA was born on April 20, 1946 at the backdrop of catastrophic Bengal famine of 1943-44.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the mobile health clinic at Shella, Managing Director of LUMPL, Y N Chan said that the main objective of launching the clinic was to provide basic healthcare facilities to the villagers in the area at their doorsteps.

Mr Chan said that qualified physicians and the basic medicines will be available at the mobile clinic. Mr Chan said the mobile clinic will cover six villages, function six days in a week and is estimated to provide medical treatment to around 60 patients per day. 

He informed that the company had set up a Community Health Care Centre last year and now with the appointment of a full time medical practitioner, the centre is expected to serve the people in a better way. He also informed that the company is planning to set up an eye and dental camp in the area and to work closely with the different school authorities for providing scholarships and books to the outstanding students.

The function was attended by officers and staff of LUMPL, headman of Shella K B Roy, residents of Shella and villagers from adjoining villages.

A delegation of the organisation led by its president Doris Star Sulein asked the minister to ensure that his department encouraged sustainable cash crops like rubber, tea, coffee and horticultural crops like citrus and other fruits.

The organisation also suggested splitting of the Ri-Bhoi District Soil and Water Conservation Division into two divisions - Territorial Division and Cash Crop Division. It also said that the proposal was justified since similar formula had been implemented in other districts of the State.

The chickens have come home to roost. This adage rang true in the distant North-East last week. Unbelievable, but true. Till yesterday, Assam lay buried under a heap of lofty electoral promises doled-out-and-dumped post elections every five years. Today, times and things indeed are changing!

How else should one react to two totally unrelated utterances by two chiefs --- Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Army Chief JJ Singh. Statements which could change the complexion of the picturesque, though largely neglected, eastern part of the country. Speaking at election rallies across Assam, the Prime Minister sought to allay fears of the people on two counts. First, he asserted: "We will show no mercy on illegal infiltration." Second, he added: "I assure all genuine citizens that in the name of detection of foreigners they will not be harassed."

Did one hear right? Does Manmohan Singh really mean what he says and says what he means? Are happy days here again? Or, should one dismiss this as yet another electoral gimmick? To appease the Muslim votebank which comprises 31 per cent of the electorate and holds the key to who sits on the Guwahati gaddi --- the Congress, Asom Gana Parishad or the new kid on the block, Asom United Democratic Front, led by the Jamiat-e-Hind chief, Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury.

Specially against the backdrop of the UPA Government’s amendment of the Foreigners Act to woo the minorities (read Muslims) after the Supreme Court struck down the Illegal Migrants (Detection by Tribunal) Act (IMDT), which was brazenly pro-migrant and prejudicial to the interests of the genuine Assamese. Unlike in the case of the rest of the country, wherein the onus of proof of not being an illegal migrant is on the accused foreigner, the changed law shifts the burden of proof in the case of Assam from the accused to the complainant, as under the IMDT Act. Plainly, the Centre blatantly ‘fudged’ the Foreigners Act in regard to Assam by resurrecting the IMDT Act through the backdoor, as part of its minority votebank politics.

What has brought about the welcome change in Prime Minister speak? Two factors. One, the genie of unbridled and unabashed Muslim appeasement unleashed by successive State governments has virtually led to a situation where the genie itself is threatening to gobble up Assam. By changing the demographics and political complexion of the volatile State. Wherein a fresh demand for ‘Assam for Asomese’ could explode into a ‘people’s anti-foreigner war’ reminiscent of the 1970’s. Already, an SMS campaign by some student outfits has unleashed a war on illegal migrants.

Two, serious security implications of the demographic changes, whereunder various anti-India outfits, specially Pakistan’s ISI, are increasingly using Bangladesh as its base to infiltrate terror into India in the garb of migrants. The recent Varanasi blasts, reportedly the handiwork of Bangladesh-based militants, underscore this threat perception. Adding to the gravity, the ISI is now training many Bangladeshis as saboteurs in Pakistan. In fact, according to RAW sources, the ISI has launched "Operation PINCODE" to bring the entire North-East under Islamic rule. With Bangladesh in the throes of a low-key Talibanization, this spells double trouble.

Bases, sanctuaries and madrasas are mushrooming for trans-border support for secessionist and separatist insurgency movements. With some 6000 Bangladeshis crossing the border daily the environment is conducive to the seeding and development of local bases for the ISI and Al Qaeda, which are working for the disintegration of India. Stated a senior defence official, "The situation is more serious on our eastern border than on the western."

Nobody knows that better than the Army Chief. Why only Assam? In a shocking revelation, General JJ Singh complained to Home Minister Shivraj Patil last week that nearly half a dozen Manipur ministers were hand in glove with the militants. Outfits like Nationalist Council for Nagalim (K), PLA et al. Not only that. The Chief Minister Okaram Ibobi had allegedly paid Rs 1 crore extortion money to some militant outfits. Plainly, between minority and militant appeasement the North-East is up for grabs to the highest bidder. So, if politicians and militants are hand in glove, where does this leave Manmohan Singh raising the ante of genuine citizens to protect national interests?

Either way one looks at this, it is the first time that any Congress Prime Minister has talked of "genuine citizens". If Manmohan Singh is initiating a legitimate peoples’ movement without communally dividing the society, he needs to be applauded and supported. For it can be nobody’s case to support the cause of the illegal migrants who have not only completely changed the demographic landscape of the State. But are also threatening the livelihood of citizens and the identity of the indigenous people. Paradoxically, even as all the parties swear by secularism, competition for the minority votebank has consistently communalised the issue, bypassing the grim, real issue of a serious identity crisis.

Just see. Six of the State's 27 districts have a Muslim majority population and hold the key for 60 of Assam's 126 Assembly constituencies. According to intelligence reports, "In the 70 years between 1901 and 1971, Assam's population increased from 3.29 million to 14.6 million -- a 343.77 per cent increase over a period when the population of India had gone up by only about 150 per cent!

This despite the fact that the general fertility rate for Assam, 126.5 per cent was lower than the all-India rate of 137.3 per cent. Also, the Muslim growth rate in areas bordering the Bangladesh border was more than 60 per cent compared to districts far from the border. Where the growth rate varied between 30 and 50 per cent (1971-1991). Clearly, this unnatural growth is a byword for illegal migrants.

More. Over the years, the number has swelled to the extent that demographic changes have taken place not only in neighbouring States like West Bengal and Bihar, but also in far-flung areas like UP, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This has created a serious social and security problem in other cities too. From rag pickers to domestic help, agriculture workers to rickshaw-pullers et al are mostly Bangladeshis.

Thus, the time has come to make a clear distinction between the genuine Assamese-speaking Muslims and the Bangladeshi migrants. The Prime Minister has taken the first step in the right direction to cry a halt to this issue. He would require the support of the entire polity. For starters, he should get the Home Ministry to come out with a White Paper disclosing the harsh facts and spelling out the UPA Government’s plans to combat this grave threat to India’s freedom and integrity. More important, protect the interest of the genuine citizen. All bonafide Indians must be issued multi-purpose identity cards to establish their Indian identity well and truly. By way of birth certificate or lineage, mere ration cards will not do. Today most Bangladeshis flaunt these to avoid deportation. If necessary, work permits could be issued to the Bangladeshis for, say, two years. With a firm rider: no voting rights and no permanent settlement. North Block also needs to look at its immigration laws and plug the loopholes.

From the long-term, our politicians will have to cry a halt to vote-bank politics. True this is easier said than done. Power and politicians are indivisible. However, in matters of national security there is no place for communal agendas or narrow sectarian politics. In practical terms, strict policing and border management is needed. Fencing the border is not the answer as the BDR immediately removes the barbed wire. Local people need to be recruited for policing. The fact is that if one cannot stop infiltrators at the border, then there is no way one can push them back.

In the final analysis, New Delhi needs to understand that the issue of illegal migrants from Bangladesh is no longer a humanitarian issue dictated by the theory of needs or economy driven. It is a grave demographic, economic and national security problem. Clearly, the time is far gone to pussy-foot the issue. The need of the hour is to understand the seriousness, deal assertively with the issues and set up time-bound measures once and for all. Talk of minority welfare is all very well. But it cannot be at the cost of the genuine citizen or national interest. ----INFA

Sir,

During my recent visit to Balpakram National Park which is located at the extreme comer of South Garo Hills bordering to West Khasi Hills, I happened to see in the check in" and check out register of the Forest Guest House, Balpakram certain remarks made by the Foreign tourists who say, "Excellent hospitality, great forest but poor roads" by Julien Thomas, France & Ritcher Matheas, Swiss both came on 17/2106 and "Great Forest reminds me of South African Parks but bad roads, needs lots of improvement" by Puspha Hargovan, South Africa & Scott Gibbons, USA who came on the 7/03/06. These remarks made by foreign tourists visiting to Balpakram National Park speak volumes of the horrible dilapidated road condition particularly 67 km distance leading to Balpakram from Baghmara, the district headquarter of South Garo Hills. ...

In fact, what is even more surprising is that except one or two developmental works taken up by Wildlife (Forest), nothing has been done so far from tourism department side which is highly ridiculous considering their wide publicity projecting Balpakram National Park as one of the most attractive tourist spots in the state. The problem is that inspite of big talks by our state leaders right from other Ministers to Chief Minister about tourism and its high potentiality in the state, there is no clear cut policy in the departments involving PWD, Wildlife, Art & Culture and other leading NGOs.

The importance and the priorities not being given to tourism department by the state government itself is reflected in the most neglected annual budget provision in comparison with other states like Kerala, Rajasthan, Sikkim etc. The Tourism, which is popularly known as smokeless industries, if fully developed in the state would go a long way generating income but also in creating employment opportunities to the unemployed youths particularly in the tourism related activities or business.

Yours etc,
Sengbath Shira,
Tura.

Sir,

It really makes me wonder as to the reaction of Alexander Graham Bell, known for patenting the first ever-electric telephone, should he have owned a cell phone and was based in Shillong.

The publicity, advertisements, bill-boards, hoarding to entice us, so called consumers; read guinea pigs is awesome; but what happens once you are suckered into acquiring a post paid or pre-paid connection with our Reliance network provider? Needless to say, the management or staffs, based at the various offices so-called customer care, deserves kudos not for rectifying any problem, but for rather justifying our queries with prompt ridiculous statements. Have this so called network service provider ever realized the quantum of business that is lost, how many hearts have been broken because goodbyes were not completed in time because of "network failure," "error in connection"," message sending failed," "all channels in this route are busy," how many appointments, hotel reservations, missed flights, meetings etc had to be cancelled; or maybe even how many lives have been lost, since a doctor could not be contacted in time?

Why blame our local organisations for staging bandhs, etc. and us complaining of business loss, although we are well informed in advance by the organisations as to a tentative or a definite time period for the bandhs and we are prepared! In this case of our network service provider, has a definite or even a tentative time period been ever disclosed for the networks' smooth functioning?

The irony to all this lies in the facts that, our bills, reminders and pay by date messages uncannily seem to always reach us in time!

Yours etc.
Bobby Dutt Philips
Shillong

Forty-seven cadres of the militant group which is under ceasefire agreement with the Centre since January, 2003 voted in Haflong constituency in North Cachar Hill district. Forty other members of the DHD voted at Dhansiri in Karbi Anglong hill district. The chairman of the militant group Dilip Nunisa cast his vote at the polling station in Government Girls High School in Haflong.

Three security personnel were seriously injured and another was kidnapped as tribal militants belonging to Karbi Longri Northcachar Liberation Front (KLNLF) which had called for a boycott of poll, struck in Howraghat and Bokajan constituencies in Karbi Anglong hill district.

In other parts of the state polling remained by and large peaceful with the Election Commission source puting the polling percentage at about 75. Militants of KLNLF triggered an explosion under Howraghat LAC critically injuring two BSF jawans who were later shifted to Guwahati Medical College Hospital.

A CRPF jawan was injured when KLNLF militants ambushed a polling party in Bokajan LAC while they were returning on foot from remote Borpung polling station. Another CRPF personnel was abducted by the same group of militants from Lungnite polling station under Howraghat LAC in the wee hours.

EC gives clean chit to PM: The Election Commission gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the BJP allegation that he had announced a financial package during electioneering in Asom, PTI adds from New Delhi.

According to the proposed plans, in the first phase border fencing will be taken up in and around Moreh town in Manipur. After this, other parts of the international border would also be fenced, the sources said and added the survey and demarcation works would be undertaken by Survey of India in association with Myanmarese officials.

A consultative meeting on border fencing was already held last week, which was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary (Border Management) of the Union Home Ministry R R Shirohi, Director of Home Affairs B K Pathak and representatives of Assam Rifles posted along the border and Border Road Organisation (BRO), the sources said.

The Planning Commission is also considering the construction of a road running roughly parallel to the Indo-Myanmar border along its entire length. India shares about 1,643 km stretch of international border with Myanmar while, only 52 km is manned by Indian security forces. (UNI)