Barak Valley

RSS chief rejects DNA test formula for identifying immigrants

2010-03-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

RSS chief rejects DNA test formula for identifying immigrants

From our staff reporter

Silchar, March 8: RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagwat, while addressing a rally here last evening, very diplomatically rejected the All Assam Students’ Union’s (AASU) demand for conducting DNA tests to identify immigrants in the State. Rao did not mention the name of the student body at the meet and said DNA tests to detect illegal immigrants will not yeild results as DNA formation of the people of the South-east Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and even Iran has ample resemblance.

Casting doubts over the formulation of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC), Bhagwat scoffed that it was a mere electoral issue. As election is nearing, political parties are poking the issue to garner political mileage and the entire process will be pushed to hibernation once the election is over, he said.

Making a scathing attack on the cultural and religious aggression by Christians and Muslims, Bhagwat said in a multi-lingual country like India, language cannot bind all the religious, ethnic groups. “Only Hindutva could act as a binding thread,” claiming this Bhagwat said, “Hindutva is not a mere religion, it is a way of life, it is the culture that has formed Indianness in its truest sense.” Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, in spite of being a Muslim, could realize the significance of Hindutva, he added.

Directly accusing Pakistan of funding and patronizing the Maoist movement, which has rocked India in the recent times, Bhagwat lamented that for narrow political gains, the Union Government was hesitant of taking stern action against the so called rebels.

He further lamented that in spite of having power, India has failed to apply it and neighbouring countries like Pakistan continues its tirade against India. THE SENTINEL

Former Manipur BJP president dies in Silchar

2010-03-08T11:13:00.001-08:00

Former Manipur BJP president dies in Silchar

From our staff reporter

Silchar, March 8: Former Manipur BJP president Raghumani Sarma died of a massive cerebral stroke here this morning. Sarma was in Silchar to attend the chintan baithak and the public rally to be addressed by RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagawat.

Sources said Sarma was about to start for Imphal from Silchar Kalyan Ashram this morning when he took ill and was rushed to the Civil Hospital. But the doctors declared him brought dead. He was 78. His body was taken to the Silchar RSS and later to the BJP office where BJP’s State general secretary Ajit Bhattacharjee, Northeast co-ordinator P Chandra Sekhar Rao and district president Kirit Bhushan Purkhayastha paid homage to the departed soul. His body was then sent to Imphal by an ambulance. THE SENTINEL

Ajit Bhattacharjee’s unity call reveals rift in BJP

2010-03-05T12:42:00.001-08:00

Ajit Bhattacharjee’s unity call reveals rift in BJP

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 5: Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha along with his team accorded a warm welcome to newly-elected general secretary of Assam State Pradesh BJP, Ajit Bhattacharjee, who arrived in Silchar on Thursday. The absence of supporters of MP Kabindra Purkayastha at Kumbhirgram Airport to receive Bhattacharjee showed a clear rift in the district committee.

Sources said Kabindra Purkayastha was out of station as he was attending the Parliament session but his son, who is also his MP nominee, Kanad Purkayastha was also absent from the felicitation function of Bhattacharjee held at the party office.

Bhattacharjee, however, seemed the least surprised with this act of the Purkayastha lobby and said he would try his best to reunite the party to bring in the previous glory of the party before the Assembly election. Bhattcharjee was the district president for two consecutive terms when the BJP in Cachar won 15 seats in the Assembly election and Kabindra Purkayastha was elected for the Lok Sabha.

Bhattacharjee further said this time the BJP will announce the name of party candidates at least six months before the Assembly election so that the candidates could do ground work more meticulously. Claiming that the BJP had electoral alliance with the AGP, Bhattacharjee said the combined force will throw the Congress Government out of power. He hinted that BJP would contest in 35 Assembly seats. THE SENTINEL

Public information campaign under way in Karimganj

2010-03-04T10:37:00.001-08:00

Public information campaign under way in Karimganj

Guwahati, March 4: On the second day of the four-day public information campaign on Bharat Nirman and other flagship programmes of Government of India which was launched in Karimganj district at the Karimganj Public Higher Secondary school ground yesterday, a day-long special awareness programme was organized at Mahakal under Badarpur development block today.

The campaign has been organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB ) and other media units of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry with active cooperation of the district administration, a press release stated. While inaugurating today’s programme, Badarpur CO NK Debnath said such campaigns at the grass-root level will be very effective in disseminating necessary information among the people about the welfare policies and programmes of the government. Referring to the PM’s 15- point Programme for Welfare of Minorities, Deb said this programme is being implemented in Karimganj district with an objective to uplift the overall standard of life of the minorities.

Karimganj Deputy Commissioner Dr M Angamuthu, who inaugurated the campaign yesterday, said effective and transparent implementation of government developmental schemes is the need of the hour. This will ensure better quality of life for the people, he said and laid stress on proper planning before execution of welfare schemes. He further said Karimganj district has received Rs 14 crore for the current financial year under MGNREGA and out of these, more than 80 per cent of funds have already been utilized. He added over 125 projects have been taken up under the scheme and that there were 40,000 job card holders under MGNREGA in the district.

Karimganj ADC HK Nath, while speaking on the Prime Minister’s 15-point programme for minorities, said a number of schemes are being implemented to provide a better quality of life to the minorities in the district. Karimganj DPM Rahul Ghosh spoke on the progress of the NRHM in the district. According to him activities under NRHM have helped to lower the infant mortality rate and the mortality rate of pregnant mothers during delivery of babies.

Various components of Bharat Nirman and flagship programmes like Sarva Siksha Aviyan and Mid-day Meal, ICDS, NRHM, MGNREGA, PM’s 15- point programme for minorities and RTI were also highlighted in all its detail during the inaugural day of the campaign. Also, as a part of the four-day campaign, special awareness programme will be organized on March 4 at Mahakal, on March 5 at Patharkandi on March 6 at Nilambazar. THE SENTINEL

NC Hills economic blockade begins

2010-03-04T10:36:00.001-08:00

NC Hills economic blockade begins

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 4: Hordes of people from Joypur-Rajabajar and Harinagar-Kumacherra, the sensitive areas bordering NC Hills, took to the streets as the economic blockade for the neighbouring district began today. The agitation was staged to put pressure on the district administration of both Cachar and NC Hills district to ensure safety of people along the border.

The local people resorted to stage the economic blockade after the body of a local trader Sujit Paul was found on Monday in the dense forests of Jijung Hill in the neighbouring district. Paul was allegedly kidnapped last week by NSCN(K) militants.

Sources said the agitated people prevented transportation of goods to the markets of Lodibasti, Sankai and others in the NC Hills. The entire trade wing in this part of the hill district runs from the commodities transported from Barak Valley via Kumacherra. THE SENTINEL

Mahasweta for renaming as ‘Bhasa Shahid Station’

2010-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Mahasweta for renaming as ‘Bhasa Shahid Station’

Our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 4: Noted Bengali writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi has sought intervention of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for the change of nomenclature of Silchar Railway Station to “Bhasha Sahid Station” in respect of the 11 language martyrs who sacrificed their lives on May 19, 1961 when police fired on them at the railway station. The Magsaysay award winner, in separate letters to Chidambaram and Banerjee, urged upon them to ensure the speedy completion of the Silchar-Lumding Broad-gauge project as well.

In a letter written in Bengali to Mamata Banerjee, Mahasweta Devi said the language movement of Barak Valley will complete its golden jubilee next year and the Railway Ministry should give a nod to the public demand for change of nomenclature to Bhasha Sahid Station.THE SENTINEL

NFR rejects fears over Broad-Gauge schedule

2010-03-04T10:33:00.001-08:00

NFR rejects fears over BG schedule

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 4: “Even though the Railway Department gave word that the Silchar-Lumding Broad-Gauge conversion project would be completed by 2012, there lies an array of doubts to the statement as the department has not yet applied for land acquisition to the Forest Department for the construction of railway tracks,” said State Excise Minister Gautam Roy. He said there is not much chance for the project to be completed on time.

An NF railway official, however, in its Maligaon headquarters told The Sentinel that the Railway Department had long before applied for land acquisition to the Forest Department. He further said that it was a lengthy process as the matter was first addressed to the NC Hills Autonomous district Council and then to Dispur and finally it would be sent to the Central Government for its final approval. He also said all the formalities have almost been completed and the final approval would reach within a couple of months.

He further informed this scribe that approval was required only for a stretch about 60 km from lower Haflong to Harangajao where the broad-gauge track would have new alignment in lieu to the existing one. The NFR official further said since the Silchar-Lumding broad-gauge was a national project, such trivial matters would not pose any major obstacle in its completion. He also said NFR General Manager Shiv Kumar had categorically maintained that the much awaited project would be completed within the stipulated period.

Meanwhile, Gautam Roy claimed that he had recently had a parley with Shiv Kumar and had asked him to submit the application to the Forest Ministry for acquisition of land. He said he had promised all sort of co-operation to get the approval passed as quickly as he could.

However, political circle in the Barak Valley was skeptical about Gautam Roy’s statement as he blamed Central Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev for duping the common people of Barak Valley. Referring to last year’s meeting in Lumding which was attended by Hanique, two MPs from Silchar and Karimganj Kabindra Purkayastha and Lalit Mohan Shuklavaidya respectively and Dev as well as top level railway officials, where the latter announced that the project would be completed by 2012. Roy said, how could Dev and Hanique believe in such baseless claims by the Railways as it had not yet applied for land acquisition to the Forest Department. Sources said after being informed that the final approval for forest land acquisition from Delhi would reach the Railway Department soon, Roy now wanted to take the credit. THE SENTINEL

Hailakandi bandh receives mixed response

2010-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hailakandi bandh receives mixed response

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, March 3: The 12-hour Hailakandi bandh called by the All Cachar Karimganj hailakandi Students Association (ACKHSA) in protests against the indecent behaviour of Algapur MLA Rahul Roy received mixed response. Apart from few localities, all shops, market, government offices, school-colleges remained open. Moreover, vehicles piled on the road as usual.

Barowari Puja Committee brought out a cultural procession on Monday as part of the Holi celebrations in which Dreams also participated. It was alleged that Rahul Roy, who was driving his car, suddenly stopped his car and slapped Rupam in front of hundreds of people. Rahul then reportedly drove away from the spot.

It is to be noted that Rupam is the younger brother of Gautam Gupta who is the private secretary of Rahul’s father Excise Minister Gautam Roy. Meanwhile, Rahul made it clear that he had done the right job by slapping Rupam as the latter was harassing common people during the procession. Rahul said he would not hesitate to repeat the act if it is required.

Sources said Gautam Gupta was instrumental in using ACKSHA’s banner to call the bandh to teach Rahul a lesson. Previously too, Rahul and Gupta were seen engaged in such type of brawls. The sources further said police picked up 18 agitators who were later released. THE SENTINEL

Cachar College principal seeks apology from teachers

2010-03-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

Cachar College principal seeks apology from teachers

Indefinite hunger strike ends

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, March 3: The indefinite hunger strike staged by the teachers of Cachar College came to an end after 11 long hours as College principal Dr Debasish Kar tendered his written apology to them following their consistent pressure. Dr Kar also withdrew the show-cause notice issued by him to senior professor Santanu Dhar for allegedly occupying the principal’s chair in his absence.

The teachers of Cachar College resorted to an indefinite hunger strike demanding an unconditional apology from Cachar College principal Dr Debasish Kar for allegedly misbehaving with senior professor Santanu Dhar. It was reported that Dr Kar had misbehaved with Dhar and had also issued a show-cause notice for allegedly sitting on the principal’s chair.

The principal had out rightly rejected to bow down to the demands of the agitating teachers saying he was not wrong in scolding his sub-ordinate and in issuing the show-cause notice. He alleged that Dhar was sitting on the principal’s chair while Kar was on leave. It was reported that the college governing body had earlier instructed Prof Dhar to act as officiating principal during the absence of Dr Kar but, sources said Kar misbehaved and threatened Dhar with dire consequences after resuming office.

Governing body president Maskandar Ali Laskar tried to negotiate with both Dr Kar and the teachers and tried to convince the teachers to withdraw their strike. But they stuck to their demand. THE SENTINEL

Rahul Roy’s indecent behaviour irks people of Barak Valley

2010-03-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

Rahul Roy’s indecent behaviour irks ACKHSA

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 2: Some non-political organizations led by the All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) has called a 12-hour Hailakandi bandh tomorrow protesting Algapur MLA Rahul Roy’s misbehaviour with the general secretary of Dreams, a cultural organization, on Monday. Roy had allegedly slapped Rupam Gupta, younger brother of Gautam Gupta, the private secretary of Rahul’s father Excise Minister Gautam Roy.

Barowari Puja Committee brought out a cultural procession on Monday as part of the Holi celebrations in which Dreams also participated. It was alleged that Rahul Roy, who was driving his car, suddenly stopped his car and slapped Rupam in front of hundreds of people. Rahul then reportedly drove away from the spot.

The Puja committee vehemently criticized the indecent behaviour of Rahul Roy and appealed to the people of the town to protest the act of Rahul. It was also reported that Rahul had similarly assaulted Rupam publicly a few years ago. The incident resulted in ego clash between the father and son as Gautam Roy openly criticized Rahul. Sources said Gautam Gupta has become the most trusted lieutenant of Gautam Roy and that Rahul might be finding it difficult to accept this. THE SENTINEL

Mrinal Hazarika and Dilip Nunisa come together for BG completion

2010-02-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Silchar, Feb 27: Mrinal Hazarika of the 28 battalion of the ULFA, which had laid down arms, and Dilip Nunisa of the pro-talk faction of the DHD made a scathing attack on the government for dilly-dallying the implementation of the Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge project. The surrendered militants of both the ULFA and DHD (Nunisa) cried together for speedy implementation of the BG project during a convocation organized by the All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) and All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) on Friday.

Nunisa, while addressing the meet, said the broadgauge work was slow even at places where there were no militant activities. He also alleged that the newly constructed bridge meant for the BG near Jatinga had already collapsed before any train moved over it. Hazarika, on the other hand, said Barak Valley is a part of Assam and it is the duty of all political and non-political organizations to initiate a joint movement for the speedy completion of the BG project.

Former president of Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Samskritik Sammelon Prof Subir Kar, in his speech as the chief guest, lambasted the intellectuals of Barak Valley saying they were afraid of the police and hence do not openly claim their demands.

Others who spoke on the occasion included former CPI-M MLA Dipak Bhattacharjee, ACKHSA president Rupam Nandi Purkayastha and ADSU president Prafulla Hafila. THE SENTINEL

RSS chief to visit Silchar on March 5

2010-02-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

RSS chief to visit Silchar on March 5

Silchar, Feb 26: RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat will pay a three-day visit to Silchar from March 5. Bhagawat, during his stay, would attend a Sadbhavna Sammelon to be held on the day of his arrival. On the following day, he would be meeting RSS office bearers from the south Assam zone.

On March 7, Bhagawat is likely to address a public rally at 3 pm in Town Club ground. Local RSS leaders informed the schedule in a press meet today. THE SENTINEL

Update on Silchar-Lumding broad gauge expansion project

2010-02-24T23:17:00.000-08:00

RAJYA SABHA

On Lumding-Silchar-Jiribam, Badarpur-Kumarghat gauge conversion project, earthwork, major and minor bridges, tunneling and ballasting etc. have been taken up. Overall physical progress is about 45 per cent. The progress is adversely affected due to law and order problems in the region.

Cost of the project has increased due to various reasons including price escalation, change in scope of work, standard of construction etc. The anticipated coat as per Budget 2009-10 is Rs. 2500 crore. The project is targeted for completion by march 2012.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

AKS/HK/LK/TR

Source: http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=55659On

ERDF planning for two new colleges in Barak Valley

2010-02-22T21:03:00.001-08:00

ERDF planning for two new colleges in Barak Valley

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, Feb 22: “ERD Foundation is planning to set up a pharmaceutical college and a women science college in Barak Valley by 2012,” stated its chairman Mahbubul Haque. Expressing grave concern at the present education scenario of the valley, Haque stressed upon the change of mindset of the students, guardians as well as educationists.

Haque further said it was a pity that adequate number of educational institutions were not coming up with innovative curriculum to cater to the demand of the present times. He cited the instance of the upcoming shopping malls which require a good number of floor management staff and said vocational training should be imparted to the unemployed youths to meet the demand. He also added the traditional education system ends up churning out loads of graduates who are not prepared for career prospects in the future.

Haque said institutions under ERDF have always stressed on forging tie-ups with various organizations so that students, after completing the course, could be easily employed. He further said Asom University, Silchar, in spite of having adequate funds has failed to rise to the expectation only because it was unable to introduce job-oriented syllabus.

“The foundation will organize an international seminar on global warming in its newly established engineering college in Ri-bhoi district,” he said. He also praised the Meghalaya Government for extending assistance to the ERDF for setting up an engineering college. THE SENTINEL

AATS seeks security for displaced Reangs

2010-02-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

38 jhum-cultivating families forced to vacate their land

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, Feb 18: Members of the All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) have urged upon the Cachar Deputy Commissioner to depute security forces for accompanying the members of the organization during their visit to Kanglaipahar in Dholai on Saturday. AATS secretary Galim Gangmei said the appeal to the DC was made after one Alainzad Barbhuya allegedly forced the Reang families residing in Kanglaipahar to vacate the place.

He said nearly 38 Reang families have been residing in the area earning their livelihood through jhum cultivation. Gangmei said the AATS is planning to rehabilitate the displaced Reangs and has sought assistance from the DC in this regard. A memorandum seeking security arrangement for the Reangs was also handed over to the DC in this regard, he added. THE SENTINEL

‘Reangs not involved in recent kidnapping’

2010-02-17T11:00:00.001-08:00

Our Staff Reporter

Silchar, Feb 17: “Reangs are not involved in the kidnapping of forest guard Nizamuddin Majumdar,” claimed a spokesman of the newly formed United Democratic Liberation Front of Barak Valley (UDLFBV), Assam. He, while talking to The Sentinel, hinted that it might be the handiwork of Atabur Bahini, a gang of goons operating along the Assam-Mizoram border of South Hailakandi.

Majumdar was kidnapped at gun-point last week and unidentified miscreants have contacted his family members demanding Rs 10 lakh and 10 sets of mobile hand sets. Sources said the miscreants were speaking in broken Bengali and it was assumed that they might belong to the Reang community.

The outfit, UDLFBV, had recently come up after the Panchuram Reang-led United Liberation Front of Barak Valley (ULFBV) surrendered to the State Government while another Reang outfit United Democratic Liberation Army (UDLA) almost perished following the arrest of its leader Dhanyanram Reang.

On the other hand, Muslim militancy was on the rise along the sensitive border area as Atabur, once an accomplice of Dhanyaram, formed his own outfit and currently his group was active in the region. THE SENTINEL

‘Permanent police patrol post in Kalain soon’

2010-02-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

‘Permanent police patrol post in Kalain soon’

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, Feb 17: “A permanent police patrol post will be coming up soon in Kalain,” said State’s Excise Minister Gautam Roy today. The decision was taken by Roy after the recent kidnapping of Kalain Tea Estate assistant manager Chinmoy Kanti Paul was in news.

Roy along with his cabinet colleague from Barak Valley Dinesh Prasad Goala took up the matter to set up a patrol post with the IGP and it was decided that the post would come up in the near future.

Meanwhile, mystery shrouded over the kidnapping of Paul as no outfit has till now claimed the responsibility or demanded any ransom. Kalain, the entry point to South Assam has, in the recent times, become an easy prey-field for the militants from the neighbouring district as well as for local goons.

In 2002, Harshika Serawat, four-year old daughter of an assistant manager of Kalain TE, was picked up from her official quarters by suspected Dimasa militants. IGP (SB) Khagen Sarmah played a vital role in getting Harshika released from the clutches of the abductors, though the identity of the miscreants was not made public till now.

Subsequently, assistant manager of Bickrampur TE Junia Jagai was abducted by miscreants but was later released after he reportedly paid ransom to his abductors. In recent times, Faruq Ahmed, Majid Raja and Himangshu Das were also kidnapped and the miscreants eventually released them after getting a good amount of money, sources said.

But in the Chinmoy Paul kidnapping case, the most intriguing trait was that till now no outfit has claimed responsibility of the kidnapping neither any demand for ransom was made.

The Army swung to action immediately but success still eluded them. Sources said a gang of forest mafia involved in illegal collection of stones was behind the kidnapping. It further hinted that, forest officials were in no mood to co-operate with the army officials as well as the investigating police team. THE SENTINEL

Bhuban Hill toll rises to three

2010-02-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

From our Staff Reporter

Silchar, Feb 16: Some pilgrims visiting Bhuban Hills to offer prayers to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri Day were destined never to come back as three bodies of the devotees were found from the hill till now. One Shobha Rajbhor (14) died on the spot when a stone fell on her. Her body was recovered on Friday.

Two more dead bodies of the pilgrims were recovered from Bhuban Hill today, taking the toll to three. One of the dead persons has been identified as Laxmi Narayan Nunia (55), a rickshaw puller of Koiya Tea garden in Lala, and the other has been identified as Kanan Bala Paul, a teacher of Karimganj. The bodies were recovered from a place called Hatubhanga in Bhuban Hill.

On the other hand, one Hari Narayan Kurmi was found unconscious on the hill while a 60-year-old woman Chanmani Rabidas of Kashipur is missing till today. THE SENTINEL

Culture is the sum total of ways of living

2010-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

From our Correspondent

KARIMGANJ, Feb 16: The Pramesh Chandra Bhattacharyya Memorial Lecture 2009-10 was delivered by Prof Sarat Chandra Panigrahi of Department of Philosophy, Utkal University (Bhubaneswar), on Monday at Karimganj College.

He spoke on the “values in Indian culture.” Culture, he said, is the sum total of the way of living built up by groups of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.

Culture is integrally related to values, Prof Panigrahi said adding that the theory of purusarthas is one of the central classical theories of human values or philosophy of life. Dharma one of the four purusarthas, does not mean religion, he said. “Dharma also does not stand for tradition, custom and ritual. Tradition, custom and ritual vary from person to person and from place to place and Dharma stands for those regulative and constitutive principles which are eternal in nature,” he added.

Prof Panigrahi said the philosophy of Gita is the major source of values in Indian culture. The Bhagavad Gita has been viewed as a canonical text, a philosophical treatise, a handbook of ethics and a piece of philosophical poetry. The message of the Gita, he said, is the core of all religions system and philosophies.

Prof Panigrahi also said the global scenario today is one of utter decadence in all spheres of human existence. Humanity is passing through a transition when the age-old values are crumbling alongwith them the social, political and religions institutions which thrive on them and philosophy is not an exception. “Humanity, today embraces faulty paradigm of ‘progress’ where man is constructed as predominantly biological and psychic being. As a result there is proliferation of knowledge and know-how which can help man to improve his physical lot,” he said.

He further added, in the contemporary perspective, it is not difficult to see the necessity of nurturing values that will create a good man and an ideal society. The function was presided over by advocate Abdul Basit Choudhury, the president of the Governing Body, Karimganj College. THE SENTINEL

Dusty roads, broken drains causing health hazards in Silchar

2010-02-15T10:40:00.001-08:00

Dusty roads, broken drains causing health hazards in Silchar

SILCHAR, Feb 15: On the 40th Foundation Day of Silchar Press Club, various speakers articulating their views on health hazards posed by dusty roads and open drains of this town expressed their serious concern at the apathy of the district administration and civic authorities to improve the basic facilities of connectivity and hygienic services for the citizens.

Initiating the submission on the theme “Health risks of broken, dusty roads and exposed drains,” eminent journalist Atin Das said the lack of basic civic facilities “have posed before the media to activate the authorities concerned for remedial measures.” He added to say under Article 19 of the Constitution, every Indian has the freedom to enjoy basic civic amenities. It is his fundamental right to ask public servants like ministers, MPs, MLAs, DCs and officials for explanation since they are being paid by people. He also reminded that aggrieved people on various counts approach the media for remedies.

The Greens president Shankar Chakraborty, while campaigning for an eco-friendly environment, referred to Article 21 of the Constitution which ensures pollution free living for every citizen. He was sad to note that people are deprived of the basic rights to free air, pure water and healthy life. He further pointed out at the worst condition of dirty, dusty and bumpy roads of this town as well as the open drains which have become hazardous, endangering life.

Dust from the roads mixed with the exhaust of vehicles, chemical wastes and refuses of all sorts are playing havoc with the life of citizens. He lambasted the pollution control board for its neglect and its failure to maintain ambient air quality caused by noise and air pollution.

Dr Bhabatosh Roy of Silchar Medical College in his submission said the roads and drains of this town are a major risk to the lives of common people. Diseases like that of skin, ENT, liver, lungs and other parts of the body are affecting the longevity of human life. According to him, because of pollution, nearly 6,000 children die every year in this region and 90 per cent people in general are victims of this phenomenon. It was an alarming situation and called upon the media to compel the administration for corrective measures.

Others who spoke on the occasion included The Mizoram Post editor Nilotpal Chowdhury, Mihir Lal Roy, Shasanka Shekhar Paul. Silchar Press Club general secretary Shankar Dey conducted the proceedings while press club president Sanat Kumar Koiri presided over the programme. The Press Club would hold a year-long programme to celebrate and commemorate its 40-year long eventful journey. THE SENTINEL

Biplobi Fulosena recalled

2010-02-15T10:39:00.001-08:00

Biplobi Fulosena recalled

SILCHAR, Feb 15: Arjuni Manipuri Prakashani, Kalinjar, Silchar remembered Biplobi Fulosena Sinha through a literary meeting at Kalinjar on the outskirts of Silchar town on Sunday. The memorial meeting was presided over by Krishna Bhallab Sinha and was attended, among others, by social workers and litterateurs Kamadev Sinha, Manoranjan Sinha, Mangal Babu Sinha, Gandhi Sinha, Jogendra Sinha, Champalal Sinha, Rasamoy Sinha, Babul Sinha, Moni Kanta Sinha, Mihir Sinha and Banabir Sinha. Arjuni Manipuri Prakashani also released its special issue (magazine) edited by Sudhanya Sinha in memory of Biploabi Fulosena Sinha. THE SENTINEL

Demand for separation of Barak Valley is not a new demand

2010-02-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

UTDC reiterates demand for separation of Barak Valley

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Feb 15: Union Territory Demand Committee (UTDC) has reiterated its demand for separation of Barak Valley from Assam. Paritosh Paul Chowdhury, president of the Committee, while briefing mediapersons today said, “This is not a new demand of the people of this valley.” The movement for separation has been going on since 1948 which he claimed was the first of its kind in the country, he added.

In fact, Indian National Congress in principle did accept the demand, but the formation of State Reorganization Commission in 1954 created certain hurdle in the process, he pointed out.

Paul Chowdhury revealed the movement was rechristened under the banner of Cachar State Reorganization Committee and a memorandum on the mass demand as “Purbachal Reconsidered” was submitted to New Delhi for taking decision on the issue. He further said on the eve of the formation of Meghalaya in 1967, another memorandum signed by the prominent leaders of the time which included Mahitosh Purkayastha, Jyotsna Chanda, Nihar Ranjan Laskar, MPs and MLAs was presented to New Delhi, but there was no response. When the Mizoram Accord was signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and MNF Chief Laldenga, the demand was placed in front of the Prime Minister who sought the opinion of Sontosh Mohan Dev, a powerful political figure of Barak Valley. Dev gave his opinion in favour of separation.

Again, when Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram were made Union Territories in 1971, the movement for separation was spearheaded under the banner of the Union Territory Demand Committee, Paul Chowdhury said. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Home Minister KC Pant, whom a delegation of the Committee met and briefed on the demand, gave assurance of sympathetic consideration. He regretted to say that despite the demand being justified, he blamed the leaders of this valley cutting across party lines for their failure to give any direction or dimension to the movement.

Paul Chowdhury pointed out in order to further strengthen the movement, a 100-member delegation of UTDC would sit for dharna at Boat Club in New Club on March 7 joined by the supporters of the national capital. The Committee would also hold a press meet in order to bring the demand in the lime light and thereafter submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Sonia Gandhi for their intervention and acceptance of the demand of 35 lakh people of this valley. THE SENTINEL

Infighting Cachar BJP continues

2010-02-14T11:20:00.001-08:00

From our Staff Reporter

SILCHAR, Feb 14: An important issue –– demand for security for the Lumding-Silchar and Agartala-Silchar-bound trains –– is lying at the back as mud slinging among the party members of the district BJP unit continues with the existing lobbies, one led by district BJP president Kirit Bhushan Purkayastha and the other led by Kabindra Purkayastha’s son Kanad Purkayastha.

This was more evident when the district committee of the BJP led by Kirit Bhushan staged a dharna in front of the Cachar DC office protesting against price rise. Kabindra’s “followers” reportedly maintained a clear distance from the act of the district committee though he himself along with some of his close party men were seen at the dharna.

On the other hand, the BJP ward commissioners had sought permission from the district unit president to convene a press meet focusing on the irregularities going on in the Congress-led Municipality Board but were reportedly denied the permission. On this, it was further reported, BJP leader Dili Paul organized a press meet at the Silchar Circuit House without the permission.

At this Kirit Bhushan reacted sharply and lambasted on the party ward commissioners alleging that they had not taken prior permission from the district committee for organizing the press meet. He said this kind of acts will weaken the party base and give ample scope to the opposition to fight back in the 2011 Assembly election. THE SENTINEL

ADSU, ACKHSA to hold mass convention on BG, E-W Corridor

2010-02-14T11:18:00.001-08:00

ADSU, ACKHSA to hold mass convention on BG, E-W Corridor

Special Correspondent

Silchar, Feb 14: In order to put presure both on the Central and the State Government for early completion of Silchar-Lumding BG and East – West Corridor, All Dimasa Students’ Union and All Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi Students’ Association have arranged a mass convention on February 26 here at Gandhi Bhawan.

Asit Deb Roy, general secretary of ACKHSA central committee, said student and youth leaders of Tripura, Mizoram, Brahmaputra Valley and North Cachar Hills, besides Barak Valley, would attend the convention.

This convention would chalk out the course of action in order to make the movement for the two important projects of this region with the public support of the neighbouring states and districts.

Asit Deb Roy said that so far the authorities concerned have been blaming insurgency as the cause of delay in the completion of BG and Super Highway.

ACKHSA leader said now that militant organizations of North Cachar Hills have laid down arms and ammunitions and normalcy has returned, work on both the projects should be taken up in right earnest by the ministry of railways and the national highway authority of India. He cautioned if nothing came out concrete in this regard, all the student and youth organizations of the areas and states concerned would join a mass movement. THE SENTINEL

Devotees throng Sidheswar temple on Shivaratri in Hailakandi

2010-02-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Feb 12: Hundreds of devotees today visited the famous Sidheswar Shiva temple at Kapilagram, Panchgram in Hailakandi district, 30 km from here, located on the bank of river Barak and by the side of NH-53. The uniqueness of the temple is that it stands on the rocky defile built up in natural course of time, defying the sweeping currents of the river during monsoon.

This pilgrimage destination is thronged by devotees from different parts of this valley and even beyond which has its own background and history. On the day of holy “Shiva Chaturdashi” the devotees besides offering prayers and performing other rituals and rites for seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva take a dip in Barak in order to absolve themselves of sins, as if it were, in accordance with the religious tradition. According to legend, Kapil Muni, creator of Sankhyadarshan, is believed to have meditated at this temple and thereafter it has also come to be known as Kapilashram. It is also said that since it has also been a place of meditation and prayer for fulfilment of one’s wishes, the temple is also known as “Sidheswar Tirtha.”

In the distant past, according to another legend, vast stretches of the area and land were under the domination of tribals. Eminent historian Rajmohan Nath quoting census of India, 1961, Assam, and district census handbook of Cachar says “another tradition speaks of the shrine being installed by one Pura King, a local chief who was a vassal either of the Tipperah king or of Lokenath, a governor of the Joytunga – Varsha, today’s Jatinga Valley, under the suzerainty of the Tipperah King.” It was at the initiative of this Tipperah King that the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built up.

On the holy occasion of Baruni Mela held in April every year, the pilgrimage is also visited by devotees for bathing in the river which according to their belief and tradition becomes as pure as the Ganges.

Among the milling crowd of devotees was Shakal Deb Roy, a CWC worker, and his family members consisting of his three and half year old son Biswajit Kumar, who is said to be born by the blessings of Lord Shiva, when Shakal was serving at Badarpur. They came all the way from Patna to offer prayers at the shrine for being blessed with a son. Janaki Mohan Das (80) who was paralysed came around, overcoming the deformity, was also at the temple to offer a cow as donation to the Ashram as he had prayed for his recovery.

The temple is a complex of Durga, Bishnu, Bhairob and Kapil Muni, besides that of Shiva. After Giri family priests, it is now the Chakraborty clan who have taken over the responsibility of performing day to day function, prayer and other rituals of the temple. People in general have been demanding to bring this holy pilgrimage on the tourist circuit of Assam. THE SENTINEL