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Back issues - January '04 News on 31st January '2004 Goswami outguns Prafulla Presence of armed men cast shadow on elections: Tezpur: AGP top gun Brindabon Goswami on Jan 30 inflicted a humiliating defeat on former president and bitter rival Prafulla Mahanta, trouncing him by a massive margin at the elections him by a massive margin at the elections held overnight here. Goswami's win comes after days of acrimony between the two veteran leaders and public feuding over the future leadership of AGP. The general house meeting of the AGP re-elected Brindabon Goswami as the president of the party for a further period of three years. Goswami retained his leadership of the party after eight marathon hours of discussion from midnight to 8 a.m. on Jan 30, and last-minute attempts by party members to avoid a face-off between him and Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Whereas Goswami bagged 266 votes, Mahanta managed 169 votes and four votes were not counted because they were labelled "doubtful". Oil captains GU business dept jubilee NRL sets eyes on Myanmar, OIL looks at 7 MT target: Guwahati: The oil industry in the North-east is looking up with the oil majors putting up a number of new schemes in the pipeline. Several oil captains were here today to address the 'oil event' in the inaugural ceremony of the three-day-long silver jubilee celebration of the Department of Business Administration, Gauhati University. Assam fails to cash in on NABARD's rural funds: Guwahati: Most rural projects in different States across the country remain incomplete primarily due to lack of public investment in the twin sectors of agriculture and rural development. Moreover, absence of an effective institutional arrangement for financing rural infrastructure also hampers growth of the rural sector. Keeping this in mind, a Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) had been created under NABARD during 1995-96. Armed with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore, the fund was aimed at bridging the finance gap in the rural sector. However, although other States have regularly availed the assistance of this fund, Assam and the other North-eastern States have not tapped this source of major financial assistance. Digvijay in State, Cong gears up poll preparations: Guwahati: With the arrival of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Assam Congress in-charge Digvijay Singh in the city on Jan 30 on a three-day visit to the State, the Assam Congress preparations for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls and shortlisting of probable candidates have picked up momentum. Gogoi writes to Nitish, demands more trains: Guwahati: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has urged Union Railway Minister Nitish Kumar to extend the running of the trains originating from Guwahati and Dibrugarh to Chennai up to Thiruvananthapuram via Trichy and Madurai to facilitate direct journey of people of Assam to these places. In a letter to the Railway Minister on Jan 29, Mr Gogoi, while complimenting the Northeast frontier Railway for its tremendous progress in connecting important places in the country, sought the introduction of railway services on Haibargaon-Mairabari and Senchoa-Silghat sections in Assam. 'Karimganj constituency unsuitable for SC people' Make Nagaon a reserved LS seat: SC body tells EC Guwahati: Assam Schedule Castes Welfare Society has moved the Election commission for allocation of the Lok Sabha constituency for scheduled caste of Assam to Nagaon in the Brahmaputra valley from its present location at Karimganj, the remote southern-most tip in the Barak valley, with effect from dissolution of the present Lok Sabha. The Society alleged that as the only Lok Sabha constituency for the scheduled castes of Assam, Karimganj is totally unsuitable and has not been able to solve the needs and aspirations of the scheduled caste people of the Brahmaputra valley, who constitute nearly 76 per cent of the total scheduled caste population of the state in the 1971 and 1991 census. News on 30th January '2004 Mahanta spits venom against Brindabon - Goswami a failed leader, says Mahanta: Guwahati: Former Assam Chief Minister and AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on Jan 28 openly criticised party president Brindabon Goswami, branding his tenure as a "failure". Mahanta also expressed confidence that he would take back the mantle of the party in a democratic manner, affirming that the question of being defeated in the presidential elections "did not arise". I had just 30 months: Brindabon Guwahati: AGP president Brindabon Goswami on Jan 28 said that 30 odd months were not enough for him to repair the damage done to the party by the former president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Mr Goswami said that the party had entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership during its bad time, and 30 odd months was not enough to repair whatever damages had been done to the AGP by Mr Mahanta. "From 1996 to 2001, the AGP was under the presidentship of Mahanta and it will take a lot of time to make up the losses or damages done to the partyduring his period, he said. Elect Bhupen to Lok Sabha from city: TGP Guwahati: The Trinamool Gana Parishad (TGP) has come up with a proposal suggesting that all political parties should request eminent singer Dr Bhupen Hazarika to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections from the prestigious Guwahati constituency. TGP general secretary Atul Bora on Jan 28 said that Dr Hazarika was shortlisted for nomination to the Upper House of Parliament, but, unfortunately, his name was withdrawn at the eleventh hour, "which was an insult for the people of the North-east". Split decision right, AGP must join NEPF: Purno Guwahati: NCP leader PA Sangma said here on Jan 28 that his party would forge a close understanding with Mamta Banerjee's Trinamool Congress and made a forceful plea for the AGP to join the North East People's Forum (NEPF) to strengthen the organisation as a common platform for all the political parties in the north-eastern region. Sixth Schedule: memoranda submitted Guwahati: Representatives of the organisations from the Rabha, Mising and Tiwa communities who are demanding implementation of the Sixth Schedule, on Jan 28 submitted their memoranda to the ministerial-level sub-committee. The sub-committee was constituted by the State Government to look into demands of these communities. Earmark 10lakh jobs for Assam : AASU Guwahati: The All Assam Students' Union has said that the Centre must reserve 10 lakh jobs for Assam out of the one crore jobs the Prime Minister has proposed to create in the next five years. A delegation of the AASU met the Assam Governor on Jan 27 and placed their demands to him. They also demanded a speedy implementation of the Assam Accord and punishment to the culprits behind secret killings in the State. B.B. Borthakur new State NSUI chief: Guwahati: Bibhuti Bhushan Borthakur has been appointed as the new president of the Assam unit of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). He takes over from Rekibuddin Ahmed, who has since become president of the State unit of the Youth Congress. BSNL mobile set to ring, big rush as booking begins: Guwahati: Finally, registrations for BSNL's post-paid mobile service, CellOne, started in the city from Jan 28. By the time the counters closed at 5 p.m., more than 4,500 people had deposited required Rs 500 and collected the forms for the services. In all, nearly 7,700 mobile phone connections are expected to be given in the city. The process of registration is expected to continue till February 8. This will be followed by a lottery for selecting the forms, which will then be issued SIM cards. Connections will be activated by the end of February, according to BSNL sources. News on 29th January '2004 UNICEF, WHO rap Assam on polio campaign: Guwahati: UNICEF and the WHO have rapped the Assam Health Department officials for their 'insincerity' in implementing the United Nations' poliomyelitis eradication programme in the State. Apart from the UNICEF and the WHO, the programme that was launched in 1996 is being sponsored by the Centre to make the country free from the polio virus. Southern India has already been declared as polio free, while a few sporadic cases of poliomyelitis are still being registered in the Hindi-speaking region of the country. Assam scene better: Governor Guwahati: Assam Governor Lt Gen.(Retd) Ajai Singh has said that normalcy is fast returning to the State, while condemning the "mindless violence perpetrated by suspected ULFA militants on the Hindi-speaking community". The Governor was addressing the Republic Day function at Judges' Field in the city on Jan 26. On the other hand, the day passed off peacefully throughout the State, except in Goalpara, where suspected militants lobbed a grenade at a stadium. However, no injuries have been reported. Cops arrest deaf agitators, deny them right to protest: Guwahati: As the country was set to celebrate Republic Day, democracy was butchered by the State when police arrested nine members of the Assam Association of the Deaf (AAD) and the Asom Badhir Sangstha on the night of January 25 to thwart attempt by the two organisations to protest the callous attitude of Dispur towards their long-standing demand. AGP's Tezpur conclave begins on Jan 27, scene hot over contest: Guwahati: The countdown has begun for the contest to the top post in the AGP. The General Council Conference of the party will begin at Tezpur from Jan 28, and by midnight on Jan 29, the question of who will lead the party into the coming Lok Sabha elections and afterwards will become clear. Supporters of both former president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and current president Brindabon Goswami have already set up camp at Tezpur since the last two days, and have been working round the clock to fix up their respective strategies. Tug-of-war between NCP factions over symbol, flag Sangma may merge party with Mamata's Trinamool: Guwahati: Assam NCP acting president Bolin Kuli on Jan 27 indicated that the NCP under P.A.Sangma could merge with Mamta Banerjee's Trinamool congress. Kuli, who arrived in the city from Delhi on Jan 27, said: "Preliminary and informal talks are on for the merger of the NCP (Sangma faction) and the TC. If everything goes well on issues like party name, symbol, etc., the merger is not unlikely". Agri-horti scene: much potential, poor exports Guwahati: Despite congenial agro-climatic conditions and cheap and abundant labour, besides a wide network of scientific and technical manpower in the North-east, the export scenario of agri-horti products in the State and the region as a whole is quite dismal if one looks at the national scene. Against 15,000 to 20,000 exporters of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables in the country, their number from the region stands at only 100. Indian Ocean to be star attraction at IIT show: Guwahati: Nearly a dozen events have been slated for Alcheringa, 2004, being organised by the students of IIT Guwahati. The four-day long event, which begins on January 29, will play host to Indian Ocean as the star attraction. Meanwhile, several reputed educational institutions of East and North- east have confirmed their participation in the festival, according to the organisers, students of IIT Guwahati. News on 28th January '2004 State BJP readies election strategy: Guwahati: The BJP will go all out in Assam to grab a lion's share of the seats in the coming parliamentary elections. The two-day State executive committee meeting of the party began here on Jan 24 with a detailed discussion on "micro-planning". The month-long 'Atal Sandesh Yatra', which began on Jan 23, also aims to highlight the NDA Government's achievements before the villagers. Model school in each Assam block soon, says Gogoi: Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 24 that the State Government was going to set up a model school in each of the blocks in the State in accordance with the Navodaya Vidyalaya concept. 'Assam should opt for solar power': Guwahati: The Centre's plan to provide electricity to all villages in India by 2007 and to all households by 2012 will not be possible with conventional energy derived from fossil fuels alone. Non- conventional energy and local management of renewable energy projects would not only be a cheaper alternative to conventional energy, but would also be more feasible in the long run, according to S P Gonchoudhury, director, West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency(WBREDA) and Chairman, Joint Implementation Committee for Remote un-Electrified Village Electrification, Government of India. Gonchoudhury was speaking on "Remote Village Electification Through Renewable Energy Route" at the Bijulee Bhawan in the city on Jan 24. 'Look East Policy' hinges on NE: Guwahati: "One of the ways to ensure a continental orientation to the "Look East policy" of the country, is be to give a direct role to the north-eastern States," said Mr Sanjib Baruah, Senior Fellow and Head, Centre for North-east India, South and South-east Asia Studies at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and development. He was delivering a lecture on India's Look East Policy: What could it do for the North-east, organised by the Assam branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration here in the evening on Jan 24. Ghatowar-Tasa fight likely in Dibrugarh: Guwahati: Former All Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (AATTSA) general secretary Kamakhya Prasad Tasa has formally joined the BJP in a function in the city on Jan 24. Soon after joining the BJP, he said that he was keen to contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Dibrugarh constituency where the Dibrugarh District Congress Committee had already cleared the name of APCC president Paban Singh Ghatowar. Tasa said that the Tarun Gogoi led Congress Government in the State failed to take any scheme for the welfare of the Tea Community. Reliance Mobile Why so much the fuss about post-paid system? Guwahati: the Centre, citing "security reasons" had directed mobile phone operators, Reliance Telecom Ltd, to shift from the pre-paid to the post-paid system by January 31. However, the migration process from pre-paid to post paid, which was started from January 1, leaves open the question of how the new system will improve security. The 'Smart Service Application Form' which was in use earlier, and the 'Cellular Phone Subscriber Enrollment Form (Post-Paid), require almost the same information from the customer. The earlier form had asked for a passport size photograph, driving licence, identity card, attestation of bank account by the manager, among other information. The form also contained Form No.60, for those customers who did not have a PAN number. This provision is present in the new post-paid form as well. News on 27th January '2004 Infighting ails Bilasipara AGP, Mahanta faction to be hit hard: Bilasipara: In protest against the alleged anti-party activities of Mr Ali Akbar Miah, MLA, Bilasipara West, the AGP workers of Bilasipara district committee have demanded immediate expulsion of Miah from the party membership. In a party general meeting held under the presidentship of Mr Pranab Das, the meeting unanimously decided to urge the party high command to expel the MLA from AGP to check the further damage to the party. Health Scan Govt playing fraud with Goalpara over hospitals: Goalpara: Goalpara town, despite being the headquarters of Goalpara district, does not have any health institutions worth its name. The Gauhati high court, under Civil rule No 583.97, had given a ruling for the setting up of a health institution in the town, and the state Government had also recognised the necessity of such an institution in the town vide its letter number HLA-854/97/8 dated 15-12-1997. But to the utter surprise of the people of the town, the authorities concerned continue to turn a deaf ear to the long-standing demand of the people in this regard. The authorities have been promising for the setting up of a health institution in the town since 1997. NSC win GSA League: Guwahati: New Star Club won a cliff-hanger against Santipur AC by one run in the Madhab Ram Bora Memorial GSA 'A' Division Inter-club Cricket Championship, 2003-04, played at the Nehru Stadium here on Jan 24. SAF Games karate trail on Jan 25: Guwahati: The State-level trial for male Karateka as part of the three-phase process in the selection in the selection of the Indian team for the SAF Games karate event will be held on January 25 at the Dispur sports Complex. The second phase of the trial will be held at Shillong on Jan 28 while the third phase will be held at Mumbai. News on 26th January '2004 I'm ready for any task, says Mahanta: Guwahati: Former Assam Chief Minister and senior AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on Jan 23 said that he was mentally prepared to shoulder any responsibility the party wanted to vest on him. On his 'readiness' to hold the post of party president, he said that a decision in this regard would be taken considering the situation only. Rs 7-cr silk project launch on Tuesday: Guwahati: The Assam silk industry is all set for a revolutionary movement with the inauguration of "Project Sualkuchi", the integrated pilot project for the weavers of Sualkuchi and adjoining areas fixed for January 27. More than 1,000 young boys and girls now employed as wage earners by mahajans or traders who are poorly paid, are going to be directly benefited by the project. ASDC keeps options open, to launch oust-Cong drive: Guwahati: At a time when the major political parties like the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are gearing up for the coming Parliamentary elections, the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) in Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts has said that the party has kept all the options open for pre-poll alliances to uproot the ruling Congress. BJP stars to attend Assam yatra: Guwahati: The Assam unit of the BJP on Jan 23 launched the month-long "Atal Sandesh Yatra", the first phase of the nation-wide election campaign, along with the party units in the rest of the country. Assam BJP office bearers along with party workers displayed cut-outs, placards and banners in the procession through the city which culminated in the Sonaram field here. News on 25th January '2004 K P Tasa resigns from AATTSA, to join BJP: Nagaon: All Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (AATTSA) general secretary Kamakhya Prasad Tasa resigned from the students' body to join the BJP. He submitted his resignation letter at the general council meeting of the association held at Nagaon on Jan 22. The resignation has been accepted. According to sources, Tasa is trying to contest the ensuing Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket from Dibrugarh constituency. Meanwhile, Sanjib Kisa has been given the charge of general secretary of the AATTSA to Teros Goala for six months from February 14. News on 24th January '2004 AGP chief puts up brave face - Factional fight dominates meet, hijacks agenda: Guwahati: The executive committee meeting of the AGP that ended on Jan 22 saw a stormy session, with the agenda getting derailed on several issues, while loyalists of the Prafulla Mahanta and Brindabon Goswami camps were engaged in heated debate over these issues. Although party leaders asserted that the arguments were "part of the democratic process", a section of AGP leaders have expressed doubt whether the party is adequately prepared for the coming Lok Sabha elections. 5,000 Assam women victims of trafficking? Police foxed: Guwahati: Investigation on trafficking of girls from Assam to Punjab, Haryana and elsewhere has intrigued police officials who jumped into the job after such reports were published in newspapers and raised by several NGOs in the State and outside. Many complaints and FIRs have been lodged by different individuals and several NGOs, but the suspense continues as clues about the whereabouts of the girls are hard to come by. Most complaints are unable to provide proper names and addresses of the girls. R-day security Hunt on for ULFA, NDFB men: Guwahati: Security forces in Assam have started a massive hunt to track down ULFA and NDFB militants who had managed to enter the State dodging security personnel along the Indo-Bhutan border during and after the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) offensive in the Himalayan nation, highly-placed police sources said. IUML to contest 5 LS seats in Assam: Guwahati: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Assam from Guwahati, Barpeta, Dhubri, Nagaon and Karimganj constituencies. Meanwhile, Assam IUML president Faiznur Ali has called for application forms from aspiring candidates for contesting the polls. He has set February 5 as the last date of receipt of application forms. National IUML president and general secretary, Mr GM Banatwalla and Mr E Ahmed respectively will arrive the city on February 8 to select the candidates. Gogoi opens renovated Assam House in Delhi: Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 22 inaugurated the newly-renovated Assam House at New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion Gogoi said that the Assam House would cater to the needs of the people of the State visiting the capital. News on 23rd January '2004 Contest likely for AGP top post: Guwahati: It has become almost clear that a contest would take place between former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and AGP president Brindaban Goswami for the post of president of the party during the forthcoming Tezpur Convention that would begin on January 28. Both the Goswami and Mahanta lobbies attempted a show of strength at the party's two-day-long central executive meeting st that began here on Jan 21, just a week ahead of the crucial Tezpur session. In view of 21 January's meeting, separate sittings of both the camps were held last night itself to finalise the respective roles to be played by the leaders in this central executive meeting. Assam NCP leaders back Sangma, leaving for Delhi: Guwahati: The State leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is scheduled to leave for New Delhi next Friday to attend the all important meeting convened by the party leader, Mr Purno A. Sangma on January 24. According to State president of NCP Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, along with him, the vice-president of the State committee Bijit Saikia and treasurer Dilip Hazarika will also proceed to Delhi to attend this crucial meet. The working president of the state committee of the NCP, Mr Bolin Kuli is already camping in the national capital. Charges against AAU VC House panel asks Kaul to lie low till Feb: Guwahati: In a significant development, the House Committee set up by the State Legislative Assembly to look into the allegations of 'irregularities and illegal activities' by Dr G L Kaul, vice- chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, has recommended that he should "keep away" from the affairs of the University till February 29, while the inquiry is being conducted. City centre to train for air hostess' jobs: Guwahati: A piece of good news for young people aspiring to be air hostesses, flight stewards or join the hospitality and travel sectors: the Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training is opening shop in the city. The Institute will offer a Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasizing on the customer care aspects in these sectors. R-Day boycott call by NE rebels: Guwahati: At least nine separatist groups of the North-east on Jan 21 called a 17-hour general strike on republic Day on January 26. Calling the Republic Day a symbol of "Indian colonialism", the nine groups urged the people of the region to boycott. News on 22nd January '2004 Axomiya sena to be an ultra, aggressive outfit: AASU Guwahati: After setting up the Assam Unnati Sabha (AUS), the AASU is making headlines once again, with talk of an 'Axomiya Sena' doing the rounds. The word 'Sena' implies an armed group. However, according to AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya, the proposed Sena, although intended as an 'aggressive' force, will not take to arms. Stage set for Mahanta, Goswami showdown: Guwahati: On the eve of the two-day AGP executive committee meeting in the city, a lot of heat generated in the party, as both Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Brindaban Goswami camps have started hectic parleys to work out their respective strategies for tomorrow's meeting. Confabulations among th senior leaders, who are huddled in groups in various locations in the city as a run-up to Jan 20 's crutial meeting, have proved that the forthcoming Tezpur conclave slated from January 28 will witness a Mahanta-Goswami showdown in the open on the leadership issue. State Govt-AASU agreement on academic calendar: Guwahati: The Assam Government is expected to take a final decision on academic calendar for the primary and secondary schools in the State in the current month-end. However, this year's session will start from February 1. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has suggested to the State Government to start academic session from January 1 so that the students from Assam could get enrolled at higher educational institutions outside the State in time. The AASU has released its academic calendar on October 27, 2003. The State Government, in principle, agreed to accept AASU's academic calendar. Official sources said that there were some "ifs and buts" in the academic calendar prepared by the AASU and added that these could be sorted out in the next round of talks. GMDA master plan: citizens in dark Guwahati: The preparation of the Master Plan for Guwahati, which reportedly is in the survey and planning phase, has left out one of the most crucial elements of elements of urban planning- the participation of the public. Now, officials at the GMDA themselves confessed to have been left out of the loop in the planning process. Corruption charge against Silchar DC: Guwahati: A Silchar-based NGO, Agradut, has submitted a memorandum to the State chief Secretary and the Minister of State for Panchayat and rural Development, alleging "corruption and misappropriation" of Government funds by highly-placed officials including the DC of Cachar. It may be mentioned here that the NGO had filed a PIL at the Gauhati High Court, alleging malpractices on the part of the Cachar DC P K Das, R A Mazumdar, APO (T), DRDA and other officials. The High Court, had turned down the PIL, while advising the complaints to submit a representation to the State Chief Secretary, who would then inquire into the allegations News on 21st January '2004 No takers for Assam Industrial Policy: Guwahati: On October 1, 2003, the State Industrial Policy, had come into effect, under which a single- window policy had been announced to ensure clearance of investment proposals within 60 days. A fortnightly monitoring of the file movements had also been announced, along with a high-power committee under the Chief Secretary to look into delays in approval of investment proposals beyond 60 days. Although these measures were aimed at attracting potential investors to the State, the actual investment in the last four months has been almost zero, according to highly placed official sources. AGP leadership tussle on: Guwahati: Only ten days are left for the AGP's much-talked about Tezpur annual conference, being projected by the media as a crucial conclave of the party for sorting out, besides other things, the leadership issue, which is, 'afflicting the party currently' involving incumbent president Brindabon Goswami and former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. But no sign of Consensus on the issue is still in sight, and if the consensus continues to elude for another week, the electoral college of the party, comprising about 450 voters, will have to cast their votes to elect their chief. And if the election becomes a reality, then it will be on January 29, a day after the beginning of the Tezpur conference. 3 ULFA leaders produced in court: Guwahati: ULFA political adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain alias 'Mama', 'publicity secretary' Mithinga Daimary and 'cultural secretary' Pranati Deka were produced at the court of the CJM Rumi Phukan here on Jan 19 for hearing under SOU cases 1/98 and 2/98. Daimary has complained of chest pain and 'rigidness' of hand. The court has directed the jail authorities to get the accused treated by doctors at the GMCH, and report on Daimary's medical condition to be submitted before the court on or before January 30. The three top ULFA leaders were represented by advocates Raju Pradhan, B Mahajan among others. HC fines GMC councilors of AGP, BJP: Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court on Jan 19 slapped a fine of Rs 2,000 on AGP, BJP and NCP councilors of the GMC, for not appearing at the hearing of a PIL they had filed on Jan 13. The PIL had challenged the selection procedure of the GMC mayor on Jan 12, and had asked the court to order voting by secret ballot. The High Court had then directed the State Government to explain whether secret ballot was mandatory or not. However, while the Government representative was present at the hearing, the petitioners were not represented, due to which the presiding judge Justice Ranjan Gogoi levied the fine, citing wastage of valuable judicial time. ISO-9001:2000 certificate to OIL's LPG div Duliajan: Having achieved the distinction of being the first division of the premier oil company, Oil India Limited, the LPG division started in 1982, has achieved the credibility of obtaining the ISO-9001:2000 certificate for quality management as a recognition to its high standard of functioning. In an award giving function, the division was formally awarded the certificate by B.Bhattacharya, lead auditor of M/s DNV, Kolkata in presence of R K Dutta, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, OIL besides P K Baruah, Managing Director, AGCL, all the directors of the OIL, HOD of various divisions of OIL and media personnel. OIL has two hydrocarbon plants which have completed 21 years of service. These are LPG Recovery Plant which produces LPG and condensate (a by-product) from natural gas and LPG filling plant, which facilitates the filling of LPG cylinders and road tankers. News on 20th January '2004 Now, oxygen bar in city! Guwahati: Inaugurated by DC Kamrup (metro) A K Absar Hazarika in the premises of Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok here on Jan 18, the only 'oxygen bar' in the north-eastern region is expected to help people reduce fatigue and stress and toxicity levels of the body. He said from Oasis Oxygen Bar that a person can inhale 90 to 95 percent purified oxygen mixed with aroma therapy through a nasal canella in such a bar for 20 minutes (standard time) or a maximum of 30 minutes in one session. Charge fixed for each session is, Rs200 and for the first one month it will be Rs150 per session, they said. Barring people with high blood pressure and pregnant women, everyone of any age can take oxygen in this system which will increase vitality, slow down the aging process, make the skin and hair healthier and glowing and help athletes and other sports persons perform better through increased oxidation. Central sop for NE women scientists: Guwahati: Good news for women scientists who have been forced to discontinue their research by family and social pressures brought on the marriage, child birth or child rearing at the young and creative phase of their lives! The Central Government's Women Scientists' Scheme will provide opportunities for such women scientists and technologists with three categories of scholarships. Assam origin US scribe felicitated: Guwahati: Ms Sangamitra Kalita, staff writer of the Washington Post and president of the South East Asia Jaournalists' Association, has been felicitated by the North-East Journalists' Union at the Guwahati Press Club on Jan 18.Ms Kalita, who is originally from Sadiya in Assam, looks after the education section of the The Washington Post. Her book Suburban Sahib released in the US is very popular among the readers there. Her father Mahesh Kalita was the vice president of the City Bank in the USA. Ms Kalita was also associated with The News Day and AP. Assam Govt dev loan notified: Guwahati: The Assam Government has notified the issue of 5.90 percent Assam State Development Loan, 2017 of 13-year tenure through an extraordinary Assam Gazette. The loan, which will commence from January 21 and to be repaid on Jan 21, 2017, will be sold through the RBI, Guwahati and Mumbai. Chinese, B'desh teams absent in Ledo meet: Ledo: The international conference on regional cooperation got under way at Margherita College on Jan 18 with about 260 representatives participating, but the Chinese and Bangladeshi representatives failed to turn up. The conference was inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The open session was attended by Dibrugarh University Vice Chancellor Dr Kulendu Pathak, NECCI secretary D K Sarma, Power Minister Devanand Konwar and Forest Minister (State) Pradyut Bordoloi among others. Two rounds of discussion were also held under the subjects- Emerging Growth Zones and Transport Connectivity. Political polarization starts in North-east: Guwahati: The political polarization has gained momentum in the North-east and for the first time a scenario of bi-polar politics was fast emerging, threatening to end the hegemony of five decades of Congress domination. The North East Peoples Forum (NEPF) was the new front on the block trying to bring all the non-Congress parties under one fold to give the Congress a real run for their money. The NEPF, a brainchild of Mr L K Advani and executed by Mr P A Sangma was being launched on Jan 19 politically at New Delhi. At this moment sans the AGP, every regional political party was with the NEPF. News on 19th January '2004 Stop diverting oil cess: Assam tells Centre Guwahati: The Assam Government is of the firm view that the Centre should stop diverting oil cess being collected from the State's oil fields to the Consolidated Fund of India. The State Government demanded that the Cess must be used for the development of the state's oil industry, for which it is collected. The Centre has been collecting huge amounts of oil development cess from the State over the years. According to highly-placed sources in the State Government, at the current rate of Rs 1,800 per MT, the Centre collects Rs 850 crore as oil development cess annually from Assam. But instead of investing the funds for exploration and higher level of production by developing the indigenous oil fields- the very reason for which they are collected - the funds are diverted to the Consolidated Fund of India. The funds so diverted since 1974, according to the sources, have run into thousands of crores of rupees. Split in NCP imminent: Sangma Guwahati: Nationalist Congress Party leader P A Sangma on Jan 17 hinted that a split was imminent in the party because party president Sharad Pawar's alignment with Congress had gone "against the original issue involved in the formation of NCP and its ideology". Assam BJP in top poll gear, launch 'Atal Sandesh Yatra': Guwahati: As a part of its preparation for the approaching Lok Sabha elections, the State unit of the BJP will issue a chargesheet for the public detailing the amount of money received by the Assam Government from the Centre, how much of the money was misused, etc., according to State unit president Indramoni Bora. This will be accompanied by several other measures to woo the voters of the State and the region. On the other hand, the party has put the issue of scrapping the IM(DT) Act in the back burner till at least after the elections. Govt should promote music: Khan Guwahati: "Cultural events should be held more often in Assam. I am sure there are many upcoming young musicians, vocalists and dancers in the State. The Government could invite nationally renowned artistes to conduct workshops her," felt sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in the city on Jan 17. Khan arrived here along with his sons Aman and Ayaan Ali Bangash to perform live at the Brahmaputra Beach Festival on Jan 17 evening. Commencing on the need to foster talents in the music field in the State, Khan said that he was ready to conduct such workshops over several days. However, he also pointed out that the Government had to take some of the initiative. 'NE needs more exposure to classical music': Guwahati: "Exposure to Indian classical music has perhaps been less here in the North-east. Concerts such as those organised by the SPICMACAY are very important in increasing this exposure," felt Saili Bhatt, upcoming musician and player of the mohan veena, the instrument designed and developed by his father Pt.Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Salil Bhatt was in the city to perform in a concern organised by SPICMACAY, the organisation for promoting Indian classical music and culture among youth. Leaders of ULFA, NDFB, HNLC, ANVC, ATTF, KLO have B'desh passports Harbouring NE ultras: more evidences against Dhaka Guwahati: Amidst Dhaka's denial, New Delhi has come out further with impeceable evidences about the existence of the North-east rebel camps on the soil of Bangladesh which has become a sort of rendezvous for the extremist leaders of all hues. Besides ULFA supremos, Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Barua, leaders of KLO, NDFB, HNLC, ANVC, NLFT and ATTF, Jeevan Singh, Dilas Marak, Bishwa Mohan Deb Barman and Banchit Deb Burma are in possession of Bangladesh passports which facilitate them to move to move around the globe to campaign for their freedom struggle. 'Fill up ST (H), ST(P), ST backlog in Govt services': Diphu: The Karbi Students' Association and the Dimasa Students' Union have demanded immediate filling up of ST(H), ST(P) and ST backlog in the government services. The student organisations alleged that the Government of Assam has been making ritualistic promises in dealing with the demands of various organisations to clear up the reservation backlog in respect of the SC, ST(P) and ST(H) in the appointment of government services. News on 18th January '2004 Congress starts campaign in Kaliabar Rocybul assures 25,000 Govt jobs soon Time for tall promise: ball in voters' court now: Nagaon: Amidst all the hype over early Lok Sabha elections, the State unit of the Congress party has launched its election campaign in various parts of the State. The sitting Lok Sabha MP from Kaliabar constituency, Deep Gogoi is actively campaigning to regain his seat in the constituency, even though the actual election procedure, including distribution of tickets etc., are yet to be started. Mr Gogoi along with various Congress stalwarts, including Minister of state for Home Rockybul Hussain, visited various places under Samuguri LAC to attract voters. Rs 66cr collected as revenue in Sivasagar: Sivasagar: More than Rs 66.32 crore of revenue was collected from various departments in the district during the year 2003 ended in December 31. This was revealed at the District Development Committee (DDC) meeting held here under the presidentship of Ms Gayatri Baruah, Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of Sivasagar DDC recently. Department-wise collection of revenue are: Transport Department-Rs3.39 crore, Exise Department-Rs8.04 crore, Labour Department- Rs27,000 Sales Tax Department- Rs 54.44crore, Sericulture Department-Rs 44 lakh, Cooperative Department-Rs 99,000 and Supply Department-Rs9,000. During the year 2003, health sector, 1,63,208 infants were administered pulse-polio drops and success rate in the area is 96.67 per cent. A target of 1,100 infants of the age group between 0-1 year has been set for anti-Hepatitis injection within May, 2004, as this programme has been undertaken only in December 2003. ADSU doubts Govt's commitment to address problems of Dimasas 'Govt not willing for talks with DHD': Haflong: All Dimasa Students' Union (ADSU) has expressed doubt on the willingness of the Government to start a political dialogue with the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), which has completed one year of its cease-fire agreement with the Centre. The ADSU said that untill and unless both the Government and DHD reached any acceptable and meaningful solution of the Dimasa problems, the aspiration of the people of Dimaraji will never be fulfilled and there will be no development in the Dimaraji region. The indifferent attitude of the Central government may again compel the ADSU to relaunch its agitation programme, the ADSU claimed. Rural employment key to more jobs: CM Guwahati: The Assam Government has laid adequate stress on empowerment of rural people through a number of income generating schemes to check the growing unemployment problem in the State. This was claimed by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while addressing a public meeting at Kokila Chariali, Gohpur on Jan 10. The Chief Minister urged the people to cooperate with various income generating scheme launched by the government to improve the economic condition of the people. News on 17th January '2004 Sangma term to Cong: make Pawar next PM Guwahati: NCP leader PA Sangma on Jan 16 asked the Congress to name Sharad Pawar as the Prime Ministerial candidate for a pre-poll alliance between the NCP and congress. After his return here from New Delhi on Jan 15, Mr Sangma said if Mr Pawar wants to have an alliance with the Congress accepting Ms Sonia Gandhi's leadership, then he should resign from the NCP and join the Congress. He asserted that he had no problem with the Congress and would love to work as Congress worker, but not under Ms Sonia Gandhi. Free legal aid idea in Assam a non-starter: Guwahati: The Assam State Legal Services Authority *ASLSA) is a statutory body is part of similar bodies established across the country to provide free legal aid to women, children and underprivileged sections of society including other backward classes. However, nearly 10 years after it was set up under the Gauhati High Court, the ASLSA has found few takers. ASLSA comprises the DG of Assam Police, Commissioner and Secretary of Finance, Advocate-General of the State and eminent advocates of the High Court, and it is chaired by the Chief Justice of the High Court. The major part of the funds are provided by the Centre and the rest by the State Government. For instance, the Centre provided Rs 10 lakh to the Authority last year. Whither modernisation of Assam Police? Guwahati: The Centre has been providing huge amounts of money to the Assam Government under the police Administration head. But despite these measures, nearly 375 police stations and outposts in Assam are still functioning from British-era structures and dilapidated houses without basic amenities. These police stations do not have sufficient modern arms and ammunition. More than 80 fire stations are ill-equipped and 56 that, a substantial portion of the funds provided by the Centre for modernising the police force, had been blocked by the State Finance Department, which was not releasing them on time. On reportedly surfaced regarding whatever amounts had been spent on purchase of equipment and weapons. Residents protest construction of new hospital: Guwahati: Residents of Suagpur in the Rehabari area of the city have expressed deep resentment at the ongoing construction of the Arya Hospital in the locality, contending that the new hospital will add to the municipal woes of the area. Although the residents have been continuously protesting to the authorities against the construction of the hospital, no action has been initiated so far, they allege. Meanwhile, Hospital authorities have refuted the charges, contending that the construction was permitted by the relevant statutory bodies and measures for health and effluent treatment had also been inspected. News on 16th January '2004 Assam cities insurgency to demand special status: Guwahati: The prolonged insurgency and ethnic problems in Assam has been cited as one of the key th reasons while demanding special consideration from the 12 Finance Commission. In its th memorandum submitted to the 12 Finance Commission, the Assam Government has mentioned that during the last 20 years because of the problem of insurgency and ethnic unrest the State Government has been incapacitated in respect of taking concrete development initiative. The commission was apprised that besides incurring huge expenditure in fighting terrorists and tackling ethnic violence, the problems have deprived the State of inflow of investment, affected the th productivity, hampered creation of job avenues. The State Government, therefore, urged the 12 Finance Commission chaired by C Rangarajan to consider providing a generous award to expedite the development process for the next five years. Giving details on insurgency situation in the State, the Assam Government has submitted before the Finance Commission that 5,192 lives were lost in insurgency related violence in Assam since 1991 to October 30, 2003. News on 15th January '2004 Opposition demand for secret ballot turned down, stages walkout Sarma elected Mayor amidst high drama: Guwahati: Contrary to previous calculations, Kushal Kumar Sarma of the Congress, councillor from Ward No.37, has been elected as the new Mayor of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), with Ronendra Kumar Sen as his deputy, even as the Congress obtained a majority with the help of the TGP and two Independents amid controversial circumstances here on Jan 12. At the Conference Hall in the Kamrup DC's office on Jan 12, winning candidates from the AGP and the BJP were kept waiting for half-an-hour while Congress members held a meeting with ministers at the Circuit House nearby. State Minister for Planning and Development, Himanta Biswa Sarma arrived later. Emily Choudhury, Lower Assam Commissioner, who officiated over the oath-taking ceremony, Kamrup (Metro) DC AK Absar Hazarika, and GMC Commissioner K Roy, were also kept waiting. Jayashree comeback may affect ex-CM Mahanta in race for AGP top job: Guwahati: Former Assam Chief Minister and senior AGP leader Prafulla Kumar on Jan 12 gave enough indication that he would be a contender for the post of party president. The Tezpur general house session of the AGP slated to be held from January 28 is, therefore, likely to be a stormy one over the leadership issue between Mahanta and present party president Brindaban Goswami. NE militarization, ethnic issues to be raised at meet: Guwahati: More than 200 representatives from the North-east will participate in deliberation on four crucial issues at the forthcoming World Social Forum meet in Mumbai from January 16 to 21. The delegation is the largest ever form the region to attend the Forum, which is a major meeting -point for experts and leading thinkers on social issues from around the globe. The North-eastern participants will present papers in four seminars: on Water Resource Management, the Gender Issue, The Tribal and Indigenous Issue and, significantly, Militarization and Human Rights. "We had formed a working group to deliberate on each issue before formulating a joint presentation for the Forum," revealed Sanjay Barbora, member, North Eastern Social Research Centre, which has facilitated the coming together of the delegation from the North-east. Save Majuli drive: 2 rivers to be diverted Guwahati: To protect the island of Majuli and south bank of the Brahmaputra from severe erosion and floods, the Brahmaputra Board has drawn up ambitious plans to divert the river courses of two major tributaries and hopes to complete the project within the current Five Year Plan period. In the first phase of the project, the Board has diverted the course of the Dibang river while in its second phase the Lohit will diverted towards the north. News on 14th January '2004 Lok Sabha polls build-up - Winning chances sole criteria for tickets: Gogoi Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 11 said that winning chances of aspiring candidates would be the only criterion to be considered by the State Pradesh Congress Committee for recommendation of their names to the party high command for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the State. Simplify judicial language, says CM: Guwahati: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 11 called upon the judiciary and the legal fraternity to try 'legal language' and make it 'very simple' and devoid of complicity for the common people to understand the proceeding better. At a meeting here on Jan 11, judicial officers from across the State have unanimously resolved for early disposal of cases. Silk town in UNDP- aided tourism project agenda: Guwahati: A big movement is sweeping the silk village of Assam. As part of the Centre's first-ever bid at launching an endogenous tourism project, the Assam Government has selected Sualkuchi as the location for the implementation of the ambitious project. In a letter to the State Government, the Joint secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has informed that under the GOI-UNDP (Government of India- United Nations Development-Programme) new Country Programme 2003- 2007, UNDP has committed Rs 11.5 crore (US $ 2.5 million) to the Government of India for the endogenous tourism project initiative. It also stated that in view of the importance attached to the project, the Department of Tourism, Government of India, intends to allocate additional funds from its own budget under the Rural Tourism Scheme in addition to UNDP's core commitment. The project seeks to promote local culture and crafts, based on eco-tourism for sustainable livelihood and th integrated rural development during the 10 Five Year Plan. News on 13th January '2004 Rajkhowa puts his foot down on norm violators Sports Minister interfering with Games work: CS Guwahati: The Chief Secretary to the Assam Government, Mr J P Rajkhowa, who is also the Chief Co-ordinator for the National Games 2005, has made it clear that as long as the organisation of the National Games is under his charge, he will neither work outside the rules, nor bow down to pressure from any quarter, political or otherwise. It may be recalled that Chief Minster Tarun Gogoi had convened a meeting on Jan 5 to review the progress of work for the National Games, and had expressed dissatisfaction with the progress till then. Bhagawati retries as Ajir Asom Editor, given warm send-off: Guwahati: Eminent journalist Mr Radhika Mohan Bhagawati, after 17 years of his service as the editor of the Ajir Asom, an Assamese daily published by the Omega Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd., was given hearty farewell from the publishing house. He was recuperating for the past three months from his old-age ailment. Mr Bhagawati was relieved from the post of editorship on Jan 10 as he expressed his unwillingness to remain at the post on health ground. Ultra activities on the decline, claims CRPF IGP: Guwahati: There has been a marked difference in the activities of the ULFA and the NDFB in the bordering districts of Bhutan after the Operation All Clear, launched by the Royal Bhutan Army on December 15. CRPF IGP (North-east) Rajdeep Singh said that the activities of the two outfits have declined in Kokrajhar, Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang and Kamrup districts. "There is also a steep fall in the activities of the militants in Goalpara, Dhuburi and Sonitpur districts," Mr Singh added. He said that those fleeing the Himalayan kingdom and unable to enter Assam, have in all possibility sneaked into Bangladesh. State Govt adopting dubious policy on industrialisation, allege manufactures 'Industrial fee hike will units, repel investors': Guwahati: Various industrial bodies including All India Manufacturers' Organisation have vehemently criticised the decision of the State Government to increase the fee structure of registration, licence of operation and renewal of industrial units in the State. The All-India Manufactures' Association came down heavily on the decision of the government and said that this type of steps will jeopardise the industrial environment units of the State. It may be mentioned here that the State Government has enhanced the fee structure in the above mentioned categories from four times to 35 times. For example, in case of investment of Rs 10 lakh now, the industrialists would have to pay Rs 5,000 compared to Rs 500 earlier. The position for other categories of enhancement will be the same. News on 12th January '2004 City set for treat on Vivekananda's visit: Guwahati: A group of young film-makers, social activists and noted intellectuals have made a documentary film on the historic visit of Swami Vivekananda to Assam in 1901. The film will include footages of locations at Dhuburi, Guwahati and Shillong, where he had stayed, as well as interviews of descendants of those few people with whom Vivekananda was in close contact during his visit. A 25- minute English language film, titled A Look Back in Wonder, has been directed by Dilip Gosai, produced by the Sanskriti Vikas Sanchar Kendra (SVSK) and presented by the Vivekananda Kendra, Guwahati. It will be screened on the occasion of World Youth Day on January 12 by the Kendra. AR Borthakur passes away: Guwahati: Former Advocate General of Assam and Nagaland Anil Ratan Borthakur passed away at the GNRC in the city on Jan 11. He was 73. He leaves behind a son and two daughters, besides his wife. A pall of gloom descend in the entire State following the death of the noted jurist. Gauhati High court Bar Association president Arup Borbora condoled the death of the former Advocate General. News on 11th January '2004 Bodos celebrate language 'victory' Leaders stress on hard work to spread language: Guwahati: "Today is the victory day for the Bodos, a resurrection of Bodo language with its literature and ethnic culture. Now onwards, we can lead life with a distinct ethnic identity", said Lok Sabha MP S K Bwiswmuthiary, addressing a function to welcome the inclusion of Bodo language into the Eight Schedule of Constitution here on Jan 9. Mr Bwiswmuthiary said that after years of agitation by the Bodos, and the recognition of Bodo language in the Constitution has made the Bodo people really happy. He said the Bodo language has now attained the status of being the only tribal language of the north-eastern region to be included in the Constitution. GOC of IV Crops replaced: In a significant move shortly after the completion or slowing down of operation against militants by the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), the Defence Ministry has replaced the General Officer Commanding of the IV Crops, Lt Gen. Mohinder Singh. His Successor, Lt Gen. Ajai Singh Jaiswal, is expected to take charge on January 15. Lt Gen. Singh's transfer is apparently a routine move, but sources believe it is the fallout of the apparent lack of co- ordination between the Army, the Centre, the State Government and the media. This issue, coupled with the numerous rumours about the fate of top ULFA leaders, had reportedly caused concern to the Union Home Ministry. On January 5, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs had discussed the problem with Assam Government officials. Cong wary of dissent before polls: Guwahati: The Congress has already started warming up for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in the State. According to the highly-placed sources in the party, the factor that is worrying the party the most is neither the BJP nor the AGP. "It's the possible revolt by Congressmen against some of the sitting MPs, ahead of the LS polls which is worrying the party leaders," party sources said. A number of shoot-outs in tea estate areas by the security forces leading to the death of some tea workers followed by the unrest over the bonus issue are causing concern among party leaders. They are not quite sure of the support the party would get from the tea community in the coming polls. Fear over Assam reclaim of ESI Model Hospital: Guwahati: The Employees' State Insurance Model Hospital, the only fully-equipped treatment centre for insured persons (IPs) belonging to the private sector in the North- east, is on the verge of being retaken by the Assam Government. The move could be a big blow to the new found efficiency of the hospital over the past few months since it had been taken up by the Union Government's ESI Corporation. Boost to health sector, Rs 120cr for GMCH: Guwahati: The State Government has been granted Rs 140 crore to improve the medical infrastructure in the State, out of which Rs120 crore has been allotted to GMC and Rs 20 crore to AMC, as a part of a Central Government project to upgrade them. The State Government has kick-started a number of development projects in its effort to boost the medical scene. Assam Health Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman gave details of the action plan for 2004 of the 2004 of the Health Department. An important step in this regard is the decision of the government to set up private medical colleges. It has decided to invite private medical colleges. It has decided to invite private parties interested in setting up such colleges in Guwahati, Tezpur and Jorhat and in any other part of Assam. In addition to this, a three-year capsule course for para-doctors will be introduced at Debeswar Sarma Civil Hospital, Jorhat, which will also be upgraded to a regional hospital. Assam Communist leader raps State Govt, Centre on job cut: Jobless may take up arms: Drupad Sivasagar: Veteran communist leader and Member of Rajya Sabha Drupad Borgohain said that over 22 lakh unemployed youths of the State would be tempted to take up arms if they were not provided with employment opportunities. Expressing serious concern over the grim unemployment scenario in the State, Mr Borgohain came down heavily on both the Centre and the State Government for their inept handling of unemployment problem in the State. Mr Borgohain demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Nitish Kumar for his failure to work out a fair employment policy in the NF Railway for the people of the land-locked north-eastern region. Severely criticizing the employment policy of the Indian Railways, Mr Borgohain said that the policies of the Railways lacked any proper agenda for fulfilling the aspirations of the unemployed youths of the north-eastern region. The MP further said that lack of farsightedness on the part of the NF Railway authorities led to misunderstanding between the Bihari and Assamese communities. He said that when he had raised a question in the Rajya Sabha about the agreement between the Centre and the State Government regarding employment, he had not received any satisfactory answer from the authorities concerned. OIL-SIRD MoU to create employment avenues OIL envisions massive plan for unemployed: Duliajan: In order to address the problem of growing unemployment and poverty, which have posed serious threat to OIL's long-term business goals, the company has proposed to invest in various projects, which can help the unemployed youths to find alternative sources of employment. Aiming a long-term vision to generate sustainable self- employment avenues for educated unemployed youths in and around the company's operational areas in upper Assam, OIL has entered into a MoU with the State Institute of Rural development (SIRD), Assam. The SIRD has an extensive network with other states of India, besides having experience and resource persons to provide hand-on training to the youths. To help the large number of unemployed youths and strengthen the rural economy, the focus is on development of agro-based industries like bamboo cultivation, floriculture, fishery, sericulture, organic farming, etc. With the successful implementation of similar projects in various areas of lower Assam by the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Assam, OIL is optimistic that the agro-based industries will not only help in ensuring economic independence to the self-help groups (SHGs), but at the same time, result in wealth creation and self employment. While identifying the potentiality of youths, the impetus of OIL will be on making an ideal mixture of disgruntled unemployed youths and those belonging to poor families. A certain percentage of the youths will be picked up from ST/SC villages as well. News on 10th January '2004 Treat Assam as special: Gogoi - State demands Rs 7,049cr from finance panel: th Guwahati: The State Government has demanded of the 12 Finance Commission to provide an award of Rs 7049.16 crore for the next five years. Announcing this, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 8 said that the widening gap between the per capita income of the State and the rest of the country the rest of the country necessitated restoration of share in total Central transfers to the State to at least 5.15 percent that was awarded during the second Finance Commission. This had come down to 3.05 per th cent during the 11 Finance Commission. 'Fiscal deficit, expenses must be tackled': Guwahati: Chairman of the Twelfth Finance Commission C Rangarajan said here on Jan 8 that the Assam Government must the Assam Government must give urgent attention to two inter-related areas, reducing the fiscal deficit and augmenting revenues and containing non-plan revenue expenditure for brining down the overall debt-GSDP ration to sustainable limits. He said the State Government should take recourse to legislative measures, if necessary. East-West highway to cover 5 more NE States: Guwahati: Five more state capitals in the north-eastern region- Itanagar, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawl and Agartala- will be connected to the four-lane East-West Corridor from Porbandar in Gujarat to Silchar in Assam. The extension of the project will add another 10,000km to the corridor (covering the total length of the five NE States and 8 other States), including 732km passing through Assam. According to highly-placed sources in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, while Itanagar will be connected to the corridor at Guwahati, Agartala will be connected at Jorabat via Shillong, Imphal and Aizawl will be connected at Silchar and Kohima at Doboka. The extension work, according to the sources, will, however, be taken up after 2007, the target set for the completion of the 3,429km long corridor. It may be mentioned here that during his last visit to Kohima, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had announced that the corridor would be connected to Kohima via Dimapur. The corridor project was announced by Prime Minister Vajpayee on October 24, 1998. ICAR targets NE for organic food crops: Guwahati: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified the North-east as prime zone for organic production of food crops, both for domestic consumption and export. The move has been triggered by current methods of production of crops used in this region, as well as growth in the international market for organically produced crops. It may be mentioned here that organic farming involves use of natural fertilisers and pesticides, in an effort at producing crops while preventing the observed ill-effects of excessive chemical nutrients in the soil and ground-water reserves. CEE executing World Bank-aided environment education project in schools Kids' book in Assam turn 'green': th th Guwahati: Text books of school kids in Assam have turned 'green', and it's fun. Students of 6 , 7 and th 8 standards in as many as 100 Assamese medium schools across the State are learning their lessons that have a sprinkling of environmental education. Science, social science, and language teachers from these schools are being readied for training by master trainers on the new contents, methodologies and programmes. As part of Environmental Education in School Systems (EESS), a sub-component of the India Environment Management Capacity Building Project undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and supported by the World Bank, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) has already implemented "greening of textbooks"- the first phase of the project in Assam, with the State Council for education Research and Training (SCERT), Assam, as the nodal agency. Ten militants surrender in Darrang: Guwahati: Ten hardcore militants belonging to the banned ULFA and NDFB on Jan 8 surrendered before the Army in Darrang district. Six NDFB and four ULFA militants surrendered before GOC, Ball of Fire division Major General MS Rathore at Borrangjuli with a large quantity of arms and ammunition. News on 9th January '2004 GU: flagship institution, but few teachers to teach! Guwahati: Gauhati University, a premier institution for higher learning in Assam, has been functioning with a shortage of 180 teachers. University authorities maintain that an acute shortage of funds has now compelled the University to stop new recruitment, even as several departments now have half their sanctioned posts lying vacant. Anti-rebel offensive by Junta Myanmar scene hazy, claims by NSCN-K differ: Guwahati: The situation inside northern Myanmar's Sagaing division remains hazy with leaders of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN making conflicting claims on whether or not the outfit's bases are currently being attacked by that country's military. Top Indian Army officials told this writer on Jan 7 that the NSCN (K) is running at least one 'major camp' inside Myanmar jointly with the outlawed ULFA. According to estimates by Assam Police Intelligence officials, the ULFA has in excess of 500 cadres inside Myanmar. Central Schemes Assam BJP moves Delhi for report: Guwahati: The State BJP has dashed off a letter to all union ministries, seeking a detailed report on the Central schemes allotted to Assam. The party has accused the State Government of not properly implementing the projects allotted by the Central Government, people of development. The letter has asked for a detailed report on the schemes allotted to and being implemented in Assam and also the funds allocated for the projects. Red carpet for finance team, Assam may seek Rs 8,000cr: Guwahati: A nine-member team of experts from the Twelfth Finance Commission arrived here on Jan 7 to review the financial requirements of the State Government. The team, led by former RBI Governor C Rangarajan, was accorded a red-carpet welcome by the State Government, which is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to play a good host. The Tarun Gogoi Government believes that the reason behind the paltry sum earmarked for the State by the Eleventh finance Commission was the indifferent treatment given to a similar team of visiting experts. It may be mentioned here that, a team of experts had visited the State during the then AGP regime in 1998-99. However, the State had received only Rs 110 crore, as against an expected Rs 1,000 crore. Although the exact amount to be requested from the team has not been determined, it has been estimated that the Assam government will make a proposal of Rs 1,300 crore will be for the Police Department alone, including modernisation of training facilities, arms and equipment, Fire Brigade and police housing facilities. No fund utilisation report on fence, cash flow may stop: Guwahati: The State Government's failure to produce regular utilisation reports of the funds released by the Central Government for road and fencing along the 272 km Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam is affecting the fund flow from the Centre, and if things don't change quickly enough, fund flow for border works may stop any moment. UPDS (Pro-talk) memo to PM: Diphu: The UPDS (pro-talk) has sought clarification from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on the ongoing police and Army atrocities against its cadres. In a memorandum, submitted to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with an endorsement to Mr Rajiv Agarwal, Joint Secretary (North- east), the UPDS (pro-talk) general secretary alleged that Army had killed one Rasing Kro, a student and the brother-in-law of 'captain' Akar Teron of UPDS in Army's custody after his house was raided recently. Scientists discuss river-linking project at Dibrugarh: Dibrugarh: The Government of India's highly ambitious and massive project to interlink most of the country's major rivers at a cost of Rs 5,00,000 crore has become a topic of intense debate among scientists and policy makers of the country. Dr Arup Kumar Sarma, a renowned hydrologist and faculty member of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati dealt with the important technical aspects of nd this project while delivering the 2 Kabita Goswami Memorial lecture recently at the Anirudha Dev Bhavan of Dibrugarh University. The lecture was organised by the Kabita Goswami Memorial Institute of Disaster Management and development Studies (KGM-IDMADS) of Dibrugarh. Dr Kulendu Pathak, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University formally inaugurated the talk. News on 8th January '2004 CM in doubt over Games '05? Officials warned: Guwahati: The pace of infrastructure development work for the 2005 National Games has been so slow that it has left even Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in doubt whether the Games will be held in the State as per schedule. This emerged during an emergency meeting of the ministers concerned, State Chief Secretary and other officials, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. No utilisation certificates, Assam gets Delhi deadline: Guwahati: Utilisation certificates for nearly half of the non-lapsable pool to various State Departments by the Centre in the previous financial year have not been produced by the Departments concerned. The Centre has issued a deadline that if the certificates are not submitted by the end of January, the funds will be reduced in the current financial year. Keeping this deadline in mind, Assam chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 6 conducted a review meeting with the concerned departmental officials and asked them to produce the utilisation certificates by January 15. B'desh border fence in Assam sector by 2006: Guwahati: The Assam Government has set a target for 2006 to complete construction of roads and barbed wire fencing along the Indo-Bangla border in Assam barring the riverrine sector. Sources in the State PWD informed that the department was entrusted with the responsibility to construct border roads and fencing with fund from the Central Government, while the CPWD and the BSF were responsible for maintenance and repair of constructed border roads and fencing respectively. The Centre had so far provided a total of Rs 143.61 crore to Assam PWD for construction of border roads and fencing in first and second phases. Out of this amount, the Assam Government had released Rs 131.11 crore to the State PWD to carry out the work, while the remaining portion of the amount would be released to the department within the current financial year. ONGC raps NRL over poor off-take: Guwahati: The Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has threatened the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) of cutting off supplies of crude oil if it failed to improve its off-take performance from the present abysmally low level, threatening the very survival of a few ONGC oil wells in upper Assam. Cheap kit for farmers, from Assam with love: Guwahati: Good news for farmers and students in the country! In a joint with project with Cotton College Chemical Society, the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) has developed a Combined Water and Soil Testing Kit which is modern, handy and much more cheaper than the other water or soil testing kits available in the market. Giant canvas for kids to paint, para-gliding among key attractions Beach fest: maestros to enthral city Guwahati: A giant canvas for children to paint, kite-flying, egg fights, para-gliding and trekking will be some of the new attractions at the Seventh Brahmaputra Beach Festival to be held in the city from January 14. Live performances by prominent artistes from the State as well as the country are also slated during the five- day long event. Meanwhile, the venue of the shifted from the beach near Nilachal Hills, where it had been held in the previous years. This time it will be held at a 5 km long sandbar off Uzan Bazar. News on 7th January '2004 Slump in tea trade, Assam agri income drops: Guwahati: Although the amount of sales tax, excise duty and land revenue collected in Assam has been steadily rising over the years, the volume of agricultural income tax has been declining drastically, despite the fact that the economy of the State is based on agriculture. This decrease in agricultural revenue, which has been more than Rs 100 crore in the last 3 years, is mainly due to the slump in the tea market. AADSU calls Lakhimpur, Dhemaji bandh: Guwahati: In support of the demand for recognition for the Deori language and protesting against the roles of Welfare of Plains Tribes and Backward Classes Minister, Bharat Chandra Narah and Education Minister, Pankaj Bora, the All Assam Deori Students' Union has called a dawn-to-dusk Lakhimpur and Dhemaji bandh from 5am on January 12. More landing, take-off facilities at city airport: Guwahati: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is going to develop the infrastructure for landing and taking off planes at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in the city, covering a wider area and more facilities. The decision was taken considering the demands from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the BSF and airline companies which need more space for landing and take off their planes. State shifts focus, to set up rural growth centres: Guwahati: The Assam Government has drawn up a scheme by the name, Rural Industrial Facilitation and Growth Centre (RIGC) Scheme with the target of setting up at least an RIGC in each of the 2003 anchalik panchayats in Barak Valley and plains districts in the State. Case dairy of Daimary submitted: Guwahati: The investigating officer of the special operation unit (SOU) on Jan 5 submitted the case diary of ULFA publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary alias Deepak Kachari at the court of the Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate P K Saikia on Jan 5. News on 6th January '2004 'Mahanta couple team up to dominate district AGP' Dissidence rife in Nagaon AGP: Nagaon: Even though the AGP has been putting a brave front about the unity in the party and reiterating time and time again that there are no again that there are no dissident groups in the party, the turn of events in the general convention of its Nagaon unit held here on Jan 4 presented a different picture. The meeting which ended amidst huge cheers from 'pro-Mahanta group' and hot exchanges between the 'pro-Mahanta group' and their rival party workers, also saw senior party leaders, including Birendra Prasad Baishya being assaulted. 8 militants surrender in State: Guwahati: A group of eight militants, including six ULFA cadres, on Jan 5 surrendered to the Army in Assam. According to official sources, the six ULFA and two MULFA members laid down arms before Brigadier AK Gulati of the 181 Mountain Brigade at Laipuli. Medicines from tea: new unit coming up Guwahati: Tea, one of the major exports from Assam, is now being viewed as medicinal plan as well, and tea extracts are being used for treatment of various diseases worldwide. Now an entrepreneur from Assam is planning to set up an extraction plant for processing tea and other medicinal plants of the State. News on 5th January '2004 Bhutan PM lying: ULFA Guwahati: The ULFA on Jan 4 asserted that they had gone to Bhutan to set up camps with the full knowledge of Royal Bhutan government and did not cause any harm to that country as had been alleged by its Prime Minister at the ongoing SAARC summit. ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa issued a statement within hours of Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonpo Jigme Thinley telling the SAARC summit under what circumstance the operation was launched to flush out the North-east rebels and how successful it was. The ULFA chairman, in an e-mail this evening, said that the Bhutan Premier was not telling the SAARC the truth. He said the Bhutan Government was completely aware of their entry into Bhutan and the king used to visit the camps annually. Bhutan, Indian Army tortured me: 'Mama' Guwahati: Bhimkanta Buragohain alias "Mama", political adviser and ideologue of the ULFA, on Jan 4 claimed that he had been "tortured" by the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) and the Indian Army, and denied that he had surrendered to security forces. He also added that although the banned outfit had received a "setback" during the operations by the RBA, the question of surrender did not arise. People must help protect forests, says Bordoloi: Guwahati: Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Pradyut Bordoloi on Jan 4 stressed on the need for greater involvement of the public in forest conservation measures. The Minister was rd addressing the 53 passing out ceremony of trainees at the Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, in the city on Jan 4. 75% pulse polio intake in phase I: Guwahati: The first phase of the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme got over on Jan 4, with nearly 35 lakh children in the age-group of 0 to 5 years getting inoculated against the dreaded disease. However, Department officials indicated that this was only 75 percent of the target population, and the remaining children would be detected by house-to-house search from Jan 5. Ads to newspapers Gogoi committed contempt of court, says ex-Assam AG: Guwahati: The legal fraternity, as well as a cross-section of prominent citizens have expressed surprise and indignation at the recent statement of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi that the government has no reason to release the advertisement dues of a newspaper critical of the State administration. Lawyers and legal luminaries of the Gauhati High Court wonder as to how the head of the government could so uppishly cast aspersions on the press. The feel that the Chief Minister's irresponsible comment amounted to contempt of court - flagrant violation as it was of the principle of press freedom laid down by the Supreme Court of India. Stage set for PPI prog from Jan 4: Guwahati: All officers concerned, who are assigned for the proper implementation of the Pulse Polio Immunization programme, will be held responsible if any cluster of children of age group of 0 to 5 years is left out during the first round starting from Jan 4. The first round of immunization programme will cover as many as 46,54,000 children across the State. The second round will be held from February 22. Plea for probe into Roy's killing: Guwahati: Ms Anita Roy, widow of slain managing director of Sonar Kachar group of newspapers, late Ranabir Roy, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants in broad day light on September 25 last in the complex of a newly-opened residential school of which also he was the managing director, at Silchar, has demanded a CBI investigation into the killing of her husband. In an appeal issued here on Jan 3, she said, while Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has expressed his deep concern and sympathy towards her about the killing and assured all help and coperation in the investigation of the case, she would prefer a CBI probe in view of certain facts and circumstances of his killing which had come to light subsequently. News on 4th January '2004 India may choke rebels in Myanmar Guwahati: The Indian Army is now actively considering a join operation with Myanmarese security forces against militants from the North-east holed up in the dense forests in that country, even as Indian troops are already providing military training to the Myanmarese Army there, according to Army Chief General N C Vij. Mithinga, crack squad cadre sent to jail: Guwahati: Detained ULFA's publicity secretary Mithinga Daimari alias Deepak Kachari and 'sergeant major' and a member of Enigma B Group Ms Baby Kumari were sent to jail on Jan 2 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM)court here. Advocate Bhaskar Dev Konwar, Raju Pradhan and Aparajeeta Bhuyan argued for the accused. Meaningful talks, Bodos' freedom key to solution' Bhutan Army sprayed bullets on our resting cadres: Nabla Guwahati: NDFB chief Nabla Daimari alias Ranjan Daimari has said that the Bhutanese government operations against them was launched on Dec 15, 2003, just as his group was about to sign a formal agreement on the issue of reducing the number of their camps and cadres inside the kingdom. 275 rebels killed, 1,003 held in State in 2003: Guwahati: The offensive by the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) against Indian insurgents taking shelter in the Himalayan kingdom has brought only about 30 per cent of Assam militants to the State Government's net, either through surrender or handling over by the RBA. According to intelligence sources, the remaining 70 per cent militants, barring those who were killed in the crackdown, might be still hiding in Bhutan, or are still under the custody of the RBA. They might have also entered a 'different nation', sources feel. According to sources, about 1,200 Assam militants, including about 600 ULFA cadres, were in Bhutan. The whereabouts of more than 800 Assam militants are yet to be ascertained. Cong MLA in dock over SC status: Guwahati: Congress MLA Chandan Sarkar is in the eye of a storm following revealations that he is not a member of the Scheduled Caste community as he has been claiming so far. Following a directive from the National Commission for SC and STs to the State Government to enquire into whether belonged to the SC community, a commission was set up last week headed by the Bongaigaon Deputy Commissioner who was asked to submit his report within a month. Sarkar was subsequently removed from the chairmanship of the Assam Assembly's SC/ST committee, a post which he held for more than two years. Praneshwar Basumatary, belonging to the ST community has been asked to take over from Sarkar. It may be mentioned that Sarkar was elected to the State Assembly from Abhayapuri, which is reserved for the scheduled castes. Sources said that the removal of Sarkar has widened the rift between him and the Welfare of Plains Tribes & Backward Classes Department Minister Bharat Narah. Sarkar is said to have initiated enquiry against some 'anomalies' of Narah, which led the latter to remove Sarkar, sources claimed. Bamboo flowering in North-east 30,000sq km of bamboo forest may be affected: Guwahati: Bamboo, the grass that can be used for anything and everything, is beset with a problem. It has been estimated that gregarious flowering will heavily affect the bamboo forests in south Assam, Mizoram and parts of Manipur by 2004-2007. Some 26 million tons of bamboo will die in this massive flowering. Government sources said, bamboo flowering which takes place at an interval of between 30 and 40 years, will affect 30,000 sq km of bamboo forest by 2007, three years from now. Bamboo can be an important vehicles for sustainable and widespread development, augmenting economic opportunity, income and employment. News on 3rd January '2004 Industrial security: Assam for new Act Guwahati: With a view to making the Assam Tea Plantation Security Force (ATPSF) personnel fit to tackle the increasing law-and-order problems in tea estates, oil and coal sectors in the State, the Assam Government is going to enact a new Act by the name of Assam Special Security Act. The State Home Guard and Civil Defence Department has already submitted a draft proposal to the State Government in this regard. No Govt support: Samay Prabaha ends publication Guwahati: Lack of support from the State Government in the form of advertisements has compelled the management of Samay Prabaha, Assam's prominent Bengali daily, to close publication of the newspaper with effect from January 1, 2004, after catering to the Bengali speaking people since it hit the stands on January 1, 1990. 24 more rebels, kids handed over: Guwahati: The combing operations by the Royal Bhutan Army were on full-swing on Dec 31 with 24 militants, including nine women, and six children handed over to Indian authorities while two NDFB cadres were killed in an attempt to sneak into Assam. Official sources said nine women cadres, including an 'area commander' Damini and their six children from Bhutan were handed over by the Indian Army to Sivasagar police. CM moves Vajpayee for B'desh offensive: Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today thanked Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for his initiative in 'ensuring the operations against the militant camps in Bhutan'. In a letter to Mr Vajpayee, Gogoi hoped that similar operations are conducted to demolish militant bases in Bangladesh and Myanmar so that "that effect of the Bhutan operations is not diluted". He also urged the Prime Minister for using the forum of SAARC in the fight against terrorism and take up the issue of immediate eviction of these camps at the Islamabad meet. 2004: year of hope for Assam Guwahati: Assam's cultural stalwarts and prominent film personalities have expressed cautious optimism for the new year, while urging the people to be more conscious of their rights and duties. They also remained hopeful that 2004 would be a better year for entertainment industry and for the culture of the State. Focus on tourism: Assam to spend crores in 2004 Guwahati: The Assam Government is focusing on development of four major spots- Kamakhya, Kaziranga, Bhalukpug and Majuli- as tourist destinations, and has already begun infrastructure development work at these places, in which it is being provided assistance by the Centre. Development of these areas is a part of other schemes to develop tourism in the state in 2004 on a priority basis. Noted educationist passes away: Guwahati: Noted educationist and astrologer of Assam, Bhabani Prasad Barua breathed his last on Dec 31 at his Beltola residence. Barua (72), who died of old age ailments, is survived by his wife, one son and a daughter and a host of grandchildren and relatives. BSNL launches answering machine service in city: Guwahati: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Assam Telecom Circle has for the first time launched an answering Machine Service (AMS) which was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Water Resources Ms Bijoya Chakraborty in the city on Dec 31. The AMS- value addition to the existing BSNL telephone service, takes care of the calls made to one's telephone while away or busy on phone. The caller can leave message in total secrecy whenever Answering Machine Subscriber's telephone is not replied or is busy. The AMS Subscriber can retrieve the messages from anywhere at any time by dialing the service number 170512 followed by the mail box number (which is NSD code without '0' followed by his/her telephone number) an a secret code. The only criteria to have this facility is to have a valid BSNL telephone connection. You can dial 1502 for on-line registration from your own telephone. News on 2nd January '2004 Corporations for women, child devp coming up - CM: Jobs, 10-yr target to develop Assam my focus: Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 1 announced that the main thrust of his Government would be generation of employment and establishment of a 10 year programme to establish Assam as a developed State by 2014. Gogoi made the announcements at an informal meeting with members of the press at his official residence. The Chief Minister pointed out that even if the State Government wanted to provide more government jobs for the unemployed, it could only take in around 15,000 youth. "This will not solve the problem of the 18 lakh unemployed people in Assam. Therefore, the Government will try to create employment opportunities through Self Help Groups(SHGs), small scale, medium and tiny industries," he stated. Gogoi seeks divine help? Guwahati: Seeking divine intervention on Day 1 of the new year? Seems so. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 1 made a flurry of visits to prominent temples, mosques and churches in the city, a tour he had not undertaken in this fashion is the past. Gogoi Govt may not pay dues to 'critical' media: Guwahati: An agitated Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Jan 1 said that his government has no reason to pay the advertisement dues of newspapers that criticised it. A question that came up during his luncheon meeting with journalists here on Jan 1 was the closure of Samay Prabaha, mainly due to unpaid advertisement dues of the Government. The Chief Minister insisted that unpaid advertisement dues could not be the sole reason for the newspaper to be closed down. He also said that advertisement dues of newspapers were being paid by the Government from time to time, sometimes even without being asked. While agreeing with this, Mr D.N. Bezbaruah, editor The Sentinel, said that this was being done very selectively. The Chief Minister denied this. When Mr Bezbaruah reiterated his observation, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has no reason to pay the advertisement dues of newspapers that criticised it. Mr Bezbaruah then thanked him for being honest. More ultras keen to surrender: Govt Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's recent offer for general amnesty to militants appears to have received good response. A large number of ULFA and NDFB militants, including some top leaders, have already contacted State Home Commissioner BK Gohain and expressed their willingness to surrender. This is in addition to the 37 militants who have surrendered to the State police force recently. "The State Government has already initiated steps for the surrender of the militants," Gohain said. Meanwhile, IGP (law and order) DK Pathak said that the State police personnel were on alert to prevent the entry of the fleeing militants into the State. He said all international and inter-state borders which Assam was sharing were sealed. Film industry wants Govt to refund entertainment tax; 20 Assamese films may be released this year 2004 may be hit year for Assamese cinema: Guwahati: The countdown ends, and the new year begins. Cheers to the glamour world of Assamese cinema- four movies are being readied for release in January 2004. Still, the artistes, producers and directors agree that production of Assamese cinema will be badly affected if the Government does not refund the entertainment tax within March this year. 'Mama' mystery solved, calls for surrender: Tezpur: ULFA's ideologue and founder member, Bhimkanta Buragohain, alias Mama (78), on Dec 26 surrendered before the Indian Army, and appealed to his comrades-in-arms to shun the path of violence. Three other top leaders of the banned outfit also laid down arms at the IV Crops headquarters here. They include "Major" Robin Handique, Bolin Das and "Major" Dr Amarjit Gogoi. Buragohain, wearing a black jacket and traditional phulam gamosa, appeared battle-hardened but tried during the surrender ceremony. Reading a prepared statement before the press, Buragohain said: "I have to say to all our cadres and members of the ULFA, to lay down their arms, and I think the path which we led was wrong. This is why I call to all ULFA members to consider it deeply. We need to think that peace does not come through the barrel, but through negotiations". Govt urged to bring about lasting solution to ethnic problems NCP's concern over BTAD demarcation: Guwahati: The State executive committee of the Nationalist Congress Party expressed serious concern over the boundary demarcation process of Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD) since areas having a meagre or no population of Bodos have been included in the BTAD. While welcoming the creation of the BTAD, the executive committee of NCP, in a recent meet held here recently, expressed concern over similar demands coming from various ethnic groups and exhorted the Government of India to spell out their minds to bring out a lasting solution. The executive committee also said that the Government of India should review the entire process to prevent any possible backlash which may frustrate the objective behind the creation of BTAD. BSNL mobile service by January: CGM, Telecom Guwahati: A delegation of Federation of Industries and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) met Mr B R Sinha, Chief General Manager, Assam Telephone Circle recently. Mr Sinha informed the delegation that the State has been broken up into seven telecom districts and each of these districts would be headed by a general manager to improve the services to the consumers. FINER on its part congratulated the Telecom Department for its endeavour to improve the services. "The long awaited mobile telephone services of BSNL would be launched in January, 2004. All the district headquarters of the State will also be connected within March, 2004," Mr Sinha added. UPDS offers conditional talks with KRA: Diphu The anti-faction of the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), softening its stand on the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) has welcomed its offer of peace talks. T Teron, officer in-charge of Karbi Anglong and NC Hills People's Residence (KNPR), the armed wing of the UPDS has formally agreed for holding talks on condition that the nine people of Thekarajan village under Singhason Hills who are in the custody of the KRA since the last two months are released. "Their release is necessary for making a congenial atmosphere for substantive and meaningful talks," the UPDS said. Govt to appoint nodal officers for speedy disposal of public grievances: Guwahati: The State Government has introduced a new method for early redressal and quick disposal of matters relating to public grievances and complaints in the State administration. For this purpose, one nodal officer in each department in the State Secretariat has been appointed from among the senior officers of the respective department. This has been implemented in pursuance of the decision taken in the Secretaries Committee meeting held recently. The nodal officer will look after the grievances of the general public and take necessary action for their speedy disposal. In addition, the nodal officers will also regularly review the progress of disposal of work in their respective departments and take necessary action accordingly. Dimasa Lairidim Mel meet held Dimasas to adopt Roman script: Haflong: The Dimasas have decided to adopt the Roman script for the Dimasa language as per the recommendation of the expert committee constituted by Dimasa Lairidim Mel (DLM) (Dimasa Sahitya rd Sabha). This decision was taken at the two-day 3 general conference of the Dimasa Lairidim Mel which concluded recently at Haflong. ASTC now earning 51% more revenue: Dutta Dhubri: The State Transport Department, under the Congress Government, has been earning 51 per cent more revenue than the previous regime, said Mr Anjan Dutta, Transport Minister, Assam, while visiting Dhubri recently. Mr Dutta said that the newly enacted MV Rules, 2003, has made some innovative measures for realising more revenue and also the educated employed youths of the region. As per the provision of the rules, a permit fee has been fixed which will earn revenue, check corruption and case the method of getting permits by the bus, truck owners and other commercial vehicles. Another provision of the rules will make it compulsory for garage owners to appoint ITI trained mechanics, junior engineers, etc., in their garages according to the size and workload of the garages. News on 1st January '2004 'Hand over our offspring alive or dead'- ULFA leadership flayed for lavish lifestyle ULFA kin offer mediation: Guwahati: Even as the hopes of the people for a political dialogue between the Centre and the ULFA were dashed to ground when the Centre rejected the ULFA 'c-in-c' Paresh Baruah's conditional offer of talks he made during an interview recently, the families and kin of the ULFA cadres organised under the banner of Assam Public Works, ULFA Pariyal Committee has offered to mediate in the talks between the ULFA and Centre. The ULFA Pariyal Committee (UPC) blasted the top-rung leaders of the ULFA for leading lavish lifestyles in foreign countries while leaving the lower-rung cadres of the outfit to fend for themselves in the jungles of Bhutan. NABARD's DRIP project launched in Cachar: Silchar: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched the District Rural Industries Project (DRIP) in Cachar district on Dec 29. Inaugurating the DRIP at a function at Silchar, Mr PK Das, Deputy Commissioner, Cachar stressed the need for proper motivation of entrepreneurs for successful implementation of this project. He said that Cachar has got potential for industries and he expressed hope that with the concerted efforts, industries of Cachar will get a new boost soon. Block I, II were never part of Karbi Anglong: Khasi-Pnar body ASDC, dist council blamed for human rights violation: Diphu: The Save Khasi and Pnar Committee, HQ Block-I, Hamren has come down heavily on the various activities of the ASDC, district council here and the UPDS alleging that these organizations have been continuously violating the human rights of Khasis and Pnars in Karbi Anglong. In a memorandum to the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee the committee requested Mr Vajpayee to make a spot visit to enquire into the matter and do the needful to protect the Khasi-Pnar tribes of the district. Blasting the activities of the Karbis in Karbi Anglong, the committee said, "The problem of the Khasi and Pnar people of Block-I and Block-II worsened when the Karbis resorted to massive violation of human rights through large-scale killing, rape, land grabing, genocide, burning of houses, ransom demand, kidnapping etc". Erakdao alive: NDFB chief Kokrajhar: Chairman of the NDFB, DR Nabla alias Ranjan Daimary on Dec 28 claimed that the publicity chief of the outfit, B Erakdao is still alive and is in safe shelter at a Bhutan hideout. In a statement, e-mailed to this correspondent, Daimary said that Erakdao was specially deputed by him along with two other cadres to meet the Royal Bhutanese Government on December 4. Accordingly, Erakdao reached Thimphu on Dec 10 and held discussion with the royal Bhutan authorities. Sivakanta Barua passes away: Nagaon: Freedom fighter Sivakanta Barua, brother of litterateur Navakanta Barua, passed away at his Tilak Deka Path residence in Nagaon town in the night on Dec 27. he leaves behind three sons and two daughters. He was a famous hunter. 19 rebels handed over in Darrang: Mangaldai: nineteen ULFA militants, who were apprehended by the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) at the general headquarters of the outfit at Deothand in Bhutan on Dec 22, were handed over to the Darrang Police at around 2.45 am on Dec 27 by the Army. A huge quantity of arms including 19 AK-56 rifles, 1,140 rounds of ammunition, 18 bayonets, two sophisticated radio transmission sets, three claymore (a highly powerful explosive material used in land mine) and some cash were also handed over to the police. Withdraw 'war' against Kukis, UPDS urged: Diphu: The Kuki Innipi of Assam, the apex organization of the Kukis, appealed to the anti-talk faction of the UPDS to withdraw its 'war' against the Kukis living in the Singhason hills of Karbi Anglong for restoring peace and communal harmony between the two tribal communities. Security beefed up in Nagaon, Sivasagar ULFA 'Enigma' cadres in Nagaon? Nagaon: At a time when the Nagaon district administration is maintaining a strong vigil so that no ultra cadres can enter the district following the offensive launched against the offensive launched by the Royal Bhutan by the Royal Bhutan Army, intelligence reports have confirmed that a group of about 20 hardcore ULFA militants of its Enigma unit have recently taken shelter in the border areas of Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts. Though the Police administration could not trace the could not trace the actual location of the camp, it was learnt that the team was headed by hard-core leaders like Anup Doloi, Raja Mahanta, Jagat Bhuyan, etc. It may be mentioned here that ULFA's 'second lieutenant' Lakhmi Prasad Nath alias Dulan Deka alias Raju Deka, who fled from Bhutan after the 'operation all-clear' had started, was arrested by Morigaon police on Saturday. CPI favours dialogue with militant bodies: Guwahati: The Communist Party of India has always been in favour of a dialogue between the Government of India and militant organisations to find out a political solution to the issues raised by them, stated a press release of the CPI, Assam state council. The CPI has appealed to the Royal Bhutanese Government and the Government of India to respond favourably to the reported offer made by the militant organisations for a meaningful dialogue to find out a viable political solution to the issue and bring peace to Assam and the north-eastern region.
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