The reprieve for the members came just three months after the expulsion of 11 MPs in the wake of 'cash for query' scam when the report of a seven-member Committee, headed by Congress member V Kishore Chandra Deo, which probed into a sting operation by a television channel, was tabled in the Lok Sabha Tuesday.

However, the Committee did find that the conduct of none of the four members--Alemao Churchill (Congress), Paras Nath Yadav (SP), Faggan Singh Kulaste and Ramswaroop Koli (both BJP)--"was above board and they need to be handed out appropriate punishment".

Giving them the benefit of doubt to the members, the Committee said "improper conduct" on their part "did not strictly speaking relate to their Parliamentary duties and none of the said members was actually shown as accepting the money.

"The members may be reprimanded. They may also be suspended from the membership of the House till March 22, 2006," recommended the Committee in its 51-page unanimous report. The report on the 'Cash for Query' scam had witnessed a dissent note from BJP member VK Malhotra.

The Committee, headed by Deo, also recommended that the Union Government may suitably revise guidelines governing MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) with a view to plugging various loopholes and lacunae and initiating steps for "laying guidelines and norms for sting operators".

The period of abstention from sittings of the House and Committees by all the four MPs on the directions of the Speaker "may be deemed to be their suspension from the membership of the House," it said.

Accusing the media of "motivated trial"to achieve viewership through sensationalism on a competitive basis", the Parliamentary Committee, which probed the MPLADS scam, Tuesday asked the government to lay down specific guidelines and norms for sting operators.

While recommending that the four MPs named in the expose be reprimanded and suspended from the membership of the House till March 22, eight-member panel expressed concern that "the media is aiming to achieve viewership through sensationalism on a competitive basis". (PTI)

Superintendent of police of Latehar Subodh Prasad said the Barkakhana-Mughalsarai passenger train reached Latehar station at around 9.30 am carrying hundreds of security men along with about 50/60 passengers. The Maoist rebels had seized the train between Barkakhana and Kumundih stations at around 7.30 Monday night snatched the walkie-talkies of the guard and the driver.

Dhanbad Divisional Railway Manager Ajay Kumar Shukla told PTI Tuesday that all the about 100 passengers were safe and normal train service resumed after the train reached the Latehar station at around 9.30 am.DIG (Palamu Range) Ram Laxman Prasad said some of the passengers had left the spot on their own after daybreak, and the patrolling police came to know from them about the safety of the other people who were in the train.

One of the passengers said a couple of youths removed the vaccuum hose between the bogies, causing the train to screech to a halt and enabling the extremists to hold the train for nearly twelve hours. (PTI)

Mumbai: The CBI Tuesday proposed a draft of charges to be farmed against extradited gangster Abu Salem and his accomplice Riaz Siddiqui under TADA and other Acts for their alleged complicity in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts but the trial court deferred the matter to March 18 as the duo sought time to argue.

The draft of the proposed charges was submitted to designated Judge P D Kode, who decided to hear argument of the CBI and the accused before framing charges. Salem and Siddiqui were brought to the court amidst tight security. Eighty-six other accused, including actor Sanjay Dutt, also appeared before the court.

Salem is alleged to have supplied arms and ammunition to the co-accused, including Dutt, prior to the Mumbai blasts. Salem had earlier confessed to this effect but later retracted his version saying he was not aware whether the consignment taken to the actor's residence contained arms.

CBI alleged that Salem had delivered arms to co-accused in pursuance to a conspiracy hatched by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his brother Anees to carry out bomb blasts in Mumbai. A series of 13 explosions rocked the city on March 12, 1993, killing 256 people and injuring 713.

CBI prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, submitting draft charges, alleged that in second week of January 1993 Salem had gone to Baruch in Gujarat along with absconding accused Aziz Bilakhia in a Maruti car to collect arms and transport them to Mumbai.

He further alleged that Salem collected nine AK-56 rifles, 100 hand granades, cartridges and magazines from Sansrod village near Baruch in Gujarat and transported them to Mumbai via Bhiwandi and Thane concealed in cavities of Maruti van given by accused Riaz Siddiqui. Prosecutor Nikam alleged that in pursuance to the conspiracy, Salem, accompanied by co-accused Baba Chavan, Samir Hingora, delivered arms and ammunition to Dutt at his residence in second week of January 1993.

He further alleged that Salem and co-accused Manzoor Ahmed and Hanif Kadawala took back some weapons from Sanjay's house and kept them at the residence of Zaibunnisa Kazi at the instance of absconding accused Aziz and Anees Ibrahim.

Filing proposed charges, Nikam said Salem had allegedly committed offences punishable under various sections of TADA (P) Act such as Section 25 read with 3 (3) (transporting weapons), Section 5 (possessing weapons) and Section 6 (distributing arms).

He said CBI also proposed charges against Salem under Explosives Substances Act, including Section 4 (b) (possessing explosives) and section 5 (transported explosives).CBI also proposed charges against Salem under two sections of Arms Act and one of Explosives Act.

As regards alleged involve-ment of Riaz Siddiqui, CBI proposed that he should be charged under Section 3 (3) of TADA which provides for facilitating commission of terrorist acts by providing car to Salem to transport weapons to Mumbai for distribution to co-accused. (PTI)

New Delhi: National Conference (NC) Chief, Omar Abdullah Tuesday asserted that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was India's ''best bet'' to resolve the long-drawn Kashmir imbroglio and said New Delhi must ''grab'' the opportunity to permanently settle the issue during his tenure.

''Gen Musharraf is the best bet for India to do business with... he has shifted from the traditional maximalist position on Kashmir and shown flexibility,'' Mr Abdullah said.

Mr Abdullah, who held a 45-minute one-on-one meet-ing with President Musharraf in Islamabad, said India must seriously consider and res-pond to the General's proposals of self-governance and joint management. This was the maiden meeting between Mr Abdullah and General Musharraf. Pakistan has so far not recognised elected leaders from Jammu and Kashmir as the representatives of the people.

He said there were no guarantees that President Musharraf's successor would be more flexible than him. Expressing disappointment over India turning down the suggestions, he said Gen Musharraf is under tremen-dous domestic pressure and New Delhi must take recognise that.

''In Pakistan, the President's stance on Kashmir is being construed as too flexible and giving out too much without anything in return... that puts him under lot of pressure,'' he added.

Mr Abdullah said the Pakistan President was keen on resolving the issue but his ''domestic compulsions'' might not allow him to continue on the same path if India did not respond to his suggestions. ''The doors to this opportunity have closed and the window the are only open... we must try and sneak through before even they are shut.

''First the President asked me about my impressions about Pakistan and then asked about our autonomy proposal. I told him that it is restoration of Kashmir's autonomy to the position where Union of India has jurisdiction only over foreign affairs, defence and currency''.

''After this he talked about his self-rule proposal and said it was an evolving concept,'' he added. ''The President said that self rule does not have a structure that he can propose. He gave me an impression that he wants to incorporate several aspects of our autonomy proposal into it,'' Mr Abdullah added. The National Con-ference Chief said the joint India-Pakistan manage-ment proposal for the entire Jammu and Kashmir without changing the sovereignty of the either side was based on logic. ''The proposal stems from Gen Musharraf's belief that only that solution to Kashmir issue is possible where no side (India or Pakistan) loses face, where no side can claim victory''.

''This proposal is based on the fact that India could not work out a solution that would affect its sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir.''

''And this is a solution that is possible without changing sovereignty on either side.

About demiliterisation, Mr Abdullah said troops should be pulled out from the areas where the State and the Union governments feel that the violence has come down.(UNI)

Nagpur: Twenty five security personnel engaged in anti-naxal operations on Tuesday had a miraculous escape, four with minor injuries, when ultra-left activists triggered a powerful landmine blast and later fired at them near Pendhari forest in Gadchiroli district. The incident took place when Special Task Force personnel who were travelling in two anti-mine vehicles, after an operation against the ultras, hit a landmine.

The vehicle which hit the landmine was thrown up in the air for about 30 feet and it being an anti-mine vehicle only four personnel received minor injuries, Superintendent of Police (Gadchiroli) Shirish Jain said. The blast also created a seven-foot deep crater with a radius of 20-25 feet, he said.

"Because our men follow the standard operating procedure very scruplously, the damage was minimised. They had fastened the seat belt and were wearing helmets," Jain said.

"The vehicle itself was intact. In fact they travelled to their base in the same vehicle," he said.

The naxals, numbering 50 to 60, also fired at the commandos and the exchange of fire continued till the ultras fled into the jungle, official sources said. Combing operations have been launched, with senior police officials monitoring the situation. Injured policemen have been admitted to a hospital in Gadchiroli. (PTI)

New Delhi: With incidents of fake currencies cropping up in the system, Finance Minister P Chidamabaram on Tuesday said the government will introduce 1,214 sorting machines by June 2006 and also issue better quality notes. BJP member Murli Mano-har Joshi said fake currencies are destroying the Indian economy.

The Finance Minister stated that there is no need to panic and the actual amount of fake notes is very minimal. For example, there is 1.5 pieces of Rs. 100 notes in every million such notes. Similarly 4.5 pieces have been detected of Rs 500 denomination per million.He said the CBI is also taking steps to curb the influx of fake notes. BJP member Ravi Shankar Prasad wanted to know how the government was sorting out the fake from the real ones and whether it is based on empirical data.

Mr Chidambaram said in India the problem is ''contained and containable.'' The Finance Minister said the assessment is based on the amount detected by sorting machines and CBI cases.He said new currency note making machines that would produce better quality notes is also in the pipeline.

During 2005-06, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received complaints of fake currency notes, dispensed through ATMs of ICICI Bank, Karungapally Branch, and of HDFC Bank, Kolkata.The FM said RBI has issued instructions to banks to put in place adequate safeguards to contain the menace of fake bank notes. ''The RBI has also taken up the matter with the Chairpersons/CEOs of banks where counterfeit bank notes were dispensed through ATMs,'' Mr Chidambaram said. (UNI)

New Delhi: The govern-ment Tuesday said four new cases of avian influenza were detected in new areas of Maharashtra after samples were tested ''positive'' in the state's Jalgaon district even as no case of any human being infected by the deadly H5NI virus in the country has been found so far.

Animal Husbandry Secre-tariat, P H A Hakim said that the outbreak of flu in four villages - Hated of Chopada taluka , Sawada in Raver taluka , Salve in Dharangaon and Marul in Yaval taluka- all in Jalgaon district, located about 200 km from Navapur and Uchchal areas where the flu was officialy notified for the first time in the country last month.

Mr Hakeem said fifty Rapid Response Teams had been sent to the newly afflicted sites where most of the poultry have been in the backyard of the houses. Culling of the birds began and about 75,000 birds were likely to be eliminated in the operations.

The Secretary however ruled out the spreading of the disease from the original area to Jalgaon district as there could be a possibility of the disease breaking out simultaneously. Mr Hakim said the govern-ment is looking into how the the virus travelled to these areas and he added that there could be four strong possibilities for the spread--illegal import of the birds, migratory birds, contaminated imported poultry feed and imported vaccine.

However he said the real cause has not been determined in any of the 21 countries where the outbreak has been officially notified. Joint Secretary, Uma Choudhary said so far 6600 samples had been tested in High Security Animal Diesase Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal, of them four were found positive. She said the poultry in the 10 Km zone in Jalgaon district will be destroyed by Rapid Response Teams of veterinarians of the state.

An amount of Rs 1.34 crores has been paid as compensation to the poultry owners for the birds that have been killed in the operations in Navapur and Uchchal of Maharashtra and Gujarat where avian flu was first detected in the country.

Meanwhile, Health Ministry officials said surveilallance on human health had been intensified and all the patients suffering from infections had been discharged on March three. There is ample stock of Tamiflu vaccine, '' seven lakh does have already been distributed to the affected areas by CIPLA and Hetrodrugs, the two major drug companies that had promised the goverment to desptach the supplies within 24 hours of an eventuality.'' (UNI)

Suddenly, the plane lurched. It had apparently hit some air pocket and some of the scribes almost tumbled while others caught hold of the nearest seat to steady themselves. There were some anxious moments.

''If a plane hits a big cloud formation, such things are likely to happen. But there is nothing to worry about.''

The journalists heaved a sigh of relief as the plane steadied. Mr Saran and other officials gave a smile, and the President returned to matters political and diplomatic. (UNI)

Mumbai:"Alam Ara", the first Indian talkie that completes 75 years this week, was the harbinger of a new art form - film music. The industry is worth about $200 million on Tuesday.

When sound was introduced into cinema by filmmaker Ardeshir Irani using a single sound system for dialogues as well as musical tracks in his 1931 film, he would scarcely have imagined the lasting impact it would leave on the Indian psyche.

The doyen of playback singing in films, Lata Mangeshkar, said: "I was just two years old at that time so I do not remember watching 'Alam Ara'. But I can imagine the impact it might have had.

"In any case my family was already into filmmaking and the development was a natural progression for us. Moreover we were more into classical and folk music. Film music came purely as a professional trade to me," Mangeshkar, often called the nightingale of India.

Phirozeshah Mistry and Behram Irani composed the music for the song - first of seven in the film - sung by the country's first film singer Wazir Mohammad Khan, who also played the role of a beggar in it.

Khan, who died unsung in Mumbai in 1974, crooned: "De de khuda ke naam pe pyare, taqat ho dene ki; Kuchh chahe to maang le mujhse, himmat ho gar lene ki."The song, which became a roaring hit, had for musical accompaniment just a harmonium, tabla and a violin and no records were issued.

The popularity of "Alam Ara's" songs led moviemakers to drastically increase the number of songs in their movies - the 1932 film "Indrasabha" had a staggering 71 songs.

However, most songs did not last more than a few lines as in those days the length was determined by the time available on the record - around three minutes.The biggest thrust to film music came a year after "Alam Ara", with the debut in 1934 of perhaps the biggest figure in film music history - Kundan Lal Saigal (1904-1947) - with a movie for the Calcutta-based New Theatres.

A generation of later singers like Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh emerged on to the music scene following the Saigal style of singing that was nasal and baritone.Veteran maestro Naushad reminisces: "The three greatest contributions of New Theatres was K.L. Saigal, the orchestra and social films. Saigal simply seeped into the nook and corner of India.

"The song 'Balam aye baso more man mein' that he sang in 'Devdas' (1935) just drove people crazy despite the fact that Saigal was not classically trained."Almost simul-taneously came the first Indian woman composer, Saraswati Devi, with "Jawani Ki Hawa" (1935).

She went on to compose hits like "Main ban ki chiriya" in the Ashok Kumar-Devika Rani starrer "Achhut Kanya" (1936) and the first patriotic Indian film song "Chal chal re naujawan" in "Bandhan" (1940).

The 1940s saw a host of talented singers, including Suraiya,Noorjehan, Sham-shad Begum and Ghulam Haider, carving a niche in the music industry.(IANS)

NEW DELHI: Holi, being celebrated across India March 15, may be the most colourful Hindu festival but it has a Muslim history as well. Sufi saints like Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and Amir Khusrau in their chaste Persian and Hindi loved the festival. Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, whose Holi phags (songs) are relished even today, allowed his Hindu ministers to tinge his forehead with gulal during Holi festival each year.

During the Shahjahani tenure of Delhi, Holi was known as Eid-e-Gulabi (Pink Eid) or Aab-e-Pashi (Shower of Colourful Flowers), and truly so owing to its carnival spirit and hysterical rejoicing for both Hindus and Muslims. The nobles, kings and nawabs exchanged rose water bottles and sprinkled them on each other along with the frenzied drumming of the nagaras (drums).

This enlightened spirit percolated in the Mughals right from the time of the greatest Mughal emperor Akbar. Jahangir is shown holding Holi festivities in Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. Many artists, especially Govardhan and Rasik, have shown Jahangir playing Holi with Noorjahan, his wife. Mohammed Shah Rangila, in a remarkable painting, is shown running around the palace with his wife following him with a pichkari, or water cannon.

Such examples are umpteen in India's cultural heritage; and this has been enriched by the harmonious amalgamation and assimilation of various faiths and ethnicities.

Mirza Sangi Baig in Sair-ul-Manazil narrates that the rollicking and frolicking Holi groups were alternately powdered and drenched till the floor had been covered with a swamp of crimson, yellow and orange colour, with the faces being multi-coloured, a spectacle very enthralling and exclusive. "Who says Holi is a Hindu festival?" asks Munshi Zakaullah in his book Tarikh-e-Hindustani.

Zakaullah writes that the carnival of Holi lasted for days during the Mughal rule during which people, irrespective of religious or social distinctions, forgot their restraints. The poorest of the poor threw colour on the emperor. Children's Urdu monthly Khilona (March 1960) mentioned that during the days of Bahadur Shah Zafar, special arrangements were made for Holi festivities.

And Jam-e-Jahanuma, an Urdu newspaper (March 10, 1844), reported that on such occasions, both Hindus and Muslims joined hands. So who says Holi is an exclusively Hindu festival! (IANS)

Constitutionally, there is no clear guideline whether a member of a legislative Assembly can continue to remain in the post in ADCs or vice-versa, sources in the EC said. The commission had also received reports from other quarters in this matter, it added.

The MLAs who are also members of the district councils are paid because of their "sittings", sources said, denying that the same was tantamount to having dual profession. "This cannot be equated with office of profit", the EC sources said. But at the same time, one MLA also acting as member of the District Council is not morally correct, it went on to add.

The Hynniewtrep People Social Organisation (HPSO) chairman Mr Kyrshan War sought the intervention of CEC BB Tandon in debarring the MLAs of Meghalaya from holding the posts of MDC. In a letter to the CEC, the HPSO chairman urged the EC to put a stop to "this disgraceful practice in the interest of a healthy democratic system and the people living within it."

When contacted, former Speaker Mr Purno A Sangma, who is also a former Member of the Constitution Review Commission, said that there was no clear cut bar in the Constitution for MLAs to become member of the District Councils. "But morally, it should not be done since a person cannot do justice to both the jobs", he said.

In the absence of any clear guideline, the matter has to be looked afresh since the same has become a point of debate, he said. Highlighting the current trend of legislators holding dual posts - both in the State Assembly and the District Council - the HPSO said these people "draw and enjoy remunerations, perks of offices from both the institutions". War alleged that dual and simultaneous representation as an MLA and an MDC is strategically important for "their (politicians) own survival" as it ensures elimination of potential rivals.

In some states like Tripura, MLAs or MDCs have resigned from their posts to hold on to one post norm. But there are instances like that of Meghalaya too.

SHILLONG: The first meeting of the Select committee on Land Transfer Act has sought comments from legal experts on the merits and demerits of amending the Act. The members under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy discussed the issues related to the Act, especially the clause related to the transfer of land out of one's Will and wanted legal opinion from the law department.

When contacted, Dr Roy said the meeting was confidential the details of which "cannot be divulged".

However, the opinion of some members was that the question of transfer of land out of one's Will should be restricted to close relatives or immediate members of the family so that misuse of the provisions of the law could be avoided. The members would also seek extension of time in the coming Assembly session to complete the task.

SHILLONG: If the State government stands by its assurance, by 2007 next, Meghalaya will have eight administrative districts, the latest one being Khliehriat. Chief Minister DD Lapang on Tuesday assured upgradation of Khliehriat Civil Sub-Division to a full-fledged administrative district during his meeting with a delegation of East Jaintia People's Movement (EJPM) here on Tuesday.

The delegation, which also included EPJM vice-president P Nongtdu, local MLAs Shitlang Pale and Nehlang Lyngdoh, even submitted a reminder of their earlier memorandum requesting formation of a new district. Delegation leader JR Pyrtuh said Mr Lapang assured that their demand for upgrading Khliehriat into an administrative district would be met. "The government will complete the process by 2007", he said.

Concerned over the financial liabilities that the new district would thrust upon the State exchequer, the Chief Minister raised some serious issues related to financial management of the new district. The delegation, however, had a ready reply. "We'll manage finance ourselves", they told Mr Lapang, arguing that Khliehriat being a coal mining area, they would raise funds during the initial stage and later can be supported by the State government.

The demand for having Khliehriat as a district was first raised in 1997 with the EJPM spearheading the movement. With a total area of 2117 sq km, the Khliehriat Civil Sub-Division has a floating population of about two lakh and a tribal population of 92,300 (according to 2001 Census). With two blocks - Saipung and Khliehriat - the sub-division is administered by nine elected representatives from the District Council and two from the legislative Assembly.

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob and Chief Minister DD Lapang have greeted the people of the State on the occasion of Holi, the festival of colours, to be celebrated on Wednesday.

In his message, the Governor said that the festival offers an opportunity to the people, irrespective of their caste and creed, to renew faith in goodwill and understanding. "It is also an occasion to promote solidarity and to strengthen traditional bonds of friendship and brotherhood among our people", he said.

Mr Jacob hoped that Holi would be celebrated in Meghalaya in tune with other parts of the country in the same spirit of sharing that has marked the celebration in the past. While the Chief Minister said, "As Holi is celebrated irrespective of faith and religions, we hope that this time too the celebration will be in its true spirit".

SHILLONG: Four persons identified as Deben Syiem (50), Shaisingh Kharkongor (18), Evel Marbañiang (50) and Hankostar Kharkongor of Laitkroh Sohra were arrested on Monday at 8.30 pm for stealing fencing rods from the All India Radio Transmitter Centre at Mawjrong. They were caught red-handed. They were produced in Sohra local court on Tuesday and sent for ten-day police custody.

SHILLONG: Forty-year old Training Marbaniang of Nongmynsong Kadiang committed a suicide in Umkaliar River. Marbaniang was mentally imbalanced and was missing since March 8. Police said the decomposed body of Marbaniang was recovered on Tuesday at 5 pm from the river. The exact time when he committed suicide was not yet known.

SHILLONG: Responding positively to the NGOs demand for suspension of border fencing in the areas of dispute, Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Fredrik Roy Kharkongor has instructed the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) to suspend the ongoing fencing works in disputed areas, including Dawki and Pyrdiwah.

The Co-ordination Committee on International Border (CCIB) along with the KSU had earlier set a 15-day deadline for the State government to suspend fencing works along the border. The deadline expires on Wednesday.

Speaking to the press against the backdrop of deadline expiring on Wednesday, Chief Minister DD Lapang on Tuesday said that the political affairs department sought a report from the Jaintia Hills DC on the ground situation even as the DC issued direction to suspend fencing works in disputed areas.

Mr Lapang also hinted that a joint survey by the Indian and Bangladeshi officials might be undertaken for a permanent solution to the border problems. "This does not mean that we have to suspend fencing works in the entire stretch. As the border is porous, there will be cases of cattle theft, smuggling of betel nuts and above all the infiltration", Mr Lapang said.

"The areas like Dawki and Pyrdiwah where there are serious problems, the border fencing will not be undertaken", the Chief Minister assured.

Meanwhile, the East Khasi District Magistrate has promulgated and order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting holding of any demonstration, rally or taking procession, shouting of slogans, carrying of arms and other lethal weapons and assembly of five or more persons within 200-metre radius of the Arts and Culture Building, the temporary Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

The Chief Minister will move Centre on the issue related to peace process with the banned HNLC militants during his next visit to the National Capital.

SHIILONG: The State government has assured the Garo Students' Union that the omission in the appointment of Garos as Extension Officers in the Agriculture department would be corrected.

The GSU recently met Chief Minister DD Lapang at his residence and expressed concern over flouting of reservation policy, with special reference to the recent recruitment of Extension Officers in Agriculture department. They said 12 Garo candidates had applied for the ten posts in all. As per the job reservation policy, four posts were reserved for the Garos, but in reality, only one Garo candidate was appointed.

Commenting on the appointment process, the Chief Minister told reporters on Tuesday that the Agriculture Minister Kyrmen Susngi was directed to check the appointment to do the needful. "We will do the adjustments from the 12 existing vacancies", Mr Lapang said, asserting that the employment policy should be strictly adhered to.

SHILLONG: One Tony Peter Kharbithai of Dong Sharum, Umpling was arrested on Saturday afternoon in connection with issuing of false appointment letter to unemployed youths in the city.

Police said the accused is a suspended employee of PHE department. Before he was suspended, he was able to steal a huge number of appointment letters, which is usually issued by the department at the time of appointment of candidates against any vacant post.

Kharbithai used to charge from Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 for each appointment letter issued to any particular individual.Police acted on this case after receiving a complaint from the authorities of the PHE department.

SHILLONG: Breaking silence on the much-awaited reshuffle in the MDA ministry, Chief Minister DD Lapang on Tuesday said that the high command has to give its final nod for allowing the State to have a Ministry of 20 rather than 12.

"I feel that there should be uniformity in the number of ministers. The disparity is that while Sikkim with 32 members in the House and Mizoram with 40 have 12 ministers, the states like Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Tripura also have equal number of Ministers from the House of 60 MLAs.

Earlier the Northeast Chief Ministers had taken up the matter with the Central Congress leadership on the issue of having less number of Ministers after the downsizing process. Chief Minister sent a reminder to the Congress president Mrs Sonia Gandhi during his recent Delhi visit on the need of raising the number of members in the MDA ministry to 20.

As raised by the Assembly Speaker Mr MM Danggo, Chief Minister admitted that West Khasi Hills needed its representative in the Ministry even as he looked forward to the Central leadership for the ultimate decision. "We are awaiting high command's decision on reshuffle and the matter was earlier taken up with the Congress president Mrs Sonia Gandhi during my recent visit to Delhi", Mr Lapang told reporters.

He said that the high command was of the view that a reshuffle could be undertaken only after the Assam Assembly elections. "They also suggested us to wait for the opinion of the CWC member in-charge Meghalaya Mr Oscar Fernandes who was out of station", Mr Lapang said.

The Chief Minister downplayed his visit to the official residence of the Speaker after his return from Delhi on last Friday saying that as a member of the Congress family, he can visit any other member of the party. On the cancellation of Mr Danggo's Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said, "As it was the first session of the year commencing with the Governor's address, the Speaker's presence was very much ideal".

Shillong: The Mothers' Union, Baghmara has sought the intervention of Chief Minister D D Lapang to look into the development of South Garo Hills District. In a memorandum to the Chief Minister, the Union said that South Garo Hills District, particularly Baghmara, a newly created district of the State, is lagging behind in terms of development and it cannot be compared with other parts of the State. "It has been ill-treated with step-motherly attitude in all aspects of development," the Union said adding that development activities carried out by the various Governmental agencies are moving at snail's pace.

On road communication, the Union said that RCC bridges under NH 62 should be completed within the stipulated time and small timber bridges should also be replaced with RCC ones while it also suggested for construction of good border roads from Gasupara-Baghmara-Maheskhola-Shillong via Ranikor.

Other demands in the education front included appointment of full-fledged inspectors of schools, experienced and qualified principals for Government higher secondary school of Baghmara and construction of hostels for both boys and girls.The Union also wanted certain schools and colleges within the District to follow deficit pattern. On developmental front, the demands included monitoring of both Central and State schemes, creation of 5th Battalion and implementation of Chief Minister's Youth Development Fund.

Meanwhile, the Union expressed displeasure over the dual charged of officers in the Education Department, district, sports offices, ICDS, PDW and Weaving.It also emphasized the need for fund allocation under DoNER and starting of ITI under the district.

Shillong: In an attempt to contain crimes, especially at night, a special police party comprising four personnel, was formed by the Police Department.

Initially, the special police party placed under Laitumkhrah police station has done commendable works at night prompting the Police Department to reward them. The four personnel were honoured on Tuesday in the presence DGP W R Marbaniang and senior officials of the Department at the Police Headquarters here.

Addressing the Press after the felicitation function, Additional Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, M Kharkrang narrated an incident on February 18 last which brought laurels for the party. He said, on that night, one girl was found standing in a corner near SBI, Laitumkhrah branch, adding that on being asked by the special police party to explain her presence there at that point of time, two boys came out from behind and stated that were engaged in computer works at her place.

However, Mr Kharkrang said, on interrogation, the boys confessed that they had a party at the girl's place at Lummawrie. A search was conducted in which three more girls were found in the house and some bottles of beers and whiskies were also found". Mr Kharkrang said that during the search, the house owner came and informed that his tenants had been creating troubles in the past and assured that he would asked the girl to vacate the house on the next morning.

"The house owner and the residents of the locality were satisfied and happy with the way and manner the special party dealt with the incident. They have shown a lesson that police can also behave in a decent and polite manner," Mr Kharkrang said.

Earlier, the DGP handed over a cash reward of Rs 1000 each to the four personnel as a token of appreciation for their act of goodwill. The members of the special party are D S Kharbani, M B Chettri, Akash Roy and A Das, all Unarmed Branch Constables. Meanwhile, Additional SP (Traffic) C Lyngwa said that appointment of a special party in police stations depends on the individual decision of the SP besides the crime situation in the State.

TURA: Former Tourism Minister Kulert C. Momin has sought for information under Right to Information Act 2005, with regard to the implementation of schemes, projects of various Government departments. In a letter to the Chief Minister, Momin pointed out the different projects, schemes under the Sports Department sanctioned for execution of works during the financial year 2001-2002 and on the allocation of funds.

Momin mentioned that tender was called by the Chief Engineer on March 30, 2002 and has sought detail information on the construction of Sitting Gallery at Tura Outdoor Stadium, estimated for an amount of Rs. 96,90,000 which was allotted to Surosh Marak on April 26 that same year.

Mentionable, the letter of approval said that the work has to be completed within the allotted time of 24 months after the issuance of the final work order. Momin has sought the details percentage of progress of work till date.

Momin has also sought information as to the construction of Squash Court Building and its anciliary work at Tura an amount of Rs. 20, 87,000 and has asked information as to whether the building is given for purposeful use if the construction is completed. He also sought information as to whether the construction of Indoor Sports Hall and its ancillary works at Tura, for an amount of Rs. 77, 17, 000 allotted to Johny A. Sangma on April 26, 2002 has been completed or not even after four years and has sought information for the delay.

Momin further sought information as to the completion of the construction work carried out for improvement of playground including that of eight Tiers VIP Covered Gallery, Open sitting gallery and retaining wall at Baghmara for Rs. 89.95 lakh and also on improvement of Playing field including construction of retaining wall, Chainlink fencing, Storm water Drain, VIP Covered gallery, etc. at Mukdanggra, West Garo Hills for Rs. 19.90 lakh and also requested to furnish details of the actual amount paid to the contractor till date.

Under the Power Department, Momin has sought for information on action being taken by the present Government on the Thermal Power Plant at Nongalbibra which was proposed during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, and which is yet to be started.

Other projects that Momin has sought information on their non-completion, non-implementation included the Alternative Feeder Line from Agia to Nongalbira, aimed to provide uninterrupted power supply for Garo Hills; approval of setting up of mini hydro electric project from Ganol river for supply of electricity in Tura town; the wastage of money in constructing huge complex building for cold storage which was yet to be utilised for the purpose.

Under the Health Department, Momin said that the present 100 Bedded Civil Hospital has been upgraded to 200 Bedded Hospital during 2001-2002. Accordingly, the construction of Hospital Complex has been taken up and almost completed by now. However, the sanctioned and approved project for construction of more than 20 Doctors and Nurses Quarters have not been started till date in the Government land meant for the purpose.

The massacre of innocent individuals in the serial blast at Varanasi, has once again established with clarity that anti national elements within the country are operating freely. All concessions and compromise which India makes, has little impact on our neighboring countries. There is hardly any reciprocation to different confidence building measures initiated from our end. On the contrary, a sustained movement is on to weaken the country by creating schism between the multifarious religious and linguistic groups, co-existing peacefully. There is no other country in the world which can boast of such harmony. With passage of time this binding factor which initially was an enigma has now become a cause of envy to others. The strategy is to foment ethnic, religious and communal discord where all Indians, are the focus of attack. Illegal migration from neighboring countries to our state has a definite agenda - disintegration.

 The genuine non-tribal, for instance, who has been residents of Meghalaya for generations, has also suffered and bore the brunt of influx. Their contribution to the state in the field of education, health care, judiciary, business etc was relegated to the background. The children of permanent settlers and an equal number of parents, who had made Shillong their home, were left with no other option but to extricate themselves from their roots and depart. Most of them maybe better off economically but the emotional bond, of both old and young are even to-day intricately linked to Shillong - their neighbors, colleagues and friends from the majority community. The vacuum thus created has been filled by quantity and not quality. The silent "invasion" of numbers, mostly parasitic in character, spreading their tentacles both in urban and specific rural areas is not a forbearer of good tidings for the majority and genuine minority community alike. The "virus" of floating population is extremely dangerous. Their ultimate goal is to strike at the secular fabric of the State; fragment and divide groups on basis of language, religion, caste and scores of other inherent diversities which are synonymous with our country.

Shillong like all other cosmopolitan cities and towns has realized the futility of internal strife and usefulness of harmony at all spheres and strata of society. Yet the multi-ethnic population of the capital may come into the frame as a potential locale for sowing the seeds of discontent and unrest, by the foreign nationals, infiltrating into the state with relative ease. Low profile intruders become Frankenstein's; out to execute their horrific agenda of striking at the demographic status, altering the balance in their favour. Are we ready and vigilant to check and counter the evil designs of such activists, who enter the state as labourers, farm help, workers in coal mines etc with a fixed action plan? A few individuals or a small organization within them may be here as trained agents of destruction. Their gruesome acts are worst than the most dreaded of diseases or even most intense of disasters- natural or otherwise.

In Meghalaya, we hear some sound bytes emanating from government regarding measures taken or proposed, to check such eventualities. Are these steps adequate to pre-empt and counter a well planned onslaught of similar nature in the State? A definite no is the answer. No government can attain even a modicum of success without active involvement and support from all sections of society. It is time to tighten our belts or the usual knee jerk reaction after an incident can only lead to the obvious. The majority community will have to lead the cause of communal harmony and take the initiative in establishing a channel of communication between different communities. This realistic approach will definitely help to check and maintain vigil over the menace of foreign nationals infiltrating into the State.

 Any danger to the demographic status of the indigenous population of the state is bound to have far reaching implications to the genuine minorities as well. A concerted effort, with members of majority communities besides intra specific and even individual intervention is essential to counter the threat. Minority communities cannot hope to survive in isolation, indifferent to security concerns and possible threats from subversive activists. The cause itself must act as a stimulant for a united mission to prevent any such disaster. The majority community on their part will have to encourage and endorse such genuine moves with an open mind and not doubt or mistrust. Transparency in action of both sides towards each other will be the precursor for establishing the base for a tangible action plan to counter all divisive forces.

Not many of us would have even heard of children who can write with both their hands. But a school in Madhya Pradesh has evolved a unique method, which fosters a rare ability in its student to learn different languages and use them while writing with both hands simultaneously.

Started in 1999, Veena Vadini school, in Singrauli, a non-descript village of Madhya Pradesh, is run by three teachers and its students are between the age group of four to eight. As one enters the classroom, the first sight convinces how extraordinary students they are.

Sitting in rows with their writing-slates in hand, in the outdoors, the classroom for these tiny tots, they are practicing a rare skill of ambi-dexterity, the ability to use both hands with equal ease. All these students are able to write simultaneously with both their hands. Trained from the early days at their school, these 72 young students are today at comfort with this rare art. They are also fluent in a number of languages.

Virangat Sharma, the principal of the school said that all his students are proficient in this art, which was started as an experiment. "The children are taught six languages Hindi, Urdu, English, Roman, Sanskrit and Arabic," says Sharma.

"I read somewhere that India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad used to write in two languages I also preferred to experiment developing such a skill among my students. All the children here can do this and also know the world's capital cities and their tables up to hundred. They can write on two different subjects and in two different languages at the same time," says Sharma.

Not just that these children can write with both their hands but they can also write in two different languages on two different subjects at the same time, tells Sharma."I know six languages--Hindi, Urdu, English, Roman, Sanskrit and Arabic. I can write two languages at one time," said Kamla, a student at the school Commonly termed as ambidexterity, the ability to use both hands with equal ease is a rare and amazing feat. (ANI)

Sir,

There are some very important classes of people in the society among which a teaching group may well be put up on the front. Needless to say, entire welfare of the society rests on how best they can represent themselves. Every bit of their activity and behaviour is much expected to be most honourable, resourceful, upright, and kind natured. Arguably, they have been considered to be a true guiding light for the upcoming generation and therefore have to shoulder much more responsibilities than that of the parents at home. But the unfortunate irony is that this highly respectful class of people is less cared for so far as their welfare is concerned. It has not yet occurred to the government that before expecting service from them it is essential that their basic needs and requirements have to be adequately met. The fact that they have to go through the passage of uncertainties and gloom just after their service is no longer needed, has not made the government any sympathetic.

It may be pointed out that their meagre savings as CP fund, in most cases, just get exhausted while meeting children's education or discharging other obligatory duties. If any major catastrophe were to strike, then they would be nothing more than goners; the situation could be that they have to go around begging donations. Isn't it too piteous the way they are to lead the latter part of their lives? One wonders, why the persons who toil, till there is energy in veins could not be treated at par with other regular employees. Why the worthy services do not merit honour of a pension after their retirement? Are they not the real force behind the inspiration drawn by a student who may occupy one day a high position of power? Beyond any shadow of doubt, that all Ministers, doctors, scientists or high profile bureaucrats were once suitably moulded and groomed under the active and efficient guidance of these teachers in schools or colleges. But how unthankful and hard-hearted of these top brass in power that they could see those hapless educators living a pitiful life after the retirement!

Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong-2

Sir,

This is to bring to the notice of the concerned authorities regarding the sorry state of affairs in the state level Renewable Energy Educational Park at Lum Nehru Park in Umiam. During my recent visit to the park I noticed that out of six numbers of pavilions in the park only one pavilion is running, that too without water and electricity, which is very essential, to learn about the models installed inside the pavilion. Moreover, several models are either out of order or damaged. On enquiry from the staff there, I came to know that there is no cooperation from the head office, be it in terms of repairing or replacing the damaged items, or giving financial help. Moreover, there were thefts in the park three times of various valuable items October and February last. Though FIR was filed with the Umiam Police Station, the police till date have taken no action. The total loss incurred during these thefts was nearly Rs. 5 lakh.

Yours etc.,
A concerned citizen
Shillong

The Minister who has faced the axe is Hemaprakash Narayan, who represented Dergaon reserve constituency. Former Education Minister Pankaj Borah, who represented Guwahati-East, was dropped, so also ten other MLAs. Prominent among others renominated were senior Ministers Bhumidhar Barman and Himanta Biswa Sharma.

Incidentally, former Minister Abdul Muhib Majumdar, who was the brain behind framing of the IMDT Act way back in 1983 has been fielded from Hailakandi constituency in Barak valley having sizeable population of minoities. (PTI)

The inadequate supply of drinking water and electricity provided both by the MESEB and PHE has led to major problems in Phulbari area, especially at the CHC. The PHE Department has failed to supply drinking water to the health centre due to regular load shedding and low voltage. Several pump sets belonging to the PHE Department were damage due to low voltage, the PHE officials said.

The PHE Department, North division, Tura has demanded that the MESEB sets up a 25 Kg transformer in Phulbari to rectify water problem face by the people here. In this connection, Rs nine lakh has already been given to the MESEB in 2004. The transformer, however, is yet to be brought by the MESEB, the PHE officials said.

Meanwhile the employees of the hospital demanded a separate building for the Revised National Tuber-culosis Control programme (RNTCP) section and more quarters in Phulbari hospital. Appointment of an expert operator to run the X-Ray machine is also demanded besides repairing of existing X-ray machines.