As Opposition parties were busy devising strategies to counter Ms Gandhi after she regained the high moral ground in the battle of nerves among political formations on the "Office-of-Profit" issue, the Election Commission said it was going ahead with the process of assessing the complaints against the Congress chief, Speaker Chatterjee and 14 other MPs and four Jharkhand MLAs, seeking their disqualification for holding offices of profit.

EC sources said the commission would shortly send out letters to Telugu Desam (TDP) Parliamentary Party leader Yerran Naidu and other TDP MPs who have complained against Ms Gandhi, Dr Karan Singh, Dr T Subbarami Reddy and Ms Kapila Vatsayayan, seeking more information from them. Dr Singh and Dr Vatsayayan have also quit as MPs, taking a cue from Ms Gandhi.

Dr Vatsayayan, culture czarina and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) President, resigned this morning from the Rajya Sabha in the wake of the ''office of profit'' controversy. Her resignation has been accepted by Rajya Sabha Chairman.(UNI)

Amritsar: Declaring that India was sincerely committed to the prosperity, unity, development and well-being of Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday took the bilateral peace process to a new plane by offering a Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship to the neighbouring country.

Launching the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service at a function here, Dr Singh also made it clear that India was not afraid of discussing Jammu and Kashmir or any other outstanding issue with Pakistan for finding pragmatic and practical solutions.

He, however, rejected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's oft-repeated statement that the process of normalisation between the two countries could not move forward unless the issue of Jammu and Kashmir was resolved. "A step-by-step approach has to be adopted given the inherent difficulties in finding practical solutions." Obviously in the context of Jammu and kashmir, he suggested that both India and Pakistan begin a dialogue with the people in their areas of control to improve the quality of governance so as to give the people of both sides a greater chance of leading a life of dignity and self-respect.

Instead of looking at each other as adversaries, India and Pakistan must have the courage to see each other as supporting the other for the realisation of a better tomorrow for the people of the two countries. "I have a vision that the peace making process must ultimately culminate in our two countries entering into a Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship to give meaning and substance to our quest for shared goals.

I make this offer to the people of Pakistan on this historic occasion. I am sure the leadership of Pakistan will reciprocate." he added. (UNI)

Parlakhemundi (Orissa): In a pre-dawn attack, armed 200 Naxalites on Friday broke open a jail at a town in Gajapati district, 65 km from here, killed three policemen and lost four to five of their own comrades in a gunbattle before freeing most of the prisoners, including a few ultras.

The Naxalites and as many supporters raided the Orissa Special Armed Police camp at R Gajapati town and the police station at around five am and killed three policemen and injured another in an exchange of fire which lasted for over two hours, official sources said. While havildar Prasanta Patnaik and sepoy Tuna Dehury died on the spot, sepoy Rajesh Ekka died on his way to the MKCG medical college hospital at Berhampur. The injured person was rushed to the district headquarter hospital here but was later shifted to a hospital at Berhampur as his condition was stated to be critical.

Director-General of Police Suchit Das said in Cuttack that four to five ultras were killed when the police returned the fire. But the bodies were picked up by the ultras during retreat. After invading the sleepy town, the ultras divided themselves into different groups and attacked several places simultaneously. While the OSAP camp witnessed a gun-battle, the naxalites ransacked the police station and attacked the sub-jail, treasury and the tehsildar's office.

As the gates of the sub-jail were thrown open, all but one of the 40 prisoners escaped. The Naxalites damaged a communication tower in the town while snapping telephone and electric lines. Gajapati District Collector Binod Bihari Mohanty, who was present in R.Udayagiri town, managed to escape the marauding ultras.

The naxalites, who approached the town from two different directions, retreated into deep jungles. They had erected blockades by felling trees and putting boulders on the roads leading to R.Udayagiri town to thwart police chase. Superintendent of police, Gajapati, A.N. Sinha has reached R.Udayagiri with reinforcements, the sources said. (PTI)

Ranchi: Amidst hurling of chairs and overturning of tables by opposition UPA members, Jharkhand assembly Friday passed a controversial bill to protect four NDA MLAs from possible disqualification on the ground of their holding of offices of profit. The entire opposition rushed to the well raising anti-government slogans and demanded resignation of four NDA MLAs accusing them of holding offices of profit as soon as Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari took up the Jharkhand Legislature (Removal Of Disqualification) 2006 Bill to protect the four MLAs, three of them belonging to BJP heading the NDA coalition government in the state. The MLAs are Karia Munda, who heads the 20-point programme imple-mentation committee, Chhatruram Mahto heading the state Agriculture Marketing Board, Saryu Roy, Vice-chairman of the state Planning Board and Khiru Mahto, Chairman of the Hazaribag Mines Board.

Terming it as a 'black bill', some opposition members overturned the House reporters' table and chairs and marshals had a tough time to shield the Speaker as the members tried to climb the chairs to protest against the bill. Some chairs were flung and tables overturned. Amidst chaos, the bill was passed through voice vote and the Speaker abruptly adjourned the House. (PTI)

New Delhi: Maintaining that the issue of tainted ministers was of public importance, the Supreme Court Friday referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench the question whether a person with criminal background or chargesheeted on issues of moral turpitude could be appointed as a minister.

"Having regard to the magnitude of the problem besides its vital importance, it is proper that the writ petition be heard by a Constitution Bench," a Bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal and Justice C K Thakker said and issued notices to the Centre and all the State Government.The Bench granted them four weeks to file affidavit on the issue.

The petitioner Manoj Narula had challenged the inclusion of Lalu Prasad, M A A Fatmi, Mohd Taslimuddin and a few others in the Council of Ministers on the ground that the Ministers, being required to carry out important Constitutional functions, should be of impeccable integrity.The PIL had also named Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as one of the respondents.

However, the Bench deleted the name of Prime Minister and other ministers from the list of respondents saying it was not necesssary to implead individual ministers as party in the petition. The court had sought the assistance from Attorney General and also appointed senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi to assist the court on the controversial issue. Dwivedi told the Bench that the issue was important and the induction of a person with criminal background as minister was not good for democracy. (PTI)

As an aftermath of the Bill being passed without having their demands met, the Garo Students' Union called for picketing of all government offices, including the MBOSE and the GHADC on Saturday. The offices are open on Saturday following the financial year ending on March 31.

Soon after the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Education moved the MBOSE (amendment) Bill 2005 for introduction in the House, Mr Edmund Sangma (NCP), raised a point of order saying that as the passing of the Bill would invoke serious law and order situation in Garo Hills, the matter should be kept in abeyance. He pointed out that in the copy of the MBOSE Bill, which he received, had no mention about the financial implications involved in revamping of the Board, as it is mandatory for passing any Bill.

Reminding the House of major upheavals that Garo Hills experienced last year, Mr Sangma said in the past when there was a move to restructure the Board, there were serious repercussions in Garo Hills leading to the loss of nine lives. "When the Select Committee placed its report too, there was huge public rally", Mr Sangma said to buttress his apprehensions about serious law and order problem in Garo Hills in the event of MBOSE Bill being passed. He suggested that a government team should be sent to Garo Hills for a discussion with the leaders of agitating NGOs.

According to Mr Sangma, if the leaders of NGOs in Garo Hills stick to their demand, it would disrupt peace and harmony in that region. The Garo Hills leader said the NCP members - he and Mr John Manner Marak - had abstained from the Select Committee meeting as the party was opposed to revamping of the education Board as suggested by the panel.

"On October 17 last year, we had informed the Meghalaya Speaker that since the Chief Minister did not agree to solve the MBOSE issue outside the House despite a letter was sent to him, we decided to boycott the last session and also not to take part in the Select Committee", Mr Sangma said. He wanted to know as to why the names of the NCP members were included in the report of the Select Committee despite the fact that the NCP was opposed to the same.

Another NCP member, Mr John Manner Marak, opposed the Bill saying that giving cognisance to the sentiments of the people of Garo Hills, the NCP legislators had asked the Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob not to promulgate the MBOSE Ordinance. There was unrest when the Ordinance was promulgated, he said. "This time too the agitations have already started against the Bill. My suggestion is to depute the four Garo Ministers to negotiate with the leaders of the Garo Hills NGOs", he said.

But UDP member BG Momin supported the Bill on the ground that Garo Hills Legislators Forum (GHLF) including the NCP had presented their views to the Select Committee. The select committee prepared the report after getting the views from GHLF.

"No party can point a finger against other as the decision of the 24 MLAs in GHLF was unanimous to give suggestions to the panel and all the MLAs from Garo Hills have collective responsibility in this regard", Mr Momin said.He read out newspaper report quoting NCP leader PA Sangma's statement to the effect that he was not opposed to MBOSE revamping so long as the branches remained under Tura office.

Earlier Mr RG Lyngdoh (Cong) said as the Select Committee comprising legislators from both the Opposition and the Ruling bench prepared the report, "the Bill has to be passed". Echoing the same views, Mr PT Sawkmie (MDP) said the Class X and Class XII examinations were conducted without any complaints and this proved that the Board was functioning efficiently. He criticised the NCP for taking political mileage out of MBOSE imbroglio. "The NCP hijacked the MBOSE issue and this made the party candidate win the Lok Sabha elections," Mr Sawkmie alleged.

Supporting the Bill, Mr PM Syiem (Ind) said that the Bill should be passed without delay as he felt that the NCP wanted to keep the issue alive till 2008 for making it their election issue. Mr Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM) said it was very much clear that the NCP was indulging in the "politics of opportunism". The Select Committee after detailed discussion had agreed even to delete Regional Office to make it Shillong Office, he argued. He accused NCP of instigating turmoil in Garo Hills.

"Let us show responsibility and maturity in dealing with issues. If we want to politicise, let us take other issues of importance and let us not make academics a political issue", Mr Lyngdoh said.

The MLAs of the ruling including RL Tariang (UDP) Tony Curtis Lyngdoh, Irene Lyngdoh and Prestone Tynsong (all Cong) also urged the Deputy Speaker PW Muktieh to allow the passing of the Bill without any more discussion.

Meanwhile, justifying the passing of Bill, the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Donkupor Roy said that the issue of possible law and order problem in Garo Hills was only a hypothetical matter. Dr Roy also said that financial memorandum involving the expenditure for revamping MBOSE to the tune of Rs 2 crore annually was shown in the MBOSE Bill circulated to the members of the House.

After hearing the arguments of members of both the ruling and opposition, Mr Muktieh gave the ruling that the Bill has to be passed as the select committee has done justice to the Bill for the interest of the people of the state in general and the student community in particular.

Police sources said that the office was completely gutted and nothing could be saved from the flames. Some officials from the West Garo Hills district administration though said that the fire could have been caused by a short circuit as well.

Leaving nothing to chances, the district administration made elaborate security arrangement following the GSU's office picketing on Saturday. Sources, however, said that the administration would refrain from being aggressive against the agitating NGOs and allow the students' union to go ahead with their protest.

In fact, there were strong indication of some law and order problem as the passing of the Bill was greeted with despair as news trickled in from Shillong on the passing of the MBOSE Bill in the Meghalaya Assembly.

Despair has now transformed to challenge, as leaders from different quarters have called for unity in the fight against "such oppression". The Garo Students' Union, in the first leg of its protest, is going forward with the picketing of all government offices, including the MBOSE and the GHADC on Saturday, which is a working day in view of the financial year coming to a close on March 31.

Reactions have been pouring in from various quarters on the passing of the Bill. The nine-time MP from Tura, Mr Purno A Sangma, who is in Assam campaigning for his party candidates in that state, had a telephonic conversation with The Shillong Times and strongly criticised the government for Friday's event. "It is very unfortunate that the voice of Garo Hills was ignored by the Congress government", he said.

"They did not bother to take our sentiments into account. We will not accept this," thundered the veteran politician. Mr Sangma will soon be meeting with all like-minded parties and groups, including the GSU leadership to chalk out a united fight against the government.

GSU president Andreas T Sangma was loss for words. "We are extremely sad that the sentiments of the people of Garo Hills was not taken into account. This is too much. Enough is enough!"

Union publicity secretary Joshua Marak accused the 24 MLAs from Garo Hills of failing to protect the interest of the Garos. He said the formation of the Garo Hills Legislators Forum (GHLF) failed to have any impact because the MLAs themselves were not committed to its cause. "We are going to take drastic action against the MLAs for their betrayal," he said.

Tura MDC John Leslee K Sangma questioned the government's motive to go ahead with the passing of the Bill when so many factors were at play, like the ongoing enquiry commission and an impending PIL against the MBOSE Ordinance in Gauhati High Court. The Court will be hearing the PIL filed by a group of citizens from Garo Hills on Monday.

"I am disappointed. When there is turmoil in Garo Hills, how can the government go ahead with passing of the Bill? Instead of tackling this issue and diffusing the situation, they showed total disregard to the sentiments of the people. Nine lives have been lost over MBOSE and many more are maimed because of bullet injuries, isn't the government aware of it?" questioned the Tura MDC.

An elderly academician plainly put it across as, "all along we have been calling ourselves Meghalayans but, today the harsh reality has dawned upon us that the people of Garo Hills have no place under the Meghalayan sun. It is time for us to forge a new destiny."

He also congratulated the MLAs for supporting the Bill in the House. He said that this has proved that we can resolve our differences and be united for the future of the State. He called upon the MLAs to continue their support if similar circumstances arise in the future. He hoped that the new Bill would be able to serve the students community better.

Mr Patil, who was the Chief Guest at the function to mark the 171st Raising Anniversary of Assam Rifles here on Friday, was interacting with journalists. He said that the Centre was ready for talks with any insurgent group "who wants to abjure violence". He said that for the development of any region peace was a must. "Our main objective is to create a climate of understanding so that peace and tranquility and law and order can prevail in the country, he said.

He dismissed the allegation that the UPA government had adopted a "soft" stand towards the neighbouring countries that are reported to have sheltered militants from this side. "Neither are we soft nor harsh", Mr Patil said. He, however, did not name any country when his attention was drawn to the allegation.

SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Finance Dr Donkupar Roy on Friday presented a deficit Budget of Rs 79.88 crore in the State Assembly with a focus on additional resource mobilisation to support capital expenditure.

With an opening deficit of Rs 133.95 crore and total receipt, including receipts under Public Accounts, of Rs 15,308.76 crore against a corresponding expenditure, including expenditure on Public Accounts, of Rs 15,254.68 crore, the Budget for 2006-07 arrived at closing deficit of Rs 79.88 crore.

As part of additional resource mobilisation, Dr Roy's Budget proposed strengthening and streamlining of the existing tax and non-tax revenue collection network with a stress on checking the leakages and loopholes in the system. The Finance Minister found it necessary to rationalise the existing levies and taxes on certain items, apart from introducing user charges for public services in specific sectors.

During his Budget speech, the Finance Minister said the State government was contemplating adequate measures for recovery of dues. A proposal was made to examine the feasibility of levying taxes on new items for generating additional resources.

The Budget reflected an encouraging figure of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices, which was estimated at Rs 4815.75 crore during 2003-04, rose to Rs 5263.08 crore during 2004-05 and is expected to rise further up to Rs 5737.05 crore in 2005-06, having an average growth of nine per cent.

The Finance Minister said that the per capita income of the State at current prices of GSDP, which was Rs 20,082 during 2003-04 rose to Rs 21,668 during 2004-05 and is expected to rise up to Rs 23,321 in 2005-06, registering an average increase of 7.8 per cent. Dr Roy said compared to primary and secondary sectors, "tertiary sector continues dominating the economy and its share remained between 52 and 53 per cent".

The Finance Minister laid importance to modernisation of police force and earmarked a total outlay of Rs 144.39 crore - both for Plan and Non-Plan estimates - for the department during the current financial year. Highlighting the priority areas of the State government and the share of the Budget to various departments of the State, Dr Roy said the capabilities of police have been adequately enhanced under the modernisation scheme of the Centre.

The Modernization Scheme provides logistic support to the police force in terms of housing, transport, communication, weaponry, computerization and forensic science. "Meghalaya has now been conferred the category 'A' status and will be entitled to 100 per cent Central assistance under the Modernisation Scheme from 2006-07", Dr Roy said adding that the proposal for the creation of the Fifth Battalion would be pursued vigorously.

As usual road and bridges found prominence in the State Budget this year too and the Finance Minister cited low road density as the reason for the special attention that he accorded to the sector. Thus the plan outlay for the Public Works Department during 2006-07 was proposed at Rs 112.13 crore as against the revised outlay of Rs 110.94 crore during the current year.

The road density of 36 km per 100 sq km as on March 31, 2005 is lower than the national average. With a special focus on surface transport, the State government expects to take up 89 km of new road construction, 166 km under metalling and black topping, 70 km for improvement and widening works and 848 running metres for construction of major and minor bridges. Construction of major building projects such as the Meghalaya House at Mumbai, Jail Complex at Nongpoh and reconstruction of Meghalaya House at Russell Street in Kolkata will also be taken up by the PWD this year.

On the power sector, Dr Roy said the peak power requirement of the State is 315 MW against the installed capacity of 185.20 MW. To bridge the gap in power generation, Dr Roy sanctioned a total amount of Rs 235.33 crore for schemes under the Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) over the last five years. He said the State would take due advantage of the Central programmes for supply of potable water to all non-covered and partially covered habitations by 2009.

Urban infrastructure development, Education, the projects related to welfare of women and children, agriculture and horticulture, improvement of livestock farming and fisheries, strengthening of autonomous district councils, poverty reduction measures, development of industries, eco-tourism, information technology, better Public Distribution System, etc are other priority-areas of the State government.

Stating this here on Friday, Chief Secretary and State Vigilance Commissioner Mr S K Tiwari said that after getting the report he would analyse the findings of the report. To a question on the effectiveness of the Commission, he said that it was important for the office of the State Vigilance Commissioner to function effectively.

Meanwhile, the RTIM felt that it was important on the part of the government to conduct an inquiry into the finding of the report. Mr Michael Syiem of RTIM said, "with all the anomalies, the State Vigilance Commissioner should inquire the findings of the report as it will give a fair chance for the MeSEB and PWD to reply."

According to him, with the help of RTI Act, the organization could even question the State Vigilance Commission "if no action is taken with regard to the findings". The movement will also send a copy of the report to the National Vigilance Commissioner as the functioning of the National Vigilance Commission is "more independent".

SHILLONG: Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri's bid to amend the Meghalaya Protection of Interest of Depositors (in financial establishments) Bill 2006 to protect the interests of the tiny depositors from cheating by the financial institutions was overruled by the ruling side. The bill was to pass after getting assurance from the Chief Minister DD Lapang that efforts would be made for foolproof safeguard of the interests of the depositors.

Favouring the efforts of the State government to protect the tiny depositors of the State, who are very often duped by the less known financial companies, Mr Chaudhuri said that the financial establishments should be based in Meghalaya and duly registered with the competent authority of state government. He also urged the government to delete the responsibility of local managers of the company from the purview of the Bill.

Giving reasons for the amendment, Mr Chaudhuri said that the company should be based in the state to minimise the manipulation. "The government will find it difficult to attach the property of the company which is based in some other states, Mr Chaudhuri pointed out adding that it would be like "bolting the stable after the horse has escaped".

However, opposing the amendment, Mr RG Lyngdoh (Cong) said if the amendment was made, all the companies in Meghalaya would be excluded from the purview of the Bill. He also suggested that the managers should be held responsible for any anomalies as they represent the company.

Deputy Chief Minister in charge Finance Dr Donkupor Roy pointed out that in case of any amendment to the Bill, the financial institutions registered outside the State, which have set up offices in Meghalaya, would be excluded from the purview of Bill. Later after the assurance from the Chief Minister that the government would look into the loopholes, Mr Chaudhuri withdrew the proposed amendment to the Bill.

Meghalaya Members Pension Amendment Bill, 2005 was also passed in the Assembly, while Deputy Chief Minister introduced the Meghalaya Fiscal Management Bill, 2006. Co-operation Minister Kyrmen Susngi laid the annual report and accounts of Meghalaya State Ware Housing Corporation for the year 2003-2004.

TURA: Against the backdrop of the MBOSE Bill having been passed in the Assembly on Friday, the forging of a new alliance for creation of a separate state for the Garos - the Garoland State - appears to be finding its way. Clearly, the passing of the Bill was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

The Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) has termed the Friday's Assembly decision as humiliation for the Garo people. The publicity secretary of the outfit, Arist Sengsrang Sangma, said that it is high time for all Garos to come under one umbrella and demand for a separate state. "We will also support the cause for Garoland," he said and added that the GSU is the best choice to lead this united front.

While the ANVC is not averse to the idea of being involved in such a cause, provided it is spearheaded by an NGO, yet, it has its reservations as far as political parties are concerned. In the event of a political party leading the front, the ANVC would only provide its moral support. On the possibility of taking up arms again, the militant outfit has left the ball in the government's court saying a lot will depend on its response.

"We will also have our own strategy and it may be different from the front but the goal will be the same - the Garoland," said Mr Sangma. He denied that peace talks would be hampered in view of the outfit taking such a stand. "Since the demand of the ANVC is the same as that of the Garo people, it was unlikely to hamper the proposed talks", the ANVC publicity secretary said.

The outfit has predicted major trouble following the government's move. "The sentiments of the Garos have been extremely hurt and this will not be taken lightly by the people", Mr Sangma said, giving a clarion call to the Garo people to unite for "time is ripe for a separation.

SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) seems to be getting swept away by the winds of commercialism. In an apparent move to generate income for itself, it has bought over the failed venture of Park View Hospital located near Fire Brigade ground here. The Rs 1.10 crore deal, which has been struck with NEITED, is a curious development.

The NEITED, which is a private venture, has in its fold big politicos like DD Lapang. Naturally the deal is being talked about in the knowledgeable circles in hushed tones. The KHADC has already made a down payment of Rs.80 lakh and the remaining amount of Rs.30 lakh will be released very soon.

Interestingly, the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has also agreed to waive the interest of loan of Rs 2.41 crore which the NEITED had taken from the Corporation a few years back. Chief Minister Mr Lapang is the member of NEITED and also the Chairman of MIDC.

When contacted the CEM of KHADC Mr HS Shylla defended the deal saying that the hospital was meant to provide free treatment to all the KHADC Officials including the EMs, MDC, Officers, staff and the 53 heads. "Later if possible the KHADC may consider providing free treatment to even the Rangbah Shnongs of different villages," Mr Shylla added.

"To have a hospital is a long cherished dream of the District Council," Mr Shylla said adding the intention was not to serve the personal interest of anybody but to ensure that the council officials, including the EMs, MDCs and other officials get the same benefit being enjoyed by the State government officials.

Further the CEM informed that the KHADC was likely to have a tie-up with the International Hospital, Guwahati to run the hospital in a form of joint venture and the terms were yet to be worked out especially in respect of profits to be shared between the two parties. "In fact we have received an offer from several private hospitals from outside the State who are interested to run the hospital in the form of joint venture with the KHADC," Mr Shylla said hinting that the offer of the International Hospital was likely to be considered.

He stated that despite criticism from various quarters the Council would go ahead to take over the Parkview Hospital.

Shillong: The 12th Finance Commission has turned down the proposal of the state government to create more districts and sub-divisions. Answering questions regarding the creation of sub-divisions and districts, Chief Minister D D Lapang said that though the state government has approached the 12th Finance Commission, the Commission has refused to grant the proposal of the government to have more districts and sub-divisions.

The Chief Minister said that several organisations have met him demanding the need to create more districts and sub-divisions. He said though the Finance Commission had rejected the state’s proposal, the government was not adverse to the idea of creation of districts and sub-divisions.

Replying to questions by Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM), Prestone Tynsong (Cong), K K Dkhar (Cong), Edmund Sangma (NCP) and R G Lyngdoh (Cong), Mr Lapang said that upgradation of Pynursla to Pynursla Civil Sub-division is the priority of the government and the matter has been pending with the government since the time of Captain W A Sangma.

Earlier, replying to a question by P T Sawkmie (MDP), Deputy Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy said that huge investment was required for the creation of sub-division and districts.

Replying to a question raised by Manas Chaudhuri (Ind), Municipal Affairs Minister said that 146 raids have been conducted against illegal steet hawkers and vendors in Shillong during 2005-06, jointly by the Shillong Municipal Board, Magistrate and Police Deparment. He said on ten occasions the goods were confiscated and subsequently released since these goods belonged to first and second offenders. On 13 occasions, the goods were auctioned off.

Mr Chaudhuri wanted to know the purpose of the raids and whether the government will go to the extent of raiding private premises. To this, the minister said that the raid was to remove congestion caused by hawkers. RG Lyngdoh (Cong) asked whether an NGO was legally authorised to evict the hawkers to which the Municipal Affairs Minister replied in the negative.

To supplementary questions by Paul Lyngdoh and Tonsing Marak, the minister said that there was no proposal to utilise the services of the NGOs for eviction purposes.

PWD (Roads) Minister assured the House that the government will adopt ways and means to clear the pending bills. Replying to a question by Sing Mulieh (UDP), Mr Sangma said that there are a number of pending bills lying in the division office of PWD, South Division, Jowai.

Parliamentary Secretary incharge Horticulture, Mr Lambor Malngiang informed that Rs 506.77 lakhs was spent for the horticulture development of Ti Bhoi district. He was replying to a question raised by P M Syiem (Ind).

Shillong: Urban Affairs Minister Mr Friday Lyngdoh said that the master plan of Tura Town covering the period from 1990-2011 has already been prepared and approved by the government. Replying to a question by Mr J M Marak (NCP), Mr Lyngdoh said that the master plan is being enforced by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority.

Replying to a supplementary by R G Lyngdoh (Cong), the minister said that the government is contemplating to integrate various parts of Tura town and development of transport and communication. Improvement of slum areas and growth areas are also taken up by the government, he added.

To another supplementary, Mr Lyngdoh said the government has a scheme for collection of garbage in Tura town. Answering a supplementary question, Mr Lyngdoh said that several crores have been earmarked for various projects.

To a question by Mrs J R Phanbuh (BJP), Mr Lyngdoh said that the Urban Affairs had mooted the proposal for construction of a flyover near the Assembly site at Police Bazar to beyond Umsohsun junction to relieve the accute traffic congestion at Police Bazar. He said the proposal had to be dropped as the project was not technically feasible.

"An alternative proposal for a road cum flyover from Raps Mansion to Sweepers Colony has been drawn up," Mr Lyngdoh added.

Shillong: During Question Hour, John Manner Marak (NCP) informed the House that a Cabinet minister from East Garo Hills was listed under Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. After getting information in this regard, the minister refused to take the ration card and asked the SDO of Resubelpara to delete the name from BPL category.

Pointing out the anomalies in the enumeration of BPL families, Mr Marak also said that during the last session, the House was assured that a fresh survey was done in this regard," Mr Marak said. He also pointed out another anomaly which is of a family owning a black and white TV set or a bicycle, which clearly cannot be considered as BPL.

Earlier, the Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Shitlang Pale, replying to a question by Tony Curtis Lyngdoh (Cong) said that there are at present 1,83,000 BPL families in the state. He said that in Shillong alone there are 37,270 BPL families. Mr Pale also admitted that many genuine BPL families were left out during enumeration.

Replying to supplementary questions by Sengman Marak (Ind), Tonsing Marak (Cong) and H S Lyngdoh (HSPDP), the Chief Minister D D Lapang said that the criteria of selecting the BPL families is as per the income, land holdings and other facts. He said Deputy Commissioners and Block Development Officers are the nodal officers to select the number of families.

The Chief Minister admitted lapses in enumeration of BPL families is possible and urged the members to suggest corrective measures.

SHILLONG: Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj V Patil on Friday graced the 171 Raising Day of the Assam Rifles in the city on Friday. Addressing a Special Sainik Sanmelan at the Assam Rifles Hqrs at Happy Valley, Mr Patil praised the bravery and dedication of the Force which is one of the oldest in the country. He informed that the Centre has submitted a Bill in Parliament to make the Assam Rifles into an armed force. He also praised the Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association for its contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Home Minister laid a wreath at the AR War Memorial, awarded medals to jawans for their bravery and also addressed a meeting of the AR Commanders at the DG, AR Hqrs which was attended by Lt. Gen. Bhopinder Singh, DG, Assam Rifles, besides a number of Director-Generals of Central Para Military Forces and a host of other dignitaries. It may be mentioned that the Union Home Minister has donated Rs 2 crores towards the Assam Rifles Welfare Fund.

In a statement issued here, Ms Hujon said this problem, which has become more pronounced is causing a lot of anger, frustration and ill feeling among the residents of the main Laban area.

"Residents of Laban have complained that besides paying Water Tax to the Shillong Municipal Board, they also have to unnecessarily bear additional expenses for purchasing water on a daily basis, which is not justifiable," she said adding that a letter outlining the problem was submitted to the Chief Executive Officer, Shillong Municipal Board on Friday.

Ms Hujon also drew the attention of the CEO to a letter written by the Organization on December 5 last highlighting the problems of Laban as regards water supply, its wastage and also the deplorable condition of drains which are a cause of health hazard to the people in general.

The President of the CSWO has urged upon the authorities to immediately look into the water situation in Laban and make provisions for uniform supply of water to all areas, failing which, the circumstances could lead to public unrest.

According to KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling those present in the rally expressed strong opposition to the proposed fencing of 150 yards inside the Indian territory from the Zero Line. The Rangbah Shnongs, land owners and public urged the KSU and CCIB to persuade the Government to reconsider its decision for the interest of the people living along the Indo-Bangladesh border area.

According to him, the KSU and CCIB would go ahead with their proposed agitation if the government failed to stop the fencing work immediately. Mr Dohling also said "so far the Government is silent on the demand" and added that the date for launching the agitation programme in the entire Khasi-Jaintia Hills would be announced at a public rally to be held on Monday in Shillong.

The participants carrying banners and wearing white caps, ran through the main thoroughfares of Tura and finally gathered at the Tura District auditorium, where a function was organised.

"What is in it for America?" That was how the national security adviser, M.K. Narayanan, reacted after the Bush administration proposed the nuclear deal to the Indians at Blair House, the official guest house of the American president, during the visit of the prime minister, Manmohan Singh, to Washington on July 17, 2005. Narayanan was joined in his scepticism about the deal by three other members of the prime minister's delegation, who plainly saw sinister designs behind what the Bush administration was proposing. They were: Anil Kakodkar, secretary, department of atomic energy; G. Madhavan Nair, secretary, department of space; and V. S. Ramamurthy, secretary, department of science and technology.

Kakodkar subsequently went public with his misgivings about the way India was negotiating the follow up to the July 18 agreement. Narayanan quietly continued the quest of truthful answers to his fundamental question about why the Americans were offering India an agreement that threatens to ultimately bury a discriminatory global nuclear non-proliferation regime, which Singh's predecessors have unsuccessfully tried to change for at least four decades.

Narayanan eventually turned out to be the matchmaker between Kakodkar and the foreign secretary, Shyam Saran, in the run up to the New Delhi visit of president George W. Bush, and the midwife for the Indian part of the nuclear bargain in the final 72 hours of negotiations that enabled Singh and Bush to announce an agreement.

But because Narayanan persisted in his questioning of the deal with the doggedness of a sleuth, the Indian government has witnessed an internal intellectual debate on a policy issue, the likes of which it has seldom seen. That debate opened the eyes of many people in the government who had become accustomed to mindlessly saying "Yes" to anything if they sensed that an affirmative answer was what their bosses - civil servants and politicians alike - wanted. In the final analysis, that debate gave Indian negotiators down the line, to the junior-most under secretary, the confidence to say and do the right thing about the nuclear deal. But what really is in the July 18 deal and the subsequent steps for its implementation for America? Even before he could get over his jet-lag from accompanying Bush to south Asia, Nicholas Burns, the under secretary of state for political affairs, the key American negotiator of the deal, began going about the task of selling the deal to the American public and the US Congress. India is a "force for peace, a force for stability", Burns said in the first of his several public appearances. And for a long time, Washington has been looking for partnership with such a force.

Regrettably, India's role as this new force of peace and stability globally is one that is appreciated more abroad than in India: for a variety of reasons, Indians remain even unaware of this role that their country is playing. Quietly with patient work designed to protect New Delhi's strategic stakes in Afghanistan without, in any way, being identified with the Americans, India has emerged as the sixth biggest aid donor to the Afghan people since the overthrow of the Taliban. This year, Indian aid to Afghanistan since the formation of a post-Taliban government touched $600 million.

Rashly or foolishly, Bush made promotion of democracy worldwide the signature theme of his second and final current term at the White House. He devoted a considerable portion of his inaugural address in January last year to this theme and followed up his democratic promises to the world with action that resulted in disastrous consequences for US policy and interests. But India has come to America's rescue and saved Washington's face with an alliance on a global initiative to strengthen democracy.

Together, Singh and Bush contributed $10 million each to a global democracy fund initiated by the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, and together they inaugurated that fund in September last year. Bush cannot partner his friend, General Pervez Musharraf, to showcase democracy. Nor can he partner his ally, Uzbek president Islam Karimov, who butchered unarmed protesters in his country only a few months ago, or for that matter, someone like Egypt's Hosni Mubarak who thinks elections are a mere pretext to legitimise his presidency until death. India is one of the few countries in emerging areas of the world, which can lend respectability to such grand American enterprises.

India will join the United States of America, Britain, Denmark, Sweden and a number of other countries in pledging contributions to a new central emergency response fund at the UN. The fund is a sequel to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and is aimed to ensure an adequate UN response to global disasters. At the Pentagon, it has made a deep impact that when the tsunami occurred, Indian ships were the first to reach not only the affected areas in Sri Lanka, but also those in Indonesia. Those looking for answers to the seeming riddle of American interest in the nuclear deal with India ought to realise that, as Washington searches for new partners in an uncertain world, it will inevitably set its eyes on countries with such capabilities.

When officials, who travelled to New Delhi last year with the US defence secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, and the secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, said that America wanted to help in making India a global player; it was difficult to overcome the temptation to scoff at such a suggestion. But Burns said during his second public appearance that India is a nation, which has restricted its power that has vital interest in a stable south Asia and east Asia. It is an interest which intersects with Washington's own priorities in the region.

Already, their commonality of interests has been demonstrated in Indo-US joint efforts of patrolling the Malacca Straits. Indian ships have accompanied Japanese vessels to safety, lending Indian naval power a dimension that extends beyond south Asia and encompasses a global role. Such cooperation will complement what India and the US are together doing in south Asia something that was unimaginable even a few years ago. The two governments are working together to bring stability in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. The nuclear deal has created confidence that is necessary to take such initiatives forward. INAV

The cartoons allegedly mocking the Prophet in Jyllads-Posten of Denmark suggest that none of the many irate Islamic clerics have either seen the cartoons nor know what the Qur'an has to say about portrayals concerning the Prophet. These cartoons are neither very funny nor easy to link with the Prophet who only regarded himself as a mortal messenger.The Qur'an, that was written some 30 years after Mohammad's death, is silent on whether the Prophet should be portrayed or not but it does proclaim the Jewish tradition that there should be no portrayals of any human or living creature lest they might be worshipped as idols. But there have been numerous examples of portraits of Muslim rulers and saints, especially in Persia, that were not treated as a grave insult to the religion. 

The museums in Bukhara, Isfahan, Istanbul, Samarkand and elsewhere have many portraits of the Prophet including one done in the 16th century of Mohammad riding 'Burak', a horse with the face of a beautiful woman for 'meraj' or nocturnal journey to the heavens. There are many paintings and miniatures in illuminated books showing the archangel Gabriel guiding Mohammad to Medina after his flight from Mecca. Turkish Janissaries wore medallions stamped with the Prophet's head for good luck while Persian soldiers had medallions with the head of Ali their Imam. The list goes on.

The Islamic world had been remarkably tolerant in its years of greatness but became increasingly rigid as it lost power to aggressive European nations to become the most priest ridden of religions. All priests have little sense of humour and are quick to take umbrage at any insult to their faith and traditions regardless of whether the insult is real, imagined or just rumoured. Many religious leaders unfortunately use alleged provocations to further purely political agendas. Three months after the cartoons were published, the Muslim Brotherhood protested.

Then a fatwa was issued on a TV channel and most other Muslim organisations followed sheeplike. Sunnis attacked Shias in Pakistan while anti-American sentiments triggered by unrelated events in Afghanistan and Iraq caused damage to American establishments. These vocal fanatics are a tiny minority and do not represent mainstream Muslims in any country. (By arranegement with The Times of India)

Sir,

The New Chief Secretary of Meghalaya has spelt out his trust area for the revival of economy of the State by focusing on the meaningful and viable economic activities, which could possibly generate employment opportunities in the countryside and thus reverse the trend of migration from the village to the urban centres in search of employment. According to his idea much employment could be generated by encouraging the village people of Meghalaya to take up horticulture (ST, March 2) by adoption of value added processing of oranges and pineapple, which have ready market in neighboring countries. Meghalaya produces large quantities of ginger and turmeric, which have large domestic demand. They should be processed for industrial use as well. Floriculture is also another area for revival of Meghalaya rural economy. The Orchids of Meghalaya could easily win international market if scientifically processed for export. Its potentiality is immense.

Japan's agricultural economy has exhibited unprecedented changes in the past fifty years. Only 10.9 percent of Japan's total land is arable compared to Indians 55.9 percent. Major portion of Japan's land, 66.8 percent is forest and woodland. Meghalaya has hardly 10 percent of land, which is arable. Young people in Japan do not want to enter farming as not much good opportunities exist for them to farming on full time basis. 1960's brought about a surge of human migration to urban areas. The government policy during 1070's reduced the outflow by encouraging the building of factories in the traditional farming areas. The construction of these factories led to part time farming as a new way of life in Japan. This might be a model for Meghalaya village economy by diversification of bamboo products and information technology growth centres in rural areas. According to the Chief Secretary, there should be more concentration in bamboo cultivation in Meghalaya with diversification of bamboo Products creating employment opportunities in rural Meghalaya.

An area of rural economy of Meghalaya, which should get the attention of our policy makers, is in the production trade and consumption of Meghalaya's livestock Meat includes beef, pork, poultry, mutton, lamb and goat. Part of development process is changes in taste and preference for food products and shifts from inferior to food considered superior. One of the shifts has involved the substitution of meat for starches. Meat can either be produced domestically by resource reallocation or by import.

The Meghalaya picture of livestock product is dismal. The total requirement at the rate of 201 gram per head was estimated in 1995-96 at 138 thousand tones. The total requirement of eggs based on minimum Nutritional requirement of egg @ 180 eggs per head a year was estimated at 338 million number in 1995-96. But the availabilities produced by the egg production were only 77 million numbers. The total requirement of meat based on minimum Nutritional Requirement @ of 90 grams per head per day was 49 thousand tones, and the availability of meat is only 26.5 thousand tones, (Per capita availability was only 48.21 grams only). The shortage of meat production was 22.5 thousand tons only.

Livestock Census population as per 1992 Census shows that Meghalaya had categories:

1. Total Cattle 6.37 lakhs in number

2. Total Buffaloes 0.34 lakhs in number

3. Total Goats 1.96 lakhs in number

4. Total Sheep 0.23 lakhs in number

5. Total Pigs 2.94 lakhs in number

Meghalaya Livestock products were in 1995-96

i) Milk production 55,400 tones

ii) Meat production

(Special Wise)

a) Pork 7656 tones

b) Beef 16,308 " (Improved form outside the State)

c) Mutton 1,164 "

d) Poultry meat 1,357 " 9000 MT approximately

26,485 "

iii) Total Egg production: 77 Million numbers

It is within the realm of possibilities for creation of employment opportunities in rural sector to absorb the growing population in traditional gainful occupations where farming may be a part time occupation as in Japan.

Yours etc.,
B.Datta Ray
Shillong

Guwahati: Though Assam is one of the poorer states in the country, politicians on the other hand are living in the lap of luxury. Going by the mandatory affidavits filed by poll candidates declaring their assets before the Election Commission, most of the 500 odd politicians in the fray for the first phase of Assam elections scheduled for April 3 next, are married to wealthy spouses

The better half sure is the richer one and many of the politician husbands are married to super rich wives, most of whom are either housewives or members of voluntary organisations. The wives are worth their weight in gold outweighing more than their politician husbands.The combined assets of these wives are estimated at around Rs 266 crore against the combined worth of Rs 82 crore of the poll candidates themselves.

While the candidates have declared to have an average of Rs 3 lakh in cash, their wives have Rs 6.3 lakh to Rs 43 lakh.A scrutiny of affidavit shows that an average holding of asset per candidate is about Rs 10.12 lakh compared to that of their wives which is about Rs 27 lakh.The wives also possess ornaments worth an estimated Rs 35 crores compared to that of the candidates which is worth Rs 3.10 crores.

Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Friday ruled out the resignation of Rajya Sabha MP Matilal Sarkar and 14 other MLAs over the controversial issue of holding office of profit. During reference period, Leader of the Opposition Ratan Lal Nath raised the issue and sought the government’s stand on the issue.

In reply, the Chief Minister said that the Rajya Sabha MP had offered to resign from the post of Chiarman of Khadi and Village Industries Board. Mr Sarkar also made it clear that the party legislators holding posts of office of profit will also not reign in the current juncture.

In the meantime, the leader of the opposition notified Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon on of the 14 legislators holding posts of profit in different state government run boards and corporations. He also apprised the Governor DN Sahaya about the matter and demanded appropriate action to be taken against them.