At around 7.30 pm, the boy's uncle received a call from unknown persons who informed that the boy had been kidnapped by them, and demanded Rs 50,000 for his release.

Nongmynsong police was informed about the incident at around 9 p.m., subsequent to which they blocked the exit roads and raided many localities.

In a raid conducted on Saturday morning, four suspects were picked up. Realising that the police were on their trail, the kidnappers abandoned the child at a jungle opposite to the Assam Regimental Centre, Happy Valley.

The boy later returned home. After further investigation as per the information given by the boy, the driver of a local taxi (ML05-D-7146), Sunil Rai of Langkyrding was arrested and the taxi used for the crime was also seized.

Revealing this at the Central Excise Day celebrations held at Anton Hall here on Saturday, Chief Commissioner of Central Customs and Excise, North Eastern region, Mr ASR Nair, expressed concern over the attitude of the officers of the department.

"Instead of complaints coming from outside, it is shocking to note that I have received several complaints from within the department, with one officer alleging another officer of being involved in various corruption activities," Mr Nair pointed out. He said that this clearly showed that the officers of the department were indulging more in money making, rather than concentrating on the affairs of the department.

"I am upset to see the officers indulging in various kinds of activities which is likely to ruin the image of the department," the Chief Commissioner rued.

He said that it was a very sad situation when the efforts of a few dedicated officers, who are pouring out their hearts and soul in carrying out their duties so as to uplift the image of the department, was proving to be of no avail due to the presence of a large number of corrupt officers.

Others who spoke during the occasion include Commissioner of Central Excise Karnail Singh, Senior Member of State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission Ramesh Bawri, and Additional Commissioner of Central Excise KC Johny.

The order was issued by the State Information Commission recently which asked the KHADC to appoint Syiems and Sirdars as PIOs or Assistant PIOs of their respective Hima or Elaka in order to facilitate collection and dissemination of information.

"The PIOs or DDAs decision that the appellant should collect the information from the third party is not in tune with the contents of the RTI Act. The PIO should collect the information from other subordinate offices of the public authority and make it available to the applicant," the Commission said.

Further, the Commission said that the provisions of the RTI Act have not been fully implemented.

SP (City) Mr M Kharkrang said that a search was conducted in the rented house of Mr Aye staying at Dum Dum Nongthymmai and the fake notes seized and Mr Aye arrested.

Police also cautioned the public to beware of the fake currency notes.

Informing this, SRS general secretary HP Offlyn Dohling said that the executive committee of the headmen's body, which met here on Saturday, had a threadbare discussion on the issue after examining public grievances with regards to the recent tax revision.

"We will demand for a review of the tax structure and in the meantime, the SMB should keep the implementation process in abeyance," Mr Dohling said, adding that the decision of the meeting would be taken up with Mr Tynsong during a meeting with him on Monday.

Police said that one Rothalin Songte (43) of Madanriting was arrested and 15 solar plates were recovered from his possession. The solar plates were suspected to be stolen from Umsawli village.

SHILLONG: The Assam Rifles on Saturday said that some underground elements in Manipur who accuse the forces of terrorising the people in a Chandel village are infact covering their misdeeds.

The Assam Rifles alleged that the proscribed undergrounds are beneficiary from the proceeds of illegal poppy cultivation.

The villagers at Hollenjang near Tuyang under Khengjoy block had alleged that the Assam Rifles were enagaged in felling trees and also terrorising people in near by villages

Countering this, in a statement issued here, the Assam Rifles commenting on the reports appeared in a section of the press said that the firewood for the forces is being delivered by civil contractors who ferry them from Chakpikarong.

" However, the village authorities have been asked to restrain from growing poppy which is an illegal activity. This aspect appears to be the prime reason of such false allegations being orchestrated by the proscribed undergrounds who are beneficiary from the proceeds of illegal poppy cultivation", the Assam Rifles said.

The force said that one of the proscribed underground groups had to withdraw from the Tuyang area under pressure from the security forces. Since July 2005, security forces have been carrying out regular offensive measures to flush out the underground elements.

Assam Rifles has instituted all measures to help the rural inhabitants of the area and has endeavoured for the betterment of their livelihood in the form of extending medical facilities, renovation of schools, providing water projects, electrification and betterment of public infrastructure, the statement said..

Regarding the allegations of planting landmines by the forces, the Assam Rifles said that it does not hold any mines. "Contrary to the allegations, it is a well known fact that UGs have been planting IEDs in the entire area which have resulted in repeated civilian casualties", the statement said.

Mr. S. Swet is no longer the Headman of Bishnupur-Kench's Trace Dorbar.

SHILLONG: NEHU Vice Chancellor Pramod Tandon stressed on the need for bringing about a change in the work culture for the upliftment of the country’s economy.

Addressing the gathering at the Central Excise day celebrations held at Anton Hall here on Saturday, Mr Tandon said that the lack of committment and devotion on the part of the officers working in various government departments towards their duties is the root cause for the stagnant of the national economy.

"It is important for the officers serving in the government departments to realise on the need for bringing about devotion and sincerity towards their service" Mr Tandon observed.

He said that if this is achieved then it will ultimately uplift the national economy adding that this will also indirectly contribute towards brining about an overall development in all aspects.

"There is no denial on the need to bring about a change in the work culture. It is also important to provide a better working environment to bring about the best from the officers" Mr Tandon said.

Lauding the staff of the Customs and Central Excise , NEHU Vice Chancellor said that despite many constraints like poor road connectivity, drugs trafficking, smuggling of contrabands and other problems related to the North Eastern region, the staff of the department have continuously give their best towards their duties.

"With the Centre's Liberalisation policy, it is learned that the revenue from this department is used for the development of industries" Mr Tandon added.

The following members are the new office bearers of Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Kynton Massar: Mr. Augustine Syndor, Rangbah Shnong, Mr. Sor Kongwang, Deputy Rangbah Shnong, Mr. Frewelson Marpa, General Secy, Mr. Justin War, Asst General Secy, Mr. Franco Syndor, Social & Welfare Secy, Mr. Jonathan Thangkhiew, Asst. Social & Welfare Secy, Mr. Darius Syiemiong, Treasurer, Mr. Rangsan Sawian, Auditor, Mr. Laurence Mawlong, Advisor, Mr. Silverius Warjri, Rangbah dong, Bl-A, Mr. Erasmus Thangkhiew, Asst. Rangbah dong, Bl-A, Mr. Adlebert Shadap, Rangbah dong, Bl-B, Mr. Drum Synthiang, Asst. Rangbah dong, Bl-B, Mr. Gilbert Nongkynrih, Rangbah dong, Bl-C, Mr. Rudolf Mitri Asst. Rangbah dong, Bl-C, Mr. Robin Syndor, Rangbah dong, Bl-D, Mr. M.A. Swer, Asst. Rangbah dong, Bl-D.

The Meghalaya State Commission for Women has expressed gratitude to Mr. Rolis Nongkseh, Rangbah Shnong, Nongkya and the Executive Body for displaying his wisdom in tackling many matters, which the Commission had shouldered upon him from time to time related to the problems of women and girls.

The Commision also thanked the Seng Longkmie who is working hand in hand with the Shnong to prevent many problems related to women without harming the sentiments of the people.

The 3rd Conference of Asom Mahila Sranik Union was held recently in Abhiram House. Various sectors of working women participated in the conference presided over by its acting President Pranati Dutta.

The horrifying bomb blasts on the Samjhauta Express heading from Delhi to Lahore on Feb 19 is yet another testimony to the persistence of amoral extremist forces that are working overtime to derail the capricious but ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan. By killing 68 innocent passengers on the eve of the visit to New Delhi of Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Khurshid Ahmed Kasuri, the intention could only be to provoke another round of mutual recrimination and perhaps even to induce suspension of the continuing exchange.

In sharp contrast to the reactions after the terrorist attack on parliament and the Mumbai train blasts, it is a matter of relief and a manifestation of sensitive restraint that not only have there been no fingers pointed by India but that both President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, apart from expressing sorrow, have also been quick to reiterate their commitment to continue on the sane path of dialogue. This would no doubt act as an effective check on the hawks within the security establishment on both sides who also look out for any opportunity to pursue their mindless games of one-upmanship.

In this context it is significant that C.Raja Mohan, a senior and obviously well informed political analyst, has thought it fit to reveal a few "open secrets" about the so-called back channel diplomacy also just a couple of days before Kasuri's visit. Writing in the Indian Express of Feb 19 he cites the authority of the Pakistani foreign minister to claim that "significant progress has occurred in the bilateral negotiations on J&K" which "have entered a definitive phase." Raja Mohan then goes on to describe the "broad contours of a settlement" which would seem to be very much on the lines of Musharaff's four-point plan which has, in fact, evoked contradictory responses from different Indian government authorities at least as reported in the media.

This prevarication on Kashmir is, of course, not new amongst the supposedly well-informed advisers in South and North Blocks. Concluding his extremely forthright article Raja Mohan makes a vigorous plea to the prime minister to personally take the initiative, adopt a "big-bang approach", pay an early visit to Islamabad, pressurize both bureaucracies and push through a settlement before "this propitious moment" fades away. There is an almost prophetic suggestion that a major terrorist attack could result in such a setback. The Samjhauta Express nightmare seems to fit the bill.

The intriguing question implicitly raised by Raja Mohan's version is that given the veracity of his revelations about the advanced stage of back channel negotiations, what is constricting the prime minister from taking bolder and firmer steps towards taking Musharraf's outstretched hand. There is no doubt that the latter has little support from his own security establishment and faces virulent opposition from Islamist groups to the peace process for a variety of reasons.

This should provide an even stronger rationale for Manmohan Singh to take the initiative and strengthen the moderate opinion in Pakistan that is equally anxious to find a peaceful but honourable settlement. Understandably, he would have in mind the concern that opposition parties like the BJP and their Hindutva mentors would certainly exploit the terrorism threat in the belief that this would bring electoral advantage in the imminent state assembly elections, particularly those of Uttar Pradesh which would also impact on the forthcoming presidential election. These considerations seem to be the more serious inhibiting factors and might very well determine the timing of any dramatic step forward in resolving the Kashmir conundrum and bringing about normalization in Indo-Pak relations.

It is also crystal clear that the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir must not only be heard but be incorporated in any final settlement between the two countries if it is to be sustainable in the long run. However, there is still considerable vagueness about what would constitute the authentic voice of the people. In truth, there is no single voice that can claim to represent the entire populace or even any one region wholly.

It is, therefore, essential that in order to take the peace process forward, the mainstream political parties as well as the moderate alienated elements all be brought on board. While the National Conference, Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have in essence come to a common position in terms of open borders, autonomy/self rule and force reductions the Hurriyat, headed by Omer Farooq, is still hesitant to take an open stance even though they must realize that the compulsions within both India and Pakistan cannot allow either country to go much beyond this formulation.

In fact, even this package will not be easy to sell. The Pakistan foreign minister would surely impress these ground realities upon the Hurriyat leaders when they meet him in New Delhi. The latter would be well advised to heed such counsel if they want to save themselves from being marginalized.

If Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Musharraf are able to overcome their respective constraints (and this is an oversized if) and declare an agreement on the basics, it would make the way forward much smoother and take the dialogue to a higher level where specific content can begin to be given to the 'broad contours'.

During our summer holidays, the kids of the large joint family were often rounded up from all parts of our Victorian bungalow, ushered into the living room and seated on a white reed mat for a music lesson.

We couldn't tell whether this was to keep us out from the scorching afternoon sun or to develop in us an appreciation for music. Although it demanded concentration aplenty, it had its rewards.

The excitement began when the gramophone was placed in front of us on the teakwood bureau. Immediately, our subdued protests and mutterings turned to feverish anticipation and excited exchanges.

Before things got out of hand, a stern look and a 'chup' from the gramophone operator, Raju mama, silenced the hall. Raju mama would then place a 78-rpm record on the turntable.

Several pairs of little eyes followed his every move. We knew one of us would get lucky and be picked to crank the machine.

The others had to contend with counting in unison. Finally, he would ask us to listen carefully to the record about to be played. Listen to every word sung. Follow the tune, and do not forget the pauses.

That done, he would ask, 'Are you ready?' The gramophone would then spring the song into action, complete with hisses and crackles.

'Preetam aan milo', began the gravelly, low voice. Just as the voice of the Sindhi singer filled the room, there would be a flutter at the connecting door curtain.

It was the older female members of the family trying to get a view of the performance. They pushed each other and threw furtive glances at the 'angelic' cross-legged assemblage on the mat.

For some reason, this gave them the giggles. We couldn't get distracted by them as Raju mama kept a close eye on all of us, even though he often appeared to be immersed in the song, sometimes even closing eyes and humming a bar or two.

When the last notes of the song died out, mama would make two or three of us repeat the song. Only once the first shadow fell on us through the window and the orange orb disappeared behind the big banyan tree were we allowed to scoot raucously outdoors, the blazing heat and the bittersweet ordeal of the music lesson over, our reward toffees firmly in hand! (By arrangement with The Times of India)

Elections are over in Punjab and the opinion polls give a slight edge to the Akali/BJP combination over the Congress. The position stated earlier may change as the Akali have lost ground in the Malwa area [OBC votes] which was considered their stronghold and we may well see the Akali Dal winning 55=60 seats and the Congress between 45=50 seats which is a very close race. The Uttarakhand situation remains unchanged and whilst the BJP may be ahead of the Congress the BSP/UKD/Independents may well dictate the government formation in the state. The results will be out in a few days but the focus has shifted to the emerging chaos in Uttar Pradesh.

We have confusion in Uttar Pradesh and the Supreme Court judgement in regard to 13 BSP MLA's is being interpreted to dismiss the Mulayam Singh government. Clever and manipulative legal arguments are no substitute for political common sense and I think the Congress party is about to make a 'blunder' unless it is rescued by the CPI[M] and its leader Prakash Karat is perhaps the only politician talking sense on the issue of Article 356. We revive memories of the situation in Jharkhand and Bihar in particular where the Governor was censured for similar acts and on this occasion the President will have to 'think and act' and he may well refuse to sign the document unless he has studied the issue and taken legal opinion. Parliament can be another hurdle and frankly in all this confusion it is the Samajwadi Party which will gain sympathy. The Governor has no credibility and is very much a 'family retainer' bought out of retirement and from the first day has acted in a partisan manner, the Samajwadi Party government from the first day has governed with the help of 'defectors' and the Congress have supported these moves and can claim no 'moral superiority' in this situation and have 'assisted' Mayawati in her cases on the 'Taj' corridor case till the Supreme Court called a halt to this political power play. The reality is that there are no 'innocents' in this episode and as we approach elections and no party is likely to get anywhere near the half way mark the same 'defection' game will start all over again and as I have written earlier we will witness a 'political auction' as numbers will determine alliances and defections based on division of assets. I cannot understand the high media exposure on the issue by the Congress as I don't see any political advantage to them and in a 'Dynastic' situation the loyalists use these occasions for personal placement and there are to many politically 'unemployed' lawyers within the party looking for adjustment. The end result of all this will be a advantage to Mulayam Singh and the Samajwadi Party but the defection game will still take place after the election and everyone will participate in this game of 'musical chairs'

This issue is not a simple one and look at events in Bihar where the charismatic Lalu Yadav with all his 'smart talk' and TV exposure is unable to retrieve lost ground to the JD[U] CM Nitesh Kumar who ranks in the opinion polls as the best Chief Minister after Narender Modi. Lalu Yadav can get anything from the UPA [Rabri Devi just got NSG commando cover] because of his 'numbers' and the Governor in Bihar acted very much in his favor but little worked in his favor and whilst he is a fixture at international forums for his high spirited remarks and his management skills on turning the Railways around he has lost out on his political constituency as he used his political muscle to settle political issues. The Supreme Court verdict was a embarrassment to the UPA and I think a similar situation is brewing in Uttar Pradesh and could well effect the future political patterns in the Coalition structure. I will repeat again that in Uttar Pradesh everyone has contributed to the mess as both the Congress/BJP have assisted both sides directly or indirectly in government formation and defections and whilst all political parties would like Mulayam Singh/Amar Singh to go into political oblivion this may not happen to easily as Mayawati is no 'innocent' and as religion and caste vote banks have solidly settled in there may be little impact at the ballot. The Congress may find it difficult to withdraw after taking the initiative but then 'fools often go where angels fear to tread'!

There is violence in the 'air' in Uttar Pradesh and this is a bad sign as we head into elections.

Security issues are our biggest challenge and we go from one crisis to another without really taking action against 'soft' laws and hesitancy in locating and ejecting illegal immigrants from our borders. We have news coming in off a blast in the Samjauta Express and over 64 are killed and 50 are injured. Shivraj Patil and Lalu Yadav rush to the spot and in lieu of lives lost there will be the usual cash compensation packets and is this going to help in resolving the security threat we face from the ISI and other terrorist units. The situation in Iraq is going from bad to worse and few can predict what is happening on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan but we do know that the Al Qaida is getting stronger and unless we hit at the root of terror activity and destroy the 'sleeper unit' we will simply go from one disaster to another with little more than cash compensation packets. The North East is critical and it is time for strong, punitive action and the 'message' is more important than the action that will follow. Minority appeasement and vote bank politics cannot take precedence over National security.

Sir

If you go to any government office like the Post Office, Telecom Office, etc the most common scenario is that most of the chairs are empty, the only the excuse being "no electricity".

On the 22nd of Feb at 10:30 am, I went to Laitumukhrah Post Office, to pay the telephone bill. But due to the formulation of the new rule, that is, "no electricity, no work between 10am to 12am I could not avail to pay. Interestingly, in the notice board it is mentioned "Telephone bill will be accepted till 1 pm".

Here, I would like to request the authority concerned to kindly do something in this regard.

Yours etc.,
Xyz
Laitumkhrah
Shillong
Via e-mail

Sir,

A lot had been written about Shilpa Shetty's "Racism ordeal" during her Big Brother experience, which she ultimately won -thanks to the sympathy votes from us Indians and from the Brits. The Brits, desperately trying to convey a message that Britain is not a racist country voted for the Indian beauty and she ultimately won the game. We further see the Indian government pitching in with the Tourism ministry to send a formal invitation to Jade Goody to visit India to find out for herself the tolerant Indian culture. Now the question is, are we really a tolerant country as we claim to be? In fact, the reverse is true; we just happen to be one of those countries where 'tolerance' and 'fair treatment' is alien to all. The Government has picked up a bad topic to display an image of goodness and well being to the outside world. Ask any Indian if he has not experienced the 'remarks' that construe to racism or discrimination and he would affirm that he has.

India is a diverse country with regional variations and cultural differences. We all know of the historical hatred prevalent between the south and the north, and we are well aware of the casual attitude with which people from east India are treated elsewhere in India. Bengalis are snubbed as 'Bongs''gora' etc. Further, people from the northeast are collectively clubbed as 'Chinky', 'dog-eaters' to name a few. Now a very important question is, are we, the people from the northeast above racism and discrimination? Do we possess the same sick mentality with our brethren from the plains? The answer is yes. Aren't we simply delighted to label people from the plains and other parts of the country settling down in Shillong and elsewhere as 'Dkhars' , 'Mayanks ' khar-iap' 'muid' 'Vaite' etc .

This anecdote is familiar at working places, academic institutions and other such establishments. Discrimination and racist tendencies do not have any place in this civilized world and needs to be dealt with seriously. Nevertheless, as a nation, we still do not possess the right to preach on 'respect 'and 'equality of brotherhood' to the outside world, as this is something that is still a mirage in this country. The most practical solution would be education and the media -as both play an active role in promoting communal harmony and understanding between communities. As for politics -please keep it out.

Yours etc.,
Phrangsngi Pyrtuh
Via e-mail

Imphal: Sixteen security personnel on poll duty were killed and five others injured in an ambush by militants in Manipur's Bishenpur district on Saturday.

The security personnel, led by Commandant D Dhiren, were returning in six vehicles to their camps in Churachandpur district after providing security at Khoupum polling station in Tamenglong district during polls yesterday, officials said.

Two of the dead were identified as Havildars Jhaljit Singh and Kholi Mao, they said.

The Chief Minister said it was an act of cowardice and condemned the attack. Other Cabinet ministers, DGP, Manipur, AK Parashar and other senior police and civil officials also visited RIMS and JN hospital.

The authority has already floated tender inviting bids from eligible parties for setting up CCTV in these railway stations soon. The N F Railway is responsible for running passenger and goods trains in Northeastern states and north Bengal area of West Bengal.

The N F Railway earlier equipped its Guwahati , Dimapur and New Jalpaiguri (North Bengal) stations with CCTV. All these three railway stations had borne the brunt of militants’ attacks.

Out of these three stations, the one at Guwahati is considered most vulnerable for militants attacks. The banned ULFA detonated power bombs in Guwahati stations at least four occasions in the past causing damages to railway property and loss of lives. Northeast Frontier Railway property has remained a soft target for militant groups including the ULFA, the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) that is highly active in North Bengal areas, Karbi and Dimasa tribal militant groups operating in the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills.

The Railway had suffered extensive damage and many lives lost when erstwhile Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) militants were on rampage in Western Assam Areas.

The Brahmaputra Mail blast in December, 1996 was one the biggest subversion carried out by the BLT. The blast claimed over 30 lives.

Meanwhile, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has made it a regular affair to press sniffer dogs into service to detect explosives, if any, planted inside coaches and platforms in N F Railway. Pilots are being run along the track ahead of every passenger trains as a precautionary measure to thwart possible militants attack. The railway source informed that it was the responsibility of respective state government to arrange for adequate security on railway tracks passing through every state. RPF is responsible for security within trains and platforms.

In Chandel district the repolling will be done both the Assembly Constituencies i.e Chandel A/C and Tengnoupal A/C. In Chandel A/C there are three polling stations that the repolls are going to be carried.The polling stations are 41/2 Wangparal, 41/11 Japhou Bazar Part-1 and 41/14 Monsang Pantha while in Tengnoupal A/C there will be repolls at 42/5 Khangshim,42/6 Kangsang-A, 42/7 Kangsang-B, 42/10 Khulsaibung, 42/14 Langol-A, 42/15 Langol-B and 42/24 Phunai Sambun.

In the Tamenlong district 52/5 Kadi polling station under Tamei A/C will go for repoll while in the Tamenglong A/C there will be repolls at 53/02 Tharon, 53/4 Thingra, 53/14 Kabui Khullen and 53/21 Khebuching.

Meanwhile, all members of public and political parties, candidates and their agents have been informed by the ECI to participate. (NNN)

State’s chief wildlife conservator, M C Malakar informed that these six elephants including four males and two females, in the age-group of 3-6 years , were rescued by wildlife staff from different parts of the state in injured condition.

They were then treated at the wildlife rehabilitation center at Borjuri near Panbari range of Kaziranga National Park in central Assam. Prolonged treatment and care provided at the rehabilitation centre cured the injured elephants making them fit for restoration in the wild.

The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) as per a MoU with the Assam government runs this wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center with financial aid from International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The Director of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) is the project director of the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre. The senior wildlife official informed that the six cured elephants were today released in the sprawling Manas National Park where they would be constantly observed by the wildlife staff before they completely get accustomed to the wild once again.

At least 10 people were admitted to the IGM and G B Hopital last night.

The water of the river was polluted by the disposed chemicals from a paint factory set up by one Rajuram Sau. He was arrested by the police and interrogation was on.

People after consuming the water, reportedly, started vomiting and experiencing difficulty in breathing, sources added. Supply of driking water from various treatment plants here, remained suspended since yesterday, as a precautionary measure and all the water tanks were cleaned, official sources said. Environment pollution control board officials are investigating the matter and interrogating the owner of the factory in question. Public Health Engineer (PHE) officials and local MLA Pabitra Kar visited the spot.

Water would be sent to Kolkata for finding the cause for pollution. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar held talks with the West Bengal Public Health Engineer Minister Gautam Deb in this regard last night and sought to submit reports after testing the water sent from here.

Mr Sarkar also directed the Chief Engineer of the PHE to take all possible steps to supply potable water to those areas affected by suspension of supply since Friday in the city. (Agencies)

Guwahati: Reeling under an intensified operation by the Indian Army in Upper Asom areas, the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) alleged ‘attacks by Indian Army and Indian Air Force’ on civilian villagers in the name of operation against militants and called upon the global community to condemn the Army action.

In a statement issued to the media through the Internet, the ULFA commander in chief Paresh Barua stated, "Indian occupational forces launched attacks on innocent people in Tinsukia and Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border areas in the name of operation against the ULFA."

The ULFA leader alleged that air raids were being conducted by Indian Air Force in the area much to the misery of innocent civilian population.

The ULFA leader further claimed, " Though the forces described such attacks as mock drills, the ULFA managed to intercept message which indicated that air raids were being launched against the ULFA."

The ULFA leader called upon the international community to condemn such ‘barbaric attacks by Indian forces’ on innocent people.

The meeting was organised by a 12-party coalition of Opposition parties in the state to discuss measures to break the stalemate in the ULFA-government peace process. It was attended by prominent citizens, including literati, social activists and educationists.

The meeting urged the government and the ULFA to come forward for unconditional talks and appealed for its early resumption. It expressed concern over the failure of the talks through the ULFA-nominated People’s Consul-tative Group last year, after it had kindled hopes of resolution of the three-decade-old vexed insurgency problem in the state. Former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta presided over the meeting. The 12-party coalition includes Mr Mahanta’s Asom Gana Parishad (AGP-P) and the Asom United Democratic Front. (UNI)

"The production last year was a record high of 955 million kg, up by 27 million kg compared to 2005, while exports have gone up by about eight million kg to 200 million kg in the same period," said Dhiraj Kakaty, secretary of the Assam chapter of the Indian Tea Association, the country’s apex tea administration body. India’s $1.5 billion tea industry was facing a crisis with prices dropping in the weekly auctions since 1998 and ex-ports plummeting as well. (IANS)

"The overall mood is vibrant with the Indian tea industry now beginning to look up with overseas demand on the increase mainly due to very good quality teas produced by us," Kakaty told IANS.

Countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Iran and Iraq figured prominently in the export list with the ITA setting up a marketing bureau in Tehran as part of an aggressive campaign to boost sales of the beverage.

A kilogram of good quality Assam tea sold at Rs.73 in the auctions last week. Last year, the average price in the auctions was Rs.65 a kg.

"The gain in production and exports apart, what is heartening is the fact that we are fetching reasonably good prices in the auctions. There is no glut in the market now unlike in previous years," the tea official said.

India is the world's largest tea producer followed by China.

The northeastern state of Assam is considered the heart of India's tea industry with the state accounting for about 55 percent of the country's total annual tea production.

India's domestic tea consumption that remained stagnant for over a decade had shot up from 620 million kg three years ago to 805 million kg last year.

The slump in prices and exports in the past few years was largely attributed to cheap and inferior quality teas produced by many new tea-growing countries, thereby pushing premium quality Indian teas to facing stiffer competition in the global market.
Faced with crashing prices, a glut in the market and falling exports, the Indian government last year announced a whopping Rs.50 billion package to boost the sagging tea industry.Up to 70 plantations in Assam had closed down in recent years unable to sell their produce with exports dropping and domestic consumption remaining stagnant.