Bank deposits safe, says Prime Minister
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured the Lok Sabha that deposits in PSU and private sector banks are "entirely safe" but said the nation must be prepared for a "temporary slowdown" in the economy. In his statement, the Prime Minister said that the banks, both in the public sector and in the private sector, are financially sound, well capitalised and well regulated. He struck a note of caution against the backdrop of a stock market crash and fears of global crisis hitting the Indian banks. Exuding confidence over huge capital investment in the pipeline, he said, "nevertheless, we must be prepared for a temporary slowdown in the Indian economy".
RBI cuts repo rate by 100 bps to 8%
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
In an expected but significant move, the Reserve Bank of India on Monday cut the key short-term lending rate (repo) by 100 basis points or one percent to 8 percent. It is the first time since 2004 that the central bank has reduced the repo rate. The rate cut comes into force with immediate effect and would help boost liquidity in the Indian markets. It will also help lower interest rates and spur consumption to keep the economy ticking. The repo rate cut would make the banks' borrowing from the RBI cheaper.
Lok Sabha adjourned over Assam violence
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the second time on Monday as Assam MP S K Bwiswmuthiary staged a sit-in protest over the ethnic violence in his state that has claimed 49 lives earlier this month.
When Lok Sabha re-assembled at 12 noon, Bwiswmuthiary entered the house holding photographs of the violence in Assam and walked right up to the speaker's podium. On Friday also, he had protested because the house did not refer to the people killed in clashes in the state. Bwiswmuthiary said Muslims had insulted the indigenous Bodo religion and that a Bodo woman had been gang raped. The speaker then said he would be allowed to speak after the initial proceedings of the house are over. When Bwiswmuthiary got the chance to speak, he attacked the Muslim community and detailed the incidents of violence that shook the region. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MPs interrupted him and objected to the words used by him. The speaker then asked him to stop his speech and let the house conduct other proceedings. Bwiswmuthiary then marched to the speaker's podium again and accused the United Progressive Alliance government of being responsible for not checking the violence. He staged a brief sit-in near the podium and there was pandemonium in the house as BJP MPs raised slogans in his support. Left MPs criticised his actions and the speaker warned him that he would be suspended if he continued to protest. The Assam MP was later led to his seat, but as he continued his protests, the speaker adjourned the house at 12.35 pm till 4 pm.
Rape slur on CRPF in Udalguri
NE TV Correspondent, Udalguri
20 Oct
Once again there is tension in Udalguri and this reports coming from the troubled area say the peacekeepers are responsible for the fresh tension arising out of a rape incident. Two women were allegedly raped by CRPF jawans deployed in areas under the Udalguri police station.
Tension has gripped Udalguri once again. Even as the troubled Lower Assam district is slowly regaining normality, the latest incident of CRPF Jawans involved in two rape cases could lead to further unrest. The two women one a Bodo aged 45 years and another a Rajbonshi woman aged 35 years have alleged they were raped by the CRPF Jawans in Udalguri area. It may be mentioned that since the communal violence erupted beginning this month in Udalguri, CRPF Jawans had been deployed all over Udalguri and Darrang districts to maintain law and order. However this latest incident has once against cast a slur on the security forces who are supposed to help bring back normalcy. The victims already reeling under the impact of the violence have suffered untold miseries after the incident.
One of them recounts, she was gathering her cattle from the fields when the Jawans chased her and raped her at the field.
The women had initially not wanted to come out in the open against the rape incident out of shame and fear of further harassment. But with the help of nearby people both of them decided to seek police help. Even the police didn't cooperate with the hapless women, they alleged. At the police station, they alleged the police tried to frighten them citing 144 CrPC and curfew in their attempt to prevent the women from lodging any complaint.
The police meanwhile say they are conducting an investigation, now that a complaint has been registered, but they have made no arrests so far. Talking to NETV the officer in Charge of the Udalguri police station said that CRPF's 136th company has been deployed in the area to prevent further outbreak of clashes. The police are yet to act against the guilty Jawans.
The rape incidents are generating protests from various quarters.
Several Bodo and Rajbonshi organizations have condemned the rape incident and called for stringent measures against the guilty CRPF personnel involved. They also threatened to launch agitation if action is not taken immediately.
President awards 1,059 villages for sanitation drive
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
20 Oct
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Monday issued a clarion call to implement the ''total cleanliness mission'' in all villages of the country by 2012. Giving away Nirmal Gram Puraskar to the village heads of 1,059 villages of 13 states in the eastern region, she expressed happiness that the rural people were showing interest in the ''total sanitation'' campaign, focussing on points like high dropouts in the school due to lack of sanitation facilities as well as solid waste management.
President Pratibha Patil on Monday presented Nirmal Gram awards to 1059 villages of Eastern region for total cleanliness under the Total Sanoitation programme. The awards were presented in a solemn function held at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium. This year, 328villages of Westr Bengal, 226 vilages of Chattisgarh, 156 villages of Bihar, 142 villages of Jharkhand, 94 of Orissa, 37 of Sikkim, 30 of Tripura, 14 of Assam, 11 of Meghalaya, 8 each of Mizoram and Nagaland, 4 of Arunachal Pradesh and one village of Manipur were selected for this year's Nirmal Gram award, presented under the Centre's Total Sanitation programme. In the first phase, 3213 villages of North India were presented the award in a function held at Hissar of Haryana on October 17. While presenting the awards, the President urged the non-government organisations and the government to work in close cooperation with the people in this direction. Stating that sanitation was a key issue as nearly 250 crore people in the world lacked toilet facilities, she said the international community, including the United Nations, was taking steps to motivate the people to go in for complete sanitation. The UN had declared 2008 as International Sanitation Year. She added that the best way to honour womenfolk would be to provide proper sanitation facilities in homes. The President expressed concern that for lack of proper sanitation in schools, girls had to sometimes even quit their studies.
Recalling that the Centre had launched the ''total sanitation mission'' way back in 1999, she exhorted the people to realise the vision of Mahatma Gandhi who had asserted that ''cleanliness was even more important than freedom.'' She appealed to the women and children to play a yeoman role in implementing the ''total cleanliness campaign'' in their areas of influence.
Addressing the function, union rural development minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said that the Centre has allotted Rs 14,000 crore for implementation of the total sanitation programme in the country.
Assam Governor SC Mathur spoke about the objective of the Nirmal Gram award.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who was also present in the function, announced to give top priority to total sanitation and safe drinking water.
The programme was also attended by union minister of state for rural development Chandrasekhar Sahu, Assam revenue minister Dr Bhuumidhar Barman and Public Health Engineering minister Rihan Daimari among others. The Union Rural Development Ministry had introduced the Nirmal Gram Puraskar scheme in 2003 as an initiative for the Panchayati Raj Institutions. Last year about 5,000 villages were awarded and this year the number had increased to over 11,140. However, the programme has not attained much success in the Assam as only 14 villages of the state managed to win the award this year.
Centre to rebuild flood-ravaged houses in Assam
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
20 Oct
The houses damaged in this year's flood will be reconstructed by the Centre. This was announced by union rural development minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh in Guwahati on Monday.
In a press conference held in Guwahati on Monday, union rural development minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said that all projects under the Bharat Nirman will be completed by 2010. He also promised to allot funds for the developmental projects in 90-10 pattern in stead of the previous 75-25 pattern. He also said that the Northeast has made remarkable progress in rural development.
The minister also told NE TV that the Centre would rebuilt all the houses damaged in the recent flood in Assam. He also informed that his ministry has already released a fund of Rs 6,000 crore for the development of Assam.
He also cautioned against the misuse of machineries of the NREGA scheme. According to the minister, altogether 9 lakh families of 27 districts of Assam have been provided job cards. Besides, 4 lakh bank accounts have also been opened so far in the state.
Security tightened ahead of President's visit to Tezpur
NE TV Correspondent, Tezpur
20 Oct
Security has been tightened in and around Tezpur and adjoining areas in Sonitpur district in view of the president's visit to Tezpur to lay the foundation stone of the fifth Medical college of Assam. Police said they are keeping strict vigil over the venues where the president will be visiting. Besides, the foundation stone laying ceremony, Patil will address a gathering at Tezpur and attend function of the 4 corps of the army.
Meghalaya all set to welcome President Patil
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
20 Oct
Just ahead of the maiden visit of the country's first citizen to Meghalaya governor RS Mooshahary has termed her visit as very important for the state and all the people are geared up to welcome her when she lands in Shillong and Tura.
The sleepy town of Tura is all set to welcome President of India Pratibha Patil in Tura, the district headquarter of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya. All elaborate preparation is being made to welcome the president for the historic visit. She will be inaugurating the long pending Baljek airport on October 23 and is schedule to address a public gathering at MP stadium Tura. Her excellence will also be meeting senior citizens, NGOs leader and public.
Former Meghalaya CM EK Mawlong laid to rest at Mawprem
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
20 Oct
Former Meghalaya Chief Minister EK Mawlong was finally laid to rest today, to days after his body was kept out of public view as per Khasi tradition. Mawlong was buried as per Catholic Church rituals at the Shillong Cemetery.
Prominent leaders of Meghalaya, different churches, and a large gathering of people took part at the funeral service of the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya EK Mawlong, as he began his last journey from this earth. The funeral service was performed as per Catholic Church rules. A large gathering of clergy and church members were present for the funeral services. Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy, Former Chief Minister Dr. DD Lapang, leaders of the UDP, a party which Mawlong had co-founded, his family members and a large gathering of people of all walks of life from his Umroi constituency and from other parts of the state as well took part in the funeral. Wrapped with the UDP flag, Mawlong was laid to rest at the Mawprem Cemetery. The Meghalaya government accorded him a state funeral and also announced a daylong state mourning on Monday. The Tricolour also flew at half-mast in all government establishments. In his condolence message Donkupar Roy recalled Mawlong's tenure as Chief Minister in 2000-01 and his active service to the state and people. He termed the demise as a great loss for the people. Condoling the death leader of the Opposition DD Lapang said the state had lost a noble son who was loved and respected by the people.
George Lyngdoh the eldest son of EK Mawlong was also present at the funeral. He recalled the days with his father and a determined politician who dedicated himself for his state.
Former Meghalaya chief minister and sitting UDP legislator E.K. Mawlong died on 18th October at Shillong Civil Hospital at the age of 62. He is survived by four sons and two daughters. Mawlong was not keeping well ever since he won the Assembly elections in February on a UDP ticket from Umroi constituency in Ri Bhoi district, defeating Congress candidate Stanlywiss Rymbai. Mawlong started his career as a schoolteacher in 1968 and taught till June 1971. He later worked in the Accountant General's office. As chief minister, Mawlong could complete only a short tenure in office — from March 2000 to December 2001. As the Speaker of the Assembly from 1983 till 1988 and again from 1998 to 2000, Mawlong was known for strictly maintaining the dignity and decorum of the House. In 1972, he was elected to the Khasi Hills District Council as an Independent. Three years later, Mawlong joined the Congress and became president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress and also served as an Indian Youth Congress member. Before Mawlong joined the UDP, he strengthened the Hill State Peoples' Democratic Party (HSPDP) as its president. He was elected president of the UDP in 1997 and continued as its head till 2001. Prior to his death, Mawlong served as the chairman of the State Development Reforms Commission with the status of the chief minister.
Dasmunsi shifted to Apollo hospital from AIIMS
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, who was admitted to AIIMS following a severe heart attack, was on Monday shifted to corporate Apollo hospital for further treatment of his neurological condition. He was shifted at 10.30 am on Monday. His family wanted to shift him for further treatment of his neurological condition. The condition of 62-year-old Dasmunsi, who has been under treatment at AIIMS for the past eight days, continues to remain the same. American neurologist Den Henley, who is here to examine Dasmunsi, had earlier an informal discussion about the minister's health with the multi-discipline team of doctors treating him. The 62-year old minister was admitted to AIIMS following complete left ventricular failure on October 13.
Countdown for Chandrayaan-1 begins
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch Chandrayaan-1, the country's first unmanned moon mission, with the beginning of 49-hour countdown on early Monday.
The countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-1, which began at 5.22 am on Monday is progressing smoothly. The unmanned spacecraft using India's tried and tested rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle would be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota. All operations were progressing satisfactorily for the launch of the spacecraft. The 49-hour countdown has number of activities including the major propellant filling of PS-2 and PS-4. Earlier the countdown was set to 52 hours. But since all the formal activities for the launch was finished three hours earlier from the original schedule, the countdown time was set at exactly 5.22 am. The officials are optimistic that weather will not interrupt the launch of Chandrayaan-I. According to the statistics given by the SDSC officials, Chandrayaan-I spacecraft carrying 11 payloads weighs about 1,380 kg at the time of its launch and was shaped like a cuboid with a solar panel projecting from one of its sides.
India 5 wickets away from a memorable win
NE TV Bureau
20 Oct
India piled up a run mountain and then Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma knocked the daylight out of Australia's riposte to put the host five wickets away from a memorable win in the second cricket Test in Mohali on Monday.
Chasing 516 for an improbable win, Australia got off to a rousing start before Harbhajan mowed down the top order with his triple strikes and Ishant had them in complete disarray, dealing a double jolt on the penultimate day. Their top order blown away, Australia were gasping for breath at 141 for five wickets when stumps were drawn. Michael Clarke (42) and Brad Haddin (37) would return tomorrow, hoping to delay the inevitable. With a 201-first innings lead behind them, India declared their second essay at 314 for three with Gautam Gambhir (104), Virender Sehwag (90), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (68 not out) scoring bulk of the runs at a brisk pace. In reply, Matthew Hayden (29) and Simon Katich (20) counter-attacked, scoring at seven-an-over before Harbhajan ran amock. Hayden fell to the second delivery of Harbhajan and the off-spinner then removed Katich with his last delivery of the over. In his next over-- on the other side of the tea break -- Harbhajan trapped in-form Michael Hussey (1) for is 299th Test victim. Ishant responded in style, castling his bunny Ricky Ponting (2) and then removing Shane Watson (2), Australia's topscorer in the first innings. Clarke and Haddin stemmed the rot with an unfinished 83-run stand but that may not prove enough in the end. Earlier, with Brett Lee out of action in the morning session, Delhi duo Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir knocked the sting out of the attack with their strong-arm nonchalance. Dhoni promoting himself at number three was a statement of intent and Sourav Ganguly also stepped on gas. Dhoni pulled and pumelled his way to his second fifty of the match, taking up the gauntlet whenever Lee offered a bouncer. The Indian captain remained unbeaten on 68 off 84 balls with the help of three boundaries and a six.
Political parties slam attacks on north Indians
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Political parties of various hues today strongly attacked the Maharashtra government over its "failure" to curb violence against north Indians in the state by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena cadres. RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh slammed the Congress-led Maharashtra government while CPI(M) Polit bureau member Brinda Karat and BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain condemned both the Central and state governments for the attacks on north Indians. Prasad, while strongly condemning attacks on north Indians in Maharashtra termed the incident as the failure of the state government. Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh also joined the Opposition parties in criticising the attacks.
10 mn tonnes of soil lost to unplanned mining, cultivation, says Meghalaya Governor
Uranium mining a win-win situation for Meghalaya, claims Mushahary as he allays fears of radiation
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
20 Oct
Sooner or later, Meghalaya will start what has been a much debated issue in the state… uranium mining. The worst fears expressed by people of Meghalaya have been what happens to them after the radiation. Meghalaya has lost much of its top soils to the unscientific mining and jhum cultivation being practiced in the last many decades and the governor of the state says worst will happen in the next 20 years if the practice continues. RS Mooshahary however allayed people's fears of the impact of radiation from Uranium mining.
Meghalaya governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary on Monday cautioned that Meghalaya has already lost over 10 tonnes of soil to various forms of unscientific mining and particularly the jhum cultivation being practiced over the years. The state is poised to lose more of its top soils in the next 20 years if the trend continues. Speaking at a book release function in Shillong, the Governor has called for scientific approaches to any practice, be it mining or agriculture, that might have a bearing on the future of the state and its people.
On the much debated issue of Uranium mining which has suddenly shot to prominence and necessity especially after the Indo US Nuclear agreement, the governor allayed fears of the people on the likely impact the radiation from the mining could have on the people. Mushahary strongly favored scientific uranium mining in Meghalaya which accounts for more than 16 % of the country's uranium deposit. Citing empirical evidences from the other mining sites, the governor emphatically said there was no evidence of any harmful radiation and consequences on account of uranium mining. He also informed about the Centre's measures to ensure that mishaps do not occur.
Calling upon the government to convince the local people who are the primary stakeholders, on the development, the uranium mining will trigger, the governor said the mining is going to be win-win situation for the state.
He also dispelled apprehensions that mining will lead to influx of outsiders citing the Umiam power project which has become the base of the state's development amid strong protest in the initial years of its implementation.
Sensex loses shine late afternoon
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Indian equity markets opened strong on Monday taking cues from the positive opening in other Asian bourses. The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark, the Sensex, regained the 10k mark in early trade and continued to stay in the green through the afternoon. At 2:00 pm, the Sensex was trading at 10,184.44 levels, up nearly 210 points. However, that was far lower than the highs earlier in the day, when the Sensex had jumped over 470 points. Similarly, the broadbased National Stock Exchange's Nifty was up nearly 1.43 percent by 2:00 pm, hovering at 3118.30 levels.
NE Challenge Cup Hockey tourney from tomorrow
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
20 Oct
All states of the northeast except Sikkim and Mizoram are participating in the Northeast Challenge Hockey Tournament, which gets underway tomorrow at Bhetapara Hockey stadium in Guwahati. Manipur will meet Nagaland in the opening match while last year's Champions Assam will take on Tripura in the second match of the opening day. Olympian Thoiba Singh of Manipur will inaugurate the tournament in the presence of NE Hockey Association President GM Srivastava and other dignitaries from host state Assam. The finals will be held on 25th October.
Pakistan violated ceasefire pact 58 times since 2003: Govt
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Pakistan had violated the five-year-old pact on ceasefire 58 times since the ceasefire agreement came into effect from November 2003, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday. Replying to a question in Parliament, Defence Minister A K Antony said since January 2008, Indian positions on the Line of Control have been fired upon 34 times, while the total ceasefire violation by Pakistan has occurred on 58 counts. On measures taken up by the government to prevent recurrence of such incidents, Antony said, protests are registered through the established mechanisms of hotline, flag meetings as well as weekly talks between the Director General of Military Operations.
Tripura sounds bird flu alert along Indo-Bangla border
NE TV Correspondent, Agartala
20 Oct
An alert has been sounded along the porous Indo-Bangla international border in Tripura following reports of bird flu in the neighbouring country, said a news agency quoting Tripura govt officials.
Sylhet, Srimanagal and Habigunj districts of Bangladesh, bordering Khowai subdivision of West Tripura district and Kamalpur subdivision of Dhalai district, have recently been affected by avian influenza. Border Security Force (BSF) was keeping a close vigil along the 856 km-long border to prevent the entry of chicken and poultry in the border markets. The state government also alerted all the district administrations and was organising workshops with the employees on disease control.
Tension grips Dimapur after trader's death
NE TV Correspondent, Dimapur
20 Oct
Tension grips Dimapur town following the killing of a local cable operator by some miscreants. A businessman, who was abducted 4 days ago by armed miscreants, was found dead on Sunday morning. Prasenjit Dhar was abducted from his residence in Lhomthi Colony, Dimapur on October 16 by some miscreants. After three days, his dead body was recovered from Bor Lengri, Karbi Anglong with his throat slit. Dimapur Police, which is investigating the case, has not been able to establish any facts. According to sources this is the fourth incident in Lhumthi colony where businessmen have become the target of armed miscreants. Meanwhile, the traders' community of Dimapur have downed their shutters on Monday in protest against the continuous attack on the non-local traders. They also held a meeting with the district administration officials seeking security.
Source: the netvindia.com
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured the Lok Sabha that deposits in PSU and private sector banks are "entirely safe" but said the nation must be prepared for a "temporary slowdown" in the economy. In his statement, the Prime Minister said that the banks, both in the public sector and in the private sector, are financially sound, well capitalised and well regulated. He struck a note of caution against the backdrop of a stock market crash and fears of global crisis hitting the Indian banks. Exuding confidence over huge capital investment in the pipeline, he said, "nevertheless, we must be prepared for a temporary slowdown in the Indian economy".
RBI cuts repo rate by 100 bps to 8%
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
In an expected but significant move, the Reserve Bank of India on Monday cut the key short-term lending rate (repo) by 100 basis points or one percent to 8 percent. It is the first time since 2004 that the central bank has reduced the repo rate. The rate cut comes into force with immediate effect and would help boost liquidity in the Indian markets. It will also help lower interest rates and spur consumption to keep the economy ticking. The repo rate cut would make the banks' borrowing from the RBI cheaper.
Lok Sabha adjourned over Assam violence
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the second time on Monday as Assam MP S K Bwiswmuthiary staged a sit-in protest over the ethnic violence in his state that has claimed 49 lives earlier this month.
When Lok Sabha re-assembled at 12 noon, Bwiswmuthiary entered the house holding photographs of the violence in Assam and walked right up to the speaker's podium. On Friday also, he had protested because the house did not refer to the people killed in clashes in the state. Bwiswmuthiary said Muslims had insulted the indigenous Bodo religion and that a Bodo woman had been gang raped. The speaker then said he would be allowed to speak after the initial proceedings of the house are over. When Bwiswmuthiary got the chance to speak, he attacked the Muslim community and detailed the incidents of violence that shook the region. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MPs interrupted him and objected to the words used by him. The speaker then asked him to stop his speech and let the house conduct other proceedings. Bwiswmuthiary then marched to the speaker's podium again and accused the United Progressive Alliance government of being responsible for not checking the violence. He staged a brief sit-in near the podium and there was pandemonium in the house as BJP MPs raised slogans in his support. Left MPs criticised his actions and the speaker warned him that he would be suspended if he continued to protest. The Assam MP was later led to his seat, but as he continued his protests, the speaker adjourned the house at 12.35 pm till 4 pm.
Rape slur on CRPF in Udalguri
NE TV Correspondent, Udalguri
20 Oct
Once again there is tension in Udalguri and this reports coming from the troubled area say the peacekeepers are responsible for the fresh tension arising out of a rape incident. Two women were allegedly raped by CRPF jawans deployed in areas under the Udalguri police station.
Tension has gripped Udalguri once again. Even as the troubled Lower Assam district is slowly regaining normality, the latest incident of CRPF Jawans involved in two rape cases could lead to further unrest. The two women one a Bodo aged 45 years and another a Rajbonshi woman aged 35 years have alleged they were raped by the CRPF Jawans in Udalguri area. It may be mentioned that since the communal violence erupted beginning this month in Udalguri, CRPF Jawans had been deployed all over Udalguri and Darrang districts to maintain law and order. However this latest incident has once against cast a slur on the security forces who are supposed to help bring back normalcy. The victims already reeling under the impact of the violence have suffered untold miseries after the incident.
One of them recounts, she was gathering her cattle from the fields when the Jawans chased her and raped her at the field.
The women had initially not wanted to come out in the open against the rape incident out of shame and fear of further harassment. But with the help of nearby people both of them decided to seek police help. Even the police didn't cooperate with the hapless women, they alleged. At the police station, they alleged the police tried to frighten them citing 144 CrPC and curfew in their attempt to prevent the women from lodging any complaint.
The police meanwhile say they are conducting an investigation, now that a complaint has been registered, but they have made no arrests so far. Talking to NETV the officer in Charge of the Udalguri police station said that CRPF's 136th company has been deployed in the area to prevent further outbreak of clashes. The police are yet to act against the guilty Jawans.
The rape incidents are generating protests from various quarters.
Several Bodo and Rajbonshi organizations have condemned the rape incident and called for stringent measures against the guilty CRPF personnel involved. They also threatened to launch agitation if action is not taken immediately.
President awards 1,059 villages for sanitation drive
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
20 Oct
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Monday issued a clarion call to implement the ''total cleanliness mission'' in all villages of the country by 2012. Giving away Nirmal Gram Puraskar to the village heads of 1,059 villages of 13 states in the eastern region, she expressed happiness that the rural people were showing interest in the ''total sanitation'' campaign, focussing on points like high dropouts in the school due to lack of sanitation facilities as well as solid waste management.
President Pratibha Patil on Monday presented Nirmal Gram awards to 1059 villages of Eastern region for total cleanliness under the Total Sanoitation programme. The awards were presented in a solemn function held at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium. This year, 328villages of Westr Bengal, 226 vilages of Chattisgarh, 156 villages of Bihar, 142 villages of Jharkhand, 94 of Orissa, 37 of Sikkim, 30 of Tripura, 14 of Assam, 11 of Meghalaya, 8 each of Mizoram and Nagaland, 4 of Arunachal Pradesh and one village of Manipur were selected for this year's Nirmal Gram award, presented under the Centre's Total Sanitation programme. In the first phase, 3213 villages of North India were presented the award in a function held at Hissar of Haryana on October 17. While presenting the awards, the President urged the non-government organisations and the government to work in close cooperation with the people in this direction. Stating that sanitation was a key issue as nearly 250 crore people in the world lacked toilet facilities, she said the international community, including the United Nations, was taking steps to motivate the people to go in for complete sanitation. The UN had declared 2008 as International Sanitation Year. She added that the best way to honour womenfolk would be to provide proper sanitation facilities in homes. The President expressed concern that for lack of proper sanitation in schools, girls had to sometimes even quit their studies.
Recalling that the Centre had launched the ''total sanitation mission'' way back in 1999, she exhorted the people to realise the vision of Mahatma Gandhi who had asserted that ''cleanliness was even more important than freedom.'' She appealed to the women and children to play a yeoman role in implementing the ''total cleanliness campaign'' in their areas of influence.
Addressing the function, union rural development minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said that the Centre has allotted Rs 14,000 crore for implementation of the total sanitation programme in the country.
Assam Governor SC Mathur spoke about the objective of the Nirmal Gram award.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who was also present in the function, announced to give top priority to total sanitation and safe drinking water.
The programme was also attended by union minister of state for rural development Chandrasekhar Sahu, Assam revenue minister Dr Bhuumidhar Barman and Public Health Engineering minister Rihan Daimari among others. The Union Rural Development Ministry had introduced the Nirmal Gram Puraskar scheme in 2003 as an initiative for the Panchayati Raj Institutions. Last year about 5,000 villages were awarded and this year the number had increased to over 11,140. However, the programme has not attained much success in the Assam as only 14 villages of the state managed to win the award this year.
Centre to rebuild flood-ravaged houses in Assam
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
20 Oct
The houses damaged in this year's flood will be reconstructed by the Centre. This was announced by union rural development minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh in Guwahati on Monday.
In a press conference held in Guwahati on Monday, union rural development minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said that all projects under the Bharat Nirman will be completed by 2010. He also promised to allot funds for the developmental projects in 90-10 pattern in stead of the previous 75-25 pattern. He also said that the Northeast has made remarkable progress in rural development.
The minister also told NE TV that the Centre would rebuilt all the houses damaged in the recent flood in Assam. He also informed that his ministry has already released a fund of Rs 6,000 crore for the development of Assam.
He also cautioned against the misuse of machineries of the NREGA scheme. According to the minister, altogether 9 lakh families of 27 districts of Assam have been provided job cards. Besides, 4 lakh bank accounts have also been opened so far in the state.
Security tightened ahead of President's visit to Tezpur
NE TV Correspondent, Tezpur
20 Oct
Security has been tightened in and around Tezpur and adjoining areas in Sonitpur district in view of the president's visit to Tezpur to lay the foundation stone of the fifth Medical college of Assam. Police said they are keeping strict vigil over the venues where the president will be visiting. Besides, the foundation stone laying ceremony, Patil will address a gathering at Tezpur and attend function of the 4 corps of the army.
Meghalaya all set to welcome President Patil
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
20 Oct
Just ahead of the maiden visit of the country's first citizen to Meghalaya governor RS Mooshahary has termed her visit as very important for the state and all the people are geared up to welcome her when she lands in Shillong and Tura.
The sleepy town of Tura is all set to welcome President of India Pratibha Patil in Tura, the district headquarter of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya. All elaborate preparation is being made to welcome the president for the historic visit. She will be inaugurating the long pending Baljek airport on October 23 and is schedule to address a public gathering at MP stadium Tura. Her excellence will also be meeting senior citizens, NGOs leader and public.
Former Meghalaya CM EK Mawlong laid to rest at Mawprem
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
20 Oct
Former Meghalaya Chief Minister EK Mawlong was finally laid to rest today, to days after his body was kept out of public view as per Khasi tradition. Mawlong was buried as per Catholic Church rituals at the Shillong Cemetery.
Prominent leaders of Meghalaya, different churches, and a large gathering of people took part at the funeral service of the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya EK Mawlong, as he began his last journey from this earth. The funeral service was performed as per Catholic Church rules. A large gathering of clergy and church members were present for the funeral services. Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy, Former Chief Minister Dr. DD Lapang, leaders of the UDP, a party which Mawlong had co-founded, his family members and a large gathering of people of all walks of life from his Umroi constituency and from other parts of the state as well took part in the funeral. Wrapped with the UDP flag, Mawlong was laid to rest at the Mawprem Cemetery. The Meghalaya government accorded him a state funeral and also announced a daylong state mourning on Monday. The Tricolour also flew at half-mast in all government establishments. In his condolence message Donkupar Roy recalled Mawlong's tenure as Chief Minister in 2000-01 and his active service to the state and people. He termed the demise as a great loss for the people. Condoling the death leader of the Opposition DD Lapang said the state had lost a noble son who was loved and respected by the people.
George Lyngdoh the eldest son of EK Mawlong was also present at the funeral. He recalled the days with his father and a determined politician who dedicated himself for his state.
Former Meghalaya chief minister and sitting UDP legislator E.K. Mawlong died on 18th October at Shillong Civil Hospital at the age of 62. He is survived by four sons and two daughters. Mawlong was not keeping well ever since he won the Assembly elections in February on a UDP ticket from Umroi constituency in Ri Bhoi district, defeating Congress candidate Stanlywiss Rymbai. Mawlong started his career as a schoolteacher in 1968 and taught till June 1971. He later worked in the Accountant General's office. As chief minister, Mawlong could complete only a short tenure in office — from March 2000 to December 2001. As the Speaker of the Assembly from 1983 till 1988 and again from 1998 to 2000, Mawlong was known for strictly maintaining the dignity and decorum of the House. In 1972, he was elected to the Khasi Hills District Council as an Independent. Three years later, Mawlong joined the Congress and became president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress and also served as an Indian Youth Congress member. Before Mawlong joined the UDP, he strengthened the Hill State Peoples' Democratic Party (HSPDP) as its president. He was elected president of the UDP in 1997 and continued as its head till 2001. Prior to his death, Mawlong served as the chairman of the State Development Reforms Commission with the status of the chief minister.
Dasmunsi shifted to Apollo hospital from AIIMS
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, who was admitted to AIIMS following a severe heart attack, was on Monday shifted to corporate Apollo hospital for further treatment of his neurological condition. He was shifted at 10.30 am on Monday. His family wanted to shift him for further treatment of his neurological condition. The condition of 62-year-old Dasmunsi, who has been under treatment at AIIMS for the past eight days, continues to remain the same. American neurologist Den Henley, who is here to examine Dasmunsi, had earlier an informal discussion about the minister's health with the multi-discipline team of doctors treating him. The 62-year old minister was admitted to AIIMS following complete left ventricular failure on October 13.
Countdown for Chandrayaan-1 begins
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch Chandrayaan-1, the country's first unmanned moon mission, with the beginning of 49-hour countdown on early Monday.
The countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-1, which began at 5.22 am on Monday is progressing smoothly. The unmanned spacecraft using India's tried and tested rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle would be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota. All operations were progressing satisfactorily for the launch of the spacecraft. The 49-hour countdown has number of activities including the major propellant filling of PS-2 and PS-4. Earlier the countdown was set to 52 hours. But since all the formal activities for the launch was finished three hours earlier from the original schedule, the countdown time was set at exactly 5.22 am. The officials are optimistic that weather will not interrupt the launch of Chandrayaan-I. According to the statistics given by the SDSC officials, Chandrayaan-I spacecraft carrying 11 payloads weighs about 1,380 kg at the time of its launch and was shaped like a cuboid with a solar panel projecting from one of its sides.
India 5 wickets away from a memorable win
NE TV Bureau
20 Oct
India piled up a run mountain and then Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma knocked the daylight out of Australia's riposte to put the host five wickets away from a memorable win in the second cricket Test in Mohali on Monday.
Chasing 516 for an improbable win, Australia got off to a rousing start before Harbhajan mowed down the top order with his triple strikes and Ishant had them in complete disarray, dealing a double jolt on the penultimate day. Their top order blown away, Australia were gasping for breath at 141 for five wickets when stumps were drawn. Michael Clarke (42) and Brad Haddin (37) would return tomorrow, hoping to delay the inevitable. With a 201-first innings lead behind them, India declared their second essay at 314 for three with Gautam Gambhir (104), Virender Sehwag (90), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (68 not out) scoring bulk of the runs at a brisk pace. In reply, Matthew Hayden (29) and Simon Katich (20) counter-attacked, scoring at seven-an-over before Harbhajan ran amock. Hayden fell to the second delivery of Harbhajan and the off-spinner then removed Katich with his last delivery of the over. In his next over-- on the other side of the tea break -- Harbhajan trapped in-form Michael Hussey (1) for is 299th Test victim. Ishant responded in style, castling his bunny Ricky Ponting (2) and then removing Shane Watson (2), Australia's topscorer in the first innings. Clarke and Haddin stemmed the rot with an unfinished 83-run stand but that may not prove enough in the end. Earlier, with Brett Lee out of action in the morning session, Delhi duo Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir knocked the sting out of the attack with their strong-arm nonchalance. Dhoni promoting himself at number three was a statement of intent and Sourav Ganguly also stepped on gas. Dhoni pulled and pumelled his way to his second fifty of the match, taking up the gauntlet whenever Lee offered a bouncer. The Indian captain remained unbeaten on 68 off 84 balls with the help of three boundaries and a six.
Political parties slam attacks on north Indians
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Political parties of various hues today strongly attacked the Maharashtra government over its "failure" to curb violence against north Indians in the state by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena cadres. RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh slammed the Congress-led Maharashtra government while CPI(M) Polit bureau member Brinda Karat and BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain condemned both the Central and state governments for the attacks on north Indians. Prasad, while strongly condemning attacks on north Indians in Maharashtra termed the incident as the failure of the state government. Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh also joined the Opposition parties in criticising the attacks.
10 mn tonnes of soil lost to unplanned mining, cultivation, says Meghalaya Governor
Uranium mining a win-win situation for Meghalaya, claims Mushahary as he allays fears of radiation
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
20 Oct
Sooner or later, Meghalaya will start what has been a much debated issue in the state… uranium mining. The worst fears expressed by people of Meghalaya have been what happens to them after the radiation. Meghalaya has lost much of its top soils to the unscientific mining and jhum cultivation being practiced in the last many decades and the governor of the state says worst will happen in the next 20 years if the practice continues. RS Mooshahary however allayed people's fears of the impact of radiation from Uranium mining.
Meghalaya governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary on Monday cautioned that Meghalaya has already lost over 10 tonnes of soil to various forms of unscientific mining and particularly the jhum cultivation being practiced over the years. The state is poised to lose more of its top soils in the next 20 years if the trend continues. Speaking at a book release function in Shillong, the Governor has called for scientific approaches to any practice, be it mining or agriculture, that might have a bearing on the future of the state and its people.
On the much debated issue of Uranium mining which has suddenly shot to prominence and necessity especially after the Indo US Nuclear agreement, the governor allayed fears of the people on the likely impact the radiation from the mining could have on the people. Mushahary strongly favored scientific uranium mining in Meghalaya which accounts for more than 16 % of the country's uranium deposit. Citing empirical evidences from the other mining sites, the governor emphatically said there was no evidence of any harmful radiation and consequences on account of uranium mining. He also informed about the Centre's measures to ensure that mishaps do not occur.
Calling upon the government to convince the local people who are the primary stakeholders, on the development, the uranium mining will trigger, the governor said the mining is going to be win-win situation for the state.
He also dispelled apprehensions that mining will lead to influx of outsiders citing the Umiam power project which has become the base of the state's development amid strong protest in the initial years of its implementation.
Sensex loses shine late afternoon
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Indian equity markets opened strong on Monday taking cues from the positive opening in other Asian bourses. The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark, the Sensex, regained the 10k mark in early trade and continued to stay in the green through the afternoon. At 2:00 pm, the Sensex was trading at 10,184.44 levels, up nearly 210 points. However, that was far lower than the highs earlier in the day, when the Sensex had jumped over 470 points. Similarly, the broadbased National Stock Exchange's Nifty was up nearly 1.43 percent by 2:00 pm, hovering at 3118.30 levels.
NE Challenge Cup Hockey tourney from tomorrow
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
20 Oct
All states of the northeast except Sikkim and Mizoram are participating in the Northeast Challenge Hockey Tournament, which gets underway tomorrow at Bhetapara Hockey stadium in Guwahati. Manipur will meet Nagaland in the opening match while last year's Champions Assam will take on Tripura in the second match of the opening day. Olympian Thoiba Singh of Manipur will inaugurate the tournament in the presence of NE Hockey Association President GM Srivastava and other dignitaries from host state Assam. The finals will be held on 25th October.
Pakistan violated ceasefire pact 58 times since 2003: Govt
NE TV Correspondent, New Delhi
20 Oct
Pakistan had violated the five-year-old pact on ceasefire 58 times since the ceasefire agreement came into effect from November 2003, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday. Replying to a question in Parliament, Defence Minister A K Antony said since January 2008, Indian positions on the Line of Control have been fired upon 34 times, while the total ceasefire violation by Pakistan has occurred on 58 counts. On measures taken up by the government to prevent recurrence of such incidents, Antony said, protests are registered through the established mechanisms of hotline, flag meetings as well as weekly talks between the Director General of Military Operations.
Tripura sounds bird flu alert along Indo-Bangla border
NE TV Correspondent, Agartala
20 Oct
An alert has been sounded along the porous Indo-Bangla international border in Tripura following reports of bird flu in the neighbouring country, said a news agency quoting Tripura govt officials.
Sylhet, Srimanagal and Habigunj districts of Bangladesh, bordering Khowai subdivision of West Tripura district and Kamalpur subdivision of Dhalai district, have recently been affected by avian influenza. Border Security Force (BSF) was keeping a close vigil along the 856 km-long border to prevent the entry of chicken and poultry in the border markets. The state government also alerted all the district administrations and was organising workshops with the employees on disease control.
Tension grips Dimapur after trader's death
NE TV Correspondent, Dimapur
20 Oct
Tension grips Dimapur town following the killing of a local cable operator by some miscreants. A businessman, who was abducted 4 days ago by armed miscreants, was found dead on Sunday morning. Prasenjit Dhar was abducted from his residence in Lhomthi Colony, Dimapur on October 16 by some miscreants. After three days, his dead body was recovered from Bor Lengri, Karbi Anglong with his throat slit. Dimapur Police, which is investigating the case, has not been able to establish any facts. According to sources this is the fourth incident in Lhumthi colony where businessmen have become the target of armed miscreants. Meanwhile, the traders' community of Dimapur have downed their shutters on Monday in protest against the continuous attack on the non-local traders. They also held a meeting with the district administration officials seeking security.
Source: the netvindia.com
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