North East News

PM, Sonia Gandhi visit blast sites
PM announces Rs 4 lakh for blast victims
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Guwahati on Saturday to review the situation following serial blasts that left 81 people dead and over 400 injured. Talking to media persons after visiting the blast sites, Manmohan Singh extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the blast victims. The Prime Minister also refuted opposition charge that the UPA is soft on terror. He gave assurance that strict action would be taken against those found guilty. Besides, the Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratial of Rs 4 lakhto the families of those killed in the blast and Rs 1 lakh to those injured.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi airbed in Guwahati on Saturday to review the situation after the serial blasts that rocked parts of lower Assam. They visited the blasts victims at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital and interacted with them. After the visit, the Prime Minister announced not to spare the perpetrators of the ghastly blasts.
After arriving at the Lokopriyo Gopinath International Airport where they were received by Governor SC Mathur and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi they drove to the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital to meet the injured in the serial blasts. There was tight security around the hospital with mediapersons not allowed to enter. They spent about 20 monutes in the hospital and interacted with the injured persons.

The leaders also visited the blast site near the Deputy Commissioner's office where 12 people were killed. Tight security arrangement was made in all the venues for the visit of the two leaders. Accompanied by union home minister Shibraj Patil, union heavy industries minister Santosh Mohan Dev, Assam Governor SC Mathur and chief minister Tarun Gogoi, both the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi made an on spot bisit to the CJM court blast spot. The two leaders went straight to the airport from the GMCH. Before flying to Delhi, they held a high level meeting with the cabinet minister of assam in the presence of the top police and army officials. The Prime Minister, before his departure, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to those killed in the blasts and Rs 1 lakh to those injured. source: netvindia.com

Shivraj Patil tours blast-hit areas of Barpeta Road
NE TV Correspondent, Barpeta
1 Nov
After touring Guwahati and Kokrajhar, Union home minister Shivraj Patil on Saturday arrived in Barpeta Road to inspect the blast sites and meet the blast victims. As scheduled, the home minister went directly to the blast sites under tight security and later went to Barpeta Civil Hospital to meet the blast victims and take stock of their conditions. Refusing to comment on who could be behind the blasts, he instead appealed for all sections to remain united.
Union Home minister Shivraj Patil arrived in Barpeta Road on Saturday and inspected both the Choudhury complex and Pykari Bazar blast sites. Later he left for Barpeta where he met the blast victims admitted in Barpeta Civil Hospital. Later talking to mediapersons, Patil refused to comment on who could be behind the blasts and instead appealed to all sections to stand united.
Meanwhile, Barpeta town was put under unprecedented security in view of the home minister's visit causing great inconvenience to general public. Even media persons were not spared and had to face difficulties while going about their work. Patients being rushed to hospitals faced great problems as they were left stranded on the roads for hours because of restriction on traffic on the routes the home minister was scheduled to take. source: netvindia.com

Assam Bandh paralyses normal life
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
Life was again thrown out of gear in Assam on Saturday, three days after the deadly blasts left over 70 dead and many struggling for life in the hospitals. Despite the appeals to the people of the state by various student bodies not to resort to bandhs immediately after the blasts, the saffron brigade took out protests in various parts of the state to enforce the bandh. The state witnessed total shutdown with reports of untoward incidents coming from different pockets during the bandh hours.

Assam refused to get out of the trauma of the ghastly blasts that caused several deaths and injuries of innocent civilians and went into mourning the second day. For the third consecutive day, the state remained shut throwing life out of the gear. On Thursday day and Friday however, due to the curfew imposed, people stayed indoors, with some violent protests witnessed in Ganeshguri and other areas. On Saturday however, in view of the BJP and VHP called 12 hour Assam bandh, the entire state witnessed a total shut down. During the bandh period starting 5 in the morning on Saturday, protesters torched vehicles, blocked railway tracks and roads and burnt effigies to protest against the serial blasts. All markets, shops, offices as well as educational and financial institutions remained closed with public and private vehicles remaining off the roads owning to the strike that coincided with the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Guwahati. Though the state secretariat and the district deputy commissioner offices were open, attendance was thin with most employees were unable to reach their work places. Hundreds of protesters were rounded up for attempting to block railway tracks, national highways and roads. Picketeers in Golaghat district attempted to stop trains, but were dispersed. Effigies were burnt at many places. There were also reports of vehicles being smashed and set ablaze in Guwahati. The BJP took out a protest march from its state unit office headquarters in Guwahati. In most places in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys and the two hill districts, people chose to remain indoors. The shutdown was called separately by the BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal to protest the 13 serial blasts in the state on Thursday that killed 77 persons and injured over 400. Meanwhile, the influential All Assam Students' Union has also called Assam bandh on Monday to protest the blasts. source: netvindia.com

SMS could be ploy to divert police attention, says Assam Police
Ammonium nitrate, RDX used in serial blasts
SIT set up to probe blasts
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
In a significant development, the Assam Police today said that the SMS on behalf of little-known ISF-IM, owning the serial blast could be a strategy to divert the attention of the security agencies. The police meanwhile have confirmed the use of ammonium nitrate and RDX in all the blasts. Besides, they have also confirmed that Maruti 800 cars were used in all the three blasts in Guwahati on Thursday. Meanwhile, the DGP has formed a special investigating team to probe the blasts.

Assam Police Inspector General of law and order Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta has said that the SMS sent to some people in the name of ISF-IM on Friday, owning the responsibility of Thursday's serial blasts could be a strategy of the perpetrators of the crime to diver the attention of the security agencies. Mahanta also disclosed that the person who had sent the SMS has been arrested and interrogation is on. He also said that the mobile was active till 5.35 on Friday after which it was switched off. The IGP also told the media that the police have very little information about the ISF.

Mahanta, while talking to reporters at his office on Saturday, said that they have identified the owner of the car used in the CJM court blast. Frikendra Saikia, the owner of the car bearing registration number AS01M0327 has been arrested by the Nagaon Police. However, during interrogation, Saikia told the police that he had sold the car to the Pallavi Motors of Guwahati in 2006 for Rs. 92,000. Meanwhile, one advocate Pradip Konwar has come forward to help the police in preparing the sketches of two suspects of the CJM court blast.

Forensic tests further confirmed the use of Maruti 800 cars in the other two blasts at Ganeshguri and Panbazar. But the police have not been to identify the owners of these cars.
Besides, the owner of the red Bajaj Pulsar bike used in the Bongaigaon blast has also been identified and has been detained. However, according to the owner of the bike, his bike was stolen on October 22 and an FIR with the Dispur police station was also lodged in this regard.
On being asked if the blasts in Assam were similar to those occurred in some other parts of the country, Mahanta informed that forensic tests revealed use of ammonium nitrate, RDX and plasticizer in all the blasts. A switch used for triggering PTD was also found from the Ganeshguri blast site. It is to be noted that in all the recent blasts across the nation, ammonium nitrate was used. In order to speed up the probe process, the DGP has constituted a special investigative team headed by Special Task Force Inspector General R Chandranathan. source: netvindia.com

Police Commissioner for Guwahati on anvil
Govt announces cash reward for blast information
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
The Assam cabinet, in an important meeting held just ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, decided to create a Police Commissioner's post for Guwahati. The meeting, held to review the security scenario of the state, took this decision after three high intensity blasts rocked the capital city on Thursday killing 77 people and injuring over 400. At the same time it was decided to reward persons who furnish any kind of information about the blasts and also those people and policemen whose cooperation prevented similar blasts in Bongaigaon, Rangia and Nalbari. The meeting began with the observation of 1 minute silence in memory of the blasts victims and expression of condolence followed by an appeal to all to extend a helping hand to police and administration at this time of grief. source: netvindia.com

Ammonium nitrate, RDX used in serial blasts
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
Terrorism has taken a major leap forward in Assam and terrorists have now started adopting ultra modern, ultra powerful methods to spread terror in the state. This is the view of forensic expert Dr Padmapani who on Saturday said that the Thursday serial blasts in Assam was executed successfully by some financially-strong organisation with the help of some local militant outfit. Forensic tests on blasts sites have revealed that RDX, Ammonium nitrate were used in the bombs and they were exploded with the PTD method. NETV has this special report.

The serial blasts in Assam on Thursday have proved that terrorists are using new terror methods in the state. The blasts marked a shift in terror tactics as powerful explosives were used to make the bombs with the intention to cause maximum casualty. Forensic expert Dr Padmani said on Saturday that Thursday's blasts were the handiwork of some financially strong organisation in collaboration with some local militant outfit.

According to Dr Padmapani, powerful explosives like RDX and Ammonium Nitrate were used in the bombs and the blasts bore similarities with the recent blasts in other parts of the country.
Dr Padmapani also said that through Thursday's blasts the terrorists have send out a powerful message that they can go to any extent.

Dr Padmapani has taken his doctorate in explosives and has received worldwide recognition and honours for his research and work in the field of forensic science. He also criticised the attack on an ambulance by a mob in one of the blast sites. source: netvindia.com

Blast probe leads to several arrests in Nagaon
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
Call it a strange coincidence or providence but it is a fact that Assam's Nagaon dist's name has been linked with subversive activities by Muslim fundamentalists in India. 2002 Godhra carnage's main culprit Nanhe Miyan is a resident of Kalibhati under Samuguri PS of Nagaon dist. Similarly, two youths from Nagaon dist were arrested by police for involvement in Hyderabad blasts. Last Thursday's serial bomb blasts in Assam have once again thrown up Nagaon dist's name. Nagaon police has so far arrested 3 youths in connection with the serial blasts. The question that arises from these arrests is: Is Nagaon dist the stronghold of jihadi elements? Is this the place from where the Jihadi elements have been carrying out subversive activities in different parts of the country? NE TV presents a special report…

Assam police launched a massive operation to nab the culprits behind the Thursday serial blasts in the state. Acting promptly, Nagaon police on Friday evening arrested 3 youths from Juria and Lanka for blasts links. The number AS-12D-8335 of the Maruti 800 car used in the Panbazar blast has actually turned out to be the no of a motorcycle. Police traced the owner to Nagaon dist's Tuktuki village under Juria PS. His name is Julfikar Ali. Julfikar had bought the motorcycle from 2 youths of Juria by the name of Arif Mohammed Mizammil and Muzammil Haq. Nagaon police has meanwhile arrested Mohammed Mizammil but Muzammil Haq is absconding. With information from Julfikar Ali, dist police arrested on Friday night Amrul Haq from Lanka and recovered the motorcycle bearing the no AS-12D-8335. Although Amrul had bought the motorcycle from Julfikar, the bike has not been registered in his name as he has not cleared the payment.

Similarly, the owner of the Maruti 800 car used in the CJM court blast with the no AS-01M-0327 has been found out to be Frikendra Saikia and his wife has been picked up by police from Nagaon dist's Moithup Putoni village. Meanwhile, the mobile no from which an SMS was sent in ISF(IM)'s name owning responsibility for the blasts has been traced to Nazir Ahmed and he has been arrested from Nagaon's dist's Dhing. So far police has arrested altogether 6 persons from Nagaon dist alone for serial blasts links. Godhra carnage's main culprit Nanhe Miyan and 2 suspects of Hyderabad serial blasts had turned out to be residents of Nagaon dist. Now the question arises: why does Nagaon's dist's name come up again and again after acts of subversion by Muslim fundamentalists? What connection does Nagaon have with Jihadi forces? According to Union home ministry reports, the organisation MULTA or Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam is active in Assam. Formed under the aegis of Bangladesh-based Jamat e Islami, the founder of MULTA was a former Pakistan army man named Rustam Ali. The 3 control cells of MULTA are based in Assam's Dhubri, Barpeta and Nagaon dists while the headquarter is in Bangladesh's Sylhet dist. Formed with the intention of annexing Assam to a planned greater Islamistan, MULTA's majority of members come from Nagaon dist. The organisation's network is spread over Nagaon dist's Rupahihat, Dhing and Samuguri, char areas and even Lumding. Several of its cadres have been picked up by police already. In 2000, army had picked up an active member of MULTA named Nur Ali from Lumding. In 2003, a sergeant major of the organisation was arrested. Subsequently, on 6 April of 2004, MULTA cadre Abdul Khalek from Khalihamari, on 5 Sept Syed Shabir Ahmed for maintaining links with MULTA and on 7 Sept from Lanka Mohammed Abdul Laskar with a 9 mm pistol were arrested by police. Similarly, on 5 Feb of 2005, 2 MULTA men were arrested from Nakhuli gaon in Nagaon dist and 1 pistol, 1 revolver, 1 sten gun and 1 rifle were recovered from their possession. Very recently, on 17 June this year, 4 MULTA cadres were picked up by army from Rupahihat. Authorities suspect that MULTA is behind all the 6 blasts that took place in Nagaon dist in the last 2 years. And, now, the arrest of 6 persons from the same dist for involvement in Thursday's serial blasts has rung alarm bells in the state police dept and intelligence agencies. The signs are ominous and the frequent involvement of youths from Nagaon dist in subversive activities hints at a dangerous trend. source: netvindia.com

Asom Sahitya Sabha condemns Assam blasts
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
The Asom Sahitya Sabha, the apex literary body of Assam has strongly condemned the serial blasts in Assam. The Sabha president Kanaksen Deka said that a little bit alertness of the government could have averted the tragedy. He also said that the divisive forces will never succeed in their efforts to create communal tension in Assam. source: netvindia.com

Meghalaya could be next target of jehadis, warns intelligence reports
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
At the backdrop of the recent serial blasts in Assam and with intelligence reports warning Meghalaya to be the next target of Jehadi elements, GOC 101 area KS Sethi has stressed on the need to break the nexus between the home grown militants and the foreign Jehadi elements. Adding that there was no security lapse in Assam, he said that Meghalaya police have taken necessary actions to avert any such attempts and the BSF was also vigilant in the border areas. Sethi has also called for strengthening the various security agencies of Meghalaya. Sethi claimed that the home grown terrorist organizations active in the region were aiding Jehadi elements with logistics and to break the backbone of destructive forces, the nexus between them has to be broken. source: netvindia.com

PA Sangma calls for strengthening state intelligence
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
1 Nov
Former speaker of the Lok Sabha and chairman of the Meghalaya state planning board PA Sangma has called upon the northeastern states to strengthen their intelligence in view of the deadly terrorist attract in Assam on Thursday. PA Sangma has appealed all the northeastern states to strengthen their intelligence agencies in view of the serial bombing that ripped through Assam. He offered condolence to the bereaved family members. He termed the Thursday blast as the bleakest day in the history of the north east region and condemned the ghastly blast that killed more than 70 lives. On being asked on the preparedness of Meghalaya on any such eventuality he said that the intelligence and the police have been put on high alert. source: netvindia.com

NCP gen secy tours Guwahati blast sites
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
NCP gen secy Dr Jimmy George on Saturday toured the Guwahati blasts sites and met family members of the blast victims. Later, he said that the state govt has completely failed to check terrorism in Assam and called for the sealing of Indo-Bangla border to prevent infiltration.
On Saturday, NCP gen secy Jimmy George along with a team of state BJP leaders visited the blast sites and met family members of blast victims. The NCP gen secy later said that the Indo-Bangla border should be sealed to check infiltration.

The NCP gen secy also met the family members of blasts victims in Guwahati. He later condemned the dastardly acts and said that the blasts go to show the failure of the state govt to check terrorist activities.
The NCP leader will submit a report of the blasts to party president Sharad Pawar. source: netvindia.com

Kamrup Chambers of Commerce opposes govt's move on parking
NE TV Correspondent, Guwahati
1 Nov
The latest blast on Thursday that ripped through the main commercial area at Fancy Bazaar has shaken the business community. Having to face the perpetrators of crimes number of times, the business community has been demanding a change in the parking system in Fancy Bazar. But now a car parked in the area, where the bomb was planted, has made their argument for a proper parking space even stronger. After the gravity of the situation arising out of the Thursday blast at Ganeshguri, the government has effected a quick change …prohibiting parking under the flyover. The Kamrup Chambers of Commerce has however opposed this move and said that this will have adverse impact on the traders. source: netvindia.com

Annual Autumn Festival begins in Shillong
NE TV Correspondent, Shillong
1 Nov
Meghalaya tourism development forum (MTDF) sponsored autumn festival began on Saturday in Shillong. However, the recent serial blasts in Assam have cast a shadow over the festival as organizers now fear that it would hamper tourist inflow to the annual event.

With intelligence inputs warning Meghalaya as the next possible target of Jehadi elements, organizers of the annual autumn festival believe that the terror strike in Assam will hamper the inflow of tourist to the Festival which will continue till Nov 9. However lined up for the festival is a variety of programmes, which the organisers say will spread a positive message about the state.

Lyngdoh also informed that the 10 day extravaganza is set to be an exciting event with added attractions like ethnic cuisine, rural mart, the biggest Jelabi in the biggest pan, fly fast by the air force, angling competition and art shows…and of course stalls selling local liquor.

After successfully breaking two world records in the last two editions of the Autumn Festival, the MTDF is aiming to make this year's Festival a people's festival. This year the main focus is to make people participate in large numbers in the annual event. The Festival kick-starts on Nov 1 with the Carnival that includes a street parade consisting of over 15 tableaux accompanied by over 200 traditional dancers from across the state, pipe bands and traditional musicians. With terror striking in nearby Guwahati, now it has become a tough job for the MTDF to woo tourists from Assam and other parts of the north east to the festival. source: netvindia.com

Northeast militant groups undergo major ideological shift
NE TV Correspondent, Imphal
1 Nov
Militancy is taking an ugly turn in the North East region of India with escalating acts of terror and violence. What is alarming is that militants are now increasingly taking to terror acts that target innocent civilians. However, one positive development is that people are now beginning to come out openly against these acts of mindless violence.

The bomb blast that took place at Ragailong at Imphal on October 22 which killed 17 and maimed 24, the burning of a bus near Dimapur with passengers inside three days later, and to top it all, the serial blasts in Assam last Thursday prove that the acts targeted innocent civilians' lives. This shows that the militant outfits in the northeast have undergone a major ideological shift of late. The failure of the state machinery to stop the increasing violence coupled with the shift in revolutionary ideology have left people with no other alternative but to come out openly against terrorism and militancy. source: netvindia.com

Ningol Chakouba celebrated in Manipur
NE TV Correspondent, Imphal
1 Nov
Friday was Ningol Chakouba day in Manipur, a day when people of the state celebrate family bonds. On this day mothers, daughters and sisters of a family are for once treated by the fathers, sons and brothers to a grand feast.

Ningol Chakouba is probably one of the most important family events that every home in Manipur celebrates. The streets of Imphal were crowded with women and children decked up in ornaments and traditional attire, rushing to their parental homes for a grand feast. Every household's recipe for this day is a mouthwatering one with fish being a must menu. What stands festival apart from other Manipuri festivals however is the display of love and sharing among family members on this day.

Ningol Chakouba falls on every second day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei, generally corresponding to the English months of October-November. It is a day of pride for the women and probably the only day in a year when womanhood is celebrated with much pomp and show, much to their delight. Interestingly, for 14 years now, the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Culture Organization has been inviting all the communities residing in Manipur for a common dining on this day.
Apart from the grand feasts, married women are also showered with gifts and blessings on this day. Ningol Chakkouba is a festival close to the heart of all Manipuris because it is a day which celebrates human bonds and helps in building relationships.

source: netvindia.com

North East News

No headway in probe

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday talked tough and warned terrorists against trying to destabilise the country, even as the investigators are still groping in the dark over Thursday's serial blasts in Assam.

Ruling out any compromise in the fight against terror, Dr Singh indicated he would take up with Bangladesh the possible involvement of militant outfit HuJI based in that country in Thursday's serial blasts in Assam.

"If other governments are involved we will take up the matter with them," the Prime Minister said without naming Bangladesh.

"Whosoever is responsible for these dastardly act... we will take effective measures," he told reporters at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital after visiting the injured here accompanied by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, rejecting the charge levelled by BJP that his government was soft on terror, the Prime Minister said "we are not going soft on terror. There can be no compromise with terror."

Asked about the identity of those involved in the blast, he said "we will look into the clues available and it will not be proper on my part to come to any conclusion."

"Proper investigations are on to find out the culprit," Dr Singh said.

But the investigation agencies of both Centre and State were yet to make much headway on Thursday's blasts in lower Assam except some general statement that the attacks might be a joint operation of HujI and ULFA.

What had been confirmed by the state police that all the bombs of Guwahati and Barepeta Road were kept in cars.

Assam Police IGP (Law and order) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta told newsmen that the investigating team had tracked original owners of some of the vehicles, used in the blasts.

''It has been found out that in each of the cases either the vehicles were sold off long time back or stolen. But as a precautionary measure we have picked up some of the owners,'' he said adding that so far four persons had been arrested.

The arrival of SMS to a local television channel had further made the scenario complex as it was apparent that a highly sophisticated communication network was being resorted to by using the phone numbers of some genuine customers to divert the investigation. '' After we got the news of the SMS, we swung into action and caught the original owner of the number of Nazeer Ali. It seemed that his SIM was copied and used by someone else simultaneously, '' Mr Mahanta said.

'' This could be diversionary tactics or may be a genuine one. we are not leaving any stone unturned to come to a conclusion, '' said Mr Mahanta adding special investigation team for the bomb blast would be led by IGP Chanranathan.

The terrorists had used three separate Maruti cars, which were recently bought from the second hand car market.

Later addressing a high-level meeting attended by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his Cabinet colleagues and top army, police and civil officials, Dr Singh assured all help to the state government in tackling terror.

He reviewed the law and order situation at the meeting held at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi airport and said the Centre would support the state government in "this hour of crisis" and expressed his government's firm resolve to fight terror and ensure security to the people of Assam.

Dr Singh and Gandhi, accompanied by Union Minister of Heavy Industries Santosh Mohan Dev, who arrived here amidst a statewide bandh called by several organisations, left for Delhi after the visit.

Streets of Guwahati were deserted at the time of visit of the two leaders because of a statewide bandh called by the BJP and the VHP. The bandh was total all over the state.

The lawyers of the Guwahati submitted a memorandum to the two leaders demanding fulfillment of various demands including full-proof security to the court complex.

DEATH TOLL UP: Meanwhile, the death toll in Thursday's serial blasts on Saturday rose to 81 with four more persons succumbing to their injuries here. While three died at Gauhati Medical College Hospital, another died at Basistha Army Hospital, official sources said, adding that the condition of 20 other injured was critical. ( With inputs from our correspondent & agencies)

Bodo leaders condemn reports on ISF-IM

Kokrajhar: Bodo leaders on Saturday condemned the reports of existence of little-known outfit Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahideen (ISF-IM) here and its involvement in the serial blasts, saying it is a "political conspiracy" to malign the Bodo people.

"There is a deep rooted political conspiracy to malign the Bodo people and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area by substantiating claims of the Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahideen to be behind the blasts in Assam," BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary said.

Denying the presence of such an organisation in BTC area and its formation in 2000 to fight the BLT and NDFB, Mohilary, a former leader of the disbanded insurgent outfit BLT, said, "the political conspiracy is to disturb peace and incite communal hatred in the BTC areas."

Mohilary, whose Bodoland Peoples Progressive Forum is a partner of the ruling Congress in the state, demanded clarification from the government that such an Islamic organisation was created against the Bodos.

"If it was created then, why did the authorities and police officials keep silent for so long? This proves a security and political nexus with this outfit," he alleged while speaking to reporters here.

Discounting media reports quoting official sources about the existence of ISF-IM, he said BLT was created for a separate statehood movement and "there was no element of fighting or targeting of any community for their removal".

BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoyari said the security system in the State would be responsible in case of any panic or exodus due to "this kind of sensation."

The ISF-IM on Friday in a SMS to a local private TV channel claimed responsibility for the serial blasts that killed 77 people on Thursday in Assam.

The hitherto little known outfit had in the SMS also warned of more bomb blasts in the state other parts of the country. "We thank all our holy members and partners," said the SMS, received in the mobile phone of the channel's input desk from a Reliance mobile number 98646-93690.

The mobile phone was subsequently switched off and security forces traced it to Moirabari in Nagaon district registered in the name of one Nazir Ahmed.

Three persons, including Nazir Ahmed, have been arrested in this connection, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta told reporters here.

Deal situation with highest national priority: AGP

The AGP on Saturday asked the Centre to deal with the situation arising out of the serial blasts in Assam with "highest national priority".

"The situation of the Northeastern region would become worst than that of Kashmir if the central government fails to realise the urgent need of dealing with a highest priority," AGP general secretary and MP Sarbananda Sonowal said here.

Accusing Congress of being casual on the country's security in the wake of serial blasts which claimed more than 70 lives, Sonowal appealed to all political parties to raise their voice against the ruling party in Assam.

"The Congress party has attempted to communalise the security concern of the country. Number of instances are available whereby it could be concluded that the party has been adopting a casual approach in dealing such anti-Indian forces," he said, adding "the intensity of their activities are growing with an alarming rate day by day posing a great threat to the national security".

BJP condemns blast

Our reporter adds: BJP's Meghalaya Minority Morcha has condemned the recent serial blasts in Assam in which 82 innocent people were killed and hundreds injured.

In a release issued by president, State Minority Morcha of the BJP Sharif Ahmed, the BJP put the blame on the UPA Government for its failure to check cross-border terrorism which is responsible for the blasts. The BJP also demanded immediate resignation of Tarun Gogoi for his complete failure to fulfil his duties towards the public.

Pranab to attend Buddha Mahotsav

Itanagar: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will attend the eight Buddha Mahtosava to be held at Tawang from November nine.

Mukherjee will be the chief guest at the inaugural function of the three-day festival. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Minister of State at PMO Prithviraj Chavan will also attend the programme, an official release said here on Saturday.

Work is going on in full swing to restore the vital road link from Balipara in Assam to Tawang, which was breached at several points following recent flash flood at Rupa, before the commencement of the festival.

Pawanhans has recently introduced daily chopper service between Guwahati and Tawang, the picturesque land of Monpas housing the second largest Buddhist Monastery in the world after the one in Lhasa in Tibet.

An alternative 450 km route from Rawta in Assam via Balemu-Kalaktang-Rupa-Bomdila is being made operational for light vehicles by today, the release added. (PTI)

Bomb hoax

Agartala: Panic gripped the autorickshaw union office at Akhaura Road here after an anonymous caller rang up and said that bombs were kept in the unclaimed bag lying in the office, which later proved to be a hoax, police sources said on Saturday. The anonymous caller rang up the union office last night and said bombs were kept in an unclaimed bag lying in the office. The office bearers immediately rang up the police, who rushed to the spot along with the bomb squad personnel, sources said. The bomb squad personnel after checking the bag found no bombs inside it, sources said adding some substances looking like bombs were kept inside it. (PTI)

Tripura to have reserve for jumbos soon

From Our Correspondent

Agartala: Tripura Board for Wildlife, in its first meeting, approved a number of plans for overall development of wildlife wealth in the State.

The meeting that was presided over Chief Minister Manik Sarkar here on Friday gave its nod to the plan for setting up of an elephant reserve at Atharamura hills in West Tripura district.

The District Magistrate has been asked to form a three-member team to study various aspects including rehabilitation of 800 indigenous families likely to be evacuated if the plan is implemented.

According to preliminary survey, around 800 families will be uprooted if the project is implemented.

The committee that would be led by District Magistrate, will have to submit its report within the next three months. "Final decision will be taken after studying the report of the three-member panel" an official of the Forest Department said.

Latest census indicates an increase in the number of elephants in the State. As on today, the number of elephants stands at 59.

Besides this, decisions for setting up conservation centre for mammals at Hatipara and critical wildlife habitats were also taken up in the meeting. Chief Wildlife Warden AK Gupta, who was present in the meeting, informed that the number of elephants has increased in the State. He also informed that work was underway to make Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary as a national park for clouded leopard.

Later, Chief Minister also unveiled a newsletter on State's wildlife.

Speaking at the meeting, he exhorted to make a film on State's wildlife life wealth.

Ultras abduct firm employee

Agartala: An employee of a private construction firm engaged in border construction work has been kidnapped by the insurgents of Borok National Council of Tripura from remote Durjoyroajapara tribal hamlet in Dhalai district, police said on Saturday. A group of ultras raided the tribal hamlet on Friday and kidnapped Manik Saha (28) at gunpoint when he was supervising border construction there. Saha was employed in a private construction firm, police said adding the ultras kidnapped him for ransom. (PTI)

Aizawl hotspot for Myanmar bike lifters

Aizawl: Aizawl that borders Myanmar has become a hotspot for its bike lifters as made-in-India bikes such as Bajaj Pulsar are in great demand in the neighbouring country. Aizawl police, who have recovered stolen Pulsar and Yamaha R15, which were being carried to Myanmar recently, said this was only a tip of the iceberg.

As complains of missing bikes keep pouring in the Aizawl police stations, a good number of bikes with Mizoram registration numbers were reportedly seen in Myanmar towns bordering Mizoram, police added. Three Myanmarese were, meanwhile, arrested along with an Indian driver who transported the stolen bikes recently.

Police intercepted the thieves near Seling town, about 40 kms from here when they were evidently heading for Myanmar. This was not for the first time that police have intercepted the stolen bikes being carried to Myanmar. (UNI)

Over 6 lakh youth jobless in Manipur

Imphal: More than 6.33 lakh unemployed educated youths have registered with employment exchanges in Manipur, official sources said on Saturday. Sources said altogether 6,33,451 educated youths including 1,73.645 females have registered at different employment exchanges in nine districts of Manipur till Semptember 2008. Sources said the total population of Manipur is about 23 lakh people.(PTI)

Manipur celebrates harvest festival

Imphal: The Kut festival, a post harvest festival of the Kuki Chin Mizo groups of Manipur was celebrated on Saturday with pomp and splendour.

Hundreds of people thronged the Manipur Rifles ground here to participate in the main function where cultural programmes of various Kuki Chin Mizo tribes were organised.

The day has been declared as a holiday by the State Government to celebrate the post harvesting festival.

Dignitaries like Governor Gurbhachan Jagat, Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, Cabinet ministers, MLAs and senior civil and police Officers participated in the progarmme to enjoy the colourful festival.

Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said the festival symbolizes gratitude, compassion and gaiety.

It also provides a platform to people cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion to make a sincere introspection of their own thoughts and values.

''Let the Kut 2008, spread the message of peace,harmony,brotherhood compassion and forgiveness and usher in peaceful co-existence in Manipur'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said, spirit of Kut is all about sharing and understanding harmonious co-existence co-operation and merriment.

'' The best way to celebrate festivals like Kut is to strive for building a harmonious society and work for strengthening the bond of amity'' he added. (UNI)

2 armed activists killed in encounter

Imphal: Two armed activists were killed in an encounter between Assam rifles personnels at Behing village in Manipur's Churachandpur district and bordering with Myanmar on Thursday last, according to delayed sources said here on Saturday.

Sources said that some armed activists attacked at the 9th Assam Rifles post at Behing village.Assam rifles jawans retaliated and exchange of fire continued for two hours. During the surch operation the next day two bullet riddled bodies were recovered by Assam rifles jawans from nearby hill and jungle areas.

The identity of the two deceased are yet to be known, sources added. (PTI)

North East Today

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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

Shillong News

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EK Mawlong passes away at 62

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Former Chief Minister and senior UDP leader Evansius Kek Mawlong passed away at his Lumsohphoh residence, Lower Mawprem here early Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 62. Mawlong was suffering from diabetes and other health complications. He leaves behind four sons and two daughters.

As soon as the news of Mawlong's death circulated, hundreds of people from all walks of life, including Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy, Opposition Leader DD Lapang, legislators, political leaders, UDP workers from Umroi constituency and leaders of the Catholic Church thronged the late leader's residence.

State holiday on Monday

The funeral will be held at Mawprem Catholic Church Cemetery on Monday afternoon. The State Government has declared the day as State holiday. All State Government departments and educational institutions would remain closed on Monday. National flags will be flown at half-mast in all government buildings. Only departments engaged in preparations for President Pratibha Patil's State visit would function during the day, official sources said.

Mawlong, one of the senior-most regional party leaders in the State, was highly regarded by his friends and foes in political circles. He took over as Chief Minister on March 8 2000, but the controversy over by the Kolkata Meghalaya House deal led to the fall of his 40-member MPF Government on December 7 2001 following resignation of seven of his Cabinet ministers and withdrawal of support by NCP.

The event took a heavy toll on Mawlong and his health, leading to his defeat at the hands of political greenhorn Stanley Wiss Rymbai of Congress from Umroi constituency in the 2003 Assembly elections. He, however, wrested back the seat in the March 2008 polls, three months after the Gauhati High Court cleared him of all acts of omissions and commissions in the Kolkata Meghalaya House scam.

Mawlong was first elected to the State Assembly from Umroi constituency in 1978 on HSPDP ticket and held on to the seat for five consecutive terms till 2003. He held the post of Chairman of State Development Reforms Commission till his death.

Mawlong was the son of Late S Thangkhiew and Late Y Mawlong. He was born at Mawmih village near Sohiong, East Khasi Hills on February 1 1946. He graduated from the Gauhati University in Science stream in 1969 and taught at St Dominic Savio High School, Mawkhar from 1968 to June 1971. He also worked in the Accountant General's office as Upper Division Clerk from June to December 1971.

His political career started in 1972 when he was elected member of Khasi Hills District Council as an Independent. In 1975, he joined Congress and became

president of Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC). He was also member of Indian Youth Congress (IYC).

Mawlong's dominance in State politics started in 1978 when he was elected to the State Assembly as an Independent from Umroi constituency. He was re-elected to the House in the 1983 polls on HSPDP ticket. His winning spree on HSPDP ticket continued in both 1988 and 1993 elections.

He served as HSPDP president from 1996 to 1997 and became UDP president on September 11 1997 when HSPDP, HPU and PDIC came together to form UDP. He held the post till May 9 2003. He was elected as UDP legislator from Umroi seat in the 1998 and 2008 elections.

Mawlong was State Assembly Speaker from March 10 1998 till March 7 2000. He was also a Cabinet Minister in the BB Lyngdoh ministry during 1990-91. He served as Chairman of State Development Reforms Commission from 2004 to 2007.

RBYF deadline to Govt over recruitment in MUDA

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Charging Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh with "neglecting" people of Ri-Bhoi district, Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) has given Mr Lyngdoh a ten-day deadline to implement its demands for 60 per cent job reservation for locals and cancellation of all "illegal appointments" at MUDA office, Byrnihat.

Announcing the deadline at a public meeting at the Moonlight Upper Primary School, Byrnihat on Saturday, RBYF president BB Makdoh asked Mr Lyngdoh to fulfill its demands with regard to appointment of staff at MUDA office, Byrnihat within the stipulated time and said the youth body would resort to agitation in the entire district of R-Bhoi if the minister did not pay heed to its pleas.

"If the State Government does not respond to our demands within the deadline, the Federation would have no option but to resort to further course of action (agitation)," Mr Makdoh said.

Accusing Mr Lyngdoh, also Chairman of MUDA, of failure to keep his promise to reserve 60 percent jobs for locals, the RBYF president asserted that the Federation and people of the district would not rest until the demands of the Federation were met by the government.

The RBYF leader alleged that most of the people employed at MUDA office,

Byrnihat were followers of the Urban Affairs Minister.

"The Federation is not opposing appointment of people from other districts in MUDA, but we feel that some jobs should be reserved for the area (Byrnihat/Ri-Bhoi) where there are enough qualified candidates," Rangbah Shnong of Umdap Rangi Cleophas Nongrum said at the meeting.

Several persons, while addressing the meeting, echoed the views of Mr Makdoh and Mr Nongrum.

They condemned alleged appointment of employees at MUDA office, Byrnihat without advertising the posts or conducting interviews.

Further, they demanded "suspension of all illegal appointments" and called for fresh advertisement for vacancies at MUDA office, Byrnihat.

Among those who spoke at the public meeting were RBYF's Byrnihat Circle president

S Sohtun, president of Seng Longkmie Byrnihat Proper C Nongrum, former RBYF finance secretary PM Namsaw, RBYF central body general secretary Hubert Ramshon and the Rangbah Shnong of villages.

Earlier in the day, RBYF conducted a cleaning drive along the National Highway 40 and villages from Umling to Khanapara. Altogether, 25 villages participated in the cleaning drive. Nongkylla Khasi, Byrnihat was adjudged as the cleanest area and given a cash reward of Rs 5000.

2 killed in bus mishap off Jowai

From Our Correspondent

JOWAI: Two persons including a nine-year-old boy were killed and several others injured when a mini bus (ML05C-3815) in which they were traveling in turned turtle at Tuber village near Jowai on Saturday.

The nine-year-old boy Roni Sumer died on the spot while his mother and two-year-old sister were critically injured in the mishap.

The vehicle was on its way from Jowai to Khliehriat.

Another person, who was yet to be identified, died in Jowai hospital.

The driver of the ill-fated bus is absconding.

Drowned: Two brothers of Panaliar, Jowai --- Wailad Pasweth (16) and Chan Pasweth (12) --- were drowned in Myntdu river at Mutong-khian on Saturday.

The duo had come to take a bath when the mishap took place.

Money looted

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Unidentified miscreants looted around Rs 1 lakh, a DVD player, buffer speaker, expensive clothes and valuable materials from a house at Demthring Block-II in the wee hours of Saturday.

Owner of the house lodged an FIR with Madanrting police station in this regard.

President, others condole Mawlong’s demise

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Governor RS Mooshahary, Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy and Union Tribal Affairs Minister PR Kyndiah have condoled the death of veteran UDP leader and former State Chief Minister Evansius Kek Mawlong.

In a condolence message, President Ms Patil conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family.

Governor Mr Mooshahary said the State had suffered a "grievous and irreparable loss" in the death of Mawlong. "The late leader was a political stalwart who made manifold contributions to the progress of the State," the Governor said.

In his message Chief Minister Dr Donkupar said Mawlong's death was a great loss to the people of the State, the Government and UDP.

Dr Roy also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to all the family members and also prayed that Almighty would grant the family strength to bear the great loss and eternal peace to departed soul.

Leader of Opposition DD Lapang expressed shock over the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister. Mr Lapang said that Mawlong would always be remembered as an able politician and as a person who was loved and respected by the people. He also prayed to God to give strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss and peace to the departed soul.

Union Minister Mr Kyndiah also expressed deep anguish over the demise of the UDP leader. Mr Kyndiah, in his message, said, "Late Mawlong's contribution to the State was immense. His untimely demise has left a vacuum in State politics."

Meanwhile, UDP in a meeting held on Saturday evening condoled the death of its founder member and first president.

The party members recalled the contributions of Mawlong to the party and the State.

UDP's Ri-Bhoi district has mourned the death of former Chief Minister, who was also president of the party in the district. UDP's Ri-Bhoi district general secretary Lurshai Wahlang said the demise of Mawlong was a great loss to the party.

Praising the late leader's leadership, of Mr Wahlang said UDP under Mawlong's stewardship had put up an exemplary performance in the last Assembly elections by winning three out of four constituencies in Ri-Bhoi district.

Several other political parties including Maghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee, Umroi unit of KHNAM condoled the untimely demise of Mawlong.

B’deshis pushed back daily by police

Shillong: At least thirty odd suspected Bangladeshis are pushed back daily from the police infiltration gates located in the border fringes, disclosed the Megahalya police.

While these infiltration check gates have been strengthened to enhance vigilance after seeing the ramifications of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in Assam, sources told NNN that in Umkiang infiltration gate of Jaintia Hills alone, 18-20 people with dubious identities are daily detected and sent back to the place they claim to belong.

The Byrnihat infiltration check gate has similar experiences.

The Superintendents of Police, Jaintia Hills MK Singh and Ri-Bhoi district Superintendent of Police MK Dkhar confirmed about the push back of people with doubtful identities from their respective jurisdictions.

The reason for the push-back is because many of these people claiming to be from Assam have neither the valid papers to prove their Indian origins nor can they speak Assamese language and Hindi.

"These suspected Bangladeshis always claimed to be from Assam but neither do they have the papers such as EPIC, and many a time cannot divulge their village nor the authorities concerned, state MK Singh, adding, "We pushed them back and asked to bring valid documents top prove their identity".

It may be mentioned that Jaintia Hills-I closed to Barak Valley of Assam has a huge presence of suspected Bangladeshi nationals.

Even Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya closed to Guwahati experiences the same trend.

The answer of many of those suspected elements is that they are from Dhubri, Barpeta, Goalpara, Hojai but their appearance only adds to the doubts when they can't produced valid papers.

Most of the suspected Bangladeshis wanted to enter Meghalaya to work as labourers in the coal belts especially in Jaintia Hills which is now a safe haven of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants.

However, following the beginning of the peak season of coal mining and the incidents in Assam, the infiltration branch of the State police has tightened up its vigilance in the infiltration gates.

Meanwhile, more police personnel have been rushed into improve the efficiency of these infiltration check gates and it came at a time when several NGOs have taken their own initiatives to detect and deport suspected foreigners from Jaintia Hills, West Khasi and Ri Bhoi districts. (NNN)

Vintage car rally

in city on Nov 16

Shillong: Shillong vintage car rally on November 16 will witness the Model T vintage that features in the classic film 'Gandhi' taking the lead in leading the likes of the model A Ford, the Dodge weapons carrier, the Jaguar Mark 4 and the Harley Davidson and thirty odd cars from Guwahati, Kohima and Imphal.

It has already been confirmed from the organisers that 36 odd owners of vintage cars from the entire North Eastern states will participate in the event and the number is expected to rise by the time the rally takes off.

The Model T vintage (1919 model) was used by Richard Attenborough for the film 'Gandhi'. The others will be the Model A Ford (1927 model) that was used for Mother Teresa's visit to Shillong, the Dodge weapon carriers used by the British during the Second World War in the North East, the Jaguar Mark 4, and off course, the only Harley Davidson motorbike in the region will be the hallmark of the vintage car rally on November 16. The function will be organised by Antique Wheels of the North East. According to the secretary of the organisation, Ashoke Lyngdoh, besides the vintage car owners from Assam and Meghalaya, they have received positive response from car owners from states like Nagaland and Manipur. Lyngdoh also told NNN that more cars are expected to be part of the vintage car rally by the time the rally kick starts.

Taking pride from the successful vintage car rally in Shillong last year, Lyngdoh said, "we hope that our endeavour will give a further boost to Shillong as a tourist destination of the North East". (NNN)

Czech business delegation in city

By Our Reporter

Shillong: A 13-member Czech business delegation led Ambassador of Czech Republic Dr Hynek Kmonicek will begin its visit to the North East from Sunday. The team will be holding meetings in Shillong, Guwahati, Itanagar and Gangtok, according to a statement issued here. On their arrival in Shillong, the delegation will interact with local entrepreneurs, Government officials on October 21 at Hotel Polo Towers, Polo at 10 am.

During the meeting, the Czech team will be giving presentations on the Czech technology available on small hydro projects, aviation sector - airport equipment and small brewery. The visit is coordinated by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi).

Similar meetings will be held in Guwahati (October 22), Itanagar (October 23) and Gangtok (October 25). The delegation will comprise four companies of aviation sector, three from small hydro power and one from small brewery sector.

SDCs to come up in 27 states

From Our Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Department of Information Technology (DIT) on Friday approved establishment of State Data Centres (SDC) in 27 States/UTs including one in Meghalaya with total outlay of Rs 1237 crore.

The DIT Share in this outlay is Rs 412 crore, while the remaining Rs 825 crore are to be met through Additional Central Assistance (ACA), according to an official statement here.

Through the State Data Centres, the Government seeks to create a common secure IT infrastructure to host state level e-Governance.

These centres are to be duly supported by State Wide Area Network (SWAN) and Common Service Centres (CSC) established at the village level, as part of e-Governance project.

The States, whose proposals have been approved besides Meghalaya are - Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhatisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Naga- land, Orissa, Punducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Once established, State Data Centre would provide many functionalities. including Central Repository of the State, Secure Data Storage, Online Delivery of Services, Citizen Information/Services Portal, State Intranet Portal, Remote Management and Service Integration etc to enable seamless delivery of e- Governance services in the State. The progress of implementation of Data Centre is centrally being reviewed by the DIT with the States.

Death condoled

The Meghalaya Editors and Publishers Association has conveyed its sympathy to the bereaved family members of former Chief Minister and Chairman, State Development Reforms Commission EK Mawlong, who passed away on Saturday. "His death has left a vacuum which cannot be filled," it said in a statement issued here on Saturday.

Tribute to cops

The State police will pay tribute to all its personnel, who died while on duty during the year 2007-2008, with special commemoration parade to be held at Police Reserve, Shillong on October 21 at 7 am, a release said.

Health camp

The health camp and sanitation programme on schemes and services of the Social Welfare Department was held at Sakhiat ME School, Umtrai on Saturday. The function organised by the chief organiser of Raid Umtrai Umkhap was inaugurated by Minister of Social Welfare NM Momin. He was accompanied by Commissioner of Disabilities NM Nampui and other government officials.

Headman elected

The Mawlai Syllai Kariah has re-elected Klobindro Nongkynrih as its Rangbah Shnong for the term of five years. Mr Nongkynrih along other office-bearers of the village was elected at the Dorbar held recently, a statement issued here on Saturday.

source: the shillong times