north east
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Gogoi kicks off ‘Clean Assam Campaign’
(L-R) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi carrying out cleanniness drive, sweeps Guwahati Sarbojoni Durga Puja Mandap premises, Latashil in Guwahati on Sunday. Tarun Gogoi flags off the garbage carrying van under Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) after carrying out cleanniness drive, sweeps Guwahati Sarbojoni Durga Puja Mandap premises, Latashil in Guwahati on Sunday. (EP) Guwahati, Oct 5 (PTI): Three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat mission, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday launched his own Clean Assam campaign by sweeping garbage in three different localities of the state capital here. Gogoi also said that he had launched a similar cleanliness drive in February 2012 itself, though that did not last long. Gogoi also announced constituting a Green Brigade and permanent committees to look after cleanliness in different localities. “We will constitute a Green Brigade and permanent committees to keep the localities neat and
clean. Awards will also be given for cleanliness drive,” he added. Appreciating Prime Minister Modi’s Swacch Bharat campaign Gogoi said, “We support any good cause and our government with the help of public organizations, NGOs, and individuals will make an all-out endeavour to make Assam clean and green.” While Modi had launched his campaign on Gandhi Jayanti, Gogoi preferred to kick-start his a day after the Durga Puja festivities were over, and chose three spots that were littered with garbage during the justconcluded festival. Like Modi, the Assam
Chief Minister too announced taking up the cleanliness drive on a mission mode across the nook and corner of the state. “We had launched a Clean Guwahati Campaign in February 2012 in front of Cotton College, Jail Road, Manipuri Basti and other places. However, that campaign did not continue for long. But this time the cleanliness drive will be a continuous process in Guwahati and other parts of the state,” Gogoi said. Gogoi also attributed Guwahati’s water-logging and flood problem to garbage and filth and calle upon citizens to keep the drains clean in order to ensure smooth flow of water. “One of the reasons
Hiyanglam by-poll; Cong to go ahead with its plan despite strong objection
for Guwahati’s flood is due to clogging of drains. If we keep the drains free from garbage and filth, it will help to mitigate the problem to a great extent,” he said. The Assam chief minister also recalled taking part in cleanliness drives even when he was a high school student in the 1940s. “Cleanliness is next to godliness. When I was a school student, we participated in cleanliness drive at Harijan Colony, Jorhat, every Saturday,” he tweeted. While Gogoi launched the cleanliness campaign in Guwahati his other ministers and Congress MLAs inaugurated the drive in different districts on Sunday.
Electric lamps light up Diwali market in Ghy
Rijiju urges NE people to prove their worth G u wa h at i , O c t 5 (Agencies): Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju said he is trying to form a global platform to develop a feeling of unity among the people of the northeast. While taking part in the first-ever Arunachal Carnival in Guwahati, Rijiju also urged locals to prove their worth instead of agitating for rights. “I’m thinking of forming a global platform for the people of the northeast who are living in different places across the world. It will not just inculcate a sense of unity but also help in many other ways. Recently, during a visit to Brooklyn Institute, I was overwhelmed to see the excitement of the NE people there. Then I thought of forming something that will connect us across the globe,” Rijiju told TOI. Terming bandhs and strikes as deadly diseases for society, Rijiju said, “We have to live united and at the same time we have to prove our potential in the national and international level which we have failed to do so far. “We should never expose our weaknesses to others. We should be confident and prove ourselves before the rest of the country, because respect does not come in charity.” He said the region needs more Mary Koms than bomb blasts, militants or border disputes. Taking stock of the condition of roads in Arunachal Pradesh, he said, “We need to do a lot of work. We do not want conflicts with China, but we want to develop the infrastructure and communication in the border areas,” he said.
Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014
URF cadres leave designated camp; return back to jungle
Correspondent
IMPHAL, Oct 5: In what could be a heavy blow to government’s initiative to bring back underground cadres to the mainstream in Manipur, chairman of the United Revolutionary Front (URF), a signatory of the tripartite suspension of operation (SoO) with state and Central government had left the designated camp along with around 90 cadres. URF was formed by seven factions of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) maintaining peace trust with the government after signing tripartite suspension of operation with the state and Central government with the objective of protecting the rights of the indigenous people. Cadres of the outfit were lodged at a temporary designated camp opened at the camp of the Central security force at the defunct Spinning Mill at Loitang Khunou in Imphal West district. A highly reliable source said that Lanheiba alias Gopendro Mangang, the chairman of the outfit (URF) has been missing since few months back. Around 90 cadres who have left the designated one by one before
September 20 last have also failed to return to the designated camp. State home department had the report of missing the chairman and some cadres, reliable source said. The report of missing of the chairman and cadres of the outfit came to light when this correspondent inquired about present status of the URF cadres at the designated camp based on a statement of the outfit dated September 22, 2014 that was dispatched to the local media on October 3. The statement signed by chairman Lanheiba flayed the government for betraying the cadres of the outfit , which he said had compelled the cadres to take up arm once again. It said that URF which was formed by seven KCP factions with the objective of protecting the rights of the indigenous people has entered into peace process by signing a tripartite agreement among the state government and Central government on February 13, 2013. The MoU was signed to initiate the peace talks. The chairman said that URF cadres had not entered into SoO for getting package or rehabilitation from the government. It was done
solely for the betterment of the people. It has been more than a year since the signing of the agreement. But now, the state government began to make twists by treating the cadres as surrendered, he added. The chairman said that the authority of the government never initiated talk for early settlement to the peace process which compelled the cadres feeling extremely regretful for entering into such agreement by believing the false promises of the government. The government has totally betrayed the URF and forced the cadres to take up arms to protect themselves and their fellows. The government has no regard for women and children, and it has been terrorizing the URF cadres by deploying large number of police commandos at their Loitang Khunou designated camp, the statement stated. After several Kuki based underground groups were brought to negotiating table by signing tripartite suspension of operation, government was successful in bringing some factions of underground groups to the negotiating table in the last few years.
Salvation Army splits to form new church
Aizawl, Oct 5 (Agencies): A large number of members of the Salvation Army’s India Eastern Territory left the organization to form a new church—the Chhandamna Kohhran or the Salvation Army Church. The new church was formed by former leaders of the Advisory Council for Salvation Army Laymen (ACSAL) on June 15, 2014, after dissent
in the organization was not resolved. The new church was formally opened in Aizawl on October 2 and three priests or pastors were ordained on the day. They were Major JC Lalengmawia, Major Rualchungnunga and speaker of the Territorial Evangelical Ministry, Rev R Lalsangzuala.
Boats race in Guwahati against floods & despair
Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, the state government said, of the three additional battalions, two should be stationed in Assam considering its vulnerability to floods. I n the ba c kd r o p o f casualties and large-scale devastation caused by the recent floods, Singh and Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju had said a second battalion would be set up in the state soon. The existing NDRF battalion is stationed in Guwahati. The state government said four NDRF teams had to be requisitioned from outside the state to tackle the recent floods. In addition to the existing NDRF unit, Assam has State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams which have been deployed in 16 of its 23 districts. It said the Army’s assistance was sought for rescue operation during the recent floods.
GUWAHATI, OCT 5 (Agencies): Market for traditional clay diyas is wearing a gloomy look ahead of Diwali as more people are opting for cheap electric lamps at a time when inflation is biting hard. While minimum price of a set of 25 electric diyas in Guwahati is Rs 90, clay lamps are available for Rs 50-200 per 100 pieces. Decorative diyas, which are bigger in size, are dearer. Moreover, earthen lamps cannot be reused. “Decorating the house with diyas is quintessential. It is a tradition in Indian society. But with time, the trend is changing and we have started buying electric diyas since they do not need oil,” said Rishav Sarma of Uzan Bazar. Chinese products, available in various designs, are flooding markets this festive season. Local artisans are finding it difficult to compete in the market and margins have been reducing for the past two-and-a-half years.
Kukurmara (Kamrup), Oct 5 (Agencies): The devastating floods in the state failed to dampen the spirit of boat-racers who cruised along the Kulsi river—one of the last safe havens of the Gangetic dolphin—in search of victory. On Vijaya Dashami, thousands of people thronged the banks of the Kulsi in Kukurmara township, about 40 km from Guwahati city, to catch a glimpse of their favourite boats surging ahead. F l o o dwa t e r s, w h i c h wrecked havoc in lower Assam only a few days ago, have just started receding from the homes of people living in and around Kukurmara. On Saturday, however, there was no sign of the recent tragedy as the onlookers cheered lustily. “Despite the difficulties faced by the people, the annual boat race generates great enthusiasm here. This year, the traditional boat race at
Kukurmara has seen a record turnout of boats. As many as 11 big boats have already arrived for the competition. In the last 50 years, we have rarely seen such enthusiasm from participants at Kukurmara. It’s really inspiring,” said an elated Srimanta Kalita, president of Kukurmara Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee, which organizes the race. Kukurmara residents believe boats have raced along the Kulsi for the last 1,000 years or so. However, the race, in its current avatar, is around 50 years old. The auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami is the day when the boats race to outdo each other. Many locals say shortage of giant timber logs, which are used for making boats, has reduced the number of boats on the Kulsi. While innumerable boats would race down the river earlier, now, only a handful do so. A leading citizen of the
Durga immersion in Ghy amid tight security
Two militants killed in Assam
Disagreement on creation of village council
Correspondent
IMPHAL, Oct 5: Tension ran high at Langmeidong village in Manipur’s Thoubal district as Congress was in a mood to go ahead with its proposed election rally at the village ground. By-election for Hiyanglam seat would be held on October 17. Tension surfaced after villagers objected erection of a platform at the village ground by Congress workers to hold an election rally, defying request from the villager leaders not to hold the same considering the proximity of the meeting venue with Trinamool Congress candidate. Registering a strong denial to Congress plan to hold an election rally at a village ground near the residence of Trinamool Congress candidate Dr Radheshyam, hundreds of workers and supporters of the party (Trinamool Congress) carried out a protest rally on
Sunday. The rally registered a strong protest against the attitude of Congress party and authority of the district administration while alleging that the party (Congress) was trying to breach the tranquility of the village and the district administration helping the ruling party. Various anti-Congress and anti-Ibobi slogans were also shouted during the rally. The rally covered various villages across the Hiyanglam assembly constituency. During the rally leaders of women body and youth club of the village clarified that they were opposing the Congress election rally not in support of the Trinamool Congress candidate but with a hope to maintain peace and tranquility of the village. They fear that the proposed Congress meeting may create a misunderstanding among the workers and supporters of the two parties. This
may lead to a chaotic situation in the village, they added. They further alleged that Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) was using a large number of police personnel to erect the stage at village ground. The ruling party was using government machinery by violating the model code of conduct for the by-poll, they went on to allege. Parties having to no member in the state Assembly like BJP and MPP were trying their best to get the seat which was lying vacant after the demise of sitting MLA M Kunjo of Trinamool Congress. BJP is fielding Maibam Dhanabir, the son of demise Kunjo in the fray with a hope to get seat in the state Assembly while MPP is sending out one of its leader Mayengbam Amutombi Singh who had contested the election from the same constituency earlier.
GOALPARA (Assam): Two suspected National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces at Balaikhamar in the district, police officials said. The two ultras, believed to be part of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) based in neighboring Meghalaya, were killed last night in an exchange of bullets with the security forces, during a joint operation by the police and Army’s 7 Jat Regiment of the Red Horns Division. Two 7.65 mm pistols, 9 cartridges and three grenades were recovered from the slain extremists, they said.
Correspondent Diphu, Oct 5: Disagreement between the ruling parties of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Assam government over the creation of Village Council in sixth scheduled autonomous district of Karbi Anglong has been resurfacing lately. Several pressure groups allegedly serving the interest of the party in power were mounting pressure on the autonomous council to withdraw the draft bill prepared by the authority to shape the new
area, Debajit Choudhury, said, “The young generation is not interested in traditional boat-racing. This may be due to the advent of other sports. The government should come forward to preserve this tradition of boat-racing and chalk plans to popularize it. It is a heritage of Kukurmara and its neighbouring villages.” Hareswar Kalita, a veteran boat-racer, said some youngsters have started showing interest in this game. He added this is a positive sign for the traditional game.
State seeks 3 more NDRF battalions to combat floods
Guwahati, Oct 5 (Agencies): Even as the Centre decided to set up a second National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) battalion in the northeast, the state government sought three additional battalions to overcome the flood crisis in the region. In a memorandum to
system of governance. On Monday last, bef o r e t h e P u j a h o l i d ay, Karbi Students Association (Bidya Teron faction), JACAS, KLNLF,KRAO, AIKNA,AKAYU and KRA submitted a memorandum to the chief executive member of KAAC demanding withdrawal of the draft bill proposing for the creation of Village Council in Karbi Anglong. Signatories in the memorandum included those ultra organization demanding separate state and organization de-
manding creation of regional council for development of Kuki tribe dominated area. The signatories in the memo stated that, “village councils are against the sixth schedule of the constitution. The Karbis, Rengmas, Garos, Khasis, Dimasas,Kukis, Hmars, Jeme Nagas, Shyams and all other ST tribes of Karbi Anglong have their own traditional Village Council. The Karbis have already excellent traditional village councils for centuries and the KAAC has the power to enact laws involving the Karbi Village Council”.
NF Railway cancels 10 trains as flood damages tracks Devotees in large numbers accompany the Goddess Durga idol for immersion in River Brahmaputra in Guwahati on Saturday.(EP) G u wa h at i , O c t 5 (Agencies): Residents of the city bid a tearful farewell to Goddess Durga and her children, with Puja committees choosing to immerse their idols on Friday and Saturday. Idols are being immersed at two major ghats—Kachomarighat in Fancy Bazaar and Pandu ghat. Three other ghats—at Saukuchi, Chunsali K Y M C
and Basistha—have also been earmarked for immersion. Restrictions were imposed on arterial roads of the city from 10 am till the evening on Saturday. The district administration kept a watchful eye on the proceedings as around 650 idols from different Puja committees in the city were immersed on Saturday. Others will immerse their idols on Sunday.
“We have taken precautionary measures to make the immersion ceremony less chaotic and troublesome. Close to 650 idols will be immersed on Saturday. The process will continue on Sunday as well,” said M Angamuthu, deputy commissioner, Kamrup (Metro) district. With major arterial roads having been cordoned off, commuters faced a tough time. Many
vehicles were diverted. Even buses changed their routes. “While it is good that the district administration diverted vehicles, I faced roadblocks on almost all major roads,” said Bhupen Kalita, a businessman. The district administration ordered the closure of liquor shops and bars to prevent any disturbance during the immersion.
Guwahati, Oct 5 (PTI): Northeast Frontier Railway on Sunday cancelled 10 trains, and changed the schedules and routes of three others due to damage in tracks by flood waters in Lower Assam. In a statement, Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson said the trains have been cancelled “in view of the breaches in the New Bongaigaon-Goalpara TownKamakhya section of Rangiya division”. Apart from the cancelled trains, NF Railway has diverted two trains and rescheduled one train, the spokesperson A vendor sells Sewaiyan (sweet vermicelli) ahead of Eid-ul-zuha celebrations in Guwahati on Sunday. (EP) added. K Y M C