The resignation came on day the BJP petitioned President APJ Abdul Kalam seeking her disqualification from Lok Sabha on the ground she held an office of profit as Chairperson of NAC. The TDP had already petitioned the President last week in this regard.

Significantly, Chief Election Commissioner BB Tandon said Thursday that the law was same for everybody and he would consider the petition against Gandhi when it was referred by the President. After consultations with top leaders including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gandhi came out with a brief statement in which she regretted that an atmosphere was being created by certain people in the country to project that the government and Parliament were being used to protect her.

"This has hurt me very much. I have stated it earlier also that I am in politics and public life not for my selfish ends. I have taken a pledge to serve the people of the country and to protect the secular ideals.

"So in keeping with my public life and political principles and according to my own belief, I resign as a member of Lok Sabha and Chairperson of NAC," she said in a statement read out to reporters at her 10, Janpath residence with son Rahul by her side. Gandhi was in the midst of her second term in Lok Sabha with her first term from Amethi.

Maintaining that she had full faith in the people of Rae Bareli from where she was elected and that the nation would understand her feelings, Gandhi said she would contest again from the same constituency. With overnight indications that the government was keen on bringing an Ordinance after getting the Parliament adjourned sine die, the Union Cabinet met Thursday but the issue did not come up, apparently because of Gandhi's reservations over including NAC in the list office of profit sought to be exempted.

While the Congressmen were keen that the NAC should be also covered by the amendment to the Members of Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, Gandhi was firm that she should not be seen as being benefited by any legal device. (PTI)

Dr Singh's resignation came hours after Mrs Gandhi announced her resignation as a Lok Sabha member and Chairperson of the National Advisory Council (NAC) following complaints seeking her disqualification for holding an office of profit. (UNI)

Cabinet also cleared the proposal to allow split of stocks of State Bank of India by amending the SBI (Subsidiary Bank) law, the minister said. The stock split would enable greater participation of retail investors. (PTI)

Chennai: The DMK on Thursday got 26 seats held by it in the outgoing assembly and the Congress 17 in the seat allocation between the constituents of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance in the state. The PMK has been given nine seats, CPI(M) six and CPI three, as per the seat sharing arrangements finalised by the DPA on Thursday evening. The DMK would be contesting 129 seats, Congress 48, PMK 31, CPI-M 13, CPI 10 and IUML, three.

However, IUML candidates would seek election on the DMK symbol, which would technically mean that the DMK would be seeking election from 132 seats in the 234 member assembly, for which elections would be held on May 8. This will be the second lowest number of seats contested by the DMK since 1980. In the elections to the state assembly, the DMK and Congress went to the polls together, in which the DMK sought elections from 117 seats, while the rest were by the Congress.

Releasing the list, DMK President M Karunanihi told reporters after inking a poll accord with PMK founder Dr S Ramdoss that DMK's nominees for the polls would be announced soon. He would hit the campaign trial from the second week of April after releasing the party's manifesto, he said. Mr Karunanidhi told reporters that the list of party candidates would be announced in a couple of days. Stating that he would hit the campaign trail in the second week of April, he said the party's election manifesto would be released before that. (PTI)

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet Thursday gave ex post facto approval to the agreement between India and Iceland for cooperation in the fields of culture and education.

The agreement, which was signed between the two countries on October 19, 2005, includes exchange of representatives of universities, institutions and organisations in the fields of culture and education, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dashmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting today.

Under the agreement, scholarships would be awarded from both sides for joint studies and researches, he said. The agreement shall remain in force for a period of five years and shall be renewed automatically thereafter for successive periods of one year, he said. (PTI)

Poultry farmers sought compensation from the government or else threatened to set loose their stock on the road."We demand a compensation package for the poultry farmers. Currently, we have undertaken a "rail roko" (stop rail) movement. If the state or the Central government does not fulfill our demands within a week then we would leave our chickens on the road to die because anyways they are dying," said Rajesh Khanna, a poultry farm owner.

Punjab with about 2000 poultry farms has lost about 400 million rupees following a sharp fall in consumption of chicken and eggs.(ANI)

Srinagar: A Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, allegedly involved in the recent explosion at Sopore that killed a paramilitary personnel, was arrested and a huge cache of arms and explosives including nine kg of RDX were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said Thursday.

On a tip off, army arrested LeT militant Ashan-ul-Haq alias Tahir, a resident of Noorbagh village, from Sopore area of Baramulla district today, the spokesman said. He said militant confessed to hurling grenades on February 14 and 27 in Sopore, firing on Rashtriya Rifles headquarters and grenade attack on BSF post on March 19 which left a BSF jawan dead and over 25 people including six BSF personnel, injured.

The search of his house led to the recovery of one remote controlled IED, two anti-personnel mines, four hand grenades and 16 AK rounds, the spokesman said. 

In another operation, the spokesman said the army busted a militant hideout at Trehgam in Kupwara district last night and recovered a huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives.

The recoveries included nine kg of RDX, 19 kg of other explosives, two RPG rocket fuses, three RPG bombs, one Chinese mine, nine slabs of plastic explosives, one anti-tank IED, ten hand grenades of various types, two AK 47 rifles, 10 magazines, one UBGL, two radio sets, 540 rounds of AK ammunition, 21 rounds of pistol ammunition, he said.

The spokesman said army busted another militant hideout in Kokernag area of Anantnag district today leading to recovery of seven packets of explosives, each weighing 10-12 kgs. The army Thursday recovered a gunny bag containing seven kg of explosives, three kg of urea, one kg of nails and sawdust, pencil cells, two meters wire and plactic jerrican in a dhok (hut) in Halmula village of Anantnag, the spokesman said.

He said recovery of huge quantities of arms, ammunition and deadly explosives in recent past in different areas of Kashmir do not suggest any let up in the nefarious designs of the militants and efforts from across the line of control. On the contrary increased interaction and faith between the locals and the army, which has led to the huge recoveries, has saved many lives, he said.

At a time when peace talks are in progress between India and Pakistan, backdoor diplomacy, track two diplomacy and round table talks are taking place between the Centre and separatist leaders and various models of solutions to the vexed issue are being spoken about, few realise that Kashmir is sitting on a huge hidden cache of arms and explosives, the spokesman said pointing towards the latest recoveries.

He said a diary recently recovered from the hideout of a top Hizbul Mujahideen militant exposed the kind of money being spent by militant organisations for procuring high quality explosives does not augur well for the peace process.The huge recoveries of grenades, bombs and explosives further expose the intentions and double speak of militant organisations and sepratist groups backing them, he added. (PTI)

New Delhi: India was awaiting a favourable response from Bangladesh about joining a proposed pipeline for transportation and import of natural gas from Myanmar, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said on Thursday.

"We can only hope that they will see the collective benefit of the project," Sharma said, a day after Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia left New Delhi after a three-day visit.

"We will continue to pursue the talks with them. There cannot be a timeframe for negotiation and talks to conclude," he said.There has been pressure from Myanmar for an early Indian decision on how the gas would be transported to India, Sharma said.

Addressing a Oil and Gas Conference organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Sharma said, "India is vigorously pursuing gas pipeline projects, both on its eastern and western land frontiers."

Besides the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project under discussion, India is also looking at Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline initially as an observer.

Myanmar, Bangladesh and India last year signed a trilateral pact for a gas pipeline project to meet India's gas needs and also help Bangladesh bring gas from surplus regions to deficit areas.

During President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's recent visit to Myanmar, an agreement was signed on energy. Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said evacuation of gas from Myanmar could be done through a pipeline and other options could also be seen.(IANS).

Jet Chairman Naresh Goyal flew in from Mumbai along with his top officials and met with Sahara Group Chief Subrata Roy to remove the hurdles in closing the Rs 2,300 crore deal, the biggest in Indian civil aviation, announced with great fanfare on January 19. This is believed to be the second meeting between them in last two days, amid speculation that the two sides failed to reach common ground on valuation.

Both sides kept away from the media amid reports, which count not be confirmed, that Jet had revalued its offer very substantially.(PTI)

A grant of 39,464 USD had been approved for ASSIST, a society for integrated rural development, to eliminate child labour in slate industry in Markapur mandal of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh.

Another project, READ, Rural Education and Action Development, was to establish a facilitation and capacity building centre for rural disabled people in Tamil Nadu. The location was Andimadam village in Perambalur district. The grant approved for this was 84,775 USD.

The grant for the third project, CREDS, Centre for Rural Education and Development Society, was 55,960 USD, for constructing a primary school building for socially-backward children. The project site was located near Gronrantla village on the Puttaparthy- Bangalore road.

The grant assistance for grassroot projects (GGP) was a mission to encourage initiative, participation and ownership by the community in sustainable self-help efforts for improving the recipients' socio economic situation and living conditions.

It provided infrastructure support and capacity building by entering into crucial partnerships with voluntary organisations, networks and communities requiring critical support.

The scope and size of the GGP scheme had grown substantially over the years, Mr Kodaki said, adding 1,300 projects in 108 countries received grants of 150 million USD under the scheme in 2004.

The scheme had been in operation in South India since 1990, and so far, 79 projects in different sectors in the four southern states and Pondi-cherry had been supported by the grant. (UNI)

New Delhi:Any attempt to trace the personal life of the Nehrus, the first family of Indian politics whose hold on the people's heart and mind still continues, cannot escape from turning into a lively history of the period in which the members of the clan lived.

This is what eminent historian Mushirul Hasan's pictorial biography 'The Nehrus: Personal Histories' has charmingly portrayed. And it was not intended otherwise by the writer himself too.

"It is a total experience of reliving the Nehruvian era. You get a sense of India on the move, a modern society in the making, a sense of democracy taking root," says the author, who is also Vice Chancellor of Jamia University, about his work.

While the text of the book, released here last evening, has been written by Mr Hasan, photo research has been done by Priya Kapoor, editor of Roli Books, which has published the book.

"Jawaharlal Nehru has always fascinated me as the architect of the modern Indian society. It is because of his vision that the country is still intact, while other contemporary societies have come under destabilising strain," he said.

The biography includes rare photographs from private collections of family members and those closely associated with them. The book traces the family roots from the period when the first Nehru migrated to the Mughal court to the present day, producing in the process a fascinating story of a family whose history has come to be inextricably linked with that of modern India.

"We had to do a lot of research and survey in finding pictures for this work. Some of the oldest pictures, which includes a miniature painting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court, we obtained from Arun Nehru and Mrs B K Nehru, and for that I had to go to Kasauli where she lives," Ms Kapoor said.

Also among the rare pictures is one in which Nehrus' ancestor Pandit Raj Kaul, who came down from the Kashmir valley, is shown seated in the court of Moghul Emperor Farrukhsiyar, she said.

Using documents, letters and interviews along with the pictures, the author has made an attempt to give a fresh perspective to the Nehrus' relationship with India's politics which still continues.

"It is a well-written book. It is not just a biography. It gives you a feeling of the era," said Mr Ashok Nehru, who belongs to the Nehru family.

Sharing a similar impression, author Uma Vasudev, wo herself has penned biographies of Indira Gandhi, said Prof Hasan has brought the history of the family through pictures and text "in a most charming manner which is treat to all those interested not only in the Nehrus but also in the story of the modern India."

The book comprises four chapters--The Kashmiris: Cherished Roots; Motilala Nehru: The Patriarch; Jawaharlal Nehru: Destiny's Child and the Nehruvian Legacy:Triumphs and Tragedies.

Mr H Y Sharda Prasad, adviser to Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi has pointed out a few mistakes in the captions, including wrong identification of people. However, it is hard to come across people who have acquaintances with yesteryears' faces, he added. In one of the pictures, Bibi Amma has been identified as Rajpati Kaul when she was actually the widowed sister of Swarup Rani Nehru and Rajpati Kaul was Kamla Nehru's mother, he pointed out. (UNI)

He pointed out that there was water theft under the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) and the government should look into the matter. He said the illegal connections to enroute villages near GSWSS was a matter of concern. He also stressed the need of forming a quick response team to check the leakage of water.

Taking part in the discussion, RG Lyngdoh (Cong) said that the government should construct sub-tanks in each locality and review the loop system. He urged the government to improve Phase I of the GSWSS. Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM) said the irregular water supply from the source itself should be checked.

Alleging that there was a lack of co-ordination between Shillong Municipal Board and PHE, Mr Lyngdoh pointed out that instead of mudslinging there should be co-operation between the two departments. He also alleged that there were many political appointees in SMB at the level of Grade IV employees, peons and chow-kidars, whereas the technical wing was quite handicapped. Mr Lyngdoh urged the government to call a meeting of the urban MLAs to discuss the issue of water scarcity.

PM Syiem (Ind) regretted that 70 per cent of water was being wasted due to lack of proper method of collecting rainwater. He wanted the government to check the rampant drilling at certain places for ground water without permission of the government.

Mr Syiem said the government should formulate a water policy to tackle problems of water scarcity. Quoting United Nations reports Mr Syiem said that the government should make all efforts to see that one locality does not fight against another for the sake of water.

Replying to the motion, PHE Minister HDR Lyngdoh said that there was no water theft under GSWSS. "However, some villages are given connection from the scheme as per agreement. Out of the 7.5 million gallons of water, only 1 million gallons is supplied to the enroute villages," he said. He informed that there would be a separate scheme for the enroute villages, which could be completed by August next.

Regarding quick response team, he said that to improve water supply, quick response teams comprising magistrates and officials had already been constituted. He also assured to look into the problems of water scarcity in Mawlai area.

According to Mr Lyngdoh, the suggestion to change from loop system to sub tank system will be looked into. On the close co-ordination between various concerned departments like PHE and SMB, Mr Lyngdoh said that the department has already taken measures in this regard and deputed three officers to jointly monitor the water supply and related problems.

Regarding protection of catchment areas, Mr Lyngdoh said that the department has initiated steps to see that catchment areas are protected. "The department is also contemplating to undertake rainwater harvesting and also to recharge ground water to minimise surface run off of water", Mr Lyngdoh added.

Raising the issue during Question Hour, Independent MLA Mr PM Syiem said that due to traffic congestion the office goers and students face enormous difficulty. He wanted to know whether there was any co-ordination among PWD, transport and police department.

Similar views were echoed by PT Sawkmie (MDP), KK Dhar, Zenith Sangma and RG Lyngdoh and Tonsing Marak (all Congress).

In her reply, Transport Minister Mrs Deborah Marak said that on an average seven vehicles are registered in Shillong daily, one each in Jowai and Tura. She said that the number of vehicles registered in Shillong from January 1 to August 31 last year was 1673 and in Jowai number was 323 and in Tura 256.Mrs Marak further said that the problem of traffic congestion was being tackled through traffic management as also by construction and widening of roads, wherever practical.

Replying to a supplementary of Mr Sawkmie, the Minister said that the issue of Transport department denying permit to the local youths after obtaining loans to get cabs would be looked into.

To another supplementary by Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM), Mrs Marak said that the government would make sure that shopping malls and shopping complexes have parking arrangements. On the measures to improve traffic flow, the Minister said that the Transport, police and Urban Affairs departments had drawn up several long-term measures.

"I have talked to Mr Lapang to look into the rules pertaining to disqualification as per office of profit clause since it might be applicable to the State legislators too," MPCC chief Mr OL Nongtdu told The Shillong Times here on Thursday.

Mr Nongtdu said that the category of offices of profit specified under the disqualification act will be have to be looked into.

In Meghalaya, other than the Parliamentary Secretaries, the MLAs, who are holding the posts of Chairman in any corporation, draw salary for the both. The MDA meeting scheduled for Friday morning is likely to discuss the matter. If the matter is raised in the State Assembly, the only option before the government is to pass an Ordinance to define the 'office of profit'.

Meanwhile, Mr Nongtdu as well as former Chief Minister Mr SC Marak termed the resignation of Mrs Sonia Gandhi as a moral victory for the Congress. "We welcome the decision of the Congress president," they said.

Khrawkupar Shylla alias Khro was arrested on Tuesday evening from Mawlai Nongk-war. Police also seized a country-made pistol that he was planning to sell to some people. During interrogation he confessed that it belonged to certain HNLC militants who were operating in Shillong, police added. He confessed that certain HNLC militants had asked him to sell arms with a promise of commission.

"We have identified the militants and the investigation to locate their whereabouts is still going on," police said.

TURA: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) sponsored public rally evoked huge response throughout Garo Hills as life came to a grinding halt in the three districts, even as shops and business establishments remaining closed during the period.

The rally was held simultaneously at Tura, Williamnagar, and Baghmara besides the sub-divisional headquarters. Students were ferried to the rally in a fleet of buses and they carried banners demanding justice from the enquiry commission probing the twin firing incidents.

The rallyists, outrightly rejected the proposal by the government to revamp the MBOSE, saying this would dilute its powers from the main office at Tura. They also called for complete implementation of forty percent reservation on jobs for the Garos in the state.

Meanwhile, Tura MDC John Leslee K Sangma who spoke on the occasion, accused the government of misusing public funds by ferrying in a Superme court lawyer to Williamnagar by a special helicopter flight to fight its case before the Barooah enquiry commission probing the firing incident at Williamnagar on September 30th.

The Tura MDC also ccused the Executive Chairman of MBOSE, Tony Travert C Marak, of being instrumental in diluting the powers of MBOSE at Tura. "It is for the first time that MBOSE admit cards do not mention the headquarters at Tura. It is Mr TTC Marak’s doing," said Mr Sangma.

SHILLONG: Concerned over the loss of the heritage Assembly building and subsequent delay in construction of a new Assembly hall, Independent MLA Manas Chaudhuri on Thursday urged the government to engage any reputed architecture team to help select a site and design the new Assembly building.

Moving a call attention motion regarding the issue of state government waiting for a Defence Ministry clearance for the construction of the new Assembly building Mr Chaudhuri said that six years have passed since the old Assembly building was gutted by fire.

Out of the available choice of old sites, Mawdiangdiang and Barik, the government is finally converging on Upper Shillong, he said. Mr Chaudhuri also deplored that there are complaints from the public that legislators were unable to take decisions.

Commenting on the need of better structure, Mr Chaudhuri said that the building to be constructed should befit the aesthetic sensibility of the people. Besides the location and new structure should blend with the capital's master plan and satellite township.

"Loss of years does not matter. Let us not rush and take decision which may lead to regret in the future. Let there be an expert agency for the task", Mr Chaudhuri said.

Replying to the motion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister JD Rymbai said that the High Powered Committee of Assembly in its meeting held last year decided that the new assembly building would be constructed on a plot of land belonging to the  Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, adjoining the hillock on which the Advance Landing Ground (ALG) of the Indian Air Force at Upper Shillong is located.

"The Chief Secretary was requested by the committee to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Air Force authorities. The NOC was required as the land selected was falling within the approach path of ALG and the Assembly premise fall within the definition of prohibited area over which flying is prohibited.

Later on the request of the Air Force authorities, the officials of the Assembly and the Public Works Department (PWD) held a joint physical verification along with the Air Force, following which an alternative site was proposed. The new site belongs to the Agriculture Department and the High Power Committee too accepted the same. The Air Force officials have since issued NOC for the project.

Though there was suggestion on the part of the Air force officials that the height should not exceed 8 metres, after following up the matter again, the Air Force officials agreed for the height of 20 metres for the construction of Assembly building, Mr Rymbai informed.

SHILLONG: In a major fire incident, the office of the RKB cement (M/S Sugarmall Rumkumar and their associate concerns) at Qualapatty near Mawiong Taxi Stand was gutted on Thursday afternoon. Altogether seven fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the fire under control. Fire destroyed furniture, fixtures, computers, business related documents and total loss is estimated between Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh.The blaze occurred due to electric short circuit.

Meanwhile, in a act of barbarism the Area Manager (Area IV) of the MeSEB Mr Albinus Lyngdoh of Mawlai Nongkwar was assaulted by a group of CRPF personnel at the place where the fire broke out. Mr Lyngdoh was on duty when the incident took place.

The DGM (East) Mr W Diengdoh and Mr Arju Dkhar of Meghalaya Association of Power Engineers Association, meanwhile, lodged a complaint with the SP in this regard.

SHILLONG: Toughening its stand, the GSU has threatened to block NH 51 and NH 62 if the same are not completed by the first week of April.

Stating this here on Thursday, the student body's top official Mr Joshua Sangma said that the former Chief Secretary, Mr PJ Bazely had assured the GSU that the construction of NH 51 and NH 62 would be completed by March 31, adding that till now no work has been taken up in this regard. Quoting an order issued by Governor MM Jacob on February 22, 2004, he also demanded establishment of a university in Tura.

SHILLONG: The members of both the ruling and Opposition on Thursday stressed the need for a revision of pay for government employees, even as some members felt that the work culture and productivity of the employees needed improvement.

Participating in the discussion, Manas Chaudhuri (Ind) pointed out that though the pay revision was a welcome suggestion, there should be better work culture from top to bottom of the government machinery. Because there was a lack of urgency among the ministers, it rubbed off on the employees, he felt. Citing poor work culture in the state, Mr Chaudhuri said that though he had written letters to three ministers in the state government last year, there has been not a single reply so far.

However, Mr Chaudhuri said that this was not the case with the Central ministers. "I wrote six letters to ministers in Delhi and received reply from all". However, he appreciated the courtesy of employees in the government department and relatively low level of corruption among government servants unlike other states. 

Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, adjoining the hillock on which the Advance Landing Ground (ALG) of the Indian Air Force at Upper Shillong is located. "The Chief Secretary was requested by the committee to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Air Force authorities. The NOC was required as the land selected was falling within the approach path of ALG and the Assembly premise fall within the definition of prohibited area over which flying is prohibited.

Later on the request of the Air Force authorities, the officials of the Assembly and the Public Works Department (PWD) held a joint physical verification along with the Air Force, following which an alternative site was proposed. The new site belongs to the Agriculture Department and the High Power Committee too accepted the same. The Air Force officials have since issued NOC for the project.

Though there was suggestion on the part of the Air force officials that the height should not exceed 8 metres, after following up the matter again, the Air Force officials agreed for the height of 20 metres for the construction of Assembly building, Mr Rymbai informed.

SHILLONG: The KHADC's venture into health sector has come under criticism with the leader of Opposition in the Council Mr Bindo Lanong criticising the move saying that the matter was not consulted.

The KHADC purchased the Parkview Hospital, near Firebrigade recently. Mr Lanong said that the decision was taken by the Executive Committee of KHADC without any consultation with the Opposition.Mr Lanong wanted to know who would bear the salary of the medical staff and cost of medical equipment of the hospital.

"We came to know that the MIDC is giving loan for the hospital's maintenance, but how will the KHADC will repay the loan," he asked.

SHILLONG: The KSU and Co-ordination Committee on International Border (CCIB), consisting HNYF, FKJGP and Federal Council of War Mihngi War Jaintia (FCWMWJ), will hold a rally at Dawki on Friday.

Similar rally will be organised on Monday at Mawkhar Parking Lot, near Motphran to highlight the issue of border fencing along Bangla border. The CCIB chief and HNYF president GH Kharshanlor said that the organisations had not backtracked from their stand to oppose fencing of 150 yards inside the Indian territory from the Zero Line.

"We welcome erection of fencing in the areas where there is no dispute but it should be from a Zero Line but in the areas where there is dispute fencing work should be kept in abeyance," he added.

Shillong: The Chief Minister D D Lapang on Thursday told the State Assembly that government will soon release a booklet highlighting three years of its achievement. Replying to a question by PM Syiem (Ind), Mr Lapang said that various departments are compiling the government’s achievements and the report will be released soon.

The Chief Minister also said that the list of Central and State schemes initiated, implemented and completed by different departments would be exhaustive. However, the basic information would be available in the plan supplement to the Budget speech.

Agriculture Minister Kyrmen Susngi said that the State Government is cimptemplating to introduce organic farming in the state. Replying to a question by Tony Curtis Lyngdoh (Congress), Mr Susngi said that as part of starting organic farming, the government is imparting training and awareness programmes.

To a supplementary by R G Lyngdoh (Congress), Mr Susngi said at present an NGO Rural Resource Training Centre (RRTC) at Umran is engaged in certifying the organic farming produce.

Answering supplementary questions by PM Syiem (Ind), Zenith Sangma (Congress), Manas Chaudhuri (Ind) and K K Dkhar (Congress), Mr Susngi said that after the training programmes for the farmers, the State Government will start organinc farming methods.

PWD Minister Brening Sangma said that the periodical repair works were taken up in Jowai Town Road. Replying to a question by Sing Mulieh (UDP), Mr Sangma said that the required amount for PWD is Rs 156 crore whereas only Rs 52 crore was available with the department.

Answering a question by Manas Chaudhuri (Ind), Municipal Affairs Minister Friday Lyngdoh said that there were 27 wards under Shillong Municipality. Mr Lyngdoh said that the government did not have information about any holdings not registered with the Shillong Municipal Board.

Shillong: Will the forest staff ‘sing or tell stories’ to turn wild elephants mild. This was the question raised by R G Lyngdoh in the State Assembly on Thursday when the Parliamentary Secretary incharge Forest department said that there was no proper mechanism to sedate the wild elephants as the tranquilizer guns were of no use. The five traquilizer guns purchased by Forset Department since 1986 were found ineffective to sedate the wild elephants.

Replying to a question by T D Shira, Mr Tariang said that the original purpose of buying the guns were to use against the wild animals. Mr Tariang informed that due to the difficult terrain in the hills, the guns purchased are not effective. PM Syiem (Ind) wanted to know the tranquilizer guns are only used for scaring away the wild elephants or used also to keep the animals unconscious when they fall ill or for research purposes.

According to Mr Tariang, as there were no other means to scare away the elephants, the volunteers are deployed to chase away wild animals. Replying to supplementary questions by Zenith Sangma (Congress), E D Marak (Congress), Monindro Rava (NCP), Sengman Marak (Ind), the Chief Minister D D Lapang intervened and clarified that in Meghalaya in 1986, with the suggestion of expert K K Bhattacharjee of Dehradun, the method of using tranquilizer guns was tried.

The guns are not meant to kill or injure the animals, the chief minister said adding that after the gun is used, the animal becomes unconscious for 3-5 minutes and then sleeps for 1-2 hours. "But as the guns were not effective in the hilly terrain and areas of thick vegetation, the same could not be used.

Replying to a question by T D Shira (NCP), Forest Minister Mr Friday Lyngdoh said that there were 7636 cases of depredation of wild elephants recorded during 2000-05. To another supplementary question, Mr Lyngdoh said that Rs 3.64 lakh was paid as ex-gratia to the affected families.

Shillong: A sum of Rs. 3 crores have been allocated for the year 2006-07 to the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NE-SAC), under the Department of Space, Shillong for the implementation of various programmes.

The North Eastern Space Application Centre is supporting the N.E. Region by providing information on natural resources utilisation and monitoring, developmental planning and interactive education using space technology inputs of remote sensing and satellite communication.

The Centre networks with the State governments of the region and the North Eastern Council to provide technology-based solutions for development-related problems of the region.

Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association Mela 2006 got underway on Thursday at Polo Ground. On offer are various artifacts from all over the country, joy rides for children as well as adults and daily raffle draws.

The FKJGP has expressed gratitude to Dr H Basiawmoit of Nongstoin PHC and also to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the District Health and Medical Officer, West Khasi Hills for their help in organising the camp.

"We cannot deny that the board has lost the faith of the people as it had committed many errors in the last few years which has really affected the student community," Mr Masharing said.

Meanwhile, condemning the GSU and NCP for their stand on the report of the Select Committee, he said that it is really difficult to understand why the NCP and GSU have rejected the report of the Select Committee. He urged upon the GSU and the NCP not to play with the future of the youth of the state.

SHILLONG: NEHU Vice Chancellor, Prof Pramod Tandon on Thursday stressed on the need to preserve the biodiversity, cultural diversity and traditional knowledge of the North Eastern Region as the indigeneous societies in this region are largely dependent upon these three aspects for their livelihood.

Delivering his inaugural address during the two-day Regional Workshop on "Traditional Knowledge Based Biodiversity Conservation Practices in North East India" held at NEHU Guest House Conference Hall, Mr Tandon said that the biodiversity of the North Eastern Region are vital for both people living in upland and lowland areas.

"Commercialization of agriculture, deforestation, shrinkage of wetlands and distortion of shifting agriculture are increasingly threatening the biodiversity of this region", Mr Tandon said adding that it is time for the government and the NGOs to step in and stop the damage.

Mr Tandon further said that paucity of desired quality data often leads to unreliable status assessment of biodiversity components of the North Eastern Region. "Our current regional biodiversity database has huge gaps and a large chunk of areas have not yet been explored," he added.

Saying that traditional knowledge can play a vital role in exploration of biodiversity, Mr Tandon said the traditional societies of northeastern region have very rich tradtional knowledge systems in biodiversity conservation which include sacred groves, ponds, village forests, sacred plants and animals and also restrictions on hunting and fishing which has been well established.

However, he said that social mobilization is very important for the conservation and preservation of traditional practices.

It may be mentioned that the main objective of this workshop is to bring together scientists, researchers, community leaders and herbal practioners of the region, working or associated with conservation biodiversity to discuss on the role of traditional knowledge systems in conserving biodiversity of the region and to formulate stragegies on how traditional knowledge system can be used for promoting conservation of biodiversity in the region. This workshop is being organised by the United States Educational Foundation in India in association with Centre for Environmetal Studies, NEHU.

Hello is this is the 21st century? From reading the news about "menshohnoh" and people being detained on allegations that they are new age witch-crafters one would think we are living in the pre-civilised era. Then there is gossip doing the rounds about some weird compulsion to sacrifice human lives in order to kick-start the Leshka hydro electric project in Jaintia Hills. I recall a similar rumour that swept across the city of Shillong in the 70’s. At that time the accused were people of Bhutanese/Tibetan origin who we were told were going around with gunny bags and catching young kids in deserted places, again to offer as a sacrifice of appeasement to some deity.

Of course the whole episode blew over. Later we learnt that it was a short-circuited attempt by some traders who felt threatened by the flourishing business of the Bhutanese merchants in and around Police Bazar. Superstitions are the hallmark of a society that has time on its hands. Busy people do not have time to indulge in rumour-mongering. Superstitions also thrive in places where people are too indolent dig out the truth. They prefer to dine on second hand information and also pass it around generously. Surprisingly even the much educated believe in these myths. And because there is such a vacuum of scientific enquiry among our people everyone sits back and enjoys the spectacle.

The village Dorbar that detained the visitors - who were apparently visiting the place because they found it beautiful- and also labeled them as ‘nongshohnoh’ should actually be sued for libel. How can you call someone a ‘nongshohnoh’ without a shred of evidence? And how can an institution like the Dorbar Shnong even think of detaining someone for questioning when the allegations are based on unfounded rumours. This is totally unacceptable in a civilized society. But then who can question the Dorbar? This is exactly what happens when tradition and its archaic, oligarchic laws are practiced in a modern democratic era with no one to challenge the former.

An ardent nature lover myself I have often traveled with friends to some of these cosy grots around the suburbs of Shillong just to explore their beauty and to drink in the fresh air that we so lack in the city. Often people view us with suspicion as if we are there to defile their sacred space, even if we are just walking around. If someone were to view us with suspicion and allege that we are in their area for some other hidden agenda, how on earth do we prove that we are not blood-suckers? I cannot help but put myself in the shoes of those who were detained by the local people of Nongkrem because they were suspected to be ‘nongshohnoh’. It could happen to anyone of us and we would not be able to prove our credentials or disprove what the locals say. It would be their words against ours.

News travels super fast these days. Thanks to the internet, newspapers are read across the globe even before they reach the breakfast tables of local news enthusiasts. Imagine having to explain to people that you actually come from a society which still believes that if you feed a ravenous python with human blood you can actually get rich. To the uninitiated, it really is a drama of the absurd. But try arguing with the villagers of Nongkrem till you are blue in the face. It is unlikely that they will accept your arguments even if they are unable to prove the lie.

Some years ago one person from a particular clan was lynched to death because he was accused of being a ‘nongshohnoh’. Then again in 2001, in Mawlai, an entire family with their house and belongings were set on fire by an angry mob. That family too was alleged to have been ‘nongshohnoh’. What is galling is that the law enforcers watched helplessly while the fires furiously consumed everything. Modern jurisprudence fails in the face of archaic laws. So no investigations have taken place because no one has the courage to take up this case suo-moto. It is hard to believe that such things can occur in a civilized society and that no one would even speak up on behalf of the victims!

The grand theory of ‘nongshohnoh’ actually merits a closer study by our home grown social anthropologists. If the theory does not stand the test of empirical truths and it is yet another reckless hyperbole going back to myths and legends then it would be good to dispel it once and for all. However there is the greater responsibility of enlightening those who refuse to move out of their little shells for fear that the outside world might crush them and their belief systems. If we go deeper into the Khasi psyche then it would follow that the ‘nongshohnoh’ theory is nothing but private envy that spills over into the public domain. When someone gets rich people usually do not see how hard she/he works. They attribute that wealth to an unknown source – the thlen.

Archbishop Dominic Jala of the Catholic Church has volunteered to use the pulpit meaningfully to dispel superstitions. This is a tall order for a society that is trapped in a time warp. But its also good to know that a beginning will be made to seriously address the issue of superstitions. Indeed the Church does have a fundamental duty to ‘bring light where there is darkness’. In fact all educational institutions particularly those institutes of higher learning must encourage debates on such ticklish issues. The young should learn to form conclusions based on deductive logic instead of simply believing what their elders tell them. It is a sad commentary on our educational institutions that there is hardly any initiative taken to discuss the most talked about topics in the newspapers, or any subject which is of current interest and for young people to speak out about whether they agree or disagree with topics that are being put on sale – like the current one about ‘nongshohnoh’.

Television debates and radio talks are necessary to educate people across the length and breadth of Meghalaya. Superstitions prevent progress and mark a society out as being steeped in ignorance and backwardness. While it is sometimes necessary to hang on to legends for the purpose of creating interest in our tourist spots, we cannot go overboard and start believing the myths and then punishing people after subjecting them to our kangaroo courts.

One hopes the intelligentsia will step forward and put the current topic up for debate. Let us remember that politics and political issues are not the only ones that hurt our society. Social issues that create friction among people should also concern politicians. They too must take the lead in dispelling cheap rumours which cast aspersions on innocent travelers. After reading about the fate of those unfortunate picnickers who were questioned by the Dorbar, can we expect tourists to feel free to savour the scenic beauty of the abode of clouds? Doubtful.

Do you know what was Abdul Kalam's or Manmohan Singh's aggregate percentage in the board exams? It might have been good or mediocre. But what we do know is that these two people helm our nation today. Does that mean you should slam those books shut and rush off to catch a movie? For a student the board exams still remain a benchmark which can help him to get into a good course in a reputed college.

A good result assuredly will make those next three or four years easier. But later in life, it is our unique gifts which help chart the course of our lives. I gave my board exams last year, scored decently and am happily settled in a good college. But I have also met people who got a somewhat raw deal in their boards. And the best thing is that they're completely unfazed by this. It was just a small bump on life's highway for them.They rightly believe that a multitude of options await students these days. When you find your calling, go for it and give it all you've got. After all when was the last time Amitabh Bachchan was asked his board exam results?

As far as your immediate future is concerned, the board exams are important. What students and even parents don't realise is that they're not the only thing. Many parents transform into grade-hungry chasers who don't realise that what their child needs at this juncture is assurance, not criticism. It doesn't make sense to lose sleep over a result, which in any case, is going to be rendered inconsequential in a few years. However, some students did not lose just a few nights' sleep; rather, they decided to embrace eternal slumber. They wrote down in their 'suicide' notes that they couldn't live up to their parents' expectations.

Dear kids, if only you had stopped to think that your parents would any day choose you, just as you are, over a great report card; if only you had remembered that your smiles and tears are worth more than an 'A' grade in every subject; then you would have realised that it is just another exam you are facing. (By arranegement with The Times of India)

Sir,

East Khasi Hills SP, AR Mawthoh deserves special congratulation for his right move that helped reduce the road rage and fatal accidents due to heavy trucks, 'Police impose restriction on entry of trucks', (ST, 11th March). This restriction on the truck's entries into the town's periphery should send right message that help cool down the ruthless attitude of the truckers who often drive their vehicles with wild abandon. Perhaps the Sumo drivers should also take enough clues from the development and discipline themselves. Well, especially during the day time the stream of trucks hugging the larger portion of the road space caused a great inconvenience to the city commuters. It obviously prevented the smooth flow of traffic due to which people in the lighter vehicles could not reach their destination in time and eventually a great loss in many aspects. Anyway, now vehicle owners need not perspire in the heat of blockades to scramble through the road as there are practically less number of smoky trucks which till the other day made everyone on the road bitter. Well, driving around the town is now far more pleasant and less fatal. Excellent, the parents of school children could now heave a sigh of relief as they were one of the victimised lots who had to encounter that damning traffic snarl everyday while doing their routine chore of collecting and dropping their kids.

Yes, perhaps more than any other thing, the government should speed up the proposed broad highway construction work without any delay as the existing road-line has long reached its saturation point.

Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Shillong-2

Sir,

Since, the new Chairman of Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) has taken over charge a series of results were declared, both written as well as personal interview. The Chairman, the members as well as the staffs of the office have done a great job and need to be appreciated. The lucky or the deserving candidates of various posts are happy with their new appointment. But there are some written examinations which the Commission had conducted nearly a year ago, the results of which have not been declared as yet. I humbly request the office of the commission to look into the matter and act accordingly for the interest of the unemployed youth.

Yours etc,
A. Lyngdoh,
Shillong

Sir,

It is unfair that both Houses of Parliament were suddenly adjourned sine-die only because government intended to bring ordinance to amend ‘Prevention of Disqualification’ Act which was not possible in continuity of Parliament-session. Government’s contention of having no pending agenda for the Parliament is baseless because of many pending bills including the longest-pending on Women-Reservation and Lokpal. Only a day before, Prime Minister had expressed his government’s commitment on passing of Women-Reservation-Bill.

Ideally elected representatives should not hold any office, because caring their own constituencies and electorates is in itself a much vital task. Also system should be to opt for only one salary or pension by legislators entitled for pension towards their earlier assignment. Even offices of Ministers may also be held office of profit so that only non-members having not contested any election in past six months may be appointed Ministers leaving members to take better care of their constituencies and such appointed ministers rather than of themselves to grab ministerial chairs! System will have additional savings by appointing present expert-advisors as ministers. Ministry-strength then can be further restricted to just 10-percent of assembly-strength as per original recommendations of Administrative Reform Commission.

Yours etc,
Madhu Agrawal
New Delhi

AGARTALA: The state has earned revenue of 7,70,436 US dollars from exports to Bangladesh during the last three fiscal years, the State Assembly was informed on Thursday. In reply to a question, Commerce Minister Tapan Chakraborty informed that 82 businessmen are involved in the export-import trade in the state.

Replying to a question by Opposition leader Ratan Lal Nath, the Minister said that the export items include ginger, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, pineapples, bamboo, dry fish, coal, sanitary ware, betel leaf, jackfruit and litchi. Bilateral trade has been increasing between Bangladesh and Tripura through Akhaura, Srimantapur, Kailasahar Manughat and Ragna Land Custom stations.

A unanimous resolution on the direct bus service between Agartala-Kolkata via Dhaka was adopted on Wednesday urging the Central Government to take up the matter with the Bangladesh government. Transport Minister Manik Dey on Wednesday demanded that trial run of the bus on this route should take place as soon as possible.

The Minister informed the house that Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) would open its counter in Dhaka. At present the TRTC and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) are operating a bus service between Agartala and Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the house also passed supplementary demands for grants amounting to Rs 554.78 crore for the current fiscal year. However, Opposition members including leader of the Opposition Ratan Lal Nath opposed the supplementary demands for grants.

Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday admitted in the floor of the house that the prohibition policy on liquor was a failure in the state. Replying to a cut motion, Mr Rio said that increasing excise departmental staff will not solve the problem of bootlagging as there was huge demand for liquor. He said it was the duty of all to create awareness against liquor abuse in every society. Institutions and churches will only discourage the bootlaggers, he added.

Replying to another cut motion on land allotments, Mr Rio admitted that government lands were illegaly alloted to their relatives by some government officials and it was difficult to regain those land now. The Chief Minister informed the house that he has already issued directions to all the departments not to allot any government land to any individual and to get land documents of all the government lands in the state. (UNI)

Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government on Thursday warned the doctors of stern action like even termination of services if they tried to jeopardise the health care system.

While taking part in a call attention motion by NCP legislator on non-availability of doctors in many rural areas, Chief Minister Gegong Apang directed Health and Family Welfare Minister C.C.Singpho to terminate those doctors who refused to abide by the transfer orders.

Raising the motion, Mr Wangham expressed concern over the non-availability of doctors, medicines and para-medical staff in Community Health Centre (CHC) located at backward Longding sub-division of Tirap district to serve 66,000 people.

The Chief Minister assured the house that he would look into the problem and said that essential medicines should be made available in all health centres and any one supplying spurious medicines should be punished. Talking on private practices by doctors, Mr Apang said the government might consider a hike in doctor’s salary but would not allow private practices while paying non-practicing allowance.

"Doctors may quit their jobs and do private practise. No request from the ministers and MLAs would henceforth be entertained for or against posting and transfer of doctors," he said.

The department may seek support from Judiciary to allow transfer and posting instead of issuing stay orders at the request of doctors or any other employees, he said. (UNI)

In an apparent bid to shake off the tag of ‘a poltical party from Assamese-speaking Brahmaputra valley’, the AGP has printed the manifesto for the forthcoming assembly polls in five languages -- Assamese, English, Hindi, Bengali and Bodo.

The AGP, which was formed in 1985 in the aftermath of signing of Assam Accord, so far contested assembly elections in 1985, 1991, 1996 and 2001. Till 2001 polls all the AGP election manifestoes of the party were printed only in Assamese language.

During its over two decades long existence, the AGP has made no significant inroads into the largely Bengali-speaking Barak valley, while it has been playing a second fiddle to Bodo political groups in Bodo tribal dominated assembly constituencies. (UNI)